One of the many nightclubs blossoming among rotting shells of Moskov’s past, the Rusalka is isolated in its lack of influence from Russian Mafioso who so dominate the nightclub industry within Moskov. But the Rusalka is a youth nightclub with the only restriction on entry being age, but even that is waved with the right coin.

The Rusalka is a new establishment rotting in the grave of an old industrial warehouse dedicated to storing post-war machinery… some of it still lingers in the basements under the dance floors. No strippers, or topless acts are to be found here. Modern techno, rap and Indie music is either live or imported to the nightclub and the youth thrive on it. For some of the older party-goers the Rusalka is a liberation. It was one of the first nightclubs dedicated to youth, while for new children it is a release from the stifling bonds of family and introduction to the style and decadence of the West.

Its survival has to do with the continued support of its owner, whose intentions are not honourable, nor are they ‘liberating’. Rusalka’s patron is Anastasia Zotov, a first-born Lorelei. Anastasia managed to survive Stalin’s purges after she returned to Russia by complying to his whim and playing the deadly game of manipulation and power-plays. She was known among the party elite as a wealthy provider, and her money was a by-product of family investment after the Bolsheviks, she the only remaining member.

After Stalin she left the nightlife and retired to private parties. Many years later, with the help of the Communist fall she opened the Rusalka and emerged as a new, most of those she knew in the 50’s dead or dying. The Rusalka proved a hit and she let herself into the night scene with revelry, almost with too much anticipation… the police are still ‘unofficially’ tracking down the murderer.

The Rusalka remains one of the few clubs dedicated to youth, not totally corrupted by the Mafioso, and Anastasia intends to keep it that way. She allows drugs and alcohol to under-agers, but fears the possible controlling force of those who may enquire deeper into her affairs - something she wishes to keep far from her, so she uses her contacts wisely.

The youth speak highly of this woman who goes to every expense to make the nightclub a place to be, and she even moves and talks among the youth herself.

Located in Taganka it is, however under the probing eyes and cries of the children of the Izbushka. The Rusalka is situated on a desolate quarter of Taganka where old industry and prison-family houses rot. The street is dirty, covered in broken bottles, used condoms, plastic bags, and every other ‘convenience’ from USA.

As for getting in, only those who look old are made to pay a few rubles, otherwise it is free entrance. The Rusalka’s bouncers are large stalwart goons hired by Anastasia, who carry firearms and will use them to defend against anyone who comes in with intentions of being violent. With an increasing upscale of violence in Russia due to the youth now trying to get what they never used to, Anastasia has beefed up her door security to three men, and five inside.

Most nights pull teenagers and disgruntled youth to the Rusalka’s doors, which are open without regard for law, the promises of Western alcohol, drugs, and sex driving all of them. There are always a myriad of youth culture trying to get into the nightclub to taste imported music and to experience the nightclub scene. Late in the mornings the youths normally stumble home, and some don’t make it… a few sex offenders and killers know the Rusalka, but it doesn’t halt the youth from visiting the club. On occasions the children of the Izbushka will arrive en masse and try to waylay those entering, evangelising the wrong-doings of the club. Very few are persuaded, usually the lone teenager who is messed-up, and most have recently taken to beating the Izbushka children, something the bouncers ignore.

The Rusalka is a large industrial building, bleak in its drab grey stone, windows and stairs, but inside things change. After passing down a black soft-walled corridor that billows against entrants it opens up into the building. The floors and some walls are mirrored creating a mad cacophony, with the refracted lightshow overhead and on-stage. Stairs cris-cross the room, linking and passing over each other. What youth not dancing and preferring to talk take their time in the balconies of metal where there is just a little more room.

A black and mirrored bar serves the youth, desperate for indulgences, but only alcohol is served there. Drugs are obtained by various go-betweens around the club who pay a small tithe to the bar each night they deal - more out of respect than enforcement. Most have spoken to Anastasia who requested this little service subtlety.

Towards the end of the warehouse is the stage where whatever band or DJ performs. Security is here to stop the youth from getting to close to band members or DJs. Beyond the black wall of cloth behind them is a series of interlocking passages that leads to Anastasia’s more private rooms where she and others can entertain. These passages are guarded by a goon (the other two inside watch for problems in the crowds) who only lets in those who have been approved by Anastasia, her Lorelei or those with them.

Plot Hooks

Police on the behest of officials investigate a senators child’s disappearance… last seen in Taganka at some youth nightclub… Lictors may be alerted to the Lorelei’s presence.

Some of the Izbushka children decide to take their evangelism further after one of them is beaten to death by those close to Anastasia Zotov. With weapons they kill those going to their nightclub, leaving their grisly murders behind as deterrents to others.