Freehold's first brothel, the Black Orchid was founded by Dardlara Ashhart, an elf who arrived in the settlement with her retinue on 5 Eleint, 1373DR. She was heard by those members of the First Freehold Council who were not currently away on the mine expedition (Vio Belc and Raxam Kelastro), who gave her leave to practice her trade out of the Homely Hearth Inn, with Brandt Timmons's permission, until such time as an official ruling could be reached following the return of the other councilors. While such license was not strictly necessary (sex work not being explicitly illegal in Freehold and, therefore, at least tacitly legal), Dardlara approached the Council and demanded their approval due to the often mixed response her enterprise receives in other regions.
Sex work was legalized officially on 20 Eleint, 1373DR, and the Black Orchid was founded by Dardlara's purchase of a large portion of the town center for her venue. While it took some time to finish due to a small clientele and, subsequently, a minimal influx of funds and labor, the bordello boomed into real prominence when Lord Lazard began work on the Freehold Manor apartment complex and various other personal and civic projects by importing large construction crews from the east, most of whom decided to remain settled in town. The Orchid currently employs Dardlara's original four staff (the exotic dancer Jasmal, dominatrix Ilaine, submissive Fijit, and Lyros, the masseur) as well as the bard Joramir Pierce and, as of 24 Nightal, 1373DR, Sunite cleric Valentino Rizavi as cook. Dardlara, herself, functions as madame, bouncer, accountant, and entertainer (for those waiting on their appointments in the first-floor cafe), but is not herself a courtesan, and claims she has never been one—merely an entrepreneur.
The brothel's rules are simple, but Dardlara tolerates no negotiation, and customers or others who violate her clearly-posted policies are expelled at once from the Orchid, reported to the Guard, and forbidden from ever returning. The madam's single-strike lifetime ban policy may seem harsh, but it serves to ensure that her patrons are well-behaved within her premises.
- All weaponry, including bonded items, spell component pouches, holy symbols, and foci are left at the door. The house reserves the right to demand a search of customers who raise suspicion or who have a known reputation for carrying concealed weapons and similar.
- Initial services, including food and drink, are paid for in advance. Any additional services negotiated with the staff while on premises must also be paid for before said services shall be rendered. No tab or credit is extended to any customer.
- All services are full price at all times. No discount or other reduction shall be given except the special three-quarters rate for civic servants, at the discretion of the house.
- Drunkenness, fighting, and other disruptive behavior on the premises will result in the customer's expulsion, an immediate report to the Guard, and banning from the house. Customers who resist expulsion will be removed by force.
- Customers who verbally or otherwise assault the staff will be removed from the premises with lethal force and their possessions collected as damages.