Chaty's Opinions

Nezl's diner

Why Neal's Diner Made the Cut

Random selected this iconic diner for two compelling reasons:

   The Food and Hospitality
   Neal's Diner serves breakfasts that are nothing short of legendary. Random himself established an open tab, available to anyone savvy enough to tell the waitstaff, "Put it on Randy's tab." Laura Dearly—affectionately called "Laura Dear"—keeps the front of the house running smoothly, while Buddy Drummen, the chef extraordinaire, commands the kitchen. Buddy has a knack for crafting meals fit for Amberite appetites but demands to be addressed as "Sir"—a title wise patrons use if they value the quality of their meal. Buddy's cooking is so extraordinary that a knighthood seems in order should he ever grace Amber itself. Curiously, the identity of Neal remains a mystery.

   The Card Club
   Beneath the diner lies an underground card club, a haven for those seeking a high-stakes game. Georgie Reno presides over the operations, while Random’s Amber Guard ensures order as bouncers dressed in sleek double-breasted silk suits. Cheating is rare and dealt with swiftly.

A Neighborhood of Notables

Neal's Diner isn’t just a hotspot for food and cards; its surroundings tell their own stories. Across the street, a boarding house hosts Amber nobility and younger sons fulfilling their service terms. Nearby movie houses showcase everything from talkies to the burgeoning art of color film—even the peculiar charm of color-silent movies.

The Tattoo Parlor: Bruno's Unique Niche

Just down the block is Bruno Sveldt's tattoo parlor, renowned for its unparalleled artistry. Despite his dubious character, Bruno’s talent shines, particularly in creating the iconic green disc and golden laurel wreath surrounding a white unicorn—a symbol of Amber’s elite. After a single regrettable incident of mockery toward an Amber Guard client, Bruno learned his lesson. Now, he works with unwavering precision, offering the design for free to anyone brave enough to request it. But when the ink is done, Bruno closes up shop, pours a stiff drink, and relives the memory of that fateful day.

Neal’s Diner and its surrounding neighborhood form a microcosm of life in New Velri City—a blend of grit, glamour, and the timeless allure of Amber.

Brolics

This description paints Dreana as a grim, unyielding shadow with a history of martial prowess, stubborn traditions, and a culture that resists change. The commentary is biting, filled with disdain for their lack of creativity, adaptability, or cultural refinement. Yet, it also acknowledges their strengths: indomitable fortresses, fierce loyalty to Amber, and individuals who can excel outside their homeland's stifling confines.

The House of Brolic and its subjects seem to embody an archetype of rigidity—unimaginative yet reliable, dour but unflinching. Their siege-focused architecture and export of raw materials reflect a people who view life through the lens of survival and defense. It's fascinating that their unique physical traits, such as eye-color changes linked to diet or the mysterious "Blue" individuals, hint at a deeper, more mystical heritage.

While Dreanans are clearly a frustrating lot for the narrator, they stand out as a mirror to Amber's flexibility and grandeur, a somber counterpoint that adds depth to the Golden Circle. Despite their shortcomings—or perhaps because of them—they remain a vital, if vexing, part of Amber's extended sphere.