Sounds of clinking glass and flickering gold flow through the vast cylinder of the sky, while laughter and sorrow echo with every spin of the wheel.
A so-called landmark of glamour in the famous Distrik 7, where fate dances on the edge of chance and time dissolves beneath the spectacle of performance.
The Skyrise Casino consists of three spiraling floors, each adorned with hues of red, gold, and blue, creating a colorful, hypnotic radiance. It is crowned by a colorful glass dome, above which sits a single spiraling eye that observes and judges, before which all is revealed.
The All Seeing Eye is the centerpiece of the casino’s extravagance. Its eyeball moves rapidly and endlessly, suspended high above and seemingly beyond reach. Some recognize it as a god, while most simply gaze in awe at its glamorous design, forming observations and stories of their own.
The casino and its system can best be described as elegantly chaotic. The casino itself is said to be “performative,” and the same can be said of its system.
The administrative desk lies at the very bottom of a pillar in the center of the casino. That pillar also serves as an elevator, ascending through all three floors and connecting each one to the next. Behind the counters stand employees wearing eye masks adorned with various animal designs. They are barely visible from the other side of the counters; only their voices can be clearly heard, while their fancy red suits remain faintly visible. These employees are the administrators responsible for managing the leaderboards, point systems and chips, as well as registrations and schedules for the “performances.”
These so-called performances are, by nature, exactly what their name suggests: performances. Many visit the Skyrise Casino solely to witness them. Anyone may register as a performer, but not everyone can rise to fame. In many cases, performers leave in contempt and misery; in rarer cases, they emerge in glory and ecstasy. There is no in-between, for the audience will always be entertained.
The nature of these performances lies in the element of surprise. Guests of the Skyrise Casino may register as “performers.” Those who register alone will be assigned a randomized opponent. However, if they have a specific opponent in mind, an agreement may be reached between both parties, after which a schedule can be arranged.
The games featured in these performances are generally randomized. To request a specific game or schedule, a minimum of 10,000 points or chips is required. However, points and chips can come and go just as easily.
These games are usually played in the center of each auditorium. A large screen in every auditorium displays the performers and provides precise, second-by-second updates to the scoreboard. In some cases, the screens are used for the games themselves, transforming the performances into elaborate trivia contests or game shows.
For audiences, these performances are available every day, at all hours. There are ten auditoriums in total, one of which stands gloriously at the very top of the third floor. This is where the most spectacular performances take place, reserved for those capable of putting their hearts on the line.
Audiences may watch any scheduled performance and place bets when betting is available. For lower-ranked performances, spectators may come and go as they please, enjoying whichever free shows catch their interest. Slightly higher-tier performances may require tickets, which are sold several days before the scheduled event. As for the grandest performances, featuring those who have earned their places on the seasonal tournament leaderboard, tickets may be sold at prices that may or may not be reasonable.
For the record, these tickets usually sell out at an absurdly rapid pace. It is not uncommon to encounter them on the underground market. Moreover, their availability is often unpredictable, with tickets appearing suddenly and without warning, especially when the esteemed Grand Master of the Stage—Zen Dominick—is involved.
(The points or chips required for certain activities are different from the chips available for purchase. These are accumulated by playing against other players or machines, although participating in performances is the easiest way to earn them. Of course, it can also be the easiest way to lose them. To check your current points or chips, please visit the administrative desk.)