LLOYD'S FOUNTAIN
To dissuade wandering humans who may have miraculously made it past the door (some humans are magically inclined but unaware of their latent natures), Lloyd's fountain looks to be in a derelict, overgrown courtyard. The atmosphere is inexplicably eerie and heavily shadowed, suggesting the beginnings of liminal space - a place between worlds. Disturb the water in order to summon Lloyd. The bath-dwelling miniature demon will size up hopeful visitors for a final entrance evaluation.

If approved, a second door will appear in the air beyond the fountain. Open it, and step onto the path. Welcome to Le Chemin Noir.

URSULINE SQUARE
More of a widened segment at the epicenter of The Path than a true square, this section of Le Chemin Noir nonetheless hosts the majority of the supernatural community's public goings-on in fine weather. Magically filtered of the light pollution emitted from the surrounding Crescent City, here the perpetual twilight of The Path affords visitors a breathtaking view of the night sky. Flanking the square are the Monocle Cafe, one of the several entrances to the botanical walk, and the cathedral of St. Ursule, which now hosts Saint Marie's Bedford Hostel. The frontal facade of the cathedral offers a large, manicured green space for respectful public use.

The renovated cathedral of St. Ursule seems somewhat out of place amongst the architecture of New Orleans, and for good reason. It was magically transported by the Summer Court onto the Path in 1943, from an unnamed European city under imminent threat of air strike bombing.

Staff: Peaseblossom [npc : fire spinner]

THE URSULINE CLOCKTOWER
Towering over Ursuline Square is a massive astrological clock. It beastly device features so many complications, no one knows exactly what it tracks, or why. Snap, Crackle & Pop can often be spotted stumbling out of the rectory doors with dizzy eyes and singed tails - the common consequence of an ill-fated quest to steal some of the clock's shiny cogs and gears.

Of note, the clock appears to be a perfect replica of Prague's infamous Orloj. Rumor holds that it's the real thing, and that the historical landmark in the Czech Republic is an elaborate forgery. Contrary to its reputation in the mundane world, this clock never stops nor falters, though it sometimes spins out of control for reasons none alive can discern before resuming its normal, precise timekeeping.

THE RENARD CLINIC
Marked with the rod of Aesclepius in a less symbolic way than most human medical establishments abroad, the clinic was founded to care for victims of Tuberculosis in the early 1900s by a group of Thibodaux snake charmers. Within, patients and visitors will find a dozen in-patient beds and extensive medical equipment both magical and mundane.

The only location on the path with a private means of entry, emergency extraction may be called upon from any location in New Orleans. A witch or warlock with teleportation abilities will quickly arrive on site (within safety parameters) to transport any party in need of medical care to the clinic.

Staff: Iris Faro [healer], Birdie Tackett [healer]

THE MOIRAI
Just inside the gate is the soothsayer's den. A luxe, intimate Victorian-styled lounge, it doubles as an advanced alarm foretelling approaching dangers. Since its opening, The Moirai has always been home to three psychics of complimentary skill. A dowser, medium and seer may be called upon for the right fee or favor. Have you lost or do you seek something of value to you? Looking for guidance from a departed soul? In need of insight into your past, present or future? This is your stop.

Rumored to be one of the Path's most haunted locales (perhaps to do with the power of the present medium or esoteric energies constantly in flux) the Moirai is nonetheless a welcoming haven for those of heightened sensitivities or in need of respite, complete with a small coffee bar and curated book selection. The most prominent spirit on the premises, Etta-Grace, often oversees particularly difficult readings, socializes in the lounge, or counsels those in distress waiting to be seen.

Staff: Cressida Wolfram [owner, seer], Elia Rousseau [dowser], James Deckard [security]

THE MONOCLE CAFE
The Monocle is a shoebox-sized, cozy little pathside cafe with a beautiful view of the central square, St. Ursule and her clock tower. Should you choose to stay awhile, know that space here is extremely limited. This could mean that you may end up getting to know fellow patrons well, for good or ill. Many a friendship or head-butting can cite beginnings here.

Staff: Ronan Augustine [owner/manager]

EVELYN'S FAMILIAR EMPORIUM
A supernatural pet store located across from the gate and specializing in familiars and small pets. Larger creatures are occasionally on display at the invitation of the shop's owner, though are only for sale under extremely special circumstances. Visitors and potential clients are asked to mind the door on the way in; the creatures are left uncontained to freely roam the dual-levels of the store, and are as likely to peruse you as you are them.

Staff: Grayson Brisck [owner/manager],

BOTANICAL WALK
Once tended by the Fae, a lush botanical walk wraps the perimeter of the Path. In their absence, it has become somewhat overgrown and in places, even potentially hazardous for the incautious or disrespectful.

Pixies and brownies infest the hedges, and have been known to steal wallets and phones from visitors' pockets, despite Thibodaux's recent uptick in attempts to maintain and beat the gardens back into shape. They're fighting a difficult battle, so please treat their efforts with grace; topiaries are known to move of their own accord; roses bud and bloom overnight then wilt by morning as if to spite those who might admire them; hedges have thrice swallowed a stroller paying insufficient attention in the last year.

On the other hand, this keeps things exciting! The botanical walk is almost never the same adventure twice.

Staff: Akeziel Theriot [Walk Manager]

HAGGERTY'S ESOTERICA
The mini-Target for all general magical needs and supplies. While it's undoubtedly quicker to purchase finely crafted talismans from Oakmoss or get your clothes expertly tailored with all sorts of elemental and magical fortifications at Needle And Threat, those with shallow pockets, a preference for applying their own elbow grease or a well-stocked private herbalist's cabinet in need of replenishing will find everything they need here. The staff is friendly and vastly knowledgable, comprised of folks from all corners of the supernatural world. The shelves here are brimming with trinkets and tools of the trade, from the common to the 'what the hell is that?' Don't be alarmed, the wall of taxidermied familiars once belonging to famous witches and warlocks is most certainly not watching you.

But should you have need of something rare, questionably legal, dngerous or a bit morally grey, rumor tells of hidden back rooms. For the right price almost anything can be acquired, whether or not the previous owners wished to part with it.

Staff: Max Van Den Akker ["rare acquisitions" maestro (black market smuggling kingpin)]

VOODOO GARDEN MUSICAL VENUE
Located within the shifting hedge maze of the Botanical Walk, the Garden can be difficult to find on account of its ever-changing location. Patrons intent to catch a performance are often left following rumors and word-of-mouth directions, but don't worry about missing a show! The rotating set list ensures that there is almost always a performance to catch at any given time.

Staff: Sigrid Vogel [singer]

NEEDLE AND THREAT
An apparel store, alterations and bespoke tailor's shop, Needle and Threat offers everything from the most basic to the highest-end magical fashions. Need something enchanted or the perfect accessory to complete an elementally-resistant ensemble? Look no further.

Staff: Livia Erling [seamstress], Celine Byron [designer],

NEVERMORE
Originally an establishment of less repute, Nevermore exists now as a burlesque theater and cabaret under the management of one of the Path's more notorious witches. The venue itself is beautifully fronted in the style of the old French Quarter, complete with a balcony overlooking Le Chemin Noir. Inside, however, it is more dark, decadent playground than old-world charm. The dancers of Nevermore are shockingly beautiful creatures of a variety of species, each skilled in their art, almost unspeakably alluring, and uniformly tight-lipped about anything that goes on in the club. All this serves a fair few of them very well, given how much some customers will pay to take them home for a night.

Elia has a luxurious apartment above the club, as well as a few cozy rooms to provide employees or friends with a comfortable place to stay. No 'after hours' business is allowed on property, though.

Staff: Elia Rousseau [owner]

THE CATACOMBS
While some prominent figures known to have been involved in the supernatural community are buried in public cemeteries, such as Marie Laveau, others chose to be interned close to Le Chemin Noir.

Visitation at certain hours might grant you an audience with the lingering spirits who yet remain either by choice or compulsion - but beware, not all are pleased to be disturbed. Others have been known to possess the living for short durations, that they might visit the bustle of the main concourse they were so fond of in life. While these possessions are typically brief and harmless, there have been a few exceptions.

The catacombs are maintained by groundskeepers, who sometimes serve as unofficial tour guides to those new to the Path if asked nicely.

Staff:

LAFITTE : THE CORK & CASK
Overseen by the head of Lafitte Coven herself, the Cork & Cask is a high-end cocktail bar with a top shelf as impressive as its decor. Specializing in drinks appealing to all species and types, it has become an unspoken rule that anyone capable of stumping their staff with an unknown beverage will earn themselves a round on the house.

Staff: James Deckard [bartender], Nyah Toussaint-DeVille [bartender]

SAINT MARIE : BEDFORD HOSTEL
Benefiting from the strict regulations of Le Chemin's anti-violence laws, the Hostel accommodates all manner of creatures and magic users despite alliances. With halls lined with statues rumored to hastily animate and eject any harassers or trouble-starters, the Bedford welcomes any with the means to pay, whether they be visiting tourists or overserved locals.

While the magically-subterranean lower level serves as an impressive wine cellar, the uppermost floor of the hostel has spacious rooms for lease available to any seeking more permanent dwelling along Le Chemmin Noir.

Staff: Mercer Ward [Manager]

SAINT MARIE : THE VINTAGE
The hostel's sub-level open to the public for operating hours: a wine tasting suite and adjoining shelter for vampires. The sommelier on site, Dorian, claims to be over 700 years old. He boasts a prodigious palette and a truffle pig's sense of smell. Who better to guide green wine-os through a decadent sensory experience. Unsurprisingly, rumor abounds that visitors who occasionally go missing are not the victims of their own over-indulgence, but the more sinister appetites of the hostel's nocturnal guests.



Staff:

THIBODAUX : OAKMOSS
The Thibodaux Coven has long prided themselves on unmatched specialization in what many consider 'traditional' or nature-based witchcraft. Their store opens its doors amidst the heavy perfume of herbs and spices to welcome any in need of botanical ingredients, alchemical crafting. and potions.

Speciality talismans and enchanted charms may be custom-ordered for those with a sizable purse.

Staff: Viola Thibodaux

LA PORTE
A wink and a nod to those in-the-know, this 24hr eatery doubling as the front for the gateway to The Path serves all manner of local delicacies and southern delights, but also offers standard American fare. Boasting the title of New Orleans' Best Beignet in 2003 and 2016 by the Times-Picayune, La Porte serves all-day breakfast dishes and desserts. The atmosphere is bright but low-key. Local undergrads habitually employ corner tables for long study sessions in slow business hours. Local jazz plays over the speaker system, adding to the ambience - though it bears noting that last year, a poltergeist infestation often resulted in the blasting of K-POP and 'Baby Shark' on repeat when particularly active. The problem has since been resolved.

La Porte's proprietor is an old, fully corporeal spirit of spotless repute who calls himself Jeeves -he doesn't recall his given name in life- as he takes great pride in safeguarding 'the last door' to the mouth of le Chemin Noir.

Staff:

LAFITTE : THE CHATEAU
This town home on the North end of the city appears incongruous from the outside. Owned by the matron of the Coven herself, it is both welcoming reprieve and intensive training ground for the witches and warlocks of Lafitte.

SAINT MARIE : METAIRIE CEMETERY
The door of the Peterson family mausoleum in Metairie Cemetery serves as the enchanted gateway to the Saint Marie Coven's haven. While the haven is too old for its maker to be accurately credited, the enormous magical interior has served the Saint Marie coven for well over a century.

Provided the correct passphrase -"Legba Atibon, bless the crossroad"- the way opens only for those whose blood the stone has once tasted.

THIBODAUX : THE TITANIA MANOR HOUSE
Once a weekend hamlet for the Lord and Lady of the Summer Court, the Thibodaux Coven repurposed this abandoned manse for their use eight months ago. It's exceedinly difficult to find for those who don't know where to look, and more challenging to reach - which the more private Thibodaux clan seems to prefer.

The alligators on and around the premises seem curiously intelligent and protective of the Manor's tenants. Wraiths and wisps are visible in the bayous at night. While most Thibodaux members and allies either steer clear or seem to circumvent them well, trespassers are often lead astray and have been known to wash up in Lake Pontchartrain weeks later.