The Gear Shift underground bar located near Yorkville, Manhattan. Established in 1992, the Gear Shift’s owner Victoria Taurine, also known as ‘Mama Bull’, wished to create a haven for those reigning from supernatural origins, or myths. Growing up her parents were shape-shifters: humans who are able to reconstruct their biology to take the form of one or many different animals. Victoria’s parents abilities allowed them to shift into Holstein cattle, yet Victoria – despite going to shape-shifter academies – has never been able to shift herself. She was marked a dud, or someone born of myths without myth abilities. She wasn’t shunned for her lack of abilities as she still wanted to be apart of the community she grew up so close to.
Upon opening The Gear Shift, Victoria coined the nickname ‘Mama Bull’ for her boisterous attitude as well her nurturing side. She marks all of her guests as her children, no matter their age or history, as all she wishes is to keep them safe and give them a place where they can be themselves.
To keep this safety, as well as the secrecy of the Gear Shift, the bar is an invite only establishment– aside from it being a hidden location. Only myths can invite other myths, who must have an ID distributed by the Crusade. Mama and her leads will also make their own judgements to make sure who comes won’t stir any trouble.
Mama Bull’s leads are Airin, Kamaria and Sanaa Wasem, and her long-time friend Lewis Dubois. Kamaria holds her spot in helping Mama bartend, but she’s also the main act when it comes to the bar’s events. Her music genre ranges from r&b to jazz, but she does take requests. Sanaa is the lead waitress who tends to the needs of patrons and start common chatter. Airin is the establishments lead bouncer. He’s well known throughout the bar as he loves to meet new faces, but if customers ever have complaints or concerns they’ll be directed to him. They can usually find him up in his ‘perch’; the only corner booth in the whole bar.
GEAR SHIFT BUILDING LAYOUT – OLD WILL BE UPDATED.
The Gear Shift is a single level building. Its decor consists of various animal-themed ornaments, and wall-decor of gears. The primary lighting throughout the building is a bit dim, but rich hues of blue and pinks are consistent throughout. The stage lights ( when they’re not being use for shows ) are white, yet they can be altered. The booths on the elevated floor have hanging lights which have dim, yellow light bulbs. Their settings can be adjusted via the control panel on the wall of a booth.
Mama Bull’s bar is one of her biggest prides of the building. It holds a large collection of liquor she’s gotten throughout her travels around the world as well as going to wine tastings. These are lined up on the back wall. Which also features an elegant, rectangle waterfall wall-mount which runs across the bar. There is one dormant television which hangs in the lower right corner behind the bar ( when referring to the layout ). It is rarely turned on because Mama firmly believes patrons are here to socialize, but if persuaded she’ll turn it on,
The back rooms are not always open for the public. Any need for them one must consult either Mama Bull, Sanaa, Kamaria, or Airin. They can grab the keys, but the patron must have an understandable reason. If someone enters they’ll be greeted by three sets of doors which are also locked. Inside of those are low-lit rooms ( which can be adjusted ) featuring a large round waterbed which take up the whole room. On them are silk sheets, plush blankets, and mismatched pillows. In every room there is one end table for you to set your belongings. These can be used for my frisky endeavors or if a patron needs a place to stay for the night.
The main area of the bar is the stage and dance-floor. When not in use more tables and chairs are set out, or they’ll set out pool-tables. The elevated floors have seating and a bar-like table which overlooks the dance-floor. Behind them are elevated booths which are dug into the walls. The single corner booth is dubbed ‘the perch’ as from it you can see almost all of the bar.
The backstage is closed off entirely to the public. Inside it consists of a make-up beauty mirror with all of ones needs. A couch for lounging hugs one of the walls, but if one continues to snoop around they’ll notice it also acts as a storage for tables, chairs, etc. Mama Bull also does most of her accounting work in the backstage for privacy, and because she doesn’t have an office.
The Gear Shift has a wide menu because of Lewis Dubois. As stated prior he is one of the leads, but never interacts with patrons. His master chef status allows the bar to feature common items ranging from burgers, steaks, wings, salads, but also more exquisite meals. They have gluten options and vegan options as well. Deserts are bountiful, but if a patrons on a special diet or has a certain allergy kitchen staff will do their best to suit to suit their needs.
The bar has a wide-range in beers, wines, bourbon, tequilas, and margaritas. Any high-end liquor will be an upped price, but if a patron become good friends with Mama Bull she wouldn’t mind sharing her secret stash of her favorites. She also serves non-alcoholic drinks, as well as donated blood of various types for those who need it.
Throughout the week the Gear Shift holds various events and specials.
A normal week’s schedule consists of:
Monday: Half-off all you can eat appetizers.
Tuesday: Pool night.
Wednesday: Swing Dance night.
Thursday: Two for one meals.
Friday: Show night ( for song artists ).
Saturday: Party night/Karaoke night.
Sunday: No specials.
Every month has its own special events on select dates. If one is planning on a show to perform at the Gear Shift they must consult Mama Bull and she’ll be happy to help.
The Gear Shift is funded by The Crusade. Because of the bars international fame they gather in many esteemed guests. In which the Crusade loves to make new allies and connections.
Despite the colorful exterior Mama Bull has her skeletons in the closet. Because the Cosmic Order infiltrating her bar years ago, she hired on Airin’s brother Xavier to kill any hunter. This is without the Crusade’s permission.
