In the world of John Wick, the Continental is a chain of hotels with locations around the world that function as a neutral territory for members of the criminal underworld. The Continental offers various services for its clients, but those who wish to stay at the hotel must abide by the rules.
The Continental plays an important part in the John Wick universe. It even has a prequel series revolving around it and Winston Scott, the owner and manager of the New York branch.
Here are the rules of the Continental in John Wick:
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No “Business” Can Be Conducted on Continental Grounds
The most important rule of the Continental is that no “business” can be conducted in the hotel premises. The Continental is a sanctuary, so killing or carrying out contracts with other assassins in the hotel is prohibited.
A violation of this rule is punishable by death or getting labeled as an “excommunicado”, which results in one losing all privileges to the Continental.
In the first John Wick film, Ms. Perkins broke the rule, which then resulted in her revocation and execution. In the second film, John Wick himself broke the rule, which then resulted in him getting declared excommunicado.
The Continental Accepts Only One Currency
The Continental accepts only one currency: gold coins. These coins are only available to assassins and other people involved in the underworld.
Gold coins can be used for different services at the Continental. They can be used for booking a room at the hotel, buying a drink, and more. While the coins are often used in the Continental, they can also be used for other underworld services.
The Continental also acts as a bank for the underworld and is responsible for distributing new coins into circulation.
Helping or Assisting Excommunicado Members Is Prohibited
Helping or assisting excommunicado members is prohibited, and a violation of such can result in harsh penalties. Aiding an excommunicado member can result in infliction of physical injuries or death.
Winston Scott was also stripped from his position at the New York branch after granting John a one-hour grace period.
A branch can also get deconsecrated when a proprietor defies the High Table, or if they are harboring or aiding someone declared excommunicado.
When an establishment gets deconsecrated, killing and carrying out contracts on the hotel grounds will be permitted. We have seen this happen to the New York and Osaka branches in John Wick Chapters 3 and 4.
A Blood Oath, Once Sworn, Must Be Carried Out
"You dishonor the marker, you die. You kill the holder of the marker, you die. You run, you die." - Winston Scott to John Wick
A “marker” is an amulet with a bloody fingerprint inside indicating a blood oath between two individuals. If you give away your marker, the debt must be honored. Dishonor the marker, you die.
The Continental, under the supervision of Winston Scott, keeps the records of blood oaths. Winston tracks the issuance and redemption of blood oaths in his record book.
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