Little Asia

Below are several descriptions of key settings employed in the Little Asia district of Kansas City, the city setting that the ULAG troupe employs. Primary "area limitations" are noted below each description. If you have a site you think is important for everyone in the game to know about, please send a detailed description to the Head Storyteller, Cam.

The Winter Sun (night club)

Description Supplier: Cam
Additional Info: lady_nekoko@yahoo.com

The new Little Asian night club exists along the northeastern fringes of the district bordering the lower-middle class residential sections of the city beyond. The street on which it stands is pale gray with age and splotched with oil stains. Silver bell-decorated street lamps stand at regular increments, though only some function when the sun sets. Older buildings serving as ailing storefronts and residence complexes surround the converted warehouse. Some rise tall and faded, others squat and greasy. Beside and behind the club, space has been provided for plenty of parking. A rear door of metal stands, though it's marked "employees only" and remains securely locked. The Winter Sun's henna-shaded brick walls are without sign or symbol, although wall-mounted light fixtures shed plenty of illumination on the single red door on the sidewalk entrance. A small sign rests at the side of the door, which is kept locked during off-hours, denoting the night club's hours. When open to its growing nightly crowd of patrons, this door is easily opened into the entrance corridor.

The entrance corridor engulfs the patrons in darkness before they reach a glass booth. A young woman accepts the cover charge of $20.00 here for all those who at seem to be eighteen or older. A rotating bar panel limits passage into the club to one person at a time, allowing the stern, thick-muscled bouncer standing behind the booth to better handle trouble-makers and deadbeats. A digital postboard hung high on the booth glass pierces the lightlessness of the corridor, bombarding guests with flashy messages. Often, the postboard alerts guests to which bands are playing the club that night. The Winter Sun is renowned for its ability to attract some of the hottest performers in the region and has even catered to a few national artists. The cover charge is quite decent for a club of this calibre!

Past the entrance corridor is overwhelming night-life fervor of many colors. The glossy floor sparkles with crystalline clarity and many five-chaired, round, and wooden tables dot the vast chamber in seemingly random locations. The circular hall is large enough to encompass hundreds of patrons for all their needs, spanning a hundred square yards. Normal illumination scarcely exists and instead dozens of large, industrial-strength black lights hang from the ceiling. Eery shadows are cast onto the floor and bleach-white walls that seem to reflect the strange light enough to create comfortable illumination. Wisping through the black lights is smoke from cigarettes and sometimes smoke machines, but a heavy-duty fan set high in the upper ceiling of the building keeps air circulation high, and several ventilation shafts draw the bad air in to keep the club surprisingly breathable.

The dozens of tables' arrangement does not offend the center of attention. The wide-open central dance floor is typically thick with jamming and grinding dancers dressed for the night out. In the heart of it all rises a wide dais, and a live band of performers often occupies this special place. The dais only stands a couple feet up, and rope and a security team are the only things keeping the crowd from the musicians. Many kinds of musicians play the Winter Sun, although on most nights local rock bands dominate the scene. The club does in fact cater to youth, and so rock music of many different shades is the primary groove of the club. But the Winter Sun does not owe allegiance to any particular genre. Progressive, alternative, punk, hard, and classic rock all echo through the main hall.

The club also features a bar and interestingly, a medium-sized hot tub. Here is the only place in the club that ID is demanded when purchasing alcohol. Even the cigarette machine next to the other vending machines in the dark rear of the hall isn't watched. Though there is often a line to get a drink, the bartender is always polite, fast, and efficient. Beyond the bar is a short hall that leads to a pair of medium-sized and squeaky-clean bathrooms for each gender as well as an off-limits area for employees (break room and supply hall, which also connects to the rear exit). The hot tub is to add a different twist to the club scene, and it stands surrounded by a rail to the far eastern corner of the hall. It's watched over by club personnel at all time for safety and always kept clean. It's meant to be wholesome water fun and relaxation to the club-goers, so decency is mandated!

Directly to the right and left when entering the main hall stand two sets of spiralling stairs that would be dangerous for the average drunken barfly to ascend were it not for the handy guide-rails. The wooden stairs are carpetted red, finished rosewood gleaming from beneath. Both stairs lead to the second floor of the two-story structure. The thick floor prevents most sound from below, but the ventilation shafts resonate the music and throng eerily through the otherwise quieter floor. A long stretch filled with tables and booths along the wall, the second floor of the Winter Sun is darker than the first. Every table is lit with a pale lamp in its center, but no other illumination stands for patrons on this level. On the second floor, waiters in sharp red suits and waitresses in scanty red skirts attend to relaxing patrons' drink orders. Another bar stands on this floor for this purpose. The ceiling is only fifteen feet high, and beyond the soft white panels the steady whirring of a large fan can be heard during lulls in the music below.

OOC: For (apparent) age of 18+ only! Open to anyone. The Hung Family Kwoon (martial arts school)

Description Supplier: Jim
Additional Info: tahloran@aol.com

From the street passerby's see the large painted picture window of the Hung Family Kwoon. The main window is decorated with the image of a Chinese tiger fighting a dragon in a circle to form the yin/yang symbol, and to the left of the window is the entrance.

Walking inside, you are greeted by ornate Ming vases and Chinese statuary as you approach the front desk and reception area. The open area gives one a nice view of the kwoon and has a sofa and chairs to sit in.

Beyond the desk is the main kwoon. The kwoon stands divided into five areas: the main practice areas, two small ones with wooden men or heavy bag in them and the center kwoon, a large open practice area with weapon racks in it. To the left far corner sits the weight benches and machines and to the right, against the back wall is the cool down area.

The center practice area is where most classes are held and all the weapons forms are practiced. The racks are full with all of the weapons of Kung fu, plus some Japanese ones added by Hsi Kuan's students. It, like all the other practice rooms, has a padded floor and a wooden man on two of the support columns. It also sits so that those on the street looking into the kwoon through the picture window can see anyone using it.

A small cool down area is decorated with pillows and an ornate antique tea set. The dressing areas sit just behind this area, under the stairs leading to the offices. There is one for women and one for men. Optionally, there are cornered off screens that students can change behind on the first floor when only a few are present.

Directly to the back of the kwoon are two doors. One door leads to a small emergency room, where people can treat injuries until medical attention can be sought. The other, is a large sliding glass door leading to the open courtyard.

The courtyard is a open beautiful area. Big enough to practice in, with a small garden and man-made stream running through it. The overall design makes one think of the Forbidden City, with oriental tigers and dragons keeping watch. The stream has fish in it that can bee seen darting to and fro. Over the mouth of it is a statue of a giant Fu Lion, striped like a tiger. At the courtyard's center is a giant oak, its limbs shading a good portion of the courtyard. Beneath the tree Hung His Kuan has erected a plaque giving thanks and asking that his ancestors watch over this place and all those who come here to learn with open heart and mind. The wall around the back courtyard is about thirteen feet tall, all stone with narrow slits in the wall to allow them to look out of and help light the place during the day. It has two doors in it, which are locked from the inside: one for deliveries that a car could enter, the other for personal entrance.

The tops of the staircases are guarded by a set of tiger statues. Offices and the supply rooms (where uniforms are kept and the other things like extra weapons or safety equipment are stored) are upstairs. There are two offices, a sauna, a small shower and a giant storeroom up here.

OOC: Most of the kwoon is open to visitors as well as members, though there are supernatural wards and guardians in place. Behave.

The Ling Estate (communal mansion)

Description Supplier: Cam
Additional Info: lady_nekoko@yahoo.com

This beautiful home has long been a prize in Little Asia. The large house built in classic Chinese style was erected in the late 60s by a wealthy family immigrated from Hong Kong. The Lings turned the three acre land into a gorgeous preserve of gardens and natural beauty. As years passed and the home changed hands, the estate was kept in the highest regard by whomever owned its expanse. The three-story six bedroom home is only part of the estate's beauty. The grounds are fenced the entire perimeter, lovely wood and vine twining six feet high to create an almost natural-seeming boundary. Within the land stands troops of cypress, sycamore, willow, and cherry trees. Admidst the many trees stand beautiful garden plots of nearly every sort of colorful flower imaginable. Paths circulate the grounds, sometimes marked by cobble stone, sometimes just green grass. All of these byways return to the center of the grounds behind the house. Here rests a wide pond surrounded by rocks. The water seems depthless, though koi fish can be seen swimming within. Shen might become aware of the peaceful mysticism surrounding the pool, as if it were a portal to somewhere else, or just the sheath for something magical beneath.

OOC: This is hsien territory.

The Sheltered Waters (Hengeyokai Dragon Nest)

Description Supplier: Shooter
Additional Info: pheline@terra.com.br

The Nest is placed under the Yamahasu Pagoda Hill, and there are two entrances, one from the pagoda, the other from the side of the hill overlooking the river and the forest reserve. Both were set for easy defense, the external exit double concealed by mundane camouflage and shifter ritual, the internal one guraded by the pagoda itself. Along the tunnels, defenders can set ambushes from several places, and traps were set to catch trespassers. Those non-shifter who wish to visit the Nest will need a Hengeyokai Guide to ensure their own safety.

Bawn

The external perimeter of the Court encompasses Yamahasu and the hill, the nearby area, and the forest reserve that extends across the river. The perimeter is almost elliptical, extending from the nest away from the city proper. The boundaries are obvious, fences with signs warning humans the land is private, and is patrolled by hengeyokai in the umbra and the realm.

Graves of the Hallowed Heroes

The court's cemetary or burial mound is not one. The hengeyokai will have an area set inside the caves, and land already has been designated for more burial area outside. Fortunately, both remain unused.

Living Area

Yamahasu Pagoda is the main living area, but now that the Bawn was set, buildings may be erected along the perimeter for living quarters. How much will be built and were depends on finacial means and the careful study of the dragon lines. The first contruction to rise will be the training grounds.

Shrines

Each stablished sentai is to build a shrine in a place designated by the Elders and are expecte to tend to it.

Assembly Area

A second Council Room was set below Yamahasu, where the hengeyokai can gather to discuss and compete. Challenges and trials among the shifters will are held there, and eventual guests are welcome, if they mind their manners.

The Heart Chamber

The secluded cave found hosts an intersection of powerful dragon lines, and the Nest pulsates with Wyld energy from earth's womb itself. Set in the center of the wide chamber, the Hearthstone casts a soft light akin to Helios', and crystal grows around it. A stream of water starts there, forming a natural pool in another chanber and flowing underwater to the side of the hill, then into the river. On the opposite side of the stream start, rests the oval Pathstone.

The Nearby Yang World

Peace is the word to describe the local penumbra. Plants and rocks and animals radiate a feel of calm and unity, mixed with inner strenght so needed to face the coming Sixth Age.

OOC: This is all well-guarded hengeyokai territory.

Citadel of Emerald Heaven

Description Supplier: Shooter
Additional Info: pheline@terra.com.br

There is a new summer warmth in the air... Sheltered in the Hirasaki preserve, hidden in the woods and spirits and rituals, the Zhong Lung have their safe place. When discovered, the first thing to be sighted, is the 12' tall stone wall that surrounds the area. There is an entrance to the East, facing the Pagoda Hill, and one to the West. No trails, the vegetation just opens to let you see the magnificent dragon images that watch out for intruders and strike fear into the heart of the unwary and unwanted. Tall gates may be closed to prevent physical entrance if so needed, and inside the walls stairs take human-sized defenders to the solid but simple watch spots. Past any of the entrances, one can enjoy the outer 'garden', just an area of warm, luxuriant vegetation. Thre a trail starts, going inside about 50 yards to the building. Twin front rooms, that can be easily defended if the outer walls fall, and three corridors going front, left and right. Anyone with enough discernment will see it is a fortress in all meaning, invaders having to expose themselves in wide, clear hallways, while defenders can hole up and use long-distance attacks, or stage ambushes. The first floor has a meeting area, two large warm water pools, one to each side of the building, a simple rustic but clean kitchen, storage areas. Above, the second floor is divided in accomodations to homids and kin, spartan but good rooms, a small library, and a room designated as medical facility, to use natural and herbal medicines. The top floor is much smaller, housing a sunstone attuned to the pathstone at the dragon nest, so honored guests may come in and out without facing the external defenses. The undergound, the dark warm places, houses the winter shelter for the draco and eventual draco kin, with a natural pool and nests. From above, nothing can be seen but a normal canopy of trees. The surrounding woods are patrolled by friendly spirits, who try to divert and redirect people who might be in the area without authorization.

OOC: This is territory of the Zhong Lung shizu. In addition to the spirit and feng shui defenses, which inflict a dicepool penalty of -5 to scrying and similar magics, the Citadel inflicts the full Delirium on any (unAwakened) trespassers.

SABRA (martial arts school)

Description Supplier: Cam
Additional Info: lady_nekoko@yahoo.com

The Kansas City SABRA (Smith Academy for Budo & Related Arts) dojo is a converted grocery store two doors from the Hong pharmacy in downtown Little Asia. It was slightly restructured to be more feng shui-approvable. As a result, its Wall rating is slightly less (7) than the rest of the city around. Upon entering, one finds a small receptional antechamber. At this time, it bears only a few decorations, though later it will contain a trophy window. Right past this antechamber (there is no door) lies the main training hall. Approximately one hundred by one hundred square feet, the linoleum floor is largely covered over by professional padding. A red rug runs around the padding's perimeter and seperates the training floor from benches set against the wall. The room boasts wall-to-wall mirrors on two walls and large fiberglass windows permit outsiders to see the diligent students inside (though blinds are available). On the far side, against the wall is a box with staffs of all sizes and wooden, training weapons. Kick and block pads rest neatly in this box.

Opposite this box, at the tail end of the circling benches, is a large shelf for bag-space. A door that opens directly across from the antechamber thoroughway leads to the back offices and bathroom/changing rooms. Next to this door stands three display cases filled with a variety of martial arts training gear and supplies and a few of the more inexpensive weapons (like basic nunchaku and staffs). Past the door, gray carpeting covers the slender corridor. One door leads into the school's office (with the usual office things), and a personal space behind that. Another door leads to a small training room that is a miniature of the larger dojo - only 25% its size, and it lacks the weapons and shelves. The bathrooms are large enough to change in comfortably. An emergency exit leads out this back corridor but is securely locked from the outside. It can only open from the inside (and doing so will set off the fire alarm; there is also a sprinkler system that sets in at the onset of heavy smoke). Overhead flourescent lights illuminate the entire room (and most of the rest of the dojo) quite well. The building has an efficient security system - contact alarms on the doors and motion detectors in the main training room. The code for the alarm is known to Nekoko only and setting off the alarm causes the security company to telephone the dojo; failure to pick up and/or giving the wrong code results in the calling of the police, who will investigate immediately. The school's 800 number will also be notified and Nekoko will be notified in turn -- all of this happens within 15 minutes of the alarm.

OOC: This place is open to visitors during its business hours. It's locked and secured as noted otherwise.

The Serpent Teacup (restaurant)

Description Supplier: Adam
Additional Info: fiendishsuprise@yahoo.com

The building itself is rather plain on the outside; brick walled, nothing screaming "Hey this is a den of vice!" Yet within it is a different story. The only ornamentation allowed without are a pair of red doors embossed with five symbols; Dragon, Crane, Panther, Serpent, and the Tiger which is elevated amongst them all.

Inside is a totally different story; reminiscent of several gambling parlors in Hong Kong, this one seems to have a sense of style to it; as if the owner was sending a subtle message to those who frequent the establishment. At every table is a different statue of one of the animals of the Chinese Mythology. The only one not seen directly is that of the tiger, which stands alone at a large table in the corner.

As always the place seems awash with activity, no matter what the hour. Several Asian "gentlemen" of various cultures and races are at separate tables, conducting business of a more dubious sort. Although never to openly admit it, several, if not all are part of the Asian underworld in one way or another. Suprising, these various organizations are not at each other's throats, and infact seem amicable to each other. Perhaps it is the several doormen that strips each one of them of their weapons before entering, or perhaps it is the silent proprietor who merely keeps a watch on things; who can say?

Besides those of dubious patronage, several more "Innocent" people frequent this place, succumbing to the vices which they crave; drugs, sex, alcohol, gambling. You name it and it is here except for two unforgivable perversions; child pornography, and the prostitution of minors. Although most remain mainstream with their appetites, there was a time when these unspeakable acts were attempted, and Xian (the proprietor of this establishment and rumored Triad leader) had to take a hand. Five entered his place of business voicing loud opinions and only four left; pale and shaken. The fifth remained a fixture in his office to deter any repeat attempts (his head lies pickled in a jar on one of the owner's bookshelves).

Despite the disturbing air about the place, it's decor is above reproach, flashy yet docile enough to make a Zen master feel at home in some parts. Although few people can hold such sway in an operation such as this; the owner seems to manage well enough. Rumored to be part of the Sing Wah Triad (Tiger claw society) amongst the Sleepers, amongst the Chi'n ta; a rumored member of the Gam Lung faction of the Akashics. No matter the reason; his measures against intrusion have been adequate; both from the police (through well placed bribes) and the Asian underworld (a neutral staging ground for all organizations, where silence amongst employees is golden).

OOC: This place is open to customers and visitors, with security measures as noted above.

Ye Olde Abandoned Warehouse (communal house)

Description Supplier: Sim
Additional Info: prince_sapphire_dark_moon@yahoo.com

This three story warehouse is found in rather unsuprisingly, in the warehouse district of Little Asia. To some people, most of them teenagers, this is known to be where there is a party every friday night. One of the common empty storehouses, this four story building rests by a number of other warehouses. A small and usually empty parking lot separates it from a neighbor. The main entrance is locked with a large paddock and chain, and the smaller doors have also been locked as well. In the back alley a pile of boxes provides easy acess to one of the broken windows off the ground.

Inside the warehouse is the large and empty main room. A few boxes, pipes and other obsticals present themselves but the majority of the room is empty. There is couch in a far corner along with a few beanbag chairs. A small kitchen area with a old refridgerator, microwave, and a hotplate is in another corner. Yet another corner of the main room has a cardboard box in it, under the slightly leaky roof. On the roof itself is some handmade contraption, which looks to be intended to hold wire, and a wince rests within it.

Metal stairs lead up to the ten offices on the second story. Most have been refurnished to look like bedrooms. Another is full of electronic toys and such, with a food bowl and water bowl left on the table and staples pressed into random surfaces. Oddly enough mirrors are all over the place, reflecting almost every aspect of the warehouse. Sometimes people can swear they feel something watching their every move, and the mirrors do not help that feeling.

OOC: This is Waigoren fae (Kithain) territory; pretty much by invitation only.

Midori-no-Koyama (mansion)

Description Supplier: Penny
Additional Info: mystix85@hotmail.com

That moment of peace, the second right before dawn, the quietness of a withheld breath, the stillness of a mirrored lake...Midori no Koyama. The quiet gardens surrounding the simplistic Shinto Shrine seem ageless. Graceful willows and maples stand side-by-side with stately pines. A small brook murmurs through, forming a quiet pool where gold koi swim beneath the smooth, glassy surface. Green, lush moss covers the granite boulders, surrounded by glistening white sand raked in careful furrows in the Zen Garden. White mist drifts ghost-like through the Gate, meandering to the Shrine. Flagstones pave the ground around the sacred space. Sandalwood incense drifts on the air, the fragrant smoke providing a path for the kami and ancestors to visit this place. A hushed, peaceful sense of pause is in the air, Shrine, and the very stones of the earth, as the Dragon Nest waits for the right moment to stir.

OOC: This is shinta territory.

Wong's Diner (restaurant)

Description Supplier: Cam
Additional Info: lady_nekoko@yahoo.com

A humble affair in the midst of Little Asia where few gweilo bother to tread, this eatery provides proper and affordable Szechuan/Cantonese cuisine. Though take-out is available, its quiet and small dining room appeals to many locals. And as its food is superior to the Panda Takeout found at the Little Asia South Gate, which caters to Western palates, most local Chinese eat here. A dozen heavy oak tables, candle-lit with complimentary hot tea, provides a warm and genuine atmosphere to the patrons. It's hardly a diner at all, but a diverting little restaurant. It even boasts a few outside tables within a small courtyard. All of the waiters speak fluent English and are surprisingly gracious. But it's little wonder that the place can afford to be so high-rated. Its most common patrons include several Triad fathers. This is well-known to the local police, who often meet with the gangsters to discuss their conflicts with customary Chinese civility.

Throughout the multi-ethnic Little Asia District, other restaurants exist to cater to national palates. Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese restaurants, take-outs, and diners are numerous. Examples include the Todai's Sushi Diner, Jak Lee's Korean Restaurant, Exotic India Family Restaurant, Namul's Thai Take-out & Eat-In, and the Mekong Express Cambodian-Vietnamese Cuisine. Take your pick.

OOC: Wong's Diner and all other restaurants are open to anyone during their business hours and locked and secured otherwise.

LA-PIC (public library)

Description Supplier: Cam
Additional Info: lady_nekoko@yahoo.com

The LA-PIC (Little Asia Public Information Center) is the sole public library in Little Asia. Its recent construction bears starkingly clean marble walls as it stands snugly between two four-story government office buildings. The library rises almost three stories, angles well-rounded to prevent feng shui disruption. Gilded steps lead up from the sidewalk to the only entrance between two pillars. Heavy, brass double doors stand next to a dark-paned revolving door. Close inspection of the entrance area reveals a security camera in the corner of the ceiling, panning slowly over the doorways.

Through the doors one enters a linoleum-tiled hall. The white tiles keep the room bright, yet even upon entrance the stuffiness and sterility of the library becomes evident. Immediately to one’s right rests the check-out counter that extends twenty yards over to the main hall’s west wall. Here is where one takes care of business with the library: checking out or returning books, acquiring a membership card, obtaining information, and otherwise requesting help. To pass beyond into the main hall, a head-high set of laser-scanners makes sure no one tries to thieve the library of its public materials.

The main hall is decorated only with padded benches and a few prints of famous artworks. Opposite the check-out counter is a corner of benches, chairs, and tables for communal study or chats. It rises all the way to the top of the second floor but guard rails are all that the entrancee can make out from here. The main hall gives into multiple corridors, each lined with shelves of books. Fiction works are the first array of literature that the patron encounters. Beyond that begins the multi-media section, with a variety of audio and video cassettes that can be borrowed like most of the library’s books. The multiple halls link intoa rear path that leads to a few chairs and small tables as well as another librarian counter.

Past the counter is a set of stairs and an elevator (for the handicapped namely). The short flight of stairs leads up to the second floor. Here is the true resource of the LA-PIC: the extensive non-fiction and reference sections. Newspapers, magazines, multiple up-to-date encyclopedia collections, and reference of every sort line the eastern side of the private study desk-lined area. A host of non-fiction works, historical, scientific, political, cultural, and more are found to the west. Overall, the library boasts over 100,000 books, and constantly strives to update its selection. To the north stands another librarian counter manned by at least three aides. A door reading “restricted” leads to a small office area behind the counter, and only the head librarian has access here. Just besides the counter stands a door that leads to the study/meeting rooms. These rooms must be reserved ahead of time, but are often used as meeting places for various clubs and groups. This also includes the computer room, allowing Internet connection (of course, there is an aide present here) on almost a dozen monitors. Another security camera can also be seen in the corner of this room, always observant. And censorship does exist; downloading computer pornography is out of the question!

Overall, the library is a clean and bright building, marred only by a sense of sterility in its maintained order and stuffiness in its quiet warmth (the heat seems to be on even in the summer). (Wall rating: 8)

OOC: The library is open to anyone, though even visiting the library requires a membership card. The levels below are both secret and strictly forbidden: Technocracy territory.

The Clever Crane (local business) (Congming He)

Description Supplier: Penny
Additional Info: mystix85@hotmail.com

This new store caters to the art of Pen and Paper. Besides the few shelves in front that have the popular tourist items of origami paper, ink brush sets, and books on kanji, this store carries high quality parchment paper, real and natural inks. Pens and brushes range from common use to high quality. In the counters and cases near the front, the expensive items are kept, such as gold-tipped nib pens, silk rag paper, and rosewood carved brushes. Bookshelves line the walls, various "how-to" books at different degrees of difficulty, dictionaries, and art books. A small section in the back even has some items for the Western craft of manuscript illumination, as well as the hard-to-find supplies for this art. The owner, a young chinese woman of about 22, can be found behind the counter in the front. She has a small work table set up, papers organized on top, and the inks and brushes carefully arranged.

OOC: Open to anyone during business hours!

1000 Hells Club (night club)

Description Supplier: Chaz
Additional Info: silentmorbeus@hotmail.com

The 1000 Hells Club is a large converted four story factory and warehouse located on the edge of Little Asia, on the river. The bricks are charred and blackened artisticly by flames. The theme extends to the vegetation outside the club as well, with sulpted trees that seems to be tormented and "demonic". The atmosphere inside is dark, haunting and erotic, blending gothic horror with asian animeique horror elements. The first floor is dominated by the dance floor, set to resemble the Hell of flailing sinners, darkened booths line the back wall. The walls are lined with gothic and occult paintings and art work from nearly every culture, a showcase for local artists. When guerst ascend to the second floor they are greeted by the evil beauty of the Hell of the Upside Down Sinners. The air cool, the sound of water, the walls covered in a giant painting of her dark, cold, watery hell. Dim, eerie blue lights trail the floor, breaking into wave patterns, this floor is dominated by it's bar, placed in the center of the room like a safe haven from a watery grave. The third and last public level is a lounge dedicated to the Emma-O, a dark chamber filled with distrubing scenes of lust, passion, and debauchery. Darkly erotic and sensual art work depicting Emma-O dominate the room, dark pillows lay about inviting all to lay on them and enjoy.

OOC: Open to anyone during business hours!

Quiet Knolls (cemetery)

Description Supplier: Cam
Additional Info: lady_nekoko@yahoo.com

The largest cemetery in Little Asia rests snugly between the district and upper Kansas City (the eastern, Missouri side). The people know it as the final home for more than a thousand citizens of Little Asia over the past century. The cemetery alone speaks for the ethnic diversity of Little Asia. Traditional Buddhist grave markers and posts are seen near tombstones and crucifixes. Mausoleums, Buddhas, and Statues of Mary mingle through the grassy fields and hills of the expansive -- and ever-expanding -- graveyard. Several acres of peace and quiet bear the occasional visitor by day, but by night the place is typically avoided. A fog tends to hang on the land most evenings and legends of kuei and other spirits seem to be true. Little Asia is like a tiny reflection of Zhongguo, so no one wants to disturb the dead. The shen know that the Quiet Knolls Cemetery is a place not safe for the unwise.

OOC: There is no gate around the cemetery, but there are warning signs not to enter the cemetery when there is no watchman (i.e., night-time). It's considered trespassing. Police are the least concern; this is prime Little Asian wraith territory. Clumsy (Western?) necromancers receive the worst imaginable welcome.

OOC Systems

Most of the settings listed above will have some sort of OOC system attached, from Dragon Nest facts to security and defenses. However, most of this information is kept in the Storytellers' hands til needed. One exception is the anti-vampire ward established over the entire Little Asia district, detailed below.

Guardian Bells

On every street in Little Asia, from lamp-post to lamp-post, storefront to storefront, gentle little bells line the way. The silvery instruments are eerily silent most of the time, regardless of the wind. But occasionally, they sing out their chiming song whenever an unwanted intruder violates the sanctity of Little Asia.

Those bells are attuned to the intrusion of any Kin-jin. The bells along a single street where the vampire steps ring and fall silent should he move onto another street -- and the bells there chime instead. Upon hearing the bells, members of the Court of Infinite Ages respond immediately and harshly. Even if none are in the immediate vicinity, the Court's spies are numerous, and an intruder can expect a reaction within minutes.

The bells are checked on a monthly basis to insure no one has removed any. Removing even one brings an immediate investigation with the Court's complete supernatural intuition brought to bear.

The magic of the guardian bells was placed by Wah Sing Ku with the mystic aid of Ming Bo Lien. The effect is a Tieh Tan 4 I Chih and works as follows:

As soon as any vampire (but not Kuei-jin, dhampyrs, ghouls, or dhampirs) violate the perimeter of Little Asia, the bells begin to ring. As it is all one intense spell, there are only a few ways to thwart the bells. Thaumaturgical unweaving of some sort could work, but any unweaving will alert the original casters that their magic is being threatened and result in immediate magical counterpressure. Thaumaturgy is not the best avenue. Using Obfuscate or Chimerstry (for the same illusory effect) is the only real way to bypass the alarm. However, the vampire must have a score of 4+ (the rating in Tieh Tan Wah Sing Ku had at the casting). Otherwise, the bells still ring. If the vampire has a score of 4, he must roll the normal roll for his Discipline and score at least 5 successes. Having the Discipline at Level 5+ automatically bypasses the ward. Quietus 1 does not work to mute the bells, as its range does not cover an entire city block.

Considering that the original idea was for a Hou Tan ward (Fire Alchemy) that burns vampires to ashes upon intrusion, which is just as legal, the ULAG feels this is quite fair. No one likes the Kin-jin, apparently!

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