World of Darkness: Shanghai - Introduction

The introduction to the long-awaited World of Darkness: Shanghai.

by Eloy Lasanta and Chris "WiGGy" Brown (World of Darkness | World of Darkness: Shanghai | Resources)

Credits

Authors: Eloy “First Oni” Lasanta, Chris “WiGGy” Brown, Sean “zetazot” Maroney, Benjamin Franklin “Gozumezu” Reinhart, “cusidhe”, Santiago “Tepet Augustus” García Belmar, Juhl Heine “Hunt79” Jensen, Daniel “Kallak” Guilkey and Patrick “Patkin” Flannery

Developer: Eloy “First Oni” Lasanta

Proofreader: Eli “Laine” Kaplan

Introduction

This is my first developing of any Role Playing web supplement of any kind.  When Kindred of the East, as a gameline, received the “Web Book Kiss of Death” with the release of Sunset Empires, I decided that I wouldn’t go down without a fight.  At that point, I recruited a team of great writers from all around the world to compile a new book for the setting, WoD: Shanghai.  And although we lost a few members and gained some others, the book has come out great.

Although I stress the importance of the KoE line to continue, this is not just a Kuei-jin book (hence the World of Darkness title).  Instead, we’ve made the Kuei-jin the forefront of the city, having newly acquired the city through countless wars, but have also included all the other shen as well.  So, this book is for anyone who is interested in using the city as a setting, even if they aren’t interested in playing a KoE game. 

Of course, this book is not canon, as there will probably not be any additional material for KoE, so feel free to use it or not.  The Golden Rule is your friend. The team and I had fun making it either way, especially since I got to learn a lot about a culture I had interest in already.  We hope you enjoy and also that this will not be the last book we make. Thank you.

And one last note.  This entire book disregards the Time of Judgment series, and yet still fits in the metaplot quite well. 

Mood and Conflicts

There are certain aspects in this supplement that seem daunting and yet unavoidable.  This is the core feeling of the book.  On every side, whether it is hengeyokai or hsien or Kuei-jin, there is a feeling that something wicked comes.  This is the way the city has ended up after the Glorious Shield Placement Plan as taken effect.

The emotional palette of the city is one of supreme urgency and fear. Shanghai has been plagued with combat since its inception and has never been far from it.  However, the current atmosphere of the city reeks of something even worse.  All out warfare seem eminent, yet some do hope to avert impending disaster.  The hengeyokai are readying for war, the hsien are hiding out hoping to regain their foothold in the city again.  Hunters are becoming suspicious and yet the Kuei-jin while the nights away. No wonder they are first to be suspected of the problem.

There are other things to be included as well.  The hsien feel betrayed and dwell upon loss, while the hengeyokai brood upon vengefulness.  The Hunters have always been on the defensive, but are now taking more of an offensive position in Shanghai.  The Kin-jin are showing up everywhere, even though the evacuations went as planned, having a feeling of rebellion.  The gaki follow that same tone, while the Quincunx has the supremacy of the oblivious king.

The Lack of Mages

When reading through this book, you will notice the lack of deep information pertaining to the chi’n ta, or Mages.  This was done mostly for time and lack of idea reasons.  Sorry to all the Mage fans.  But don’t worry; they are there, just waiting behind the scenes, instead of joining in.

Upcoming Articles

Chapter One: Shanghai’s Shattered Past discusses the mortal history of the city and how it got where it is today. Author: Sean “zetazot” Maroney

Chapter Two: The Cityscape gives you a walkthrough of the city as well as a look into the personal culture of the Middle Kingdom as a whole (something not covered in other books). Authors: Eloy Lasanta, Sean “zetazot” Maroney. Additional Material: cusidhe.

Chapter Three: Wind and Water gives a look at the history of Feng Shui and its current uses, including the dreaded distortions of the Kin-jin. Authors: Eloy Lasanta. Additional Material: Chris "WiGGy" Brown.

Chapter Four: The Loudest Silence gives you a look into the society of Shanghai’s Hungry Dead and the Silent Mandarins. Authors: Eloy Lasanta

Chapter Five: Within and Without shows you the eternal struggle of the Kindred in Shanghai. Authors: Eloy Lasanta, Chris "WiGGy" Brown, Santiago “Tepet Augustus” García Belmar. Additional Material: Juhl Heine “Hunt79” Jensen, Daniel “Kallak” Guilkey and Patrick “Patkin” Flannery

Chapter Six: The Nest of Life and Renewal gives you a look into the trials of the Beast Court through the modern times of Shanghai. Authors: Chris "WiGGy" Brown, Eloy Lasanta, Santiago “Tepet Augustus” García Belmar. Additional Material: cusidhe

Chapter Seven: The Element of Loss presents the unseen elemental spirits in a new light, taking the initiative and coming out of hiding. Authors: Eloy Lasanta. Additional Material: Benjamin Franklin “Gozumezu” Reinhart (hsien)

Chapter Eight: Necropolis - Shanghai deals with the trials of the dead in Shanghai and their dealings with the Kuei-jin. Authors: Juhl Heine “Hunt79” Jensen. Additional Material: Eloy Lasanta

Chapter Nine: Triple Threat covers what happens when the fates of the Imbued cross those of the shih and Strike Force Zero. Authors: Eloy Lasanta

Chapter Ten: The Kingdom's Eye devles into the history of the Kitahin within Shanghai and thier current struggles so close to the 6th Age. Authors: Eloy Lasanta

Chapter Eleven: Storytelling Shanghai gives the Storyteller plot hooks and behind the scenes secrets essential to running a game in Shanghai. Authors: Eloy Lasanta

Prologue – Something Odd in the Air

Nim wasn't given to paranoia.  In fact, he was a touch too optimistic, looking at life through rose tinted glasses. But tonight, he couldn't stop himself from glancing over his shoulder after nearly every block.

On most nights, cruising through a slum such as this, Nim would be amazed and awed by humanity’s ability to throw away everything, including each other.  Most nights he would be stopping to chat with the whores, listening to the drunks and enjoying Shanghai’s night life. Tonight though, he ignored the hookers’ cat-calls, tuned out the drunks shouts and mumbles, and focused his attention on being sure he wasn't being followed.

“Easier said than done.” He mused, glancing at himself in the reflection of a storefront window. He was wearing a snappy, custom Jurassic 5 leather jacket, a clean wife-beater underneath, loose fitting jeans and thug sneakers. His neat little goatee was trimmed to perfection, as was the hair underneath his stylish Yankees ball cap.  Nim grinned, knowing he stuck out worse than James Earl Jones presiding over a KKK koffee klatch. Of Chinese heritage, his features bore the stamp of Mongolian descent and he occasionally stumbled as if walking on two feet was a new experience. 

Muttering to himself, he hailed a cab, risking the last of his hard earned cash to avoid any possible pursuers. Once inside the cab, he gave the driver instructions to head towards the Quin Shang Maritime Dockyard and settled back into the sweat-drenched seat, knowing the ride would take close to half an hour. The events of the night replayed themselves in his mind as he tried to decipher what he had seen.

***

"Hey, Nim, wait up, man."

Turning, Nim smiled as he recognized 'Iron Fist' Tak Hung.  As always, Tak's appearance seemed to match his personality as little as possible. Standing a mere five foot two, Tak had stylishly cut hair, a neat little beard, eye brow and ear piercings, expensive clothing in the latest style and a walked smooth enough to draw attention. Even his voice was misleadingly smooth, mellow and slow, like a Canto pop-star.  He was one of Shanghai’s more reputable thugs, quick with his big mouth and quicker with his fists or guns.  Those in the know simply avoided Tak when possible.

"What's up, man?" Sliding into step beside Nim, Tak lit a smoke and pocketed the shades he wore for effect.

Shrugging, Nim continued walking, concentrating on walking on two feet and talking at the same time. "Not very much, gonna take a stroll down Qing street in Luwan, maybe go for a drink or two."

"A drink. Not drinks," Tak corrected. "You gotta be careful hanging out in that neighborhood, Nim. Nasty places draw nasty crowds. You don't need any trouble."

"I'll be fine. I can handle any drunken asshole or thug without a problem." Confidence oozed from Nim’s every pore.  "Besides, I do happen to be friends with one of Shanghai’s nastier killers. Who gonna fuck with me?" Laughing, he punched Tak in the shoulder and winked.

"Who's gonna fuck with me, not who gonna fuck with me." Again, he corrected Nim’s grammar before responding, "As to who, shit, any of those street punks might be tempted to off you, just to slight me, and you just might piss off someone who doesn't give a damn what I think."

Tak stopped, dropped the smoke and ground it out with his toes. "Look Nim, your Gramps asked me to keep an eye on you, so don't go get yourself killed, alright? I really hate revenge killings, they’re the messy ones."

Shrugging again, Nim waited for Tak to start walking again, “I be fine, Gramps gave me some money to play with, I take it easy tonight. Just want to good time a little, okay?"

Tak said, "Yeah, bullshit. At least stay away from Quin Street tonight, okay? Wait ‘till another night when we can go partying together."

Realizing he didn't have much of a choice, Nim agreed. "Alright, no Quin Street tonight, I'll go play somewhere wimpy." Raising an eyebrow in imitation of his Grandfather he added "Okay wit you?"

Satisfied Tak nodded. "Okay wit me." Grinning he added, "Saturday, you and I are going to tear some shit up. I got some invitations to a rave. I can just taste the bubble gum ravers, ecstasy and Trance. You and me, Burnt Whiskers, living it up." His wink and smirk implied more than dancing would be going down, and Nim couldn't help but return the infectious grin.

"Sounds good, you chin of a goat.”  He was getting excited just thinking about it, ever since he had heard about raves; he had been begging Tak to bring him along to one. He had been told he wasn't allowed to go, until he had enough control to guarantee he wouldn't accidentally take the Fox-skin in the middle of a crowd.

Yawning and stretching, Tak said, "okay, go have a fun time. Stay out of trouble, and I'll catch you tomorrow." Turning off before they got to the main street leading into Shanghai, Tak waved and headed back towards the wharves.

Nim couldn't help laughing.  For all of Tak’s street smarts and inner city reputation, he remained a wharf rat at heart, and always returned to the ocean's edge to sleep or relax.

Chuckling he began to follow the poorly paved road into the city, admiring the evening sun over the cityscape.

***

Nim was working on a good buzz in a dive even Tak would have hesitated on entering without backup. Sitting at the bar, holding a grimy mug in one hand, an American smoke in the other, Nim was exuberantly explaining to the waitress why she should go into the back alley with him.

"Rich baby, I gots moneys like you wouldn't believe," grinning suggestively he added, "If you don'ts believe me, stick your hand in my pocket." Noticing he was losing, he tried another tack, "I got friends in low places, know what I mean." Snickering at the double entendre, he continued. "Even the triads fear my friends, and for a good reason."

Reaching out, he slid his hand up her skirt, allowing his eyes to travel up and down her form. Well worn high heel shoes, panty hose with a myriad of holes, a faded and tattered mini skirt over slowly expanding hips underneath a slightly protruded belly. Her plump, if saggy, breasts were barely held in by a tight white tank top, and the make up she had plastered on before her shift was fading under the onslaught of sweat, revealing her age to be nearly 40. Despite this, Nim couldn't help but be attracted to her. She had a cynical outlook that continually shut down his best lines and charming smile, and failure was not something he was used to.

Allowing him to feel her upper thigh, she raised an eyebrow, and in her most amused tone said, "Go on. Who's this mighty friend of yours that scares off even the Triads?"

Leaning in to whisper in her ear, and glance down her shirt he told her. "Iron Fist Tak."

Pulling back, she chuckled. "Old Iron Fist, eh? Well, that is a big name to be thrown around." Smiling, she pulled away from his groping and winked. "You're a lousy liar, but if you are still interested, I'm off duty in half an hour."

Half an hour later, true to her word, she came around the bar, sat down and asked, "What are you buying me, lover boy?" Reaching down, she put her hand on his groin and winked.

After a couple more drinks, she took him to her car, drove through town while chatting about her life, her hatred for serving and her co-workers, all the while allowing Nim to fondle her brittle calves. Finally after a fifteen minute trip, she pulled into a public parking lot in a shady People’s Park he didn't recognize. Turning to him, she began pulled off her shirt, revealing her doughy breasts and smirked. "Come get some, loverboy."

Afterwards, she kissed him on the cheek, and asked if she could drop him off anywhere.

Responding in the negative, Nim told her he was going to take a nice walk.

As she pulled away, Nim laughed, and spoke into the night. "Humans are so much fun…" Turning around, he decided to go east. It just seemed like a good idea. Wandering through the quiet and dark streets and still partly drunk, he heard voices from through the night smog.

"You want us to trash a neighborhood for you? Why would we do that?"

"Money. Lots of it."

"… How much money?"

"Let's say seventy five thousand to start.   If you manage not to bungle the job, the next one will be double."

The first voice spoke River Mandarin. He sounded rough, like a life time of hard living had burned crevices into the vocal chords.   The second voice was crisp textbook Mandarin, perfect. Too perfect, not the language of someone used to speaking it, but of classrooms and schools.

Curiosity drove him forward and Nim couldn't help but laugh silently at himself. At moments like these his Rite of Passage name was evident. Burnt Whiskers. Moving in quietly, he began to notice a bunch of thugs hanging out in the shadows watching the surrounding area while two men chatted under a burned out street light.

The temptation to take on Fox-skin for ease of evasion was resisted by the fact that he had only bought the new clothing yesterday. Deciding to remain in human form meant he had to stay back from the lights and keep still. Sliding into the shadows smoothly, he sat back and listened to the conversation as it continued.

"You wanna explain to me why we are gonna trash a neighborhood half way across the city.

There ain't even any real gangs in that 'hood, it's a quiet suburb. What you got against the people there?"

"No I don't want to explain why. You have seventy five thousand reasons not to ask any questions, so is it a deal?"

Shrugging the first figure responded, "Fuck, why not, we ain't stepping into a gang war doing this, so…yeah. It's a deal." Even from a good distance, Nim could see the guy was rough looking, gang clothing, leathers and spikes, definitely a local thug. The other figure though was a surprise, tall, and commanding, he had the arrogant expression of a gweilo knowing he was better than the trash around him. Although not a blonde, he was definitely a westerner, from the looks of it Spanish or Italian. Swarthy skinned with an effete moustache and straight, sparkling teeth. He was wearing a simple wind breaker and jeans, but his bearing was strong and commanding.

The thug growled.  "So, what do I call you? Or are you too good to show a little manners?"

Laughing, the foreigner said "Mr. Rogers, if you please." Reaching into his inside pocket he pulled out a cellular phone, dialed quickly and spoke into it for a second.  Mere seconds later, a VW bug pulled up, and another foreigner stepped out. This one though, was one of the sexiest white women Nim had ever laid eyes on. He couldn't help but admire the tight little black mini-skirt, white blouse and knee high boots.

She pulled a suitcase out of the car's trunk, while she unconsciously licked her lips seductively, and handed it to the thug abruptly before sliding her ivory legs back into the car.

"Nice piece of ass you got there, Mr. Rodgers.  Is her name Casey?" Hefting the suitcase curiously, the thug popped it open and nodded at the contents.

"Her name is no business of yours." His voice was tight and irritated, but he bowed swiftly and spoke one last time before getting into the car. "I hope we can do business again, Fu Choy."

After the car had pulled away, Fu Coy lit a smoke. "Fucking gweilo. I went to school in Vancouver. I know exactly who Mr. Rogers is." Turning to the side he cleared his throat and spit. "Asshole."

One of the men guarding the perimeter came up. "All set, Four Fingers?"

Nodding Fu smirked. "Oh yes, seventy five thousand American dollars." Turning around he said, "Bring the bikes in and let's get the fuck out of this dump. I need to get a beer and figure out how exactly we’re going to trash an entire suburb without getting arrested."

Realizing it was now a good time to leave, Nim began to sneak quietly back the way he came, keeping to the shadows and moving swiftly. By fluke, he was caught in the headlight of a Yamaha Rapier as it sped past him, alerting the rider to the presence of an intruder.

"Shit! A fucking snoop!" The shout caught all of the bikers’ attentions and caused Nim's balls to curl into his body. Throwing caution to the wind, he sprinted down the street, jumped the first fence he found, ran a harrowing dash through a maze of alleys, streets and backyards. Finally, after a twenty minute dash, he came to rest against the walls of a building he recognized, back in familiar turf, he relaxed a little, confident that even if they found him, they would be hesitant to attempt anything on such a brightly lit street.

The itching from his head where a chunk of hair and skin had come off on a fence irritated him, but other than that he felt safe again.

But even still, he couldn't shake the bizarre feeling that something more than a revenge act of vandalism was being enacted.

***

"Hey pal!  Did you want me to open your fucking door for you? Get out of the cab."

Sitting upright, Nim blinked as he recognized the gates to the Quin Shang Dockyard, relieved to be on home turf, he paid the cabbie, tipped him well and watched him drive off.

Aware that the small ferry that ran from Ning Tan Island to the dockyard and back wouldn't be operating at the moment, he climbed the fence, and found himself a place to sleep amongst a collection of barrels and yard cloth.

Across town, Fu Choy handed a chunk of hair and skin to Mr. Rogers. "I don't know if this will help you, but this is all we could find of him after he jumped that fence. I'll give the guy credit, he was fast and intelligent." Pausing as Mr. Rogers put the chunks into a small bag, he raised an eye.  “You want us to nix the job?"

"No, continue, I have contacts that can have this analyzed soon enough.  This piece of filth will be no problem. DNA testing and all that sort of thing." Turning, Mr. Rogers bowed and added, "you acted swiftly and intelligently, I thank you."

Bowing back, Fu watched the car pull away for the second time that night.  He cleared his throat and spit on the ground angrily, "DNA testing? Jesus, this guy must think we are all a bunch of inbred northerners." He turned and walked back to his bike. Whatever Rogers did with the meat was of no concern to him, he had seventy five thousand dollars to make good on.