Lotus Petals


Courts of the Shen


The following document compiles many of the different institutions of shen. These institutions, commonly known as courts, are dotted all across the Middle Kingdom and even begin to show up in the West. Not all shen maintain courts, and in many places there aren't enough shen to warrant the creation of a court. Most of these courts are centered upon, or located nearby to, major cities. It can also be assumed that most of these courts are centered on, or control, dragon nests. Thus, not all of the courts described below would be found precisely in the city (where few dragon nests exist). In fact, some are quite a distance, but are located closest to that city and found in that general region or country. For example, the Temple of Changes is found in Tibet, but nowhere near the capitol city of Lhasa. It's in the Himalayans. For the purpose of this document, it's easier to list the courts by the cities to which they most closely correspond.

Understand as well that not all of the courts in the Middle Kingdom or the world are listed here. Players can create new ones for their characters if so desired. Nor were "fallen" courts, such as those of heretic Dharmas, Goblin Spiders, and Mu Courts, were listed here -- only the mainstream institutions, from which player characters would derive.

Note also that for some of these courts, information was taken from supplements White Wolf previously provided. In other cases, White Wolf's own information was ignored or altered to fit this Storyteller's paradigm for the World of Darkness.


China


  • Hong Kong, Guangdong Province
    1. Court of Flame: This is one of the five main Wan Kuei Courts of the Quincux.
    2. Court of the Kowloon Devils: This renegade court of Wan Kuei controlled Hong Kong before the change of government from Great Britain to mainland China.
    3. Court of the Iron Cedar: Boli Zouiszhe, Kitsune, Nezumi, and Tengu dominate this Beast-Court.
    4. Sept of the Council for Universal Trade: This major Garou Sept is run by Boli Zouiszhe and it is closely allied to the Court of the Iron Cedar.
    5. Warren of the White River: This collective of Nezumi dwells in the sewers beneath Hong Kong, but their influence extends to the tongs that run the streets above.
    6. Court of Ten Thousand Towers: This chi'n ta chantry is run by the Wu Lung, but they harbor any Awakened save their Wu-Keng and Technocratic enemies.
    7. Court of the Undimmed Sun: This Shinma establishment is an arm of the Yu, long run by a shrewd Chu-Jung.

  • Shanghai, Jiangsu Province
    8. Court of Flesh: This is one of the five main Wan Kuei Courts of the Quincux.
    9. Court of the Golden Seas: This Beast-Court includes Hakken and Same-Bito.
    10. Court of the Long Hall: This chantry commands an eclectic mix of mages.
    11. Court of Torn Lilies: This Yu domain is run by a internalistic Hou-Chi.

  • Beijing, Hebei Province
    12. Court of Blood: This is one of the five main Wan Kuei Courts of the Quincux.
    13. Court of Iron Claws: Fierce warriors from ages of guardianship man this Beast-Court.
    14. Court of the Forgotten Dynasty: Wu Lung almost exclusively member this chantry, but permit other mysticks to join.
    15. Court of Two Rivers: Suijen lords manipulate this Yu realm of the Shinma under the overly clever guidance of the so-called Blue Mandarin.

  • Chongqing, Sichuan Province
    16. Court of Bone: This is one of the five main Wan Kuei Courts of the Quincux.
    17. Court of the Soulstar: This Beast-Court is centered on a powerful fetish.
    18. Court of Shadowlore: The wizards of this chantry are first-rate scholars of various mystickal traditions.
    19. Court of the Unbroken Blade: The Chu-ih-yu of this Yu Court are fearless defenders of the Shinma's western front.

  • Changan, Hunan Province
    20. Court of Jade: This is one of the five main Wan Kuei Courts of the Quincux.
    21. Court of Sun-Pearls: Zhong Lung run this Beast-Court found along the Yangtze.
    22. Court of Jaded Truths: Abandoned beliefs stumble across reality in this monasteric chantry, which the Akashayana control.
    23. Court of the Lonely Peak: Wise Komuko of the Yu hold court on a mountain overlooking the mythical birthplace of Chinese civilization.

  • Xining, Qinghai Province
    24. Court of Empty Trees: This court is attached to the Quincux and Bone Flowers primarily inhabit this quiet domain.
    25. Court of Forest Stars: This Beast-Court contains Khan and Dadi Ertong.
    26. Court of the Splintered Staff: This chantry of primarily Akashic Brothers disavows unnecessary combat and focuses on oneness with life.
    27. Court of Living Woods: Hou-Chi of the Li Shen (the Hou Fu, specifically) maintain this Shinma realm.

  • Kunming, Yunan Province
    28. Court of Entangled Scales: Located dangerously close to the border between the Quincux and the Golden Courts, this Chinese court is run by Thrashing Dragons.
    29. Court of Scarlet Waters: Nagah and Zhong Lung hold some of the important positions within this Beast-Court.
    30. Court of Hidden Gardens: In this chantry, the chi'n ta are concerned with the vibrancy of the world around them.
    31. Court of Fluttering Petals: The Xian Mo in this beautiful monastery are focused on the Tao Te Hsien, but watch their neighbors carefully.

  • Nanning, Guangxi Province
    32. Court of the Blood Dam: Celestial Devils in this Quincux outpost have little tolerance for intruders either from the Golden Courts or anywhere else.
    33. Court of Shaded Canopy: The jungles are well-cared for by the hengeyokai of this Beast-Court.
    34. Court of Hollow Tunnels: Once used to smuggle all sorts of things, Akashic Brothers and other Awakened now man and patrol this labyrinthe underground chantry.
    35. Court of the Riverheart: Suijen affiliated with the Shui Fu manage this court.

  • Fuzhou, Fujian Province
    36. Court of Black Tides: Resplendent Cranes operate this Quincux outpost in preparation for the eventual conquest of Taiwan.
    37. Court of the Fallen Moon: Always with an eye to dawn, this Beast-Court possesses an inversed sense of pessimism as the Sixth Age nears.
    38. Court of the Shining Post: As a crossroads for chi'n ta of different cultures and beliefs, this chantry boasts a variety of mages all pursuing their own goals.
    39. Court of the Castle of Steam: Industrious hsien of the Xian Mun run this court, keeping an eye on mortal activities and reaping the benefits of such oversight.

  • Changchun, Jilin Province
    40. Court of Bronze Pillars: Keeping an eye on the Green Courts, Shining Ice Guardians ensure nothing undesireable passes into the domain of the Quincux.
    41. Court of Soaring Plains: Tengu run this Beast-Court along with other hengeyokai.
    42. Court of the Endless Scroll: The Akashic Brotherhood maintains this chantry, studying the Akashic Scrolls carefully within and without.
    43. Court of the Amber Abyss: Komuko of the Di Fu manage this wondrous Shinma stronghold.

  • Wulumuqi, Aerjinshanmai Province
    44. Court of Bitter Horizons: Rootless Trees oversee this Quincux outpost, prepared for invasion of Western ideas...and Kindred.
    45. Court of Shifting Sands: This small Beast-Court has an eclectic mix of hengeyokai.
    46. Court of Whirling Realities: This chantry possesses many different brands of chi'n ta, including Cultists of Ecstasy.
    47. Court of Desert Roads: This communal collective of Wu Hsien owes no allegiance to any of the major Shinma court systems.

  • Lhasa, Tibet
    48. Court of the Heart of the Earth: This Beast-Court honors sacred values, rituals, and -- rumor has it -- a sacred fetish.
    49. Sept of the Snow Leopard: Xing Kanmengou (Stargazers) run this Sept in the Himalayans, though its doors are opened to any Garou who can meet the rigorous standards. They have a close alliance to the Tibetan Beast-Court.
    50. Court of the Glass Vault: The chi'n ta in this chantry maintain peace despite historical clashes between some traditions, as they pursue Ascension from many different perspectives.
    51. Temple of Changes: This place, hidden in the Himalayans, is the central home for the Ka'a sect of the Cult of Ecstasy.
    52. Temple of Shadows: This monasteric chantry seems to be occupied by Awakened Shaolin; this is a facade, however, for this is the estate of the mysterious Kageso Clan.
    53. Court of the Coruscating Mandala: This base of the Xian Mo has one of the greatest reputations for achievers of the Jade Key among all the Shinma.


    Japan


  • Tokyo, Honshu Island
    54. Court of the Brightest Star: House Bishamon controls this court.
    55. Court of the Demon Mask: House Genji contests with their rival for control of the capitol with this court.
    56. Court of the Onyx Mirror: This Beast-Court exercises caution in the war it must wage against so many potent foes.
    57. Warren of Anchored Teeth: This Nezumi Warren developed to beat off rival plagues, namely Ronin pirates.
    58. Court of Pen and Blade: The shinta of this chantry combine academics and martial arts for an excellent regime.
    59. Karasuisho: This small chantry based in nearby Yokohama is one of the few Shiryokosha holdings.
    60. Court of the Essence of Rule: Xian Mun study the philosophy of politics and the criminal underworld alike in this Shinma court.

  • Kyoto, Honshu Island
    61. Court of Imperial Destiny: Bishamon-myo run this court with the hopes of restoring imperial power.
    62. Court of Clouded Gates: Genji-myo of this court work hard to outdo their Bishamon rivals in this former capitol.
    63. Court of Silver Clouds: The hengeyokai of this Beast-Court work closely with Kitsune and Hakken allies to thwart threats to what's left of the country's fragile purity.
    64. Court of Blue Waters: This Beast-Court dwells near the Biwa-ko and includes some of Japan's rare Zhong Lung and Nagah.
    65. Sept of Ichiyo Modoribashi: This rare Sept is run by Hakken and Kitsune in a partnership outside of the Great Burden.
    66. Kyoi no Basho: This small chantry has been rocked by clashes with the powerful Zaibatsu, but its many-striped members survive still.
    67. Estate of the Tenryu: Away from the city proper on a great hill rests this center of deadly power disguised as an old samurai holding, for here is the main residence of the Tenryu Clan of the Go Kamisori Gama.
    68. Court of Brass Spears: A rare Yu holding outside of China, Chu-ih-yu manage this court with an eye towards justice; many Kuan-Yu are knighted here.

  • Nagoya, Honshu Island
    69. Court of Lightning Truths: Genji gaki maintain this court; many have raced towards their pinnacle of enlightenment here, giving the realm a greater reputation.
    70. Court of Burning Webs: Formed to confront Kumo long ago, this Beast-Court of heroes stands firm against the tides of all corruption still.
    71. Warren of Moon Pits: Beneath Nagoya dwell an intricate sewer and tunnel system...which the Nezumi dominate and explore eagerly.
    72. Court of Rainbow Eyes: Mages of a variety of Traditions and Crafts gather here in this optimistic chantry.
    73. Court of Iron Roads: With a head for industry (and safety thereof), Xian Mun occupy this Shinma Court.

  • Sendai, Honshu Island
    74. Court of the Hollowed Ground: The ancient clan of Heiko-myo controls this court, one of their last.
    75. Court of White Sands: This Beast-Court has a strong membership of Same-Bito.
    76. Court of Scattered Stones: Akashic Brothers and Dreamspeakers lead this chantry.
    77. Court of the Bottomless Well: Tu Shen enjoy the Pacific beaches and teach serenity through hedonism at this court.

  • Osaka, Honshu Island
    78. Court of the Perfect Sword: House Bishamon maintains a long-standing tradition of combat expertise at this Court.
    79. Court of the Forgotten Blade: Matching their gaki and shinta rivals, this Hakken-dominated Beast-Court sometimes hold tournaments with those courts.
    80. Warren of Bullet Tunnels: In the train stations and tunnels, these wererats plot and scheme and explore.
    81. Court of Twin Edges: Like the local vampires and lycanthropes, this Akashic Brother-dominated chantry seeks mastery of the martial arts.
    82. Court of Heaven Lilies: Disinterested in their neighbors' affection for blood, the Tu Shen of this court seek enlightenment through genuine compassion and altruism for their mortal charges.

  • Hiroshima, Honshu Island
    83. Court of the Shadewatch: After the dropping of the atom bomb, the shen courts were all decimated; the Genji-myo later established this court to study the damage done to the dragon lines.

  • Kobe, Honshu Island
    84. Court of Rolling Thunder: House Bishamon enjoys this court as one if its most prosperous in influence, but must struggle with Bamboo Princes instead of Genji-myo.
    85. Court of Endless Moons: Kitsune and Hakken jointly run this Beast-Court, assisted chiefly by Nezumi and Tengu.
    86. Warren of the Neon Path: Many Nezumi ignore the Beast-Court and pursue their own dynasty on (and beneath) the bright streets of the city.
    87. Court of Crumbling Walls: Preaching breakthroughs in the assumptions of "the self", this chantry has a great reputation for ascending its students.
    88. Court of the Black Maelstrom: Off the coast of Kobe is an island just large enough to house a palatial estate; here the Shui Fu govern their protectorate.

  • Akita, Honshu Island
    89. Akashio: Found far offshore in the depths of the Sea of Japan exists this Grotto, which Same-Bito loyal to the Beast-Courts keep well.
    90. Kireitochi: This small chantry is one of three devoted to the Shiryokosha sect.
    91. Estate of the Umiryu: Also located far offshore in the Sea of Japan dwells the mysterious underwater estate of Clan Umiryu of the Go Kamisori Gama.

  • Shimonoseki, Honshu Island
    92. Court of Stormhawks: Genji-myo with an aptitude for sailing long ago established this court.
    93. Kuroiten: One of the only Shiryokosha chantries exists here.

  • Nagasaki, Kyushu Island
    94. Court of the Simmering Storm: After the Burnings, the Bishamon established a new court in this city to observe and guard against Yomi uprisings.

  • Kagoshima, Kyushu Island
    95. Court of Divine Legacy: The Heike-myo will never forget their once-great past, and on this island they maintain their ancient traditions proudly.
    96. Court of Moonlit Winds: A powerful Beast-Court holding, these hengeyokai are struggling just to fight off the monstrosities that Nagasaki's bombing birthed.
    97. Court of White Mirrors: These various mages focus inwards to seek enlightenment.
    98. Court of Undiscovered Treasure: Like their shinta neighbors, the Zen-like Xian Mo of this court eschew the problems of the dragon lines to seek truth within.

  • Matsuyama, Shikoku Island
    99. Court of Dead Blossoms: The Koga-myo hold very few courts of their own, due to their subsidiary status of House Bishamon; this is one such place, however.
    100. Court of the Shark's Tooth: With the rarity of Same-Bito running this Beast-Court, its ferocity is unmatched across the country.
    101. Court of the Mountain's Thorn: On the peak of a lonely mountain on Shikoku, this Yamabushi-guided monastery practices deadly war techniques.
    102. Estate of the Hebiryu: In the forests of Shikoku is hidden a sprawling estate run by the Hebiryu, another deadly clan of the Go Kamisori Gama.
    103. Court of Dust Angels: One of the two major islands of Nippon unstruck by atomic bombs, the Di Fu work diligently to maintain this land's purity.

  • Sapporo, Hokkaido Island
    104. Court of Night Mist: Like House Koga, the Iga-myo maintain few holdings due to their status under House Bishamon, and this court in Sapporo is the exception.
    105. Court of Icerunes: Actually located further north of Sapporo, this Beast-Court contains a strong alliance between Tengu and Yulanjinshen -- Ainu Uktena.
    106. Gray Clouds Temple: Also hidden in the mountains of Hokkaido is the training base of the Tengu, where they turn out their Shih-rivaling "goblin hunters".
    107. Court of the Silent Eagle: Dreamspeakers, mainly of Ainu descent, run this quiet chantry in the northern hills of Hokkaido.
    108. Estate of the Reiryu: Also hidden in the wilds of this island is the headquarters of the Reiryu Clan, one of the most powerful families of the Go Kamisori Gama.
    109. Court of the Celestial Obelisk: Within Sapporo, members of the Tieh Fu developed this court surrounding a mysterious obelisk carved from an unknown mineral (probably harvested from a meteorite).

  • Naha, Okinawa (Ryukyu Islands)
    110. Court of the Singing Waves: A rare Clan of the Sun, House Otori commands a number of mystical traditions reminscient of the Fourth Age, and here makes their sole court.
    111. Court of the Last Stand: Most Beast-Courts have a cemetery of heroes: this Beast-Court formed up around such a graveyard, and their spirits guide these hengeyokai still.
    112. Court of One: Akashic Brethren in Naha formed this chantry under a singular philosophy; its masters are reputed to be able to strike down any foe with a single blow.
    113. Court of the Sunken Ship: This rare dwelling is partially inundated in the sea, for this ancient Chinese junk sunk long ago in a storm, and now Wu Hsien occupy its holds.