The Court of the Ebon Flame
Introduction
In the 19th century, Chinese immigrants helped to lay the foundation for America’s expansion into the west of the continent. Railroads crisscrossed the nation. With this influx of quiet and hard-working Orientals came the Wan Kuei. The ancient vampires of the East, borne on the backs of slave-driven mortals, settled in America. And where immigrants settled, so did the Hungry Dead. In the 1920s, when the Japanese began to immigrate more commonly, the gaki joined this movement.
Soon there were many Kuei-jin throughout Asian districts of America and Kansas City was no exception. And like many of these outposts for the Hungry Dead, the turn-over rate for membership and leadership was appalling. In time, focus came to rest on establishing a foundation of home security for the vampires. That is where the Hungry Dead of Little Asia now stand. Of limited importance to the Great Leap Outward movement of some of the Wan Kuei despite the crossroads of transportation…and dragon tracks…Kansas City is nonetheless a strategic point of conquest and expansion. So here the undead are, well aware that with them have come a tidal wave of exotic mysticism of all varieties -- including the other shen.
Knowing the danger that the Wan Kuei have faced in other American cities, the Court of the Ebon Flame agreed that it was prudent to forge alliances with their “fellow” shen whenever they may. The Coalition of Little Asia, while naïve and clumsy, is nonetheless wise and fortunate. That is why, when it was offered, the Kuei-jin agreed to sign a treaty of alliance with the other Courts of this budding district.
Lectures
Lectures are meetings of the Court held on the first evening of each month. All members are to attend. During these Lectures, current Court affairs are reviewed. Recognition or punishment is delivered or noted. New officials are sworn into office. And mandarins read sacred texts. The texts are discussed in a manner that permits jina and disciples alike to expand their knowledge and awareness by participating in the lecture with questions and comments.
Contents
House Rules
