Little Asia
Key Sites
Asian Battle Circuits (underground pit-fighting)
The ABCs, as locals glibly quote its acronym, exists as a testament to humanity’s base lust for violence. Officially, the ABCs are obscure, local boxing rings. Permits do stand legally. However, the ABCs meet none of the safety regulations. Officials are apparently influenced to turn a blind eye to the illegal pit-fighting and blood-sport. From the outside, the dome-shaped structure seems like a run-down, aging coliseum model. Located in a wide lot that fans use for parking, the ABCs stay isolated from the rest of the city despite that it’s so near the center of Little Asia. Looming broad and tall at ninety feet, the dom bears no identifying labels. But everyone knows what it is.
Enclosed in an indoor arena with five rings and enough seats to house up to ten thousand viewers, this is a popular, modern gladiatorial exhibit. Spotlights, neon iridescence, and even black lights illuminate the vast structure with garish pallor. Bleachers rise up from floor level in stadium fashion. The concrete floors and steps are stained with grease and sweat. The rough, off-white walls fare little better. Refreshment stands serve overpriced snacks, sodas, and beer in an upper level walkway surrounding the stadium-like seats. Four smaller rings surround one larger, center ring for the real “battles”. Each ring has a metal cage that can be mechanically lifted or lowered for the classic “pit fights”. Although janitors attack the mats after every bout, blood stains can still be noted on every floor. They are testaments to the vicious combat that takes place at the ABCs nightly.
Matches are held for several hours every night but Sunday. The Saturday finales conclude the weekly tournies with serious cash awards and trophies. Gambling is rampant and institutionalized. In-house bookies take bets before most matches like a perverse ritual. Rumor has it that the Triads and yakuza jointly run at least the gambling element of the ABCs. The ABCs existed in one form or another since the mid-70s. With their current sponsorship, it is likely that this notorious institution will linger for years more.
OOC: Although the ABCs is basically an illegal institution with strings pulled to keep the law from molesting its activities, it is run like a legitimate boxing organization. Fighters, managers, and/or teams must register and pay fees. Since there is no insurance for something like this, combatants must sign a waiver that frees the ABCs from any…accidents. Lawyers don’t enforce this contract. Gangsters do. And they also enforce the gambling, punishing (by beating or maiming) any free gambling they catch (but rarely do catch it except when huge monies are being tossed around). Gambling is supposed to be done in-house with the (fairly) honest bookies. And if one’s bet loses, the gangsters also insure that the debtor pays up on time. Extortion is uncommon, thankfully, unless the debtors have a bad history with the gangsters… Aside from all of this, spectators pay an entrance fee at the door of $25 except on Saturdays -- weekly finales cost spectators $35 to see. Pirate radio broadcasts fight results in case bets were placed but the gambler couldn’t make the fights.
Zone: West Side
Wall: 8
The Cherry Blossoms Public Zoo (zoo)
The Cherry Blossoms Zoo is one of only two zoos in the city and boasts a very decent selection of animals to visit and view. Although only about 75 acres of land, Cherry Blossoms is host to over three hundred different species. Little Asians find the zoo particularly relaxing because of the foliage. The cherry trees that line every walkway as well as the bushes and flower beds are calming and beautiful. The zoo stands in the southwestern corner of the West Side Zone. Its most western borders use the Five Winds Wall as a barrier, while 15-foot tall steel fence encircles the rest of the zoo.
Meanwhile, the main entrance to the zoo lies to the direct east. Ticket booths charge a mere $5 admission (children 12 and under get in free) for all day visitation privileges. One’s hand is stamped with a date (and a cute tiger face) so that one can leave or return at will. VIP privileges are available to those who know they’re getting them; in essence this provides free entrance all year round. The wide winding path, laced with the silvery bells one finds all over Little Asia, is cluttered first with many souvenir shops -- the only shops in the zoo. Beyond that one finds a menu that points off in five different directions, listed as: “Exotic Birds”, “Reptiles, Amphibians, & Insects”, “Mammals”, “Aquarium”, and down the center path leads to “The Gardens”. These sidewalks, while not quite as wide, provide a decent enough stretch for the busiest tourist periods of the year.
And following them brings the guest to a different part of the zoo, where he encounters a variety of animals as the menu described. Pamphlets can be found at an exotic gate that brings the visitor to that section of the zoo. Each pamphlet provides a map of the sidewalks and what species are hosted. Many of the species are animals brought over from the Orient. The many different and colorful birds are kept in large arrays of cages. The large number of reptiles, amphibians, and insects in the zoo’s collection are kept in three indoor facilities. The small aquarium, unfortunately, will prove a disappointment to anyone expecting Sea World. It boasts a variety of colorful, small fish, and some dangerous ones like barracudas. It does not have killer whales or great white sharks, however! This tight aquarium space was no doubt to give lots more room for the largest section, the mammals. Elephants, panthers, monkeys, gorillas, bears, wolves, and more, even a pair of tigers, are on display. And they are clearly as well-treated as they can be in captivity.
Finally, one may visit “The Gardens”. Though no animals are kept here, the abundant and lush trees and flower beds are host to a number of native birds and critters. Nothing to shock or truly please, unless you’re one out for a relaxing day in nature. Many families visiting also stop over here for picnicking. The Gardens are a few acres onto themselves and unless it’s the busiest time of the year, one can be sure to find relative peace and solitude in this natural beauty.
OOC: The zoo is open 10-4 in the “off-seasons” (fall and winter), and 9-6 in the busier tourist seasons (spring and summer). Anyone can visit, but the hengeyokai of the Court of Bamboo Talons control this place through Kin and personal influence.
Zone: West Side
Wall: 6
Bamboo Woods Bed & Breakfast (hotel)
Comfort and elegance define this crossover between the classic New England hostel and Asian hospitality. The décor is predominantly Far Eastern in taste, from the rosewood wall paneling to the tapestries and golden Buddha statues. This B&B caters breakfast and dinner feasts to its guests. The chefs are well-known for their merging of different Oriental cuisines. The Bamboo Woods holds fifty rooms on four floors. Every room, while not especially spacious, feels warm and comfortable. The homey and satisfying appeal of homemade craftsmanship is evident in every room’s simple décor and lighting. The Bamboo Woods attracts tourists and Little Asians alike all year round. It will likely stay in business for some time to come.
OOC: The Bamboo Woods requires reservations in advance. Rooms cost about $100 a night but that includes the two hot meals. The B&B’s doors are locked at midnight and reopen at 6 AM.
Zone: West Side
Wall: 8
West End (public schools)
Within two blocks of each other, the district’s public schools rest: elementary and junior high in one area, high school in the other. School buses deposit students around 8:30 AM and pick them up around 2:30 PM every weekday from September to June. The schools are closed during the summer and for short spring and winter breaks. Here Little Asian youths gain their education in preparation for college or the workforce. The schools offer all the academic and extracurricular activities one comes to expect of public schools. The huge bi-level buildings cater to thousands of students every year. Trailer classrooms were even added to accommodate the growing community. Unlike some urban centers, West End prides itself on promoting healthy academic careers above all. Consequently, West End can’t match other local schools’ sports varsities. Although, their soccer and softball teams are quite decent. Juvenile delinquencies are at a fair low, so security at West End remains lax. The concrete, plaster, and glass buildings yield the future’s promise to the hard world beyond school. Within the tiled halls, banners and plaques display class pride and the wisdom of youth. Every classroom looks different, designed for the individual instructor’s taste. Naturally, desks and chalkboards are prevalent themes. But with close to seventy-five classrooms per school, whole wings dedicated to each grade, the 300-person staff will have plenty of space for individuality within the bounds of state standards. Both schools also boast decent gymnasiums and several acres of wide, grassy fields for sports and fun. While children may not like school, few can complain about West End.
OOC: The school doors are unlocked to faculty, students, and (to appropriate degrees) interested visitors and parents. No security officers guard the properties but the principals are quick to call the police if trouble comes. The schools are sealed off and empty from about 6 PM to 7 AM. Only faculty may arrive earlier or leave later (and most students are barred from entering til at least 7:30, and ushered out by 5).
Zone: West Side
Wall: 8
