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Shanghai - Chapter Nine: Triple Threat

This chapter covers what happens when the fates of the Imbued cross those of the shih and Strike Force Zero.

by Eloy Lasanta (https://web.archive.org/web/20101230091245/mailto:kendril1@gmail.com)  (World of Darkness

(https://web.archive.org/web/20101230091245/http://www.nocturnis.net/games/world_of_darkness) | World of Darkness: Shanghai
(\"http://www.nocturnis.net/projects/world_of_darkness_shanghai\") | Resources)

The battles between mortals and the shen have existed since the dawn of time in the Orient. This tradition has not been lost to the mortals of the modern day.
The shen hunt even more vigilantly in the End Times, pushing for more protection that the small forces of hunters cannot provide by themselves. The fates of
the three types of hunters are intertwined, a discovery that will only come to fruition in the City of Shanghai.

The Shih

The city of Shanghai has not gone untouched by the protection of the Shih, demon hunters that lurk in the nightmares of the shen. On the other hand, the city
has received only the most minimal protection for the past 60 years, as many Shih who entered the battlefield were slaughtered under the weight of hundreds of
warriors on both sides of the ongoing wars.

There has been one Shih that has survived every attack and battle that has commenced and has lived for over 120 years. This man is known only as Xiaodu
and has become legend in the streets of Shanghai. He has single handedly trained 50+ Shih in the ways of hunting the shen and preserving the peace and has
created many new and different Qiao to aid that cause. Even though it has been difficult, Xiaodu has tried his best to achieve comparable peace in Shanghai.

Many of Xiaodu’s students have gone on to become great protectors of other great cities. Wang Sying the Striking Fist and Nui Xiaocai the Pearl Chain of
Kowloon are just a few examples of his impact on the Middle Kingdom, but there has been great turmoil in his temple in the past months. A mysterious coma-
like sleep has overtaken the wise sage, despite the great Qiao he possessed. Many of his students have decided to return to Shanghai to be with their master
in his final days; only a hand-full reside in Shanghai currently, but more will arrive soon.

The Discovery

Upon arriving in the city, Jun Shun the Magnificent Slaughterer of Beasts, Xiaodu’s top student, discovered many plots afoot. After prowling the abandoned
factories, the red-light neighborhoods and the seemingly pristine business districts, he felt the energy of the areas uncomfortable, stagnant. Speaking with many
fang shih who were loyal to Xiaodu, Shun found that the Feng Shui of Shanghai has been tampered with in a monumental way. He has made it his mission to
see to it that the city is returned to a state of peace, something his teacher was unable to do.

Jun Shun waded a path through the town’s shen, making deals and threats to gain information on the events that have transpired in the recent months. He
wandered until he discovered a previously unknown clique the Shih referred to as the Celestial Army, as well as a renegade faction of Strike Force Zero.

Shun has swallowed his immense pride and has reluctantly teamed up with the leaders of each of these groups in the hopes of finding more data about the
catastrophe of Shanghai, and possibly the origin of his master’s illness.

The Imbued

The number of Imbued in the Middle Kingdom has reached an all time high in 2003, many being drawn by the stories of Asia on HunterNet. They are normally
surprised to find, not only another type of hunter – the Shih – in Asia, but also many Imbued that have been chosen in the lands of the East. This is the sign of
many things to come. Whether this is good or bad is unknown.

The Celestial Army

There once was a group of Shih that took the power they learned and used it without training and without planning. They also attacked all shen, evil and good
alike, for no reason. They eventually turned on each other and their empire burned with the flame of their own desires. This is how the Imbued are viewed in the
Middle Kingdom, untrained, puny mortals given power they have no way to control.

For the native Imbued, it is not only a question of power or destroying the wicked, but of respect as well. They must work together with the local hunters to
learn. The organization of the hunters in Asia is a bit tighter than those in America. Their population is not as high, leading those of all creeds to band together,
despite their differences. The leader of this group is a follower of the Redeemer Creed, Chui Puiyun. She rules with many suggestions from the wise Jun Shun
of the Shih, as he teaches the Imbued better control and use for their abilities.

The Foreigners

For those Imbued that travel to the Orient from other countries, it is quite different than with the majority of the shen’s dealing with the west. Foreign hunters are
respected for their courage for coming to a land that is far more dangerous and are welcome by the native Imbued with open arms. Those who are easily
suspicious or are loners by nature tend to shy away from the native Imbued’s openness about their powers and abilities. The shen know about them here. That
can’t be a good thing.

Strike Force Zero

The Zaibatsu, an eastern division of the Technocracy, has forever held its sway over Japan. Its grip has always faltered in the lands of China, however,
commonly because of the Shih’s conviction and territoriality.  Don’t forget the national enmity towards the Japanese for instigating the invasion of the World War
in general, as well as the atrocities committed in Nanjing in particular.   But in the city of Shanghai, this differs greatly. 

Heaven’s Heavy Hand, or Heavy Hand for short, has existed in Shanghai for the last 70 years, establishing itself just before the squabbles that began WWII.  Its
forces were strong in the beginning, paving the way for the Japanese soldiers to easily conquer many parts of China and Korea. But today, they are seen as a
rebel faction, traitors to the cause, after they teamed up with a group of Shih and fought against the depraved actions of Nanjing. This interfered with the
Zaibatsu’s plans, so the Heavy Hand was cast out of fold, stripped of all their power and rank. 

The Struggling

In modern day Shanghai, Heaven’s Heavy Hand has all but disbanded. They are small in number now and only have limited resources of money and
enhancements to use against the supernatural. Over the last five years, several agents have been reported MIA, leading the Heavy Hand to seek refuge and
assistance. They cannot return to their roots. Their last attempt in 1985, led to the death of their leader and much chaos within their ranks. So their current
leader, Fu Xue-Ren, has instead decided to join forces with the city’s other hunter troupes. They are quite different, but help is needed in whatever form it may
come. Japanese economic investment in the PRC has been increased substantially in the last 30 years, allowing SF0 proper to enter the city, but the Heavy
Hand has stayed under their all-knowing radar thus far.

The Union

The juxtaposition of the 3 distinct hunter groups came into being on May 20th, 2002, dubbing themselves the United Front, and has existed as a strong force to
supernatural occurrences since. On the outside, they seem to be a well-oiled machine, fighting as one and in perfect unison. From inside its doors, the conflict
and inward battling is almost non-stop.

Many Imbued, especially those from other countries, do not appreciate the Shihs’ constant criticism and authoritarian glances. They side more with the views of
the Heavy Hand, yet dislike the huge amounts of gadgets and implants they present. It makes them even more nervous the blade-toting Shih. The Strike Force
Zero ex-agents prefer fully laid out battle plans as opposed to the guerrilla tactics used by both the other factions and the Shih dislikes anyone who isn’t as
grand and trained as they are. Power in the hands of the untrained is foolhardy indeed.

Despite the differences, however, they pull together in times of trouble. But their small and fragile empire could tumble down, leaving nothing to stand against
the shen of the Middle Kingdom.

The Leaders

Only one part of the United Front actually works well: the relationship between the factions’ leaders.  It is strange, as the different hunters usually hate each
other, but there some sort of metaphysical connection between them. 

After seeing many fortune tellers and psychics, it has been found out that they all shared a previous life.  Shun and Xue-Ren were brothers who fought for the
love of the lovely Puiyun over 400 years ago.  Her blood, then, had the power to give immortality to the brother who drank it.  Does it still have that same power
after so many lifetimes? 

The leaders are beginning to, after being in each other’s presence for so long now, show similar traits as their past lives.  The Shih and Heavy Hand agent both
attempt to court the Imbued, while at all times they avoid the thoughts of cultivating her blood.

This Ain't the Justice League

The teaming up of the city’s Hunters can be misinterpreted, so here is an explanation.  No there is not a central headquarters for the union, where they meet
together to view the problems in the city and run off as a team to conquer them.  The union is simply that all hunters must not fight each other and must help
another hunter if they see on in need.  This is a game of survival for us, but it’s not a game for the characters.

Hunters of Note (NPCs)

Jun Shun, the Magnificent Slaughterer of Beasts

Background: Raised since the age of 6 by one of the greatest Shih, Xiaodu, Jun Shun possesses the fury and rage of any good warrior.  He has combated the
forces of Yomi and the other shen who step out of line for decades of his life, leaving little for any actual emotions.

For many of the recent years, he became a monster himself, indulging in the pure joy of killing the shen, and even mortals, whether or not they actually
deserved.  But in the recent nights, his emotions have become inflamed.  His master, teacher and ‘father’ has contracted a strange disease and his only
mission is to find the culprit responsible – if there is one.  But what does the now vulnerable Shun do about sudden feelings about Puiyun.

Description: A rugged looking man, hardened by a life of killing and death.  He has shoulder-length, straight black hair that falls over his eye ever so slightly. 
In every way he is attractive, except for his personality.  He is seen, mostly, wearing his black trench coat and sun glasses.  These items are enchanted and he
will do anything to get them back if they were stolen.

Roleplaying Hints: You are a cold bastard who has done some really outlandish shit! But you have no regrets except one: that you were not there to defend
your master.  Now you have 2 agendas, first to find the person behind the disease of your teacher and trying to turn the beautiful Puiyun away from you.  You
have a feeling that if she chooses you, then you might not be able to resist drinking her blood.  Try your hardest to stay way, no matter how hard it is.

Home: Shun has no one place where he dwells.  But he frequents the home of Xiaodu, just west of the Shanghai Children’s Palace, often.

Secrets: After several prophetic dreams, Jun Shun has realized one thing: Puiyun’s could save his master.

Influence: He is a legend among the Shih and leader of their faction of the United Front.  If needed, he could flex his power, but that time has not come yet.

Nature/Demanor: Loner, Hunter Class: Shih

Attributes: Physical: Strength 4, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4, Social: Charisma 1, Manipulation 2, Appearance 3, Mental: Perception 3, Intelligence 3, Wits 4

Abilities: Talents:  Alertness 3, Athletics 3, Dodge 4, Empathy 1, Intimidation 2, Streetwise 3, Skills: Drive 3, Firearms 3, Melee 4, Martial Arts 5 (Mo Kung
Chi), Security 3, Stealth 3, Survival 3, Knowledges: Computer 2, Investigation 2, Law 1, Linguistics 1, Medicine 3, Occult 4

Qiao: Zhu Mao 4, Mo Kung 3, I Shen 2, Long Ling 2, Yu An 1, Feng 1

Backgrounds: Mentor 5, Fame 2, Favors 5, Ally 2

Virtues: Conscience 2, Self-Control/Yin 4, Courage/Yang 4

Humanity: 5, Willpower: 9, P’o: 2

Fu Xue-Ren

Background: Fu Xue-Ren lived a normal life in Shanghai, until the Zaibatsu showed up.  Even though they were of Japanese blood, the Techno-mancers
entranced several of the younger Shanghainese into joining the cause against the dark forces that prey upon humanity in the night.  Xue-Ren was one of these
young people who enlisted in 1990.  He learned the intricacies of Strike Force Zero and Heaven’s Heavy Hand in general, including the fact that they were
exiled and their attempts to regain their lost status. 

In 1998, at the age of 28, he was raised to the rank of General, the leader of the scattered force.  He has led well in the past half decade, killing as many as 150
shen himself, but has recently been distracted by the beauty of the young Puiyun.  His main focus is on her and her blood.  The three leaders have all had
dreams and know what they must do. Can he resist the sweet blood of immortality for love?

Description: In his early 30’s, Xue-Ren stands tall and muscular (which are mostly enhancements).  He has a strange metallic quality to him, yet is he is quite
attractive that way.  He wears normal clothing or whatever he can get his hands on.

Roleplaying Hints: You present yourself as a gentle lover to Puiyun, yet in the back of your mind you want her precious blood.  You don’t know, however, if it’s
worth losing her affections to live forever.  When dealing with anyone else, you are a bastard, barking out orders that you expect to be followed immediately.

Home: He makes his home near to Puiyun in the International Settlement.

Secrets: He has made deals with certain Kuei-jin in the city to give him leads on who to kill and when. A small mercenary group of sorts.  This is an inventive
way to plot the death of Puiyun as well.

Influence: He has a small force of other Ex-Agents under him, but nothing other than that.

Nature/Demeanor: Deviant/Bravo, Hunter Class: Strike Force Zero

Attributes: Physical: Strength 3, Dexterity 2, Stamina 3, Social: Charisma 2, Manipulation 4, Appearance 3, Mental: Perception 3, Intelligence 4, Wits 3

Abilities: Talents:  Alertness 2, Athletics 2, Brawl 3, Dodge 2, Intimidation 2, Leadership 4, Streetwise 3, Subterfuge 2, Skills: Drive 2, Etiquette 3, Firearms 4,
Melee 2, Security 2, Stealth 1, Survival 3, Knowledges: Bureaucracy 2, Computer 3, Investigation 2, Law 2, Linguistics 1, Occult 2, Politics 2

Enhancements: Enhancers (Arms), Internal Tracking Gear, Video Eyes, Emotion Suppressors, Sheath (Leg)

Backgrounds: Arsenal 3, Contacts 3, Equipment 1, Rank 5, Resources 3

Virtues: Conscience 3, Self-Control/Yin 4, Courage/Yang 3

Humanity: 6, Willpower: 7, P’o: 1

Chui Puiyun

Background: Puiyun was awoke from her plain life as a timid waitress one day when her restaurant was attack bloodsuckers.  One of which was her brother
that died over a year before.  Using her powers and her natural investigative skills, she was able to track down her brother and convince him that his bouts of
violent attacks were wrong.  This was what she wanted to do wither life.

The Shih left her alone most of the time, however more and more Imbued came started to influx into the city, giving those Asian Imbued a bad name along with
the rest.  Her next mission was to compile them all and teach them the right way to do things.

The United Front was her idea, after meeting the other leaders and deciding that something had to be done about the recent events.  Her connection to the two
men is a strange one.  For some reason, feelings she’s never had has sprung forth but are directed towards both men.  And yet, they both act strangely in her
presence.

Description: A beautiful, intellectual woman, Puiyun dresses more conservatively. She lets her hair down sometimes, but only on special occasions.  She can
be very beautiful if made up correctly, but otherwise she still enjoys her librarian look she gives off.

Roleplaying Hints: Normally a shy woman, you have no quams about putting a shen or other hunter in their place, but the work is strenuous.  You have
feelings towards both Xue-Ren and Shun and the choice will be hard to make when the time comes.

Home: just north of the International Settlement.

Secrets: none of great importance, and does not know about her immortal blood.

Influence: many in hunter circles know her name, although she has particular pull unless you are a member of the United Front.  But that doesn’t stop her from
trying to convert you.

Nature/Demeanor: Caregiver, Creed: Redeemer, Primary Virtue: Mercy

Attributes: Physical: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 1, Social: Charisma 4, Manipulation 2, Appearance 4, Mental: Perception 4, Intelligence 2, Wits 3

Abilities: Talents: Alertness 3, Awareness 3, Dodge 3, Empathy 4, Intuition 2, Leadership 2, Skills: Crafts 1, Etiquette 2, Melee 2, Performance 3, Stealth 2,
Knowledges: Computer 1, Finance 2, Investigation 3, Occult 3,

Edges: Hide (Innocent), Bluster (Redeemer), Insinuate (Redeemer), Foresee (Visionary), Pinpoint (Visionary), Ward (Defender)

Backgrounds: Bystanders 1, Contacts 2, Destiny 3, Fame 1, Exposure 5, Patron 2, Resources 2

Virtues: Mercy 4, Vision 3, Zeal 1

Conviction: 8, Willpower: 6, P'o: 0

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