Sunset Empires
Sunset Empires is a sourcebook for Kindred of the East which details rules and settings for campaigns set in the 19th century in Asia.
While part of the Kindred of the East line, the book also contains information on how to run a Victorian Age: Vampire game with the information.
Summary
From the White Wolf catalog:
- Sunset Empires is part of the history of the World of Darkness; therefore nobody gets to play the part of the wholly innocent victim. Everyone takes a role in setting the course of the Victorian Age; everyone must eventually pay the piper.
- This book serves as a historical setting, covering the 19th century almost in its entirety, but it also serves as a vehicle to involve characters in one of Asia's most trying times.
- Why discuss the Opium Wars when characters can take part in them? Why mention Japan's rapid modernization if characters can't join the internecine fighting dividing the Japanese uji?
Contents
Introduction
Offers a lexicon and introduces the reader in the philosophy behind Sunset Empires, giving some historical context to the book by explaining that any event taking place prior to the 19th century is described in the past tense. Anything occurring post-1800, however, is written in the present tense regardless of decade to impart the sense that events unfold as the reader reads them.
Chapter One: China
Revisits the Middle Kingdom during her greatest turmoil. As China unravels and spirals out of control, it loses territory to foreign countries and prestige in the eyes of its own citizens. This chapter offers an overview of the Five August Courts during this turbulent period and invaluable information on the Quincunx's hierarchy.
Chapter Two: India
Touches upon the fabled subcontinent and the events birthing the celebrated British Raj, including the Great Mutiny. There’s also information on the basic structure of Victorian Indian cities to help Storytellers build their own regional settings.
Chapter Three: Japan
Deals with one of the only Asian countries to successfully adapt to the new world. This chapter illustrates Japan's ability to remake itself from a traditional Asian nation to the only regional superpower to defeat a European country in war. Storytellers may also find the discussion on uji houses, politics, and hierarchy especially useful.
Chapter Four: Southeast Asia
Touches upon the myriad scattered islands and countries of the Golden Courts, as well as the campaigns to tame these wild domains. From the warlike and tribal Burmese, to France's invasion of Indochina, to the Europe-savvy Siam, the region is rich in history, adventure, and danger.
Chapter Five: Character Creation
Summarizes the character creation process with an eye toward keeping it true to the spirit of the era. It also incorporates information offered in Victorian Age: Vampire and Kindred of the East, as well as offering new P'o archetypes and martial arts.
Chapter Six: Storytelling Sunset Empires
Finally compiles all the previous information together by discussing historical events and potential character roles during such notable milestones as the Great Mutiny, the Opium Wars, and the Boxer Rebellion. This section is the only one reserved exclusively for the Storyteller.
Background Information
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Memorable Quotes
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Characters
- Véronique d'Orléans, Brujah Prince of Macau
(...)
Terminology
Ongoing Crusade of Fire and Lies
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