The Kindred of the East Forum
Frequently Asked Questions
Compiled by Neurondancer
With much needed help from the White Wolf KotE Forumites.
Spoiler Disclaimer
This FAQ contains some or reference some information that you may not wish to know about for purposes of plot within your own game. Please avoid Section II if you do not wish to see any plot references.
Legal Disclaimer
All characters and ideas made reference to within this webpage are the property of White Wolf Publishing Inc. The mention of or reference to any company or product in these pages is not a challenge to the trademark or copyright concerned.
These products use the supernatural for settings, characters and themes. All mystical and supernatural elements are fiction and intended for entertainment purposes only. Reader discretion is advised.
Introduction
This website is intended as reference material for the White Wolf Kindred of the East Forum located at www.white-wolf.com All information presented here is only the opinion of one forumite, and is intended as a quick reference for those new to the forum or to Kindred of the East.
Section I: Basics
This section is intended as an introduction to Kindred of the East, both in terms of the basics of what a Kindred of the East, called Kuei-jin (abbreviated KJ), is and a brief description of how the rules apply to them.
The Kindred of the East are vampires right?
Not precisely. First, the Kindred of the East refer to themselves as Kuei-jin, rather than Cathayans as the Cainites label them. Second, they are a distinct species that only on the surface appears the same as the Children of Caine.
The Kuei-jin appear to subsist on blood, much the way western vampires do; however, they actually subsist on chi (ki, prana). Distilling it from the blood that some of them drink. On an important note, the matter of Yin and Yang chi is quite important to Kuei-jin and determines several of their characteristics.
Yin...Yang. So what?
This is one of the huge stumbling points for people. The Kuei-jin have chi virtues and chi pools. Depending upon which type of chi they use to animate themselves, they either look similar to "normal" people, or have something disquietingly death-like about them. That layered on top of having 5 distinct aspects in terms of their virtues.
When Yang Imbalanced, a Kuei-jin is heir to most of the trials that humans are, they can sire/bear children, suffer from disease, we suspect their hair and fingernails grow (though that isn't confirmed), in addition to the troubles a Yang Balanced vampire experiences.
If a Kuei-jin is Yang Balanced, they are more prone to Fire Soul (or frenzy), and may be staked by Metal objects. Staking a Kuei-jin with metal follows the same rules as staking a Cainite with wood.
A Yin Imbalanced Kuei-jin is very close to being a walking corpse. They tend to look and smell that way, and will over time their appearance will decay until they look monstrous, dark, and twisted, this in addition to the troubles of being a Yin Balanced Kuei-jin.
Kuei-jin who are Yin Balanced are more prone to Wave Soul (or Rotschreck, pardon my spelling), and may be staked by wood, just like a Cainite.
Finally, a balanced Kuei-jin has none of the difficulties of the others, but none of the advantages either. See, a Yin balanced (or imbalanced) Kuei-jin finds it easier to ignore Fire Soul, and a Yang balanced Kuei-jin finds it easier to ignore Wave Soul. Guess you can't win them all.
What exactly is a Kuei-jin?
Well, Kuei-jin are very unique creatures in the World of Darkness. They are closest to Risen, a type of wraith who reacquires its body. The darker half of their soul suffers in hell, and then returns to earth and reclaims the body. They are strong and tough, deriving power from their dark side.
But, they also share quite a bit in common with Cainites. Surviving on the stolen life force of others. Fundamentally they are predators of humanity in the same way that all Cainites are. Their learned power progression follows the same structure as well, disciplines with a linear power progression.
Their complex social interactions is somewhat reminiscent of the Shifters Courts. A complex ritual and spiritual life that allows them to interact with the world and the spirits that move it behind the scenes.
The Kuei-jin search for enlightenment is in some ways similar to the Mage search for ascension. However, at this point the similarity stops. Kuei-jin follow dharmas that are decidedly inhuman, the closest analogues are the Paths of Enlightenment that some Cainites follow. The difference being that as the Kuei-jin gains enlightenment, their power grows. While comparatively a Cainite does not gain as much of a benefit from having a high rating in its path.
Overall, they have their similarities to several of the different creatures in the World of Darkness, but they are fundamentally different, a unique entity. Even they would not be able to explain exactly what.
So Kuei-jin can bear children?
As previously mentioned, only Yang Imbalanced Kuei-jin can sire/bear children. These children are called Dhampyrs, and are not like dhampir, revnants, or ghouls. They are devil children who tend to have very odd luck.
Kuei-jin can mate with mortals or each other, producing Dhampyr in both cases. They do not succeed in bearing children with Shifters.
Ok, so what's this about no clans?
The Kuei-jin are a strange bunch. They are not embraced the way western vampires are, instead they die and their souls fall to the ten thousand hells. Their souls manage to escape from hell, and reunite with their bodies. These are the conditions that spawn Kuei-jin.
Because of the odd nature of their origins, there are no blood lines for Kuei-jin, and thus no clans. Instead the Kuei-jin organize themselves around belief systems called Dharmas. Each of these dharmas is like a Cainite Path of Enlightenment, and it is the goal of all Kuei-jin to achieve a state much like Golconda.
Ok, so what about the Cam and the Sabbat?
There is no Cam or Sabbat. Instead the Kuei-jin group themselves into very tight knit courts. Individuals in these courts tend to be much more obedient, but due to the size of those courts they have only very limited control over large regions.
Do I have to be Asian to become a Kuei-jin?
Yes, unless your storyteller makes a non-canonical exception. Kuei-jin arise because the beliefs in Asia are different from those in the rest of the world, and their souls thus have the potential to become Kuei-jin.
I believe that canonically your family needs to have been deeply involved in Asian culture for three generations for it to be possible to become a Kuei-jin. With those who are only partly Asian it starts to become nebulous, I believe the canonical cut off is about half.
What are the sorts of power Kuei-jin have?
Uh, it would be a little hard to give an exact listing. But many of the disciplines that Kuei-jin have are very flexible, and very potent. Especially as compared to western vampires. This lead the players of V:tM to complain a great deal about losses in game balance.
But, there is an odd balance that gets struck. Kuei-jin are better at dealing aggravated damage than Cainites; however, they have a much harder time soaking it. Leading one to believe that they only use their full powers when they really really mean it.
What other kinds of supers is a Kuei-jin likely to encounter?
Ok, from the top. Kuei-jin refer to all supers as Shen. It's a word that translates as spirit, but in their lexicon means supernatural creature.
Mages: Kuei-jin call these guys Chi'n Ta, which means lightning people. They are essentially identical to mages elsewhere with a few new Traditions. You can read all about them in Dragons of the East.
Shifters: Called Hengeyokai by others in the region, these guys are again, very similar to their western compatriots. They have a sourcebook dedicated to them, different auspices, and the Kitsune (werefox) has been added as a possible species.
Wraits: The Eastern wraiths, called Kuei (ghosts), are functionally identical to their western counterparts. However, socially there are many differences. I'm not really an expert here, check out Dark Kingdom of Jade and Dark Kingdome of Jade Adventures to get a more complete view.
Hunters: Hunters in the east are different from the Hunter: The Reckoning characters. In the East there are two categories, Shih, and Strike Force Zero. The Shih have been around for thousands of years, can direct the chi in their bodies into devistating attacks and defenses, and strive to maintain balance in the world of Shen. Strike Force Zero is very new, last decade or so, and armed with the latest tech. They seek to utterly exterminate all Shen, and will not rest until such is accomplished. The debate is still open on how Hunters would perceive either of these groups. Read all about Shih and Strike Force Zero in Demon Hunter X.
Changelings: Probably the most different from their western equivalents. The Eastern version are called Hsien, and bear only a very faint resemblence to Changlings. Hsien are basically minor immortal spirits who have are trapped on this side of the Umbra. They do not correlate well to Changelings in terms of type or powers very well at all. Read The Land of 8 Million Dreams to find out about them.
Can Kindred of the East be used with Revised?
Using the Kindred of the East core book, the Kindred of the East companion, and the Vampire storyteller�s guide it is possible to update all rules for the revised game balance.
Section II: Plot
This section address some of the recent plot developments in the Kindred of the East storyline. If you do not want to see spoilers scroll past this section. Some of the material is covered more completely in the Vampire: The Masquerade Forum FAQ. Please visit that site (linked at the bottom of the page) to see what they have to say.
So Saulot's evil, right?
In the East Saulot is refered to as Zao-lat the traitor, and is commonly considered to be evil and barbaric by the Kuei-jin who know absolutely nothing about him, but the official FAQ says it best.
"Of course not. He was a vampire saint unjustly martyred by those bastard Tremere. Just ask the Salubri. They'll tell you." Taken directly from the White Wolf Kindred of the East Frequently Asked Questions page)
Is Ravnos Dead?
Yes, he�s dead. Don�t believe me? Ask Justin Achilli, and duck when he, likely, throws something heavy and sharp at you. For more info here, see the V:tM FAQ, link is at the bottom of the page.
If Kuei-jin only arise in Asia, why are they on the West Coast?
Actually, in areas of dense Asian population around the world Kuei-jin can arise. It's rare, but it does happen.
This isn't what you're thinking though. The Kuei-jin presence in San Francisco is due to a movement in the Chinese Courts called the Great Leap outward. Not content to wait for the Cainites to come and take over their land, the Kuei-jin went on the offensive. They currently coexist (sort of) with the Cainites in California.
Do the Kuei-jin believe in Gehenna/the Apocalypse?
The Kuei-jin believe in a slightly different cosmology. Under their beliefs the world will know 12 ages, we are currently in the 5th age, the Age of Darkness. The corruption of the physical world will reach its absolute limit/maximum during the 6th age, called the Age of Sorrows.
Supposedly at this time one of the Lords of Hell, Yama Kings, will rise into the mortal world and become the Demon Emperor. Many of the Kuei-jin work to stave off the 6th age as best they can. Many others, particularly those who have sold their souls to the Yama Kings, work to bring about the 6th age with great vigor.
Is the Age of Sorrows here? People keep saying it is.
The turning of ages happens gradually. It would be very hard to pin down the exact moment that the 4th age became the 5th age. But, everyone agrees on approximately when it occured. The 6th age may indeed be here. There have been some signs, like the ministers being kicked out of Heaven, and the awakening of Ravnos. However, no one is absolutely certain.
Section III: Forum Questions
This section addresses some of the common questions on the Forum. Again, the Vampire: The Masquerade FAQ is a bit more complete.
What does the Kuei-jin Symbol mean?
As near as we can tell it's supposed to be a stylized version of the Chinese word Chi. However, it is missing some strokes. Since Chi is a central theme in Kindred of the East, we can only assume that White Wolf meant for it to say Chi, but made some mistake.
Which Yama King do you think will win?
This is much like, which Antediluvian will win at the end of Gehenna. We all have our personal favourites, especially based on who seems to be winning right now. It's fun to speculate, but you won't find any hard and fast answers here.
Was the Ravnos Antediluvian a Yama King?
Here things are interesting. Supposedly there is a Yama King named Ravana, the Gangrel refer to the Ravnos Antediluvian as Ravana, and not whatever name he normally uses. But, according to the clan geneology there is a member of the clan, a 4th gen, who is named Ravana.
"In Kindred of the East, it doesn't matter what some gweilo may think about Ravanna or Zao-lat, what matters is their role in the established hierarchy of the Middle Kingdom. Ravanna is a Yama King, not some debased Indian vampire. Zao-lat was a thief from the West, not some fount of enlightenment."
-Phillip Boulle (the first Kindred of the East Developer)
He goes on to say that it's not something that can be answered in canon, and is left to storyteller discretion. So, it's really up to you, or the newest writers who get their hands on Kindred of the East.
Could a Kuei-jin beat (insert species name here)?
Depends on the species, the forums in general have seen more than enough which species of super is the best. While many forumites will give this question some careful thought, the forums as a whole are probably no longer interested in this line of questioning, if indeed they ever were.
I hate the Use Terms, this forum sucks! White Wolf sucks!
Figured I'd address two birds with one stone. Yes, I meant that mixed metaphor. The forums are the way they are. Thank White Wolf that you have this place to air your greivances. The Use Terms are, generally speaking, quite generous. If you have a problem with them, go elsewhere.
Further, if you have a problem with White Wolf or it's practices you can take it up with the appropriate people, many of the developers and writers have e-mails listed on the White Wolf page. However, if you just want to complain, don't expect them to cut you much slack.
Personally, I may not enjoy everything that White Wolf does in terms of business or with their characters/plots, but they are an excellent company overall. We should try to be considerate and not be overly judgmental. How would you like it if some guy came into your office and started complaining about the way you do your job?
What does IC and OT mean?
Respectively, IC means In Character, and OT means Off Topic. Threads posted In Character assume that all posters are writing from the perspective of a particular character in the World of Darkness.
The Off Topic marker is there to warn forumites that a particular thread has nothing really to do with the central theme of the forum. Sometimes people get annoyed when someone bounces into the vampire forum and wants to talk about the anime series "Tiny Snow Fairy Sugar".
What does YotL and KotE?
YotL is an acronym for Year of the Lotus, the first year in which Kindred of the East was introduced, as well as many of the other Shen who populate asia.
KotE is an acronym for Kindred of the East. It is commonly used because typing Kindred of the East over and over gets very tiring.
What anime, manga, and HKC?
Anime is an animation style that originated in Japan. In many ways the Japanese equivalent of the American movie industry, Anime address everything from Disney-esque topics to extremely adult, and often pornographic, material.
There is some confusion in terms of the usage of Anime and Manga. Manga refers to the non-animated comic books that often have the same stories that anime of the same or similar title have. However, the confusion comes from an anime company named Manga. Just remember, anime = animated. Manga = comic book.
HKC is Hong Kong Cinema. HKC had a very strong influence on KotE and as such people on the forums often like to discuss particular movies and how some character archetypes that are common might translate well into Shen in the World of Darkness.
Wouldn't (insert Anime/Manga/HKC title here) be a good source for Kindred of the East?
Well, run your game as you please of course. If you happen to like the thematic/plot elements present in said story have fun with it. But, you might try inventing your own stories first. After all, what if one of your players has seen/read the story before? The game would be dull for them. On the whole just remember that the point of gaming is to have fun, and if you and your players enjoy incorporating ideas from elsewhere more power to you.
Links you may consider useful
Vampire: The Masquerade FAQ
Kindred of the East Homepage
White Wolf Official Kindred of the East FAQ
On the expanded character sheet: Ok, guys. I don't want to be in violation of legal stuff with White Wolf. So I can't make the koe.pdf file downloadable from this page. I'm really sorry.
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