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| Mo-Kan,
The Swinging Bridge
Although generally off limits to all but the Gangrel due to its location within the Zoo |
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| The
Limestone Glade
Although Swope Park has more than one limestone glade, there is one in paticular where the Gangrel may gather for interaction. The Limestone Glade can be found on the southwest slopes of the the Park. There is no set path, but many of the Gangrel know the way. Within the steep, rocky hills and thick brush, down in a small ravine lies a small pool appearantly untouched by the centuries. The pool bubbles with warm water, a common effect in the isolated desert-like environs of limestone glades. Here, large rocks jut out of the ground around the pool providing ample spots for Gangrel to sit and interact. The Glade is dry and thin-soiled with exposed bedrock and exotic plants like the stunning Running Buffalo Clover and the elusive Bladderpod. Overgrown with hickory and oak trees, and thick brush, the Clan may feel at ease that their presence will easily be missed. It is a beautiful and placid place perfect for the Clan, being called a "Garden of Eden" more than once by those who visit it. |
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| The
Swope Lagoon
The lagoon was formed by rainfall and watershed after a dam was built at one end of an old dry ox-bow in the Blue River. The waters of the river at one time flowed through the U-shaped bend. Later it became a deep, dry ravine when the river changed its course. Gangrel are permitted to enjoy the Lagoon as they wish, but only during the hours following midnight. However, this restriction may be lifted if a Gathering of the Clan is called formally. |
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| Swope
Memorial
Mausoleum
The mausoleum was constructed in 1917. Though accessible by foot paths and a road, the Swope Memorial, high among the trees on the bluff just east of the Lagoon, is seldom visited by the thousands of kine visitors who go to the park each year. The road is blocked off at night by the Park Rangers, allowing normal access only by footpath. No Gangrel is permitted to access the road with a vehicle, or abandon the vehicle at the road block when coming to the Memorial. Go by foot, or wing ... or not at all. |
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The
Hidden Grove (The Clearing)
The often used meeting spot for the Gangrel, obscured and isolated deep within the Oak-hickory forest. Some say that the trees in this area have been "made aware" by the magical rotes and spells laid there by former Jarl Morgan Powyll's ghoul, Joshua Mayworth. The gangrel are vaugely aware of the spirits that have been stirred within the trees surrounding the Hidden Grove, and will not take the destruction or general harm of these trees lightly. Some say that the trees whisper to one another, speaking of the Kindred who gather there and standing as ever-vigilant watchmen to the Grove and its occupants. The Grove has been sanctioned as Elysium for the Palatinate Gangrel. All applicable rules should be followed. |
| The
Ruins
Within Swope Park, there is an area known as The Ruins. The entire area sits up on a limestone bluff, overlooking much of the Park. The outlying grounds of the Ruins are littered with thin-soiled areas with exposed bedrock and large hunks of limestone jutting from the soil. Although the Ruins cannot be spied from outside the Park easily, it is visible from some locales within the Park itself. Said to be a haunted, and even frequented by cultists, the Ruins is an abandoned place of mystery. It is one of the most highly guarded locations with the Gangrel Domain, and few come to know the full extent of its history. The Ruins is a place that is broken up into many different and frightening venues. The most prominent feature of the Ruins is the large, foreboding mansion that stands as a legacy to its former owner, dating back to the Civil War era. Several outbuildings accompany the mansion, namely a small ill kept chapel house, the crumbling remains of a smoke house, and the ruined structure that is little more than a foundation which is said to have once been servant quarters. |
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The Chapel in the
Ruins
There are outbuildings that stand around the Mansion. Many are nothing more than shells or ruined foundations. However, the stone structure of the Chapel still stands. It appears to be nothing more than a small Masoleum perhaps originally intended for a burial place for the mysterious owners of the Mansion that stands not far away. However, this outbuilding has been put to some use by the Gangrel, it is used as a meeting place for neonates to glean knowledge from Elders of the Clan |
| The Challenge Circle
This Stone circle just off the ruins, serves as a place of practice, meditation, sparring, and resolution. If any Gangrel need to practice their skills in combat, they may come here. The Elysium of "The Clearing" is not the place for combat of any kind. Gangrel who wish to practice their combat skills alone or with a partner are urged to come here. Those Gangrel who feel that they must work out conflict through a trial of battle, may come here as well. Trials of Battle are not to be taken lightly. Do so as a last resort. |
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Limestone Caves
There are small, odd stone ruins that are rumored to link into limestone caves that run the length and width of the Park. Some say that these caves were part of a mining expedition used to quarry limestone. Others remark that they are remnants of the Underground Railroad, used to shelter and transport slaves through the area. Some even surmise that the caves have always stood as they are. Either way, the small ruined structures are there, but the Park long made them off limits to visitors and sight-seers due to safety issues. Only the Gangrel are allowed to access the Limestone Caves.  |
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Images here are used with persmission. Whenever possible actual pictures of the real life Swope Park were used to offer players with visual references. 02-12-2003 |
