View source for Kindred of the East

{{good article}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Short description|1998 role-playing game book}}
{{Infobox game
|title=''Kindred of the East''
|alt=Calligraphy of the Chinese character qi ("vital force") written with unconventional stroke order against a green background, with a red-and-gold border
|image=KindredOTE_cover.jpg
|caption=Cover art by Lawrence Snelly, depicting the Chinese character [[wikt:氣|氣]] (''[[qi]]'')
|designer= [[Robert Hatch (game designer)|Robert Hatch]]
|illustrator=Lawrence Snelly
|publisher= [[White Wolf Publishing]]
|date= February 1998
|system= [[Storyteller System]]
|parent_game = ''[[Vampire: The Masquerade]]''
|series = ''[[World of Darkness]]''
|isbn = 1-56504-232-8
|website = {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20030212071745/http://www.white-wolf.com/Games/Pages/KotEHome.html}}
}}

'''''Kindred of the East''''' is a [[tabletop role-playing game]] book and game line. It was released by [[White Wolf Publishing]] in February 1998 for use with their horror game ''[[Vampire: The Masquerade]]''. It is a part of the ''[[World of Darkness]]'' series, and is the first and main entry in the ''Year of the Lotus'' line of Asia-themed books released throughout 1998.

The book covers Asia as it is portrayed in the series' setting, with a focus on China, and introduces Asian vampires called kuei-jin as [[Player character|player characters]]. These subsist on ''[[qi|chi]]'', and are created from humans who have done evil during their lives and return to their bodies after death. Following paths of enlightenment in the hopes of attaining a higher state of being, they participate in kuei-jin courts and oppose the demonic Yama Kings who are anticipated to rule the world in the coming sixth age.

The game was designed by [[Robert Hatch (game designer)|Robert Hatch]], with art direction by Lawrence Snelly, who took visual inspiration from [[manga]]. It was supported by a line of supplementary books which further describe kuei-jin society and paths, and was adapted into other media including a short story, comics, and a [[live-action role-playing game]]; the kuei-jin were also featured in the video game ''[[Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines]]'' in 2004. ''Kindred of the East'' was generally well received by critics, who liked its gameplay, setting, mood, and artwork, but was criticized as portraying Asian people and cultures in a stereotypical way.

==Overview==
''Kindred of the East'' is a major rulebook and game line for the [[tabletop role-playing game]] ''[[Vampire: The Masquerade]]'', where players take the roles of vampires.<ref name="dragon rev"/><ref name="designers"/> It covers Asia as it is portrayed in the setting – primarily China – and introduces Asian vampires called kuei-jin{{efn|"Kuei-jin" is a term invented for ''Kindred of the East'' as a combination of the Chinese ''[[:wikt:鬼#Chinese|kuei]]'' ({{Lang-zh|鬼|labels=no}}, "ghost") and the Japanese {{nihongo|''[[:wikt:人#Japanese|jin]]''|人|extra="person"}}.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hatch |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Hatch (game designer) |date=February 1998 |title=Kindred of the East |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |page=10 |isbn=1-56504-232-8}}</ref>}} or "the hungry dead".<ref name="dragon rev"/><ref name="cb rev"/> While still undead, they differ from the vampires of ''Vampire: The Masquerade'':<ref name="cb rev"/> they do not originate from the biblical [[Cain|Caine]] – who in the ''[[World of Darkness]]'' series is reinterpreted as the first vampire – and were instead originally created by the divine [[August Personage of Jade]] during the second age, chosen from the most virtuous humans. Their purpose was to protect humanity from the Yama Kings and their demonic followers, but during the third age, they discovered that they could not only sustain themselves through the vital essence (''[[qi|chi]]'') of the world, but also through ''chi'' stolen from living beings. As punishment, the August Personage of Jade returned them to their dead bodies from their mortal lives and cut them off from the ''chi'' of the world, forcing them to survive on stolen ''chi''.<ref name="dragon rev"/>

The game is primarily set during the fifth age, in modern times, after the August Personage of Jade has turned away from the world. New kuei-jin are still created – referred to as attaining the second breath – but only from humans who have done evil and are weighed by karmic debts during their lives, and who crawl back from hell.<ref name="dragon rev"/><ref name="sfsite rev"/><ref name="dragao rev"/> Sometimes they return to someone else's dead body rather than their own,<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Miłosz |title=Recenzja |trans-title=Review |language=pl |magazine=[[Magia i Miecz]] |publisher=[[Wydawnictwo MAG]] |date=May 2000 |issue=5 |pages=12–13}}</ref> but a new kuei-jin does in any case begin as a zombie-like ''chih-mei'', whose mind is clouded by a hunger for ''chi'' and who attacks mortals for it until taken in and taught to control themselves by an older kuei-jin.<ref name="dragao rev"/>

Led by a [[gamemaster|storyteller]],{{efn|The person leading the game is called the "storyteller" in ''World of Darkness'' games, a role called "[[gamemaster]]" or "[[dungeon master]]" in other role-playing games.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/roleplaying-game/feature/shedding-light-on-world-of-darkness-vampire-rpg |title=Shedding light on World of Darkness, the gothic-punk universe of RPG Vampire: The Masquerade |author=Allison, Peter Ray |date=2020-02-06 |website=[[Dicebreaker]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=2021-11-01 |archive-date=2020-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713191637/https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/roleplaying-game/feature/shedding-light-on-world-of-darkness-vampire-rpg |url-status=live }}</ref>|name=storyteller}} players create and take the roles of newly-made kuei-jin, and role-play actions whose outcomes are in part determined through character attributes and rolling of dice.<ref name="dragon rev"/><ref name="backstab rev eng"/> The player characters undergo training by the character who saved them from their ''chih-mei'' state, and learn about existence as a kuei-jin and their society. After this, they can be introduced to a kuei-jin court – their primary social group – and become part of a blood family (''wu''), which typically is made up of the players' characters.<ref name="dragao rev"/> Kuei-jin follow one of several philosophical paths called dharmas, and the progression thereof is measured in levels, which affect the character's powers and their place in society;<ref name="dragon rev"/><ref name="dragao rev"/> their ultimate goal is progressing through their dharma and attaining enlightenment and a higher state of being.<ref name="dragon rev"/> The dharmas are based on different virtues, and a character must try to maintain the right balance between [[yin and yang]], and between their rational mind (''hun'') and the evil spirit they carry within (''p'o''), to make progress:<ref name="cb rev"/><ref name="dragao rev"/><ref name="cb rev eng"/> these include the Devil-Tiger dharma, based on ''p'o''; Resplendent Crane, based on ''hun''; Song of the Shadow, based on yin; Thrashing Dragon, based on yang; and Thousand Whispers, based on balance.<ref name="dragao rev"/>

Kuei-jin need to absorb ''chi'' to survive, which for young kuei-jin often is done by drinking mortals' blood, whereas older kuei-jin may draw it from the environment.<ref name="dragon rev"/><ref name="dragao rev"/> Absorbed ''chi'' is distilled into black and scarlet varieties, respectively linked to yin and death, and to yang and life.<ref name="cb rev"/><ref name="cb rev eng"/> These can be used to fuel various supernatural powers called disciplines, such as fire-breathing, phasing through walls, or flying,<ref name="cb rev eng"/><ref name="polter rev"/> which are powerful but affect the ''chi'' flow of the environment, and are thus detectable by other kuei-jin.<ref name="dragao rev"/> A character's balance between black and scarlet ''chi'' will also affect their disposition and appearance.<ref name="dosdediez presentation"/> In addition to the Yama Kings and their followers, who are anticipated to rule the world in the coming sixth age,<ref name="dragon rev"/><ref name="polter rev"/> the antagonists and rivals of the game include kuei-jin following heretical dharmas, Cainite vampires,<ref name="grog overview">{{cite web |url=http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade |title=Vampire : la Mascarade / Vampire : the Masquerade |language=fr |date=2009-05-08 |website=Guide du Rôliste Galactique |publisher=Association du Guide du Rôliste Galactique |access-date=2021-11-01 |archive-date=2021-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102031924/http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade |url-status=live }}</ref> ''hengeyokai'' shapeshifters, ''hsien'' [[changeling]]s, ghosts, and demon hunters.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hatch |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Hatch (game designer) |date=February 1998 |title=Kindred of the East |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |pages=200–221 |isbn=1-56504-232-8}}</ref>

==Production and release==
[[File:Kindred of the East Rising Phoenix.png|thumb|The art direction drew inspiration from [[manga]]. Pictured: a kuei-jin of the Rising Phoenix dharma.|alt=A black-and-white illustration of a kuei-jin woman writing in a notebook while a person lies dead behind her]]

''Kindred of the East'' was designed by [[Robert Hatch (game designer)|Robert Hatch]], with additional design by [[Phil Brucato]], Jackie Cassada, Mark Cenczyk, and Nicky Rea.<ref name="dragon rev">{{cite magazine |last=Pramas |first=Chris |date=June 1998 |title=Kindred of the East |magazine=[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]] |issue=248 |pages=104–105 |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.]]}}</ref> It was made after the publisher had kept details on Asian vampires vague since the series began with ''Vampire: The Masquerade'' in 1991,<ref name="cb rev eng">{{cite magazine |last=Lhomme |first=Tristan |date=April–May 1998 |title=Kindred of the East |magazine=[[Casus Belli (magazine)|Casus Belli]] |issue=113 |language=French |page=28 |publisher=Excelsior Publications}}</ref> having only discussed them as the Cainite bloodlines Gaki and Bushi, which after ''Kindred of the East'' were written out of the continuity.<ref name="style guide">{{cite book |title=Storytellers Vault Style Guide |url=https://archive.org/details/storytellers-vault-style-guide |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |chapter=Kindred of the East Style Guide |pages=28–37 |date=2019}}</ref> The game was written with suggested themes including balance versus imbalance, tradition versus new ways of thinking, the group versus the individual, east versus west, hierarchy, and redemption versus damnation.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hatch |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Hatch (game designer) |date=February 1998 |title=Kindred of the East |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |pages=188–191 |isbn=1-56504-232-8}}</ref> The lore of ''Kindred of the East'' was initially intended to be compatible with ''[[Exalted (role-playing game)|Exalted]]'', another of White Wolf Publishing's role-playing games, but the two ended up diverging.<ref name="grog overview"/> The art team included art director and cover artist Lawrence Snelly, logo designer Ash Arnett, calligraphy artist Andy Lee, and several interior artists,<ref>{{cite book |last=Hatch |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Hatch (game designer) |date=February 1998 |title=Kindred of the East |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |page=2 |isbn=1-56504-232-8}}</ref> who among other sources drew inspiration from [[manga]].<ref name="polter rev"/>

After a delay from November 1997,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=January 1997 |title=White Wolf |language=French |magazine=[[Casus Belli (magazine)|Casus Belli]] |issue=101 |page=10 |publisher=Excelsior Publications}}</ref> ''Kindred of the East'' was published by [[White Wolf Publishing]] in February 1998 as the first and main entry in their ''Year of the Lotus'' line of Asia-themed ''World of Darkness'' books, which introduced Asian supernatural beings to the games in the series, including ''Hengeyokai: Shapeshifters of the East'' for ''[[Werewolf: The Apocalypse]]'' and ''[[Land of Eight Million Dreams]]'' for ''[[Changeling: The Dreaming]]''.<ref name="designers"/><ref name="scifiuni 1998-04"/> ''Kindred of the East'' was based on ''Vampire: The Masquerade'', and was published as a supplement that requires the ''Vampire'' rulebook to be played, following the model of the publisher's ''[[Mummy: The Resurrection|Mummy Second Edition]]'' from the year prior. This was done as the game could attract attention in the same way as a new, standalone game, while not being the start of a new line that would require further publisher support.<ref name="designers">{{cite book |last=Appelcline |first=Shannon |year=2014 |title=Designers & Dragons: The '90s |edition=2nd |publisher=Evil Hat Productions |pages=7–52 |isbn=978-1-613170-84-7}}</ref>

Despite this, the game did receive its own line of supplements, starting with the ''Kindred of the East Companion'' book in 1999, which updates the game to bring it in line with the rules of the 1998 ''Revised Edition'' of ''Vampire: The Masquerade'', as well as further detailing kuei-jin society and adding new gameplay mechanics and background information.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Lhomme |first=Tristan |date=June–July 1999 |title=Kindred of the East Companion |language=French |magazine=[[Casus Belli (magazine)|Casus Belli]] |issue=120 |page=84 |publisher=Excelsior Publications}}</ref> The game was also released in other languages, including Brazilian Portuguese,<ref name="dragao rev">{{cite magazine |last=Fernandes |first=Victor R. |date=August 2002 |title=Chega ao Brasil o Oriente das Trevas! Banzai! |trans-title=The Dark East arrives in Brazil! Banzai! |magazine=Dragão Brasil |issue=89 |language=Portuguese |pages=12–15 |publisher=Editora Trama}}</ref> French,<ref name="cb rev"/> Polish,<ref name="mim rev"/> and Spanish.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Estirpe de Oriente |trans-title=Kindred of the East |language=es |magazine=Lider |publisher=La Caja de Pandora |date=February–March 2000 |issue=4 |page=20}}</ref> White Wolf Publishing eventually ended the ''Kindred of the East'' narrative in 2004 as part of the ''[[Time of Judgment]]'' event – a finale to the ''World of Darkness'' series – with adventures published in the book ''World of Darkness: Time of Judgment''.<ref name="designers"/> [[Bruce Baugh]], one of the writers on the ''Kindred of the East'' line, later said that if he had been able to write one more ''World of Darkness'' book, it may have been one expanding the ''Kindred of the East'' cosmology to make the second breath happen not only to Asian characters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flamesrising.com/bruce-baugh-author-interview/ |title=Interview with Author Bruce Baugh |date=2004-05-03 |website=Flames Rising |access-date=2021-11-08 |archive-date=2021-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125163623/https://www.flamesrising.com/bruce-baugh-author-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019, White Wolf Publishing retrospectively described ''Kindred of the East'' as written from a very Western perspective, and urged people making [[fan work]]s based on it to be conscious of [[orientalism]] and [[essentialism]].<ref name="style guide"/>

===Books===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Game books for ''Kindred of the East''
! Title
! Original release
! [[ISBN]]
! Notes
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Kindred of the East''
| {{dts|February 1998}}<ref name="scifiuni 1998-04"/>
| {{ISBNT|1-56504-232-8}}
| Core rulebook<ref name="designers"/>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Kindred of the East Companion''
| {{dts|April 1999}}<ref name="ww q2q3 1999 schedule">{{cite web |url=http://www.white-wolf.com/jan-june99.html |title=White Wolf January - June 1999 Schedule |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |access-date=2020-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990922033614/http://www.white-wolf.com/jan-june99.html |archive-date=1999-09-22 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-56504-223-9}}
| Book updating the game for ''Vampire: The Masquerade Revised Edition'', and adding mechanics and lore<ref name="casusbelli 120 ww news">{{cite magazine |date=June–July 1999 |title=White Wolf |language=French |magazine=[[Casus Belli (magazine)|Casus Belli]] |issue=120 |page=84 |publisher=Excelsior Publications}}</ref>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | {{Hidden sort key|1000 Hells, The}}''The 1000 Hells''
| {{dts|May 1999}}<ref name="ww q2q3 1999 schedule"/><ref name="sfsite new may 1999">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfsite.com/vault/9905g9.htm |title=New Gaming Arrivals: May 1999, Part II |website=[[SF Site]] |access-date=2020-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629075433/https://www.sfsite.com/vault/9905g9.htm |archive-date=2008-06-29 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-56504-226-3}}
| Sourcebook for the Yomi Worlds, the home of the Yama Kings<ref name="sfsite new may 1999"/><ref>{{cite magazine |date=June 1999 |title=News Juni '99 |trans-title=News June '99 |magazine=Envoyer |issue=32 |language=de |publisher=FZ Werbung Hannover |url=http://www.envoyer.de/ausgaben/news/1999/06.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010221195017/http://www.envoyer.de/ausgaben/news/1999/06.html |archive-date=2001-02-21 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Dharma Book: Devil-Tigers''
| {{dts|December 31, 1999|format=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/dharma-book-devil-tigers-en |title=Dharma Book : Devil Tigers |language=French |date=2009-05-08 |website=Guide du Rôliste Galactique |publisher=Association du Guide du Rôliste Galactique |access-date=2020-10-09 |archive-date=2020-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009213126/http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/dharma-book-devil-tigers-en |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-56504-239-5}}
| Sourcebook for the Devil-Tiger dharma<ref>{{cite magazine |date=January 2000 |title=News Januar 2000 |trans-title=News January 2000 |magazine=Envoyer |issue=39 |language=de |publisher=FZ Werbung Hannover |url=http://www.envoyer.de/ausgaben/news/2000/01.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010308222517/http://www.envoyer.de/ausgaben/news/2000/01.html |archive-date=2001-03-08 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Shadow War''
| {{dts|December 31, 1999|format=y}}<ref name="casusbelli 122 ww news">{{cite magazine |date=October–November 1999 |title=White Wolf |language=French |magazine=[[Casus Belli (magazine)|Casus Belli]] |issue=122 |pages=88–90 |publisher=Excelsior Publications}}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-56504-227-1}}
| Sourcebook for warfare between kuei-jin, and kuei-jin activity in California<ref name="casusbelli 122 ww news"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/sample.html?id=1613 |title=Shadow War (for Kindred of the East) |date=2000-05-12 |website=[[Pyramid (magazine)|Pyramid]] |publisher=[[Steve Jackson Games]] |access-date=2021-11-01 |archive-date=2021-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101132207/http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/sample.html?id=1613 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Dharma Book: Bone Flowers''
| {{Dts|January 2000}}<ref name="ww q1q2 1999 schedule">{{cite web |url=http://www.white-wolf.com/jan-june99.html |title=White Wolf January - June 1999 Schedule |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |access-date=2020-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990922033614/http://www.white-wolf.com/jan-june99.html |archive-date=1999-09-22 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-56504-240-9}}
| Sourcebook for the Bone Flower dharma<ref name="dosdediez bone flowers">{{cite magazine |last=Ugalde |first=Antonio |date=March 2003 |title=Flores de Hueso |trans-title=Bone Flowers |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=23 |language=es |page=23 |publisher=La Factoria}}</ref>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Blood & Silk''
| {{dts|December 31, 2000|format=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/blood-silk-en |title=Blood & Silk |language=French |date=2009-05-08 |website=Guide du Rôliste Galactique |publisher=Association du Guide du Rôliste Galactique |access-date=2020-10-09 |archive-date=2020-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009213128/http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/blood-silk-en |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-56504-242-5}}
| Sourcebook for the setting in 1197, just before the fifth age. Crossover with ''[[Vampire: The Dark Ages]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/sample.html?id=1741 |title=Blood & Silk (for Kindred of the East and Vampire: The Dark Ages) |date=2000-07-07 |website=[[Pyramid (magazine)|Pyramid]] |publisher=[[Steve Jackson Games]] |access-date=2020-09-29 |archive-date=2020-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929103431/http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/sample.html?id=1741 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Half-Damned: Dhampyr''
| {{dts|December 31, 2000|format=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/half-damned-dhampyr-en |title=Half Damned : Dhampyr |language=French |date=2009-05-08 |website=Guide du Rôliste Galactique |publisher=Association du Guide du Rôliste Galactique |access-date=2020-10-09 |archive-date=2020-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009213126/http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/half-damned-dhampyr-en |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-56504-247-6}}
| Sourcebook for [[dhampyr]]s, the children of one kuei-jin and one mortal human<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Elde |first=Gervasio |date=April 2002 |title=Medio condenados: Dhampiros |trans-title=Half-Damned: Dhampyr |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=20 |language=es |page=21 |publisher=La Factoria}}</ref>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Dharma Book: Thousand Whispers''
| {{dts|January 2001|format=hide}}January–March 2001<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/dharma-book-thousand-whispers-en |title=Dharma Book : Thousand Whispers |language=French |date=2009-05-08 |website=Guide du Rôliste Galactique |publisher=Association du Guide du Rôliste Galactique |access-date=2020-10-09 |archive-date=2020-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009213127/http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/dharma-book-thousand-whispers-en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="backstab thousand whispers">{{cite magazine |last=Mournat |first=Raphaël |date=March 2001 |title=Dharma book : Thousand Whispers |magazine=Backstab |issue=28 |language=French |page=86 |publisher=FC Publications}}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-58846-200-5}}
| Sourcebook for the Thousand Whispers dharma<ref name="backstab thousand whispers"/>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Killing Streets''
| {{dts|May 2001}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Role Playing Games |language=fr |pages=9–12 |magazine=D20 Magazine |publisher=Hexagonal |date=May–June 2001}}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-58846-208-0}}
| Sourcebook for organized crime and its connections to the kuei-jin courts<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mournat |first=Raphaël |date=June 2001 |title=Killing Streets |magazine=Backstab |issue=31 |language=French |page=85 |publisher=FC Publications}}</ref>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Dharma Book: Thrashing Dragons''
| {{dts|September 4, 2001}}<ref name="ww schedule 2001 aug 13">{{cite web |url=http://www.white-wolf.com/retail/ReleaseSchedule.html |title=2001 Release Schedule |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |access-date=2020-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010814120313/http://www.white-wolf.com/Retail/ReleaseSchedule.html |archive-date=2001-08-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-58846-211-0}}
| Sourcebook for the Thrashing Dragon dharma<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Bones |first=Ronny |date=October 2001 |title=Dharma book : Thrashing Dragons |magazine=Backstab |issue=34 |language=French |page=101 |publisher=FC Publications}}</ref>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''San Francisco by Night''
| {{dts|June 3, 2002}}<ref name="ww schedule 2002 jun 3">{{cite web |url=http://www.white-wolf.com/retail/ReleaseSchedule.html |title=Newest Release Schedule |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |access-date=2020-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011007051959/http://www.white-wolf.com/Retail/ReleaseSchedule.html |archive-date=2001-10-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-58846-231-5}}
| Sourcebook for [[San Francisco]]. Crossover with ''[[Vampire: The Masquerade]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ángel Olmos |first=Miguel |date=December 2003 |title=San Francisco nocturno |trans-title=San Francisco by Night |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=26 |language=es |page=18 |publisher=La Factoria}}</ref>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Heresies of the Way''
| {{dts|September 30, 2002}}<ref name="ww schedule 2002 aug">{{cite web |url=http://www.white-wolf.com/retail/ReleaseSchedule.html |title=Newest Release Schedule |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |access-date=2020-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020817071202/http://secure.white-wolf.com/catalog/releaseschedule.tpl |archive-date=2002-08-17 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-58846-232-3}}
| Sourcebook for heretical dharmas<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/heresies-of-the-way-en |title=Heresies of the Way |date=2009-05-08 |website=Guide du Rôliste Galactique |publisher=Association du Guide du Rôliste Galactique |language=fr |access-date=2021-11-01 |archive-date=2021-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102031823/http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/heresies-of-the-way-en |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Sunset Empires''
| {{dts|December 2002}}<ref name="grog sunset empires">{{cite web |url=http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/sunset-empires-en |title=Sunset Empires |language=French |date=2009-05-08 |website=Guide du Rôliste Galactique |publisher=Association du Guide du Rôliste Galactique |access-date=2020-10-09 |archive-date=2020-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119030751/http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/sunset-empires-en |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-58846-233-1}}
| Sourcebook for kuei-jin in the ''[[Victorian Age: Vampire]]'' setting<ref name="grog sunset empires"/>
|- style="text-align: center;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | ''Dharma Book: Resplendent Cranes''
| {{dts|December 31, 2002|format=y}}<ref name="grog cranes">{{cite web |url=http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/dharma-book-resplendent-cranes-en |title=Dharma Book : Resplendent Cranes |language=French |date=2009-05-08 |website=Guide du Rôliste Galactique |publisher=Association du Guide du Rôliste Galactique |access-date=2020-10-09 |archive-date=2020-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009213127/http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampires-d-orient/dharma-book-resplendent-cranes-en |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{ISBNT|1-58846-221-8}}
| Sourcebook for the Resplendent Crane dharma<ref name="grog cranes"/>
|}

==Reception==
{{Game ratings
| title = Reception
| rev1 = ''{{ill|Backstab (magazine)|lt=Backstab|fr|Backstab}}''
| rev1score = 8/10<ref name="backstab rev eng">{{cite magazine |last=Blondel |first=Julien |date=March–April 1998 |title=Kindred of the East |magazine=Backstab |issue=8 |language=French |pages=32–33 |publisher=FC Publications}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Casus Belli (magazine)|Casus Belli]]''
| rev2score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="cb rev">{{cite magazine |last=Sahmi |first=Mehdi |date=December 1998 |title=Les Vampires d'Orient |trans-title=Kindred of the East |magazine=[[Casus Belli (magazine)|Casus Belli]] |issue=117 |language=French |page=17 |publisher=Excelsior Publications |url=http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampire-vampires-d-orient/vampires-d-orient-fr#3 |access-date=2021-10-30 |archive-date=2021-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030124116/http://www.legrog.org/jeux/vampire-la-mascarade/vampire-vampires-d-orient/vampires-d-orient-fr#3 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev3 = ''Dosdediez''
| rev3score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="dosdediez rev es">{{cite magazine |last=Leguina |first=David |date=February 2000 |title=Estirpe de Oriente |trans-title=Kindred of the East |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=12 |language=es |page=17 |publisher=La Factoria}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Magia i Miecz]]''
| rev4score = 154/200{{efn|The score consists of two sub-scores: 74% for execution and 80% for content.<ref name="mim rev"/>}}<ref name="mim rev">{{cite magazine |author=Miłoz |title=Recenzja |trans-title=Review |language=pl |magazine=[[Magia i Miecz]] |publisher=[[Wydawnictwo MAG]] |date=November 2000 |issue=11 |page=15}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''Poltergeist''
| rev5score = 75%<ref name="polter rev">{{cite web |url=https://polter.pl/rpg/Rodzina-Wschodu-c27119 |title=Rodzina Wschodu |language=pl |trans-title=Kindred of the East |author=Knychała, Grzegorz |date=2014-10-08 |website=Poltergeist |publisher=InteliMedia |access-date=2021-10-31 |archive-date=2021-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028090327/https://polter.pl/rpg/Rodzina-Wschodu-c27119 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev6 = ''Rollespilsmagasinet Fønix''
| rev6score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name="fonix rev">{{cite magazine |last=Nørholm |first=Kasper |date=July 1998 |title=Kindred of the East |page=62 |language=da |magazine=Rollespilsmagasinet Fønix |publisher=Sleipner}}</ref>
}}

''Kindred of the East'' and its supplements were critically well received at release:<ref name="mim rev"/> ''Dosdediez'', ''Dragão Brasil'', and ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' called it among their favorite ''World of Darkness'' games;<ref name="dragon rev"/><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Alabort |first=David |date=April 1998 |title=Kindred of the East |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=4 |language=es |page=15 |publisher=La Factoria}}</ref><ref name="dragao oriented"/> ''[[Casus Belli (magazine)|Casus Belli]]'' called it an excellent game that shows the publisher at its best;<ref name="cb rev"/> and ''Poltergeist'' recommended it to anyone who wants to play an urban-fantasy role-playing game set in Asia.<ref name="polter rev"/> Retrospectively, ''{{ill|Backstab (magazine)|lt=Backstab|fr|Backstab}}'' compared it favorably to ''[[Kindred of the Ebony Kingdom]]'', a 2003 ''Vampire: The Masquerade'' supplement about African vampires.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Pasteau |first=Cyril |date=September–November 2003 |title=Kindred of the Ebony Kingdom |language=French |magazine=Backstab |issue=45 |page=36 |publisher=FC Publications}}</ref>

<!-- Gameplay -->
Critics generally liked the gameplay mechanics,<ref name="backstab rev eng"/><ref name="cb rev eng"/><ref name="dosdediez presentation"/> with ''Backstab'' much preferring them to those of ''Vampire: The Masquerade'', although conceding that they were a bit complicated to use;<ref name="backstab rev eng"/><ref name="backstab rev 2">{{cite magazine |last=Benoit |first=David |date=January–February 1999 |title=Les Vampires d'Orient |trans-title=Kindred of the East |magazine=Backstab |issue=13 |language=French |page=50 |publisher=FC Publications}}</ref> ''[[Magia i Miecz]]'' thought that the game may require some modifications to simplify the rules.<ref name="mim rev"/> ''Dosdediez'' liked the ''chi'' mechanics for adding a unique flavor and opening up possibilities,<ref name="dosdediez presentation"/> while ''Poltergeist'' considered the risk of using ''p'o'' disciplines so unbalanced that they never feel worth using, the dharmas' descriptions too brief to role-play as characters following them, and the ''p'o'' archetypes often indistinctive.<ref name="polter rev"/> ''Sci-Fi Universe'' liked the game for standing out from ''Vampire: The Masquerade'', finding it to facilitate many new story ideas and role-play opportunities related to intrigue and politics.<ref name="scifiuni 1998-04">{{cite magazine |last=Honigsberg |first=David |date=April 1998 |title=Kindred of the East |url=https://archive.org/details/Sci-Fi_Universe_v04n01_1998-04/page/n25 |magazine=Sci-Fi Universe |issue=3 |page=27 |publisher=Sovereign Media}}</ref> ''Casus Belli'', ''Dragon'', and ''[[SF Site]]'' criticized the game for requiring one to learn a lot of terminology and concepts before playing,<ref name="dragon rev"/><ref name="sfsite rev"/><ref name="cb rev eng"/> although the latter thought this was partially mitigated by ''Kindred of the East Companion''.<ref name="sfsite new may 1999"/>

<!-- Setting -->
The game's mystical setting and writing were well received for their mood and atmosphere,{{refn|See ''Backstab'',<ref name="backstab rev eng"/> ''Dragão Brasil'',<ref name="dragao oriented"/> ''Rollespilsmagasinet Fønix'',<ref name="fonix rev"/> and ''[[SF Site]]''<ref name="sfsite rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfsite.com/03a/kin52.htm |title=Kindred of the East |author=Harding, Henry |date=1999 |website=[[SF Site]] |publisher= |access-date=2021-10-30 |archive-date=2021-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101132133/http://www.sfsite.com/03a/kin52.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>}} and for feeling fresh compared to previous ''World of Darkness'' games,<ref name="dragon rev"/><ref name="backstab rev eng"/> although ''Dragão Brasil'' did not find it dark enough for the series.<ref name="dragao oriented"/> ''Rollespilsmagasinet Fønix'', while calling the setting coherent and interesting, thought it deviates far too much from what had been established in previous ''World of Darkness'' games,<ref name="fonix rev"/> whereas ''Backstab'' thought it was a better game for the differences.<ref name="backstab rev eng"/> The player characters were mostly well received at release: ''Dosdediez'' preferred them to the Cainite vampires of ''Vampire: The Masquerade'' for having higher aspirations,<ref name="dosdediez rev es"/> while ''Dragão Brasil'' considered them potentially too different,<ref name="dragao oriented">{{cite magazine |last=Saladino |first=Rogério |date=April 1998 |title=Oriente-se! |trans-title=Get oriented! |magazine=Dragão Brasil |issue=37 |language=Portuguese |pages=14–17 |publisher=Editora Trama}}</ref> although making for interesting allies or antagonists in cross-over play with other ''World of Darkness'' games.<ref name="dragao oriented"/> ''Casus Belli'' agreed, and appreciated the kuei-jin's similarities to the wraiths of ''[[Wraith: The Oblivion]]'', making the game feel simultaneously new and familiar.<ref name="cb rev"/><ref name="cb rev eng"/>

<!-- Presentation -->
Critics generally liked the game's artwork and presentation,{{refn|See ''[[Casus Belli (magazine)|Casus Belli]]'',<ref name="cb rev eng"/> ''Dosdediez'',<ref name="dosdediez presentation"/> ''Dragão Brasil'',<ref name="dragao oriented"/> and ''[[Magia i Miecz]]''<ref name="mim rev"/>}} with ''Casus Belli'' calling it a beautiful and well-designed book,<ref name="cb rev eng"/> and ''Dosdediez'' calling it visually above average for the publisher.<ref name="dosdediez presentation"/> The layout, lettering, and printing were also generally well received,<ref name="backstab rev eng"/><ref name="mim rev"/> although ''Poltergeist'' criticized its use of black text on dark backgrounds, making reading at times tiring.<ref name="polter rev"/> The illustrations were well received and considered to match the standards set by previous ''World of Darkness'' games,<ref name="polter rev"/><ref name="dosdediez presentation"/><ref name="dragao oriented"/> and were described by ''Dragão Brasil'' as "exceptional";<ref name="dragao oriented"/> ''Poltergeist'' also liked the cover art for making the game stand out.<ref name="polter rev"/>

<!-- Portrayal of Asia -->
The portrayal of Asia and Asian people in the game saw mixed responses. ''Sci-Fi Universe'' and ''SF Site'' called the game well researched and fascinating, the latter finding it a good platform for exploring Asian cultures and themes of [[Westernization]],<ref name="sfsite rev"/><ref name="scifiuni 1998-04"/> while ''Casus Belli'' found the descriptions of Asia lacking,<ref name="cb rev eng"/> and ''Poltergeist'' found it absurd to even attempt to describe China and major religions in only a few pages.<ref name="polter rev"/> ''Dosdediez'' thought it was nice to finally see coverage of Asia in ''World of Darkness'',<ref name="dosdediez presentation">{{cite magazine |last=Leguina |first=Daniel |date=February 2000 |title=Estirpe de Oriente Presentación |trans-title=Kindred of the East Presentation |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=12 |language=es |pages=22–23 |publisher=La Factoria}}</ref> but found its use of stereotypes excessive, saying that if a White Wolf Publishing book set in Spain does not feature an entire cast of [[bullfighter]]s, it makes little sense that meditative and spiritual martial artists would be so prevalent in ''Kindred of the East''.<ref name="dosdediez presentation"/> ''Poltergeist'' similarly criticized the portrayal of Asian characters as excessively xenophobic,<ref name="polter rev"/> and ''TheGamer'', describing the kuei-jin as stereotypical, wrote in 2019 that unless they were reworked, they did not expect the kuei-jin to return to the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-6-ways-different-from-first/ |title=Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2: 6 Ways It Will Be Different From The First |author=Baird, Scott |date=2019-03-22 |website=TheGamer |publisher=Valnet |access-date=2021-11-01 |archive-date=2021-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030042632/https://www.thegamer.com/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-6-ways-different-from-first/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Sales===
''Kindred of the East'' debuted as the fourth highest-selling tabletop role-playing game in France during the January–February 1998 period,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=March–April 1998 |title=Top 10 |magazine=Backstab |issue=8 |language=French |page=3 |publisher=FC Publications}}</ref> and peaked at number 2 behind ''[[Deadlands]]'' in March–April 1998, before falling off the top 10 chart by July–August 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May–June 1998 |title=Top 10 |magazine=Backstab |issue=9 |language=French |page=3 |publisher=FC Publications}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=July–August 1998 |title=Top 10 |magazine=Backstab |issue=10 |language=French |page=3 |publisher=FC Publications}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=September–October 1998 |title=Top 10 |magazine=Backstab |issue=11 |language=French |page=3 |publisher=FC Publications}}</ref> In Spain, it debuted as the fourth highest-selling new tabletop role-playing game in the December 1999–January 2000 period,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=February 2000 |title=Baremos: el pulse del rol |trans-title=Scales: the pulse on role-playing games |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=12 |language=es |page=44 |publisher=La Factoria}}</ref> and remained on the top 30 chart for an entire year.<ref name="Top 30"/>

==Related media==
''Laws of the East'', a ''Kindred of the East'' adaptation for the [[live-action role-playing game]] ''[[Mind's Eye Theatre]]'', was developed by Cynthia Summers and written by Peter Woodworth, and released in 2000.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Summers, Cynthia |author2=Woodworth, Peter |date=2000 |title=Laws of the East |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |page=1 |isbn=1565047303}}</ref> In 1998, video game publisher [[Activision]] acquired the rights to develop video games based on ''Kindred of the East'', along with ''Vampire: The Masquerade'' and ''[[Vampire: The Dark Ages]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Os vampiros da Activision |trans-title=The vampires of Activision |magazine=Dragão Brasil |language=Portuguese |page=4 |publisher=Trama Editorial |date=July 1998 |issue=40}}</ref> The kuei-jin were eventually featured in the 2004 video game ''[[Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines/558109p1.html |title=Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines |author=Rausch, Allen |date=2004-10-18 |website=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]] |access-date=2020-09-27 |archive-date=2020-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317144327/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines/558109p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> where Ming Xiao, a kuei-jin woman controlling [[Chinatown, Los Angeles|Los Angeles's Chinatown]], is one of the antagonists.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-racism-orientalism/ |title=Let's Face It, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines Had Problems With Racism |author=Bae, Corin |date=2019-09-01 |website=TheGamer |publisher=Valnet |access-date=2021-11-02 |archive-date=2021-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717035906/https://www.thegamer.com/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-racism-orientalism/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Kuei-jin are also featured in the ''Vampire: The Masquerade'' tabletop game book ''Nights of Prophecy'' (2000), and events involving them are hinted at in ''Beckett's Jyhad Diary'' (2018).<ref name="style guide"/> As of ''Vampire: The Masquerade''{{'s}} fifth edition (2018), they are no longer officially part of the series' setting.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-which-characters-earlier-games-cameo/ |title=Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2: Which Characters From The Earlier Games Are Likely To Appear |author=Baird, Scott |date=2019-07-27 |website=TheGamer |publisher=Valnet |access-date=2021-11-02 |archive-date=2021-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609162531/https://www.thegamer.com/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-which-characters-earlier-games-cameo/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Manga-inspired comics based on the game were published as part of several of the books in the game line.<ref name="dosdediez bone flowers"/> [[Kevin Andrew Murphy]]'s ''Kindred of the East'' short story "The Lotus of Five Petals" was published in 1998 as part of the fiction anthology ''The Quintessential World of Darkness'', which was edited by Anna Branscome and [[Stewart Wieck]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Jones |first=Stephen |author-link=Stephen Jones (author) |date=1999 |title=[[The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror]] |publisher=[[Constable & Robinson]] |page=22 |volume=10 |isbn=978-0-78670-690-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor1=Branscome, Anna |editor2=[[Stewart Wieck|Wieck, Stewart]] |date=1998 |title=The Quintessential World of Darkness |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing]] |page=4 |isbn=978-1-56504-880-5}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="Top 30">{{Unbulleted list citebundle
|1={{cite magazine |date=April 2000 |title=Baremos: el pulse del rol |trans-title=Scales: the pulse on role-playing games |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=13 |language=es |page=44 |publisher=La Factoria}}
|2={{cite magazine |date=June 2000 |title=Baremos: el pulse del rol |trans-title=Scales: the pulse on role-playing games |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=14 |language=es |page=44 |publisher=La Factoria}}
|3={{cite magazine |date=August 2000 |title=Baremos: el pulse del rol |trans-title=Scales: the pulse on role-playing games |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=15 |language=es |page=44 |publisher=La Factoria}}
|4={{cite magazine |date=November 2000 |title=Baremos: el pulse del rol |trans-title=Scales: the pulse on role-playing games |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=16 |language=es |page=44 |publisher=La Factoria}}
|5={{cite magazine |date=February 2001 |title=Baremos: el pulse del rol |trans-title=Scales: the pulse on role-playing games |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=17 |language=es |page=44 |publisher=La Factoria}}
|6={{cite magazine |date=June 2001 |title=Baremos: el pulse del rol |trans-title=Scales: the pulse on role-playing games |magazine=Dosdediez |issue=18 |language=es |page=68 |publisher=La Factoria}}}}</ref>
}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite magazine|title=Kindred of the East|last=Schneiderman|first=Jason|issue=34|magazine=[[InQuest Gamer|InQuest]]|publisher=[[Wizard Entertainment]]|page=32|date=February 1998}}[https://archive.org/details/IQ.Gamer.Partial.Collection/inquest.034.-.feb.1998.-.preview.1998/page/n25/mode/2up]

==External links==
* {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030212071745/http://www.white-wolf.com/Games/Pages/KotEHome.html |date=February 12, 2003 |title=Official website}}

{{World of Darkness}}

[[Category:Works set in China]]
[[Category:Vampire: The Masquerade]]
[[Category:Role-playing game books]]
[[Category:Role-playing game supplements introduced in 1998]]