The Rack

In some cities, Kindred call it "The Crucible". In others, "The Hunting Grounds". In Chicago, Kindred call the area that is the centre of the human nightlife scene "The Rack". Nobody knows who first coined the phrase, but it came into popular usage during the first years of the 19th century and has been in use ever since.
The Rack of Chicago in the early 90's centred primarily on Rush Street. Within these 6 or 8 streets are spread out over a hundred different bars, clubs and restaurants. This variety makes it the most popular night spot in the city despite the dangerous atmosphere.
Further west, in the Old Town area, pimps, dealers and gangs sense fresh prey. This area's popularity varies wildly. After a few years of relative quiet (following Prince Lodin enforcing a crackdown), some new clubs are opening in the Old Town triangle area. People are beginning to flock there again to sample the sin, as are those who see them as prey.
Overall the Rush Street district is very rough. Hookers openly ply their trade alongside drug dealers; punks and Blood Dolls can be found everywhere, and the gangs walk in the open with impunity.
Fortunately, there is an unwritten rule that keeps most of the mortal gangs from preying on adventurous couples or most well-dressed singles: they are all Dominated to some degree by Anarchs; too much violence would keep people away, reducing potential food for local Kindred.
But woe betide a well-heeled, defenceless-looking individual who stumbles into a dark alley to relieve himself, or is seen spending big, or runs across a gang that hasn't seen action in a while. Such an individual will quickly find themselves relieved of their valuables, if not their blood. Even the Kindred are not entirely safe from molestation, though they are better able to defend themselves.
With more of a Punk vibe than Jazz or Blues, some of Chicago's hottest bands come to the Rack to play in the clubs. The multi-clan vampire band "Baby Chorus" can be heard often, commonly at Andy's (on East Hubbard), The Backroom (1007 Nth Rush) or, their preferred venue, Rick's Cafe Americain (Holiday Inn on Lake Shore Dr)
Many bars in the area cater for the Singles scene, providing perfect hunting opportunities for the Kindred. Even on weeknights, at any number of bars there are ample opportunities for even the clumsiest Vampire to dine at leisure
Of particular note is the area west of Rush St., still part of The Rack. Both the Succubus Club and The Cave are in this area, on State St. As one moves farther west, a number of X-rated movieclubs spring up on Dearborn, Clark and La Salle. Civic-minded members of the city council have been trying to have them banned for years, but other members under the Domination of various Kindred have always thwarted them; none of the clans want this well-stocked hunting ground to dry up.

Type

District

Included Locations

• The Blue Velvet
• The Cave
• The Succubus Club