Safe houses

[Xander]

PELTIER HOUSE
New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
Hours of Operation: 24/7
Motto: Don't bite me, and I won't bite you.

This premier New Orleans biker bar in the heart of Vieux Carré is owned by the Peltiers, a Katagaria bear clan. The owners, Nicolette and Aubert Peltier (known affectionately to all as Mama and Papa Bear), decided to found Sanctuary as a safe zone after two of their cubs (Bastian and Gilbert) were brutally killed by Arcadian Sentinels. Mama and Papa Bear currently run Sanctuary with the help of their twelve children.

Sanctuary is also home to the Howlers, the popular house band for the club. Their specialty is heavy metal with lots of attitude. They play covers as well as original songs, and are always ready to play requests from the ladies. For other entertainment, Sanctuary has pool tables, video machines, and pinball, and poker tournaments three nights a week. There's also an ongoing tattoo contest... be sure not to go up against an Arcadian Sentinel, or you're sure to lose.

When visiting Sanctuary, you will often hear requests for the bartender to "Hold the human hair". As Were metabolism is very high thanks to their animal ancestry, Sanctuary always has on hand a full complement of liquor strong enough to make any human completely drunk with one shot. The experienced staff at Sanctuary has been instructed not to dispense this alcohol to humans. The menu is varied, but specializes in Cajun and carnivorous delights (exotic entrées available upon request). All meats are served fresh from the kill that morning with a loving smile.

Like any other limani, Sanctuary has its rules. Number one: Spill No Blood. Your attitude is welcome, but check any and all weapons at the door. This is the place to come and hang out, be seen, and just drink and eat in peace. If two warring parties are present and both want to leave, the hunted gets a head start, and the hunter is not allowed to follow. As a last resort, there is also a room full of cages in case some animal decides to get nasty. Sanctuary also boasts a resident vet, medical doctor, and Were himself, Carson Whitethunder (accredited).

Another rule of note: Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" is a song played on the jukebox only to warn Sanctuary's clientele of the presence of Acheron. As much as you might like to hear it, please think twice before making your musical selection.

Adjacent to the bar, Peltier House is the living quarters for Sanctuary's hidden animal population (including the dragon in the attic). This historic mansion was constructed in 1801. It has more alarms than Fort Knox and is always guarded by at least two Peltier family members.

[Xander]

DANTE'S INFERNO
Twin Cities, Minnesota

This happening Goth nightclub gets its name from its owner, Katagaria Were-panther Dante Pontis. Be warned, this isn't Sanctuary and Dante will kill anyone who threatens his people. In fact, Dante will kill just about anyone who makes him angry. Al last count that was estimated to be about one out of every five people. You could be next.

Technically, because of his hotheadedness, Dante's Inferno is not an officially registered limani with the full amenities granted such. But you can be pretty sure that if you're under Dante's roof—provided you're on his good side and you're not a Daimon—you're just fine.

Of course, while you're there, you should also have fun. Indulge in the mixes of Dante's house DJs—if you're lucky, Romeo Pontis will grace your groove with his charmed Pied Piperesque beat—when on the dance floor, you are required to let yourself go. If you have trouble relaxing, be sure to stop by the bar and have a Blood-tini, or order up a round of Fabio Bombs. You'll be jiving in no time.

If you've got the munchies, don't hesitate to order up some of the Inferno's fabulous appetizers. If you feel the need to enjoy your meal in solitude, take a break down in the soundproof pit equipped with its own bar and subtle ambiance. If dancing's not your thing, you can spend your cash at the superstocked arcade, sporting all the latest and hottest new games.

Of course, if dancing's not your thing and you happen to be young and blond, you'll have to forgive the staff if they're... more than a little suspicious.

[Xander]

THE SERENGETI CLUB
Seattle, Washington

This popular singles club is the domain of the Were-leopard Kontis patria. The building is recognizable from the outside by its black, mirror-tinted windows.

Show off your best down one of the many blacklight hallways leading to the state-of-the-art fiber-optic-lit dance floor. If the earth moves beneath your feet as you shimmy and shake you're not imagining it... eighteen subwoofers are strategically and subtly planted beneath you. You will feel the rhythm, that's a guarantee. Check out your local listings to see which fabulous live bands or guest DJs will be rocking Serengeti's dance floor Friday and Saturday nights.

Every weekday night is karaoke night, so warm up your vocal cords and come on down. Bring some friends—the more the merrier—and they'll have to say yes to Tuesday's two-dollar draft night. If putting on the hits is not your bag, join one of Serengeti's darts, poker, or pool tournament leagues.

You'll never have to sing for your supper, though—the Serengeti Club offers a full-service restatirant to satisfy your every craving. (And if you haven't tasted Terra Kontis's homemade French fries, you have not experienced heaven.) Serengeti also does banquets and private party packages—call ahead to make an appointment.
The Kontis clan will take care of you from the time the party starts until the wee hours of the morning. If you've partied a little too hard, one of Gareth Kontis's sons will be happy to escort you home in the Serengeti courtesy van (just don't embarrass yourself and try to take the Kontis boy with you). Get home safely, sleep soundly, and live to party another night away at the Serengeti Club.

The Serengeti also houses a small emergency clinic complete with hospital beds and basic supplies, should any extenuating circumstances arise. Alberta, the Serengeti's staff doctor, will happily nurse you back to health... or put you down, whichever's necessary.