World of Darkness: Portland

14
Park is one of the largest and oldest rose test gardens
in the country. There are also two other major rose
gardens in Portland: Peninsula Park Rose Garden,
a formal sunken garden located in North Portland
at the intersection of North Ainsworth and Albina;
and Ladd’s Addition Garden in the historic southeast
Portland neighborhood of the same name. One of
the most popular of Portland’s Parks & Recreation
locations, the garden’s spectacular views and more
than 8,000 roses make it one of Portland’s most
notable signature landmarks. This is sort of neutral
ground for most of the supernatural, as it is closed to
the public at night—however there is a Loci here, that a
pack of werewolves lays claim to. Once a year, a bloodily
savaged body is found near the Rose Gardens, though
never in them; the connection is never made—and even
if it was, who would guess that the man was a werewolf,
killed for wandering into another pack’s domain?
3. Japanese Garden (Washington Park)
SW Kingston, Portland
“The mood of ancient Japan is recaptured at the scenic
Japanese Garden. Located adjacent to Washington
Park, above the International Rose Test Garden, the
Japanese Garden includes five traditional gardens,
an authentic pavilion and teahouse. Proclaimed the
most authentic Japanese garden outside Japan, it
encompasses 5.5 acres and has a magnificent view of
Portland and the surrounding mountains.” Having
been there dozens upon dozens of times, I am unable
to argue that it is the most authentic Japanese garden
on this side of the Pacific. For mages, there is a Hallow
Chapter 1-Notable Sites
here, and a small group of mages enjoy gathering for
meditation, prayer and discussion.
6. Oregon Zoo (Washington Park)
S.W. Canyon Road
The Portland Zoo is one of the largest in the
northwest, and until recently (according to WoD)
prospered; recently darker things have begun to
happen there. It is technically within the domain of
the werewolf back that watches over the Rose Gardens,
which accounted for the suspiciously frequent animal
escapes, but recently a verge has opened up here at
night, and angry spirits born from captivity, frustration
and animal cruelty have begun to take up residence.
The werewolves do what they can, but these are
powerful spirits. No one in the mortal community can
figure out the reasons behind the sudden drop-off in
attendance to the zoo—everything is looking new and
better than ever, what could be the problem?
7. Pittock Mansion (Northwest)
N.W. Pittock Drive
Henry and Georgiana Pittock’s beautiful estate that
symbolizes the growth of Portland. Remarkable antique
furnishings and fine arts set in a 1914 National Historic
Register property. Sweeping view of mountains, rivers
and the city. One of the most beautiful buildings in the
region. Stupendously haunted.
9. Pioneer Square (Downtown)
A few blocks of downtown Portland that include the
most upscale shops, clothing stores and restaurants,
but also holds many cafés and little treasure trove
stores if one knows where to look. At the center is
Pioneer Square itself, a culvert in the design of an
amphitheater, though not nearly so deep as that,
made entirely of red brick (as are many of the side- and
crosswalks of the surrounds). Flower displays, protests