Neutral Grounds other than Bars?

[Richard_Chilton]

I agree that there has to be a private or semi private room for people (and "things") to talk openly.  It has to be somewhere that "people" can go without attracting attention (i.e. no "middle of nowhere" spots, no elementary schools, etc).  It can't be in control of any one faction (i.e. it must be "neutral" territory).

For example - Mac's bar discourages non-supernaturals types from entering - but who would see anything out of the ordinary about people entering a bar?

Those are the elements that I see as required - does anyone else feel like chiming in?

Richard

[Silverblaze]

I think places like Mac's is ideal. 

Some conversations had there could in theory be overheard by mortals, but it is very unlikely.

However, with things like veils and some subtle mind magic, (a constant suggestion that a certain area is boring) less ideal places would work.

Another semi optimal spot could be something like a gaming store. 

-open odd hours (vampires welcome)
-sometimes host larps (dress as you will)
-often have people inside when the general public isn't (private)
- can be neutral
-likely not in the middle of nowhere
-kids and adults all LARP (so the archive could walk in next to harry and the first thought wouldn't be ... PEDO!)

I'm not saying such a place is optimal, but it could work.

[devonapple]

A thought occurs: one never sees it from Harry's perspective (so this is conjecture on my part), but MacAnally's might discourage obviously mundane visitors (frat boys out slumming, a lost-looking couple, that sort of thing). It probably wouldn't be hard most of the time: not engaging with the customers at all (more Mac's style), or quietly commenting that maybe this ain't their kinda place (added to the general darkness of the place) could motivate mundanes to seek their drinkies elsewhere without being made aware of the supernatural.

I do wonder about the one stranger (a hypothetical mundane for the purposes of this line of argument) who managed to unobtrusively try out this quaint, old-fashioned bar he'd heard about, only to get the shock of his life when a car-sized Gruff walks in and starts making threats to some tiny blonde cop and a beanpole in a leather duster.

[SunlessNick]

Especially when the tiny blonde cop successfully tells the gruff off into leaving.

The main reason why I might think certain public areas might be declared ANT is to do with essentially declaring certain areas off-limits to proprietary claims -  essentially, we're calling this place neutral, because otherwise there's too much risk of factions fighting over it.  Given the power of faith and emotions in the Dresdenverse, I suspect a lot of places of power would actually be public landmarks, charged up by many visitors sharing an emotional context - as such, even covert clashes might pose a risk of exposure.  It would make more sense for some areas than others, but some might use the ANT clauses to forestall that.

Plus, even supernaturals can feel civic pride and want their locale's special places to be recognised as such, including by outsiders.

[CrackedOzy]

libraries, parks, gentlemen's clubs, saunas...

Oooh...

YOINK!

[KOFFEYKID]

One that I thought up for a NY game was Subways (though other transportation services would work just as well, trains and or buses). I like the idea of a neutral ground that is very common but very mobile.

[arsieiuni]

In my city, Birmingham, AL, there are two neutral accorded grounds that aren't bars:

The fountain at Five Points South
The circle of the fountain itself, but there is a lot of uncertainty as to how far past the fountain counts as accorded space and considering the approach is very wide and open, it's not necessarily the safest bet until you get right up to the fountain.

The Botanical Gardens
(maintained by the Summer court, but accorded as neutral space)

[Harboe]

In my New York campaign, the Statue of Liberty is Accorded Neutral Ground.
Obviously, the Elder Gruff showing up unveiled would raise eyebrows, but "costume party" is a far more likely reaction than "F-ing faries!" (although my players seem feel that way whenever they've been talking to faeries*).

* I've played devils in D&D, a Malkavian who was unable to speak a lie in Vampire, bargained with Wishes in D&D etc. so exact words are my specialty.

[keyser]

What about a restaurant?

[devonapple]

I use a Tea House/restaurant in SF's Chinatown as our ANG.

[eri]

I use a grove just off the cemetery for one game and an outdoors exhibit for a museum for another.

[noclue]

How about a Masonic Lodge?

[Richard_Chilton]

Do the Masonic Lodges welcome both genders? I had thought that they were one of the "fraternal only" holdouts.

Richard

[sinker]

Depends on the lodge and whether they're strictly Masonic, or if they're closer to Rosicrucian.

[noclue]

How about the Turf Club at the tracks?