The Unaligned: Previews

THE UNALIGNED Official release: October 4, 2014 Legal for Tournament Play: November 3, 2014 Vampire: Elder Kindred Network's second expansion for Vampire: the Eternal Struggle is The Unaligned, which focuses on the main Independent clans: Assamites, Followers of Set, Gangrel, Giovanni and Ravnos. The expansion is released in PDF format. The set contains 47 crypt cards and 26 library cards. PREVIEWS The Vampire: the Masquerade storyline concluded with Gehenna, cutting short the efforts of the Assamites to join the Camarilla. The Unaligned explores this plot arc more deeply with some emphasis on the Vizier caste and the Assamites' candidate for the Inner Circle. The library cards have a strong focus on the Assamites' combat capabilities. Ari Targownik is an artist from California. Please, check his online portfolio here .Ginés Quiñonero is an artist from Spain. Please, check his online portfolio here . V:EKN Website Coordinator

FINALLY!!! My V:TES life is complete, no combat-ends on Quietus Al-Ashrad looks sexy also

Yup. looks good. Al-Ashrad is cool (Assmite IC!), and another way to get around combat ends besides Psyche is very welcome -- this makes using the potentially blood-costing Qui strikes much more viable. Me likes. One interesting thing: sup Sunguine Entrapment doesn't have "as above", so you'll have to choose between preventing dodge or S:CE. Usually it'll be S:CE, but...

Great artwork! "My strategy? Luck is my strategy, of course."

> PetriWessman wrote: > One interesting thing: sup Sunguine Entrapment doesn't have "as above", so you'll have to choose between preventing dodge or S:CE. Usually it'll be S:CE, but... > Yeah, might be that Staredown will be more popular than Majesty in future if meta turns to be Assamite combat heavy (yeah right)... Marko, Prince of Helsinki

> a-e wrote: > > > PetriWessman wrote: > > One interesting thing: sup Sunguine Entrapment doesn't have "as above", so you'll have to choose between preventing dodge or S:CE. Usually it'll be S:CE, but... > > > Yeah, might be that Staredown will be more popular than Majesty in future if meta turns to be Assamite combat heavy (yeah right)... > This. Its already a corner case card. I don't know why they won't give it the full effect. Maybe there's time to make it SUP: as above, and no combat ends. Please.

> PetriWessman wrote: > One interesting thing: sup Sunguine Entrapment doesn't have "as above", so you'll have to choose between preventing dodge or S:CE. Usually it'll be S:CE, but... > I really like this design decision. Anything that makes combat less predictable (even if just a little) is good.

> jtroyve wrote: > This. Its already a corner case card. > Oh, definitely disagree there, I think it's a great card (though for a narrow application range, of course). Consider: almost always, you can make an educated guess about which "prevent" you need to choose. Opponent has discipline with access to S:CE? Forbid that. Otherwise, forbid dodge. Sure, you may run into someone with access to both at the same time (Staredown, for example), but really, how common is that? I doubt many decks will start swapping a lot of Majestys for Staredowns just because of this card . And if this somehow does cause some diversification from just Majesty, I consider that to be a good thing. Besides that, this is a great help to Assamite strike-based combat decks. Sure, Psyche! is nice if you have a permanent source of damage (gun, usually), but isn't that hot when you use strike cards, some of which cost blood.

Everyone is going on about the combat card. How about the 9 cap IC member? Plus the preview stated the library cards will be strong Assamite combat, where is the Necromancy & Chimerstry loving?

> Non-existant user wrote: > Everyone is going on about the combat card. How about the 9 cap IC member? Plus the preview stated the library cards will be strong Assamite combat, where is the Necromancy & Chimerstry loving? > That was the Assamite preview. The previews for the other clans are coming.

The art is great! Anti-combat ends for Assamite cel/gun decks is great.

Not being assamite fan at all, I like both cards a lot. Al-ashrad is very climatic and could be a base for nice star deck and anty s:ce for QUI CEL can bring QUI combat to at least playable level.

Massasi, Jaquin, and Lucas dig CEL QUI sce killer too. So does Hektor. But Nazzim is really feeling like Christmas came early. 9cap IC is neat, and groups with Tegyrius, but given my "f#%@ this, I quit" history with Tegyrious, Ill leave other ppl to use that guy. As for love elsewhere.......... Why the heck are you worried about Chi getting "love"? Its great. Sense dep, stealth, bleed pump, draba, oclusion, TONS of gimmicks and combos "mass reality, horrid reality, red herring nonsense...). All I think I can stomach for them are "decent" cards. Necro, Im looking forward too. Because it sucks. So everything new, no matter how cornercase, wil be better than ~60% of its current pool. And I dont like Giovanni, but thereve been exceptions, (old enough to be cappadoccians, chiefly, like Ignazio and Constancia) Now, Gangrel are what Im excited for. I bitched about Gangrel, Norm bitched about Gangrel, half of facebook bitched about gangrel. It was established the definition of "good gangrel" was a Slava deck, and the DT were looking to make it good for the Gangrel. So, really wanting to see final cards and art for what we get. Loved the art preview that was either Inyanga or a Laibon snuck into an indy set Name n Symbol: I was going to say "the Unaligned" in my joke post about "we need a name that says they are dark and soverein.... oh hell wait...." but didnt include it. Sounded hokey when I thought about it (just like when a punk bamd I had in high school was going to be called Shameless, but we felt it sounded too Irish.....). Im pleased its finally oit of the Darkness of the Blood phase, and the name sounds better being real. The symbol is cool for cards, but Im unsure its symmetrical enough to lay the qualifer shirts out with it on the front. Shirtsleeve yes, front, words seem enough.

THE UNALIGNED Official release: October 4, 2014 Legal for Tournament Play: November 3, 2014 Vampire: Elder Kindred Network's second expansion for Vampire: the Eternal Struggle is The Unaligned, which focuses on the main Independent clans: Assamites, Followers of Set, Gangrel, Giovanni and Ravnos. The expansion is released in PDF format. The set contains 47 crypt cards and 26 library cards. PREVIEWS 3 and 4 For the Followers of Set in the new expansion, the focus was on adding depth to their crypt options in Group 6. The library cards have a toolboxy feel, adding options for politics, defense, corruption counters, and mummies. Mark Kelly is an artist from Scotland. Please, check his online portfolio here .Ginés Quiñonero is an artist from Spain. Please, check his online portfolio here . V:EKN Website Coordinator

I like combat card, hopefully it will have some uses. On the other side, psyche! fills similar role already. Maybe it will allow use long range strike combat with higher efficiency? Al-Ashrad adv. look decent, 5 superior disciplines, bounce and 4 votes/+2 bleed after merge. Maybe g2 camarilla assamite voters have some future with justicar/inner circle? That 3 cap setite is cute. I have no mummy experience, so I won't comment last card. I'm looking forward to release! Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

3cap setite is best you can wish for 3cap (atrwork is great as well) and a new master card for mummies is great

Waters of Duat Frontal Assault! Also combos very well with Spell of Life.

There are 2 decent mummies with standing rush, and a few who bleed (tutu springs to mind) and of course Halim Beys special is mummies get +1 stealth. So utility mummy is a neat side thing for setites doing random stuff or spell of lfe decks. 3 caps neat. FoS arent a clan who are hurting, but they havr several angles started in other sets but not fleshed out. From the sounds of things, some of those parts will be looked at (votes, supporting mummies more which started in lotn with good mummies and 2 vamps who help them , neat reactions, and hopefully combat). Obviously, artwork for this set is looking great too. The 3 cap having such great art is promising. Also, Gines, art on the mummy card looks very "classic vtes" by which I mean its unovtrusive to the card and is still good enough to be on a sealed product box. Whats more is I can still tell its stylistically you, which is pretty neat since its a table, some shit on the table, and some hyroglyphics (Im a huge fan of ancient egyptian stuff, just trying to illustrate the point). Anyway, it looks like some captivating CE era art that would draw players into the theme of the game, which setites dont have alot of (eternals kind of , but even spell of life and mesu bedshet domt have the same aire, you get the idea)

> Lech wrote: > I like combat card, hopefully it will have some uses. On the other side, psyche! fills similar role already. Maybe it will allow use long range strike combat with higher efficiency? > From the Assamite point of view, Psyche's excellent with - for example - guns where you can hold off on playing most of your cards until you see the Majesty. For example, in a relatively low-combat metagame, you could probably rush, maneuver to range with the gun, shoot, see that your opponent hasn't played S:CE, then Blur and maybe toss in a Target or Ammo cards at this point. A comparable Quietus deck would probably be looking at a Flash or Pursuit, followed by, say, Blood Sweat (blood cost), both of which would be lost with the Psyche. So hopefully more diverse long-range combat. Also, if you play, say, Baal's Bloody Talons and Weighted Walking Stick, you stand a much better chance of connecting. WWS for 2 damage, Blur superior, 2 damage, 3 agg damage, Taste of Vitae. Not too shabby. And trumpable by IG. But still, not altogether shabby. Edit to add: I think in both cases there's also the tangible but hard-to-quantify benefit of being able to predict your card flow a little better. You stand a much better chance of actually having the combat and being able to play the cards you want to. Of course, your opponent can still play Obedience, or hit back, or damage prevention, or whatever, but you don't have to prepare quite so much for aborted combats, or re-playing key cards.

> extrala wrote: > Waters of Duat Frontal Assault! > Waters of Duat can't benefit from the card...

With psyche opponent have chance to play sce more times than you have psyche. It's bit better for wws/bbt, except you have an additional chance to draw wws. On the other hand, new card +selective silence + tod(with perhaps some swallowed by the night for dabbler or pursuits for additional/maneuver. Of course this card + walks of flame in ashrad deck will be sweet. As carrion crows played by nizzam or perhaps rowan ring tariq. Long story short nice card and no power creep, props for design. Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

Is it just me or is the "in memory of the two lands" missing a duration notification. How long will the mummies have strength bonus? until end of the action? End of turn? and of round? End of game? It doesn't say, so I must presume it is until end of game. Have a cold long night, Jeroen van Oort Dutch National Coördinator

I think it's only for the duration of the action. Example: Maris Streck's special says: "Burn one blood to give a blocking minion +1 intercept", but does not specify if the intercepts goes away when the action ends, but everyone knows is only for the duration of the action. Same with Chavi Oraczko, but with stealth. Maris Streck [ani] [dem] [dom] [AUS] [OBF] [Malkavian] Malkavian Capacity: 9 Group: 3 Camarilla Malkavian Justicar: Maris can burn a blood to give a blocking minion +1 intercept. She can take a +1 stealth action to allow you to look at and rearrange the top 5 cards of your library. Chavi Oraczko [nec] [ANI] [CHI] [FOR] [Ravnos] Ravnos Capacity: 7 Group: 5 Independent. Red List: Once each action, Chavi may burn 1 blood to get +1 stealth. While she is ready, you get +1 hand size.

> Oortje wrote: > Is it just me or is the "in memory of the two lands" missing a duration notification. How long will the mummies have strength bonus? until end of the action? End of turn? and of round? End of game? It doesn't say, so I must presume it is until end of game. > No, because of a) common sense b) precedent in older cards c) the text "once each action" on the card what you actually "must" presume is "for the duration of the action".

> Posco wrote: > I think it's only for the duration of the action. > Looks correct. [FZD 20130827] > > Pascal wrote: > >If Tyler burns a blood to get +1 vote, does > >it last until the end of the turn? > > Till the end of the action. > Relevant card text: Once per turn, she may burn a blood to get +1 bleed or an additional vote.

> jamesatzephyr wrote: > > > Posco wrote: > > I think it's only for the duration of the action. > > > Looks correct. > > [FZD 20130827] > > > > Pascal wrote: > > >If Tyler burns a blood to get +1 vote, does > > >it last until the end of the turn? > > > > Till the end of the action. > > > Relevant card text: > Once per turn, she may burn a blood to get +1 bleed or an additional vote. > It is correct indeed. In Memory of the Two Land's bonus to mummies only applies for the duration of the action in which it is used.

Guys, I don't want to split hairs here, but In Memory of the Two Lands' "Unique." text is intentional? Shouldn't it read "Unique Master."? NC of Hungary ///

> Malachy wrote: > Guys, I don't want to split hairs here, but In Memory of the Two Lands' "Unique." text is intentional? Shouldn't it read "Unique Master."? > Well, that's what previous cards have had, but tbh it's a bit redundant, since the card itself is clearly a master card. So maybe they decided to go for the less redundant route, and just use "Unique"? Works for me.

> PetriWessman wrote: > > > Malachy wrote: > > Guys, I don't want to split hairs here, but In Memory of the Two Lands' "Unique." text is intentional? Shouldn't it read "Unique Master."? > > > Well, that's what previous cards have had, but tbh it's a bit redundant, since the card itself is clearly a master card. So maybe they decided to go for the less redundant route, and just use "Unique"? Works for me. > Similarly, when political actions lost their "+1 stealth political action" template. Reducing clutter without reducing clarity is pretty helpful. It obviously doesn't apply here, but if you had a card that was - say - "Master: unique location. Trifle. Keyword." and that was two lines whereas "Unique location. Trifle. Keyword." was one line, it's nice to get that extra line back. Eye-squinting text from a shoddy inkjet printer may be a necessary evil on some cards, but it's nice to avoid where practical.

> Malachy wrote: > Guys, I don't want to split hairs here, but In Memory of the Two Lands' "Unique." text is intentional? Shouldn't it read "Unique Master."? > Intentional. "Master cards have no icon at the top of the attribute bar while the other cards have an icon there that indicates what type of card it is." (Rulebook 1.6.1.1) It was redundant to write "Master" there, just as it would be redundant to have .44 Magnum read "Equipment. Weapon, gun.", or "Event: Gehenna" on events. Or "Political action" on political actions (this one was removed rather lately).

Dropping master was a good change. On o side note, where are new previews? Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

> Lech wrote: > Dropping master was a good change. On o side note, where are new previews? > They'll be posted at some point this evening, European time. The remaining two previews will likely be on Saturday and Tuesday.

THE UNALIGNED Official release: October 4, 2014 Legal for Tournament Play: November 3, 2014 Vampire: Elder Kindred Network's second expansion for Vampire: the Eternal Struggle is The Unaligned, which focuses on the main Independent clans: Assamites, Followers of Set, Gangrel, Giovanni and Ravnos. The expansion is released in PDF format. The set contains 47 crypt cards and 26 library cards. PREVIEWS 5 and 6 The crypt cards for Gangrel in The Unaligned add more depth to titled vampires, as well as more overall depth to their crypt in Groups 4-5. Gangrel have needed a lot of help with their library card options, but we didn't want to change their overall theme and feel. We've opted to expand their toolboxy options, as well as give them more time to develop their strategies. We're also thrilled to have fan-favorite Heather Kreiter and Jarkko Suvela return for artwork in the new set! Jakko Suvela is an artist from Finland. Please, check his online portfolio here .Heather Kreiter is an based in Pennsylvania. Please, check her online portfolio here . V:EKN Website Coordinator

Bear's Skin is strong card. Nice for trap combat with ... i don't know, some vampire who can telepatic tracking ? Or just plain simple enkidu rush with additionals and immoral grapple. Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

> Lech wrote: > Bear's Skin is strong card. Nice for trap combat with ... i don't know, some vampire who can telepatic tracking ? > Currently, Secret Library says there's only two of those (ANI/PRO/AUS), and since one's Randall, a Gangrel with FOR, and the other's Xipe Totec, a Tzimisce with VIC, they're not the most awesomest blend of vampires. Decent enough titles and specials, though.

I was thinking the same thing about Trap+Bear Skin. But I also just noticed that you need at least a six cap. vampire for this: Joaquina Amaya 6 ANI CHI FOR Ravnos Sarisha Veliku 6 ANI chi dom FOR Ravnos Sophia Watson 6 obf pro ANI FOR Gangrel Sanjo 6 abo chi ANI FOR Akunanse Jayakumar 6 ANI FOR chi tha Ravnos Lisé 6 pot pro ANI FOR Gangrel Shiloh Marie, Vengeance 6 ANI FOR PRO Gangrel So hopefully the expansion will have a 5 cap. Gangrel with ANI/FOR

> extrala wrote: > I was thinking the same thing about Trap+Bear Skin. But I also just noticed that you need at least a six cap. vampire for this: > ... > So hopefully the expansion will have a 5 cap. Gangrel with ANI/FOR > The card as spoiled says ANI/PRO, which is doable with Celeste.

Bear skin, trap, crows. PA out a dog pack if needed, or every grouping of Gangrel has a splash of potence. Good card, which was needed for Gangrel

Bear Skin...? I thought bears had fur! =O

> jamesatzephyr wrote: > The card as spoiled says ANI/PRO, which is doable with Celeste. > Double-oops. :S

Bear's Skin + Trap + Dog Pack = Mangle-O-Rama

> PetriWessman wrote: > Bear's Skin + Trap + Dog Pack = Mangle-O-Rama > I just had a disturbing vision of a theme deck about a little childrens' TV show gone horribly wrong. With teddy bears and puppies. "Everybody, let's have a BIG HUG!"

This is "Five Nights at Freddy's" all over again.

> PetriWessman wrote: > Bear's Skin + Trap + Dog Pack = Mangle-O-Rama > This is actually pretty ugly. Who playtested this?! "My strategy? Luck is my strategy, of course."

Bear's Skin + Trap is a pretty comfortable combo I'd say, but it's far from op Dog Pack is always circumstantial... personally I wouldn't use more than 1-2 of them. NC of Hungary ///

> Malachy wrote: > Bear's Skin + Trap is a pretty comfortable combo I'd say, but it's far from op Dog Pack is always circumstantial... personally I wouldn't use more than 1-2 of them. > Seconded. I dont think even gangrel fans need to own many dog packs, as they are hard to pay for in punches at 3 pool. The combo isnt too broken, as horrid form trap and crows with a path can be worse. Gangrel have reason to run Revel, and now any gangrel with superior of 2 in clans just got better. Fortitude at basic just became super acceptable on small and mid gangrel. Ritual challange is even less needed now, but Grangrel 36 card combat package (typically a good number for fluid combat that fan rush and block) wont be as unreliable. Crows, traps, skins, tastes, some pack alphas and then optional agg, fortitude, and a form of mist/meld if desired. The big picture thing is that the preview gangrel crypt card is a small dude, and not titled. The text block of the preview says they got support in titltes, so bearskin is just part of what makes gangrel look good; they get better support and potentially stars. Many existing fatty gangrel get a second look due to bearskin, but Gangrel fans and almost fans in general will be looking to try out "almost good" decks now. Looks like I might build a real gangrel deck other than Ariadne stuff.....

Bear Skin is a good card, but I don't think it's what Gangrel needs. Gangrel combat isn't thier "problem". They need better action cards to oust.

> CalibanX wrote: > Bear Skin is a good card, but I don't think it's what Gangrel needs. Gangrel combat isn't thier "problem". They need better action cards to oust. > Thats only part of the problem. If they had a bloat action, and a bleed action (or both as one card; Gangrel the Unaligned ) they would srill be stuck with inclans that thier bloodlines do bettee stuff with becauss Protean sucks. Ahrimanes and Akunanse are better than Gangrel. They both have better reaction ability (all have STSW, but predators communion, ears of the hare, falcons eye, etc are all better than what protean gives gangrel) in disciplines and sect stuff (no secrets and abbot and I guess under siege if needed). They both have better utility cards and rushes, in addition to having the Ani stuff Gangrel has (predators mastery and transformation, swiftness of the stag, SPI rushes in general) and combat stuff thats better or similar to Proteans stuff for Gangrel( SPI stuff, and invoking the beast, decil channel hands mostly). Bearskin gives Gangrel something better than invoking the beast. If there were an Ani Pro card that let you untap and block, then do it with intercept or gain intercept, theyd be another leg up. I think Gangrel getting ousting power would help, but thematically, being great at fighting and not getting ousted is what they always should have had. Deep song, tier of souls, army of rats, and if needed Jack can make them oust. Being unshakable by crypt accel, blocking, bloating, and fighting is what they always should have had and never did (when compared to other clans)

> ReverendRevolver wrote: > but thematically, being great at [...] not getting ousted is what they always should have had. > I dont' see why the should have good intercept option ??? I mean, protean never had been a good "intercept" thing ??? They have what give and it is OK... And don't forget that they have the 2 best combat ends that exist in VtES !!! (which is something !!)

is fine, i've heard that Earth Meld and Form of Mist are decent ... On the other hand, i welome new combat option. Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

Looking at gangrel cards I'm disappointed. I mean, both are good, but neither of them makes me think about creating any new decks. They're kind of cards that doesn't bring anything new to the game. Still, they'll probably find some slots in decks as solid cards. They are just soo booring. Hopefully other cards for Gangrel will be more inspirational. From all the shown cards till now I like assamite the most.

Why Trap when you have Shadow of the Wolf? Shadow of the Wolf Protean combat card 2 blood Only usable before range is chosen. [pro] This vampire gets an additional strike with +1 strength during this round of combat. [PRO] As above, with an optional press. Be careful when you fight the monsters, lest you become one. -Friedrich Nietzsche brandonsantacruz.blogspot.com/

> brandonsantacruz wrote: > Why Trap when you have Shadow of the Wolf? > > Shadow of the Wolf > Protean combat card > 2 blood > Only usable before range is chosen. > [pro] This vampire gets an additional strike with +1 strength during this round of combat. > [PRO] As above, with an optional press. > It may exist, but I dont own any. Id rather keep my blood so when I computer hack I can affor Horrific Countenance As for Protean having the two best SCE in the game; yes, its cool. Whole decks built around it. But, outside Slava and Henry twister, I still see a metric assload of Ahrimanes and Akunanse getting good milage out of inclans, Gangrel not so much. Shadow of the wolf, mythic form, and body flare all do something worth one less blood or costing worth one more effect (shadow being each round getting an additional). Protean sucks, thus gangrel suck. Fixing protean and giving them clan cards seems to be a good angle to helping them. Multi discipline cards with inclans is also a fair angle, and worked here. Brandon, trap is < conquer the beast

> alek wrote: > Looking at gangrel cards I'm disappointed. I mean, both are good, but neither of them makes me think about creating any new decks. They're kind of cards that doesn't bring anything new to the game. Still, they'll probably find some slots in decks as solid cards. They are just soo booring. Hopefully other cards for Gangrel will be more inspirational. > From all the shown cards till now I like assamite the most. > It's a fair point, and there are definitely more interesting cards we could be showing off. However, we're trying to show off and advertise as many artists as we can. They've done a ton of work for us, and the least we can do for them is show them off and link to their portfolios. We've done some of that with the art previews in the Designers' Diary entries, and we're finally getting around to some of the other artists. You'll see the rest of the set soon enough anyway.

I agree with Alek. Assamite card looks best so far. Lots of core decks have solid, one card counters to combat and bleeding (combat ends, deflection, etc). What I'd love to see for Gangrel, is a card with a similar core usefulness that doesn't duplicate any existing card affects. That's why I'm in favor of a Protean "Steal Pool" Action or a Master location that taps to let a Gangrel attempt a bleed action that cannot be bounced or reduced. -Something that would give them a "Wow! That card is too awesome NOT to put in my deck" quality as other clans have cards that are like that.

> CalibanX wrote: > [...] or a Master location that taps to let a Gangrel attempt a bleed action that cannot be bounced or reduced. > *cough* *Stanislava* *Iliana* *cough* By all means, let's give minions with superior Dominate and access to Earth Control, Form of Mist and Horrific Countenance, an ability to make their bleeds unbounceable. I'm sure it would be perfecly balanced.

> HG.fi wrote: > > > CalibanX wrote: > > [...] or a Master location that taps to let a Gangrel attempt a bleed action that cannot be bounced or reduced. > > > *cough* *Stanislava* *Iliana* *cough* > > By all means, let's give minions with superior Dominate and access to Earth Control, Form of Mist and Horrific Countenance, an ability to make their bleeds unbounceable. I'm sure it would be perfecly balanced. > Actually, in order to be perfectly balanced, you need a mean to make it unarchonable... Oh wait, Enkil cog... My bad... First Stanislava turn : play "ubber master" bleed tapping ubber master (with stealth from various source like backways, forced march, earth control and/or form of mist) enkil cog forced march tasha morgan instantaneous transformation JS Simons Second stanislava turn : laptop computer forced march robert carter instantaneous transformation Prey turn : you give me the impulse ? govern + conditioning + whatever (even horrific countenance yeah ^^) tapping "ubber master" it is a bleed for 14 not bounceable nor reduceable . Seems fair ^^ (OK, it means some set up but not too much ^^)

I only play Gangrel/!Gangrel, I'm a fanatic. Occasionally I play Ahrimane, but that's not a dealbreaker I've tried Gangrel in countless environments, and I must say that Protean is the most versatile discipline in the game (I thinks that is Protean's purpose). Having cards you mentioned would make them imba and not just because of Stanislava... You can do almost anything with PRO, you just have to find the way and the right Crypt which I hope will be granted for us with this set NC of Hungary ///

My Gangrel Location idea was just an afterthought. Are Stanslava decks Gangrel decks? If we have to design cards because the clan has access to a few vamps with dominate then fine, it's easy to debuff any new card concept. You could make the location only useable for bleeds less than 3 which is what most Gangrel bleeds would be as the overwhelming number of Gangrels do not have superior Dom. My point, is that combat themed clans without power bleed Disciplines can't afford to have their puny bleeds so easily countered. Without bruise bleed or bounces it's very tough for combat decks to oust. Giving the Gangrel new combat cards, even good ones, isn't going to put them on the same playing field as other clans.

> CalibanX wrote: > My point, is that combat themed clans without power bleed Disciplines can't afford to have their puny bleeds so easily countered. Without bruise bleed or bounces it's very tough for combat decks to oust. Giving the Gangrel new combat cards, even good ones, isn't going to put them on the same playing field as other clans. > This is a very old discussion. Every time I suggest some card to help combat decks oust a little easier I get "Then combat decks gets too good!" thrown in my face. And maybe that´s true! But I am less worried about how bad none-dominate decks are than about how good dominate-decks are. Govern+Conditioning+Deflection is still the shit in this game, and it´s rather sad. "My strategy? Luck is my strategy, of course."

> CalibanX wrote: > My point, is that combat themed clans without power bleed Disciplines can't afford to have their puny bleeds so easily countered. Without bruise bleed or bounces it's very tough for combat decks to oust. Giving the Gangrel new combat cards, even good ones, isn't going to put them on the same playing field as other clans. > Here I will completely but respectively disagree. A heavily themed combat oriented clan needs to be able to concentrate on what it does best to oust - and that is winning combats. Meaning, I would greatly prefer to see combat themed clans get cards that resulted in pool loss for winning combats over getting things that allowed them to bleed for a pool or two as you describe. There are generic cards that assist with this idea such as Dragonbound, Fame, Tension and the likes. And trust me, in my years of playing the Assamites, I have put these cards to their full use. But I would still love to see the Assamites get a card that caused pool damage to someone that was sunk with a contract on them (in the same way that the Black Thrones gives you a pool for this). This keeps the essence of the clan intact and gives them more ousting ability. In my opinion, the Gangrel should follow right along. They should have a pool damage mechanism through winning combats. Would this make combat too powerful? I seriously doubt it as even when dedicating 1/2 to 2/3 of your deck to combat cards, you can still run into situations that kick your ass. Running a solid combat/rush deck is infinitely more difficult (with all of the variables at the table) than a bleed or vote deck. So if someone is willing to build a deck around this, then they should be "awarded". Just my random thoughts on the matter. Take care, Todd B. Scribe of the Assamites

Todd, I'm not wed to any specific approach for helping out the combat clans, only that they need something to help with the ousting. I think your ideas are great and would love to see more of them implemented in new sets, I just don't think action cards should be considered "out of clan" though. Army of Rats and 419 Opp are great examples of action cards that can at least help combat clans. I'd like to see more.

THE UNALIGNED Official release: October 4, 2014 Legal for Tournament Play: November 3, 2014 Vampire: Elder Kindred Network's second expansion for Vampire: the Eternal Struggle is The Unaligned, which focuses on the main Independent clans: Assamites, Followers of Set, Gangrel, Giovanni and Ravnos. The expansion is released in PDF format. The set contains 47 crypt cards and 26 library cards. PREVIEWS 7 and 8 The Giovanni have long under-utilized their Potence in V:TES. In The Unaligned, we've deepened the crypt options and strengthened the Potence in the Giovanni crypt cards for Groups 5-6. The library cards likewise have a strong combat emphasis. Gábor Németh is an artist from Hungary. Please, check his online portfolio here .Ginés Quiñonero is an artist from Spain. Please, check his online portfolio here . V:EKN Website Coordinator

More cards to make my Matahari and Vidal Jarbeaux designs even more awesome. Approved.

Strong combat card, great for toolbox combat, and still awesome in traditional Immoral Grapple/Torn Signpost/Disarm combat. Bit shame that it isn't general necromancy card, as it would help some other clans, too. That vampire on the other hand, is very good - but i doubt that g5-g6 grouping will beat g2-g3 crypt in traditional shambling horde deck. Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

Two very nice cards. I love ally decks, so that new Giovanni makes me very happy. And that combat card... wow. That's a big boost to Giovanni combat, which makes it possible we may even see Giovanni combat at some point (instead of Giovanni stealth .

It will be very interesting to see how people use Spiritual Guidance. It´s not that good early. "My strategy? Luck is my strategy, of course."

> Ashur wrote: > It will be very interesting to see how people use Spiritual Guidance. It´s not that good early. > Discard early copies, grab them later via Sudario etc?

very nice combat card, both good and thematic. Similar as Lech, I think it would be even better as a necromancy card. It's one of the disciplines which needs major development. Vampire is very good as well. > > i doubt that g5-g6 grouping will beat g2-g3 crypt in traditional shambling horde deck. > probably not, but on other hand he can join Anu Diptinatpa to build some new ally decks

> alek wrote: > v > probably not, but on other hand he can join Anu Diptinatpa to build some new ally decks > Good point, I hadn't even thought of Anu here (yet)

Heh I find it quite funny that in the preview they say how they are going to make POT heavy crypt, then preview vampire who has all in-clans -except- potence at superior. Its a great vampire though, and VERY nice picture. Not sure how good that combat card will be though, you can't really play too many of them, since its not that great if you don't already have something to use it with in your ash heap, I suppose it comboes nicely with liquidation at least, and its really only worth using if you use quite varied combat package, as if your only using like 2-4 different combat cards, why not just put more copies of each of those?

> Klaital wrote: > Not sure how good that combat card will be though > My feel is "very good". Sure, it doesn't do much in a deck running on just a few different combat cards... but few combat decks, other than maybe animalism, will run with such a simple package. Typical potence decks will want to pack all sorts of cards, to deal with different types of targets. Grapples, maneuvers, different types of strikes, Tastes, etc. Oh, and with the Giovanni you may well want to add a few combat ends there too, to handle cases where you're up against something you can't handle. This new card gives you on-demand access to your whole combat toolkit (once per combat, of course), once you have it in your ash heap... and given decent card flow tech, getting most of it into your ash heap should not be a big problem. We'll see when the first decks are designed The tricky bit is figuring out how many of these to put in a deck, compared to the number of combat cards.

> Klaital wrote: > [...]if [you're] only using like 2-4 different combat cards, why not just put more copies of each of those? > An example: Potence Immortal Grapple combat with no maneuvers of its own, but uses Thrown Sewer Lids to catch those opponents that maneuver away. Without Spiritual Guidance, you will have either too many or too little Sewer Lids, period. With Spiritual Guidance, your card flow will be superior and your combat hand jams way less frequent. A brilliant card, and it allows you to use more "just in case" combat cards, without fearing massive hand jamming.

The twisting twister twist: Make Henry Taylor a Giovanni.

> extrala wrote: > The twisting twister twist: Make Henry Taylor a Giovanni. > It is a fun idea but you will be able to use each card only once because after that it would be ou of game.

> HG.fi wrote: > > > Klaital wrote: > > [...]if [you're] only using like 2-4 different combat cards, why not just put more copies of each of those? > > > An example: > > Potence Immortal Grapple combat with no maneuvers of its own, but uses Thrown Sewer Lids to catch those opponents that maneuver away. > > Without Spiritual Guidance, you will have either too many or too little Sewer Lids, period. With Spiritual Guidance, your card flow will be superior and your combat hand jams way less frequent. > > A brilliant card, and it allows you to use more "just in case" combat cards, without fearing massive hand jamming. > Its the same style application as Art of Memory. Use what you want from a list of options not available if you just make that card an additional copy of one option. Dialing in what the gamestate requires. Ive had 4 grapples, a signpost, and no manuevers or lids in hand against opponents with one manuever. If you cut in this card in place of a fee of each thing, you have more of what you need if its drawn mid to late game instead of having that 68% chance you need something and draw it. Its nice. Worste case, pitch em to cancel a TV?

> Timo wrote: > > > extrala wrote: > > The twisting twister twist: Make Henry Taylor a Giovanni. > > > It is a fun idea but you will be able to use each card only once because after that it would be ou of game. > Of course, but i guess yu only have like 5 of those total, and most other cards are at least doubled. In most cases, you want that IG/TS/ToV back, and that card increase the odds for getting that crucial part of the combo on your hand. Say you have 8/8/5 split, and thrown in some Thrown Sewer Lids, Spiritual Interventions, T:V, slams and Disarms - maybe fake outs, along with the new card. About 34-40 cards total. In the old ways, you'd add two more torn signpost and grapples, maybe disarm. In new way, you have 5 cards that most often serve to get those grapples or torn signpost, but can be used to fetch more options, like playing 6 thrown sewer lids/4 s:ce against animalism combat. Long story short, it improve flow of the combat package and only at the beginning it's death weight. Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

THE UNALIGNED Official release: October 4, 2014 Legal for Tournament Play: November 3, 2014 Vampire: Elder Kindred Network's second expansion for Vampire: the Eternal Struggle is The Unaligned, which focuses on the main Independent clans: Assamites, Followers of Set, Gangrel, Giovanni and Ravnos. The expansion is released in PDF format. The set contains 47 crypt cards and 26 library cards. PREVIEWS 9 and 10 In the Week of Nightmares, the Ravnos were nearly wiped out. Those who survived tended to be Ravnos antitribu, so we've included a few Sabbat Ravnos in The Unaligned. The Independent Ravnos in the set help fill some holes in Groups 3-6. The library cards are a mix of combat, bleed, and defense. Francesc Grimalt is an artist from Spain. Please, check his online portfolio here .James Richardson is an artist from California. Please, check his online portfolio here . V:EKN Website Coordinator

Is this the last round of previews?

> Damnans wrote: > In the Week of Nightmares, the Ravnos were nearly wiped out. Those who survived tended to be Ravnos antitribu, so we've included a few Sabbat Ravnos in The Unaligned. The Independent Ravnos in the set help fill some holes in Groups 3-6. The library cards are a mix of combat, bleed, and defense. > Great artwork, both Iago and Hall of Mirrors. "My strategy? Luck is my strategy, of course."

> extrala wrote: > Is this the last round of previews? > Yes, it is. V:EKN Website Coordinator

Based on the previews: this is going to be a kick-ass set. Massive kudos to the dev team (and artists!)

Is there any sabbat assamite in this set ? Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

The new Ravnos vampire is very solid (all clan disciplines at superior plus OBT, and +1 intercept). The combat card is a nice defensive card... but Chi already has quite a few of those. Where it shines is in a combat deck: Ravnos now have a "native" way around S:CE... and being able to cancel various other nasty strikes is extra bonus. Interesting card, since I could see myself using this for both offense and defense.

Kudos to the devs! All previewed cards are solid and the art is great! Hall of mirrors has a lot of potential for Ravnos combat. Sweet!

Not sure how much use that ravnos is going to get from the obtenebration, but even without it, its still quite nice with +1 int and all in-clans at superior. The combat card looks quite interesting also, especially nice that it doesn't cost blood unlike most chimerstry cards.

Superior that count cost 1 blood to use. Which can't be reduced by the path. Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

When do we get the set? Also, question for the DT: Has a card ever made it through testing and been dropped because art suitable wasnt available?

> ReverendRevolver wrote: > When do we get the set? > Prince of Dallas Toreador Grand Ball: Dallas August 13, 2022

The set is up! I am currently uploading the flattened PDF files, which are not as big as the ones currenly available, but the hotel wi-fi is really terrible. www.vekn.net/vampire-elder-kindred-network/298-the-unaligned-released V:EKN Website Coordinator

I just finished uploading the crypt and library files with one object per page. You can download them either from this page: www.vekn.net/vampire-elder-kindred-network/292-the-unaligned Or directly from: Crypt cards Library cards V:EKN Website Coordinator

Illusory Resources is not burned when the counters are gone - interesting. Obviously, with the low starting number of counters, it would burn awfully quick, but, without having a burn clause, that means it's probably a one time play (when the meta isn't inundated with Chimerstry). Nor does it either require or gain anything for having a Ravnos around, so it's a possible play for decks with random key vampires with out of clan Chimerstry. Traveller Card Game

I had just enough time for a quick glance and I'm really impressed you all did a great job card concepts and artworks are really good I have the feeling that I'll need a couple of new printer cartridges soon Stefano "Walt" Calzighetti Prince of Pordenone (Italy)

I assume that "skaald" is a misspelling of skald or more properly skáld. Baron of Berkeley

LackeyCCG is updated to new expansion. If you already have VtES Plugin instaled just open the program and wait until update is finished. If you are new on online game take a look at tutorials here: www.lackeyccg.com/vtes OCTGN will be updated soon... Fernando Cesar - Sydnelson LackeyCCG and OCTGN VtES Mantainer Prince of Rio de Janeiro Powerbase Rio de Janeiro

Loving 7 cap with 4 superiors. Also, fianlly Xavier has his ABO.

Thanks a lot! Great work, great cards! Is there a vtescsv.zip somewhere for ardb users?

Nice set, sadly get no love except for shambling hordes decks (yes, there is one other card, that might be used in trap decks, but i have my doubts about it's usefulness). Most important card for is Priority Contract, with no doubts. g2-g3 Assamite royalty also looks nice, two princes, justicar and inner circle. I like that defensive torn signpost for , now it have real synergy with combat, and it's always nice to see another Taste of Death enabler. With the new card, my Zubeida deck will be unstoppable ! Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

Seems that merged Tegyrius might finally be useful with two assamite princes. Also I really like Brunhilde and the Valkyries, might make a deck with those, especially with the move 2 down card for gangrel also.

Gangrel fatties are great. Inyanga is a much cooler wall-star (not a typo) than Nadima, with her cheap wolvers (and gypsies I suppose) and stupid good standing intercept with access to AUS, ANI and of course Fortitude. Shes perfect for the deck I built around Modechai Ben-nun when httb came out. And existing support exist. F@%#ing Xavier..... where to start? Thank you, Ben and DT, for adding ABO (he has 4 dots of ABO in Children of the Night, but when Anarchs was printed, ABO wasnt existant in VTES, hell, I dont think it was defined in vtm yet, as KotEK wasnt out....) specials great. Even running him in combat decks, due to new toys (bear skin mostly) im digging the new dude more. Merge and get the burn blood to punch hard, but a Justicar (access to second trad) who groups doen with 2 princes or up with one) who has all in clans, pot cel aus and Superior ABO,which is access to bleed pump, block fail, stealth, imtercept, and combat, who untaps after calling p shift or alastor or whatever is stupid awesome. The fatty with 3 strength and dunking special is funny, because I had submitted the justicar before Xavier as a beatstick card, and Bens comment was good luck fitting all the words in a text box. I was happy when I saw a rough draft of this guy(ane everything) and Im even happier with completed version (whole set has great art, impressed with Gines alternating styles some and making it look just as good as his normal stuff). In the template of Lord Vauxall, really happy about the 7 caps with all in clans and an out of clan superior. Its not "powercreepy" due to things before it not killing anyone, and it provides that kickass support vamp an extra kick without sticking circumstancial specials on everything. Setites, happy for g3 support vamp in a clan novel protagonist, really happy for Snake Punch (typhonic beast) getting 2 new beatsticks. The g3 dude makes ezekiel valid for snake punch, and Ghede (an almost oops ) is PERFECT for fatty snake punch with eternals and villein to set up. Add in he doesnt rely soley on snake drive to multiact, and pays nothing for as many typhonic beasts as you want, AND rushes, I start to think that new snake punch is on my list to build (instead of the half done snake punch I started last year.) Ivan advanced makes me dig into my Epiphany stash. Did the DT say "bunhi grapple mass reality..... lets see if ot works right after this" ? Hes great, and again, art fits like a glove. Ravnos got some coolness in the brown-backed card department, which was really all they needed imo (other than the game back in print...) speaking of, if we get printed, and get boosters for draft or otherwise, the weenie with fortitudexis a perfect draft but still good anyway type of card. Assamites can vote now, at least reliably enough for everyone to try them and not contest Inyanga and Xavier cross table with me for a fee months. Alot of archbishops in this set, across the indy dudes, princes too, with is omething people have liked in non cam clans over the years. With Assamites, the support is what i like most in the set. Giovanni got punchy support and an impressive !ventrue and samedi support dude.those are both buold worthy. Ennoias theatre does the DoTS thing other cards have needed to do, and adds another auto include gangrel master. Gangrel got a kamut, a free horrid form, a semi DotS, and vote help. Lets see what happens. Necro got toys, and funeral wake will be in my dead hooker decks, along with abdesolbek and some mummies for kicks. Snake stealthbleed will get annoying without dodge. Quietus got toys, chi got neat stuff... Add in plans for reprints and run it as a ful small set and see if WotC is game to print with Steve Weick? They like money, and the set is goldmostly.

> Lech wrote: > Nice set, sadly get no love except for shambling hordes decks (yes, there is one other card, that might be used in trap decks, but i have my doubts about it's usefulness). > While not remotely a fan of Funeral Wake, at least until we ban events, I can see reasons for someone to play Blight. Aggpoke annoying your Preternatural Strengthened Giovanni? Go away. Want to Disarm? Pretty easy, can't even be additional striked to mess up the Disarm. Find Aid from Bats annoying? Well, it's a prerange card that cycles to kill a press. Somebody, somewhere still plays with Walk of Flame? Admittedly, Trap doesn't come from the minion, but it may be Apportation or Dust to Dust or whatever that is setting up the Walk. It eats up a card slot, which is a problem, but it cycles relatively easily (i.e. easily for a combat card). It also can be played by a mummy that can play Nec to survive longer for theme decks. Traveller Card Game

Is the text on Serpent's Numbing Kiss correct? As far as I can see, the superior's "This (opposing) minion does not untap as normal during your untap phase" is a null statement, since other Methuselah's minions don't untap then anyway. Edited to add: This is from the flattened library file - I haven't downloaded the other version to see if they're different. -- National Coordinator South Africa

> drnlmza wrote: > Is the text on Serpent's Numbing Kiss correct? > > As far as I can see, the superior's "This (opposing) minion does not untap as normal during your untap phase" is a null statement, since other Methuselah's minions don't untap then anyway. > > Edited to add: This is from the flattened library file - I haven't downloaded the other version to see if they're different. > Minion cards are controlled by the player whos minions they are on, so it will burn on the persons untap phase whos minion it is on.

Here is my review of each card of the set based on first impressions. I am giving each card a rating ranging from 1 to 5. In this scale 1 means total wallpaper card, 2 is either below average or extremely situational, 3 is average, 4 is above average, very useful, and 5 means something that you build decks around or that you should put in any applicable deck. I will go through the cards in the order they appear in the pdf, would also be happy to hear what other people think whether they agree or disagree with me on specific cards. Here we go! Crypt: Mateusz Kazimirski, Biker of Blood. Rating: 3.5 I rate 4 caps with superior and inferior slightly higher than those with three inferiors, his special likely wont matter much in most cases, he will likely mostly be seen in mono-celerity gun decks, and is quite solid for those, but probably wont be seen much anywhere else, perfectly fine card. Wise Frog Rating: 2 This is in my opinion one of the worst vampires in the whole set, his special, not being overly powerful to begin with, also does not really combo so well with his discplines, being a combat special, and his only superior discpline being obfuscate. Overall, its a vampire that I might sometimes use to fill out a crypt, but wouldn't ever be happy about it. Omer Rating: 5 Its Abd al-Rashid, with a ski mask. Very solid vampire that I would expect to see in pretty much every assamite deck using his grouping, not much more to say than that. Enam Rating: 4 This is something that hasn't been ever seen before, an assamite prince! At first glance, her discpline spread looked quite lackluster, but when I thought about it more, it wasn't that bad, she is perfect fit for any alamut vote decks,superior quietus lets her bleed with Loss, and basic obfuscate is usually enough to get things through. She also gives you the option to slip in some parity shifts to your assamite vote deck, which is never bad idea, right? Looking forward to get to try her out. Flavia, Avenging Angel Rating: 5 Well, 6 cap with all in-clans at superior, what more could you ask? Pretty much all you could hope for in a 6 cap and like Omer, will likely be in every group 6 assamite deck, not much else to say there. Imanna Rating: 4 Here is another very solid vampire to alamut vote decks, lacking the princely goodness of Enam, but makes up for it in superior obfuscate. Abid Bin Haji, Scholar of Mirrors Rating: 4 All in-clans at superior, and a very useful out of clan at superior, giving him access to bleed bounce. About only gripe I have about this guy is that he is group 6 and can't be grouped up with Dmitri Borodin. But still, very solid. Rebekah Rating: 5 This is one of my favorite cards in the entire set, she is pretty much perfect, you can do anything with her, block, bleed, vote, fight. The hardest part is going to be in thinking what to focus your deck to, and then find appropriate supporting cast to go with it, but she is great star vampire to a variety of decks. Al-Ashrad, Amr of Alamut Rating: 3 Al-Ahsrad, while considerably better than the basic version due to two extra discpline levels, suffers from the same problem as his buddy Tegyrius, in that he needs to be merged to get his title, which is generally more trouble than its worth, especially since his title is pretty much just 4 votes, unlike Tegy's which gives access to lot of powerful cards, leaving him rather average. Cao Ngyuen Rating: 4 This is hands down the best 3 cap setites have ever had, as they have been suffering much from the lack of superior discplines on their smaller vampires, an excellent support vampire. Elizabeth Dimitros Rating: 5 Continuing the trend of the previous one, this is by far the best 4 cap setites have ever had, I frankly could not think of better discplines to have for a 4 cap setite. Again, very strong support vampire. Shahara al-Rashwa Rating: 5 Another very solid vampire for the setites, I would expect to see this one in pretty much all group 6 setite decks. Missy Shillingford Rating: 2 This vampire is quite odd, it seems to be missing one level of discpline or some sort of special ability, 7 caps usually have 8 points worth of stuff, this one only has 7. That aside, its obviously designed for Weigh the Heart, which she can do at superior, but for standard setite decks, she is quite terrible, having only one in-clan at superior as 7 cap, hence why the low rating, I am sure someone will make some specific deck where she is good though. Legba Rating: 2 This is another guy that seems to be missing something, as his special is so narrow that it can't be worth a full point. Again, below average for your average setite deck being 8 cap with only basic obfuscate, and no powerful special to make up for it. Glycon Rating: 4 While this guy is also lacking in-clan discplines, having no presence at all, he has strong special, and discpline spread, which makes him a vampire that you build a deck around, and he is quite good in what he does. Ghede Rating: 5 Here is a superstar, he can rush anything, pays less for his combat cards, and has very scary discpline spread, he might not be good in many things, but he is very good in what he does. Count Jocalo Rating: 3 At first glance, this guy looked fairly good, +1 hand size and +1 bleed is great, but his discpline spread is rivaling Eze in its gimmickness, which makes it quite hard to use him to his full value, which is why I only rated him as average overall. Sarrasine Rating: 4 First thing I thought when I saw this one is, why is there a woman in the picture, when the basic version is quite clearly male? I guess there is some story reason to that which someone can maybe share? That aside, I really like this one, all in-clans at superior, and a prince, and also a very strong special if you go through the trouble of merging him/her. I can see this one being used a lot in obf/pre vote decks, and is probably the best 8 cap setites have in group 2 for just standard setite decks too. Adri, the Seeker Rating: 3 Its pretty much what you would expect from a 2 cap, with a minor special thrown in as bonus, not much else to say. Sanjav Chakrabarti Rating: 4 Superior chimerstry is so much better than basic, four cap with superior and no drawback is great, thats all. Dhita Cloudhair Rating: 4 I believe this is only the second ravnos 5 cap with two superiors, only thing that stops it from being a five is that the inferior discpline isn't fortitude. Dr. Lawrence Mayhew Rating: 2 As a ravnos, this guy is pretty bad, only one in-clan as superior, although at least its the most important one. I suppose he will be mostly seen with Hazimel. Delizbieta of the Dark Eyes Rating: 4 I like this one a lot, all in-clans at superior, quite good out-of-clan superior, and on top of that, situationally quite useful special, making her for example very good in protecting your tumnimos. Nothing bad to say about her. Iago Castille Rating: 3 Only reason this guy doesn't get higher rating is that I don't think he is going to get much out of his obtenebration, being about the only ravnos who has it. He will still be useful in blocky decks his +1 intercept and all superiors, though. Karmenita Yoryari Rating: 2 If she would be group 5 she would get higher rating, because about all the dementation ravnos are group 4, as is there isn't much crypt support to her dementation, and without it she is just horribly overcosted as 9 cap, especially since Ravnos aren't really all that great voters so not sure how much mileage she can get out of her title, the special is quite strong at least. Vestgeir Rating: 3 Better than the previous one because he at least has presence so he might be able to pull off voting better, he also has +1 bleed and potentially powerful special, though dependant on what other people are playing. Still not convinced that voting is what you would want to do with ravnos though. Ivan Krenyenko Rating: 4 All I can say is that merged Ivan is an absolute beast, being able to fetch gear from your deck for free, equip it for huge discount, and having +2 strength and +1 bleed to boot. I would expect to see decks made centered around this guy. Bez Dunsirn Rating: 4 This is quite possibly the scariest 2 cap in the whole game, because he can absolutely wreck people, potence giovanni is definetily a valid archetype after this set. Domenic Giovanni Rating: 4 Here is the big brother of the previous guy, every bit as solid and likely seen togther with him all the time. Salvatore Giovanni Rating: 5 Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, a third bruiser giovanni, and thebest one of the lot, pairing these three guys with Gianmaria and Accori and you have pretty much crypt ready to go right there. Lupo Giovanni Rating: 4 Immediately when I saw this guy, I thought of shambling hordes decks, this guy is pretty much perfect support vampire for those, having a built-in hunting ground for the cost of only one discpline point, yes please. Dr: Oliver Genet Rating: 5 I expect to see this guy and Lupo together a lot, bringing forth an unstoppable tide of zombies, if you have Lupo out also, this guy effectively pays only 1 blood for shambler, which can be reduced to 0 with charisma, perfectionist, or path, very solid vampire that is likely to be cornerstone of many shambler decks. Martino Della Passaglia Rating: 3 This guy looks completely average, and rather boring after the other amazing giovanni so far. I suppose he is decent filler vampire as 7 cap with all superiors, but thats about it. Lisandro Giovanni Rating: 3 I am not really sure of what to think about this guy... I am sure someone will make a star deck around him where he can shine, but right now he seems rather hard to evaluate for me, he is kind of like a mix of giovanni and samedi, built-in +1 stealth is great of course, but I can't really think of too many clan cards that he could effectively use with his special. Madeleine Giovanni Rating: 2 9 cap combat vampire without fortitude always makes me rather concerned, as thats a huge investment that can go down in flames so easily, I will stick to the smaller guys mentioned earlier. Enzo Giovanni, Pentex Board of Directors Rating: 3 Direct improvement over the basic version, I don't really see any reason to ever play the basic one over this guy, that being said, he is still only boringly average, at least this ones anti-vote special is more likely to matter than the base ones. Malcolm Rating: 3 Pretty much what you expect from a 2 cap. C.J. Rating: 4 I wonder if he is related to T.J.? That aside, four cap with superior fortitude and no drawback is quite useful support vampire. Dr. Sutton Gassaway Rating: 3 Completely average 6 cap, not much more to say. Rosa Hernandez Rating: 3.5 Decent 7 cap, bonus point for having celerity as out of-clan, making her fit better with antitribu, and also able to play Instantaneous Transformation at superior. Art Morgan Rating: 2 This guy is fairly situational, he is only worth using if you are using either his potence, or werewolves, and he is rather big for a werewolf deck. Mark Decker Rating: 4 This guy seems massively undercosted, 8 caps usually get 9 points of stuff, he has 8 points in discplines, title worth 1 point, +1 strength worth 1.5 points, and then free cornercase special, so he basically gets the +1 strength for free. He still only gets four though because he is actually better antitribu than regular gangrel, and has all the in-clan discplines of both gangrel variations. I actually expect to see this guy played more with antitribu. Inyanga Rating: 4 While I don't think he is going to get too much value out of his ally special, as if your making a garou deck, you do it with cheaper vampires than a 9 cap, but even without that he is very good wall vampire with ANI/AUS and +1 intercept, I am sure I am going to be annoyed sitting next to this guy often. Matasuntha Rating: 4 Like the previous guy, this one also has AUS, and while he isn't quite as good in catching people, he sure is good in turning them to bloody pulp when he does, +2 strength combined with pool gain when dunking people makes this look like very solid choice as star vampire to a combat wall. Xaviar Rating: 5 This is so much better than the basic xaviar, not only does he get an extra superior discpline, he is also justicar with built-in untap, hell yeah. Brunhilde Rating: 5 This is one of the best designed advanced vampires ever, because unlike in most of them, her title is actually baseline and merging gives her ability that synergized with the basic version instead. So basically, if you want to fight with her, you either use basic version or merged, and if you don't care so much about combat, then you can just use the advanced and not worry about merging at all. I am definetily going to make an anarch deck around her. She is the very first vampire that is a baron out of the gate, and its even of a very unlikely to be contested title since only other vampire with Stockholm title is Greger Andersen. As a bonus she also makes it free for your other vmapires to go anarch so you don't have to stuff your crypt full of anarch converts. Valkyrie Rating: 2 Brunhilde's private army, 4 cap with 3 basic discplines AND +1 strength is great, but since they are fairly cornercase, aka only usable in decks with Brunhilde pretty much, they fall into the rating 2 situational category. I am still definetily going to be trying these out. Library: Bear's Skin Rating: 3 Its basically Skin of the Adder for the gangrel, to be honest, I think this would thematically make more sense as a spiritus card, but that aside, I suppose it gives gangrel some other option than aggro poke which is nice, stil its not really in any way earth shattering card, just average. Ennoia's Theater Rating: 5 This is a card that should be in every single gangrel and !gangrel deck, period. Its just so good. Gift of Proteus Rating: 2 This is identical to Ahrimane card Blessing of the Beast, apart from being an action instead of master, I never liked that card, and I don't like this one any more. Thing Rating: 4 This is great, something that Gangrel (barring Stani and crew) have been seriously lacking, poolgain. I would expect to see this become staple in gangrel decks. Skaald Rating: 3 This is quite interesting card, its kind of like the laibon kholos, except its not actually a title, works well for anarchs I guess as an extra fee stake sort of, and just overall gives gangrel some more options in the voting front, will remain to be seen how much of an impact it will have though. Rewilding Rating: 3 Somewhat narrow card, though very powerful in what it does, and most decks run at least some locations so its rarely a dead card. Nar-Sheptha Rating: 2 It is card for very specific decks only, mainly star vampire rush decks, but quite useful in those. Zephyr Rating: 3 This is really odd multiacting, but it is still multiacting, which never hurts. Obviously its best in decks without much stealth, like say toreador, still not really sure how much play it will see. Priority Contract Rating: 4 This card is great, trifle contract with built-in quite generous poolgain for dunking the target, this should make assamite combat quite a bit stronger archetype, and will likely replace provision of the silsila in all decks since they can't both be used at same time I believe. Dam the Heart's River Rating: 5 This card can single-handledly make assamites to actually prefer quietus over weapons as their main combat module, very well designed card. Sanguine Entrapment Rating: 2 I guess lot of people are excited about this card, I am however not, its almost in the Sanguinary Wind level of narrowness, I would have liked it so much more if it would have also given a manuever or even a press. But as it is, I doubt I will play this ever, its just too narrow effect to be worth a card. Focus the Blood Rating: 4 Inner Essence for assamites, this is very nice and helps to offset the blood costs in most quietus cards quite nicely. Suspension of Disbelief Rating: 5 This card will pretty much replace computer hacking in all Ravnos decks, very nice card that is going to see lot of play. Hall of Mirrors Rating: 2 This is again a bit narrow card, it can at least be used as manuever, but its main downfall is that its only usable in the first round, and most ravnos combat modules are built around press combat, making it quite awkward to use. Illusory Resources Rating: 4 This is quite nice pool defense card that I suppose is worth tossing 1 or 2 in most Ravnos decks. Funeral Wake Rating: 2 Again fairly narrow card, mainly useful in shambling hordes decks, and I would probably in most cases prefer on the qui vive over this since my vampires can use that too. Giulia Giovanni, Abruzzina Rating: 4 This card is going to be a staple going in every single potence giovanni deck for sure. Gianna di Canneto Rating: 2 Not really convinced of this one, its basically a neighbourhood watch commander that costs pool instead of blood, but does also come with 1 bleed, not sure if its worth a slot in most decks, probably will be mostly seen in khazar's diary decks. Blight Rating: 2 This is kind of like Song of Serenity, and probably going to see about as much play, which is to say, not much. Spiritual Guidance Rating: 3 I am not really sold on this card, I suppose throwing a couple in any deck that uses fairly diverse combat package is okay, but you can't use too many or you risk jamming to them early in the game. In Memory of the Two Lands Rating: 2 Fairly cornercase card, being only of any use in mummy decks, but I am sure someone can make it work in one of those. Velvet Tongue Rating: 1 This card kind of suffers from same thing as Lure of the Serpent, which is that setites have better options available from presence already, and thus this isn't likely to see much play. Ophidian Gaze Rating: 3 Free bleed reduction for 2 with just basic discplines seems something that could be worthile to play, and the superior can mess someones voter cap which is also fun. Serpent's Numbing Kiss Rating: 3 This card is quite interesting, like mind numb and staredown combined, the most interesting part is that it gives free s:ce already at basic discplines, though I think many decks are still going to prefer Majesty over this, but certainly an interesting option. Saatet-Ta (Bane Mummy) Rating: 4 This is hands down the best mummy in the game, really nice and versatile, and also cheap enough that you can afford to play it multiple times per game, nothing bad to say about him!

Klaital, I agree alot, but..... Inyanga is a woman. Yes, I see her walling like hell for a long, long time. Funeral wake is at least a3, since shamblers and dead hookers (reanimated corpse) can use it. Hookers have always been a waste to On the Q with, since they stay tapped. Witb this, they get to anctually untap, so with unmasking or locations you do good. Also, Abdesolbek is So going into a later grouping dead hooker deck, aling with nephran ka and the new mummy, so this looks fun. Im largely in agreement witb most of your views though.

For Sanguine Entrapment, I think you underestimate the potential of an easy to cycle card that prevent the main problem of quietus combat. For Zephyr, my first reaction is "a very good way to deal with chump block on my rush". I fear it's too hard to cycle, but if your actions alway have a good effect if not blocked it's good enough. (as in, if you use it with bleed action, deflection will make you choke on them without actually doing something useful ; same thing with votes who can fail to help you without the action failing ; while, in an hypothetic SER / CEL corruption deck, you're sure to either cycle or have your corruption work) Dam the vitae look extra fun with Animalism combat (I.E., Nizzam star deck I guess). Not sure why you say it make quietus combat better than guns, since guns seem very well suited to use it too. Saul Meira have now a CHI / OBT friend. Sadly you cannot play the three CHI / OBT thingy. Also, I don't know what one get from that combination, but it sure look fun.

is it just me, or do some of the cards seem to be worded peculiarly?

I think you Zephyr will be fun in cel/for decks. Do you block me so i can zephyr or you allow me to forced march? Works best with actions you dont waste cards on. Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

This set will be very influential in VTES. I think the size of the set is part of how influential it will be. Keep up the good work! Be careful when you fight the monsters, lest you become one. -Friedrich Nietzsche brandonsantacruz.blogspot.com/

> Count wrote: > I assume that "skaald" is a misspelling of skald or more properly skáld. > Yeah, "Skáld" would be the most correct spelling. The card comes from the upcoming book "Lore of the Clans" for V20, and it's called "Skaald" there.

Hmm, a question about Gianna di Canneto. The text says, in part: "When another of your minions is in combat, Gianna can tap and burn herself to burn any equipment on the opposing minion, or..." Can she do that even if the opposing minion has no equipment? Discerning minds can probably figure out why I'm asking Loving the new set based on some read-throughs and some idle speculation at the EC, will be fun to see how the new cards work out in practice.

> PetriWessman wrote: > Hmm, a question about Gianna di Canneto. The text says, in part: > > "When another of your minions is in combat, Gianna can tap and burn herself to burn any equipment on the opposing minion, or..." > > Can she do that even if the opposing minion has no equipment? Discerning minds can probably figure out why I'm asking > > Loving the new set based on some read-throughs and some idle speculation at the EC, will be fun to see how the new cards work out in practice. > I don't think you can freely feed Khazar because there is no target for using this effect. It would be IMO the same as playing a parity shift while being the biggest pool.

Well, maybe. On the other hand, the phrase "any equipment" is vague, and could also be understood to mean "equipment, if any exits". That's why I'm asking.

> Klaital wrote: > > Sarrasine > Rating: 4 > First thing I thought when I saw this one is, why is there a woman in the picture, when the basic version is quite clearly male? I guess there is some story reason to that which someone can maybe share? > Because, according to A World of Darkness (Second Edition): "Sarrasine's appearance is that of an androgynous, almost asexual youth. His shoulder-length hair is more white than blond, framing a delicately boned face. His eyes are pale blue, and a tracery of blue veins is visible beneath his pale skin. His thin lips are usually twisted in a wry, seductive smile. Sarrasine has slender hands and long fingers, with which he gestures gracefully during conversation. He favors loose white clothes and silver jewelry." V:EKN Website Coordinator

> Klaital wrote: > > > drnlmza wrote: > > Is the text on Serpent's Numbing Kiss correct? > > > > As far as I can see, the superior's "This (opposing) minion does not untap as normal during your untap phase" is a null statement, since other Methuselah's minions don't untap then anyway. > > > > Edited to add: This is from the flattened library file - I haven't downloaded the other version to see if they're different. > > > Minion cards are controlled by the player whos minions they are on, so it will burn on the persons untap phase whos minion it is on. > Correct.

> self wrote: > is it just me, or do some of the cards seem to be worded peculiarly? > Do you have some cards in mind?

> PetriWessman wrote: > Hmm, a question about Gianna di Canneto. The text says, in part: > > "When another of your minions is in combat, Gianna can tap and burn herself to burn any equipment on the opposing minion, or..." > > Can she do that even if the opposing minion has no equipment? > No. You would need an equipment to be there to burn her.

> Pascal wrote: > > > self wrote: > > is it just me, or do some of the cards seem to be worded peculiarly? > > > Do you have some cards in mind? > for starters, Ennoia's Theater. > Ennoia's wrote: > Unique location. > You can tap this card to get +1 hand size this turn. You can tap this card during your influence phase to get +1 transfer. > it doesn't conform to the "during x, do y" template as well as it could, like Dreams of the Sphinx. > Dreams wrote: > Unique master. > Put this card in play. Put a counter on this card each time you tap it. When the third counter is added, burn this card. Tap this card to get +2 hand size until the end of the current turn. Tap during your untap phase to gain an additional pool if you have the Edge. Tap to move a blood from the bank to a vampire in your uncontrolled region. > in my mind, the card should read like this: > > Ennoia's wrote: > Unique location. > Tap this card to get +1 hand size this turn. During your influence phase, you may tap this card to gain a (or alternatively "for +1") transfer. > there is a card titled... "Thing." seriously? Rewilding should read > > rewilding wrote: > Burn a location controlled by any Methuselah. That Methuselah burns 2 pool. > all of the wraiths are susceptible to non-aggravated damage, which upon some research isn't an actual gripe, but a preconception i had. so you get a pass on that. Dam the Heart's River reads: > > Dam wrote: > Frenzy. Only usable before range is determined. A vampire can play only one Dam the Heart's River each combat. > This combat, each strike or damaging effect made against the opposing minion inflicts +1 damage. > As above, and this combat, strikes cost the opposing minion 1 additional blood or life, and the opposing minion can choose not to strike. > should read more like torn signpost: > > Dam wrote: > Frenzy. Only usable before range is determined. > Each of this minion's strikes or damaging effects inflict +1 damage for the remainder of combat. A vampire can play only one Dam the Heart's River each combat. > as above and strikes cost the opposing minion 1 additional blood or life (the opposing minion can choose not to strike). > there are, extra commas, that make the cards seem like they're, narrated by, Christopher, Walken, or.... god, forbid... the.... William... Shatner... i haven't really had much time to look through the crypt cards, but i get a feeling that this batch didn't pay much attention to how other similar cards were worded and it comes off feeling amateurish, i guess? i certainly don't mean any disrespect to any of the design team.

> self wrote: > there is a card titled... "Thing." seriously? > Seems serious to me, I guess it is supposed to be gathering (the word is still used in the Nordics) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thing_(assembly)

> self wrote: > there is a card titled... "Thing." seriously? > This very same question was asked in the #vtes irc channel. I guess non-Scandinavians just don't learn what a "thing" is in elementary school. Now I'm eagerly awaiting for a card called Turpakäräjät, which is colloquial Finnish for "a thing, but with Finnish politics ".

The next set it tentatively about the Anarchs (yay!), I'm hoping to see Turpakäräjät there

> self wrote: > > > Dam wrote: > > Frenzy. Only usable before range is determined. > > Each of this minion's strikes or damaging effects inflict +1 damage for the remainder of combat. A vampire can play only one Dam the Heart's River each combat. > > as above and strikes cost the opposing minion 1 additional blood or life (the opposing minion can choose not to strike). > > Actually, what you propose is not a rewording but another card (your wording is not clear about thing like environemental damage which seems not to be included). And the wording may be non consistant with other wording but is more clear...

> Klaital wrote: > Nar-Sheptha > Rating: 2 > It is card for very specific decks only, mainly star vampire rush decks, but quite useful in those. > Any qui long chain combat deck (red, all of them) could use this to great effect. See if enemy majesties before you blood sweat. At least a 4 in any Assamite combat eck > Klaital wrote: > Zephyr > Rating: 3 > This is really odd multiacting, but it is still multiacting, which never hurts. Obviously its best in decks without much stealth, like say toreador, still not really sure how much play it will see. > Its fggen awesome in a bruise bleed loss deck. Bleed with loss, you block? great, smash blocker, untap, rush another > Klaital wrote: > Priority Contract > Rating: 4 > This card is great, trifle contract with built-in quite generous poolgain for dunking the target, this should make assamite combat quite a bit stronger archetype, and will likely replace provision of the silsila in all decks since they can't both be used at same time I believe. > Why not use them together? When you need pool, have some, when you need blood, same. > Klaital wrote: > Dam the Heart's River > Rating: 5 > This card can single-handledly make assamites to actually prefer quietus over weapons as their main combat module, very well designed card. > Agreed > Klaital wrote: > Sanguine Entrapment > Rating: 2 > I guess lot of people are excited about this card, I am however not, its almost in the Sanguinary Wind level of narrowness, I would have liked it so much more if it would have also given a manuever or even a press. But as it is, I doubt I will play this ever, its just too narrow effect to be worth a card. > Yeah, you know there is this other card that is also SUPER corner case called immortal grapple, i heard it sucks in almost all the decks it is in. Oh wait..... Sorry mate, but i think you are smoking the glass bowl on this one > Klaital wrote: > Focus the Blood > Rating: 4 > Inner Essence for assamites, this is very nice and helps to offset the blood costs in most quietus cards quite nicely. > Yeah, not bad, but paths, the CEL QUI action, and others are better than this. This is still a nice to have, but a must have.

Nar-Sheptha is unique, which is why its mostly worth it for star decks, I at least wouldn't run four copies of an unique retainer in any deck. If it wouldn't have been unique then the rating would have definetily been higher. Immortal Grapple also gives a press (and sets range for next round, and stops weapons from being used), which makes it lot more generally useful. I even mentioned in my review of sanguine entrapment that if it would have given manuever or press I would have liked it lot more.

> Klaital wrote: > Nar-Sheptha is unique, which is why its mostly worth it for star decks, I at least wouldn't run four copies of an unique retainer in any deck. If it wouldn't have been unique then the rating would have definetily been higher. > I'm not sure why unique-ness means you need to be playing a star. Sure, you're not going to stuff your deck with 8 of them and have three out at once, but you could easily have a couple of decent vampires out from your crypt and shove it on one when they came out, just like you might with an Ivory Bow or whatever. Sure, it's potentially really good in a star vampire deck, but between shenanigans with things like Zephyr (get blocked, +2 hand size, finish combat, -2 hand size, untap, rush action, +2 hand size...), Psyche! (+2 hand size, finish combat, -2 hand size, combat restarts, +2 hand size...), and Heidelberg Castle, it doesn't seem that hard to use it to very solid effect in a non-star deck.

The two main 'pains in the ass' for Assamite combat have been: - No way to deal with S:D & S:CE (urm... isn't there a card that nerfs one or the other in this set?) - Play all your combat up front and then watch them kybosh it all relatively easily (Na Sheptha at least makes them play their stuff up front before you decide how you'll go) Retired Baron of Sydney, Australia, 418

Assamites have always had way to deal with s:ce in Psyche!, and plenty of additional strikes to deal with dodges. Its all about how you design your combat package. I personally think some of the other cards in this set help assamite combat lot more than sanguine entrapment. Mainly Dam the Heart's River and Focus the Blood (and of course the pool gain contract). Here is for example a combat package that I thought out straight away after seeing the new cards. Weighted Walking Stick, Focus the Blood, Dam the Heart's River, Thin Blood, manuevers/additional strikes of your choice (I usually prefer pursuit for giving both in one card), psyche. This is quite effective short chain combat (you don't obviously play all of those in one combat usually), which doesn't really get too bothered about s:ce, while still not having any cards that can be completely dead cards. Like even if you really unload your hand and play all of it in one combat, stick, dam, focus, thin blood, and then they majesty, you haven't really lost anyhting, you still have the stick, you gained full effect from both focus the blood and thin blood, only dam you didn't get full benefit from, but they still lost one blood to it and end result is that you gained a blood while the opponent lost 4, and they don't have that majesty anymore now, then you have the option to psyche if you want.

How many strong Assamite cards are play before range? Most of them. You disclose almost all of your 'weapons' up front, they disclose nothing, you then declare a strike and they play Majesty. Sure, you can stick with Psyche. Be my guess, but this card seems intended to shut down S:D or S:CE depending on which one your opponents play AND you can cycle it 'harmlessly' against say an Animalism or Potence-Grapple deck. Retired Baron of Sydney, Australia, 418

> Klaital wrote: > Enzo Giovanni, Pentex Board of Directors > Rating: 3 > Direct improvement over the basic version, I don't really see any reason to ever play the basic one over this guy, that being said, he is still only boringly average, at least this ones anti-vote special is more likely to matter than the base ones. > I would actually rate him a 4, his specials combine in interesting ways and give a new twist to gameplay. I have some ideas of how to build a deck around him, we'll see how it works out. Being potentially able to control the votes of the whole table is a very powerful thing, imho. > Klaital wrote: > Bear's Skin > Rating: 3 > Its basically Skin of the Adder for the gangrel, to be honest, I think this would thematically make more sense as a spiritus card, but that aside, I suppose it gives gangrel some other option than aggro poke which is nice, stil its not really in any way earth shattering card, just average. > I'd give this a 4. Definitely not just "average", this opens up lots of combat options for the Gangrel. I expect to see this a lot in Gengrel decks. > Klaital wrote: > Gift of Proteus > Rating: 2 > This is identical to Ahrimane card Blessing of the Beast, apart from being an action instead of master, I never liked that card, and I don't like this one any more. > Blessing of the Beast is awesome. Ask just about any Ahrimanes player . This card, otoh, is weaker, since it's an action. I agree on the rating > Klaital wrote: > Rewilding > Rating: 3 > Somewhat narrow card, though very powerful in what it does, and most decks run at least some locations so its rarely a dead card. > Sort of agree on the rating, though I'm tempted to give it a 3.5. It's not as narrow as you think. Think Montreal, Rack, etc, on your own vampires. Steal it? Prepare to lose it and 2 pool. > Klaital wrote: > Nar-Sheptha > Rating: 2 > It is card for very specific decks only, mainly star vampire rush decks, but quite useful in those. > At least a 3, maybe even a 4. This is a fantastic card, no reason for any Assamite combat deck to leave it out. > Klaital wrote: > Zephyr > Rating: 3 > This is really odd multiacting, but it is still multiacting, which never hurts. Obviously its best in decks without much stealth, like say toreador, still not really sure how much play it will see. > I'd give this a 4. Opens up a lot of new options in lots of different decks. > Klaital wrote: > Sanguine Entrapment > Rating: 2 > I guess lot of people are excited about this card, I am however not, its almost in the Sanguinary Wind level of narrowness, I would have liked it so much more if it would have also given a manuever or even a press. But as it is, I doubt I will play this ever, its just too narrow effect to be worth a card. > Huh. What are you smoking, and can I have some? . This is at least 4. At least. > Klaital wrote: > Focus the Blood > Rating: 4 > Inner Essence for assamites, this is very nice and helps to offset the blood costs in most quietus cards quite nicely. > Meh. At most a 3. It's decent, but nothing ground-breaking. > Klaital wrote: > Funeral Wake > Rating: 2 > Again fairly narrow card, mainly useful in shambling hordes decks, and I would probably in most cases prefer on the qui vive over this since my vampires can use that too. > Well, yeah, it's a bit narrow, but *so* good in certain decks that I'd give it a 3. > Klaital wrote: > Spiritual Guidance > Rating: 3 > I am not really sold on this card, I suppose throwing a couple in any deck that uses fairly diverse combat package is okay, but you can't use too many or you risk jamming to them early in the game. > Absolutely disagree on this one. I'd give it a 5. It's awesome. Potence combat loves this. > Klaital wrote: > In Memory of the Two Lands > Rating: 2 > Fairly cornercase card, being only of any use in mummy decks, but I am sure someone can make it work in one of those. > At least a 3. This card singlehandedly makes Mummies useful, and the effect is quite powerful. > Klaital wrote: > Velvet Tongue > Rating: 1 > This card kind of suffers from same thing as Lure of the Serpent, which is that setites have better options available from presence already, and thus this isn't likely to see much play. > Uh, what? At least 3. This is a gem, and has lots of (evil) options. > Klaital wrote: > Serpent's Numbing Kiss > Rating: 3 > This card is quite interesting, like mind numb and staredown combined, the most interesting part is that it gives free s:ce already at basic discplines, though I think many decks are still going to prefer Majesty over this, but certainly an interesting option. > At least 4. Most decks which have the disciplines to reliably use this will prefer it over Majesty. It's a very strong effect.

> self wrote: > > > Pascal wrote: > > > > > self wrote: > > > is it just me, or do some of the cards seem to be worded peculiarly? > > > > > Do you have some cards in mind? > > > for starters, Ennoia's Theater. > > > Ennoia's wrote: > > Unique location. > > You can tap this card to get +1 hand size this turn. You can tap this card during your influence phase to get +1 transfer. > > > it doesn't conform to the "during x, do y" template as well as it could, like Dreams of the Sphinx. > > > > Dreams wrote: > > Unique master. > > Put this card in play. Put a counter on this card each time you tap it. When the third counter is added, burn this card. Tap this card to get +2 hand size until the end of the current turn. Tap during your untap phase to gain an additional pool if you have the Edge. Tap to move a blood from the bank to a vampire in your uncontrolled region. > > > in my mind, the card should read like this: > > > > Ennoia's wrote: > > Unique location. > > Tap this card to get +1 hand size this turn. During your influence phase, you may tap this card to gain a (or alternatively "for +1") transfer. > > "During" isn't always the first word of a sentence. See Monçada or Anatole or Anson for instance. Actually, Dreams of the Sphinx does read "Tap during".. Maybe I'll fix it by removing the "you can" from it to have it look even more like DotS. > self wrote: > there is a card titled... "Thing." seriously? > Even worse - that's the name of the governing assemblies in germanic / scandinavic societies. I wonder why they picked such a name... > self wrote: > Rewilding should read > > > > rewilding wrote: > > Burn a location controlled by any Methuselah. That Methuselah burns 2 pool. > > Based on which grounds? I am trying to reword all sentences starting with the adjective "That" on cards that are put in play. It makes sense that I'm also trying to adjust it for cards that don't stay in play. Plus it's shorter with only one sentence. > self wrote: > all of the wraiths are susceptible to non-aggravated damage, which upon some research isn't an actual gripe, but a preconception i had. so you get a pass on that. > > Dam the Heart's River reads: > > > > Dam wrote: > > Frenzy. Only usable before range is determined. A vampire can play only one Dam the Heart's River each combat. > > This combat, each strike or damaging effect made against the opposing minion inflicts +1 damage. > > As above, and this combat, strikes cost the opposing minion 1 additional blood or life, and the opposing minion can choose not to strike. > > > should read more like torn signpost: > > > > Dam wrote: > > Frenzy. Only usable before range is determined. > > Each of this minion's strikes or damaging effects inflict +1 damage for the remainder of combat. A vampire can play only one Dam the Heart's River each combat. > > as above and strikes cost the opposing minion 1 additional blood or life (the opposing minion can choose not to strike). > > Doesn't cover Carrion Crows, Winged Second, etc. So, for another effect than the one desired, another text would indeed be valid. Your superior text is unclear about the duration of the effect. > self wrote: > there are, extra commas, that make the cards seem like they're, narrated by, Christopher, Walken, or.... god, forbid... the.... William... Shatner... > Please highlight unnecessary commas. I'm happy to either always use the Oxford comma, or never use it. > self wrote: > i haven't really had much time to look through the crypt cards, but i get a feeling that this batch didn't pay much attention to how other similar cards were worded and it comes off feeling amateurish, i guess? i certainly don't mean any disrespect to any of the design team. > Oh trust me, we did pay a lot of attention to how these cards are worded. We also have been rewording the other cards. You can have a look at vekn.net/output-changes for examples. These changes won't be implemented before we get a possibility of reprinting the cards.

My rough review of the set, done by clan, without any real experience with the cards. The score at the end means playability, interestingness and options opened. Assamites got really nice vampires. Their Group 5 was already pretty nice and Group 6 cmplements it well making for a very valid Grouping choice. The additions to Groups 2 and 3 are good designs. The library cards they got are all very powerful. 4/5 Setites got a pretty lackluster Group 6. An emphasis on is fun. Missy Shillingford is really weird but having two Archbishops opens up some fun voting options for them. But the real problem is that Setite Group 5-6 is very top heavy. Group 5's midcaps suck and Group 6 brought only one vampire to remedy the situation. The library cards are a mix of situational and ok cards. 3/5 Ravnos too suffer from their Group 5 being super weird and Group 6 not really helping matters much. Midcaps are all over the place in a 5-6 crypt. Not a fan. Iago is powerful but the other fatties aren't very exciting. The library cards are utilitarian but not very inspiring. 2/5 Giovanni got very nice vampires that work nicely with Group 5 Giovanni. They can make for a really nice emphasizing crypt, which is very nice but they can also go the dom+nec route of Shamblers. Very good design! The library cards are rather nice as well - I really like Spiritual Guidance. 5/5 Gangrel got insanely good vampires and they are Group 5 and 4 and 3 so will make for really powerful crypts. Really, really powerful but I suppose it's nice to see Gangrel other than Stanislava. Brunhilde + Valkyries will make for a really interesting Anarch deck. The library cards are also powerful (though Skaald doesn't seem like all that, really). 5/5 Finally, I'm not sure that doling out permanent +1 Intercept vampires is such a good idea. They are really annoying and shut down non-stealth-based pretty completely. Walls are not my favourite deck type. But we shall see.

Too bad the Ravnos did not get a little bit more love... Iago Castille rocks, but who will be his support? Papa Cr*pba? Gabrin is still by far the best Ravnos, discounting Mata as she can play better cards anyway (shall I play Rom Gypsies or Ponticulus? hmmm...). Ariadne might even end up to be the foremost user of Illusory Resources. Always liked Ivan Krenyenko and it is very nice to see his new text! Pool gain when torporizing vampires fills a whole. Assamites get a lot of love. Dam the Heart's River almost feels like two older combat cards merged into a single one. Gangrel for the win! Matasuntha, Rosa Hernandez & Inyanga rock! GR3 Prince is a very nice support vampire, an effective bridge between and . Thing will also see play especially with all the newfound multi-act capabilities of or . Gangrel walls will be heavy... No more need to rush or act, just wait and see. or bounce with or even . Wow! Lisandra Giovanni is a bomb. Fits like a glove with Ignazio/Unre/Baron. In a way, he is the update Byzar could have used/ should have been. Zephyr opens a lot of crazy possibilities, further 'helping' vampires like Anson, Unnamed (Instantaneous Transformation!), Enkidu (also Forced March) etc. Very very interesting card but maybe enhancing not exactly the right archetypes/vampires/clan weaknesses? IMO, the artwork is a bit more stereotypical and less mysterious than some of the older sets. I liked Christopher Shy or even oddball Drew Tucker, and still think they hold up pretty well today (despite Shy's Photoshop-heavy style which has a proven record of aging poorly). Overall, a much better set than Danse Macabre! Thank you & keep getting better each time!

> Pascal wrote: > Oh trust me, we did pay a lot of attention to how these cards are worded. We also have been rewording the other cards. You can have a look at vekn.net/output-changes for examples. These changes won't be implemented before we get a possibility of reprinting the cards. > thanks for taking the time to respond, pascal! the big one that leapt out at me was the "you can" in Ennoia's Theater. the rest is admittedly nit picking and my own self-assured and crappy opinions. edit: it also says i'm not authorized to look at the output changes page.

> self wrote: > edit: it also says i'm not authorized to look at the output changes page. > I just made that page public, so everyone should be able to have access to it now. V:EKN Website Coordinator

I like a bunch of stuff in this set, but in particular: Vampires -The Gr2/3 Camarilla Assamites (and then Falvia and Abid in gr 6 as well) -Advanced Ivan -The punchy gr 6 Giovanni and Advanced Enzo -ALL of the Gangrel (especially Rosa, Inyanga, Brunnhilde and her Valkyries Library -Thing, Bear Skin, and Ennoia's Theater -Assamite Combat and Contract (so pretty much everything) -Illusory Resources -Funeral Wake and Giovanni Wraith -Serpent's Numbing Kiss (plus the artwork is maybe my favorite in the set) and the Bane Mummy -Zephyr: Zephyr is great, It is going right into my !Bru Show of Force deck. Want to block my bleed of 3+? I'll smash you a for bunch over and over and then untap. Love it.

Any chance to have version with multiple copies of card per page for these like Dance Macabre? Marko, Prince of Helsinki

> a-e wrote: > Any chance to have version with multiple copies of card per page for these like Dance Macabre? > Yes, this will be available soon. Prince of Paris, France Ratings Coordinator, Rules Director

> a-e wrote: > Any chance to have version with multiple copies of card per page for these like Dance Macabre? > The PDF's with multiple copies of each card per page are already available: Crypt cards (multiple copies) Library cards (multiple copies) V:EKN Website Coordinator

I'll post, eventually, my impressions on each card , but I wanna state in advance: this is just awesome ! I haven't been this excited about playing VTES in a long time. Congrats to the Design/Rules Teams and everybody else involved in the process: excellent work. Keep walking...

> Damnans wrote: > > > self wrote: > > edit: it also says i'm not authorized to look at the output changes page. > > > I just made that page public, so everyone should be able to have access to it now. > It doesn't work for me...

IMO the clan that get the most out of new expansion are the Assamites. With new combat cards (sanguine instruction in particular) and new contract it would be possible to make very solid assasins decks. That's what all the assamite lovers were waiting for till the introduction of this clan. Crypt is very solid as well opening possibilities for good political decks. 2nd place goes to gangrel. All their library cards are very solid with Thing and maybe Gift of Proteus being the best ones. Ennoya's Theatre will find its place in most decks that can affort additional master. But where they shine most is the crypt. IMO the best in this set. My personal favorites are Xaviar (adv), Matasuntha, brunhilde and Rosa. 3rd place for Setites which get very good combat end a mummy which is good on almost every Followers' deck. Velvet Tongue could be very good, but I'm not sure yet. Memory of the two lands will be nice in every mummy deck (but that's more on casual side, I think). Crypt is also very nice, with two vampires great for typhonic beast deck. Apart from that some nice fillers and two titled g6 vampires which seem not that great (especially a sabbat one) 4th place is for Giovannis which get very nice crypt choices for g6 and spiritual guidance which is a good reason to try giovanni combat. On the other hand necromancy didn't get any new interesting cards which could be a base for new decks. That's what I miss a most from this expansion. The last place goes to ravnos which is fine by me, because they are, by now, the strongest independent clan. Apart from Ivan (and maybe Dr. Lawrence for some Nighmare Curses) the crypt seems not to special. Doesn't open any new doors for ravnos. BUT suspension of disbelief is probably the strongest card in set and would strenghten already existing very good decks. That's the card that I expect to see soon in TWDA in a lot of copies.

> Timo wrote: > > > Damnans wrote: > > > > > self wrote: > > > edit: it also says i'm not authorized to look at the output changes page. > > > > > > > > I just made that page public, so everyone should be able to have access to it now. > > > It doesn't work for me... > Is anyone else experiencing the same problem? V:EKN Website Coordinator

> Damnans wrote: > Is anyone else experiencing the same problem? > me too

> Damnans wrote: > Is anyone else experiencing the same problem? > Yes. That page asks for a login, but does not accept my login/password I use for these forums. "It was a perfect plan - until it had contact with reality" --- Hardy Range Playgroup Tradition Compliance Manager

Just have to comment on some of this, because it´s so strange. > Klaital wrote: > Rewilding > Rating: 3 > Somewhat narrow card, though very powerful in what it does, and most decks run at least some locations so its rarely a dead card. > The card sucks. As do Arson and Rampage. Cards like this needs more effects to be playable. Haunt is ok (if you have locations to protect), as is Conceal. > Klaital wrote: > Zephyr > Rating: 3 > This is really odd multiacting, but it is still multiacting, which never hurts. Obviously its best in decks without much stealth, like say toreador, still not really sure how much play it will see. > Act. Get blocked. Zephyr at inferior. Majesty. Act. Untap at end of turn. Fun. > Klaital wrote: > Priority Contract > Rating: 4 > This card is great, trifle contract with built-in quite generous poolgain for dunking the target, this should make assamite combat quite a bit stronger archetype, and will likely replace provision of the silsila in all decks since they can't both be used at same time I believe. > The trifleness makes this playable, but it being usable only forward is a BIG drawback. > Klaital wrote: > Dam the Heart's River > Rating: 5 > This card can single-handledly make assamites to actually prefer quietus over weapons as their main combat module, very well designed card. > 5?!! Why?! > Klaital wrote: > Sanguine Entrapment > Rating: 2 > I guess lot of people are excited about this card, I am however not, its almost in the Sanguinary Wind level of narrowness, I would have liked it so much more if it would have also given a manuever or even a press. But as it is, I doubt I will play this ever, its just too narrow effect to be worth a card. > Played Immortal Grapple some time? Hell, this card makes all Assmates prerange stuff playble, maybe even Thin Blood. > Klaital wrote: > Focus the Blood > Rating: 4 > Inner Essence for assamites, this is very nice and helps to offset the blood costs in most quietus cards quite nicely. > Notice that it stays on the vamp if not used = way superior to Inner Essence. > Klaital wrote: > Suspension of Disbelief > Rating: 5 > This card will pretty much replace computer hacking in all Ravnos decks, very nice card that is going to see lot of play. > What Ravnos deck use Computer Hacking? > Klaital wrote: > Hall of Mirrors > Rating: 2 > This is again a bit narrow card, it can at least be used as manuever, but its main downfall is that its only usable in the first round, and most ravnos combat modules are built around press combat, making it quite awkward to use. > Narrow?!! Manuever is great, AND you can both use it to avoid dangerous strikes and cancelling s:ce. This card is better than Deathseeker. > Klaital wrote: > Gianna di Canneto > Rating: 2 > Not really convinced of this one, its basically a neighbourhood watch commander that costs pool instead of blood, but does also come with 1 bleed, not sure if its worth a slot in most decks, probably will be mostly seen in khazar's diary decks. > I really can´t complain on this one - just compare stats and cost to Felix Fix Hessian! And it´s ability is very useful for removing that annoying Assault Rifle (1 pool vs 5 pool), Sniper Rifle, Eye of Hazimel or Talbot´s Chainsaw. The other ability is just plain better than Neighborhood Watch Commander, which only can be used when blocking. "My strategy? Luck is my strategy, of course."

Dam the Heart's River is pretty much in the power level of Carrion Crows, aka the combat card you want to play in your every combat because you can base your whole combat package around it. It even makes mono-quietus combat viable, so thats definetily a 5 in my opinion.

> Klaital wrote: > Dam the Heart's River is pretty much in the power level of Carrion Crows, aka the combat card you want to play in your every combat because you can base your whole combat package around it. It even makes mono-quietus combat viable, so thats definetily a 5 in my opinion. > More like torn signpost level, not CC. It doesn't help you deal with long range combat directly, at best they have to burn 1 blood to strike, nor it have in-discipline short-combat-chain yet. On the other hand, it helps against s:ce by itself. Btw how many counters are burned from wws when used with dem, 2 or 3? Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

> Lech wrote: > > > Klaital wrote: > > Dam the Heart's River is pretty much in the power level of Carrion Crows, aka the combat card you want to play in your every combat because you can base your whole combat package around it. It even makes mono-quietus combat viable, so thats definetily a 5 in my opinion. > > > More like torn signpost level, not CC. It doesn't help you deal with long range combat directly, at best they have to burn 1 blood to strike, nor it have in-discipline short-combat-chain yet. On the other hand, it helps against s:ce by itself. > > Btw how many counters are burned from wws when used with dem, 2 or 3? > 3 counters are burned, assuming vampire with 1 strength. And quietus does have short chain combat, dam the heart's river, thin blood. That is very effective short chain combat, makes them lose minimum of 3 blood if they want to strike, all of which happens before any strikes resolve, and if they don't s:ce or dodge you hit them for minimum of 2 more with your hand strike.

It's 5 blood lost vs 2 yours, assuming range is close against dummie. CC + aids is 6 vs 1, as is TS + Pursuit. Don't get me wrong, it's a great card, but it don't have the same combo as cc. Except this + Carrion Crows + Aids for 5 normal damage, 1 blood loss if enemy want to strike and no hitback thanks to long range, add in press for 12 vs 1 out of 3 cards for ultimate value. Now, finding isn't easy, but ... Dem+Blur means 6+1 damage for 1 blood plus hitback. Dem plus Pursuit is 4+1 damage with option to go long range and taste of death. Dem + WWS is't stupid either, especially if you sport bbt, too. Ovearall, dem made mono-qui option to consider. Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

Yeah I am planning on also running lot of focus the blood with the aforementioned combo, which makes my guy break even in blood, thats assuming the opponent actually pays the blood to strike, I would imagine if they are just going to do h1 they might instead opt to not strike at all in hopes of you not being able to torpor them. Thin Blood also combos great with dam in that if you empty them with thin blood, then they can't strike at all, and with how much people like taking most of the blood from their vampires with villein, its not really all that far-fetched scenario.

> Lech wrote: > Don't get me wrong, it's a great card, but it don't have the same combo as cc. Except this + Carrion Crows + Aids for 5 normal damage, 1 blood loss if enemy want to strike and no hitback thanks to long range, add in press for 12 vs 1 out of 3 cards for ultimate value. Now, finding isn't easy, but ... > mostly mean nizzam star deck. And for him, Dam alone is quite decent for just 1 card : 2 aggravated along with 1 blood to hit back.

> Klaital wrote: > Dam the Heart's River is pretty much in the power level of Carrion Crows > NO, it is not. Crows are much harder to avoid (dodge, prevent etc). "My strategy? Luck is my strategy, of course."

I think it is on the same level. Carrion Crow work less well with other cards. It's more directly powerful but less so when built around it.

> Ohlmann wrote: > I think it is on the same level. Carrion Crow work less well with other cards. It's more directly powerful but less so when built around it. > Well, crows work bit better with other animalism cards, namely aids from bats.The card don't have so powerful in-discipline synergies. But hey, we are talking if combat card is on freakin' CARRION CROWS level, that's in itself is VERY, VERY IMPRESSIVE. Sabbat.Black Hand Shakar: Lech loathe ranged weapons. Once each action, he may burn 1 blood to become Camarilla Prince of Krakow until the end of the action.

Kudos to everyone who had their hand in putting The Unaligned together - this is the best set we've had in a while, imho I can't wait to play some of these cards, which is one of the reasons I have to ask this question: why is The Unaligned going to be legal for tournament play starting with the 3rd of November? Is this 1-month waiting period just a hungover from the days when the sets were printed and had to be physically delivered to stores, which could have limited their availability, or are there any other reasons for this?

> ZaraZ wrote: > Kudos to everyone who had their hand in putting The Unaligned together - this is the best set we've had in a while, imho > > I can't wait to play some of these cards, which is one of the reasons I have to ask this question: why is The Unaligned going to be legal for tournament play starting with the 3rd of November? > > Is this 1-month waiting period just a hungover from the days when the sets were printed and had to be physically delivered to stores, which could have limited their availability, or are there any other reasons for this? > I never thought of these reasons, and actually, it is the same for new ban or RTR in general. So I guess it is about advertising the changes in order to allow players to be up to date with new things...

> ZaraZ wrote: > Kudos to everyone who had their hand in putting The Unaligned together - this is the best set we've had in a while, imho > Hey, thanks! > I can't wait to play some of these cards, which is one of the reasons I have to ask this question: why is The Unaligned going to be legal for tournament play starting with the 3rd of November? > > Is this 1-month waiting period just a hungover from the days when the sets were printed and had to be physically delivered to stores, which could have limited their availability, or are there any other reasons for this? > It's mainly about giving all the players enough time to know that the cards exist and try them out, as well as to allow for some time for rules questions to happen so answers can be available. That way players aren't blindsided by brand new cards, and judges aren't blindsided by questions.