Proxy Demo Decks Version 1.2 are now available for download! [updated Jan 2018]

One of the things that I've always found challenging while running a demo was that there was usually a few Jyhad era or Sabbat War cards sprinkled in there to be extra confusing. I've spent the last few weeks getting things just right, and now I present to you Proxy Demo Decks! The decks are based on Brettscho's Demo Deck Series . Each crypt was updated to g 3-4, with the exception of the Nosferatu deck, which runs g 2-3. Each library has been expanded to 70 cards, and the Malkavian deck now runs off of Dementation instead of Dominate. All cards use the text from the newest .CSV files and the modern card templates. Decks are presented in two files, Crypt and Library. The "All Decks" option also contains five reference cards and one card to represent the Edge. Due to the limitations of the program I use to create these cards, the Discipline and multi-type cards are located in the crypt for each deck.

I've noticed several errors that I'm working on fixing.

These are really cool and would definitely be great for introducing people to the game, I'm seriously considering printing some off to hand out to people at demos. Do you mind if I ask what programs you used to make these (Illustrator, GIMP)? Also, where can one download the templates for crypt and library card types? Or did you just make these yourself?

To Do: Update with new text.

Peetu and Aapo designed some demo decks for this year's Ropecon. I think Teemu helped out too. Meant to be quick and simple decks with very few different cards just to quickly give basic idea how the game works. Demopresence www.secretlibrary.info/index.php?deck=view&id=25963 Demodominate www.secretlibrary.info/index.php?deck=view&id=25964 Demodementation: www.secretlibrary.info/index.php?deck=view&id=25965 Demopotence: www.secretlibrary.info/index.php?deck=view&id=25958 I pointed out that a fifth deck might be nice so they built this one too: Demofortitude (/animalism): www.secretlibrary.info/index.php?deck=view&id=26009 EDIT 29.11.2023: Updated version of those same decks can now be found at: drive.google.com/file/d/1DHq86mw-F2gOTEY--bZF856fVTmtG4D3/view Finnish Politics!

That's right! They were already give a go in a couple of demos in Joensuu, and we were surprised by how slim they make the game - in a good way! You don't need to have all the political actions and whatnot to enjoy the initial EXPERIENCE on Vampire. All you need is the group of people and the basic actions. Notes: The demos are designed to play with 20 pool. Don't worry about order of transfers - just give the first player a go with 4 transfers. Manouvers (and pre-range) are taken out of the equation on purpose. At the moment you'll make use of just strikes, and presses (with a hint of prevent in the mix). You'll find surprisingly interesting synergies with vampires in this lot. Capacity is onyl checked by the Dominate deck. You can give that to the one demoee who seems most experienced with card games. Stealth and Intercept can't effectively go over 1, so it's all very binary. You can keep that in mind when demoing; there either is Stealth, or isn't, and same goes with Intercept. The decks are very violent, but everyone can keep up with hunting and weapons spread around the decks. Chainsaw, wrm wrm! If you have any questions feel free to ask! I'll be checking the forums pretty frequently atm, and Khormag (Aapo) should be reachable as well. -Peetu "Oh, to the Hades with the manners! He's a complete bastard, and calling him that insults bastards everywhere!" -Nalia De-Arnise garourimgazette.wordpress.com/ www.vekn.net/forum-guidelines

The decks have been updated based on what we noticed in the (very succesful) demo sessions in Ropecon this weekend. Dominate is really strong and interesting as it is. It requires the player to understand the age mechanic, and rewards more mathematically oriented players. Fortitude works within itself, and has reasonable drawbacks. It requires the player to manage their blood, and learn the best places to play Freak Drives. It rewards players with attunement for blood management. Dementation is one of the better decks in the lot with excellent survivability and options for stealth in their bleeds. Some blood management and intercept was taken out and more combat and locations added to reinforce more brutal play. Potence was highly confusing for players, or so it seemed, since the ability to rush with Harass only became relevant or its benefits clear in the late game. The focus was switched to Sabbat, some blood management and constant effects added, as well as Fame for extra speed to the games (the effect is similar to Tension in the Ranks so it should be clear enough). Presence was the lackluster in the tables with less of a bleed efficiency compared to both Dem and Dom. Thus more effective bleed cards were introduced with more Misdirection for better lunge capabilities. Allies that have equipment synergies were added for more interesting plays, and Dodges were added for allies. Players really enjoyed their Chainsaws and other big numbers and effects. Those are really important in a fast paced demo instead of grindy aspects. Whenever blood and pool is removed, it's better than when they're gained. When doing a demo, think twice before going straight for 5 players. It doesn't add that much to the experience yet, and might make it for a dull experience for crosstable when two players take 10 minutes for their turns (just reading the cards). It's understandable. If you can, make 4 player or even 3 player tables. When playing with 5, you might consider the following seating: Dominate > Presence > Fortitude > Potence > Dementation Dominate can deal with stealth bleeds with bounce and Guardian Angel. Presence can deal with animalism with Misdirection. Potence isn't trumped effectively with Majesty. The links in Lönkka's post just above are now updated. Have a blast. "Oh, to the Hades with the manners! He's a complete bastard, and calling him that insults bastards everywhere!" -Nalia De-Arnise garourimgazette.wordpress.com/ www.vekn.net/forum-guidelines

Super nice... but it will be more nice if you put the decklists of the decks too, that we can build the decks without the .pdf with original cards. Thanks

I'm not sure if you asked for the OP decklists or the "finnish" versions, but for the latter the decklists are in secret library, with links just a few posts up: www.vekn.net/forum/news-and-announcements/75679-proxy-demo-decks-are-now-available-for-download?limitstart=0#82560 "Oh, to the Hades with the manners! He's a complete bastard, and calling him that insults bastards everywhere!" -Nalia De-Arnise garourimgazette.wordpress.com/ www.vekn.net/forum-guidelines

> malkavianbarcelona wrote: > Super nice... but it will be more nice if you put the decklists of the decks too, that we can build the decks without the .pdf with original cards. > > Thanks > i will try my utmost to post the decklists tonight. I'm Currently preparing for a 4 day long larp event.

full crypt list Full library list decks go in order.

this is back on my radar for the time being. What else do I need to update? Unlock? Check. Singular They? got it. I'm also editing in a text reminder of the cardtype below the icon, as that seems to be the trend. Ankha, how is the latest version handling dual-type cards? I'm running an old version of the VCM because I couldn't get the newer one you sent me working. Also, I've got opinions about dual type cards.

> self wrote: > > Ankha, how is the latest version handling dual-type cards? I'm running an old version of the VCM because I couldn't get the newer one you sent me working. Also, I've got opinions about dual type cards. > I suppose you are talking about a different skin for dual-type cards? Currrently, there are none, but it is in my pipe of things to do. Prince of Paris, France Ratings Coordinator, Rules Director

I'll email you my ideas. Luckily, it's not that huge of a problem for me to make the edits to the base cards before 'processing.' With the trend towards listing the cardtype in text below the icon, it looks like the space could get a little cramped in some cards, especially with Reflex cards. Though, Reflex isn't actually a discreet cardtype either and doesn't get an icon on the bar or its own skin.

I was going to post the revised decks today, but discovered an error that I need to correct. they should be ready tomorrow.

Version 1.2 of the Demo Decks are now Live!

Sorry, @self biased, for kinda hi-jacking the thread, but since the wee links are here, I thought I'd just use this thread instead of pushing out another (for everyone looking for demo decks to be able to find all variants from one place). So I did another set of demos with these today, and I keep being astounded by how much fun they are. Main points for recap: 20 pool Only strikes and presses for combat Stealth/Intercept is binary 4 transfers for all to begin with These are ideal for quick and dirty games which aim to be finished within 60 minutes or so. Any weirdness is cut out. These work great as fun teaching tools for transfers, actions, blocking and basic combat, but do consider some age and keywords (as many people understand those basic contexts of complexity). I'm feeling that adding an extra variety of cards and politics and unconventional ousting methods (like votes) would benefits a kind of 'second level' of demoing, where people are already accustomed with the very basics of the flow of the game. This is where Self's 'demo' decks would probably shine. 'Demo' as in I'd rather see their value as a second step towards personal deck building. tl;dr Just tried out those said "con demo" decks today and got a reminder how well they work. "Oh, to the Hades with the manners! He's a complete bastard, and calling him that insults bastards everywhere!" -Nalia De-Arnise garourimgazette.wordpress.com/ www.vekn.net/forum-guidelines

When you do demos, people are quick to get invested in both aesthetics and story. When you demo VtES with proxies all you have is differently coloure sleeves, which don't invoke much artistic response. The glass beads (you'll probably use) are shiny and attract attention, as well as should the edge, but when waiting for their turn many people like to have something to attach themselves to the deck they are playing. Alternatively people want to pick a deck quickly not from gameplay perspective, but based on pictures and fluff. These pieces of text are meant to be printed so that players can read through them to either spend their time on other players' turns or to choose which kind of a deck they'll want to play. Preferrably you should include a picture of the vampries presented in the story. They attempt to include a few situations in the card arts. I'd like to try and craft A4 pieces that look nice, have turn layouts presented, the card type symbols as well as the story part. Have a blast, and please give some feedback. DEMOPRESENCE His enemies knew where he was headed, of course. The plaza full of audience awaited. The ground work had done it’s job; their agenda was all around trash tabloids and web logs. The Nigerian night drew in quick as it always did. The mob was ready for them – Barth just needed to get to them. Shasa texted him what their anonymous benefactor had instructed. The ambush awaited for him two miles to the south. They had promised him… ah, there it was, the sound of an explosion. The car bomb worked as a great diversion. The raven spies he spied in the air turned away, and police sirens filled the air. With that out of the way, all he needed to do was take the long way round. He found no opposition. The stage was ready for him. He spied a glimpse of Shasa behind the stage, and they shared a quick grin. The crowd’s cheer was overwhelming as he stepped before them, flooded by frantic lines of propaganda the foolish kine recited – lines they had carefully crafted – but nothing overwhelmed Barth as much as his Presence overwhelmed the flock of sheep before him… DEMODOMINATE Robin Withers paid the brutes in cash. The mortals nodded with a grin and left. She shut the door, made sure both of the locks held, and turned to face the empty room. Well, empty except for the small desk, a solitary lamp as a source for light, a grey haired man in a well-kept suit, and a man tied to a chair with steel chain. Edward Vignes pulled the hood from the bruised man’s head. He was well beat up, but as with kindred, they had to use extensive force. It wouldn’t kill him. He was already dead. ”So here you are. You probably know why. I have a job for you, and I think you should’ve taken my first offer”, Edward said. ”To hell with you”, the man replied, and spat blood on Edward’s suit. ”Such manners… Look, we will get you to work for us in a manner or another. Look at me”, Edward said. The man kept his eyes to the floor. ”LOOK AT ME!” Edward Commanded with a roaring voice not belonging to his stature, overwhelmingly otherworldly. He grabbed his captive’s jaw within his fist and forced their eyes to make contact. Slowly the defiance in the Ventrue’s captive’s eyes melted away, and only dullness remained. ”You WILL take the case with you, and leave it at the address within it. Then you WILL stay with it until the timer runs out. Only then WILL you have fulfilled your purpose. Understand?” ”Yes, master”, the man blurbed out with a slur, and a slight drool. ”The bomb will kill him. Oh, but you knew that, didn’t you? Mister Vignes, you are a MONSTER!” Robin said with a sly smile. ”Thank you miss Withers. Yes, yes I am”, Edward said. DEMOFORTITUDE The dog pack lead the way. The alleys a maze, rooftops pathways, moonlight as a beacon. He heard his avian pets caw directions on the night sky, their vigilant eyes prying for prey. They were promised a dinner tonight. Their prey yet tried to escape their fate. Pentex had put a price on someone’s head, and Jayakumar had decided to collect it. Sure enough the target had stayed underground for months. A smart move. Not so smart taking the risk and sticking their head out. The blood trail lead him to a back alley near the worst part of town. Carcasses of a few stray dogs decorated the corridor. His allies they had been. The kindred at the dead end turned around. ”Come on now. Turn yourself in, and we won’t have to do it the hard way”, Jayakumar whispered. His prey had decided to answer not with words but pre-emptive action. His muscles flexed, Potence running through his veins, he leapt towards Jayakumar and slammed his fists to his chest. His dog pack howled as Jayakumar’s body took flight and crashed straight into the opposing wall, like hit with a cannon. The wall cracked and crumbled to cover his body. The male kindred panted and grinned victoriously – until the smile died on his face. Jayakumar’s Fortitude laden body rose from underneath the debris, his colourful and flamboyant clothes a wreck. Still no wounds could be seen on his body, but rather a hint of a steely glimmer. ”Come on my pets. It is time for us to feed tonight”, he whispered just before a hundread wild hounds and carrion crows flocked his screaming target. DEMOPOTENCE Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom. The bass pounded in their ears and flowed over their senses. The DJ preferred some old-school techno tonight. The Hungry Coyote was crowded. It all suited Virginie. She pushed through the dancing, exctatic crowd with grace, savoring the scent of sweat and sensing the pulsing blood of dancing bodies – simply put, food. But work came first. She found her way to the basement entrance, where a huge ghoul in sunglasses and a radio ear plug stopped her. He could’ve fooled any mortal in that place, but he was a ghoul. She said she was in to participate, and they waited for her. He took a long look at her slim, light-weight body and spoke a word or two into his radio. After she gave him the correct password the ghoul had no choice but to let her in. The pulse of the bass faded out as she walked down the stairs, but soon melded into people shouting, even further down. Heh. She had seen some new film about a similar experience. What was the catch phrase again? First rule, no one speaks of the… Oh well. They’d speak of this for a long time to come. Once she reached the kine and ghoul filled dungeon she was greeted with insults, laughter and cat calls. She greeted it all with a mockingly seductive step and a smile, and made her way through the crowd to the ring. Her opponent already stood there, a hulking pile of muscle, fists a tight grip with cloth dipped in glue and glass shrapnel wrapped around them. As she stepped inside the ring she was delighted to see in his eyes that he knew what had come for him. Fear. The bell rang. His head popped off like a bottlecap. His hands left their sockets, popping like wish bones. His ribs gave in like a paper bag under her Potence. And the stunned silence around her filled her with lust and hunger like no other. DEMODEMENTATION The other voice said that he should stop. That enough was enough. That two burning houses was enough. That the sirens in the distance were closing in, and that he really didn’t want to get caught in the middle of THIS scene. That the teenager was kinda right when she recited the ”please, I’ve done you no wrong, please, I’ve done you no wrong” mantra. Then again the OTHER voice said that he should continue. That this was really not NEARLY far ENOUGH! That the whole block should probably burn. That the sirens weren’t even close enough for his liking – they should actually come closer faster. That the teenager… wait, actually, she WAS right. She HADN’T done anything wrong to him. Well, didn’t matter now, did it? He swung the bloody baseball bat at the girl and her head gave in easy. The Colonel had said this place was ripe. He had been right. General Perfidio Dios took out a straw (he had it around) and knelt beside the bloody corpse. The blood was kind of easier to take in with a straw. Like a bottle of lemonade. When the cops came rushing in, the THRID voice said that he should cave their skulls in. That these weaklings didn’t know command. That they lacked subordination skills. That their capped heads actually looked a lot like baseballs. That those kids should be taught a lesson about how WAR was done. THAT was the voice General Dios preferred to listen to. "Oh, to the Hades with the manners! He's a complete bastard, and calling him that insults bastards everywhere!" -Nalia De-Arnise garourimgazette.wordpress.com/ www.vekn.net/forum-guidelines

@kraus once I'm done with my current project, we should chat about refining your "con demo deck" ideas. I really like the idea of very limited choices for new players, but on the flip side, it's also important to teach each component of the game.

Unfortunately I think that giving people who play demos anything extra to read is a folly. They already have their minds full of all kinds of VTES info (and other, non-related, stuff too) and allowing them to let their mind wander even more sure will not help them concentrate on the game :/ Finnish Politics!

For easier access to event organizers, I made the .pdf print sheets of the demo decks. Ready for print, they are! drive.google.com/open?id=1lakfvGPt1nb4-7Of_nJMwCv80leOao_Z Enjoy! "Oh, to the Hades with the manners! He's a complete bastard, and calling him that insults bastards everywhere!" -Nalia De-Arnise garourimgazette.wordpress.com/ www.vekn.net/forum-guidelines