rec.games.trading-cards.jyhad

V:EKN Lasombra Newsletter - Oct 2000

2 messages from 2 participants · 02 October 2000
original thread on Google Groups

Ramsteiner

Official V:EKN Lasombra Newsletter for October 2000 By Michael Eichler Before moving on, I would like to apologize for not publishing this newsletter earlier than this. Between life and finally getting my system working at my house I just haven’t been able to meet the monthly newsletter. This is a situation I hope to remedy within the next few weeks. Enjoy! Michael Eichler - - - - - - - - - - - Story Time – Sticks and stones may break my bones, but a M15 WP can be forever. Minion Call – A discussion of cards… Deck – Lasombra Masters on the Presidential Lawn Deck - Might of the Night Political - - - - - - - - - - - Sticks and stones may break my bones, but a M15 WP can be forever. Caceras brooded over his current situation in his coup attempt against Caldwell when a knocking at his door sounded. “Enter” announced Caceras. The door opened and in walked Sophia. “My dear Sophia, your delightful presence has been missed. How was your endeavor?” “It went well enough.” “Your requested job was a pain in the ass but it was fruitful. The information you desire is on this CD, Sophia said as she handed it to Caceras. “What was the cause of the delay? You should have been able to record this information within a day. You’ve been gone for over a fortnight.” Caceras spit out while taking the CD. “You are correct Caceras, however, the fragment data at the presentation was not genuine. The Librarians stalled the unveiling, while a massive search ensued throughout Montreal. The intrigues were noteworthy, but desperate, and in the end deadly. The true fragment was eventually found and it’s translations plus images are now in your hands.” “Please tell me I can rest now,” requested Sophia. “You know how I hate air travel, especially United. Can you believe I was sent to Denver? Denver of all places! It took Henry a day to clear the mix-up and another to have me brought back here. Good servants are hard to find.” “My sympathies on the poor return trip,” said Caceras quietly. “However, I do have another small request of you, my dear. I need to know if you remember Benito?” “Benito! How could I ever forget that pompous ass! Damned Toreador is so full of himself it just makes me want to retch!” snarled Sophia. “Ah, I see you do remember him” smiled Caceras. “Well, I feel it is my duty to inform you that prior to your return, your friend…” droned Caceras as Sophia grimaced, “…Benito came to the city upon Caldwell’s request.” Sophia lost all expression After a two beat silence… “The great Benito, here in this city? Upon Caldwell’s request? What kind of idiot… oh. I forgot myself, Benito is an idiot”, Sophia stated mockingly, “Do you know what Caldwell promised Benito for his services? You? Me? Both?” “My sources are working on that as we speak”, answered Caceras, “However, I have learned that Benito will be announced and brought up to Bishop…” “BISHOP!” roared Sophia. “If that ass kissing, shit eating swine becomes a bishop here, I may never be able to pay back that son-of-a-bitch for what he did to me in Athens.” “Where is this coronation to occur?” inquired Sophia. “It is to take place tomorrow, midnight, at the Opera House”, Caceras answered flatly as he turned away to look at his aquarium with a smile. “I am just supposing here for a moment”, Sophia stated, “that you would have zero objections if something were to go wrong at the opera tomorrow night. Is this a correct statement?” “My dear, Sophia, I never object to anything you do when it embarrasses Caldwell or any of his small minded productions”, Caceras answered with delight dancing in his eyes as thoughts of turning fortunes moved through his head. “Then with your leave, I have several hours to prepare my ‘embarrassing accident’ for tomorrow’s gala.” Intoned Sophia as she turned and exited the room. Next Evening… “Phillip, which period do you believe I should wear, Paris early 1700’s or Italian mid to late 1400’s? Peter the Great or Lorenzo de’ Medici?” inquired Benito as he aired out his wardrobe. “Hmm, I would have figured you for early Colonial American myself” answered Phillip from across the room as he continued to peer out the window. “What the devil Phillip? What do you find so interesting outside that you can not even help me with my grand night within your city…” “And soon to be your city as well, Benito. Please do not forget that.” Phillip answered quietly. “Let us not forget our true purpose here. Caldwell’s nemesis, Caceras, must be brought down. When I first came here, it was Caldwell who protected me from machinations of that windbag Lasombra. His majesty had eroded much of our lord’s power. But after much talk and contemplation it was decided that we needed you. After all, I can only do so much here and Caceras seems to have a way of gathering and enveloping new contacts and powerbases that I have been a busy little monster as of late. The teams being sent out after me are becoming more and more dangerous. I fear that my time is close at hand.” “And what makes you feel such?” asked Benito as he brought out his best Bostonian suit. “…I’m not sure…just a feeling, really”, answered Phillip. “The last team I fought was not bad, slightly disorganized, but dangerous none the less. I was lucky and my luck can not continue to run as it has.” “Have you discussed this with Caldwell? I would imagine he could send you some assistance or allow you to reduce your special activities considerably”, responded Benito. “No, I haven’t. Caldwell has started to become more agitated as of late. When I made inquiries he informed me that he seemed to have had one problem solved only to see another creep up from somewhere south”, Phillip stated carefully. Suddenly Phillip turned quickly back towards the window. “What is it?” “A contact of mine. I shall have to introduce you to him, but it will have to wait. I do apologize for not being of more assistance to you. I can have one of Caldwell’s servants help, but I must depart immediately”, responded Phillip as he made for the door. Benito closed the distance to the door before Phillip could reach it. “Phillip, be careful, my brother. It is not like you to be so abrupt while you are still distracted with thoughts of failure still looming overhead. If you have need of me, you know how to get me” Benito stated as he kissed Phillip and allowed him to leave. Exiting Caldwell’s residence, Phillip crossed the street and headed toward his stooge. He slowed as he drew near, stopping at a public phone, 8 meters from where his contact sat talking on a cell phone. Phillip paid and dialed a number. A barely audible beep was heard as the contact opened the line and stopped talking. “What news do you have?” inquired Phillip. “I thought you might be interested in knowing of the return of an old friend of yours”, answered the contact. “An old friend? I have no old friends, old enemies, yes. Friends, no”, responded Phillip. “Have it your way then”, the contact sighed. “You may be interested in knowing that Sophia has returned from her sudden departure to Montreal.” “Sophia has returned. I suppose I had good reason for feeling a crawling on my skin as of late”, hissed Phillip. “Is she lounging at her usual club or is she kissing up to Caceras?” “Neither, word has it she is was informed of Benito’s presence within the city and was out of Caceras’s office like a shot”, answered the contact. “Do you know of her whereabouts at this time?” asked Phillip. “I have a good idea as to where she is headed, yes. Her exact location at this time, no”, the contact whispered. “I take it the bitch has not gone into hiding then. Where do you believe she is headed?” asked Phillip. “To the Announcing this evening, read your history or at the very least ask Benito on his knowledge of Sophia”, the contact stated smilingly. “Ah, it is time for me to leave. My bus has arrived and I can not be missed for too long. Keep talking until after I leave.” Phillip watched as the downtown bus pulled up and the old man rose from the bench and walked toward it. He continued an imagined dialogue for several more minutes. Upon hanging up the phone, Phillip decided to gain some historical knowledge. Sophia was feeling rather smug as she thought of the disruption she would cause Caldwell and embarrass Benito during his “supposed” finest hour. Her time of preparation was nearly complete. All of her associates assisting her should already be in place. All that was needed was her entrance and signal and the show would really begin. Deciding against a taxi, Sophia felt a walk to the Opera House would be nice. Besides, she might get lucky and find a snack along the way. Phillip hurriedly walked toward Wilson Park as he reflected upon the information Benito had related to him. Both had felt that Sophia would probably attempt a disruption this evening and thus, Phillip was commissioned to find a way of delaying or stopping Sophia before she could bring about any kind of distraction. Feeling rushed, Phillip had risked a call to his main contact and learned that Sophia had not hired a ride to the Opera House. If she were to walk, her route would bring her through the park where she could be stopped. He only hoped he would be able to intercept her before she passed through. Upon that thought Phillip picked up his pace. Halfway through the park, Sophia heard a whisper of danger and dropped to a crouch as she scanned the surrounding terrain. “I suppose I never could sneak up on you Sophia”, Phillip announced casually. Sophia stood facing Phillip. “Phillip, what ever made you think you could sneak up on anything, because you are a creature of the night? I find that rather amusing. I do not suppose you would consider entering comedy and give up your rather poor abilities as an artist”, Sophia responded. Phillip’s expression turned sour. “No, I guess not. Silly me for ever thinking it could ever happen”, Sophia stated. “You do know you will not make it to the Announcing”, Phillip said plainly. “An Announcing? Tonight? My dear Phillip, I was not informed. But even if I had, what makes you think you could stop me from attending an event that all Sabbat members are required to attend?” Sophia stated levelly. “Why with my charm and good looks”, countered Phillip, as they started to circle and size each other up, searching for weaknesses. “Phillip, you may have been a peacock once, but now you possess nothing that any woman would want. I suppose that is why local talk says you must charm all your victims in order to even feed” Sophia fired back. “Ah, Sophia. If only we were able to come to terms and find some way to overcome our differences” Phillip stated lightly as he threw his arm forward. The shuriken whirled through the air and hit darkness. “Interesting toy Phillip. Is this the best you can do? Or do you yet have some means of impressing me?” chided Sophia. “On second thought, let me impress you.” Sophia threw her arms wide and became enveloped within a cocoon of darkness. She quickly dropped down to the ground and rolled to the right. She mentally shaped an image of herself within the cocoon and allowed it to drop away. The darkness melted into the ground and found it’s way back to Sophia as Phillip stood on guard staring back at the darkness as it melted away. “Is that suppose to impress me?” Phillip shot back mockingly. “I am afraid to inform you my dear, that I am not impressed.” Sophia breathed a command and fell into the darkness that lay next to her. The night changed into an environment of twilight as Sophia stood and moved silently away circling behind Phillip. “What is the matter, Sophia? Have you nothing to say? Has your wit finally met its end” Phillip inquired, as he lunged forward and quickly spun to the left tearing at the air with a knife that appeared from nowhere. “What the devil?” Phillip intoned. Realization quickly followed and Phillip immediately dove to the right as a park bench crashed into his former location. “Damned Lasombra magic! If it is magic you wish to see Sophia, then behold!” Phillip yelled, as he whipped out a gun and shot it into the air. Sophia cursed wildly when the flare ignited and started it’s slow decent towards the ground. Throwing her arms up to shield her eyes from the painful light, she lost sight of Phillip. Taking advantage of Sophia’s momentary lapse in concentration, Phillip drew his H&K P9S and opened fire upon her. As Sophia staggered from the impact of the first bullet to her left breast, she willed the darkness to seek out her antagonist, and shield her from sight as she dropped to the ground. Realizing he only hit Sophia once, Phillip cursed loudly into the darkness surrounding him. He immediately dropped and rolled to his right as he ejected the spent clip and quickly slapped in another. Spending blood to heighten his senses he noticed an odd flowing movement like water through the grass as he chambered another round. The flowing movement paused and then seemed to sense his presence. Altering its course to intercept him it accelerated its movement. Backpedaling several steps Phillip pulled out a black stick and struck it against the butt of his pistol. The magnesium flare ignited, throwing out a light as powerful as a thousand candles into the area instantly. Wincing from the painful light, Phillip flung it at the darkness and watched as the darkness around the flare turned to vapor and forced the rest into retreat while a howl of pain erupted to his left. Sophia shook off the burns of the flare as she subdued a growl in her throat. Speaking to the earth, she started to sink as the ground swallowed her. Phillip stared in horror as Sophia disappeared into the ground. “Christ! Where did she learn to do that?” muttered Phillip as he started to back away slowly to put some distance between himself and the location where Sophia had disappeared. A slight rustling of leaves alerted Phillip of the impending danger. Burning yet more blood, he threw himself forward into a side roll and came up firing. Sophia caught off guard recoiled as several bullets traced themselves across her body and fell backwards into the darkness that once again had risen to protect her. “You can not win Sophia”, Phillip announced. “I have faced better and I am still standing.” “Have you really faced better?” Sophia spoke softly 5 meters to Phillip’s right as she appeared from out of the darkness. “I would imagine you have only faced young packs of meandering fools, much like yourself if you think you will walk away from me.” Phillip dove forward as a fist of darkness struck at him from behind. Rolling into a standing position, Phillip started to fire his gun again. Bullets struck Sophia again and again, but they appeared to cause no effect. Sophia laughed aloud as she pretended to throw her arm forward as if pitching a ball. A band of darkness erupted from her hand and flew toward Phillip. The impact threw him back several meters as Sophia started to calmly approach his prone form. Realizing that Sophia was more powerful than he had anticipated, Phillip quickly ejected his clip and slammed in his emergency clip. As Sophia approached the surrounding lights started to fade as a globe of darkness started to close in upon him. Taking aim, Phillip muttered, “I’ll meet you in hell, bitch!” as he squeezed the trigger. Fire erupted from the barrel as several magnesium rounds found their target. Sophia lit off an ear shattering scream as round after round struck her and threw her backwards to the ground. Phillip let go of the now useless P9S and slowly stood. Looking around and seeing nothing, Phillip felt a raging fear as he realized that Sophia was nowhere to be found. Turning quickly Phillip ran for the edge of the park while flipping open his cell phone and pressing an emergency number. He just as quickly closed and slipped the still active phone back into its holder as he neared the fence line of the park. Jumping up to cross the fence, a tentacle of darkness rose up and grabbed him. Sophia laughed aloud, as she stumbled out of the woods and used her darkness to fling Phillip against tree after tree. Phillip started to feel his reserves slip away as each impact broke bones and tore skin. In desperation, Phillip felt and located his last weapon. Pulling the pin, Phillip allowed the grenade to fall to the ground near to where Sophia leaned against a tree. The M15 exploded throwing white phosphorus everywhere. Sophia immediately sank into the ground to escape certain death as burning phosphorus ignited a blaze in the surrounding underbrush. Phillip was thrown clear of the park landing in the street, when the darkness disappeared. A car screeched to a halt to avoid hitting him. Fifteen minutes later, with the Fire Department, police and coroner upon the scene, Phillip was toe tagged and carted away in a body bag. Benito and Caldwell strolled across the stage talking quietly when Benito’s cell phone chirped. Alarmed, Benito opened the cell phone and read the display. “My dear Benito, what could possibly be so disturbing as to bring such a look of alarm?” inquired Caldwell. “It is Phillip. He is in trouble and needs my assistance”, Benito answered, “Do you have anyway of tracing this line?” “I will have one of my servants perform the service.” Caldwell responded as he raised his hand to attract the attention of one of his many servants. “Take Mr. Benito’s cell phone and trace where the call is originating, quickly” Caldwell commanded. The servant bowed, took the cell phone and left the stage. “I just know Caceras is responsible for this”, muttered Benito. “My lord, I wish a favor”, Benito asked. “Name it, my dear Benito”, answered Caldwell. “I wish to send a message to Caceras that any attacks against my clansmen will not be tolerated. And so I would like to send a young protégé of mine, Leah, to perform a small duty tonight.” “Whatever you see fit to do, Benito, I will honor it with my seal” Caldwell replied smiling. - - - - - - - - - - - A discussion of cards… While each clan within V:TES possess special cards that help give them advantages over their opponents, the Lasombra are fortunate to have access to cards that easily compensate them for their shortfalls. The first of these cards was discussed in the last newsletter, July 2000. That card was Political Struggle. In that article I discussed the card’s multifunctional ability of assisting the Lasombra in gaining additional votes to gain political dominance, by acting as Contract or a slow acting Bum’s Rush. This article will highlight the use of Political Seizure and Camarilla Vitae Slave. Political Seizure – Lasombra Required Master Card 2 Pool cost. Text: Choose a location. This card contests that location as though it is the same card, even if the other location is not unique. When that location is yielded, burn this card; the other card comes into play under your control untapped instead of being burned. This card is the “any location” counter for the Lasombra. If you don’t have the political strength or Arson to destroy an Elysium or Ventrue Headquarters, just use your Political Seizure to contest it. Is a pesky KRGC Radio Station causing too much interference? Contest it with a Political Seizure and the airwaves are once again safe decent music listeners. And while the number of non-unique locations is at this time is small, it could increase with future expansions. As such the only non-unique locations are the Communal Haven: Temple and the Tzimisce’s Living Manse. The remaining locations that it can contest are all unique locations. Out of the 87 unique locations currently within the game that you could contest, 67 can be used once possession has been acquired. Only 19 of the 87 locations are specifically clan unique and therefore of no use to the Lasombra, other than as a means by which it is denied to its former owner. While the thought of contesting may not find favor in many people’s minds, it is to be remember that it is a viable strategy and should never be just tossed aside. Contesting a title could give you the political edge you need to win a table or contesting key vampires, or allies, could save you from being taken off the table. Contesting locations can many times be just as important. And while you do have to pay the cost of maintaining a contest in addition to the up front cost of initiating it, it could give you the time to move other strategies into motion. Currently the only major difficulty the Lasombra, actually all Sabbat and Independent clans, has in the use of a contesting strategy is developing a good method of regaining pool. The use of a Blood Doll with a Hunting Ground is one method. The use of Consanguineous Boon is another. However, there is nothing that compares to the Camarilla’s Minion Tap/5th Tradition combination. But there is one other method by which the Lasombra can make a contesting strategy really pay. That method is with the use of “Thanks for the Donation” Dominate action, especially when you are contesting a location with your prey. Camarilla Vitae Slave (CVS) – Lasombra Required Retainer Card 2 Blood cost Text: Retainer with 1 life. The vampire with this retainer increases his or her capacity by 1. During each of his or her controller’s master phases, he or she may choose a basic level Discipline he or she possesses. He or she then has the chosen Discipline at the superior level until his or her controller’s next master phase. This is an outstanding card for the Lasombra, especially when used in conjunction with Heidelburg Castle, Germany. The CVS is an excellent method by which a vampire can gain a superior discipline dependent upon what cards you currently possess at the start of your turn. Only the Infernal Familiar is better in this respect only without the fear of getting turned to ash once you have used it one too many times. The only use of the card that I am unsure on it’s legality is using CVS to give one vampire a superior discipline during the master phase and then using the Heidelburg Castle, Germany to move it to another vampire and doing the same. In effect, giving two minions a superior discipline for the price of one CVS. (LSJ?) If the combination is legal, it will open provide the Lasombra a strong capability for 2 blood and 2 pool that can all be acquired within one turn of play that can last the rest of the game. The only danger with the use of CVS is once it is in play, it can be stolen and used by another vampire as the card makes no distinction on what clan can use it. It only has the initial recruitment requirement by a Lasombra as the only method for it to come into play. A bonus of this lack of distinction, however, is the card can be moved to another vampire, via Heidelburg Castle, and be used even though it may not be a Lasombra. For all Methuselahs wanting to gain access to CVS, but are not playing Lasombra, a simple Clan Impersonation is the only requirement. - - - - - - - - - - - Deck – Lasombra Masters on the Presidential Lawn By Michael Eichler Crypt – 14 minions Aaron Duggan – 2 / obt / Lasombra Mitchell – 2 / obt pot / Pander Cameron – 3 / pot dom / Lasombra Ramiro – 4 / obt dom vis / Lasombra Ignacio – 4 / obt dom pot / Lasombra Guido Lucciano – 5 / OBT dom obf / Lasombra 2x Aurora Van Brande – 6 / OBT pot dom for / Lasombra 2x Sela – 6 / POT PRE obt cel / !Brujah Jessica – 7 / OBT PRE CEL AUS / !Toreador Gratiano – 8 / OBT DOM pot obf / Lasombra Alvaro – 9 / OBT POT dom pre / Lasombra Antonio Delgado – 9 / OBT POT DOM tha / Lasombra Library – 90 cards Masters – 19 cards Heidelburg Castle, Germany – 2 pool Legendary Vampire – 2 pool Political Hunting Ground – 2 pool Information Highway Political Seizure – 2 pool The Hungry Coyote – 2 pool Inbase Discotek, Frankfurt – 2 pool Tribute to the Master Minion Tap 2x Power Structure 4x Blood Doll 4x Presence Non-Disciplined – 15 cards 2x The Embrace – 2 blood 2x Bloodbath – 1 blood Arson 3x Bribes 3x Cryptic Rider – 1 blood 4x Wake with Evening’s Freshness Dominate – 5 cards 5x Deflection – 1 blood Obtenebration – 19 cards 3x Shadow Play – 1 blood 4x Shroud of Night 4x Arms of the Abyss 6x Shadow Body – 1 blood 2x Entombment – 2 blood Potence – 2 cards 2x Torn Signpost Presence – 7 cards 4x Bewitching Oration 3x Voter Captivation Retainers – 4 cards J.S. Simmons Esq. Tasha Morgan 2x Camarilla Vitae Slave – 2 blood Equipment – 3 cards 2x Laptop Computer – 1 pool Ivory Bow – 1 pool Political – 16 cards Crusade: Detroit Crusade: Toronto Crusade: Mexico City Crusade: Houston 4x Kine Resources Contested 2x Consanguineous Boon Rumors of Gehenna Autarkis Persecution Political Stranglehold Ancient Influence Dramatic Upheaval Conservative Agitation This deck seeks to use the Camarilla Vitae Slave to broaden the deck’s ability to play Presence in it’s political attacks. That coupled with Power Structure, Heidelburg and several Presence cards should give the deck what it requires to roll. An earlier variant did fairly well, gaining 1-2 VP per game. ============== Deck - Might of the Night Political deck By Tim Eijpe Crypt: (12 cards) [Min: 19, Max: 39, Avg: 7.67] Alvaro (Lasombra, 9, dom OBT POT pre) 2x Angelica (Lasombra, 10, cel DOM obf OBT POT) Antonio Delgado (Lasombra, 9, DOM OBT POT tha) Aurora Van Brande (Lasombra, 6, dom for OBT pot) Ayelea (Tremere Antitribu, 10, AUS DOM OBT pre THA) 2x Gratiano (Lasombra, 8, DOM obf OBT pot) Guido Lucciano (Lasombra, 5, dom OBT obf) Ignacio (Lasombra, 4, dom obt pot) Quentin (Ventrue Antitribu, 9, AUS cel DOM FOR obt) Ramiro (Lasombra, 4, dom obt vis) Library: (90 cards) Master (18) 4x Blood Doll Dreams of the Sphinx – 1 pool Elysian Fields – 2 pool Giant's Blood 2x Heidelburg Castle, Germany – 2 pool Hungry Coyote – 2 pool Information Highway Legendary Vampire – 2 pool 4x Minion Tap Political Hunting Ground – 2 pool Tomb of Rameses III – 3 pool Obtenebration (29) 8x Arms of the Abyss 5x Entombment – 2 blood 4x Eyes of the Night 8x Shadow Play – 1 blood 4x Shroud of Night Dominate (23) 4x Deflection – 1 blood 4x Govern the Unaligned – 1 blood Grave Robbing 6x Mind Rape – 2 blood 4x Obedience 4x Redirection Obfuscate (1) Hidden Pathways – 1 blood Political (9) Ancient Influence 6x Banishment Dramatic Upheaval Political Stranglehold Non-Discipline (7) Bloodbath – 1 blood 6x Wake with Evening's Freshness Retainer (2) Mr. Winthrop Camarilla Vitae Slave – 2 blood Equipment (1) Ivory Bow – 1 pool Comments: Bring out a voter with both superior OBT and DOM. Play conservatively until you have the hand you want, take out your prey in preferably one turn and keep low again. Don't look too aggressive and make alliances when you don't have Voting Dominance. Stabilize the table with "random" deflects until you can take out at least two people quickly. I have actually played it twice now, and it does look promising. I might go for a bit of Potence in the next version and somehow increase it's intercept ability plus some Shadow Steps, IG does hurt too much. I had recently taken out Quinton (just too costly) for Aaron and one Arms of the Abyss for a second Hidden Pathways as a variant. As many people know, I have been playing Psychic Veils in my Lasombra Embrace decks, but this card really it the best to work with in this deck. The Mind Rape does get stealthed cheaply. During my last play, I received 3 VP's with it. Overall, the deck fares pretty well, grabbing 5 VP's out of a possible 9 in the first two games it played. I still feel the deck still needs to be tuned as the ratio's of the disciplines do not really work IMO. The pool gain is good, especially when you get the Heidelberg. Biggest problem for the deck is people tend to gang up after one Mind Rape. So I have the combo where MR works like a rush action together with an Entombment. Which is really nice. Banishment works fine without the MR and so does the Heidelberg. I am thinking of including a Golconda with the duplicates in the crypt. I still haven't found the slot yet. Currently, the deck works well both offensively as well as defensively without losing forward momentum, and although it would not qualify as a toolbox it does come close to one. -- Worry comes from the belief you are powerless. (So get in there and kick some butt!) Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

LSJ

Ramsteiner wrote: > Camarilla Vitae Slave (CVS) - Lasombra Required Retainer Card [...] > The only use of the card that I am unsure on it?s legality is > using CVS to give one vampire a superior discipline during the master > phase and then using the Heidelburg Castle, Germany to move it to > another vampire and doing the same. In effect, giving two minions a > superior discipline for the price of one CVS. (LSJ?) If the Well, the first will keep the superior after the CVS is moved: Camarilla Vitae Slave [SAB] - Retainer (Las) (2) * The vampire keeps his chosen discipline at superior until his controller's next untap phase even if the retainer is burned or stolen. [LSJ 24-FEB-1997] But the "during X, do Y" template means that the "power" cannot be used again that master phase. -- LSJ (vte...@white-wolf.com) V:TES Net.Rep for White Wolf, Inc. Links to revised rulebook, rulings, errata, and tournament rules: http://www.white-wolf.com/vtes/