Volume 1, Issue 1 November 1, 1998
(Reposting because I want it to show up under *my* email...apparently
previous repost didn't work...)
Please direct all correspondence and commentary to xian@waste.org Blah blah
blah, some legal stuff…I wrote all this on my own, so you’d better credit me
or ask my permission (ideally, both).
Welcome to the premiere issue of the Tremere clan newsletter. I had a lot of
stuff I wanted to throw in, so it’s enormous. Sorry. At any rate, there’s a
short story that just kind of popped into my head; maybe in the future I’ll
take an incident from a game and make a big deal out of it, or pester people
to get me involved in the Jyhad On-Line “story” games. Following that is the
first in a series detailing my perception of the strengths and weaknesses of
the vampires known to belong to clan Tremere. In this issue, I’ll be
covering the Basic set, and in future issues, the European and Mediterranean
Kindred. After that is a defense of a thaumaturgy card considered by many to
be among the worst around; I feel that it has some redeeming value, and try
to support that claim. Finally, there is a Tremere example deck which
utilizes a combination that I have never seen before, either in real life or
posted on the net (admittedly, I didn’t do a thorough searching of the JOL
games, but I think it is unique enough that it isn’t likely to be found there
either). And, to make matters even more interesting, it takes advantage of
one of the 7/7 rulings. Yes, this deck wouldn’t have worked as well before
7/7. So, read on and enjoy. Please let me know what I can improve…but don’t
bother telling me that it’s long. I know it is, but I just couldn’t help
myself.
Short Fiction
The two women sat in the combination new-age bookstore and café,
huddled over their mugs, leaning close together to discuss what appeared, to
passersby, to be personal troubles, family matters, and the like.
“They’re somewhere near by, I’m telling you…” Blythe began, a slight shudder
of barely suppressed loathing running through her. “I never said I
doubted you. The elders told me you have the sense of it, and I learned a
long time ago not to question them unless you have concrete proof they’re
wrong. Since I can’t feel, or smell…whatever it is you do, and they told me
to trust you, I might as well listen to your premonitions, huh?” The second
woman shifted slightly, the only hint that she was annoyed with her young
charge. “At any rate, I’ve followed some of their less prudent associates
here after implanting a few subtle hints…” “Eugh. Sarah, I have trouble
even going near their flunkies. They have the same taint of chaos.” The
younger woman cradled her mug to her chest in an instinctive gesture of
protection. “Don’t worry, Blythe. I can handle them on my own if
necessary. Should you need to, you will defend yourself.” Something in the
force of Sarah’s words bolstered Blythe’s confidence. she knew that she
would be able to protect herself, now that Sarah had mentioned it. “Thank
you, Sarah. You know, I’ve really enjoyed…” “Before this love-fest rolls
on much longer,” Sarah interrupted, “it seems you’ve become distracted enough
to let our friend slip your notice,” Sarah remarked, nodding towards the
door. “What?” Startled, Blythe nearly stood up as she glanced around.
“Sit down!” The sharp whisper cut across the table; grabbing Blythe
roughly by the sleeve, Sarah Cobbler jerked the young prodigy, whose talents
nearly rivaled her own, back to her seat. The new arrival appeared not to
notice. Slightly disheveled, the lanky man quickly spoke to the cashier and
walked briskly to the back of the store. Looking like a thoughtful
bloodhound trailing a fugitive, Blythe trembled as she felt the wake of the
newcomer’s thoughts. “He’s the one,” she intoned, lost in a semi-trance,
trying not to allow herself to give in to the fear. Sarah looked deep into
her eyes, the force of her words driving home the subliminal commands.
“Blythe, only add your power to the fray if you must, but stay alert.
Whatever horrors these Kooks inflicted on you in the past, it is over.
Although tonight won’t change everything, perhaps it will help you find some
ease for your wounds.” With this, Sarah stood up and approached the door
their quarry had just left through. Blythe followed, just slightly twitching
as they closed in. A dull-looking employee with a curious glaze to his eyes
moved to block the door, threatening like a bouncer, not the creepy manner
customary for the bookstore’s employees. Seeing that he was not to be
swayed by any minor manipulation of his will, Sarah took a more direct
approach. Approximately five seconds after his blood reached boiling point,
she and Blythe caught the collapsing body and called for assistance. In the
rush to aid the fallen fellow, Sarah and Blythe managed to slip into the
“employees only” area. A high-pitched, slightly off-balance cackle broke
the still air. The must scent of age-old books clung to the figure who stood
before them. Rid of the need to disguise himself, the vampire before them
wore clothing almost a century old; his hair was tangled, and his spectacles
askew on his sharp, beak- like nose. “That was a good trick! I bet you’d
like to try the same on me, but you won’t get the chance, for I have read the
secrets contained in Sugar Pops!” Still shaking, Blythe muttered as an
aside, “I hadn’t expected this… something more sinister perhaps. Or more,
you know…deranged.” “Never expect anything from them,” Sarah replied, as
she started to make some sort of mystical passes in the air. Their
disturbed host shrieked and lunged at the two intruders, bowling Blythe over.
She rolled into a corner and started shivering, unable to control herself
after the sudden contact with the Malkavian. Turning as she avoided the
flying tackle, Sarah stole a small quantity of vitae from the raging madman,
taking a little pleasure in knowing that he would feel a slight violation as
she did so. As he turned to shriek at her, he drew a large gun from
seemingly nowhere. Sarah almost gasped in amazement as she looked down the
barrel of the largest hand cannon she had ever seen, then closed her eyes,
hoping the pain wouldn’t be too great. She heard a sharp crack and opened
her eyes to see the gun rebounding off the floor, the handle shattered, and
the madman clutching his head as he rode on the edge of frenzy. Glancing over
to where she last saw Blythe, Sarah recognized her young companion using the
fourth basic position for inducing the blood rage. Sensing her opening,
Sarah focused her efforts to master her most recently acquired knowledge, the
Path of Flame. Just as he started to regain control of his nearly depleted
body and turned to flee, fire leapt from the madman’s hair and forearms. He
quickly burned to a smoldering pile of ashes, but not before trying to
collect a stack of books, to destroy them as he charred. Blythe halted his
leap with her newly budding control over the motion of objects, slamming him
into the ground, and holding him there until he stopped struggling and gave
in, succumbing to his fiery death. Later, the newly acquired books in
hand, Sarah cautiously rehearsed everything once more. Her careful train of
thought was interrupted as she heard his footsteps. She could feel his
presence, even before the door swung slowly open. Ulugh Beg, as powerful as
his name is comical, strode towards her, one hand outstretched. “Give me the
books child. There is no need to retell the events, as I have seen them
all.” “Here they are,” she choked out as she curtsied. “As you
command.” “Is there anything you need to report before I let Muaziz take
you under her wing,” the tall dark man asked? “Only that the young one
performed better than expected, even during direct confrontation with the
enemy,” Sarah answered. “Excellent. You are dismissed. I may call on
you later,” he gestured towards the large door through which she had entered.
“Yes, lord.” With that, Sarah hastily retreated. Smiling, Ulugh Beg
brushed off the cover of the first book and looked out into the clear, dark
night where he could feel more of those who would oppose his master gathering
their forces…
Being a Review of some of the more notable members of the clan
Astrid Thomas – aus DOM pot THA 7 Primogen
If Astrid votes, all Tremere can and must change to agree with her vote.
-- You’ve just got to love that special ability…she’s got the goods, alright.
Possessing what has classically been a largely useless discipline combination,
the inferior auspex hurts her participation in standard Tremere intercept
combat…for an examination of her usefulness in a different type of deck, see
later in this issue.
Cardano – ani aus cel DOM FOR THA 9 Prince of Boston --Perhaps the most
generally useful vampire in any thaumaturgy combat deck, the only bad thing I
can say about him is that he’s pricey. Still, with Cardano, you get what you
pay for. Superior fortitude and thaumaturgy? (Plus a helpin’ of celerity…)
Sheer goodness.
Cassandra, Magus Prime AUS cel DOM pre THA 10 Primogen
If ready, your hand size is one larger, +1 Hand Damage
--While her 2 special abilities are nice, I’ve never found a use for her where
some other vampire wouldn’t be a better fit. Her inferior celerity has never
justified the pool cost in putting her in the standard celerity-thaumaturgy
deck. Not bad, but there are better vampires to monkey around with.
Dr. John Casey aus tha 3
--Standard 3-capacity, nothing special. Suited for intercept combat.
Ignatius aus dom tha 4
--Your grab bag Tremere. Pre-packaged for almost any Tremere deck.
Jing Wei dom tha 3
--Perhaps slightly more useful than her counterpart Dr. John, but that may be
due to a personal preference for dominate over auspex for general utility.
Bleed modifiers and deflection vs. intercept on a weenie? You decide…
Justine, Elder of Dallas AUS DOM obf THA 8 Primogen
Justine does not tap when blocking vampires of capacity below 4
--Is this ability really as useful as it sounds? Maybe if you’re fighting off
a weenie bleed deck as your predator and she’s wearing a Flak Jacket or two.
Otherwise, she is really only slightly more useful than the Malkavian Roxanne
or Ebanezer Roush. May be suited to a Lucian/Mariel deck…
Lazarus AUS cel DOM pot THA 9 Primogen May inflict 1R as a strike
--Probably the 2nd most useful special ability of any of the basic set
Tremere, it still isn’t drool-inducing like Anson or Merrill Molitor. Again,
a pricey boy who I don’t often employ. Able enough to receive consideration
for most Tremere decks, but 9 pool…
Merrill Molitor aus dom THA 5 Once each combat, Merrill may change 1 point
of damage from aggravated to normal --What Tremere deck can’t use him? Burst
of Sunlight? No problem? Gangrel with Ritual Challenge? Flak Jacket = no
worries. Who couldn’t use a 1-point Heart of Darkness? Possibly the most
useful special ability in the basic set with the exception of Anneke.
Roreca Quaid tha 2
--Hmm. A very small vampire with a powerful, yet erratic combat discipline.
I’ve been tossing around the idea of a bunch of thaumaturgy-weenies, but I’m
not so sure about the idea.
Sabine Lafitte aus dom pot tha 5
During your untap you may transfer 1 blood from Sabine to any other Tremere in
the game.
--Along with Astrid Thomas, this discipline combo is just screaming for a deck
to be built around it. The ability is interesting, but not overawing. See
below for the deck.
Sara Cobbler dom THA 4
--I have seen very few Tremere decks that cannot use Sarah. The smallest
vampire with THA in the basic set, she also has inferior dominate for
Deflections or increasing bleeds. You can’t ask for much more than that at 4
pool
Ulugh Beg, The Watcher AUS cel DOM for pot THA 10 Justicar
If Ulugh Beg is ready at the end of your turn, you may discard one additional
card.
--Justicar, superior clan disciplines, inferior physical disciplines, useful
special ability. Tough to resist the temptation of someone nicknamed after a
Sir Mix-a-Lot UPN show. He of the unpronounceable name is quite respectable
for a Justicar; perhaps only Don Cruez’s disciplines are more exciting, and
Anneke’s special ability is better, but then again, whose special ability is
niftier than hers anyway?
Focus on a Card (A defense of Drain Essence)
Drain Essence – 2 blood
Inferior: Strike: ranged. Steal 2 blood. Not usable on the first round.
Superior: Strike: ranged. Steal 4 blood. Not usable on the first round.
For a long time, Drain Essence has been maligned as the absolute worst of the
Thaumaturgy combat cards. “It’s so expensive…it doesn’t do damage anyway…”
I believe that a determined comparison to a number of other strikes will show
that Drain Essence is not underpowered for its cost, and is a potent strike
in its own right. All things given, this card is much better than it has
ever been give credit for. What other card provides the equivalent of 2
unpreventable damage at inferior? Not that I recommend using it at inferior
unless absolutely necessary, such as when you have not other ranged strike or
your only other choice is striking with hands and your minion has the blood
to pay for Drain Essence. At superior, this card, while expensive, is quite
attractive. You minion nets 2 blood before resolving damage, the opposing
minion loses 4 blood (unpreventable); the only drawback is that it’s not *
real * damage (though this happens to work out favorably in the
“not-being-able-to- prevent-by-the-stupid-Gangrel” area).
As a short run over the more often seen combat cards (I looked at it in more
detail, but don't want to use too much space…), I’ll present a list of the
pros and cons of Drain Essence versus these other cards.
Card Cost Dam Agg Prevent Pros(+)/Cons(-)
Drain Essence 2 2/4 R N N (-) 2nd round
Blood Fury 1 2/3 N N(for) (+) real dam., no weap. (-) no
blood back
Blood Sweat 1 2/3 R N N (+)1st rd, real dam. (-) long,
no blood back
Blood to H2O 2 3/5 N N (+) not strike (-) no blood back
Growing Fury - +2/+3 N Y (+) real dam. (-) no blood
back, preventable, 2nd round
Sacr. Carnage 1 2/3 R N Y
Soul Burn 1 1 /2 R N N(for) (+) real dam (-) less blood
burnt, no bl. back
Thrown Sew. - 3 R N Y (+) real dam.(-) only long, no
blood back
Walk of Flame - 1 /2 R Y Y
Anyway, I know I put a lot of emphasis on getting the blood back, but that is
classically the Tremeres’ forte. Without Taste of Vitae (and Theft of Vitae),
there are no other methods to get that blood back. Theft of Vitae is quite
good as well, and many times is preferable to Drain Essence, but when you need
a big strike after the first round, especially if you’ve got celerity backing
it up, Drain Essence is quite worthwhile.
Sample Deck (not yet tested…will be soon…)
“Close Combat: It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore!”
Tremere Rush deck
Crypt
2x Astrid Thomas
2x Sabine Lafitte
2x Rebekka
Sarah Cobbler
2x Merrill Molitor
Ulugh Beg
Spiridonas
Lazarus
Average: 7 Worst 36 (Big, I know…but there can be enough blood gain to
offset this, and you shouldn’t need too many vamps out…hmm…well, maybe the
deck could use a little more blood gain…)
**Optional: I only included Tremere in this deck (this being the Clan Tremere
newsletter), but others that might fit in would be:
Anvil
Salinger
Yong-Sun, The Harmonist (perhaps *the* biggie you want)
Ethan Locke
Ian Forrestal
Gwendolyn
But I would really only recommend Yong-Sun and Anvil.
Library:
Masters (16)
2x Arcane Library
Barrens
4x Blood Doll
4x Haven Uncovered
5x Potence
Actions (14)
12x Bum’s Rush (could go some Ambush…)
2x Rampage
Combat (60)
10x Immortal Grapple
10x Undead Strength
6x Torn Signpost
10x Walk of Flame
2x Blood to Water
2x Drain Essence or Theft of Vitae (I’d go with Drain for 2nd round goodness)
8x Apportation
4x Taste of Vitae
4x Leather Jacket
3x Blood Fury
Death of My Conscience
Notes:
The proportions for this deck are based on the best potence rush deck
I’ve seen around, Peter Bajika’s Nosferatu rush deck.
This deck is designed to take advantage of the 7/7 ruling on Immortal Grapple.
Hit hard first round with Immortally-grappled strikes, using the press to get
to second round, then hit with Walk of Flame or other strikes. I mainly
designed this because I’ve had both celerity-thaumaturgy and fortitude-
thaumaturgy decks, but there’s never been a way to work potence-thaumaturgy
well until now. This deck has a problem with aggravated damage, as do many
decks, so I tossed in the Leather Jackets.
And yes, that’s right. No Thoughts Betrayed. It could go in, but in general,
I refuse to play it in my decks. It was obviously broken pre-7/7, and I just
don’t like to design decks around that card. Plus it would take up valuable
room in this deck. And isn’t Immortal Grapple good enough?
Another option to deal with aggravated damage that doesn’t reduce the rushing
capability of this deck (too much) is to lose the 2 Rampage, 1 Walk of Flame,
all 4 Leather Jackets, 1 Blood Fury, the 1 Death of My Conscience, the 2 Drain
Essence, and 1 Undead Strength. Add in 6 Serpentis skill cards and 6 Heart of
Darkness (or 4 and 8, or whatever you like). Yes, this is crazy, but it would
be very entertaining.
If you want to complain loudly about how you don’t think you’ve drawn enough
maneuvers for your Tremere to get to long range the first time you get into
combat, that would probably be really amusing…
That’s it for this month!