VtM - WhiteWolf: Genealogy

VtM - Review: The Ashen Thief
Since the first Dark Ages main book was published, the brief mention of the Furores and the
Prometheans had me curious and wanting more information. Serendipitously, this book provides
information on both. Though it doesn't contain any large quantity of "in-character" writing to speak of,
this chapter nonetheless gets mood across in several small sections of flavor text. The actual body of the
chapter is quite good, detailing the Furores and their concerns, the origin of the movement, it’s (lack of?)
organization, general goals, and methods of operation. Recruiting, deception, terrorism, and internal
squabbling are all addressed in a sensible order. Three sample Furore groups are also written up, with a
varied constituency, from a group of would other Heretics consider Neo-Carthaginians to a sect of the
Cainite Heresy heretical even. Closing the chapter out is a very good section on the storytelling concerns
inherent in using the Furores in a campaign. Overall this chapter was excellent; I have no real complaints
about it.
And of course, what book would be complete without templates? The Appendix: Mavericks and
Cutpurses contains four such templates. These are a mixed bag. Some seem to be a bit more creative
than others, such as the Lasombra living a double life as a noble childe and underworld king, or the
Toreador embraced for the artistry of her thieving. The other two, a Furore Fiend and a brigand leader,
are merely okay. Not a huge addition to the boko, but not a huge detraction either.
Overall, The Ashen Thief surprised me with its quality and my interest in it once I began reading. It was
largely a very odd book with a few faults, such as some of the art, the occasional dry spot and a lack of
space for more information. Still, it does provide an abundance of detail on Dark Medieval law and those
operating outside it, both living and dead.
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