VtM - WhiteWolf: Genealogy

VtM - Review: Wolves of the Sea
The second chapter is a look at the function of the Clans in the North. Obviously, it is the Gangrel that
rule supreme in Scandinavia, but they are far from alone. Many other Clans are making their way into the
North, or have also established themselves there. The customs of the Kindred of the Northern Lands is
showcased, as is their relations with the Garou that claim the lands as well. The only complaint that I
have with this chapter is that the Lhiannan are completely ignored. Apparently at some time between the
Dark Ages Companion and Wolves of the Sea, the bloodline was cut from being Norse, Celtic, and
Germanic to simply Celtic. Personally, I think that was a poor decision, as it simply serves to limit an
otherwise very promising bloodline. Those looking for more information on the Lhiannan, Ogham, or
their belief in the Crone and associated cosmology (as I was), will be disappointed. Nothing along those
lines is in Wolves of the Sea.
The next chapter is focused on character creation and development, and we are treated to a plethora of
new traits. New abilities are of course provided, as is a new background for Vampire: the Dark Ages -
Fame. There are 3 new metadiscipline powers, and they are extremely interesting and useful. Very well
done. There are two new Roads as well, the Vias Einherjar (has some similarities to the Road of
Chivalry) and Aesirgard (remarkably like the Road of Heaven). Then there are many, many merits and
flaws, and quite good ones as well. Other than the required mundane merits and flaws, there are some
very intriguing supernatural ones as well. Second Sight, Foresighted, Runesight, and True Berserk are all
very inspiring merits.
The systems chapter covers rules that are needed for gaming in the North. It answers the questions of
how the Kindred survive with so few people, and how they deal with the wildly different spans of night
through the seasons. There is also a discussion of sea issues, both fighting on it and travelling across it.
The chapter rounds out with a look at the special concerns that vampires have in settlements in the North,
and a look at running different styles of chronicles, from playing mortals to ghouls to full-blown
einherjar.
Finishing the book are three templates (all of reasonable quality, but I'm not a big fan of templates
myself) and three "famous" einherjar, all of which are interesting. My only complaint there is that there
should have been more. I really like the "notables" sections in books (especially when they sacrifice stats
for more room for development) because they often inspire me to great ideas for chronicles or characters.
I find them to be wonderful assets in a game.
Quite a good book. An absolute must for anyone intending to run a Viking game in Vampire: the Dark
Ages.
http://vampirerpg.free.fr/Books/2820.php3 (2 of 2) [6/1/2002 12:21:50 AM]