Version 5 Update

The document on the Learning Aids page that lists all the clans and their major disciplines has been updated to include the changes brought about in Version 5. 

Changelog:

• Adding of Banu Haqim (considered the same clan as Assamites)
• Adding of The Ministry (considered the same clan as Followers of Set)
• Malkavians have had Dominate replace Dementation as one of their major disciplines
• Added alternate Clan symbols for Gangrel, Nosferatu, Toreador, Tremere and Ventrue

New Starter Decks

Black Chantry have released some excellent new starter decks that allow you to buy and play straight out of the box with a decent deck.  The decks contain an excellent assortment of cards, even for continuing players, so check them out at your local store.  Realms of Magic and Miniatures are stocking it here in Townsville!

If your local store isn't stocking them (in Australia), drop me a line and I'll put you in touch with the distributor.

Not dead yet!

Although it has been a long time since my last update, VTES in Townsville is still going strong with new players entering the fray.  More recently we have seen Black Chantry Productions return VTES to print with a new set called Lost Kindred and some reprints of key cards from older sets.  These sets are being sold as Print-on-Demand from Drive Thru Cards.

2015 Townsville Continental Qualifier Results

The 2015 Townsville Continental Qualifier Results was run on Saturday 6th June which attracted 10 players, 2 of whom were from out of town, and 1 who was International!  Many thanks to Simon and Steve for making the effort to travel all the way up to Townsville for the tournament.

Decks that made an appearance were:
Chris - Tupdogs
Simon - Ventrue Grinder
Steve - Stani/Ingrid Gangrel with Dom
Shannon - Nos Anti Deep Song Combat
Belle - Malk Anti SB with no Masters
Ozzy - Malk Anti SB
Danny - Euro Brujah Bruise and Bleed
Buster - Tariq and Zayyat Assasmite Toolbox
Dave - Akunanse Toolbox
Mark - Euro Brujah Bruise and Bleed

Final results were:

1. Chris Lynch (AUS)  — 1 GW 4 VP — 3 VP — Tupdogs
2. Simon Reed (NZ) — 0 GW 5 VP — 2 VP — Ventrue Grinder
2. Shannon Dowley (AUS) — 0 GW 2 VP — 0 VP — Nos Anti Deep Song Combat
2. Stephen Harris (AUS) — 1 GW 4.5 VP — 0 VP — Stani & Ingrid
2. Belle (AUS) — 1 GW 6 VP — 0 VP — Malkavian Bleed

Random VTES Fact #1

The vote provided by a political card (the card action itself) is not cast by the vampire but by the Methuselah.  This vote can be cast however the Methuselah sees fit (for, against or not cast at all).

How to Build a Vote Deck

Extrala over at VTES One has outdone himself with a great in-depth article on how to build a vote deck.  Everything from the most common cards used, the best clans and even strategies.  Be sure to check it out.

Patterns in Politics

2015 Regular Games

2015 has kicked off and the regular games have started up again.  We will soon be doing our annual drive to try and dig up some players, new and old.  If you're interested in trying VTES and are located in Townsville, Australia, please send an email to dshrike at gmail dot com.

This year's qualifier is expected to be held sometime in May-July.

Special mention to last year's recruits Belle and Shannon for sticking with the game and helping make the Townsville VTES community what it is today.