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Title: Clanbook: Assamite by Clayton Oliver, Graeme Davis, Deird're Brooks ISBN: 1565042565 Publisher: White Wolf Publishing Inc. Pub. Date: December, 2000 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.75
Rating: 4
Summary: Everything You Know Is Wrong.....
Comment: The new CLANBOOK ASSAMITE offers a wealth of information about this often misunderstood clan, challenging many long standing assumptions. It backs off things (like the duty to destroy other vampires) that made Assamites difficult to play with non-Assamite characters. Changes from the original CLANBOOK ASSAMITE include expanded roles for female and non-Middle Eastern Assamites.
The Assamite belief that they may judge (and punish) other vampires receives a noble explanation here along with the Laws of Haqim which codify such duties. The ranks and factions of Assamite society are examined (antitribu included). The three basic Assamite castes (warrior, scholar and sorcerer) receive full treatment as sub-classes with their own discipline specialties etc. The book describes the ramifications of the Schism between Ur-Shulgi's followers and those of Al-Ashrad. The features are great: MET statistics, notable Assamites, character templates, discussion of clan disciplines, new discipline variations including an Assamite Sorcery path.
Now the bad news: IMO this is the hardest book in the new CLANBOOK series so far. It constantly assumes prior knowledge. For example, a summary of the Schism and explanations of terms like "Web of Knives" and "dispossessed" are only provided toward the end although they are mentioned throughout the book as if they're already familiar. Unexplained, specialized terms ("kalif") sometimes appear. (The original CLANBOOK ASSAMITE had a glossary at the beginning- an unfortunate omission here.) Ur-Shulgi and Al-Ashrad, meanwhile, are omitted from the notable Assamite section- despite mention throughout the book and despite the fact that an update of the character profiles in CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT was needed in light of the Schism. (You'd need familiarity with other books to recognize the picture of them on pg. 30.) Less scattered discussion of issues related to the Path of Blood (outlined in VtM's basic rules) would have been helpful.
Some advice if this book overwhelms you: There's a shorter, more concise, (clearer) treatment of many of the main points in LIBELLUS SANGUINIS III: WOLVES AT THE DOOR (for VAMPIRE: DARK AGES) as well as an Assamite Sorcery path. (The new CLANBOOK ASSAMITE seems to be a needed update of that material for a modern setting.) There's background on the characters of Ur-Shulgi and Al-Ashrad in CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT but little about their roles in the Schism. NIGHTS OF PROPHECY has a good summary of the Schism (including Ur-Shulgi and Al-Ashrad) and other recent Assamite developments. BLOOD MAGIC: SECRETS OF THAUMATURGY has more paths for Assamite sorcery. Material about Islam and vampire characters in Muslim settings is provided in WORLD OF DARKNESS: SECOND EDITION (chapter on Arabia) and in the V:DA supplement JERUSALEM BY NIGHT . The original CLANBOOK: ASSAMITE also has a list of selected reading on the Middle East.
Don't get me wrong. I recommend this book highly. It changed the way I viewed this clan. (I used to HATE Assamites, actually.) It's essential for Assamite character players and for Storytellers. It may take extra effort for those new to VtM but it's worth it.
Rating: 4
Summary: Now we know why we fear the Assamites...
Comment: After reading Clanbook Assamite thoroughly, I understand why these Vampires are the most feared of all Kindred. The book explains the history of the clan and its powerful code of honor, and through all this it becomes clear that the Assamites are fanatics in the truest sence of the word. All is written with an easy to read, although sometimes a bit forced shakespearian, style, and has a clear and ordered layout. The book is simply a must-have for all players and storytellers who wish to use Assamite characters in their chronicles.
Rating: 5
Summary: Well done!
Comment: My second favorite clan...
This clanbook is very informative and really helped me to flesh out my Assamite character. This book helps one to understand the rigors of what it means to be an assamite.
I highly recomend this book to players and storytellers alike.
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Title: Clanbook: Nosferatu by Brian Campbell ISBN: 1565042662 Publisher: White Wolf Publishing Inc. Pub. Date: May, 2000 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: Clanbook: Brujah by Justin Achilli, Deird're Brooks ISBN: 1565042670 Publisher: White Wolf Publishing Inc. Pub. Date: May, 2000 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: Clanbook: Ravnos (Vampire, the Masquerade) by Deird're Brooks ISBN: 1588462099 Publisher: White Wolf Publishing Inc. Pub. Date: May, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: Clanbook: Lasombra by Bruce Baugh ISBN: 1588462013 Publisher: White Wolf Publishing Inc. Pub. Date: January, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: Clanbook: Followers of Set by Dean Shomshak ISBN: 1588462048 Publisher: White Wolf Publishing Inc. Pub. Date: April, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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