Four of us gathered for this meet, Grahams first after the arrival of his second child.

Game 1
Geoff !Tremere Bruise/Bleed > Sam New Ventrue > Graham Followers Dream > Paul Recklessly Lost Assamites

A very quick game, with huge amounts of damage being thrown down. Geoff had big bleeds, I had big votes, Graham had lots of little bleeds, and Paul had even bigger votes. However my three Princes mostly stopped Pauls deck, who then tried to fend off the Followers with Dream World and stealth. Graham overran Paul, and then started to pressure Geoff. I had by then managed quite a lot of bloat, and could really surge forward, pushing past the Waters of Duat, and then on to oust Graham and Geoff in quick succession.

Win
Sam 3vps GW, Graham 1vp, Geoff 0vps, Paul 0vps.

Game 2
Graham Followers Dream > Geoff !Tremere Bruise/Bleed > Paul Warghouly > Sam Ahrimanes

A slower game, mostly due to the lack of big bleeds and big votes. Indeed a lot of the early discards were Poison Pill and Delaying Tactics. Grahams hordes put lots of pressure on Geoff, indeed Paul even sent the Warghouls over to slow them down a little but it wasn’t enough. I had slowed Paul a little, but he Direct Interventioned my Entrancement and I had to defend some more. Graham pushed through Geoff, and then overwhelmed Paul, mostly due to massed minions - I had sent two of Pauls vamps to Torpor. It was then down to two, but my reactions ran low, and Faceless Night took its toll preventing Howler from doing her thing.

Win
Graham 4vps GW, Geoff 0vps, Paul 0vps, Sam 0vps

Current Standings
Paul 7 GWs 3 Draws 25.0 vps 20 Total Games 0.35

Sam 4 GWs 2 Draws 18.5 vps 19 Total Games 0.21

Graham 3 GWs 2 Draws 16.0 vps 15 Total Games 0.20

Steve 2 GWs 2 Draws 11.0 vps 7 Total Games 0.29

Nick 1 GWs 0 Draws 5.0 vps 5 Total Games 0.20

Kieran 0 GWs 3 Draws 3.0 vps 5 Total Games 0.00

Stevan 0 GWs 2 Draws 4.0 vps 14 Total Games 0.00

Geoff 0 GWs 1 Draws 1.5 vps 9 Total Games 0.00

Richard 0 GWs 1 Draws 0.5 vps 1 Total Games 0.00

Andy 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Total: 20 Games (17 GW, 3 Draw)

Next week there is a plan to meet at The Huntsman on 30th of April. Quite a few players are unavailable (including me), so you will need everyone to turn up. Potentials are Paul, Geoff, Nick, Kieran and Andy.
The following meet is also planned for The Huntsman, on 7th of May. I will be available, as will everyone above, but Graham, Stevan, Richard and Steve are all away.
After that it will be back to 18 QC Gardens, on 14th of May. This will be the last practice meet for those going to the ECQ in Burton, for which Graham should be available, plus the above players.

17th of May is the ECQ in Burton, so far Graham, Kieran and Paul are going, and I think Nick is interested.

Sam

Only five of us last night, but that is plenty enough for Vtes. Fortunately Paul was not as late as he feared, and we got cracking at 7:20. We were joined by Graham for the first half of game 1, just as a spectator. He is good, as is his family and we will be playing at his next week for one game only.

Game 1
Sam CELFOR Anarchs > Geoff !Tremere Toolbox > Steve Weenie POT > Stevan Assamite Toolbox > Paul Toreador AAA

This game started off very quickly, as Steve got out a couple of weenies and battered everyone within range. Stevan lost his first minion to torpor, which kicked off the Fame which put pressure on all players. Paul bought out Alexandra, while I bought out a couple of small midcaps that went Anarch with Galarics Legacy. Geoff moved forward when he could, but soon had two minions battered into torpor. Steve kept up the pressure on Stevan, who could do little but defend, it was not enough and he was ousted, although Beast had gone down in the struggle. Geoff followed soon after, and it was down to three players. I moved forward with the Anarchs, with Anarch Revolt applying extra pressure, however Steve got an Anarch and thus was saved from the damage. It was not enough, and he went out to Weighted Walking Sticks and multiple Diversions. It was down to two, with Paul having two big mostly unblockable big caps, and me having three smaller Anarchs. I just managed to keep ahead with Undue Influence, and Poison Pill keeping the Reins of Power out of Pauls hand and ousted Paul with a few minutes to spare.

Win
Sam 4vps GW, Steve 1vp, Geoff 0vps, Paul 0vps, Stevan 0vps

Game 2
Steve Nosferatu Vote/Beats > Sam Akunanse Toolbox > Paul Assamite Vote/Bleed > Geoff !Tremere Toolbox > Stevan Followers of Set

A slower paced game, as everyone tried to build up some defences. Stevan was on the end of some bounce chains, but his crypt draw was smaller capacity and thus he managed to get three minions out. Geoff had Malgorzata doing her special, but Paul could push through some Loss and then Reckless Agitation which was supported by Steve with Cock Robin. I had Ugadja, and two other Laibon, but not a lot to move forward with as I had to defend against Steve. Paul pushed through Geoff, and then pressured Stevan. He managed a good run of stealth bleed and ousted Steve, who had left me on three pool. Paul was so concerned that he called Consanguineous Boon on Akunanse giving me a two pool buffer. I managed to build up some more, but Pauls steam roller was up to full speed now, with six Assamites moving forward, and crushing Stevan leaving myself defending until the timeout.

Win
Paul 2.5vps GW, Stevan 1vp, Sam 0.5vps, Stevan 0vps, Steve 0vps

Current Standings.
Paul 7 GWs 3 Draws 25.0 vps 18 Total Games 0.38

Sam 3 GWs 2 Draws 15.5 vps 17 Total Games 0.18

Graham 2 GWs 2 Draws 11.0 vps 13 Total Games 0.15

Steve 2 GWs 2 Draws 11.0 vps 7 Total Games 0.29

Nick 1 GWs 0 Draws 5.0 vps 5 Total Games 0.20

Kieran 0 GWs 3 Draws 3.0 vps 5 Total Games 0.00

Stevan 0 GWs 2 Draws 4.0 vps 14 Total Games 0.00

Geoff 0 GWs 1 Draws 1.5 vps 7 Total Games 0.00

Richard 0 GWs 1 Draws 0.5 vps 1 Total Games 0.00

Andy 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Total: 18 Games (15 GW, 3 Draw)

So a change of positions for me and Graham, although he will be back next week to try and reverse that. As said, next week we are playing at Grahams for one game only, would imagine that it would be better to arrive a little after seven to give them time to sort themselves out. Steve is now off back to Iraq until June, so good luck to him, while Stevan is busy next week with work and then off for a couple of weeks to the US to meet up with his girlfriend. However Kieran should be around, and hopefully Nick as well so that will give us six players. I will order the Blood Shadowed Court today, so it might arrive by next week. Also can those that have the ARDB cdroms please copy them on to your drives so I can have them back and hand them on to those that haven’t yet had them (Stevan, Geoff and Paul currently have discs).

I haven’t heard from Andy for awhile, so I will have to send him an email and see if we are likely to see him any time soon.

Sam

Back home, and back to five players this week.

Game 1

Sam New Ventrue > Geoff Malk Bleed > Stevan FoS Bleed > Nick Lasombra Bleed/Vote > Paul Tempting Succubus.

A rapid start from everyone as they surged forward with the stealth bleed. Unfortunately for Stevan he had no bounce and little intercept and was quickly ousted. Nick also surged forward putting lots of pressure on Paul who was also ousted. Meanwhile I had built up considerable votes, and started to push forward myself. Geoff fell quite quickly, and it became a two player struggle where my additional minions helped swing it my way.

Win
Sam 3vps GW, Geoff 1vp, Nick 1vp, Paul 0vp, Stevan 0vps.

Game 2

Geoff Malk Bleed > Paul Tempting Succubus > Stevan Assamite Toolbox > Nick Lasombra Bleed/Vote > Sam Mexican Sisters

With a quick switch of seating and decks we started off. This time I tried to bring out the usual hordes of Sisters, which worked well in the low intercept environment. What didn’t work so well was the lack of defence, and Nick quickly ousted me. Stevan struggled with conflicting cards, but put up a strong defence. Geoff went forward, while Paul finally pulled out some Succubi to do his dirty work. Stevan was ousted by a wave of Tempted minions, while Nick pushed through Geoff - Nick was again in the final two. Both players pushed on, but the stealth and big bleed of Nicks minions won through.

Win
Nick 4vps GW, Paul 1vp, Geoff 0vps, Sam 0vsp, Stevan 0vps.

Current Standings

Results 2008

Paul 6 GWs 3 Draws 22.5 vps 16 Total Games 0.38

Graham 2 GWs 2 Draws 11.0 vps 13 Total Games 0.15

Sam 2 GWs 2 Draws 11.0 vps 15 Total Games 0.13

Steve 2 GWs 2 Draws 10.0 vps 5 Total Games 0.40

Nick 1 GWs 0 Draws 5.0 vps 5 Total Games 0.20

Kieran 0 GWs 3 Draws 3.0 vps 5 Total Games 0.00

Stevan 0 GWs 2 Draws 3.0 vps 12 Total Games 0.00

Geoff 0 GWs 1 Draws 1.5 vps 5 Total Games 0.00

Richard 0 GWs 1 Draws 0.5 vps 1 Total Games 0.00

Andy 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Total: 16 Games (13 GW, 3 Draw)

A couple of changes of position, although Paul still has a substantial lead.

Next week (16th April) Steve should be around, so should have around six players as Kieran and Richard are away, and Graham is still tied up. If Andy can get some transport then perhaps he can get off the bottom of the table.

Sam

A return of faces started this meet, although Andy couldn’t make it meaning we had seven players. Good to see a couple of players who had been away for a while with Richard and Steve both making appearances.
With such numbers the only option was to play one big game, which as we will see was a game of two halves.

Geoff Malk Old Skool > Stevan New Ventrue > Paul Reckless Assamites > Steve !Tor Vote > Richard !Brujah Toolbox > Sam Ahrimanes > Kieran Harbingers Toolbox

With seven players there was a slow build up, some of which came from the reduced number of turns. Also there seemed to be a large number of vote decks, or decks with at least some votes in. At various stages of the game we had a Justicar, three Princes, three Priscus, a Bishop and numerous vote modifying cards on the table such as Powerbase:Madrid. Anyway as the game progressed Geoff put quite a lot of pressure on Stevan with Dominate bleeds, although they were occassionally bounced as far as Richard. Stevan bought out three voters, and stabilised with Minion Taps. Paul tried to call some Reckless Agitations, but the majority were voted down, or had the damage spread thinly. Steve also had votes, such as Conservative Agitation, but also needed to negotiate his votes, not least because he shared the Priscus block with Kieran. Richard struggled, stuck with big cap vampires, indeed he only managed to bring on into play, and being on the end of a bounce chain. I pulled out the main Ahrimanes, and slowly applied pressure on Kieran, mostly preventing him from getting his actions out. Kieran cycled his deck and ashheap, and used The Slaughterhouse on Geoff, along with Maabara. As the game came to time there were a few surges, with the final one being a vote from Steve that would have ousted Richard, which saw all of the votes come into play from every source possible and ended up being voted down 16:16 - yes 32 votes on the table!
When time was called everyone was still in, as predicted and as such it has little effect on the League Table, but here are the updated standings.

Draw all players 0.5vps.

Results 2008

Paul 6 GWs 3 Draws 21.5 vps 14 Total Games 0.43

Graham 2 GWs 2 Draws 11.0 vps 13 Total Games 0.15

Steve 2 GWs 2 Draws 10.0 vps 5 Total Games 0.40

Sam 1 GWs 2 Draws 8.0 vps 13 Total Games 0.08

Kieran 0 GWs 3 Draws 3.0 vps 5 Total Games 0.00

Stevan 0 GWs 2 Draws 3.0 vps 10 Total Games 0.00

Geoff 0 GWs 1 Draws 0.5 vps 3 Total Games 0.00

Richard 0 GWs 1 Draws 0.5 vps 1 Total Games 0.00

Nick 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 3 Total Games 0.00

Andy 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Total: 14 Games (11 GW, 3 Draw)

However we then realised that we only had 70 minutes until Richard had to leave to get his train, which would not be enough for a second game. So we just continued with the first one, planning to play without a time limit - however time became a factor as we will see.

Richard at this stage was looking vulnerable, so the table tried to keep him in, with him getting the Powerbase:Montreal, and calling a couple of Consanguineous Boons on !Brujah. However Steve kept applying pressure, helped by Jost Werner and his +1 stealth. I also pushed forward, working on the cracks in Kierans defence, the rest of the table also moved forward but more cautiously. Richard was finally ousted, and the next turn Kieran followed. Steve then stabilised for a turn or two, getting Matteus armed with Eternal Vigilance, Bowl of Convergance and finally a Sniper Rifle. Fortunately Paul had stealth, although it was not always enough. Geoff still pushed forward, with Majesties preventing his Sawn Off Shotgun from getting much use. Stevan now had considerable voting power, as he had the Palace of Versailles to give him more votes. However the table was cracking under the pressure and in a couple of swift turns I ousted Geoff and Stevan in succession, and then I pushed through Paul as well. The time was now approaching three and a half hours, and I had said to Paula via phone that I would be home soon half an hour ago. Both Steve and I had four minions, with Steve having lost the Sniper Rifle but gaining the Ivory Bow. He also had the bloating cards, with The Rack and Powerbase Montreal on his side. However his deck was running out, while I still had around 20 cards left. However I couldn’t play on so self ousted, with Vessels, Smiling Jack and then transferring out. It would have been interesting to play on, but it could have easily gone on for another half hour and maybe longer. My next few cards were Giants Blood and Fame, which would have helped me considerably. Oh well.

Sam GW 4vps, Steve 3vps, Geoff 0vps, Kieran 0vps, Paul 0vps, Richard 0vps, Stevan 0vps.

We all then got to go home, after having another successful meet at The Huntsman. I am sure I will try and organise another one soon, perhaps for the first Wednesday of May, which would be the 7th. They have updated their menus, although four of us still went for the House Special Burger, currently christened the Vtes Special.

Next week (9th April) Nick should be back, although Steve will be off to France and Kieran is busy. The plan will be to play at 18 QC Gardens, although might need to check the buses for Nick as the A36 is currently closed, so it might take even longer than usual.

The week after (16th April) Steve will be back for a week, while Kieran is still busy. Again plan for 18 QC Gardens, we will have to see how many players we get.

Upcoming Events.

7th May Vtes at The Huntsman - really should chase up Phil about this, also no excuses this time Andy!

14th June, ECQ in Swansea, I know that Richard and Graham are unavailable, I have to check myself.

12th July, Constructed Tournament in Swansea.

9th August, pencilled in date for BloodBATH 2008: Sixth Tradition.

I would also like to pencil in some other tournaments, but for the numbers of players we currently have it would need commitment for two consecutive Wednesday nights - would be rounds 1&2 first week, and round 3 and final the second week. I have a good prize available, which is the game Prince of the City - almost a Vtes boardgame for 2-5 players. I would also hope to have a set of Blood Shadowed Court and still available is a signed Saulot and the Werewolf Puppet.

Sam

Another league meet, although only four of us this week.

Game 1

Sam Mexican Sisters > Stevan Follower Bleed > Graham Swissimites > Paul Cybele and Great Beast.

A very quick game, mostly due to Paul getting a very good start - first turn Information Highway, and no one playing any reaction cards! This meant that I could get the Sisters gaining SAN and bloating, but being bled for 17 within the first five turns at stealth was more than I could handle, and out I went. Stevan could put up some defence, but the Beast is a fearful creature and he got through. Graham then tried to surge forward, but even his best efforts of bleeding for 10 in a turn couldn’t dent Pauls bloat as Cybeles and Great Beasts found Golconda, Minion Taps and reincarnations from the Soul Gem.

Win
4vps GW Paul, 0vps Graham, 0vps Sam, 0vps Stevan.

Game 2

Sam !Brujah Bleed > Paul Anarch POT > Stevan Followers Bleed > Graham Swissimites

A slightly slower game, but still not good for me. I struggled with crypt again, and the minions I gained didn’t have the skills required once in combat. Pauls minions just went with big POT strikes, and battered everyone. Stevan went forward, and put lots of pressure on Graham who managed to oust me with some bleeds at stealth - Khabar: The Community giving them all stealth. Paul then pushed through Stevan with occassional rushes at Graham, and Anarch Revolt helping with the oust. Graham tried, but couldn’t get through Pauls minions especially as he had lost his larger minions in torpor.

3vps GW Paul, 1vp Graham, 0vp Sam, 0vp Stevan.

Paul 6 GWs 2 Draws 21.0 vps 13 Total Games 0.46

Graham 2 GWs 2 Draws 11.0 vps 13 Total Games 0.15

Steve 2 GWs 1 Draws 9.5 vps 4 Total Games 0.50

Sam 1 GWs 1 Draws 7.5 vps 12 Total Games 0.08

Kieran 0 GWs 2 Draws 2.5 vps 4 Total Games 0.00

Stevan 0 GWs 1 Draws 2.5 vps 9 Total Games 0.00

Nick 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 3 Total Games 0.00

Geoff 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 2 Total Games 0.00

Andy 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Richard 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Total: 13 Games (11 GW, 2 Draw)

Next week we are meeting at The Huntsman pub in Bath. I will be there from about 6:20, so hope to see a lot of you there - could be eight of us potentially.

Sam

Only four players this week, with a last minute emergency at Kierans house causing him problems that are hopefully over now. I though Kieran had my mobile number as well as my home number, but he got through in the end - can you check Kieran and I will email it to you.
Anyway on with the games.

Game 1

Paul Muaziz Trophy > Sam Tremere Bruise/Bleed > Graham Tremere Stealth Bleed > Geoff Akunase Toolbox

We had a whole lot of thaumaturgy on the table, but fortunately no contesting. I struggled, as I had no minions with DOM, so that stopped my bloating. Graham on the other hand got a couple of free minions as he had the DOM and the stealth to get past me and Geoff. Geoff built up, experimenting with the Laibon cards - all new to him. Paul also built up, and tried to get a couple of Red Lists into play. I tried to go forward, but ran into similar combat from Graham except he pulled the Walk of Flames and I didn’t. With Paul pushing forward I ended up with most of my minions in torpor. Geoff tried to resist Grahams bleeds, but Mirror Walk took its toll and he was ousted. Paul followed soon after, and then I fell within a turn after that.

WIN
Graham 4vps GW, Geoff 0vps, Paul 0vps, Sam 0vps

Game 2

Geoff Toreador Toolbox > Paul Muaziz Toolbox > Graham Brujah Bruise Bleed > Sam CEL FOR Anarchs

This was a battle of the Camarilla vs the Anarchs as everyone else drew out Princes and I drew out weenies. I got a few early Anarch Revolts out, which put Geoff under pressure. Paul tried some tricks with his deck, but Graham managed to stay on top of him. Graham then started to tool up, although the Torn Signposts and Magnums struggled against Weighted Walking Stick, Target Vitals and a load of Diversion. I pushed through Geoff with the Undue Influences, and then started working on Paul. He managed to get a Red List minion, and then actually burn them so scoring a Trophy:Domain for all his work. However Muaziz could only do so much and the Anarchs pushed through Paul as well. It was down to two players, with mine being mostly in torpor. However I managed to recover, and the pool gain from the ousts kept me safe while I ousted Graham

Sam 4vps GW, Geoff 0vps, Graham 0vps, Paul 0vps

Current Standings
Paul 4 GWs 2 Draws 14.0 vps 11 Total Games 0.36

Graham 2 GWs 2 Draws 11.0 vps 11 Total Games 0.18

Steve 2 GWs 1 Draws 9.5 vps 4 Total Games 0.50

Sam 1 GWs 1 Draws 7.5 vps 10 Total Games 0.10

Kieran 0 GWs 2 Draws 2.5 vps 4 Total Games 0.00

Stevan 0 GWs 1 Draws 2.5 vps 7 Total Games 0.00

Nick 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 3 Total Games 0.00

Geoff 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 2 Total Games 0.00

Andy 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Richard 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Total: 11 Games (9 GW, 2 Draw)

Next week (19th) it is unlikely that there will be a game, as Geoff, Graham, Nick and myself are away. That still leaves four of you, but you would need somewhere to meet, and some way of getting back. The Huntsman would be an option, as it would get Andy there, and be a little closer for Kieran (who may have an even more limited petrol budget now). Stevan would probably need to take Paul home to Westbury, although there are quite a few trains available.

The week after (26th) we will have to see what is happening, as Grahams second child will be very near due. Nick will still be away then, so we will be a few players down.

The week after that (2nd April) Steve should be back from Iraq, so it might be worth trying to organise a big meet, maybe at The Huntsman (unless Andy is going to sort out his lack of car). We could then have potentially eight players.

Sam

A change of location, and a change of faces this week as we met in The Huntsman pub in Bath. This meant that Andy could make an appearance - the first this year, and Geoff could try his hand at the game for the first time in eight years.

Game 1

Sam Ahrimanes > Graham Brujah Toolbox > Paul !Nos Couriers > Nick !Nos Beats > Geoff !Malk Bleed > Andy !Tremere Bloat

A game that built up slowly, as everyone got back into playing Vtes. Paul lost an early minion, with Volker disarming, and then eating him. Nick went forward a little, battering Geoffs minions, while he went forward with some bleeds on Andy. Andy had stalled out against the Ahrimanes intercept, and Ossian paid repeated visits to Orlando Oriundus. I got Howler and The Siamese, giving me intercept and bleed options, and that stopped Graham from building up. Paul bought out some more minions, and some Couriers who Computer Hacked forward. However dispite the pressures around the table, the game stabilised, and went to time - even with Graham having no ready minions, and Andy being in a similar state.

Draw
0.5vps all players.

Game 2

Andy Followers of Set > Nick !Nos Beats > Sam !Brujah B/B > Graham Brujah Toolbox > Geoff !Malk Bleed > Paul Toreador Grand Ball.

This was a brutally fast game, which was handy as we had a shorter time limit to ensure we finished before the last train to Swindon. The game was accelerated by three Camarilla Judgement: Segregations, which put major pressure on everyone bar Graham and Paul. Geoff went forward, and with a little more experience he used his Kindred Spirits well. Paul suffered with a bad crypt draw, giving him only one Prince whos votes were mostly cancelled by Geoffs Confusion of the Eye. Andy surged forward with heavy bleeds, and corruption, stealing one of Nicks minions, and quickly ousting him. I then struggled to do much, even with the Nightsticks ready to deal some damage, and followed quickly. Graham briefly suffered his own CJ:S as he merged a torpored Theo Bell, who became Independant. As he had merged due to Gift of Experience it was still Grahams Master phase and as such he could be immediately thrown into the pit to burn a CJ:S. Geoff continued to go forward, but the pressure from Graham cracked him and he was ousted as well. The game then slowed a little while everyone tried to recover - Andy had burnt the last two CS:J with some hapless Followers, and he managed to push forward through Graham and Paul.

Game Win
Andy 5vps GW, Graham 1vp, Geoff 0vps, Nick 0vps, Paul 0vps, Sam 0vps.

These don’t count for the 2008 League as they were practice games, so Andy will have to try again to get on the scoreboard. Next week we will be meeting in Trowbridge, at Grahams house most likely. I think that we should have six players - Sam, Graham, Paul, Kieran, Nick and Geoff.
The week after I am away, as is Nick so you will have to organise yourselves. I think we will try and organise another meet at The Huntsman, as it is (probably) easier for the more scattered players.

Sam

Only four of us again, but enough for two fiercely fought games.

Game 1

Paul Cybele & Great Beast > Stevan Setite Bleed > Sam !Bru Bruise/Bleed > Graham Assamite Bleed

A very fast game, as Stevan surged forward with large stealth bleeds - helped by Blithe Acceptance on both his minions. Paul also acted quickly, with Cybele calling the Great Beast with haste. Graham built up, and probed forward, wary of the Beast. I was ousted, as my bloat was insufficient, giving Stevan some breathing space. However although Paul had lost Cybele (summoning the Beast, and then Soul Gem only bringing a second copy of Cybele to uncontrolled), the Beast smashed foward, beating minions and bleeding for lots. Stevan was quickly ousted, and Graham struggled for a while, but followed soon after.

Win
Paul 3vps GW, Stevan 1vp, Graham 0vps, Sam 0vps.

Game 2
Paul Mage Assault > Graham New Euro Brujah > Sam Anneke Block > Stevan Setite Bleed.

A slightly slower game, while people built up. Paul needed a lot of Mages, Graham needed a selection of Brujah to do his work, I needed an Alastor, and Stevan also went for numbers, as the weenies came out. However the first damage for players was from Grahams Camarilla Segregation, which hurt both Stevan and Paul. Stevan tried to go forward, but the Mages had a selection of Flash Grenades and Molotovs and caused problems. I also went forward, as I cycled for Alastors, inflicting some bleeds on Stevan with Anneka and Tatiana with Pulse of the Canaille. Paul defended, with occassional bleeds forward as Graham could defend well, especially with Preternatural Strength. Stevan crumbled, and I got an oust, but Paul proved resilient. There was then a major smack down between myself and Graham, which left Tatiana, Anneke, Donal O’Connor and Volker in torpor, however Graham still had Theo Bell. Paul diablerized Donal, but forgot that Graham had the Edge, and thus lost his only active vampire. The game then went to Graham, with no one able to defend.

Win
Graham 3vps GW, Sam 1vp, Paul 0vps, Stevan 0vps.

Current Results 2008

Paul 4 GWs 2 Draws 14.0 vps 9 Total Games 0.44

Steve 2 GWs 1 Draws 9.5 vps 4 Total Games 0.50

Graham 1 GWs 2 Draws 7.0 vps 9 Total Games 0.11

Sam 0 GWs 1 Draws 3.5 vps 8 Total Games 0.00

Kieran 0 GWs 2 Draws 2.5 vps 4 Total Games 0.00

Stevan 0 GWs 1 Draws 2.5 vps 7 Total Games 0.00

Nick 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 3 Total Games 0.00

Andy 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Richard 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Geoff 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Total: 9 Games (7 GW, 2 Draw)

Next week we will be meeting at The Huntsman in Bath, the address is below. Hopefully there should be a good number of us. I will check if they do food, and let people know. We may have to move during the evening, as the pub has Karaoke on a Wednesday night - probably in a separate bar. Anyway we will have to see.
The Huntsman
1 Terrace Walk, North Parade, Bath, BA1 1LJ

01225 482900

I can provide directions for those that need it - Stevan, Kieran or Geoff I’d guess.

Sam

Well definitely off to a slow start this year, with only the fourth meet in eight weeks but hopefully we will start getting in more games soon. Anyway we managed five players this week, and two games:

Game 1

Kieran Petaniqua > Nick !Nos Beats > Sam Anneke Block > Graham EuroBru Toolbox > Paul Tzimisce Attack

A slow build up by most players in this game, with occassional lunges. Anneke went to torpor, and failed to block much given my lack of Second Traditions. Grahams EuroB tooled up with a variety of options - .44 Magnums, Ivory Bow and Preternatural Strength, and handed out quite a beating to Paul. Paul got the usual Tzim suspects out, but struggled to make much impact on Petaniqua although he did torpor all the weenie support. Nick flung Sewer Lids at anyone in the area, but Petaniqua got through in the end giving Kieran the only vp of the game.

Draw
Kieran 1vp, Graham 0.5vps, Paul 0.5vps, Sam 0.5vps, Nick 0vp

Game 2

Kieran Ventrue Vote > Graham EuroBru Toolbox > Sam !Bru Beats > Nick !Nos Beats > Paul Warghouls

A whole host of combat, which meant that Graham, Nick and myself almost cancelled each other out. Kieran struggled against the Ghouls as he had limited Majesties. However he could apply some pressure forward, Graham also put out damage, with Camarilla Segregation causing trouble. I ended up with three minions with no blood, and the regain failed to appear. Pauls Ghouls started to make their presence felt as they beat Democritus down, and chased after others. Graham fell, giving Kieran his second vp of the evening, while everyone else struggled. Nick put up some defence as he battered Pauls vampires and Ghouls, but it was not enough, and all vampires bar one of Pauls ended in torpor with no blood and no way of regaining any. The game was conceeded to Paul.

Win

Paul 4vps GW, Kieran 1vp, Graham 0vps, Nick 0vps, Sam 0vps.

Current Standings.

Paul 3 GWs 2 Draws 11.0 vps 7 Total Games 0.43
Steve 2 GWs 1 Draws 9.5 vps 4 Total Games 0.50
Graham 0 GWs 2 Draws 4.0 vps 7 Total Games 0.00
Sam 0 GWs 1 Draws 2.5 vps 6 Total Games 0.00
Kieran 0 GWs 2 Draws 2.5 vps 4 Total Games 0.00
Stevan 0 GWs 1 Draws 1.5 vps 5 Total Games 0.00
Nick 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 3 Total Games 0.00
Andy 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00
Richard 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Total: 7 Games (5 GW, 2 Draw)

Next week we are back to Wednesday nights, and back to Grahams from 7pm. That should mean four of us, with maybe up to six. Hopefully my friend Geoff should be along, who has a vague memory of the game having played it back before White Wolf took over (and added lots of cards).
The week after we should probably try a game or two in Bath, probably at The Huntsman or at least somewhere near there as there is lots of parking in the area. Not sure how that will work out for people, so it is an experiment at the moment. It might be a chance for Phil to make a reappearance, but certainly won’t expect him.

Sam

Managed five players this time, so two standard games.

Game 1
Steve !Tor Vote > Stevan Ravnos > Graham Reckless Anarchs > Paul Weenie POT > Sam Mexican Sisters

It was a bad game for me, as the first two Sisters out got pounded into the ground. So stopped bringing them out. This eased all the pressure off Steve, although he did have a few cross table rushes from Paul - most of which he survived. Steve could build up, and with near vote lock could fire off Reins of Power, and Political Stranglehold, to gain lots of Pool, topped up with Voter Captivation. Stevan went forward, but seemed to be missing the bleed modifiers of last week and thus Graham struggled but didn’t go under. Graham fired off as many Reckless Agitations as he could, but that drew the attention of Pauls weenies, and Graham took some beatings. Anyway Steves minion build up applied the pressure forward, with both Stevan and Graham falling. Paul tried to make some impact on Steve, and I finally started to bring out some Sisters, but it was all too late and Steve got the win.

Win
Steve 5vps GW, Graham 0vps, Paul 0vps, Sam 0vps, Stevan 0vps.

Game 2
Sam Tremere B/B > Graham Reckless Anarchs > Stevan Setite Bleed > Steve !Bru Vote/Bleed > Paul Cybele and Great Beast

A more stable game, but still one with vast amounts of damage being flung around. I bled Graham for 6 with Govern and Conditioning, Graham put 5 damage on Stevan with Reckless Agitation, Stevan bled for 6, Steve bled for 5, and Paul bled for 3. However as the game played I stalled on the Bruise - all combat cards, and failed to draw any of the 8 bounce cards. This meant that the Great Beast ousted me, while Graham surged forward through Stevan and Steve in quick succession. However Grahams minions struggled with lack of blood, and the Beast could move forward at will, with Paul getting the win.

Win
Paul 3vps GW, Graham 2vps, Sam 0vps, Stevan 0vps, Steve 0vps.

Current Standings
Steve 2 GWs 1 Draws 9.5 vps 4 Total Games 0.50

Paul 2 GWs 1 Draws 6.5 vps 5 Total Games 0.40

Graham 0 GWs 1 Draws 3.5 vps 5 Total Games 0.00

Sam 0 GWs 0 Draws 2.0 vps 4 Total Games 0.00

Stevan 0 GWs 1 Draws 1.5 vps 5 Total Games 0.00

Kieran 0 GWs 1 Draws 0.5 vps 2 Total Games 0.00

Nick 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 1 Total Games 0.00

Andy 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Richard 0 GWs 0 Draws 0.0 vps 0 Total Games 0.00

Total: 5 Games (4 GW, 1 Draw)

This was Steves last week for this visit, so we will all have to try and gain some wins on the table. Not sure what the plan is for next week yet, maybe at Grahams so Clare can swim.

Sam