Unlike VM, VDA allows the players to exist in a world much more open and less ruled by the extremely irritating, corrupt web of the Camarilla and Sabbat. In fact, those two sects don't even exist: every vampire becomes an entity unto itself, under complex rule by no one. This allows for great freedom of expression in gameplay--expression that is all too stifled in VM.

Also, the book itself has MUCH more in the way of setting. The VM book, Revised Edition, seems extremely vague in the descriptions of the 13 clans. I could not help but be enraptured by the mysterious Dark Ages Assamites: in the modern day, they are static and more or less boring (at least based upon the meager descriptions found in the main core book). In the Dark Ages, they burn with life and passion. This is only one example--virtually every clan falls into this category.

The Dark Ages' own inherent mysteriousness and superstition allows for much more varied gameplay as well--the science of the modern day detracts much from the vague--but interesting--origin of vampiric power. That strange sense of wonder is present in the Dark Ages, but in the modern day VM it is simply in the way. One feels like vampires should have been scientifically explained by now, in our day.

Anyway, in short, the Dark Ages are a much better setting to be a vampire. You have more power, more mystery, more varied gameplay, and above all: freedom. Also, that whole blasted "punk" thing is done away with--when I think of vampires, I think very little of rebel hoodlums on a street corner. ;)


All stories have to start somewhere.   March 18, 2002
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is the core book, and it succeeds in its purpose wonderfully. It contains enough information for the tried-and-true Storyteller to dive right in and start running games with a more medieval flair. For the new Storyteller, there is a plethora of information available in the book. However, it did seem to lack the depth of knowledge that may sometimes be desired for games. There is enough to run a game, but some Storytellers may find that there is not enough information given on Cainite politics. This is, in fact, the time when Cainites ruled almost openly. There is no Masquerade, Camarilla, or Sabbat. The Dark Ages were a fine time for Cainites to live. I would highly recommend obtaining this and the Companion if you wish to run a Dark Ages game.

As with all game books, there is a section outlining each Discipline as it was. Many players will find that the Dark Ages may have been more deadly and open Cainite warfare raged all over, but their powers are not as violent as expected. While advanced players will try and find new ways to bend the rules, there are lovely counters included, such as Celerity costing far more blood than in modern times; so much for the whirling dervish attack! Along with the Disciplines, there are drastic changes in the clans themselves. Since there is no Camarilla - Sabbat division, all clans interact on a rather equal footing. This means players can use the fiendish Tzimisce right along side the artisan Toreador. Many games may find a Magister waging verbal battle with a Patrician. This book helps show that Cainite society has not always been the way it is under the Masquerade.

The only drawback to the book is that it does cover Cainite society and illuminates the rules for hand-to-hand medieval combat, there is very little on mortal society. It does cover their views and outlooks, but many details seemed to be lack (or I missed them!). A few pages to outline medieval currency and weapons broken down by time would be vastly helpful. After all, few people used rapiers in 966 CE, at least as far as I can tell.

In summary, this book is perfect as a starting point and fulfills its duty wonderfully. You will find the clans are well defined and the disciplines have been renamed and in some case restructured for a more primitive feeling. This review will hopefully show a bit more about the book. At least from a gamer's perspective, it is highly useful and one of my most used books.


Dark Ages History Combined with Gaming   July 24, 1998
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This book is an absolute must for anyone considering playing the dark gothic genre in the dark ages of man. The historical sources are accurate and well thought as they pertain to the various clans at this time. Of great use is the overview of the dark ages world, helping the Story Teller immensely in selecting ideal areas to run a chronicle. The glossary is a great addition, asa it helps give players a feeling for the language of the time.