This article serves as a personal revelation, a moment of honesty about my deep-seated passion for tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). From the fantastical realms of Dungeons and Dragons to the eerie narratives of Call of Cthulhu and Candela Obscura, I find myself irresistibly drawn to the dark and mysterious. Yet, at the pinnacle of my interests lies Vampire: The Masquerade, a game that has captivated me since my introduction through the original Bloodlines and the ambitious, albeit short-lived, battle royale experience, Bloodhunt. My journey into the world of tabletop gaming is relatively new, but with the anticipation building for Bloodlines 2, I felt compelled to dust off my black and red dice and craft a new character—a Ventrue this time, stepping away from my usual Toreador. Embracing my #VampireEra has been a delight.
Immersing in the World of Darkness
Over the past few months, I’ve immersed myself in a plethora of YouTube videos, and replaying Bloodlines has enriched my experience as I await the release of its sequel. In true Malkavian fashion, I’ve created a pinboard adorned with ribbons, connecting various plot points and lore elements, leading to those exhilarating ‘eureka!’ moments. While the games are enjoyable on a surface level, delving into the intricate lore has allowed me to fully engage with the World of Darkness.
However, this immersive journey comes with its challenges, particularly in terms of cost. Physical copies of Vampire: The Masquerade books can be hard to come by, with the core rulebook priced around / £40. Auxiliary chronicles and reference guides typically range from / £25 to / £36.50. For instance, my Player’s Guide set me back £38 on Amazon (approximately ), and sourcing it was no easy feat. Fortunately, for those eager to explore the tabletop RPG before the launch of Bloodlines 2, there’s an incredible opportunity available through Humble Bundle.
A Fantastic Deal Awaits
In celebration of the annual Month of Darkness, Renegade has partnered with Humble Bundle to offer an astonishing collection of 57 digital books encompassing both VTM and its sister titles, Hunter: The Reckoning and Werewolf: The Apocalypse, all for just / £18.54. This bundle includes essential player handbooks, storyteller toolkits, standalone adventure chronicles (with Fall of London being a personal favorite), and in-depth lore books covering topics from the Camarilla to the Second Inquisition.
- Player’s Guide: Featuring details on seven of the 13 clans, including the popular LaSombra and the often-overlooked Ministry.
- Blood Sigils: A resource for aspiring Thinblood alchemists and seasoned sorcerers alike.
You can acquire all 57 digital books for the aforementioned price, but this is merely the minimum expected. For those wishing to contribute to a good cause, additional donations are welcomed. The total value of this expansive Month of Darkness bundle is a staggering 7 / £724.90, offering substantial savings. Alternatively, smaller bundles are available: 27 items for / £11.12 or 12 for / £3.70, though these options lack some of the more accessible texts for newcomers.
This enticing bundle will be available until the end of October, so don’t miss your chance to seize this opportunity.
If the discussion surrounding VTM has sparked your interest, a curated list of all the clans in Bloodlines 2 awaits, helping you choose your preferred faction ahead of the game’s launch. For those still on the fence about The Chinese Room’s vampire game, my preview of Bloodlines 2 may just sway your opinion.
What’s your favorite game within the World of Darkness? Join the conversation on Discord. Personally, I have a soft spot for Vampire, but Mage: The Ascension runs a close second.
