The Inside Scoop on Gaming

This is one of those books that made me smile. It's not bad. It's not great. It's just good, solid craftsmanship. That's something I don't see much.

The first two chapters history, religion, and politics. The contents of these chapters have more than enough information for most gamers, but those who know what really went on in Jerusalem as of 1197 CE should expect to find something that doesn't jive. The same applies to those who've studied the medieval forms of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. With that in mind, I say that this is well-written.

The third chapter covers the society and culture of Medieval Jerusalem circa 1197 CE. While it had the same competant writing, my doubts about the information aren't the same as above. Those familiar with how it really was should expect more things to stick out here than with the first two chapters, but Joe Gamer probably won't notice if anything is inaccurate.

The fourth chapter covers the geography of Medieval Jerusalem. In addition to the landscape and the usual important landmarks, this chapter also gives True Faith ratings for many places in and around the city. The same caveat regarding historical accuracy still applies so don't be surprised, but I still liked what I saw.

The NPCs are in the fifth chapter. Like all competant citybooks, the NPCs provide the Kindred political structure upon which any Vampire campaign bases itself. This crop holds up well to the standard put forth by "Chicago By Night"; the only oddity I noticed was the Gangrel from the Norse lands. What a Odinist Gangrel on the Road of the Einherjar is doing in this city is beyond me. He doesn't seem to fit, even as a true outsider.

The last chapter covers running games in this city. It's the usual stuff, and it's done well. Most regular Vampire players know what to expect, and they won't be disappointed. There's nothing particularly good or bad to say about this section.

In the end, I have to say that this book deserves some of your time. It may not sell itself to you, but I doubt that you'll feel robbed of your time regardless of your decision. The only remaining quibble is a common one; the price is a bit too high. Paying $18 for this book is a bit much, regardless of inflation and paper prices. Go see for yourself.

Style: 3 (Average)
Substance: 3 (Average)

Jerusalem By Night
Author: Jennifer Clodius, Todd Satogata, James A. Moore, Ree Soesbee Category: game Company/Publisher: White Wolf Game Studio Line: Vampire: The Dark Ages Cost: $17.95 (US) Page count: 128 pages ISBN: 1-56504-299-9 SKU: WW2821 Capsule Review by Bradford C. Walker on 07/27/99. Genre tags: Fantasy Historical Horror Conspiracy Vampire Gothic	This is one of those books that made me smile. It's not bad. It's not great. It's just good, solid craftsmanship. That's something I don't see much. The first two chapters history, religion, and politics. The contents of these chapters have more than enough information for most gamers, but those who know what really went on in Jerusalem as of 1197 CE should expect to find something that doesn't jive. The same applies to those who've studied the medieval forms of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. With that in mind, I say that this is well-written. The third chapter covers the society and culture of Medieval Jerusalem circa 1197 CE. While it had the same competant writing, my doubts about the information aren't the same as above. Those familiar with how it really was should expect more things to stick out here than with the first two chapters, but Joe Gamer probably won't notice if anything is inaccurate. The fourth chapter covers the geography of Medieval Jerusalem. In addition to the landscape and the usual important landmarks, this chapter also gives True Faith ratings for many places in and around the city. The same caveat regarding historical accuracy still applies so don't be surprised, but I still liked what I saw. The NPCs are in the fifth chapter. Like all competant citybooks, the NPCs provide the Kindred political structure upon which any Vampire campaign bases itself. This crop holds up well to the standard put forth by "Chicago By Night"; the only oddity I noticed was the Gangrel from the Norse lands. What a Odinist Gangrel on the Road of the Einherjar is doing in this city is beyond me. He doesn't seem to fit, even as a true outsider. The last chapter covers running games in this city. It's the usual stuff, and it's done well. Most regular Vampire players know what to expect, and they won't be disappointed. There's nothing particularly good or bad to say about this section. In the end, I have to say that this book deserves some of your time. It may not sell itself to you, but I doubt that you'll feel robbed of your time regardless of your decision. The only remaining quibble is a common one; the price is a bit too high. Paying $18 for this book is a bit much, regardless of inflation and paper prices. Go see for yourself. Style: 3 (Average) Substance: 3 (Average)

Jerusalem By Night