The Inside Scoop on Gaming

The Giovanni Chronicles were the first attempt from White Wolf to do what Vampire is ideally suited for. To tell a story that spans the centuries and shapes the world.And they did it with bravado.

The first Installment "Last Supper" deals with the players becoming Vampires, getting double crossed by their sires and about everybody else. Then they are thrown into a intrigue with ramifications that will shake the world of darkness for all future. They witness/help/try to hinder the death of an antediluvian, ultimately the best they can achieve is a pyrrhic victory. The artwork is well done and underlines the crazy, action heated atmosphere of the book. The main accent is pure roleplaying though. Almost every action and every word the characters say will result in serious repercussions or favours. Its hard to play and I strongly advise to play it only with mature roleplayers (not 18 years and older, you need good roleplayers). But the result should be worth the effort. Sadly "Last Supper" is out of print, but some shops still have copies left.

The second installment "Blood and Fire" sees the characters matured. The book provides you with good hints for this. The players get on a mission to stop a power crazed Giovanni necromancer to use ancient magic to achieve godlike might. Hot on his trail through Europe they encounter Anarchs, Sabbat and Camarilla elders, get intangled in intrigue and philosophy. Ultimately they will have to decide where their future lies. When they finally track down the elusive foe, a fiery inferno awaits them. Its a classic odyssee story and like the best of them, the player will learn more about his character then about his prey. The chances to discuss moral and freedom from the vanguard of an undying creature is compelling... Again, classy and well done artwork, enough hints to help the inexperienced GM. But again ONLY FOR REALLY GOOD ROLEPLAYERS. Don't try this with munchkins or you will try to strangle them.

Installment three "The Sun has set" shows what vampires become after a few centuries. The players do not have to deal with a lot of enemies here (though the ones they meet are formidable) but have to conquer their own beast. The oppurtunities here are golden and easy to take. All you have to pay with are your beliefs and morals. (Amoral munchkins who kill the city guard just for fun (D&d style) will breeze through this one). Good roleplayers will have to make moral decisions when there is no wrong or right. Excellent roleplaying ahead I'd say.

All in all this are books that show you what a chronicle of ages could be. It gives you all it takes. Question is, are you good enough to take on the challenge? If you feel up to it, don't miss it!

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

Giovanni Chronicles I to III
Author: Various Category: game Company/Publisher: White Wolf Capsule Review by Andreas Monien on 06/10/98. Genre tags: none	The Giovanni Chronicles were the first attempt from White Wolf to do what Vampire is ideally suited for. To tell a story that spans the centuries and shapes the world.And they did it with bravado. The first Installment "Last Supper" deals with the players becoming Vampires, getting double crossed by their sires and about everybody else. Then they are thrown into a intrigue with ramifications that will shake the world of darkness for all future. They witness/help/try to hinder the death of an antediluvian, ultimately the best they can achieve is a pyrrhic victory. The artwork is well done and underlines the crazy, action heated atmosphere of the book. The main accent is pure roleplaying though. Almost every action and every word the characters say will result in serious repercussions or favours. Its hard to play and I strongly advise to play it only with mature roleplayers (not 18 years and older, you need good roleplayers). But the result should be worth the effort. Sadly "Last Supper" is out of print, but some shops still have copies left. The second installment "Blood and Fire" sees the characters matured. The book provides you with good hints for this. The players get on a mission to stop a power crazed Giovanni necromancer to use ancient magic to achieve godlike might. Hot on his trail through Europe they encounter Anarchs, Sabbat and Camarilla elders, get intangled in intrigue and philosophy. Ultimately they will have to decide where their future lies. When they finally track down the elusive foe, a fiery inferno awaits them. Its a classic odyssee story and like the best of them, the player will learn more about his character then about his prey. The chances to discuss moral and freedom from the vanguard of an undying creature is compelling... Again, classy and well done artwork, enough hints to help the inexperienced GM. But again ONLY FOR REALLY GOOD ROLEPLAYERS. Don't try this with munchkins or you will try to strangle them. Installment three "The Sun has set" shows what vampires become after a few centuries. The players do not have to deal with a lot of enemies here (though the ones they meet are formidable) but have to conquer their own beast. The oppurtunities here are golden and easy to take. All you have to pay with are your beliefs and morals. (Amoral munchkins who kill the city guard just for fun (D&d style) will breeze through this one). Good roleplayers will have to make moral decisions when there is no wrong or right. Excellent roleplaying ahead I'd say. All in all this are books that show you what a chronicle of ages could be. It gives you all it takes. Question is, are you good enough to take on the challenge? If you feel up to it, don't miss it! Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

Giovanni Chronicles I to III