April 20th, 2024 Grand Prix in Paris.
Register by email to: vtes.events.paris@free.fr

v Gentlemen With Sticks

Highlights

This is a toolbox deck using Ventrue Princes.

The idea is to get the highest capacity vampire out, then use Govern the Unaligned at superior D to get more vampires out fast and cheap, then later to bleed with the help of some d modifiers.

The intercept module is built around the fact the many vampires in the crypt are Princes and use Second Tradition: Domain heavily. Deflection is used to bounce bleeds in case they get through anyway.

The combat module uses f for damage prevention and Weighted Walking Stick to deal more damage.

Tips & Tricks

Daring the Dawn and Foreshadowing Destruction are used for the lunge. The use of Direct Intervention on a modifier like Conditioning prevents it to be played again on the same action (as a modifier can only be played once, even if countered). Using an alternative bleed enhancer is permitted though (the modifier did not apply, so limited bleed enhancement is still possible). Foreshadowing Destruction can even save a lunge this way.

Scourge of the Enochians and Anarchist Uprising are counters against breed constructs, as they can become overwhelming for this deck.

Variants

There are many minor variations to this archetype. Parity Shift and Entrancement are often included, Seduction can help to get the bleed through. On the Master side, Papillon and Island of Yiaros are common inclusions. Finally, some Freak Drive to increase A&B is often seen too.

The Law Firm variant ditches the combat module and replaces it with some Majesty, with a good number of Freak Drive for multiple actions. With more damaging votes like Kine Resources Contested, it makes for many aggressive actions, and they quickly become hard to block. Anthony Coleman's deck from the 2009 English NC is a good example. It is also often played with a group 1-2 crypt, as Emerson Bridges and Sir Walter Nash are good Princes for the job, at a low cost. Sergio Gracia's deck from 2009 is a good example.

Errata

Pentex™ Subversion has been modified by an errata in September 2019. It does not prevent a vampire to act anymore, so it is less powerful . Its ability to disable a strong blocker is still an important aspect so it can have its place here.

Declining

This archetype has been historically successful but did not register significant wins since the latest expansions: it might be less relevant today depending on your meta.