Vampires: Chill Supplement

Game Review

Reviewed by Neil Knox


Written by Gali Sanchez and Michael Williams
Pacesetter, Ltd. P.O. Box 451, Delavan, WI 53115
Released: May, 1985
Catalog No. 2011
Price: $10.00
Complexity: Beginner
Solitaire Suitability: None
* * * * 1/2

Since the release of Chill in 1984, Pacesetter, Ltd. has provided a number of scenarios and sourcebooks. Their latest release may well set a new standard in horror supplements. Vampires is a S.A.VE. (the Societas Albe Viae Eternitata, or the Eternal Society of the White Way) study on some of the most frightening creatures in folklore. Ten different citizens of the unknown are explored, ranging from the "King of Vampires;' Count Dracula, to the undead rock star Jackson "Jammer" De La Croix. The artwork by Susan Collins is excellent. The illustrations alone are worth the price. The book reads well and is wholly enjoyable.

Each chapter, or essay, focuses on a specific vampire and its past. The reports are based on S.A.VE.'s investigations and have the flavor of a top secret manuscript. Also, each section is accented with a literary quote or fable, such as an excerpt from Bram Stoker's classic novel about Dracula. The vampires are by no means generic either. They include the Alpine Vampire Count Garnier, the Macedonian Vampire Hephaistion, and my personal favorite, the Death Ninja. The variety of strengths and weaknesses are as individual as the personalities. They break many traditions. Don't be surprised if the creature casts a reflection, walks about in daylight, or regards a stake through the heart as a flesh wound.

A certain amount of historical fact is used. To the best of my knowledge, Elizabeth Bathory (the only female in the book) actually existed, and the authors use part of her infamous past in the volume. Of course at the end of each chapter the complete character is given with statistics, powers, skills, and limitations. The only downfall of the supplement is that in attempting to create the atmosphere of a S.A.VE. document many useful items were left out, sometimes entire origins and histories. This may make it more difficult to create an adventure.

Vampires is a must for any Chill player or any horror aficionado. In fact it is so adaptable that with a little perseverance it could easily be converted to any contemporary role-playing game. I hope Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Williams will continue in this vein. It is worth both the time and the effort spent looking at it.

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