Customer Reviews

Clanbook: Giovanni (A Source Book for Vampire: The Masquerade)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The revised version of Clanbok: Giovanni is truly impressive. It's very well written and the graphic part is algo good. It contains a in-depht history of the Clan (since the Roman Empire, when their name wasn't Giovanni yet) like the previous version, and much information on the modern affairs. The lesser families (like the Dunsirn and the Pisanob) are explained with much more detail than it was in the previous version of this book. There's also more and new information on the Endless Night, and be prepared: it's shocking news!

It features much more interesting character templates (not just the generic "necromancer-business men" like before), including a Dunsirn and a Pisanob. The only thing that's missing is any follower from the Path (of Enlightment) of Bones, however. There are however revised rules for using Necromancy in the times of the Maelstrom, as well as new Necromancy Rituals, Pisanob Necromancy Rituals and mechanics, and a new Path for Ghilberti Necromancers. It also features rules for using Wraiths and Spectres without the need for Wraith: The Oblivion, a new Background and really interesting Merits and Flaws. All the rules also described in the MET system.

The previous book was a blast, and this one it much, MUCH better. A must buy, whether you're a Giovanni player or not. It's succesful in its task to provide in-depth and accurate information as well as picture how inhuman, dark and complex the Giovanni are.

This has got to be the best clanbook out there. It isn't just and endless lfow of expanded rules and advanced systems, its an in-depth background to way the Giovanni think, act, and do their "business". I just have to say I love it, though the Lamia and Capps did deserve more attention...

Justin Achilli obviously impressed a number of people with his writing as he was responisble for the development of Vampire: The Masquerade (3rd Edition). One of those he impressed is me. Clanbook: Giovanni is one of the better Clanbooks I have read, partly because of the information but mainly because if the insider's view that it portrays. Even though it has very few rules/systems updates for Necromancy and other such sought after items (now contained in Vampire:The Masquerade 3rd Edition)it contains enough story and roleplaying background to 'flesh out' the Giovanni Clan. Another suggested series of White Wolf books if interested in the Giovanni would be the Giovanni Chronicles, "The Last Supper", "Blood and Fire" and "The Sun Has Set".

This is either a book you'll love or hate, and I LOVED it! I noticed that a few other reviewers rated this source poorly due to the "graphic content". Well that's what the Giovanni are all about, pure unadulterated EVIL. This book contains little mini-stories, just like any other White Wolf book, and just like in all their other books the stories are related to the info and statistics contained within, and as previously stated the Giovanni are PURE EVIL, so of course the stories aren't pretty. Besides, doesn't it say "Games for mature minds" on all White Wolf books? Of course this isn't a book you'd want a little kid to read (or even a your teenager for that matter) but the game in general is not intended for young audiences. Bottom line is, if you're a storyteller that wants to include Giovanni in your campaign, or justs want more backgroud info about the World of Darkness, then this book is for you. If you want to play a Giovanni, then most diffinetly READ THIS BOOK, you've gotta realize what kind of clan you're going to be involved with, and how challenging of a roleplaying experience it will be. However if there are young role players in your group or your house hold, then for the love of god put it someplace safe, so that you can use it for a reference, but they won't be able to browse through it (I find it had to think of many things that could warp a young child more than a story about the making of a snuff film). Or...if you're just squemish or easily offended, perhaps a copy of the Salubri handbook would be a better choice for you ;)

Considering the nature of the Giavonni, this book actually makes them somewhat attractive to play. It has it's share of disgusting descriptions(the front story for example) but that is part of the point.

This installment of White Wolf's long series of Clanbooks is possibly the best. The book is rich in content and atmosphere, providing a guided tour of Vampire: The Masquerade's most insular clan.

Justin Achilli breathes new life into a formerly one-dimensional clan as he details their debased practices and horrific goals.

Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the purchase price.

This clanbook gives very much information bout the Necromancer clan, and didn't need to go into detail how the Capp's were "taken out." A Great Clan, and a powerful one too.

First off, let me say the artwork was superb! Secondly let me say that if you are a bit squemish about VTM before reading this then perhaps you should not eat anything before you sit down with the Giovanni Clanbook. It definitely gives you an "in your face" insight into one of the more bizarre and secretive clans in the game. They could possibly be more dangerous than the Sabbat in the long run.

Love the whole book, very atmospheric. Lots of secrets revealed(and more questions unanswered). Check the character bios about a certein Mexican Giovanni who hunts Sabbat.

A clanbook I waited for for a long time. Unfortunatly it completely ignores previous references to the clan, and spends a lot of time making them as loathsome as the setites. Frankly I felt some of the content was over the top. However it has a lot of interesting info and a great take on what Enzo Giovanni is doing. Unfortunatly no reworking of Necromancy, and no Necromantic rituals that players have been crying out for.