I started off with VtM when it first came out and WW had me hooked on the World of Darkness. Eventually, through many campaigns, MtAsc and WtA became my favorites and to this day I will drop almost any game I'm playing to dust off my guardian Silent Strider, or to pull out my Order of Hermes (Flambeau no less) conceited, opinionated and obsessive-compulsive Magi. When nWoD came out I was less than impressed with what I saw. So for the most part I ignored the new setting.
But a little over a month ago, I was reading a copy of Mage that I had borrowed (while in the reading room n o less) when I had one of those paradigm shifting moments. In a moment of clarity I understood where WW was going with their lines. The sense of ancient arcane mysteries waiting to be uncovered ... the sense of almost Chuthulu-esque fear that tingles down my spine as my character begins to peel back the layers of diversions and horror that hide an abyssal spirits attempt to subvert and dominate an entire city ... all these things and more have made the new Mage a growing favorite of mine.
And as for Werewolf the Forsaken, all I can say is wow. Their nature as true guardians, attempting to atone for an ancient sin, and striving to protect their own territory has really struck a cord for me. Hell, I'm so impressed with the Pure (fallen (?) werewolves dedicated to destroying the the Foresaken) that I'm working on a pbp game just for them.
I believe that the biggest problem with the new WoD, is that they are trying to ride on the coat-tails of the oWoD. Particularly with nMage, where the oMage cast such a huge and fantastic shadow, that it has eclipsed what is an outstanding game all on its own.
If you are a fan of the oWoD, the best thing you can do when trying to play a nWoD game, is to forget everything you know, and all the internal paradigms you have about "the way" a game should be played. Look at each of these games on their own and I think you will be impressed with what you find. I know I was.
But a little over a month ago, I was reading a copy of Mage that I had borrowed (while in the reading room n o less) when I had one of those paradigm shifting moments. In a moment of clarity I understood where WW was going with their lines. The sense of ancient arcane mysteries waiting to be uncovered ... the sense of almost Chuthulu-esque fear that tingles down my spine as my character begins to peel back the layers of diversions and horror that hide an abyssal spirits attempt to subvert and dominate an entire city ... all these things and more have made the new Mage a growing favorite of mine.
And as for Werewolf the Forsaken, all I can say is wow. Their nature as true guardians, attempting to atone for an ancient sin, and striving to protect their own territory has really struck a cord for me. Hell, I'm so impressed with the Pure (fallen (?) werewolves dedicated to destroying the the Foresaken) that I'm working on a pbp game just for them.
I believe that the biggest problem with the new WoD, is that they are trying to ride on the coat-tails of the oWoD. Particularly with nMage, where the oMage cast such a huge and fantastic shadow, that it has eclipsed what is an outstanding game all on its own.
If you are a fan of the oWoD, the best thing you can do when trying to play a nWoD game, is to forget everything you know, and all the internal paradigms you have about "the way" a game should be played. Look at each of these games on their own and I think you will be impressed with what you find. I know I was.
