Player Profile: Oro

This weeks interview is with Michal Orowiecki, one of the old school VTES players from Warsaw, Poland.

Name: Michal Orowiecki
Year of Birth: 1977
Occupation: Lawyer
Hometown: Born in Warsaw, raised in almost equal parts in Warsaw and Belgrade.

1. Question: Describe yourself ... What's your current occupation? Where do you live right now? ..
Answer: I'm a big kid, living in Warsaw in a flat with my girlfriend and lots of aquarium fishes, working as a public procurement specialist on one of Warsaw's universities. So, in my free time I play ... mainly basketball, but also all other kinds of games.

2. Question: When did you start VtES playing and how? For how long do you play it?
Answer: It started back in the nineties, when I was living Belgrade. At that time I used to attend a local fantasy club called "Zmaj" (Dragon), where we played Rage CCG based on the Werewolf: the Apocalypse RPG. On one occasion I learned about the existence of another card game in the World of Darkness setting, but I didn't play it much until coming back to Poland in 1997. About an year later (in a fantasy shop called "Schron" and in a pub called "Medyk") I met people, who played VTES. So then I started learning from them.

3. Question: What VtES accomplishments do you have under your belt?
Answer: This year I won one tournament in Katowice (Katowice is a lucky town for me, in 2009 on Eurobasket we managed to win there the silver medal with the Serbian Basketball National Team ;)). But back to VTES accoplishments - this year I also played in two more tournament finals. In 2010 I also made it to the Polish National Championship Final. Not too much ;)

4. Question: What do you appreciate about VtES that keeps you coming back for more?
Answer: Being a vampire and meeting lunatics like myself. I'm a huge fan of the whole "vampire" thing. At least I used to be a fan before the accursed Twilight saga turned some bloodsuckers to cocksuckers (and by this I mean no disrespect for the Nosferatu Justicar). I think that WOD, especially Vampire: the Masquerade creates a great atmosphere. VTES adds to that an exceptional playability and the best mechanics I have ever seen in any card or board game.

5. Question: What about VtES should appeal to the average gamer?
Answer: The setting, the atmosphere, the mechanics, the fact that cards don't rotate so you can use your entire card collection, and the fact that you need a lot of social skills to play successfully, and so on ...

6. Question: Tell us a bit about your local playgroup!
Answer: We're a dying race. I think that in Warsaw there may be around 100 people playing VTES in some local groups. But for my playgroup, which consists of players active on the tournament scene, this year it's a problem to find 5 people ready to play at the same time. But when we finally succeed in gathering a large enough group the fun is great (in most cases).

7. Question: Do you see any differences between players in Poland and the rest of the world? (In terms of playstyle, deck choices etc.) Why do you think there are those differences?
Answer: I didn't play VTES outside Poland, if we forget the beginnings in Belgrade, so I can only guess relying only on TWD. I think that we play and construct decks more for winning and less for flavour, which is true for Europe in general, but I think that the Polish players are more combat oriented.

8. Question: What is your favorite type of deck and why do you like to play it? (Appreciated if you could provide a decklist as well!)
Answer: When I’ve started to play, my choice was EuroBrujah, then I changed to Tremere Toolbox. After that I almost stopped playing VTES, and if I did, I tried to play Assamite contract/combat. Nowadays I'm trying many archetypes, from Kiasyd bleed to Gangrel assault (Szewski's style), but my 2 favorite decks are both Camarilla and more or less political: New Brujah Vote and Ventrue Grinder. The first one is pretty straightforward, and second is great because of it's versatility and resilience.

9. Question: Favorite strategy for winning a game. (Pacing, reading an opponent, when to play what, etc)
Answer: Be honest as much as you can, never break deals and remember that your threat must be a promise.

10. Question: What do you think makes a successful player?
Answer: A Poker face, cold analyzing and the ability to read emotions. So clearly I can't be succcesful, I'm too emotional.

11. Question: How important do you think the political aspect of the game is?. Reading / intimidating / fooling your opponents? Do you consciously practice this?
Answer: That's the most important part of the game. Except for the one you should never miss: having fun. I'm usually so much concentrated on the fun part that I simply can't practice anything too consciously.

12. Question: If they released equal amounts of cards for every clan, discipline, etc. what would you tackle first?
Answer: Some of the great and not reprinted oldies: Murder of Crows, Parity Shift, Fist of Death, Fire in the Blood, Spiritual Intervention...

13. Question: How do you organize your cards? Do you have an inventory of cards? Do you use a deckbuilding utility? Which one?
Answer: I use Excel and Secret Library.

14. Question: How do you prepare for tournaments?
Answer: I usually try to sleep at last 2 hours night before, but it's sometimes really hard to accomplish. The travel to other cities, where the tournaments take place, is sometimes more fun than the game itself, thanks to my great friends.

15. Question: What was your greatest moment in your VtES Life (not necessarily as a player)?
Answer: I hope that my greatets moments are still to come, maybe on this EC. ;)

16. Question:

• What's your favourite crypt card? From the old ones - Donal O'Connor, new - Lodin
• What's your favourite library card? Burning Wrath
• What's your favourite expansion? Sabbat
• What's your favorite card art? Warsaw Station!

17. Question: What other games do you play?
Answer: Basketball, I probably mentioned that earlier, but I've played for 26 years now and it's really a huge part of my life. Warhammer Fantasy Battle, WH 40K, I used to play Legend of the Five Rings for about 10 years, Charazay online basketball manager, Pirates!

18. Question: Last words?
Answer: Carpe Noctem! and see you in Warsaw!

Player Profile: Izi

This time I am interviewing Izi, the (former?) Gliwice, Poland, .. this interview is especially entertaining .. beware! And expect something unexpected!

Name: Izi
Year of Birth: 1979
Occupation: Dairy farmer
Hometown: Gliwice

Question: Describe yourself ... What's your current occupation? Where do you live right now? ..
Answer: I work in a dairy farming industry (DeLaval). We make appliances for feeding, milking, even pleasuring cows! I have recently moved to Wroclaw so actually I've got a new playgroup (really nice one), however when I refer to "playgroup" in this interview I mean the one from Gliwice.

Question: When did you start VtES playing and how? For how long do you play it?
Answer: I've started around the time the BL expansion came out. I've been introduced to the game by one of the people you've already interviewed. He already was a pro-player back then. It might sound strange but for me, at that time, he was not simply an outstanding player, more a star that you cannot reach, but you can guide on. It's great he is still active after all those years.

Question: What VtES accomplishments do you have under your belt?
Answer: I've won couple of tournaments, mainly in Gliwice! I'm proud of it, but it's not a huge achievement, our local playgroup is fun to play, players are not that skilled though. It's all about fun for us - not winning - so that's not a problem at all.

Question: What do you appreciate about VtES that keeps you coming back for more?
Answer: People, I have to say I love some of them.

Question: What about VtES should appeal to the average gamer?
Answer: Fangs and blood.

Question: Tell us a bit about your local playgroup!
Answer: Salt of the earth. Open, friendly and understanding. You can really relax during a game, there is no pressure at all.

Question: Tell us about your time spent as Prince of Gliwice!
Answer: Pleasure -- every last player so thankful for the work I've been doing. Everyone (is) happy to help with good word, advice and more.

Question: Do you see any differences between players in Poland and the rest of the world? (In terms of playstyle, deck choices etc.) Why do you think there are those differences?
Answer: Not really.

Question: What is your favorite type of deck and why do you like to play it? (Appreciated if you could provide a decklist as well!)
Answer: I like to play "bent" decks like Nephandus or Tupdogs, I'm not that strong player and need every edge to be able to win every now and then.

Question: Favorite strategy for winning a game. (Pacing, reading an opponent, when to play what, etc)
Answer: "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!" / "They came from behind!"

Question: How important do you think the political aspect of the game is?. Reading / intimidating / fooling your opponents? Do you consciously practice this?
Answer: I hate lying, so I don't do that in games as well. Maybe I lose one game or the other but still it disgust me too much to bear. Intimidation is low, and reading doesn't work most of the time.

Question: If they released equal amounts of cards for every clan, discipline, etc. what would you tackle first?
Answer: Pack of snacks and a drink.

Question: How do you organize your cards? Do you have an inventory of cards? Do you use a deckbuilding utility? Which one?
Answer: Boxes on a shelf / In my head / ARDB.

Question: How do you prepare for tournaments?
Answer: I do pushups for 1h before the tournament. My hands are shaking and my opponents tend to believe I'm so stressed about a game, that I am no threat to them. (You can also drink a lot on the day before but I don't drink so it's pushups for me.)

Question: What was your greatest moment in your VtES Life (not necessarily as a player)?
Answer: First time a player asked: "Can I touch you?"

Question:

• What's your favourite crypt card? Antonio d'Erlette
• What's your favourite library card? Nephandus (the version that cannot be killed by CC)
• What's your favourite expansion? Sabbat
• What's your favorite card art? Blood Agony

Question: What other games do you play?
Answer: Soccer, tennis, Artificial Girl 3, table tennis, pool and recently squash.

Question: Last words?
Answer: I'm not bald...

Player Profile: warGrim

Here's the second part of the series of interviews of prolific VtES players. This time the Prince of Bydgoszcz was so kind to answers the questionnaire. So without further ado:

Name: Marcin "warGrim" Watras, also known as "Zicol".
Year of Birth: 1982
Occupation: Telecommunication engineer at Alcatel-Lucent
Hometown: Bydgoszcz, Poland

Question: Describe yourself ... What's your current occupation? Where do you live right now? ..
Answer: I'm a telecommunication engineer (IN/VAS specialist) at Alcatel-Lucent in Bydgoszcz. I live in a flat with my wife -- Marta and our son -- Kazimierz. I'm constantly searching for a new, better job but looks like I'm condemned to work in ALU till my last days ;).

Question: When did you start VtES playing and how? For how long do you play it?
Answer: I've started my VTES adventure in 2004. I remember my friends (Zyga brothers ;)) talking about a CCG based on WoD. We used to have an RPG session twice a week, or even more often, so we were familiar with all the Vampires or Werewolves stuff and willing to try something new. Most of us were also familiar with MtG so we know what it is all about. We bought some starters (my first one was BH !Nos starter) and we were very satisfied with the concept of multiplayer etc. Back in 2005 before the "English exodus" began there were over 20 active players in Bydgoszcz. After a year there were 5 players left or so... The majority left Poland and moved to UK including the owner of the Feniks shop -- the place where we used to play local tournaments. That was a difficult time for us (VTES players) but we did manage to keep playing once a week at Zyga's place (greetings Zyga ;)).

Question: What VtES accomplishments do you have under your belt?
Answer: I did manage to win couple of tournaments ;). I managed to get to the LCQ 2009 (Palma de Mallorca) final and the LV 2010 (Paris) final. I have also won Polish VTES League in 2009. I hope to win it again this year but since I've got a child now I don't have much time for VTES, however I will try to attend 2-3 more League events this year and get some league points.

Question: What do you appreciate about VtES that keeps you coming back for more?
Answer: I would say people ;). From the other hand that's the best game I've ever played and I don't believe that there will be other game in the future that would be so interesting. It's not only cards/deck (you could say "cash") that makes you a good VTES player but mostly the knowledge of decks your opponents are playing, knowledge of opponents' habits etc. That's why the game is so challenging. You can read some of my articles on vtes.pl forum on that particular topic ;).

Question: What about VtES should appeal to the average gamer?
Answer: I think that variety of working decks and playable cards is one of the aspects that makes people play VTES. You had never be worried about cards being banned (with some small exceptions). There are no blocks which would rotate (like in MTG or L5R) so cards once bought will be always playable. Another thing is that it's a political game so it's not only maths (like in MTG) that makes you win the game. You have make deals, talk to cross-table buddies, intimidate other players, bluff etc. All those aspects make the game special.
I have discussed a lot with former CCG players (MTG, L5R, W:I and others) and they enjoyed many aspects of VTES they couldn't find in other games. Financial aspect is also important. You can build/buy a playable deck (not a total crap but something really nice) for 75-100 Euro which is not so much when you compare it with Caw-Blade in MTG ;).

Another argument was that VTES games are always different. You will never play two similar games for years :). You cannot say the same about MTG. I also think that players like VTES because it's based on WoD which was very popular here in Poland in late 90's.

Question: Tell us a bit about your local playgroup!
Answer: It is believed to be the biggest playgroup in Poland. There are around 20 active players. Some of them are playing almost every week, and some of them play occasionally - once a month or so. Average attendance on local VTES league event is 10-12. There are several older players who have been the "backbone" of local VTES for last couple of years (Santh, Zyga, Jabbas, Talar, myself) and several new/semi-new players (Modzel brothers, Szatyn, Dragarth, Opet, Wrobz, Pawel, Sylwek, Chagatai, Twardy and others -- sorry if I missed anyone). We play VTES on every Thursday at Jabbas's shop from 17 till 20-23.

Question: Tell us about your time spent as Prince of Bydgoszcz! How does it come you hold tournaments every month (or at least it appears so)?
Answer: I decided to became a Prince of Bydgoszcz when the number of players started to increase in 2007/2008. Once there were 8 regular players we had the basis to run tournaments. Last year the oldest (playing since 2000 or even longer) VTES player in Bydgoszcz - Jabbas - decided to open a shop focused on Board Games/ CCGs / RPGs and the number of VTES players increased rapidly so I decided to set up a local League. Since September 2010 (this is when the shop was opened) we have played a League tournament every second Thursday. To be honest I remember Thursday to be the "VTES day" for a long time now. Thanks to Jabbas, we are able to play in nice conditions and he also let us stay 3-4 hours longer (the shop is normally closed at 8 PM). I hope we will manage to increase the number of players in Bydgoszcz by organizing VTES events and talking directly to people playing different CCGs (MtG, L5R, W:I) who are willing to experience something new. The role of a Prince is to convince such people that VTES would be the best choice :).

Question: Do you see any differences between players in Poland and the rest of the world? (In terms of playstyle, deck choices etc.) Why do you think there are those differences?
Answer: Of course there are differences! First of all we have to notice that there are completely different styles of play in America and here in Europe, additionally there are other styles of play/deck-building etc. in every single country in Europe. I used to analyse almost every single deck in TWDA and saw major differences in deck-building styles, dependant on the country of origin, for majority of decks . There are also some differences between playgroups in particular countries including Poland. Bydgoszcz for example is known as the Realm of Combat ;).
Nowadays people ain't so creative as they used to be when VTES was in print and it's very difficult to build/invent new deck from scratch, so players very often play decks from TWDA and therefore you would see American-style deck in Poland from time to time ;).

Question: What is your favourite type of deck and why do you like to play it? (Appreciated if you could provide a decklist as well!)
Answer: The answer is obvious - combat :). If I had to choose one I would say that the most effective are: Tupdogs multirush (you should know something about it ;)) and Anson Cel-Gun with Ashur Tablets, however my favourite one is Enkidu feat. Antonio. That is my own build and it gives me a lot of fun to play it, although it's not extremely efficient. Playing combat deck gives you full control of your predator which is IMO very important. I like "Enkidu the Great" as it is multi-acting, rush-wall-ally-star deck with Ashur Tablets module :D. Tina Turner would sing - "It's simply the best!".

Question: Favourite strategy for winning a game. (Pacing, reading an opponent, when to play what, etc)
Answer: There is no simple answer on that question.I would say torporizing/burning/stealing all minions on the table and bleed preys away one-by-one. People use to say i'm trying to threaten/intimidate other players by shouting on them ;). You would never ever see my "team playing" with my best mate, friend, etc. or stalling. I hate people doing that, so be aware how you're playing! :D. I experienced "team playing" in Mallorca which really pissed me off. This is unsportsmanlike but it's difficult to prove it. You know what's goin' on but still can't do anything about it... Remember: I DON'T BREAK DEALS !!!

Question: What do you think makes a successful player?
Answer: Deck - 20%, skill and experience - 40%. remaining 40% is luck, table seating and other variables you don't have impact on. Basically, the more games you play the better view on the whole game concept you have. It's important to know you deck, it's strong and week sides. It's also important to play a deck you understand. I love to play combat decks as it fits to my nature :).

Question: How important do you think the political aspect of the game is?. Reading / intimidating / fooling your opponents? Do you consciously practice this?
Answer: It is very important part of the game. To be honest it's all about experience. I've played over 100 tournament games in Poland so I had an opportunity to play against almost everyone in Poland. After all those years I can predict how people would play in particular situation. There are people who are easy to read but there are also very creative players who change their style of play very often, which causes your predictions to be incorrect. The best practise is playing with different people, trying to attend as many events as possible. I had an opportunity to improve my skills by visiting other cities like Poznan - where I've studied - and Torun which is located near Bydgoszcz.

Question: If they released equal amounts of cards for every clan, discipline, etc. what would you tackle first?
Answer: I don't know. That would be something I could use to build a good combat deck :).

Question: How do you organize your cards? Do you have an inventory of cards? Do you use a deckbuilding utility? Which one?
Answer: I can send you a picture of my collection if you want ;). One of the local players uses to say that I've got the biggest mess in my cards he has ever seen (greetings Santh ;)). VTES cards are almost everywhere, inside the wardrobe, on the table, under the desk, in a bookcase - lying in total chaos... I used to buy many cards in the past, so my collection is really huge and it would took ages to organize it one by one. We take a try last year but after 12 hours I surrendered. At least I have my cards grouped by the frequency of usage. Total crap, for example, is stored on the bottom of the wardrobe and I haven't seen it for couple of months ;). However I don't use any inventory tool I know more or less the quantity of each single card I have :). Well, at least those rare and expensive ones. For deck-building purposes I use ARDB. It's simple, and has a draw simulator.

Question: How do you prepare for tournaments?
Answer: Hmmm. I'm not doing anything else than playing with my local mates. I do make some "shadow play" against myself ;). It makes people laugh but it's a good way to check the card flow etc. Sometimes I make a deck, put all the cards in sleeves and after five "shadow games" I put it away because I find it crappy ;).

Question: What was your greatest moment in your VtES Life (not necessarily as a player)?
Answer: There were many great moments I can recall, like winning the first game, opening my first booster display, winning a tournament etc., but if I had to choose one it would be getting to the final of LCQ 2009 in Palma the Mallorca. That made me think : "I'm not anonymous any more!". I was also proud when we were chosen to organize this year's ECQ.

Question:

• What's your favourite crypt card? Enkidu/Tupdog
• What's your favourite library card? Immortal Grapple
• What's your favourite expansion? Final Nights
• What's your favourite card art? Disarm

Question: What other games do you play?
Answer: I started playing MTG couple of weeks ago after 12-years break ;). I play Chess, Abalone, Civilization I-V, HoM&M 3, NHL Live 2002.....2011. Used to play CCGs like L5R and Veto. I also play the best 1 vs.1 CCG ever - Netrunner.

Question: Last words?
Answer: I wish you good luck in EC 2011 in Warsaw. Hope to see many old and new faces there :). See you soon.

Player Profile: Szewski

This is the first in a series of interviews (or at least I plan to make a series) of Polish VtES players you may meet during the upcoming VtES European Championship 2011 in Warsaw, Poland. Today I am starting with the National VtES Coordinator of Poland:

Name: Radoslaw "Szewski" Staszewski
Year of Birth: 1979
Occupation: Sales Rep
Hometown: Pszczyna, but I grew up in small village Goczalkowice.

Question: Describe yourself ... What's your current occupation? Where do you live right now? ..
Answer: I'm living in Pszczyna with my wife and kids . I'm working as sales rep in one of the biggest companies in the house cleaning industry. In Poland I've been known as a movie-director (some shitty independent horrors productions ), VtES player (one of the most talking ) and vocalist of some undergrounds project from the past (more like "grrrrrrrrrrr" than "do-re-mi-fa-so-la-si-do" ).

Question: When did you start VtES playing and how? For how long do you play it?
Answer: I started in 1997 I guess. my friend Tomo was working in the local RPG store (one of the first in Poland!!!) called "The Bard". He was my first VtES teacher (badly I think ). So I'm playing for about 14 years (with short break between 1998 and 2001)

Question: What VtES accomplishments do you have under your belt?
Answer: I won ECQ two times (both in Poland, 2005 and 2009) Was in EC Budapeszt, Prague, ECQ Kosice (two times!!! Greetings to Asnek!!!). To be honest I like to playing VtES without winning. (Ask my friends, they will tell you why? )

Question: What do you appreciate about VtES that keeps you coming back for more?
Answer: VtES is all that I need when it comes to: gambling, trash-talking with friends, sometimes drinking. For me it's the most complicated and difficult card game I've ever played. Now it's more like fun than sports, but there was a time when I was angry every time when I've lost.

Question: What about VtES should appeal to the average gamer?
Answer: Only to the mind.

Question: Tell us a bit about your local playgroup!
Answer: My local playgroup is not exist anymore. Everyone are abroad and make some money far, far away from our local playground. Now I'm visiting my friends in Myslowice or Bedzin and make some travels around the country.

Question: Tell us about your time spent as national coordinator of Poland!
Answer: Before the "NC times" I was the first person which made VtES tournament after the "Polish Hiatus". In Pszczyna back in 2004 we started something great (tournaments we reborn, players went out from the torpor, some great friendships were made) and the position NC was very natural for me (with great support of my VtES friends).
I created Polish VtES League (now we have 3rd edition, it's year to year, 12-18 tournaments with the big final in Pszczyna - always in December). I got to life some of the Princes and made some new too. And finally my last dreams was to organize the EC in Poland .. As you can see the dream will come true.

Question: Do you see any differences between players in Poland and the rest of the world? (In terms of play style, deck choices etc.) Why do you think there are those differences?
Answer: Yes, I see the difference. I was playing a few times with: Slovakian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Swedish and Finnish Players and there are some difference like talking (Finnish players are the best, with Hungarian just a step ahead ), friendly-no-harming (Slovakian are the best ), playing for winning (Germans I think will be the most "want-to-win" nation as far as I remember ) ..
Seriously I like to play with all guys from the world .. except .. it's a secret.

Question: What is your favorite type of deck and why do you like to play it? (Appreciated if you could provide a decklist as well!)
Answer: My favorite deck to play is .. oh, it's hard to say, because I have a few decks that I really loved (like Petaniqua deck -- Polish players please don't laugh so loud ) or Eldest are Kholo deck or Nana Buruku will kill you deck or Unnamed with actions...or Spell of Life deck...
But there is one deck I loved so much and it will be a pleasure for me to share with you this list: Gangrel's Assault

Question: Favorite strategy for winning a game. (Pacing, reading an opponent, when to play what, etc)
Answer: Waiting, listening, talking .. and be nasty when time is come.

Question: What do you think makes a successful player?
Answer: Ability to hide your own feelings and fears. And ability to sacrifice the VPs when it is necessary.

Question: How important do you think the political aspect of the game is?. Reading / intimidating / fooling your opponents? Do you consciously practice this?
Answer: I think it is important, but not necessary. Intimidating is a very tricky and could be dangerous so I practice this only on the special occasion , but I like to play with guys who try this kind of stuff on me.

Question: If they released equal amounts of cards for every clan, discipline, etc. what would you tackle first?
Answer: From new cards? I think it will be the Enkil Cog. From the "Goldie-Oldiest" the Parity Shift.

Question: How do you organize your cards? Do you have an inventory of cards? Do you use a deck building utility? Which one?
Answer: I'm quite a bangler so only the 30% of my cards are in catalogs or albums or sleeves .. the rest is .. I won't tell you . And yes, I have the list of my cards, is in my head.

Question: How do you prepare for tournaments?
Answer: I drinking a lot (just kidding with "a lot"). Seriously, since I don't have any pressure on "winning" I prefer a very loud music in my car (when I travel) and a few good drinks (before playing).

Question: What was your greatest moment in your VtES Life (not necessarily as a player)?
Answer: Getting the EC to Poland.

Question:

• What's your favourite crypt card? Cybele
• What's your favourite library card? Magic of the Smith
• What's your favourite expansion? Bloodlines
• What's your favorite card art? Call the Great Beast by Fred Hooper (don't know why, maybe because my infernal connections ).

Question: What other games do you play?

• Vampire the Masquerade RPG (and Old WoD)
• Football Manager
• Call of Cthulhu RPG
• Arkham Horror
• NBA Live 2010

Question: Last words?
Answer: Hope I will see all of you at EC 2011 in Poland!!! There will be lot of fun and VtES so be there or die trying!!!