The Erciyes Fragments

This is also a very interesting story in many ways. The introduction details how the "documents" were recovered and we discover something which I've known as a storyteller all along -- ghouls are a vital part of Kindred existance. We see just want a ghoul will go through to service his master and himself, we see his identification with a clan, and indeed we see his own desires for knowledge -- all of these are something that other Vampire guides might lead you to think were impossible once enslaved by the blood. The "documents" themselves are written interestingly -- text from the "ancient sources" interspersed with a dialogue of commentaries through the ages each written in a unique script giving the sense of a real exchange of ideas and personalities. Some intriquing play on previous "ancient texts" as well as comfirmation of some ideas I'm sure are not unique to our game. Well worth buying and using.

Here's my easy description- in content it is very similar to the book of Nod. I think of it as a beuatiful sequel, the art direction immaculate, the legends and myths, stunning. Overall, it is one of the most impressive books White Wolf had yet released, full of hints, subterfuge and pondering the nature and lineage of the damned. It is well written, and interesting enough on its own without the context of the game that spawned it, Vampire: The Masquerade. As far as brilliant tomes go, I have no complaints, only adulation for the hard work that went into it. Viva unlife! (I apologize, dear reader, it is a penchant of mine to become carried away.)

I found the Erciyes Fragments very interesting because I have always been interested in what kind of character Cain (real and fiction) was. This book gives you an insight about Cain from Cain. It's also very interesting how it seems like Cain almost felt like a foster father or a loving uncle to the "Sons of Seth", or Humans. He even punished his childer for killing without reason, which is part of the reasons for each clan and their unique curse. I also thought it was rather intriguing how Cain left his childer to fend for themselves during the flood. This apparently resulted in the 3rd generation's cannibalistic tendencies in the respect that the only way they could survive was to drink one another's blood. Then when the flood was over that was the only blood they preferred. This book gives a unique and extremely thrilling look at vampires and what made them what they are. I highly recommend getting the Erciyes Fragments.

Another fascinating addition to the "legend" that created the clans. (I have read the "Book of Nod" and The Erciyes Fragments is supposed to be a more complete version although I HIGHLY recommend getting both. The Erciyes fragments also has in the margins "comments" from elder vampire clan members and/or scholars who had come previously to the secluded monestary mentioned in the book to read the "Book of Nod" and written their opinions and interpretations in the margins. Not only do you get a fascinating story, but the comments made makes a reader question even more the actual "truth". The Erciyes Fragments answers SOME questions while posing more in the end! It continues White Wolf's ever torturous tradition of mystery, intrigue, and darkness and it is a WONDERFUL supplement to both table-top and live-action Vampire the Masquerade ... although I don't recommend quoting it to an elder. *WINK* (a little gaming humour there...)

I bought this book because I enjoy the work of CS Friedman, and once again, I wasn't disappointed. Technically, this work is an adjunct to the game "Vampire: The Masquerade" (also published by White Wolf), but it stands wonderfully on its own as a work of artistry, mysticism, and sheer fun. The Fragments include a version of Genesis which has never before (ahem) seen the light of day, and which brings the history of the vampire mythos/game setting into a nifty "historical" context. Most chilling are the Prophecies, and most fun are the Proverbs--all illustrated with drawings by various artists, and commented upon by several vampire scholars, whose often feisty marginalia provoked me several times to snorts of laughter. If you're easily offended by twists on Biblical history, avoid this one. But, oh, if you like vampires, alternate history, and a delicious frisson on the nape of your neck, it doesn't come much better than The Erciyes Fragments.