bloodsuckers in stanford

I was introduced to V:TES by the Paradigm Infinitum community back in Singapore. Back then i was burning out from warhammer 40k (god awful rules and even worse rules for the Tau) and needed a relief. Especially after June's S'porecon where Black Hand starters were given out free, there's been a resurgence in V:TES' popularity in Sg.Gee Hwan really helped me out by lending me a deck (obf Mistress Fanchion deck) and literally sitting beside me while i played.

The V:TES community there played twice a week, with a very comfortable and amazing store (the aformentioned PI) which let us use a couple of tables until midnight (!) every day. From what I heard there are two regular nights each week, Tues and Fri, where usually two full tables get used. The active community is in excess of twenty.

Having a sizeable group and frequent gaming is very critical to the life of V:TES. Frequent gaming means that decks get refreshed and new ideas explored, while size allows for a wider experience and more leads to draw new blood in. The very very open policy that PI has with regards to playing makes it incredibly easy to walk in and game without extensive pre-prep to get sufficient players. Plus it gets eyeballs (to borrow a web 2.0 term) because the tables are right in the middle of the gaming store. The players gain a secure Elysium, and the store wins because the players gives free demos and help generate new income from new players.

Why this whole story about my nostalgic past? That's because I find that situation is one that would reignite V:TES. Thankfully Ian and Brandon are trying to make the Santa Clara playgroup work by playing at Game Kastle (held the Eden storyline there couple weeks ago). On the other hand, there isn't a community here at Stanford (think there's a total of 2 players here) which is a shame considering the possible youngblood potential from the students.

I'm considering getting some 3rd Ed starter kits and some KoT and 3rd Ed starters to hold some form of demo here. Unfortunately that's expensive; want to know how PI got them Black Hand starters to give out.  I will have to set up a flowchart detailing the various turn phases, combat sequences, card types (seriously confusing when i first started) etc. Need to find a regular location (bright lights, safe, lotsa tables, nearby food) on campus and some people to help with the teaching. But most importantly, i need a way to identify and pull in the interested. And eyeball-ability.

I'm thinking possibly the lounge in the Old Student Union. Plenty of chairs, tables and people walking. Plus food from the Axe and Palm.