Monsters for monsters - a Mephisto review
The Strix Chronicle
The Strix Chronicle is an anthology set against the backdrop of Vampire Requiem, focusing on the new enemies of the role-playing game's 2nd edition, the Strix. 13 stories tell the clash of the vampires with these ghostly creatures, which are described as shadowy owl-like creatures with a burning hatred for the vampires. At the same time, the stories are quite diverse. While the early stories focus on vampires being confronted with a threat they do not understand - and here the reader probably knows more than the characters in the story - the vampires in the later stories are in many cases much better prepared (which doesn't always mean things end up better). Most of the stories are entertaining and well-written — offering a varied range. There are fascinating ideas to be found, such as Lullay, Lullay, which is told from the point of view of a ghoul who is like a father to a powerful child vampire. In Noblesse Oblige, the vampire calling himself Count Dracula makes a rather over-the-top funny appearance. Some stories offer well-done twists, like There Are No Owls in Seattle or even Second Chance, which put their own spin on the theme.
From my point of view, The Strix Chronicle is a great collection that offers a broad range of stories despite the narrow common theme of confronting the Strix. Unfortunately, the anthology does not — as some might expect — really clear up the mystery of the Strix. However, from my point of view, this keeping the mystery fits the very entertaining collection of stories.
(Björn Lippold)
Rating: [4 of 5 Stars!] |