What is missing from VtES?

Fair enough, and very well stated. My only response is that the previous designers seemingly had a different opinion than yours because there are many, many first strike cards that were released over many sets. My guess is they thought the design space was robust enough to merit printing more cards using the effect. And I tend to agree with this mindset. Canine Horde does have a niche even at the highest level of competition, and perhaps a future niche could be created.

BenPeal wrote:

....experience ... - would be improved by eliminating First Strike. And Imbued. And Red List. And Events. And possibly some other stuff.

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GreyB wrote:

elotar wrote:

Let's put it that way: making FS "faster" than S:CE = new mini-set of 6-8 cards which will add options for assamite, !gangrel and blocking gargoyles combat.

What not to like here?

Thing is, this can be solved with designing "Weatherstorm" like cards. Effects that trigger before/during the maneuver phase. If you want it to cost a strike, then simply state "this minion cannot strike this round" on the card.

Changing FS in the rulebook kinda makes cards like "Canine Horde" and even "Fast Hands" a bit too powerful.

I agree, logic wise FS in current form is weird, but legacy creates problems in game balance for it to change.

Going back to this old thread, I didn't realize until now what the fuss is over first strike. Unbeknownst to me, the term "first strike" is used in another very popular game that I don't play. I think, when people see first strike in VTES, they expect for it to behave the same way it does in the other game. It does not behave that way, so people don't think it's logical and want to change it so it behaves that way.

I believe changing the mechanic of first strike is not necessary at all. But the name of the mechanic should be changed. Instead of first strike, call it "sucker strike," kind of like a sucker punch. This way, the idea behind the mechanic is conveyed properly (it's not actually first, just a fortuitous strike in certain combat situations). Perhaps with the name change, people will generally accept the mechanic as a staple part of VTES instead of getting stuck on trying to modify it.

i'm a little late in the party, but as a long time Assamite player, who has moved on to other strategies...

what is so hard to understand about first strike? i've read the whole thread, and the only thing that makes it hard to understand is the ruling that SCE and Dodge defeats FS.

ask a 5 year old (i exaggerate). what does "first strike" mean? first to strike. so enter combat-> before range-> maneuvers-> first strikes -> strikes -> end of round (presses/etc)

i don't really think it'll make combat overpowered.

also. canine hordes could probably jump onto the lear jet's engine and incapacitate it.

First Strike is confusing because Strike: Combat Ends resolves before it.