This book is NOT to be confused with VAMPIRE: STORYTELLERS HANDBOOK. (That's the book with the obscure, exotic stuff from SECRETS OF THE BLACKHAND and the sundry practical and philosophical advice for the storyteller.) This book is far less creative but far more essential. My high rating is intended to convey just how essential not any particular profundity or innovation.
It's a rather slight looking paperback. DON'T BE FOOLED. This, folks, is where they now keep the information on the Salubri, Samedi and Daughters of Cacophany blood lines and the disciplines Obeah and Thanatosis. This is where they have all the game mechanics for specific weapons- shotguns, handguns, swords, whips, armor ancient and modern, millitary equipment, etc. The optional secondary abilities include things like ride, archery, pilot, area knowledge, Camarilla lore and Sabbat lore. Unlike STORYTELLERS HANDBOOK, I can't imagine a storyteller for VtM running a chronicle without the info here, frankly. It's all organized in a clear, straight-forward way, too. A BONUS: Lawrence Snelly was art director and he compiled some really fine pictures from folks like Leif Jones, Vince Locke, Guy Davis, Christopher Shy, John Cobb (signed work from the last two but not mentioned in credits).