The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

A proclamation from your dealer, BillytheJust

Well, well. Another soul believes their rating deserves another look. You've come seeking a rerate?

An automatic rating of eight or lower has left you disappointed? Perhaps you are dissatisfied with the verdict. Perhaps your profile has improved since my stamp or your last casting. Or perhaps you simply have a reckless desire to tempt fate and see what the dice have in store for you?

Whatever your reason, you have come seeking a rerating. Very well. You may petition the Fates, but do remember: they have a wicked sense of humor!

Step forward, my friend. Don't be shy. I've only been doing this for centuries. Or was it decades? Time gets rather muddled when one spends one's evenings among the undead.

As your dealer for The Bat's Gamble, I shall grant your request. But understand something before we begin: I provide the dice, the tower, and the ceremony. The outcome? Ah, that belongs to fate.

So! You believe your rating deserves my attention? Perhaps the previous rate was careless, perhaps the numbers were unkind, or perhaps you simply believe the world has failed to appreciate your finer qualities.

Well, you've come to the right place.

I’m BillytheJust, dealer of The Bat's Gamble. I don't promise you'll leave with the rating you want. I promise only that the dice will have their say.

Whether you like their opinion... is another matter entirely.

Every proper casting begins with the Summoner. Before the rating dice are cast, I shall roll the D20 Summoner's die, numbered 1 through 10 twice. The result determines how many Thralls shall answer the call. These are the unnumbered dice—the little creatures of the night who answer the Summoner's call. Once summoned, that number of unnumbered Thrall dice shall join the rating dice in my dice tower. All are cast together, and fate decides whether the Thralls help your rating or hinder it. Do not underestimate these creatures. They can be useful allies or a dreadful nuisance. I find them terribly unreliable, but one must work with the staff one has. And remember, the Thralls have no numerical values of their own. Their influence is determined by the casting, not by any symbol printed on their faces.

The instruments of our little affair are, named by me, as The Unofficial Vampire Rave Profile Rating Dice. The rating dice consist of two die, each numbered from 1 to 5, with one special, unnumbered face bearing graphics. These special faces carry no numerical value and are for atmosphere use only. The numbered faces determine your rating, which may range from 1 to 10.

Disclaimer: All dice that are displayed in any, and all, artwork for The Bat’s Gamble - either on profiles, journal or any member page - are fictional. And will not be the actual dice use to do any rating. The actual die may be mention in my journal at a later time.

One unnumbered face: It is ignored. The other rating die pips are counted. So don't go adding imaginary points because you happen to fancy a bat. I admire enthusiasm, but Fate only counts die pips, as do I. Two unnumbered faces: The fates have declined to answer your request. No rating shall be issued, and your original rating remains unchanged. You must wait one year and one day before requesting another casting. Should your final rating be a one: Fear not; I may be a vampire, but I’m not without standards. I am strict, not cruel. No member deserves a rating of one, in my humble opinion. Therefore, in the interest of keeping good faith, the dealer shall gracelessly bestow one additional pip upon that unfortunate result. There, a little mercy, reluctantly given. Do try not to make a habit of requiring my charity.

The rating dice shall be cast through my dice tower, along with a number of Thrall dice, to determine your rating. To repeat; each die carries a value from one through five, with a graphic design taking the place of the six. The numbered faces carry the values; the graphics carry no numerical value whatsoever. Two numbered dice determine your rating. The dice are cast, and their values are added together to establish your new rating. The dice tower determines the roll. No sleight of hand, no conveniently placed fingers, and certainly no whining about the result. The dice have spoken. The dealer merely announces their judgment. No pleading. No bargaining. And please, spare me the tragic life story. I've heard better tales from the skeletons in my cellar.

A proper casting deserves a proper record. Does is not? Every rerate may be entered into my BOS — Book of Shadows. Each entry will be dated, preserving a record of the casting for those who follow. Your rerate request will be recorded, and that record shall stand for one year and one day before you may request another roll of the dice. Why such a peculiar span of time? Because tradition matters. And because even a vampire appreciates a little peace and quiet between consultations. Besides, this entry will be noted for generations to come. Imagine your descendants discovering that great-grandmother's profile rating was once placed in the hands of BillytheJust! Remember: one year and one day between castings. The rules apply to everyone, even those who consider themselves terribly important.

Next, let us discuss compensation. Don't look so alarmed; I haven't asked for your firstborn. I have standards. A rerate takes time and attention. The tower must be prepared, the dice cast, the result recorded, and the paperwork consigned to the proper shadows. Therefore, a voluntary donation would be most appreciated. You might choose to: Rate my profile justly. Fairness is a virtue, even among the living. Add my journal to your favorite journals. A little appreciation goes a long way toward keeping this old vampire entertained. Do both! Generosity is such an attractive quality. These offerings are entirely voluntary. They do not purchase a better roll, alter the dice, or influence the outcome. Naturally, I shall endeavor to remember those who show proper appreciation.

Now, let us address the matter of witnesses, shall we? When available, webcams may allow others to observe the casting. However, technology is a fickle creature, and even the finest equipment occasionally decides to join the dearly departed. Should the webcams be unavailable for any reason (and yes, the webcams are presently off), the dice shall be rolled regardless. The casting will proceed, the result will be recorded in my Book of Shadows at the time of the roll, and the member requesting the rerate must accept the dealer's word as to the outcome. There will be no postponement merely because a camera has taken an unexpected trip to the great beyond. Here, a person's word still means something. The dealer's word is gold. Mine is, too. I give you my word that the dice have been cast and the result reported honestly. In return, I expect the same courtesy and trust from those who step up to my table. If you require absolute certainty in all things, my friend, I suggest you consult a mathematician. If you seek a little fate, a little mystery, and a dealer who stands by his word, you've come to the right place.

The dice are ready. The tower awaits. Shall we proceed?

😒The Sunrise Clause (Should the dealer be permanently deceased.)

Even a vampire can be dispatched, though it generally takes more than a bad night’s sleep and a stiff drink. Should BillytheJust suffer final and irreversible destruction—by stake, fire, decapitation, or some other suitably unpleasant arrangement—The Bat’s Gamble shall enter a state of dormancy. The dice shall rest, the dealer’s chair shall remain vacant, and no successor shall automatically inherit the mantle. The final authority over the future of The Bat’s Gamble rests with The Prince, owner of Vampire Rave. The Prince alone shall decide whether the game continues, who may conduct it, and whether any or all aspects of the rating system shall be retained, revised, or discontinued. Furthermore, upon my demise, all entries in the existing Book of Shadows shall be null and void. No previous casting shall carry forward as an active rating record under any future incarnation of the game. The book may close, the dice may fall silent, and the dealer may be reduced to a cautionary tale. What happens afterward is no longer my affair. The dealer may perish. The fate of the game belongs to The Prince. And should anyone attempt to seize my chair before that decision is made, kindly remind them that an empty seat is not an invitation. I may be dead, but I still expect proper manners.
— BillytheJust

Vampire Rave