Spike! Journal: Issue 16

Creaking open their coffin, this issue's guest editor Leigh von Kristoff has all the juicy info for you to get your teeth into.


Already enticed by the title of Blood Bowl alone, Vampire Teams have long been involved with this brutal sport. In this issue of Spike! Journal, we have been invited into the ornate castles of Sylvania to discover more about these highly skilled, if often a little peckish, Blood Bowl players and find out just how they keep their appetites in check while on the pitch. With the contents of this magazine, you'll be in thrall to the Vampires, and just dying to start your own team.


This issue includes:


Supernatural Superstars

Background on the origins of Vampire teams in Blood Bowl and how they play on the pitch. This includes information on their team positions, including Thrall Lineman, Vampire Thrower, Vampire Runner, Vampire Blitzer, and Vargheist. Features the Vampire Team Roster and the 11 eligible star players that can play for the team: Akhorne the Squirrel, Bryce ‘the Slice’ Cambuel, ‘Captain’ Karina von Riesz, Count Luthor von Drakenborg, Frank ‘n’ Stein, Grak & Crumbleberry, Gretchen Wächter, Helmut Wulf, Ivan ‘The Animal’ Deathshroud, Skrull Halfheight and Wilhelm Chaney.


Famous Vampire Teams 

Descriptions and background on some of the more famous Vampire teams, including Craggen Counts, Duskfall Darkwings, Debonair Nightwings, and Varanheim Vampires. 


Team Spotlight: Drakfang Thirsters

An in-depth article focusing on the Drakfang Thirsters, one of the most famous and successful Vampire teams ever to grace the Blood Bowl pitch. Includes details of their history; team profile which includes team colours, honours, Spike! team rating as well as the roster of their famous 2502-2503 squad, plus the team's highlights from 2459 to 2503.


Star Player – Count Luthor Von Drakenborg 

A profile on the much beloved Count Luthor Von Drakenborg, also known as the ""Count of Cool"", plus the rules to unleash the Count in your games.


Dirt from the Dugout 

Spike! Journal's gossip column. This time Mindy Piewhistle travels to Sylvania to investigate the perplexing mystery of the sudden disappearance of the Waldenhof Varghulfs.


Star Player – 'Captain' Karina Von Riesz

A profile on the ruthless runner 'Captain' Karina Von Riesz, also known as ""The Scourge of Sartosa"", plus rules to use her in game so you can join her crew.


Vampire Noble Leagues 

Brand new rules and advice for running Vampire Noble Leagues – a variant on the standard Blood Bowl League Season rules in the current Blood Bowl rulebook. 


Vampire Castle Blood Bowl Pitch

Includes rules for using the Vampire Castle Blood Bowl Pitch in your games, including special rules for a Soft Landing and Raging Inferno. These rules are also included with the Vampire Team - Double-sided Pitch and Dugouts Set. 


Coffin Corner 

Spike! Journal's obituaries column commemorating those players who are no longer with us, whether trampled on the pitch, torn apart, or possibly eaten. 


Vampire Balls

Includes background and rules for 2 unique Vampire balls –the bat ball and the restrained vargling ball.


Chat with the Rat 

Ace Skaven reporter Hackspit ‘the Scribbler’ Quillchewer talks with the eccentric Viktor Vonescu, head coach of the Sanguine Seekers, to discuss what qualities make for the ideal Thrall.


Pro Playbook: Midnight Mayhem

A detailed introduction to coaching Vampire teams. Includes an overview of the strengths of their team, positions, tactics, and managing the Bloodlust mechanic.


Star Player - Ivan 'The Animal' Deathshroud

A profile on the bony Blitzer named Ivan 'The Animal' Deathshroud, plus rules for you to use him in game and continue his grudge with the Dwarfs.


Dungeon Bowl Update: Vampire Teams

Provides a narrative and rules update for players to use your Vampire team miniatures in games of Dungeon Bowl.


Mighty Blow! – When You're Strange

A look back on some of the tall tales from the career of Bob Bifford. Includes a comic strip Bob Bifford reminiscing about his time playing against Vampires.