Just building new decks based on Anarchs Unbound with a new gadget …
Tools
After the release of the latest VTES expansion “Anarchs Unbound” (AU), most of the programs used for VTES deck building and playing need an update. If there are more tools and utilities for VTES which are currently used by you, please let me know in the comments!
- Official Cardlist: updated with AU; some of programs require the latest cardlist on VEKN.net
- VTES Cardlists (text/csv)
- VTES Cardlists for AU only (text/csv)
- Anarch Revolt Deck Builder (ARDB): updated with DM/TU via CSV Import from VEKN.net
- Fragment of Elder Library Database (FELDB): version 2.6.6 updated with AU
- Secret Library (SL): Secret Library not yet updated with AU.
- Sutekh: Version 0.8.7 updated with AU
- LackeyCCG: updated with AU; installation instructions on VEKN.net.
Additional Notes:
- Regarding the inventory list of FELDB, I would always recommend to make a backup copy of the inventory files of FELDB before updating the program. In the past, FELDB updates always are potentially damaging to the inventory files.
- I am not sure if the update of ARDB works with a partial CSV file (only AU).
After the release of the latest VtES expansion “The Unaligned” (TU), most of the programs used for deck building and playing need an update:
- Official Cardlist: updated with DM/TU; some of programs require the latest cardlist on VEKN.net
- VTES Cardlists (text/csv)
- Anarch Revolt Deck Builder (ARDB): updated with DM/TU via CSV Import
- Fragment of Elder Library Database (FELDB): updated with DM/TU
- Secret Library (SL): Secret Library not yet updated with TU.
- LackeyCCG: updated with DM/TU; installation instructions on VEKN.net.
Personal Note: Regarding the inventory list of FELDB, I would always recommend to make a backup copy of the inventory files of FELDB before updating the program. In the past, FELDB updates always are potentially damaging to the inventory files.
After the release of the latest VtES expansion “Danse Macabre” (DM), most of the programs used for deckbuilding and playing need an update:
- Official Cardlist: updated with DM; some of programs require the latest cardlist on VEKN.net
- VTES Cardlists (text/csv)
- Anarch Revolt Deck Builder (ARDB): updated with DM
- Fragment of Elder Library Database (FELDB): updated with DM
- Secret Library (SL): Secret Library will be updated later this week.
- LackeyCCG: updated with DM; installation instructions on VEKN.net.
Note: Regarding the inventory list of FELDB, I would always recommend to make a backup copy of the inventory files of FELDB before updating the program. In the past, FELDB updates always are potentially damaging to the inventory files.
FELDB
There has been a database update for the FELDB, which includes the missing 5 promo cards from 2010 (and their images). The file can be downloaded at Google Docs.
Sutekh
The latest version of the VtES card & deck building utility Sutekh 0.8.2 has been released on October 2nd, 2012. This version is a minor update and has a more robust support for changes to the vekn.net cardlist encoding. Sutekh is available for Windows and Linux systems (with RPMs for Fedora and a PPA for Ubuntu). Here are the relevant links for the utility:
- Sutekh 0.8.2 (at SourceForge)
- Sutekh 0.8.2 for Ubuntu (Launchpad PPA)
- Sutekh Installation Instructions
- Sutekh 0.8 Manual
Issues may be reported by emailing “sutekh-users ( /at/) lists (/dot/) sourceforge (/dot/) net“.
The latest version of the VtES deckbuilding utility Sutekh has been released last week (on Feb. 29th, 2012). Sutkeh version 0.8.1 is a minor update which fixes a critical issue with updating the card list from the vekn.net website (caused by a change in the character encoding used by vekn.net).
Sutekh
Current Version: 0.8.1
Author(s): Sutekh Development Team (hogdestar & nitwit)
Homepage: Sutekh on Sourceforge
Description: According to the developers, Sutekh aims to be the Swiss army knife of VtES card management applications, but it is somewhat awkward to use in the first place when you’re used to FELDB or ARDB, mostly because the overview pane for the cards is missing. Also there’s no distinction between library and crypt cards, and card lists, decks, collection inventory, etc. are done by so called card sets and are treated the same way.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts.
- complete collection of pictures of actual cards (although not always the latest version of the card is used).
- basic ability to filter, but sorting cards and an overview list (spread sheet style) is lacking.
- card inventory, even with ability to store information on cards originating from different expansions.
- statistical analysis on decks, cardsets, clans, etc.
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of a deck builder.
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation.
- ability to store decks in native format (*.xml).
- ability to export data for FELDB (*.eld), ARDB, Secret Library, Lackey, JOL (*.jol), as well as CSV file or for use in forum (BBCode).
- Other Features
- decks and collections are named card sets and are essentially treated the same way.
- uses card database from VEKN website.
URLs:
Cost: free software
OS Platforms:
- Windows
- Linux (Fedora & Ubuntu)
Expansion Updates: n/a
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 29/Feb/2012
More info on the release cam be found on vekn.net and the Sutekh webpage on SourceForge. Issues with the program may be reported by emailing “sutekh /dash/ users (/at/) lists (/dot/) sourceforge (/dot/) net”.
There’s a neat little smartphone app out there for Vampire: the Eternal Struggle for quite some time now. It’s called VampiDroid and it’s a card reference and search utility for VtES cards, which is quite handy for looking for the latest card texts during tournaments or other competitive games. VampiDroid is an Android app and available for at least 6 months in the Android Marketplace. You can find more information on the developer’s blog.
A new version of the “Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder” (FELDB) has been published in March 2011. FELDB v2.6.0 Beta(!) has fixed a number of issues (including the infamous Blood Brothers bug). A list of the changes can be found on vekn.net. Here’s the update of the basic information:
Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder (“FELDB”)
Current Version: 2.6.0
Author(s): Balasz Kuno Kiss
Homepage: Bala’s FELDB website
Description: After the ELDB (“Elder Library Deck Builder”) was no longer maintained, the ELDB’s author David Andersion-Davila published the sources and FELDB was the result of the development with serious improvements over the old program.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- complete collection of pictures of actual cards.
- basic ability to filter and sort cards, this could be better, especially when compared to the ARDB.
- card inventory can be kept, but needs to be used carefully when updating to the next version or expansion.
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in native format (*.eld), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol).
- Other Features
- deck manager functionality (now with legality check)
- VEKN Number, Event’s Date, Event’s Name on the DeckInfo tab (for organizers and princes)
- several import/export options for decks and inventories
- usually the quickest update after an expansion has been released
- can update card database from White Wolf website
URLs:
- FELDB v2.6.0 beta (update; only executable & database)
- FELDB v2.5.2 (full version)
- VtES Card Images
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows
Expansion Updates: about 1 to 2 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 01/Mar/2011
New versions of the “Secret Library“, “Anarch Revolt Deck Builder” (ARDB) and “Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder” (FELDB) have been published in February 2010. All three utilities now have the card texts (and pictures, where applicable) from the new VtES expansion “Heirs to the Blood“. Here’s the update of the basic information:
Secret Library
Current Version: 0.9.3
Author: Jussi Hattara
Homepage/URL: http://www.secretlibrary.info
Description: A finnish website with similar filter & search functionality as “V:EKN Nu” and “VtES Monger“. Nice, fresh web design and the ability to keep one’s inventory as well as deck building utility. Definitively the best web-based site. The only “drawback” you need a (free) account to use the deck building and inventory functionality.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- lacks pictures of actual cards (due to copyright issues)
- search & filter use, but not as sophisticated as in the ARDB
- card inventory can be kept
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes card drawing simulation, but offers no statistical information on the deck.
- ability to export decks as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html), FELDB (*.eld) or for use in JOL (*.jol), Lackey or WebTES or for posting to internet forums (*.phbBB) and local forums.
- gives some advice on deck building based on the “Happy Families” theory
- Other Features
- since it’s web-based application, you don’t need a local installation.
- ability to make deck lists public or keep them private.
Expansions: all VtES expansions (now including Heirs to the Blood).
Latest Posting: 21/Feb/2010
Changelog: Secrect Library Changelog
Anarch Revolt Deck Builder (“ARDB”)
Current Version: 3.1.0
Author(s): Graham Smith (current project lead) / Francois Gombault (initial creator)
Homepage: ARDB on Google Code
Description: Layered Filters, multiple export functionality and a tidy interface are the top features of this program, somewhat newer than the FELDB it had a fresh start and gained soon popularity in the VtES community.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- complete collection of pictures of actual cards.
- great search & filter use, multiple, layered filters
- card inventory can be kept
- supports a number of non-Windows operating systems
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in XML format (*.xml), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol) or for posting to internet forums (*.phbBB).
- gives some advice on deck building based on the “Happy Families” theory
- Other Functionality
- automatic update of the card database from White Wolf website — New!
- download of the card pictures from the client — New!
- little utility for creating proxy cards
URLs:
- ARDB v3.1.0 for Windows
- ARDB v3.0.0.1 for Mac OS X 10.5
- ARDB v3.0.1b for openSUSE 11.1
- ARDB v2.8.0 (Beta) for Debian
- VtES Card Images
- VtES Card Images (HttB Only)
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows, OpenSuSE, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, (Mac OS X 10.5)
Expansion Updates: about 1 to 4 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 20/Feb/2010
Changelog: ARDB Changelog on Google Code
Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder (“FELDB”)
Current Version: 2.6.0 Beta
Author(s): Balasz Kuno Kiss
Homepage: Bala’s FELDB website or FELDB on Google Groups
Description: After the ELDB (“Elder Library Deck Builder”) was no longer maintained, the ELDB’s author David Andersion-Davila published the sources and FELDB was the result of the development with serious improvements over the old program.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- complete collection of pictures of actual cards.
- basic ability to filter and sort cards, this could be better, especially when compared to the ARDB.
- card inventory can be kept, but needs to be used carefully when updating to the next version or expansion.
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in native format (*.eld), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol).
- Other Features
- deck manager functionality (now with legality check)
- VEKN Number, Event’s Date, Event’s Name on the DeckInfo tab (for organizers and princes) — New!
- several import/export options for decks and inventories
- usually the quickest update after an expansion has been released
- can update card database from White Wolf website
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows
Expansion Updates: about 1 to 2 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 14/Feb/2010
Last Saturday we had a local VtES tournament, and I had the pleasure of assisting the organization with the Archon spreadsheet (version 1.3) for keeping track of the tournament information.
We had some problems with the Archon 1.3, when trying to enter the tournament rounds (2R+F). If we had entered 3 as number of rounds (on the “Tournament” worksheet) the automatic seating order was not entered for the individual rounds (on “Round 1” and “Round 2” worksheets). Also there were a number of cells which showed an error (“Err205“) (e.g. the “Number of Event matches” cell) and the “Standings” worksheet was also messed up.
What helped in the end was entering the tournament as 3R+F tournament, but then deleting the seating entries on the “Round 3“. Thanks to KevinM for the hint.
I am not 100% sure if this is a general problem, or if we didn’t enter the information in the order the Archon expects, but we had the problem on Windows XP both with OpenOffice and with MS Excel 2007.
New versions of the “Secret Library“, “Anarch Revolt Deck Builder” (ARDB) and “Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder” (FELDB) have been published in June 2009. Here’s the update of the basic information:
Secret Library
Current Version: 0.9.1
Author: Jussi Hattara
Homepage/URL: http://www.secretlibrary.info
Description: A finnish website with similar filter & search functionality as “V:EKN Nu” and “VtES Monger“. Nice, fresh web design and the ability to keep one’s inventory as well as deck building utility. Definitively the best web-based site. The only “drawback” you need a (free) account to use the deck building and inventory functionality.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- lacks pictures of actual cards, but this maybe is more a copyright issue.
- search & filter use, but not as sophisticated as in the ARDB
- card inventory can be kept
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes card drawing simulation, but offers no statistical information on the deck.
- ability to export decks as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html), FELDB (*.eld) or for use in JOL (*.jol), Lackey or WebTES or for posting to internet forums (*.phbBB) and local forums.
- gives some advice on deck building based on the “Happy Families” theory
- Other Features
- since it’s web-based application, you don’t need a local installation.
- ability to make deck lists public or keep them private.
Expansions: all VtES expansions (now including Ebony Kingdom).
Latest Posting: 17/Jun/2009
Changelog: Secrect Library Changelog
Anarch Revolt Deck Builder (“ARDB”)
Current Version: 2.9.1
Author(s): Graham Smith (current project lead) / Francois Gombault (initial creator)
Homepage: ARDB on Google Code
Description: Layered Filters, multiple export functionality and a tidy interface are the top features of this program, somewhat newer than the FELDB it had a fresh start and gained soon popularity in the VtES community.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- complete collection of pictures of actual cards.
- great search & filter use, multiple, layered filters
- card inventory can be kept
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in XML format (*.xml), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol) or for posting to internet forums (*.phbBB).
- gives some advice on deck building based on the “Happy Families” theory
- Other Functionality
- can update card database from White Wolf website
- little utility for creating proxy cards
URLs:
- ARDB v2.9.1 for Windows
- ARDB v2.9.0 for Mac OS X 10.5
- ARDB v2.9.0 for openSUSE 11.0
- ARDB v2.8.0 (Beta) for Debian
- VtES Card Images
- VtES Card Images (KoT Only)
- VtES Card Images (EK Only)
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows, OpenSuSe, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, (Mac OS X 10.5)
Expansion Updates: about 1 to 4 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 15/Jun/2009
Changelog: ARDB Changelog on Google Code
Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder (“FELDB”)
Current Version: 2.5.1
Author(s): Balasz Kuno Kiss
Homepage: FELDB on Google Groups or Bala’s FELDB website
Description: After the ELDB (“Elder Library Deck Builder”) was no longer maintained, the ELDB’s author David Andersion-Davila published the sources and FELDB was the result of the development with serious improvements over the old program.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- complete collection of pictures of actual cards.
- basic ability to filter and sort cards, this could be better, especially when compared to the ARDB.
- card inventory can be kept, but needs to be used carefully when updating to the next version or expansion.
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in native format (*.eld), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol).
- Other Features
- deck manager functionality
- several import/export options for decks and inventories
- usually the quickest update after an expansion has been released
- can update card database from White Wolf website — New!
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows
Expansion Updates: about 1 to 2 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 05/Jun/2009
A new version of the spreadsheet used for VtES tournament tracking named “The Archon” has been released. The version 1.3 includes the following changes:
- Improved seating charts for 6 players (thanks to Karl Schaefer), and 18 and 23
players (thanks to Jussi Hattara). - Corrected and updated finalists’ ranking and rating to reflect the 2008 tournament rules.
- Updated formulas for compatibility with OpenOffice.org Calc (thanks to Jussi Hattara).
- Reworked V:EKN Report Tab (thanks to Jeff Thompson).
“The Archon” can be downloaded on the White Wolf website.
A new version of the “Anarch Revolt Deck Builder” (ARDB) has been published in April 2009. Here’s the update of the basic information:
Anarch Revolt Deck Builder (“ARDB”)
Current Version: 2.9.0
Author(s): Graham Smith (current project lead) / Francois Gombault (initial creator)
Homepage: ARDB on Google Code
Description: Layered Filters, multiple export functionality and a tidy interface are the top features of this program, somewhat newer than the FELDB it had a fresh start and gained soon popularity in the VtES community.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- complete collection of pictures of actual cards.
- great search & filter use, multiple, layered filters
- card inventory can be kept
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in XML format (*.xml), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol) or for posting to internet forums (*.phbBB).
- gives some advice on deck building based on the “Happy Families” theory
- Other Functionality
- can update card database from White Wolf website
- little utility for creating proxy cards
URLs:
- ARDB v2.9.0 for Windows
- ARDB v2.8.0 for openSUSE 10.3/11.0
- ARDB v2.8.0 (Beta) for Debian
- VtES Card Images
- VtES Card Images (KoT Only)
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows, OpenSuSe, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, (Mac OS X 10.3+)
Expansion Updates: about 1 to 4 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 03/Apr/2009
Changelog: ARDB Changelog on Google Code
New versions of the “Anarch Revolt Deck Builder” (ARDB), “Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder” (FELDB), “Secret Library” and the “Deck Template” have been published in November 2008. All utilities now include the cards (and images for the first two utilities) from the “Keepers of Tradition” expansion. Here’s the update of the basic information:
Anarch Revolt Deck Builder (“ARDB”)
Current Version: 2.8.1
Author(s): Graham Smith (current project lead) / Francois Gombault (initial creator)
Homepage: ARDB on Google Code
Description: Layered Filters, multiple export functionality and a tidy interface are the top features of this program, somewhat newer than the FELDB it had a fresh start and gained soon popularity in the VtES community.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- complete collection of pictures of actual cards.
- great search & filter use, multiple, layered filters
- card inventory can be kept
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in XML format (*.xml), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol) or for posting to internet forums (*.phbBB).
- gives some advice on deck building based on the “Happy Families” theory
- Other Functionality
- can update card database from White Wolf website
- little utility for creating proxy cards
URLs:
- ARDB v2.8.1 for Windows
- ARDB v2.8.0 for openSUSE 10.3/11.0
- ARDB v2.8.0 (Beta) for Debian
- ARDB v2.7.1 for Fedora
- VtES Card Images
- VtES Card Images (KoT Only)
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows, OpenSuSe, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, (Mac OS X 10.3+)
Expansion Updates: about 1 to 4 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 25/Nov/2008
Changelog: ARDB Changelog on Google Code
Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder (“FELDB”)
Current Version: 2.5.0 (Beta)
Author(s): Balasz Kuno Kiss
Homepage: FELDB on Google Groups or Bala’s FELDB website
Description: After the ELDB (“Elder Library Deck Builder”) was no longer maintained, the ELDB’s author David Andersion-Davila published the sources and FELDB was the result of the development with serious improvements over the old program.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- almost complete collection of pictures of actual cards.
- basic ability to filter and sort cards, this could be better, especially when compared to the ARDB.
- card inventory can be kept, but needs to be used carefully when updating to the next version or expansion.
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in native format (*.eld), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol).
- Other Features
- deck manager functionality
- several import/export options for decks and inventories
- usually the quickest update after an expansion has been released
- can update card database from White Wolf website (indirectly)
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows
Expansion Updates: about 1 to 2 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 24/Nov/2008
Deck Template
Current Version: 4.1.1
Author: Gregory Williams
Homepage: Utilities on Storage Annex
Description: Multilayered Microsoft Excel spreadsheet with automated card info, ability counts and ratio calculations.
URLs:
Cost: free software (MS Office or OpenOffice Calc required)
OS Platforms: Windows / Linux
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 24/Nov/2008
Secret Library
Current Version: 0.8.7
Author: Jussi Hattara
Homepage/URL: http://www.secretlibrary.info
Description: A finnish website with similar filter & search functionality as “V:EKN Nu” and “VtES Monger“. Nice, fresh web design and the ability to keep one’s inventory as well as deck building utility. Definitively the best web-based site. The only “drawback” you need a (free) account to use the deck building and inventory functionality.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 21/Nov/2008
Changelog: Secrect Library Changelog
Damnans (a well known spanish VtES player) has build and published an online card creation tool named “Cardmaker” for VtES. The tool is very usuable and can be used to create fan-based set, storyline tournament related cards as well as cards for a Create A Clan tournament. Definetely worth checking! Read Damnans announcement for yourself:
This is a tool what allows any http://www.vtes.net/user to create cards online as easily as quickly.
Cardmaker is not just a card creation tool, but it also allows any user to save his or her cards in the http://www.vtes.net/ server, to edit or delete his or her cards, to search the Cardmaker card database, etc.
For further information about how to use Cardmaker, check the English help file:
There is an English/Spanish forum on http://www.vtes.net/ about Cardmaker, so feel free to post your comments and questions there:
I hope you to enjoy Cardmaker!
New versions of the “Anarch Revolt Deck Builder” (ARDB) and the web-based “Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder” (FELDB) have been published in early June 2008. Both tools now include the cards (and images) from the “Twilight Rebellion” expansion. Here’s the update of the basic information.
Anarch Revolt Deck Builder (“ARDB”)
Current Version: 2.8.0
Author(s): Graham Smith (current project lead) / Francois Gombault (initial creator)
Description: Layered Filters, multiple export functionality and a tidy interface are the top features of this program, somewhat newer than the FELDB it had a fresh start and gained soon popularity in the VtES community.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- almost complete collection of pictures of actual cards, but not always the latest version of the cards.
- great search & filter use, multiple, layered filters
- card inventory can be kept
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in XML format (*.xml), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol) or for posting to internet forums (*.phbBB).
- gives some advice on deck building based on the “Happy Families” theory
- Other Functionality
- can update card database from White Wolf website
- little utility for creating proxy cards
URLs:
- ARDB v2.8.0 for Windows
- ARDB v2.8.0 for openSUSE
- ARDB v2.7.1 for Fedora
- VtES Card Images
- VtES Card Images (TR Only)
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows, OpenSuSe, Fedora, Ubuntu, Mac OS X 10.3+(?)
Expansion Updates: about 2 to 4 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 06/Jun/2008
Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder (“FELDB”)
Current Version: 2.4.2
Author(s): Balasz Kuno Kiss
Description: After the ELDB (“Elder Library Deck Builder”) was no longer maintained, the ELDB’s author David Andersion-Davila published the sources and FELDB was the result of the development with serious improvements over the old program.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- almost complete collection of pictures of actual cards, but not always the latest version of the cards.
- basic ability to filter and sort cards, this could be better, especially when compared to the ARDB.
- card inventory can be kept, but needs to be used carefully when updating to the next version or expansion.
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in native format (*.eld), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol).
- Other Features
- several import/export options for decks and inventories
- usually the quickest update after an expansion has been released
- can update card database from White Wolf website (indirectly)
- URLs:
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows
Expansion Updates: about 1 to 2 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 08/Jun/2008
Latest Changes (for version 2.4.2):
- Added Twilight Rebellion” expansion
- New group type: Any (0)
New versions of the “Anarch Revolt Deck Builder” (ARDB) and the web-based “Secrect Library” have been published in late April 2008. The “ARDB” has added card images for all versions from different VtES expansions, and you can now see the whole software project on “Google Code“.The “Secrect Library” has undergone a couple of changes and introduced a number of new features, like a discussion forum or the ability to export decks into additional formats. Here’s an update of the basic information.
Anarch Revolt Deck Builder (“ARDB”)
Current Version: 2.7.1
Author(s): Graham Smith (current project lead) / Francois Gombault (initial creator)
Description: Layered Filters, multiple export functionality and a tidy interface are the top features of this program, somewhat newer than the FELDB it had a fresh start and gained soon popularity in the VtES community.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- almost complete collection of pictures of actual cards, but not always the latest version of the cards. The card images are only working on Windows.
- great search & filter use, multiple, layered filters
- card inventory can be kept
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in XML format (*.xml), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol) or for posting to internet forums (*.phbBB).
- gives some advice on deck building based on the “Happy Families” theory
- Other Functionality
- can update card database from White Wolf website
- little utility for creating proxy cards
URLs:
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows, OpenSuSe, Fedora, Ubuntu, Mac OS X 10.3+(?)
Expansion Updates: about 2 to 4 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 29/Apr/2008
Secret Library
Current Version: 0.7.7
Author(s): Jussi Hattara
Description: A finnish website with similar filter & search functionality as “V:EKN Nu” and “VtES Monger“. Nice, fresh web design and the ability to keep one’s inventory as well as deck building utility. Definitively the best web-based site. The only “drawback” you need a (free) account to use the deck building and inventory functionality.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Complete Card List & Inventory
- elaborate filtering/search functionality, but no layered filters
- card inventory can be kept
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in text format (*.text), HTML file (*.html), ELDB (*.eldb), or for use with JOL (*.jol) or WebTES (*.wtes), or for posting to internet forums (*.phbBB) or the local forum.
- easy way to publish share deck lists
- only limited statistical information
- Other Functionality
- discussion forum
- large deck database; imported from Lasombra’s TWD archive
Cost: free service
URL: http://www.secretlibrary.info/
OS Platforms: Does not apply; utility is based on using a web browser (see URL above).
Expansion Updates: ??
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 30/Apr/2008
Latest Changes: Change Log
Since there are new versions for both major VtES beckbuilder utilities, the “Anarch Revolt Deck Builder” (ARDB) and the “Fragments of the Elder Library” (FELDB), since the last weekend, I have updated the download information for both tools:
Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder (“FELDB”)
Current Version: 2.4.1
Author(s): Balasz Kuno Kiss
Description: After the ELDB (“Elder Library Deck Builder”) was no longer maintained, the ELDB’s author David Andersion-Davila published the sources and FELDB was the result of the development with serious improvements over the old program.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- almost complete collection of pictures of actual cards, but not always the latest version of the cards.
- basic ability to filter and sort cards, this could be better, especially when compared to the ARDB.
- card inventory can be kept, but needs to be used carefully when updating to the next version or expansion.
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in native format (*.eld), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol).
- Other Features
- several import/export options for decks and inventories
- usually the quickest update after an expansion has been released
- can update card database from White Wolf website (indirectly)
- URLs:
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows
Expansion Updates: about 1 to 2 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 02/Mar/2008
Latest Changes (for version 2.4.1):
- typos in cardtexts have been removed
- fixed handling of decks including “Imbued”
- added pictures for “LotN” expansion
Anarch Revolt Deck Builder (“ARDB”)
Current Version: Version 2 RC 6
Author(s): Francois Gombault / Graham Smith
Description: Layered Filters, multiple export functionality and a tidy interface are the top features of this program, somewhat newer than the FELDB it had a fresh start and gained soon popularity in the VtES community.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- almost complete collection of pictures of actual cards, but not always the latest version of the cards. The card images are only working on Windows.
- great search & filter use, multiple, layered filters
- card inventory can be kept
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in XML format (*.xml), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol) or for posting to internet forums (*.phbBB).
- gives some advice on deck building based on the “Happy Families” theory
- Other Functionality
- can update card database from White Wolf website
- little utility for creating proxy cards
- URLs:
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows, OpenSuSe, Fedora, Mac OS X 10.3+(?)
Expansion Updates: about 2 to 4 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 21/Feb/2008
Due to the recent changes of the ARDB, I have updated the article and I have added links to the card pictures/images downloads.
There are quite a number of deck building programs or online card search utilities for VtES available. The good thing is, all of them are free for use. I will list the most common tools here and briefly give some information about each of them. The raw data for the VtES card databases comes from the “White Wolf” website where the complete list of cards including the card texts are stored. Usually two to three weeks after the release of a VtES expansion this list will be updated. Although the card text list is the basis of all of the utilities listed below, but the WW website offers no search or filter functionality by itself.
Elder Library Deck Builder (ELDB)
The ELDB is a legacy program, since it is no longer maintained. The author David Andersion-Davila discontinued the development of the program quite some years ago, but for long time it was the only working and usable deck builder program for VtES. So, kudos to David for his great program, the mother of all VtES deck builders!!
Fragments of Elder Library Deck Builder (“FELDB”)
Current Version: 2.4.0
Author(s): Balasz Kuno Kiss
Description: After the ELDB (“Elder Library Deck Builder”) was no longer maintained, the ELDB’s author David Andersion-Davila published the sources and FELDB was the result of the development with serious improvements over the old program.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card text
- almost complete collection of pictures of actual cards (only LotN is missing), but not always the latest version of the cards.
- basic ability to filter and sort cards, this could be better, especially when compared to the ARDB.
- card inventory can be kept, but needs to be used carefully when updating to the next version or expansion.
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in native format (*.eld), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol).
- Other Features
- several import/export options for decks and inventories
- usually the quickest update after an expansion has been released
- can update card database from White Wolf website (indirectly)
URL: http://webware.interware.hu/bala0/feldb.html
URL for card images: http://feldb.extra.hu/pictures.zip
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows
Expansion Updates: about 1 to 2 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 05/Oct/2007
Anarch Revolt Deck Builder (“ARDB”)
Current Version: Version 2 RC 4
Author(s): Francois Gombault / Graham Smith
Description: Layered Filters, multiple export functionality and a tidy interface are the top features of this program, somewhat newer than the FELDB it had a fresh start and gained soon popularity in the VtES community.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Card List & Inventory
- complete card list with card texts
- almost complete collection of pictures of actual cards, but not always the latest version of the cards. The card images are only working on Windows.
- great search & filter use, multiple, layered filters
- card inventory can be kept
- Deck Building
- offers the basic functionality of deck builder
- includes some statistical information about the decks as well as card drawing simulation
- ability to store decks in XML format (*.xml), as text (*.txt), HTML file (*.html) or for use with JOL (*.jol) or for posting to internet forums (*.phbBB).
- gives some advice on deck building based on the “Happy Families” theory
- Other Functionality
- can update card database from White Wolf website
- little utility for creating proxy cards
URL: http://ardb.googlecode.com/files/ardb_11_01_2008.zip
URL for card images: http://www.divshare.com/download/3437098-a1c
Cost: free software
OS Platforms: Windows, Mac OS X 10.3+
Expansion Updates: about 2 to 4 weeks after an expansion has been released.
Expansions: all VtES expansions.
Latest Posting: 12/Jan/2008
Simple VtES Deck Builder
Current Version: ??
Author(s): Bob Joseph
Description: I haven’t had the pleasure of testing it, since it requires both a Linux OS and/or an installed Perl. There is also little advice on how to install the program, definetly nothing for the casual Windows user.
URL: http://www.cse.ohio-state.edu/~joseph/svdb.tar.gz
Cost: free software
Version: ???
Platform: Linux (possibly Windows or Mac as well)
Comparison
While FELDB is the oldest (working) deck builder available, it sometimes shows, especially when it comes to the design of the interface and the filter abilities. Having it lost the advantage of showing the card images recently, it has a slight disadvantage against ARDB. The only real advantages I see is that the FELDB is slightly faster when it comes down to expansion update and it does not require any Java installation.
ARDB is equally good, while it sometimes lacks the speed of expansion updates, but it has to offer great search and filter capabilities as well as clear and tidy interface. With the addition of the card images it has overtaken the FELDB.
All in all I have no clear favourite, and it’s more a question of belief (and maybe history of usage) for most VtES players which program is the better one.
Online Card Utilities
There are also quite a number of online search (and filter) websites for VtES cards: All of them offer a quick search by card text or name as well as an advanced search & filter functionality. They all include the cards from all VtES expansion. Their advantage is their availability from a computer or internet terminal without the need to install extra software. Good for the quick search while away from home at least.
VtES Monger
Current Version: 3.7
Author: Ethan Burrow
URL: http://monger.vekn.org/
Description: The oldest web site offering a VtES card search, unfortunately the site was quite often down in the last few weeks, but it still does it’s job. The most distinguished feature is the ability to set (and store) preferences for viewing the search result. Also quite unique is the “Crypt Challenge” where you can enter a few constraints and based on the “Happy Family” theory a sample crypt is generated.
V:EKN nu
Current Version: ??
Author(s): Archibald Zimony
URL: http://www.vekn.se/search.php?page=search
Description: A swedish website, also with search and filter capability. The filter capability is somewhat enhanced from the functionality VtES Monger offers.
Secret Library
Current Version: 0.6.0
Author: Jussi Hattara
URL: http://www.uusimaailma.net/vtes/
Description: A finnish website with similar filter & search functionality as “V:EKN Nu” and “VtES Monger“. Nice, fresh web design and the ability to keep one’s inventory as well as deck building utility. Definitively the best web-based site. The only “drawback” you need a (free) account to use the deck building and inventory functionality.