Influences
Entries are given an "applicability" rating of one to five. Note that this is in no way a review of the quality or success of the work.
It is only an indication of how well it reflects the mindset, history, style or general feeling of Eyes That Burn.
Books
Anne Rice
Clearly, her books are classics of the vampire genre even if they are overused. I have read all of her works but the only
ones that I feel are applicable are Interview with the Vampire (3), The Vampire Lestat (4) and Tale of the Body Thief (3).
The Witching Hour also deserves honorable mention but the series moves further away from "ET Bness?" with every volume.
H.P. Lovecraft
Other than the obvious impact the unsurpassed master of horror has had on Vampire: the Masquerade in general, Lovecraft's
stories have had specific influence on ETB's themes. The transhuman evil of the Mythos and the ultimate hopelessness of
mankind should seem familar concepts to long-time players. Particularly relevant stories include The Shunned House (4)
The Shadow over Innsmouth (3) for its tale of slow corruption of a community, The Lurker at the Threshold (3), The Haunter
of the Dark (4) The Dreams in the Witch House (3) and The Rats in the Walls (4). The Dreamquest cycle also has some poignant
bits of influence between the fantasy questing and cultural exploration. The Case of Charles Dexter Ward (3) deserves a
mention for dealing with obsession with the past and being manipulated by long-dead relatives. Good stuff.
Thomas Ligotti
This author's stories are all over the map when it comes to ETB influence. Some of his tales like The Chymist (5) and
Drink To Me Only With Labryrinthe Eyes (5) are spot on.
Machiavelli, The Prince (5)
The definitive guide to city state politics, this famous work is in many ways to politics what The Art of War is to warfare.
A must read for any aspiring Elysium warrior. The Discourses (4) are also a handy reference for the same.
Clive Barker, The Damnation Game (4)
Barker has a few other "ET Bish?" works like Cabal (3) but this one is very applicable to Detroit's Tremere and their compatriots.
You see shadows of Faust in here.
Greg Bear, Blood Music (4)
A story about a blood scientist who creates a sentient virus, injects himself with it, and brings about the end of the world.
Need I say more?
Dean Koontz, Dragon Tears (4)
This isn't about a vampire, but the protagonist maintains a masquerade all by himself. I am not very far into the list of
Koontz books so I am looking forward to adding to this entry.
James Hogg, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner (5)
I hesitate to explain why this 1820 novel is so suitable for ETB because the plot still knocks the socks off almost anything
written today. Let's just say this is what happens at the far edges of religious extremism where distinctions between good
and evil disappear. Possibly Strauss's favorite story.
Edgar Allen Poe, The Fall of the House of Usher (4)
Possibly the first classic vampire story is still one of the best. If you haven't read it yet, do so now.
Bram Stoker, Dracula (3)
The most famous vampire story is all about how unrequited love drives a man into undeath, then insanity, and then destroys him.
At least Dracula comes to terms with himself at the end, which is more than I can say for many inhabitants of ETB.
John Gardner, Grendel (5)
The tale of Beowulf, told from the other side. It takes you into the head of an ancient, horrific, cannibalistic and
undeniably human monster.
Movies
Knight Moves (1992) starring Christopher Lambert - A chess grandmaster is in a big tournament, and when his lover is found painted up and the blood drained out of her body he becomes a chief suspect (aka Tim's Chess theme plot - 4) :D
The Lost Boys (1987) starring Kiefer Sutherland and the Coreys (Corey Haims and Corey Feldman) - Sleep all day. Party all night. Never grow old. Never die. It's fun to be a vampire. (the "lighter" side - 3) mainly for how to play a Brujah Elder...
From Hell (2001) starring Johnny Depp, Ian Holm and Heather Graham - Jack the Ripper stalks the prostitutes of the Whitechapel slum in London circa 1888. A brilliant but eccentric young police detective gets involved with one of the murderer's targets. His investigation uncovers far more than just a serial killer (4).
Music
That ever-elusive Eyes That Burn Soundtrack
Detroit By Night
Stryck Wiki