(LSJ) Bima Dives into Madness

[Killiam]

OK, I've been wondering about this one for a long time, but didn't
want to post it because I wanted the deck to be a surprise. However,
it looks like there's no safe way to pull this out in a tourney
without risking a judge's ruling that could render my deck completely
ineffectual.

Here's what I'm wondering (in case you couldn't guess from the
subject):

Let's say I have a Bima with a Dementation skill card on him. He
plays Dive into Madness at lesser. What happens? If he 'gains'
superior Dementation until the end of the turn, would that enable him
to do anything that he couldn't do otherwise (considering that there
is no text allowing him to play cards requiring sup DEM "as a vampire"
and the rules only provide for vamps to play cards requiring
disciplines)? What would it mean for an ally to 'have' a discipline
as opposed to being able to play cards requiring a discipline -- or is
it a moot question regardless?

Bima
Cardtype: Ally
Clan: Follower of Set
Cost: 1 blood
Ghoul with 2 life. 2 strength, 1 bleed.
When this Bima enters play, move a master: Discipline card to it from
your hand or burn this Bima. The Bima may play cards that require the
basic level of that Discipline as a vampire.

(Note the "as a vampire" clause.)

Dive into Madness
+1 stealth action.
[dem] This vampire gains superior Dementation until the end of the
turn and untaps.

(Note that the gaining of DEM is instantaneous for "this vampire" --
even though its effect lasts the turn.)

Thanks Much,
-Killiam

[LSJ]

Killiam wrote:
> OK, I've been wondering about this one for a long time, but didn't
> want to post it because I wanted the deck to be a surprise. However,
> it looks like there's no safe way to pull this out in a tourney
> without risking a judge's ruling that could render my deck completely
> ineffectual.
>
> Here's what I'm wondering (in case you couldn't guess from the
> subject):
>
> Let's say I have a Bima with a Dementation skill card on him. He
> plays Dive into Madness at lesser. What happens? If he 'gains'
> superior Dementation until the end of the turn, would that enable him
> to do anything that he couldn't do otherwise (considering that there
> is no text allowing him to play cards requiring sup DEM "as a vampire"
> and the rules only provide for vamps to play cards requiring
> disciplines)?

No. The effect would be useless to him.

> What would it mean for an ally to 'have' a discipline
> as opposed to being able to play cards requiring a discipline -- or is
> it a moot question regardless?

It could matter for effects similar to Sleep Unseen or Tenebrous Form. As far as
Dementation and the current card set, not so much.