Dark Ages Vampire - Bloodlines

Game Master Dennis Harry

Bloodlines is a continuation of the now defunct table top Dark Ages Vampire game wherein the PC's have created lineal descendants throughout the ages.

Attendees seeking a seat or have a seat in the Inner Circle:

Assamite - Lord Bajazet al Nasir.

Brujah – Lady Meridie de Chancie, Lord Criatas, “Dark”Selena, Robin Leeland.

Cappadocian – Lord Benne.

Gangrel – Milov Petrankov.

Lasombra - Prince Narses the Archbishop of Nod

Malkavian – Antione le Fanu, Lutz von Hohenzollern.

Nosferatu – Cristo Petradon, Simon.

Salubri – Brian Stack.

Setites – Sadir.

Toreador – Rafael de Corazon, Francois Villon, Helene la Jouste.

Tremere - Radek, Mistress Fanchon.

Tzimisce – Myca Vykos.

Ventrue – Alyssa Gilbert, Lady Jadviga Almanov, Lanzo von Saschen, Prince Alexander.

Remember - only those listed get votes. Of course influencing their Childer can go a long way to getting a vote.

Social Combat:

Let me first thank Sir Dunstan and his excellent Game of Thrones campaign as the inspiration for this rules tweak. A shout out to Vitaliano who also does an excellent job as a player in that campaign.

Game of Thrones has a Social Combat system that, while not translatable directly, I used as inspiration for this campaign.

This is a proposed rules set and I am more than happy to hear feedback from Players before I implement it in full.

Roleplaying is still required to get your point across. However, I think a mechanical system could be beneficial for this scenario, a scenario quite unlike anything I have ever done in a Vampire game before.

Making My Case

To convince a “voter” to side with your Sire, you may roll the following set of Attributes and Abilities:

1. Against someone who is clearly NOT in your favor --- Manipulation+Subterfuge+Politics
2. Against someone who is NEUTRAL – Charisma+Expression+Politics

The difficulty of all rolls is that Cainites Willpower. You will need to score as many successes as they have Willpower to win the contest. Once you engage the voter, you will only have three rounds to make your case and can only attempt do so one time per night.

If you have Presence – Awe or Enrancement, you may attempt to use these powers in conjunction with the above roll. Each success utilizing that Discipline gives you one more success on your total roll.

Beware, failing in using Presence in Elysium can lead to Sanctions by Thomas Brexiano.

Also beware, Cainites may try to turn this system around on you…

But What if Someone Else Tries This on a Voter I just Brought to my Side?

Amount of successes is a key factor here, you will want to score as many success as you can to ensure that a rival does not try to take that vote from you!

Certain NPC’s already believe that others are in their favor and would never change their votes. Those will be the toughest cookies to break.

Note this system cannot be used on:

Your In-Clan rivals, no amount of sweet talking or bribes will change their minds they all want this position badly.

Prince Narses, he simply will not entertain such discourse. Of course, this does not mean you cannot try to get into the ears of one of his Childer to have them speak with him…

Discerning My Quarry’s Intent

How can I tell if someone is for or against me despite what they are saying?

Make a Perception+Empathy+Politics roll.

The difficulty is 10, less that Cainites Humanity score. Those closer to the Beast are much harder to read. For every Century over 300 years that Cainite has lived, the DC will be increased by 1, topping out at 10, as these Cainites have well and truly mastered this game to have existed for so long in the first place.

Once you engage the voter, you will only have three rounds to ferret out their intent and can only attempt do so one time per night. You will need to score as many successes as they have Willpower to ascertain their intent.

If you have Auspex – Read the Soul or Invade the Mind, you may attempt to use these powers in conjunction with the above roll. Each success utilizing that Discipline gives you one more success on your total roll.

How else can I make my case?

The use of Presence, while frowned upon, is much less cause for censure than using Dominate. Dominate does not work on a Cainite whose blood is closer to Caine than your own. If you seek to use Dominate to convince a voter (or perhaps one of the Childer?) to vote for your Sire, it would be best used elsewhere in the city.

Boons – the boon system of quid pro quo can also be used to gain votes. You will need to offer something of course that that voter does not have or cannot get from another candidate.

Eliminate my rivals. This one is obvious though failure to do so without detection may subject YOU to the Final Death!


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Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Giovanni Dal'este

Bajazet responds in Turkish, "I have brought you across. You have shown me that perhaps not all westerners are fops and some may be made of sterner will than I had anticipated based on past encounters.

I will soon be a very important man and you shall be my right hand. I have need of a local and it is you I have chosen. My choice is an impulsive one but I have found following my instincts has kept me alive for over three centuries.

Come, we must seek shelter from the sun as it will rise soon enough. Tomorrow, I shall answer all of your questions. Tonight, you shall pray and consider what it is you wish to ask. You will consider carefully for I have little patience for fools. Do you understand?"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Yanos

You follow the man out the door and walk through the darkened streets of the city for the first time in almost a week. As much as the city had an odor it smells as fresh as the forest compared to the small of the Inn.

He walks you to the docks in the distance you see the remnants of a fire smoldering itself out on the water, an odd sight.

The man turns to you speaking for the first time an intensity in his eyes outshined even that of Vykos when you were near him, "Do you recognize me boy?"


Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Xing nods to her sire and takes rest as well.

Silver Crusade

Male Clan Gangrel, Childe of Milov Petrankov - 5'10 Eastern European Male in his early 30's - Willpower: 3/7, Bloodpool: 8/20, 4 per turn, Survivor

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Yanos

Unsure what he means by "boy", I'll stop, looking him in the eye for the first time as I respond. Not as a form of intimidation, but with a combination of the secret hope that if I should die here, away from the torments, at least my soul would not be at risk, but also knowing that the others I cared about would not be punished in my stead as before.

"I do, m'lord. I have no idea how you found me, here, or wha' sort of further torments you have in mind for wha' I was accused of. Af'er the horrors I've seen, af'er the monsters, the vampyrs, wha'ever you plan to do does not cause me the fear it did. I am ready for wha'ever "vengeance" you zink is yurs"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Yanos

The man nods holding your gaze, "Just so, just so. You are the one I have sought for some time. I have been seeking someone with the right temperment with an internal fortitude who exhibited a will to survive no matter what the odds. I selected three based upon their reactions to situations which a normal peasant would fold under. You are the one that has arrived here, the intended destination. You have felt it yes, the longing to come to a place you had never heard of before your ordeal, reverberating in the back of your mind boy?"

Silver Crusade

Male Clan Gangrel, Childe of Milov Petrankov - 5'10 Eastern European Male in his early 30's - Willpower: 3/7, Bloodpool: 8/20, 4 per turn, Survivor

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Yanos

"I,. . . I truly do not know wha' you are trying to say. Zat you lead me here? You, selected me. To survive. To survive wha', and why? What sort of man would do,. . ."

Suddenly a look of worry crosses his face, the shield he had been using to guard against fear receiving it's first crack, "You, . . . you are not a man, yes?"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Yanos

The man smiles and you see razor sharp fangs bristle in the lights flickering from the fire in the sea, "I am Milov Petrankov of Clan Gangrel. I am to be chosen for a lofty position within a confederacy of thieves and liars. I require a man of strong character and grit to stand beside me. I felt it prudent for that man to choose himself through his own actions. Therefore, I generated a set of circumstances that would kill any lesser man so only the most worthy would arrive here. That man is you. You are the lone survivor.

Take comfort in the fact that you alone have survived, had another arrived on their journey you would have had to slay him in mortal combat to receive the gift I will bequeath to you.

A gift you have earned to be sure. Tell me, what shall I call you? What will be the name of the man who was a boy that stands before me?"


Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Giovanni Dal'este

Storyteller Shadow wrote:

Come, we must seek shelter from the sun as it will rise soon enough. Tomorrow, I shall answer all of your questions. Tonight, you shall pray and consider what it is you wish to ask. You will consider carefully for I have little patience for fools. Do you understand?"

Though Bajazet is speaking words Gio understands, the man seems to be speaking gibberish. Gio barely understands anything the stranger says. Through all the things Gio doesn't understand, one phrase comes across. "Shelter from the sun? Are you a demon, that you fear to face God in the light of day?"


4d10 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 7) = 13 Courage

Welp. That doesn't bode well...


Stats:
BP(1/1) WP(7/7) Str(2) Dex(4) Sta(2) Cha(3) Man(3) App(5) Per(1) Int(2) Wit(3) | Alrt(1) Ath(3) Brl(1) Car(1) Emp(3) Exp(4) Ldr(1) Sub(3) | Etq(3) Mle(3) Rid(1) Perf(2) Stl(1) | Acd(1) Fin(2) Law(1) Pol(1) Scn(1) |

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Andrew the Hardy & Bassanio Strozzi

Perception+Awareness: 1d10 ⇒ 3

Bassanio enjoys his brief conversation with the seemingly vulgar though entertaining Scotsmen before he is introduced to a third, the one he hoped to meet. He take Lord Andrew's hang greeting him in return. "It is a pleasure to meet you Lord Andrew. I received your message for a meeting tomorrow night but being restless I went for a walk and I thought I would try my luck. It seems fortune favours me." he professes as he follows Andrew to a quiet corner.


Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Andrew the Hardy & Bassanio Strozzi

"Aye! some err favored by fortune, an fate. I mahself seek tha favor an face o tha Lord."

Andrew takes a seat at the table....

"I had endavored tah aid young Federico in succorin a modest farm a betterment from his own small plot o land. As it stands I intend tah make no profits from his labor, an hoped you might invest an treat tha man fairly yerself."


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Giovanni Dal'este

Bajazet laughs, "If that is what I am, it is now what you are as well. Come with me or die out here. I leave the choice to you".

He turns and begins to walk back to the city proper.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Cristiano Lintini

Unable to cope with the horrors before you, you simply shut your eyes and hope this is all a terrible dream.

You hear the splashing from the feet of Vincent as he flees down the filthy hall. A curt scream and a loud crunch ceases that sound altogether.

A voice to your immediate left screams out, "No Casutra! I get the squishy parts and you get the rest!" You feel the figure brush past you but you hold still.

The sound of moans and slurping come from your right.

"Delicious. A pity he is too valuable to slay. Sire, I shall need you to reconstruct his memory when you are finished with yours".

You feel one of the figures take you by the hand, what grabs you feels to be the tentacle of some sort of creature of the deep causing your heart to beat that much faster and nearly causing you to faint.

"Come", you hear a gentle voice state. That of Simon you think.

"We have much to discuss Christian. It seems you have secrets would be of great value and I would know them all".

You feel pulled forward and fangs pierce your throat, soon after you feel no more.

Some time later you are in a haze laying in a dark room. Images like flashes of scenes pass before your eyes. As if you are reliving your life again.

Your eyes flutter open and sitting beside you on the bed is a man wearing simple garb with sandled feet. He has long dark hair and a long dark beard.

"Your life has been, quite interesting Christian. Not at all the way Jesus of Nazareth would have chosen to live his. Still, the Lord had his own trials. I would know having walked beside him for some time. I should wish to bring you into my family though even I must hesitate before crossing the Court of the beings from which your heritage flows. Tell me Christian, if I grant you power beyond even your wildest imagination, would you use this power for good or for ill?"


"why can I not go with you all, taking on those creatures you will need all the help you can get right? We should all go leave your sister a note or something"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night - Tuesday March 11, 1309

Michael Santo

"If you wish to you may but this trip could be as long as a week or more".

Michael:
If it will be that long you cannot go as you will need to facilitate the Queries goods during that time. This is a good opportunity to do so was Sergei will be away but you will need to handle His minion sonehow.


Michael backs up a bit
"Oh wow I cannot do that my business would suffer. I will remain here."

turning to Francois
"Can you further my skill with a blade"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night - Tuesday March 11, 1309

Michael Santo

"Yes but not tonight. Tonight we must rest".

Sergei, Bruce and Wilhelm begin to gather their gear in a hurry to head out.

Your night is over. You earned 5 XP.

Silver Crusade

Male Clan Gangrel, Childe of Milov Petrankov - 5'10 Eastern European Male in his early 30's - Willpower: 3/7, Bloodpool: 8/20, 4 per turn, Survivor

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Yanos

Storyteller Shadow wrote:
" A gift you have earned to be sure. Tell me, what shall I call you? What will be the name of the man who was a boy that stands before me?"

Not understand what this man, or rather, this not-man, is saying fully, I can do little but answer, adding yet another name to my list of things to try to remember or understand <Gangrel>. It doesn't sound familiar like the name Tzimisce, neither something of a culture more native or foreign to my own. I'm also not entirely sure if there is a question in there, of acceptance, for Milvo <Petrankov Tzimisce of Clan Gangrel as far as I understand it> seems to be saying I will join this "group" regardless of if I want to. Still, that might mean I will have some influence I can use to shield Gunther, Jodi, and Lindsey.

"My name is Yanos. When I was on crusade, . . . no, when I zought I was on crusade, I was called "ze Cantor", as ze English and Venetians liked my foreign songs and prayers."

Yanos is a little naïve, so he thinks that the people that dupped him and the others into being "crusaders" liked his voice and language, which some of them did, but the truth is, a little over his head, it was actually a bit of an insult. He has no talent for song. (yet).

"Wha' became of my family? Do zey still live?"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Yanos

"You need not keep this name Cantor. Take a name you believe suits you, forevermore, if you are quick and wise, that is what you shall be called.

Your family lives, I had them sent to my holdings to keep them away from your Lord. A rather foul mortal to say the least but it is men like him who create men like you. My lands always have need of assistance for they are sprawling and difficult to work. Do not presume you will see them again. Our work here may last long beyond their mortal lives.

Now choose, the sun rises soon and your transformation is at hand..."


Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Cristiano Lintini

The sheer madness of all that transpired overwhelms Cristiano, and thus he takes several long moments before he even processes what he's being asked let alone answers.

Finally, after registering what was just put forth to him, he responds "Define 'for good or ill'. My family and I aren't exactly saints. Heck, I wasn't even fully honest with you before, when you asked me about my faith." He cockiness is a bit of shield raised to ward of the insanity of this night.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night - Tuesday March 11, 1309

Cristiano Lintini

"Would you serve the Devil or the Lord? Self interest is not as evil as Mortals would believe it is. Would you preserve this world, flawed as it is, or would you seek to bring it to ruin? That is what I must know before we move forward with our "partnership".

Silver Crusade

Male Clan Gangrel, Childe of Milov Petrankov - 5'10 Eastern European Male in his early 30's - Willpower: 3/7, Bloodpool: 8/20, 4 per turn, Survivor

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Yanos

"Knowing that zey are alive. Safe? Is all I need. More than I could have hoped for. And if I need to make the devil's deal in order to keep zem zat way, and others, I canno' but agree. My name is Yanos. Yanos Saint Germaine."

ST:
Part of the concept I was wanting to develop, (if it goes that way, not set in stone), was to be a kind of secret, early Anarch. Not a Sabbat style one, but a sort of devil's advocate, reformist type. I was really thinking about using "the Cantor" as my pen name later on, like the Silence Dogood letters. But again, we will see how it pans out. That was just my original intent to work towards, out of character.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Yanos Saint Germaine

"Yanos Saint Germaine, welcome to the Long Night", with unnatural quickness Petrankov snatches your arm and digs his fangs into it.

Initially you feel a sharp pain but then a feeling of cool detachment forces you to your knees.

Soon you are lying on the docks, your heartbeat slows and then stops altogether. Your eyes close then alight and open once more as you feel a hot liquid forced down your throat. You drink greedily from Petrankov's wrist until he pulls it away.

He pushes you off of him with his foot and into the water. "Cleanse yourself of your mortality. When you exit that water, you will be someone and something else altogether".


Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Giovanni Dal'este

Gio hesitates for a moment before following Bajazet, cleaning off his sword with a cloth before sheathing his sword. He quickly catches up to the walking man. "You say the sun will kill me, now that you have done what you did. Is that where you got your power, your speed? A pact with the devil?"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Giovanni Dal'este

Bajazet shifts his gaze to you Giovanni, "Right to the heart of the matter. Despite my rash decision, you are already proving direct. I appreciate direct. No, Allah has not forsaken me. I feel God in my heart and my soul. How I came to be this way and why we will discuss over the next week. We have six days to complete your training. God created the world in six days, that should be enough time to suitably get you ready for what lies ahead.

Your extensive training will have to be discussed with the Old Man when I take my first leave of you. Know that the man and the woman from who I took you would have slain you and dropped your body in the canals. It was your destiny to die tonight, my hand has interceded in that and given you a second chance".

Where you stay, we will discuss over Downtime. You are done for the evening. You have earned 5 XP.


Okay, cool. Thanks.


Venice by Night - Tuesday March 11, 1309

Cristiano Lintini

"I suppose if that's the question, than the former. I do not, however, have any idea what exactly you are proposing."


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night - Tuesday March 11, 1309

Cristiano Lintini

"You will shed your mortal coil and become as I am. Eternal. You will rise from death like Christ. Sadly, I no longer have the Chalice of the Lord".

He pauses, and his body shudders a look of rage crosses his bearded face, "That bastard stole it from me, a matter which will need to be rectified. Your resurrection therefore will be somewhat... flawed. Still, you shall have powers which will exceed that of any man.

In exchange for this, you and your Kin will help me track down my enemy and return the Chalice to me, its rightful owner.

We have a duty to perform here in the city before we move on. In the grand scheme of things this duty will take up very little time.

Now do we have a deal Cristiano Lintini?"

Silver Crusade

Male Clan Gangrel, Childe of Milov Petrankov - 5'10 Eastern European Male in his early 30's - Willpower: 3/7, Bloodpool: 8/20, 4 per turn, Survivor

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Yanos Saint Germaine

I believe I am done, and have also updated a bit more of the background as well. <I added 2 Dots in Animalism and Fortitude, 1 Dot in Academics, Politics, Occult, Theology, Mentor, Domain, and Retainers, and a second Dot in Resources, which I assume would kick in a little bit later after some tutelage from my Sire.>

Rising from the baptismal waters of sorts, Yanos seems,. . . different. Stronger. More sure. More assured. The Embrace also brings with it his first Frenzy, something he doesn't even remember in his death and resurrection, but something that leaves a mark on all members of his Blood. His nails have grown a bit longer, and he seems to, without even realizing it, be slowly clinching and unfurling his fingers in claw-like motions like an animal eager to get out or strike.

"So zis, . . . I am now wha' you are?"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Yanos Saint Germaine

Petrankov nods, "Welcome Saint Germaine. Come it is time to rest, the night draws to a close and tomorrow will be a long night. I have much to teach you and yet still have my own dealings to be squared away before the meeting I came here to attend begins".

End of scene. You have earned 5 XP. Over Downtime you will see where you have ended up. Decide your Downtime goals when you can and PM of spoil them for me in the Discussion thread.


Venice by Night - Tuesday March 11, 1309

Cristiano Lintini

"Ugh, I suppose. Still not sure what exactly you're offering, but I'm willing to bet the alternative is bad" He says, uncertainty causing his voice to waiver some.


Stats:
BP(1/1) WP(7/7) Str(2) Dex(4) Sta(2) Cha(3) Man(3) App(5) Per(1) Int(2) Wit(3) | Alrt(1) Ath(3) Brl(1) Car(1) Emp(3) Exp(4) Ldr(1) Sub(3) | Etq(3) Mle(3) Rid(1) Perf(2) Stl(1) | Acd(1) Fin(2) Law(1) Pol(1) Scn(1) |

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Andrew the Hardy & Bassanio Strozzi

"That is very good of you Lord Andrew. The generosity of the nobility in dealings with the common folk is quite rare these days. I am always one to be fair. It is not good for business to be known as an unfair banker. Though being a banker it is also folly to deal without profit. After all, our profits only enhances the means by which we may ply our trade. The more coins we have the more we may do and if all our coins are given away never to return then we may no more be able to give." Bassanio's tone is friendly but he speaks very matter of factly, surprised by Lord Andrew's position and perhaps a little suspicion of his generosity. It is rare that the nobility take interest in the common folk without any gain for themselves.


Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Andrew the Hardy & Bassanio Strozzi

"Aye were I in business wit Federico it might be true, tha man is mah friend here, he was both most kind an considerat upon our first encounter an indeed he does produce tha finest pipeweed I ave ever enjoyued, here smell tha aroma."

Opens his eelskin pouch so that Bassanio can see the wares for himself...

"I also understand yer interest as a banker, as you no doubt know Federico acquired a substantial sum upon tha sale o his small plot o land, an tha new land itself should secure tha loans collateral."


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night - Tuesday March 11, 1309

Cristiano Lintini

Simon does not respond, instead he gently takes your arm and brings it to his mouth. You see fangs grow to an impossibly long length as he sinks them into your arm.

The horrors of the night have numbed you to this and once the fangs enter your flesh you cease to care. Despite the creatures horrific appearance you find a strange tranquility in the surreal moment playing out before you.

"A fine vintage to be sure, unlike anything I have tested in over a thousand years", you hear Simon say distantly.

Soon enough your heart slows down and stops beating altogether. You wake to a series of sharp pains. Your body begins writing in agony. It contorts and twists your bones breaking and reforming. You feel your own face grow puffy and begin to ooze.

Simon steps back with a look of sadness on his face watching your transformation into a monster the same as always.

Your hands and feet swell to ridiculous proportions as well.

Just as the pressure feels like it will be too much your flesh begins to grow at a fantastic rate and wrap around your body.

"Strange", you hear Simon comment.

The skin hardens into a shell leaving you unable to move. For nearly an hour you feel your own flesh begin to reshape and reform. The swelling begin to reduce shrinking back to its original form. You feel your own face with normal hands in the dim light within the cocoon you see your feet have returned to normal as well.

The cocoon cracks open and you step out. Simon steps backwards, "Could it be? The Lord have mercy it must be true. You are whole! The curse in you has been lifted!"

There are no mirror here so you cannot see yourself but the look of awe on Simon's face is clear to you, your appearance has come as quite a shock to him.

End of scene. You have earned 5 XP. Over Downtime you will see where you have ended up. Decide your Downtime goals when you can and PM of spoil them for me in the Discussion thread.


Stats:
BP(1/1) WP(7/7) Str(2) Dex(4) Sta(2) Cha(3) Man(3) App(5) Per(1) Int(2) Wit(3) | Alrt(1) Ath(3) Brl(1) Car(1) Emp(3) Exp(4) Ldr(1) Sub(3) | Etq(3) Mle(3) Rid(1) Perf(2) Stl(1) | Acd(1) Fin(2) Law(1) Pol(1) Scn(1) |

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Andrew the Hardy & Bassanio Strozzi

Bassanio accepts the pipeweed, puling out a pipe of his own. He prepares the pipe clearly showing the experience of not unused to smoking. Lighting it, he puffs the smoke sampling the flavour. "Yes, quite good." he comments obviously enjoying the smoke.

"This shall sell well if the other aspects of the business are sound. No doubt the product will not be the fault of our venture. I think us capable men and no doubt these other details shall be well managed to a good profit." Bassanio proceeds to smoke as he finishes his last words, scanning the room for anything or anyone that may catch his eye.

"Tell me Lord Andrew, have you any other ventures that you would seek investment for? I have a good feeling about you and I think you have a good sense for business. Perhaps this can be the beginning of a fruitful relationship."


Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Andrew the Hardy & Bassanio Strozzi

"It is mah hope to ship some part o it to mah homeland, as tha markets an competition err more familiar, here I know little o who tha competition might be."

"I admit not, I had a wide experience o education an tha breadth was traded fer depth, an I know much in general terms an little o specifics.."

"Nary ave I considered neither business nor banking, I had merely found tha pipeweed tha Federico grew u his family farm tah be tha better o all others."

Andrew lights his pipe as well wondering how different the experience will be from how it was before. Still he was relieved in a strange way that the pain in his leg was gone, but also missed that connection to being alive.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Andrew the Hardy & Bassanio Strozzi

And let's cut that scene right there! You will have opportunity to discuss business further when you run into one another again in the not too distant future. Nice job. 5 XP for you both.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Andrew the Hardy

After your meeting with the Florentine banker you meet with Brian in the rendezvous point and head off to his fortress for rest by day.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

Bassanio Strozzi

Sampling the product and meeting Andrew who is obviously as wealthy as Federico claimed has convinced you that the investment will be solid. You leave a note for Etio not to be disturbed by day but that he draw up the contracts for Federico and Andrew to sign to get the venture off of the ground.

You then hit the pillow exhausted from a very long night of little sleep and dream of Aitana...


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309

The dark night finally comes to an end as the rays of the sun alight the canals and winding streets of the City of Venice.

As the Flames on the water die out leading a slipmaster into the water to investigate the strange occurrence, screams echo on the lips of another set of mortals who have discovered a gruesomely butchered corpse. This time it hangs from the second story window of a popular restaurant.

The attendants to the Great Council pays the matter little heed as the Council has great business this day, business that may indeed alter the course of the City forever.

That which cannot endure the light of day sleeps, some for the first time. Fighting the feeling that the rising of the sun engenders within them. A sense of lethargy so strong it is as if they have been awake for days.

To those who the light is not a bane, at least not yet, the events of the busy night before have them so tired that even the rising sun cannot rouse them from their beds. Still others have little choice but to wake...


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day – Wednesday March 12, 1309

Michele Querini

As you attempt to sleep off the events of the night before you are physically dragged out of bed by a pair of rough hands. Whether it is the impact of the floor or the screams of your wife that wake you, you have little chance to determine as your father is in your face cursing you.

"I knew you'd not be awake boy! And to think that you have allowed a prostitute to sleep in your bed as if she were your wife! I am glad your mother is not here to see this. Pay this... woman and send her on her way. You will be dressed and ready for this vote or I will personally see to it that you are exiled from this city! If you wish to be part of this family you will damn well start acting responsibly when everything we fight for is on he line. As if it weren't bad enough you are sending a mercenary to a meeting with Royalty..." he mutters as he and his guardsmen stalk out of your bedroom and into the main room.

What do you do?


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day – Wednesday March 12, 1309

Baldemar de Frisia

You sense the rising of the sun. Kneeling as you have been in quiet prayer you feel sore all over, the wounds you received the night before practically throb on your neck a reminder as if you could forget of the previous night.

No sounds echo from the Keep. An odd sound that. While vows of silence are generally in practice here until all break their fast, footsteps and the opening and closing of chamber doors are usually heard even this early.

As you have asked everyone to stay put it seems all have obeyed. Nothing and no one moves about. Everything and everyone oollectively hold their breath waiting for your command.

What do you do besides light dusting, mending your cassock, etc. :-)


Shadow's Status

Downtime - Wednesday March 12 - Sunday March 23

Bassanio Strozzi
Finn Garrety/Bagrat Kamsarakan
Michael Santo
Vitaliano da Riva

You are all Mortal and your Downtime has begun. Some of you have already reached out to me with you plans, those of you who have not can PM me or place your goals in a Spoiler. Over the course of the next week I will start working through what has taken place over the course of the next 12 days.

Alessandro Khadaji - Clan Ventrue
Andrew “the Hardy” Lord of Moray - Clan Salubri
Cantor/Yanos Saint Germaine - Clan Gangrel
Cristiano Lintini - Clan Nosferatu
Giovanni Dal'este - Clan Assamite
Xing Shi AKA “Izumi Okami” - Clan Lasombra

You are all Cainites/Kindred (depends who you ask!) Your Downtime begins in the evening. Some of you have already reached out to me with you plans, those of you who have not can PM me or place your goals in a Spoiler. Over the course of the next week I will start working through what has taken place over the course of the next 12 days.

Lorenzo Cappelli - Clan Cappadocian In the by Night portion of the 12th, you will have your interaction with Dominic, then your Downtime will begin. [/b]

The In Game Thread will start again for ALL Characters Monday March 24th, 1309.

I will on Vacation next Tuesday through Saturday and will NOT be posting during that time. I am hoping to have all Downtime issues wrapped up by the time I leave so when I get back, I can restart In Game time that Sunday. I feel a bit under the weather so I will start Donwntimes postings tomorrow.


Storyteller Shadow

I am going to get dressed without a word. Seething a bit as I am being treated as a child but know is not the time or place. When I am done getting dressed I will head to the main room and get ready to leave with my father.


Venice by Day – Wednesday March 12, 1309

Baldemar de Frisia

Baldemar rises slowly from his prayers, knees protesting in agony. It has been many years since he has had occasion to spend hours in supplication while wearing his full armour. Maybe not since the campaign of '91.

He moves through the monastery, rousing any who are not yet awake and rescinding his order of the previous night. Giving the same greeting to each occupant he says, "Gird yourself. Our work starts early and on an empty stomach. Come with me."

Once gathered, he explains, "First, our guests are to be left alone unless they attempt to hinder us. Second, Sir Breyard is not returned. The city is currently inhospitable to the servants of God and it may be that he was arrested by the Doge's men. Should that be the case, I will know shortly. Until I return, you are all to remain alert and vigilant. Everyone moves in pairs. Take turns eating by those pairs. We break our fast with bread, cheese and fruit. No cooking." Pointing to two of the monks, "You and you, come with me. We are going to check the Doge's cells for Sir Breyard and return him here."

Marking another knight, "You are in command while I am gone. There is none but the Hochmeister himself, in person, who may countermand your orders while I am gone. Our guests are strictly that; guests. They possess no greater rank while in our walls."

So saying, he motions for the aforementioned knights and marches out onto the streets of the city bound for the Doge's jail."[/b]


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day – Wednesday March 12, 1309

Michele Querini

You approach the Doge's Palace along with all of your father's allies bright and early in the morning. The throngs of people are thicker than normal at this time in the morning and for a normal meeting of the Great Council.

Only when you arrive do you realize the seriousness of the situation at hand.

The Doge has chosen have the meeting within the new Palace being constructed and expanding upon the Palace already in place. You pass through the north side of the courtyard soon to be closed by the junction between the Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

The square atrium is nearly finished and the painters and skilled laborers work on elaborate ceiling painting and gilding the gorgeous architecture of the ceiling sand walls.

The crowd pressing through no les than 1,000 of the members of the Council are in attendance, those who are not have business outside of the City or are fighting at Ferrara.

You file into the antechamber and through to the Council Chamber. A massive room 174 feet x 82 feet. Your first view at this room, even incomplete, is one that even an Emperor would envy. It is without question the largest room you have even seen much less dreamt of.

On a dais in the middle of the room is the Doge standing with his closest supporters. The attendees in the room split into factions as the meeting begins.

After hours of long debate you are called upon to scream your opinion as the acoustics have not been completely worked through. By the end of the day the Doge retires to inner chambers. It seems that his resolution to retain Ferrara has been defeated by the slimmest of majorities, still, he has the final say.

As night begins to fall Doge Pietro Gradenigo returns to the Council Chamber.

"I have heard a number of arguments from all sides in this long contested debate. The opinions especially of Jocapo Querini elder statesman are quite compelling.

His views though are views of another time, another Venice. We have sacrificed much to gain our holdings on the mainland. For the Republic to thrive we must expand. Our naval expansion has been checked by the Ottomans who rise in the East. The loss of Constantinople was a great loss as well.

We have legal and moral right to the interests we hold in Ferrara. These are not rights we should relinquish easily. Once we explain these issues to the Pope, I believe he will come to see our point of view. Venice has long been a Champion of the righteous cause of the Lord. We are a pious people and always have been. The decision is made, we shall hold Ferrara!”

The responses of support and outrage are a tidal wave of sound in your ear unlike anything you have ever heard or witnessed before. What do you do?


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day – Wednesday March 12, 1309

Baldemar de Frisia

As you stalk the galls you see two of Lord Jurgen's men guarding the door to his chambers. They nod to you but nothing more as you pass by.

The two Monks, Auksa and Cilas, fall in line. As you walk through the city you feel a sense of anxiety amongst the populace. You reach the Doge's Palace where throngs of people stand crammed together waiting for politicians to make a pronouncement about some such thing.

You and the Monks press through to an administration building where you believe the Doge's security forces hold prisoners.

The door is unguarded and you step inside your men in tow. The building is undergoing renovations and the main room is stripped down. A large oak door leads, you presume, to the hallway where prisoners are kept under lock and key.

Only one guard is on duty he looks up at you warily, "You are not permitted in here Signore'".


Storyteller Shadow

For the moment I will stay close to my father, allies, and guards. I will look for opportunities if they present themselves.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day – Wednesday March 12, 1309

Michele Querini

Your father sits next to you as the room erupts, "This is a dark day my son. Our allies at the Holy See may well become our enemies because of this overambitious fool. Your mission to the Emperor is that much more important now. I hope you know what you are doing sending a g!*~#~n mercenary there to meet with his representative".

He stand up and begins to exit the Council chamber, as he does so, many of those opposed to the Doge follow suit.

As the crowds clear you see Christopher Dandolo not far conferring with some nobleman you have never met before.

What do you do?


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Shadow's Status

Downtime Michael Santo:

Francois
Michael you train by day with Francois who is quite good with the blade.
He is rather suspicious of your nocturnal activities but does not press as you go off to run your business.
”You are a damn fool. One day you will find yourself floating in the lagoon and then you will regret not having me watch your back”.
What Francois does at night, you are not sure.

Deliveries
You are contacted the night of the 12th by a shadowy figure who proclaims himself as “Ghost”. ”I shall be your liason for arrivals mortal. Tomorrow the 13th there will be the final batches of slaves for you to deliver. Radek will direct you to the appropriate Inns where these doomed souls are to be brought”. With that he literally vanishes before your very eyes!

Each time you bring yourself and a few men to the docks to meet the ships, Ghost is there. Radek guides your Gondola’s through a mist that seems to arise just as the ships arrive in port. These same mists recede when you bring Radek back to the ship. Radek remains silent on all trips but you feel his eyes boring into your back observing you.

The night of the 13th you deliver ten souls, all Saracens to the Al Ponte Mocenigo Inn. While you are here you catch your first glimpse of Giovanni Dal'este.
You deliver another ten Saracens to the San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto Inn, quite a fine establishment! Sadir is here waiting to receive these souls. ”I apologize for the amount of work this night, pressure was brought to bear requiring that I deliver no later than this night!”
You deliver twenty souls, all pale faced people from the north to Hotel Danieli. Only Lord Kestral is here and he quickly vacates the place once delivery is made so as, ”Not to disturb the Lady of the House”.
You deliver another fourteen souls to Palazzo Abadessa, the man there growls, “It is about time!” but Lord Kestral pays him no heed despite the fact that you find him rather intimidating. While you are here you catch your first glimpse of Yanos Saint Germaine.
You deliver another sixteen souls to the Alla Vigna Inn. While you are here you catch your first glimpse of Vitaliano da Riva.
Finally at the end of a long night, another thirty souls are delivered to Ca Formosa Inn.

Each time you arrive at an Inn, Michele Querini is already there waiting for you looking a bit more nervous than usual. As the final delivery to Ca Formosa is made, Michele Querini delivers unto you a sack of coins. Increase your Resources by 1.

As the mortals are herded in, they all meet with Lord Kestral. Lord Kestral then meets with your drivers and seems to make them forget what happened entirely as none ever repeat what they saw.

Once all deliveries are complete, you send a missive to the Frolicking Pharaoh informing the Giovanni, as promised, the final location of the deliveries.

You never encounter the old monk again, perhaps the Giovanni finally were able to set him straight. You do not see Moses either.

Most disturbingly, no matter how many times you encounter Anya, you never see Fahdi Mohammad again! The man seems to have disappeared making you more and more nervous each passing night.

If you have nothing else you would like to do your Downtime is complete. Lease update your Profile with the information I included in the email from a few weeks back. Including Flaw points.

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