Onfroi looks to the lord and lady then and says, what can you tell me of this man who wishes my services, is he a good ruler like yourselves? What must I do once the change occurs?
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael:
K'haytall smiles, "I am content to listen for now".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew, Vitaliano, and Xing
Rafael shakes his head at you Andrew, "I do not oversell, did you call it, the influence of our Clan on society. This is the literal truth I share with you.
If the history of my Clan alone would be sufficient how could I differentiate my own appeal from those I contest? What I seek to do is show you how I am different from them but i ways that you would find appealing. I believe that you will find more common ground with me then with either of them. But if it is silence you value Andrew, perhaps Vitaliano and I can debate my own merits in a more private setting..." he finishes turning to Vitaliano.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew, Vitaliano, and Xing
@Rafael"Pardon mah plainess, I am ill suited to tha role o statesman, I am much more a warrior who has seen too much war. I believe tha we likely do ave many a common interest. Xing too can attest to tha times I ave gotten myself into troubles fer been quick o tongue an short o wit."
K'haytall smiles and nods to Michele, "I am content to listen to what others have to say first including you Fledgling".
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew, Vitaliano, and Xing
Xing smiles and nods at Andrews comment.
"Andrew can be a bit quick at times but I'm sure we can all relate to that at some point in our lives." she grins a bit.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest
Lorenzo softly smiles at Michael Santo, "Be calm and answer all you are asked truthfully and everything will be just fine, Michael." Before falling silent, waiting for the Inquest proper to begin.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Dais of the Inner Circle - Ranerius Bernerius
Lanzo's face remains impassive, "Indeed, he would remember well the days when the Ventrue rules his fair city and the differences inherent from the present day where a low Clan cur rules. I would speak with your Sire directly about the rumors of his associations before I were to support him.
Helene appears the proper choice for your Clan but that does not mean that I cannot see differently after meeting him face to face Childe. Arrange for such a meeting and I can in turn show him why my Master is the proper choice for this seat of power", he states gesturing to the Inner Circle seat reserved for Clan Ventrue.
Dr. Benne looks thoughtful at your statement, "I have had little contact with your Clan. Such a suggestion that you have raised certainly intrigues me. Power plays and positions of privilege aside, it is that very sort of suggestion which allows us all to find common ground which will go along way towards making this Sect unified.
Mere fanaticism and desire to conquer alone will not allow us all to hold together".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Onfroi the Bastard of Burgandy - the Dark Streets of Venice
Francois sighs, "He is a monster or at least that is his appearance he and his kind are cursed with a twisted body. Sometimes the minds of their kind can be twisted from the experience. You have the strength of will to avoid such a fate I think.
Personally he is a forceful creature. Certainly one of the most vocal leaders of his kind. A rarity to be sure. Once set in mind he is relentless in his pursuits. His mind can rarely be changed. At least this is what I have heard of him, my interactions with him have been limited to the past few days and our conversations not verbose".
Violetta continues, "Once you are brought across you will require the sustenance of the living to sustain you. In turn you will be granted new powers, none like ours altogether different powers lie in their blood. No doubt he will expect you be to loyal to him. Still, no doubt this alliance with us will allow you to continue to interact with us on a routine basis. Especially if he and Francois both sit in similar positions of power and influence".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Shadow Court - Bagrat Kamsarakan
From his sleeve a tendril of shadow creeps forth latching onto your arm. It guides you down a darkened hall you feel as if straying too far to the path left or right may cause you to perhaps fall off of the path. The flickering shadows disorient you more than light your way.
Finally you come to a stop at an oaken door of great age. Brexiano takes a key from his pocket and unlocks it gesturing you forward.
Seated on comfortable couches with a plump woman on either side of him sits Narses. Here his appearance is different than above, he looks aged old even. Despite that you can almost feel the power he wields by staring him in the eyes. He stares back and smiles, "Welcome Bagrat. You will be the first living being to take a meal here in quite some time". He gestures Brexiano out and indicates that you take a seat on a couch near him.
The room is tastefully decorated with art from all of the ages of the west. Not cluttered to be sure. Most prominent are a few statues, three to be exact, that sit in the center of the room. Each one depicts a man of striking features and noble bearing. You recognize all three - Michael the Archangel, The Dracon, and Antonius the Gaul - the Triumverate of Constantinople. Two of the three are painted in red marring the aesthetics of the sculpting the last, the Dracon, has no paint at all.
"Tell me was your trip to my city a pleasant one?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Gangrel Table/Dunstan & Cantor
Dunstan, you nod towards Alyssa and Cantor agrees. You begin to make your way over.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Dais of the Inner Circle - Lanzo, Lord Benne
Lanzo's face remains impassive, "Indeed, he would remember well the days when the Ventrue rules his fair city and the differences inherent from the present day where a low Clan cur rules. I would speak with your Sire directly about the rumors of his associations before I were to support him.
Helene appears the proper choice for your Clan but that does not mean that I cannot see differently after meeting him face to face Childe. Arrange for such a meeting and I can in turn show him why my Master is the proper choice for this seat of power", he states gesturing to the Inner Circle seat reserved for Clan Ventrue.
"I shall pass word to him on it, great sir. And I thank you for your sense of even handedness in considering the matter as you have," Ranerius knows he has at best, given his sire a chance with this one, but it would seem the chance didn't exist before, so that's something.
I hope my Sire returns soon. Whatever he is doing must be very important, but his superior experience in these matters would be quite useful.
Dr. Benne looks thoughtful at your statement, "I have had little contact with your Clan. Such a suggestion that you have raised certainly intrigues me. Power plays and positions of privilege aside, it is that very sort of suggestion which allows us all to find common ground which will go along way towards making this Sect unified.
Mere fanaticism and desire to conquer alone will not allow us all to hold together".
"Grazie di cuore," The Toreador Fledgling says with delight as Dr. Benne seems to be of an accord with him in this, "Your words cut straight to the heart of my own hopes. I have always believed that every man has a calling, and power and influence, while pleasing enough, are chiefly means to following that calling. Unified, as you say, we can each achieve our callings in ways we never could singularly, and for the betterment of each. Or such is the ideal for me. Of course, I hope you favor my Sire when it is time to vote for I believe he is best qualified to cooperate with others , but even should you decline him your vote, then I still would be honored to discuss these ideas with you. They are, I think, worth pursuing." I think I like this man, or at least respect him. He understands what this Sect could be.
Onfroi hears all that has been said and sits now nodding in quiet contemplation, having always known mutilation in battle a possibility, his looks not his main concern to who he is, he nods at the compliment of will and settles back into the chair all that is left is the thing itself. Let life now be as it will be.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew, Vitaliano, and Xing
Vitaliano listened to the conversation turn as it evolved. He raised a brow as he found that the Toreador was quite skilled at keeping from spilling dirt about his fellow competitors, something he was hoping to learn a bit as he talked to the others but they were indeed one of the social breeds of Vampires so he expected it a bit. He smiled at them "Ah, I prefer a bit of careful planning and perhaps a skilled tongue to keep myself clean of any filth one might try to fall upon me. I of course mean no offense towards the lifestyle. There is a time and place for battle and bravado. I just see myself as not being useful much for that world. But yes, if you wish to speak to me more in private sometime Rafael I would love to hear more of your unique skills that you feel qualify you for leader of your clan." he said before finding himself a seat to take and sit where he could continue the conversation in comfort.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Assamite Table
Simon continues, "My mistake then. I have given my intent to challenge my clanmate for leadership of the Nosferatu among this august group though I believe it would restrict my wanderings. I fear that his rigidity would not accurately reflect the positions of Clan Nosferatu. Can either of you make introductions for me with Lord Bajazet?"
Gio looks up at the dais, sees Bajazet not too busy, and nods. "I can make an introduction for you." He stands and gestures to Simon to follow, then walks to the base of the dais nearest Bajazet's seat.
Once Bajazet acknowledges him, he gestures at Simon. "My lord, Simon of Clan Nosferatu."
Things were looking up already, this would have been his tactic naturally... ally with the lower clans, be of service to them... earn their respect.
Dunstan the Brujah and Cantor the Gangrel approach, strange days indeed. As if undeath wasn't enough.
Alessandro eyes the men, knowing Dunstan was the Childe of Meridie. Gentlemen, I trust you are doing well tonight... Games of the highest order, wouldn't you say?
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Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Gangrel Table
As Dunstand and Cantor look in the direction of the Ventrue Table, Alessandro, the Childe of Alyssa, gestures towards the Brujah Table and Lady Meridie who is still sitting there.
Criatas has moved along to speak with Alexander near the Ventrue Table of all places. Robin Leeland has moved away from the Brujah Table and towards the Malkavian Table whereas Dark Selina is at the Tzimisce Table speaking with the only Mortal in the room.
Dunstan, you nod towards Alyssa and Cantor agrees. You begin to make your way over.
Gangrel do not wait on other's, walking proudly to speak with Alyssa, eyeing this other Cainite, Alessandro, as a beast would another, a test of sorts, just to see how he reacts. Part of me expects the thing to flee at the first sign of trouble, but, the point is, as my Sire suggested, to test the waters. See what their Clan's mettle really looks like.
Striding towards the table with at the younger one as if saying Move! Or be willing to defend your space.
"Ah, the vaunted Alyzza, . . . and her get. Allow me ta intraduce muhself. Yanos, of za Gangrel. I am ze right han' of Milov, ma Sire." he says with a "bow", partially failed partially mocking of the culture that admires such,. . . "mating rituals".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Ventrue Table
"Yes indeed, I'm not particularly interested in them, but one must play to win" Dunstan smiles to Alessandro [b]"Let's play shall we" a comforting smile with do manners "How is your evening so far Alessandro?"
"I can play games, I doubt my companion is apt or perhaps not willing to play"
The merchant prince moves adroit hands about his outfit, making several subtle changes. Unbuttoning here, flipping there, cinching... The overall affect is genuine appeal. Not the foppish vogue of the btypical courtesan.
Alessandro takes a half-step forward, his arms sweeping in a gregarious welcoming gesture. Coincidentally, it also serves to interpose his form between Alyssa and the approaching guests.
He nearly sniffs the air.
Greetings, gentlemen. This night does pose its challenges, Dunstan. But, I certainly hope you didn't come after our support... I do believe, it's the Lady Meredie's.
Should we count on reciprocity, my good man? You know where Lord Jurgen stands... And, I look forward to working with you. We can show some of these starchy types a thing or two, neh?
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Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Ventrue Table
Interesting, the Childe doesn't seem to understand at all. Not something I had expected in the test. Regardless, he didn't move out of the way as directed, so I'll push right past him to speak to Alyssa, calling on the gifts of the blood.
Coming before Alyssa, I'll stop, "The vaunted Alyzza, . . . and her get. Allow me ta intraduce muhself. Yanos, of za Gangrel. I am ze right han' of Milov, ma Sire." he says with a "bow", an honest attempt to show respect, or what passes for it amongst these kind, but not subservience nor weakness.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
Mistress Fanchon turns away from the shelf and you see sitting upon it a bleached white skull between two now lit black tapered candles.
Mistress Fanchon sits across from the skull turns to Michael and speaks, "Michael Santo. You have been Embraced by a rogue member of Clan Tremere without the permission of either the Prince of the City or the Council of Five. For your existence to continue you shall justify, to the satisfaction of Prince Narses, why it was so important that you be allowed to cross over.
Tell me what is it you know that justifies Radek's decision to return you from the land of the dead to the land of the undead?"
Michael hears the question that is asked of him. Swallowing hard he begins to answer.
"First I would like to apologize if my existence is appalling begin bred without proper sanction. I will tell you all I have come to learn. First I have been involved with monitoring a rogue group in the city known as the volkovs. Sergei and Katriana. They appeared not to long ago in search of those that dwell in the night with capable company by the name of brice, François, and whilhem. Sergdi has been running rampant in the city trying to find his sister who disappeared nights ago making series of inquests of his own making allies and enemies alike. Sergdi is planning two go to the mainlands and is setting a trap for two of our... I mean your kind and attempting to team up with another man who slays those who dwell in the night"
Michael breaks in his story to see if he has his audiences attention and notices in the face of death his temperature or heart rate has not been raised at all... in fact his heart does not appear to be pumping at all... looking down holding his chest shocked by his discovery but continues on.
"I volunteered to follow this group of people to please he who I once served fhadi, along with other services regarding my gondola enterprise. In the end of my last delivery fhadi decided i was no longer of services and bit into my flesh and cast me into the river where i was to bleed out and yet here I am"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Dais of the Inner Circle - Ranerius Bernerius
Lanzo gives you a curt nod before stepping off of the dais and approaching another group of Cainites.
Lord Benne focuses his full attention upon you, "Feom what I have seen of your Sire I do believe he would be a better choice than Rafael but I hesitate to support one so young against one as experienced as Helene. How will he convince others of the Clan to fall in line with the Sect?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Onfroi the Bastard of Burgandy - the Dark Streets of Venice
Francois stands, "Very well Onfroi. I shall take my leave of you now as there is important matters I must attend to with Violetta. You have my leave to go and wait for Petradon and Embrace whatever destiny you feel appropriate".
Violetta gives a soft sad smile to you as she escorts you out of the Inn and closes the door behind her.
[ooc]Do you stand in the same place before and wait?[/b]
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew, Vitaliano, and Xing
Rafael gestures for you to stand Vitaliano, "Come let us find our own quiet place upstairs. There are many chambers to meet and discuss in such place as this. I get the sense that Andrew and Xing wish to be alone". Rafael grins.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Dais of the Inner Circle - Giovanni Dal'este
Bajazet watches the room in interest as no one has approached him yet. As you and Simon approach, Talon stays behind he stands and bows to Simon.
"Tell me Simon, are the rumors true, do you claim to be the Apostle Simon?" asks Lord Bajazet.
Simon responds, "I do not claim to be he, I am he. In the flesh. The miracle of my Blood is self evident in the Childe I have borne free of the curse of Absimiliard".
Bajazet turns to you Giovanni, "Tell me my Childe, what do you make of these claims by this Leper?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Shadow Court - Bagrat Kamsarakan
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Ventrue Table - Alessandro, Cantor, Dunstan
Alessandro as you interpose the Gangrel literally seeks to push you aside bodily!
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
Mistress Fanchon continues with another follow up question, "Why would this Fahdi slay you if you were of such use to him?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew, Vitaliano, and Xing
Vitaliano raised a brow towards the others but quickly let it relax before looking back at Rafael. He gave a polite bow. "If that is what you wish, I don't see any harm in a private discussion. Xing, Andrew...I shall speak with you later then." he said as he followed behind unsure how he felt about going with an elder to a private room. He assumed that any ill intent would be holstered for the evening.
Onfroi gives Violetta a kiss on the cheek and then bows deeply and kisses Francois hand saying it has been my greatest honor to serve you. Whatever happens Remember always I am your staunch ally Onfroi wipes his eyes with the back of his hand murmuring how he must have something in his eye and then straightens himself and walks out of the room to the place he had waited for Violetta before on the violent dark streets of Venice
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew, Vitaliano, and Xing
Vitaliano "Aye Vitaliano I have no claim upon yer time. we may speak later.....Xing it seems we at last ave time to catch up."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Dais of the Inner Circle - Ranerius Bernerius
Lanzo gives you a curt nod before stepping off of the dais and approaching another group of Cainites.
Lord Benne focuses his full attention upon you, "Feom what I have seen of your Sire I do believe he would be a better choice than Rafael but I hesitate to support one so young against one as experienced as Helene. How will he convince others of the Clan to fall in line with the Sect?"
"Forgive, but Helene will face the same difficulties, and if she could get other Toreador to 'fall in line' as you say, she would currently be running unopposed in the first place. Even if that is put aside, if the ideas you and my sire share are allowed to take root, that of cooperation and so forth, then even the most truculent Toreador will come to realize that to deny the Sect is to close of roads of creativity. An example, a great mausoleum is being built, any Toreador might seek to inspire depictions of beauty and reverence, but without input from lorekeepers such as your own clan, it may despite their best efforts, lack depth. Beauty can be its own reward, but Beauty used to convey knowledge and history? Even better. The best of the Toreador will see the advantage in more effectively creating such works by cooperation, the worst will resent falling behind without the support I've mentioned, and fall in step to soothe their own wounded vanities. What ever their individual reasons, I think the majority of Toreador will indeed rally," Were he mortal, he would take a breath at this point, instead he pauses, trying to word this last accurately, "It is not a matter of age, it is a matter of ideals. Francois will seek to build alliances, everything Helene has said makes me believe she will seek to dictate. If she is elected, the cooperation we speak of and need will be that much harder to achieve. This I believe."
Alessandro moves to protect mate and sire, unsure which relation drives him more.
Elysium, knave...
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing
Xing nods to Vitaliano and Rafael and smiles back at Andrew.
"Aye we do. You said you had something we needed to discuss? I have some questions of you but you may ask away first." she grins.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing
After Vitaliano and Rafael are far gone...
"Xing you and I ave had some fine adventures, tis mah hope we ken continue to get to know each other an o course find ourselves I troubles deep and wide. Questions sounds like tha inquisition, I would like tah hear more o yerself....I am certain yah were still a mortal until very recently, same as I myself."
Andrew smiles at Xing....
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Ventrue Table - Cantor, Alessandro + NPC's
Dunstan's mouth would have gaped open in disbelief, but he was not surprised either at the behavior of the noble Cantor "Straight and to the point" is all he can say when he moves on past Alessandro "I seek mutual cooperation Alessandro and my apologies for" not quite sure what words to use I'm not personally responsible e is not my servant, men-at-arms, or retainer. Can't call him friend, we just met my acquaintance behavior, he is probably not versed in courtly matters"[/b] Dunstan vows slightly "I assure you he means no harm" an emphasis in the words 'means no harm' in hopes that it puts them at ease
Onfroi stops in the lobby of the house of the rose here remembering that the man had said he would come collect me and waits in the libby instead
Michael shrugs
"I do not know his clans or titles just fahdi who went by the name of hans. My dead employee. But i am sure of is that he ended me. I just knew I died when he left me. Long before the water filled my lungs. I did everything he asked. Keeping tabs on volkovs cost me my family. Nearly got me killed from undead monsters in grave yards to multiple attacks from crazy monks. I thought he would take me with him. I felt as though I would follow him to the ends of the earth and now that bond is broken."
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Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Ventrue Table - Alessandro, Cantor, Dunstan
Elysium, knave...
For just a brief moment, a look of confusion crosses the outlander's face as he hears this.
I'm not sure how the rolls have played out so far, but seeing that the Ventrue childe did not break down into tears and flee, but neither did he draw blade or loose himself to the Beast, Yanos offers a small chuckle, before extending a hand, slightly bestial towards warrior.
"We where told zat yur maszer, like ze ozzers, wanted ze support of the Clans. Clan Gangrel would only support one we found worzy. Jus' wanted ta see how ya, and she" looking Alyssa directly, "had to be tes'ed."
. . ., he is probably not versed in courtly matters"[/b] Dunstan vows slightly "I assure you he means no harm" an emphasis in the words 'means no harm' in hopes that it puts them at ease.
"We shall see, yes?" as his gaze turns to Sir Dunstan for just a moment, as if saying "I see no reason to lie". "Takes more zan one day ta see if a new cow is good fur anythin' but slaughter, yes. Respect, friendship, worth, zese are earned, not given."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
"Signore Santo, as a master of obfuscation this Fahdi must have simply taken the form of your employee, Hans. I assure you, the Hans that you brought me was most certainly a dead mortal."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Ventrue Table - Cantor, Alessandro, Dunstan
As Cantor attempts to push Alessandro aside, his quick wits allow him to duck the shove, swim under the Gangrel's arms and remain interposed between Cantor an Alyss.
Seeing the interaction one of the Ventrue stands up ignoring Cantor's explanation
and snatches Cantor by the throat lifting him aloft.
"Apologize dog or I shall remove your head from your mangy body!" he states with a vicious snarl.
With unbelievable quickness and from out of nowhere Thomas Brexiano appears, "Place the Childe down now Gustav. This is Elysium, I'll not have you compound one mistake with another!"
Gustav drops Cantor and sneers, "Mind your manners cur". That said, he walks away from the table to mingle with the crowd.
Brexiano turns to Cantor, "Another display like that and Childe of an Inner Circle member or not, I'll have you flogged. If you wish to challenge anyone here do so verbally, physical violence of any sort will not be tolerated. I'll not give another warning on the matter".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - A Secluded Room - Vitaliano
"...make me wait for days on end without reaching out to me!". snarls the first. Him you recognize, he is Milov Petrankov the Gangrel Inner Circle Member.
The man across from him, one you did not see announce himself, shrugs and replies, "I cannot locate the woman. She has been missing. On top of that the man has vanished, nowhere to be found. How an I contact you to arrange a meeting with people I cannot find?"
Petrankov glares at you both as you walk by saying nothing and then starting up again as you close in on the door.
"Leave me in such a manner twisting in the wind madman and you will find..."
Rafael walks past them wit you in tow leaving the conversation behind.
Rafael enters a room and brings you in, closing the door behind you both. He gestures for you to sit and smiles. "Tell me, what would you like to know?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - A Secluded Room - Vitaliano
Vitaliano did his best to seem as if he was paying no mind and had heard nothing as they moved past the two in heated discussion. When they arrived privacy, he took the seat offered to him and smiled as he was asked the question. "Forgive me, that's quite the question. I would have to say as an educated man I would strive to know everything. But I assume you prefer for me to limit myself to the matter more at hand. Hmm...Perhaps best for me to know would be what you think of your clan and what you strive it to be, from there how you would be best suited to lead your clan if you are so inclined." he said trying not to come off too haughty or for that matter rude.
He took in his surroundings in the room looking at the decorum before with a bit of a twitch in his eye standing up and adjusting the chair to be more symmetrical with the rest of the room.