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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Male Nosferatu 6th Generation; BP 28/30, xp saved: 0, spent 155

Having seen plenty of men claim to have God on their side in his time in battle Onfroi is stunned for a moment to actually see something but then recovers thinking perhaps this too is a more rare power of the kindred.
Onfroi listens to the man's passion fueled words considering them as just another point of view... like anything else that all men have, only their own and often leading to folly, most especially those most narrow of views.
You are no better then any other who forces their view upon others and it is free will that allows choice here, not your will. You are also a guest. Take yourselves someplace and let others bring themselves to you to listen, but respect the choice of others to hear and learn what they wish. I have seen enough fools for five life times, and no one disrupts anothers hospitality.


Dunstan cannot help but smile at Andrew Ahh the innocent and fool, how many of you were lured by the crusades nodding to himself, but oddly enough finds himself giving prayer as the other two vampires, he has heard them long enough to know them by heart, but he won't take a knee like they did just standing and looking as impassive as possible.


Shadow
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

A Gondola - The Venetian Canals

I am going to sit quite and listen. Seems like the conversation is going to be interesting.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

The collective Cainites in the room are amazed that Andrew is still standing after the tirade he has thrown at the Prince and in his own Haven no less!


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

"Once your Sire completes his prayers we shall see if he has breath left enough to convince me not to wear you around my neck as a gutted fish Fledgling". the Prince retorts menacingly.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Nods of approval fro the Elders in the room follow the pronouncement of the Prince.

Andrew ONLY Perception+Alertness DC 8:
You see Robin Leeland mouthing to you, I told you so...

The prayers of the Cainites cease and the room is left in total silence.


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Narses looks down at himself and then slowly he raises his head to regard Brian, Simon, and Andrew.

"It seems, God is not with you this night. Now let us discu..."


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Before Narses can finish his sentence, the shadows in the room begin to vanish, replaced by white light!

The light begins to shine upon the Prince as if he was caught in several spotlights.

He raises his hands to shield his eyes from its brightness.

REPENT a thunderous voice echoes forth from everywhere and nowhere at once.

Everyone make Courage checks, while the light does not harm you, its brightness is enough to generate a check to remain within its presence! The DC is 4 and only 1 success is needed.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Palazzo Abadessa Inn - Adria Darkling

Mutton and fine red wine is brought to the table. Gabrin replaces the death card to his tarot deck and gestures for you to sit.

"How do you prefer your barbarians my dear? Young and idealistic or older and as tough and rigid as the mountains of the North?"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

The Mausoleum of the Giovanni - Lorenzo

Lorenzo:
Yeti simply bods in response.

Hold here for now unless you have more to discuss, Lord Benne will be home soon.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Greetings Inn - Bagrat Kamsarakan

You pause at the name wondering if it is an honorific or something else for Uthman al-Din was the grandson of Saladin.

The man responds, "I can give a description only but no name. Before I do so, what is it you seek, if we can bargain we shall bargain. If we cannot, then let us but forget one saw the other here this night".


Male Nosferatu 6th Generation; BP 28/30, xp saved: 0, spent 155

courage: 5d10 ⇒ (10, 8, 7, 6, 1) = 32


Male Italian (Toreador)

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi
Courage 3d10 ⇒ (7, 7, 3) = 17

The light sends shiver of fear and awe in equal measure down the Toreador's spine. He does not flee or cry out, but instead holds very still, like a rabbit aware that there are greater things nearby than he can possibly comprehend.


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Greetings Inn - Bagrat Kamsarakan

Than barter we shall for confirmation if a certain perseon is dwelling in that inn over there. Do you wish to include a perdiode of time or just at this specific moment?, I do not know how much you value that information nor what you can offer. My interest lies in having reliable "business" partner i can call for in the future, knowledge of the night world unseen by the common men and of course anything unique you could offer. A Fare bargain is what interest me he replied


Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

courage: 4d10 ⇒ (4, 3, 8, 2) = 17


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Greetings Inn - Bagrat Kamsarakan

"Correction, not within the Inn but within the home of the proprietor, Gunther.

Knowledge of the night world is certainly something I can provide you with. As it pertains to Venice at any rate. I go no farther afield unless I absolutely must".


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Perception & alertness 7d10 ⇒ (6, 6, 10, 3, 6, 2, 3) = 36

Courage 3d10 ⇒ (5, 3, 4) = 12

Andrew falls to his knees.....
"Lord God I beg you forgive your servant of wrath and anger, which are yours alone to give. Turn you face upon me, grant me Wisdom, and faith........."

The remainder of Andrews prayer falls into an unknown range of hearing and perhaps into silence.....

Dark Archive

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Palazzo Abadessa Inn - Adria Darkling

Food! Adria slowly sits. The need to feed is a powerful force. Wow, I think i just foreshadowed. She tries to eat like a proper lady but she hasn't seen a spread of food like this in ages!

Forgive me Sir. I'm afraid my nerves and the darkness of the night got the better of me. She thinks about the man's question...I've never met any barbarians. But I imagine an Older and wiser one would be better. But what do you mean? Do you mean to give me riddles in exchange for this food? She speaks as respectfully as possible. Perhaps I will survive this after all, if I can just stay calm...


5th Generation Cappadocian | Bloodpool: 26/40 | Willpower: 6/8

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

The Mausoleum of the Giovanni - Lorenzo

Got it.


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Gio had withdrawn to a safe distance as soon as it became clear Simon was supporting the religious rebels. In another situation he would have looked on with a drink in his hand and a smirk on his lips. For him and most of his friends, religion was nothing but another career choice for the politically minded.

But this display of the Lord's power- and the Prince's weakness- had him instead making sure he knew where the closest exit was. True faith was a rarity, even- especially- in those who professed the strongest attachment to God. But this was a clear display of some higher power, and one whose strength surpassed that of the most fearsome being in the room.

Courage: 5d10 ⇒ (10, 8, 9, 4, 6) = 37

The young Venetian squinted his eyes against the bright light but did not flee. He considered crossing himself and kneeling to pray as well but figured the God who could do this could easily see the hypocrisy in his heart.


Male Nosferatu 6th Generation; BP 28/30, xp saved: 0, spent 155

Onfroi is struck again for a moment and sputters and then stands up putting the bow away calling out This then is the place the Lord decides to seek souls? What trickery is this? What power of our kind? If that was sunlight we would burn, and I am sure if that was a holy host or its voice the effect would be much different! This is someone trying to make a fool of those both christian and otherwise and bring division to us which is easy enough it seems without the call to repent.
charisma plus performance: 6d10 ⇒ (2, 3, 6, 9, 6, 10) = 36


Courage: 3d10 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) = 9

Sir Dunstan barely holds it's nerve , but he is nonetheless awe struck and ready to flee at a moment notice if things would go awry.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

While the Fledglings hold their nerve, a few of the Elders do not, heading for the exit or back up the stairs, in the bright light and confusion it is hard to tell who fled...

Vitaliano:
Make another Perception+Awareness check DC 6.

Despite Onfroi's protests the rest of the Cainites are cowed by the display and say nothing further.

Narses stands up, his red flaming robes are no more, in their place, the plain robes of a monk he dons.

Xing:
Perception+Awareness DC 8


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Narses looks down at his clothing, "What sorcery is this?! How is this possible..."


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Brian speaks, "The Lord works in mysterious way my Prince. If you are to lead us down a path of virtue and justice, it is the Lord's justice that you must seek not the bloody path of Caine as is written on your books of blasphemy!"

One of the Lasombra stalks forward towards Brian, "Enough of your insolence and tricks Unicorn, you will explain yourself at once! The Fledgling speaks true, this is no more than trickery!"

A voice from the back calls out, "Who are you to judge what is blasphemy and what is not Salubri!"

Lord Bajazet chimes in, "And which God is it that you must follow..."


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Narses slumps in his seat, "The Feast is ended.

Begone from this Elysium to retire to your own havens. I shall consider all that has transpired here. Tomorrow night I shall mete out justice as I see fit..."


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Palazzo Abadessa Inn - Adria Darkling

Gabrin laughs, "Older and wiser was not a choice, I fear that is not one of the Barbarians along with me on my journey. You must choose one and one only. The older one will bring you more power now but the younger will allow you to rise in the ranks if your ambitions would see you through.

No, this food is because I believe everyone should have one last meal before they cross over to the other side. Time runs short, who will you choose?"

Footsteps can be heard creaking upstairs where the two men flanking Gabrin first went when they entered the building.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

A Gondola - The Venetian Canals

Alessandro and Michele remain silent as Sadir begins.

"More than a century has passed since Talisman and I first met one another right here in the city of Venice. We met another here as well Vander, the Ventrue from the west and Angelo Giovanni, a resident of the city. At that time Prince Narses was hosting a gathering of Cainites the same as the mortal world was hosting a gathering of crusaders. Both they and we, were deciding upon which kingdoms to target first, the Outremer or Egypt.

After much bickering amongst ourselves, as always, the mortals decided for us. They would go by land to the east and sack the Outremer. On the way, the mortals were approached by the deposed Emperor of the Byzantines who requested that the crusaders aid him in regaining his throne in exchange for money and troops to drive the heretics from the holy land.

Constantinople became the target of the crusade meant for the kingdoms of Islam. I and Talisman had sires who had strode the ancient streets and dark halls of the Queen of Cities so our curiosity led us to see those places our sires had spoken of, of course we had other reasons to go there but they are not important to the story".

Pause for you to interject if you so wish.


Prince Narses wrote:

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Narses slumps in his seat, "The Feast is ended.

Begone from this Elysium to retire to your own havens. I shall consider all that has transpired here. Tomorrow night I shall mete out justice as I see fit..."

"Iffen tha true goal o tha Camarilla is in unity then it may be best that tha meetings, rules, rites, an even feasts err celebrations all be in accord wit not jus one path o another, but be acceptable wit all Elders, sires an fledglings; agreeable to all roads an religions an refrain from mockery an offense to any."

"An those seeking road or refuge may turn to any in tha group to receive tha tutelage desired. Mine own path is tha road of Heaven, let those who desire tha road come together apart from other ways an other roads, let each pick his road, his mentor, an his fellows so long as tha beast be contained, an this matter be private from tha Camarilla as a whole as agreement upon such a matter is unlikely."

"As I ave said I ave no quarrel wit tha other faiths, yet I want not to force mah way upon any, tha Crusades were naught to do wit God err tha faithful. God commands tha I not submit to tha roads contrary to His."

"But we have this treasure" dips his finger in the blood..."in jars of clay" points to the bodies suspended above...."to show the the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to dispair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed...."

Again the mortals above....
"Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifest in our bodies....so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in...mortal flesh."

"Can we agree on two points at least one tha tha paths o canonites be their business, so long as that beast be contained, an second the mortal vessels an tha blood be all berespected?"


Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Perception+Awareness: 6d10 ⇒ (7, 6, 7, 3, 9, 5) = 37


Male Nosferatu 6th Generation; BP 28/30, xp saved: 0, spent 155

Onfroi will turn and look to Petradon and then simply move out following back to the Nosferatu catacombs for the night.


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

At the Prince's dismissal, Gio turns to Lord Bajazet to wait for his Sire to leave.

Dark Archive

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Palazzo Abadessa Inn - Adria Darkling

Adria answers Gabrin: If the older is not wiser, then I choose the younger. But I warn you Sir! If anything should happen to me tonight, that is, if one of your barbarians should take my life, I promise I will haunt you from the grave... Empty threat. Though she tries to sound mysterious and dangerous, Adria cannot hide the fear from her eyes.

And the mutton doesn't look so good any more.


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Dunstan hears Andrew as he walks towards Lady Meridie He sounds just like those priest from the crusades, using "miracles" and other fancy words to sway the masses to fight for their cause

"Lady Meridie, is it prudent to linger any more, or shall we take our live, as Prince Narses has requested"


Male Italian (Toreador)

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

While it is hard to be sure who flees among the elders, Ranerius tries to take a head count of who remains, particularly which if any of the Toreador elders remain.

Not sure if a roll will help with the counting? Perception + Alertness? 5d10 ⇒ (4, 6, 2, 10, 8) = 30

The Prince's confusion is easy to understand, as is his dismissal.

Quote:
Begone from this Elysium to retire to your own havens. I shall consider all that has transpired here. Tomorrow night I shall mete out justice as I see fit..."

He bows low, "As your highness commands."

Andrew's commentary has some points he agrees with

Quote:
"Can we agree on two points at least one tha tha paths o canonites be their business, so long as that beast be contained, an second the mortal vessels an tha blood be all berespected?"

"I see merit in both points, though there will, always I think, be debate over the details. Still, it's a suggestion for another night, we've all been asked to depart by our host. Little productive will occur if we defy that: even with the best of intentions."

Whether the Salubri agrees and withdraws, or not, Ranerius heads out into the night air, hoping to speak with his sire.


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Narses glares at Andrew, "Remove yourself from my sight Fledgling, my patience with you wears thin".


Prince Narses wrote:

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Narses Court - The Feast - Vitaliano, Andrew, Xing, Giovanni, Dunstan, Ranerius, and Onfroi

Narses glares at Andrew, "Remove yourself from my sight Fledgling, my patience with you wears thin".

Andrew bows and leaves having left nothing unsaid......


Clan Malkavian Blood Pool 19/30

Courage: 4d10 ⇒ (5, 1, 10, 9) = 25

Vitaliano winced slightly at the light but held his ground firmly. He looked around the room and realized that some had run. He rubbed his temples a bit from slight headache the light had given.

Perception+Awareness: 2d10 + 3d10 ⇒ (7, 6) + (2, 4, 2) = 21

He shook it off as he watched the rest of the theatrics played out.


Shadow's Status

I need two Perception + Awareness checks Vitaliano.


Clan Malkavian Blood Pool 19/30

Woops

Perecption+Awareness: 2d10 + 3d10 ⇒ (2, 6) + (7, 6, 9) = 30


Alessandro remains still, continuing to listen.


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

A Gondola - The Venetian Canals

I will continue to listen and try to guage any reactions.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

A Gondola - The Venetian Canals - Michele & Alessandro

Sadir continues.

"At first it seemed that the ancient powers who dwelt within the city would be able to stave off defeat though not without some compromise after all there was an army at their walls.

The humans placed the former Emperor back on his throne and the hostilities had ceased. Indeed, the Western Cainites had been grated rights within the walls and halls of the Triumverate which had never before been granted. Vander himself had been granted his own Scion family a great coup for the Ventrue of the British Isles to be sure! Especially in light of the fact that Lanzo von Saschen represented a Childe of Antonius the Gaul and Vander did not.

We were the recipients of the largesse granted to Vander by Michael the Archangel whose very presence was, well hard to describe without having experienced it yourself. Narses is a shadow of the presence of Michael".

Talisman smiles, "Indeed".

"But instead of the armies moving on to Egypt, they lingered for they expected gold and other provisions promised by the new Emperor. To his surprise, what he promised, he could not deliver for the coffers had been led dry.

Once again did battle come to the Queen of Cities and this time it was not turned away. The great powers of the city were nowhere to be found. We did seek to salvage the city and rally the Elders to defend themselves.

First did we visit the great Gesu of Clan Tzimisce. To our surprise he was not interested in defending the city but instead sought to attain Metamorphosis beyond his mortal coil. To reach this Metamorphosis his mortal body had to die he achieved this death by surrendering himself to Talisman".

Alyssa gasps, "You committed Amaranth upon this Cainite?”
Talisman nods, ”I did. That was after all not my first time…”
Sadir shrugs and moves his story forward.

”Through Vander we were able to locate Michael thinking that if we could convince him that all he built was about to fall to the invaders we could rouse him from the ennui which seemed to be effecting him. As we arrived at the Hagia Sofia we found we had not been the first to arrive. A female Cainite we had never before seen. Michael called her Ma-Ri. She called herself the Black, come to claim the blood of Michael.

While he could have easily resisted, he was ready. Much like Gesu, to move along. We could not let her win as we recognized the darkness in her soul. It took the combined effort of the three of us to defeat her as her powers were formidable, so much so that she brought Vander low.
To him do we owe our unlives. Much as Talisman owes to him his powers for yet again did an ancient call upon us to “free” him of his mortal shackles. It was Talisman who answered the call for he did sup upon the powerful blood of Michael the Archangel”.

Alyssa appears stunned, ”Within the course of a night you committed Amaranth upon two separate ancient Cainites! It is no wonder you are mad, madder than perhaps any Malkavian”.

Talisman shakes his head, ”Not mad simply the conduit for great powers. This body belongs to many now though soon it shall belong only to one”.

Sadir cocks his head at that comment…


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Waning Hours of the Night

Vitaliano:
Alexander seems pained by the prayers being uttered by the Cainites.

As the light flashes frightening many, Alexander is unphased even amused by it.

You leave the Elysium, frankly it seems you have little choice in the matter. You step outside and onto the docks watching many of the others leaving on Gondolas your Sire nowhere in sight. You feel a hand placed upon your shoulder, it is Alexander, "Come, we shall take my transportation away from here".


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Waning Hours of the Night

Andrew:
Brian grabs your shoulder, "Time to go our work is done".

Brian walks out speaking with Simon about the miracle witnessed.

Cristiano walks beside you, "Tell me, how did your blade resist the powers of the Prince?" he asks.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Waning Hours of the Night

Ranerius

You look around to see who may have fled but as you are unsure who may or may not have come back from the meetings with the Priests of the Roads it is impossible to tell who stayed or fled.

As you exit Francois steps near to you, "An abrupt end to the festivities and an interesting turn of events no my Childe?

Come let us head back to your Inn that we may discuss the events of the night for us all".

He steps onto a Gondola gesturing for you to get on as well.

"Tell me, what contacts did you make while I was away?"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Waning Hours of the Night

Giovanni

Lord Bajazet retrieves you and steps out into the night pushing through the crowd of Cainites but not before he dips a cup into the trough for another sup of blood. "Come Giovanni. Let us leave I believe we can speak with the Nosferatu tomorrow night it is they who need us not we who need them".


Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Waning Hours of the Night

Andrew watches closely for spirits in the places ahead, he was after all interested in how the spirits were kept from the place....
He also asks...."Wha barrier prevents tha spirits from entry into tha chambers?"

"Mah sword was blessed by holy men tah fight the powers o darkness."


Alessandro was not in the habit of feeling small. But, given the age and power of the two Canines before him, the feeling did tug at him.

He tried to listen closely, more intently... as if it were possible.

He spares Alyssa a glance. Does she believe them?


Male Italian (Toreador)

Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309

Waning Hours of the Night

Ranerius

Quote:

You look around to see who may have fled but as you are unsure who may or may not have come back from the meetings with the Priests of the Roads it is impossible to tell who stayed or fled.

As you exit Francois steps near to you, "An abrupt end to the festivities and an interesting turn of events no my Childe?
Come let us head back to your Inn that we may discuss the events of the night for us all".

He steps onto a Gondola gesturing for you to get on as well.

"Tell me, what contacts did you make while I was away?"

Ranerius again wonders who ran, and who stayed but as he cannot but guess, he gets onto the gondola.

Once he is sure it is their ears alone, he speaks "I believe I have made inroads, but they did not go as deep as I liked. Helene is a formidable rival deeply rooted in your... our politics. For you to displace her, and that's how many are seeing it, will be akin to a river moving a mountain. It can be done, but the odds will be against you. Still, a recap...."

Long recap:

He mentions all that he can remember, including the brief encounter with Mistress Fanchin who held a small meeting of her own that he was not privy too, adding "She did mention that she would likely see you or I again soon regarding our 'plight'. I do not think she favors her odds if I read the choice of words aright but she is open to a meeting."

"More lengthy was my encounter with Lord Lanzo of the Ventrue and Lord Benne of Clan Cappadocian," Ranerius went on, "The former's very first question to me was if the rumors with you favoring the furories were true. As I had only heard of the furories that very night, and certainly not of any rumors one way or another, I confessed that my education was still ongoing, and I knew nothing of the Furories before tonight, but I had been told of the clans. I mentioned the comment you once made to me about how the Ventrue were closest in sensibilities to the Toreador. And as you thought much of our Clan, you clearly respected the Ventrue, and certainly knew of their strength."

"Of course, I also spoke to Lord Benne. May I confess, despite his Clan's focus on death, I found my initial response was indeed respect. He's a learned man, and seemed thoughtful by nature. I mentioned I had already spoken to his childe briefly, and repeated what I told him, that while our clans might seem very different but when I think on how mortal man seeks to understand death by art, be it a dirge composed to honor the fallen, or memorials of marble and alabaster to the deceased, it does seem that the Toreador and Cappadocians could indeed have interests intertwine. Such theory was in earnest mind you. I stressed how I hoped many great bridges might form between more than one clan tonight but it would be most possible if the ones who know the value of cooperation were the ones chosen for that to happen. I expressed honesty that i hoped to make a good impression."

"Lanzo seemed impassive I suppose is the word? He suggested you remember well the days when a Ventrue ruled your fair city, and the difference between then and now where a...his words 'low clan cur' rules. He said he would have to meet you with in person and verify your associations before he considered supporting you. The good news is that while he considers Helene the more proper choice, he admits he is able to change his views after meeting you and that I should arrange a meeting," Ranerius thinks, "Frankly, I believe you might be able to sway him to your cause, but you may end up burning as many bridges as you make if you do. If I may ask, do you support the furories? I feel as If I were walking a road half blind in my ignorance there and will serve you better if I know which alliances I should be working upon."

When his sire answers, he moves on, "Lord Benne lingered when the Ventrue Lanzo left. He was intrigued by my idea of Clan Toreador's art being used to explore areas of Cappadocian interest and the latter inspiring the former, and very pleased by talk of common ground being sought. 'Mere fanaticism and a desire to conquer alone will not allow us to hold together' he said. I think you two have a similar agreement on that. Ranerius looks very interested, "There was no duplicity on my part there. I sense opportunity, and I believe win or lose we should seek to cultivate the ties. For art's sake as well as future seeds." A deep breath he does not need, "I told Lord Benne that I believed you were the man for cooperation to be better ensured. His response was earnest: He believes you a better choice than Rafeal, but he worries one as young as you as opposed to Helene would have trouble getting the Toreador to work with the Sect."

"This lead to an interesting exchange, where I stated she would face many of the same difficulties. If she had that much power over us all, she would already have the position unchallenged. I explained how if we could begin showing the fruits of cooperation, any Toreador would find themselves either joining in those endeavors, or falling behind to their shame. I explained that you wished to Cooperate, Helene wished to dictate. "

"He disagreed with my assertion that Helene would face the same challenges, citing her connection to the powerful court of love. And that any younger Toreador seeking the spot might be seen as opportunists. He did not do this insultingly, but rather I think as fair concern. I explained that nothing, not even we Cainites, last forever. That just as Constantinpole's Toreador had to fall, eventuall so too would Helene's influence. All things end, I said. I told him that if Helene was chosen , she would try to forge this new sect into merely an extension of the Court of Love, but if you won, you would promote the sect itself with a passion she could never deliver. Short term risk to Clan Toreador would be more than worth the fruits of long term gain for the Sect. A risk, I told him, but one I believed worth taking for us all. I suggested, in politer terms, that Helene is arrogantly complacent. I believed what I said, and I think he sensed that,"

Ranerious looks to his sire, "He praised my thoughtful discourse. And he will meet with you. I think he can be swayed, Sire, but you must show an appreciation for the greater view. I think it is the talk of unity and cooperation among the Clans he liked best of all."

"I then approached Lady Meride, for I rather liked her style in our brief encounter," He said, "I asked how the evening went, and she returned interest commenting on my politeness. She knew I came on your interests, and I saw nothing to be gained by denying the obvious. She was watching the court, and I mentioned how she didn't seem the sort to observe without purpose, or at least shrewdness and asked if she might share her insight," Ranerious smiled, "My heart belongs to my lovely wife, but bantering with beautiful and intelligent women is a treat. The lady Brujah was amused, and teased that we might be about to trade information like two nosferatu in a warren. I took the better part of humility and fully confessed her cup of knowledge to be far greater than my thimble, but I was game. She asked who you supported for Clan Brujah. I didn't know, but you didn't seem impresed by Leland, or hid it if you did. And didn't like Critas, so I said your most obvious preference seemed to be for her. But I also admitted that if she feared I read him wrong, I might be able to put a good word in your ear for her. How much you truly value my judgement I don't know yet, sire, but I figured there was no harm in making such an offer to her if I was upfront on the hows and whys with you about it. I hope I didn't overstep?"

"Regardless, she seemed to think I was honest, or at least honest enough though we both knew politics pulls at such things, and was rather honest in return," The Fledgling sighs, "And here is where it went, as they say, south. She admitted that she was a long time ally of Helene, and that her vote would to Helene in exchange for the substantial support for Helene and her Courts of love could offer. Meride claimed Helene was the devil she knew, and you the devil she did not; though there was no malice in the statement. Yet, she also asked if I was sure about Leland not gaining your support. That you found Critias too stuffy, and Selina too vile. This intrigued me, for if the matter be closed, why would she continue to press? Risking giving away too much, I answered that I did not know Leland well enough to judge but that you were seeking to build a sect with elements of Vision, Cooperation, and Unity. From Leland's behavior, he seemed to have vision aplenty, but might not be willing to work with anyone that fell outside HIS vision. That those who rebel are often even more intolerant than those who cling to tradition: No offense meant to you sire if you consider yourself one, I was painting you as a middle path sort of fellow." He is very curious about his sire's opinion on Leland but will go on first and finish this rather long report.

"I also told her that while I made no claims to you being an angel, her alliance with Helene sounded like one she was resigned to, rather than inspired by. We're heading to a new era, was she so sure she wanted to keep it as merely an extension of the status quo when it could be so much grander in scale? I said: Eternity with only the devils you know for company sounds rather tedious to me."

"She confessed she did find dealing with the Courts of Love draining, that one did get what they wanted from them in the end, but not without paying much in return. She knows you've made enemies among the Courts of love, and while they maybe Tedious, Meride does not think risking her alliance with them by siding with you is prudent. I mentioned an old farmer's bit of wisdom about 'keeping your eggs in one basket'. I told her that new roads were opening, and that clinging to the old ones only might hold her back. Despite her words, I sensed that she was far more receptive than she let on. If the votes were in secret? I think she might indeed vote for you over Helene yet if you can persuade her further but it will be hard if she must worry about diminishing herself. Her aura was white during this, if that means much to you."

"I confessed sadness that I could not at this time sway her, and asked instead what crumb she might share in who she felt might be swayed to vote for you even if she could not. Her words? "I can tell you not to waste your time with Criatas or Alexander. Beyond that i find it unlikely that Lady Jadviga would vote for your Sire either".

Ranerius looks at his sire, "Only you can appraise whether I have served you well or not tonight, Sire. I Hope I have not misrepresented you. I really do believe you are the better man for the task at hand, though gratitude may tinge my perceptions. As much as I am pleased by the trust you showed in your abscence, I think with most of the ones I mentioned, they will insist on you in person to truly sway them. Most of them , I think, thought favorably enough of me, but I am still beneath them in the hierarchy of shadows and they will only give so much weight to my views."

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