[dice=blood pump extra dmg]3d10
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Durga Syn’s Haven –
Luca hesitates only for a moment, before quickly following after the two.
A snake? God there's so much I don't know. Hmm...am I allowed to talk to God? Would a kind God let beings like us walk this land?
He follows
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
La Serenata Notturna – Ranerius Banerius & Michele Querini
Michele will follow Sadir and take a seat. He will listen intently.
When he sees Gino I quickly turn to Sadir, Can their be a worse time. That mortal is my cousins friend. The one who rented my room out to Vykos and his crew.
Michele does not talk to him, but the Toreador cannot help but overhear. He glances to Gino and tries to read the man's aura.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
A Gondola - Elysium –
You are able to circumvent the mobs and bring both yourself and tour Sire to a boatman unmolested. Robin nods, "Well done my Childe well done indeed".
It seems the citizenry is not outraged with their boatmen as they have not disturbed this one. By the look of him he is a bit bored. He perks up when you both get on board.
Robin tell him, "To the Secret Council". The men's eyes glaze over a bit and he begins to row as if by rote off in whatever direction Robin led him.
The ride on the gondola is one of the oddest you have had. Around you the city is involved in screaming matches some small fires are lit to buildings prompting a look of concern from Robin and a queasy feeling in your stomach as well even though it far and you are on the water.
You even witness a duel upon one bridge!
Soon enough the boatman heads to a section of the city you have never been to by boat, the ways are through areas most merchants and nobles would deem dangerous and not lucrative. Once you pass by a few run down buildings which appear empty, strange in the heart of the city like this... you see a small island as it were. A dock is attached one of the largest you have seen not on the lagoon near the sea proper. On the island is a mixture of ruined cobblestones, ill kempt grass and a building that appears in disrepair.
A few Gondolas and boatmen stand on the docks already and several people mill about in front of the doors to this building. In stark contrast to the run down building looming before them, they are all dressed in finery even from this distance you can see is worth a great deal.
Robin turns back to you, "The Ventrue have mostly arrived, I suppose I should not be surprised..."
"Secret Council? Ventrue? It still seems like I will be like a child in a great court, knowing nothing and risking all."
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
The Stronghold of the Teutons then Through the Streets of Venice –
Baldemar shakes his head, "Truth be told Geoffroi, all manner of trouble started when they came to our stronghold, their leaving takes a weight from off of my shoulders. It was then that my nightmares or memory loss began, perhaps with them leaving things shall improve.
The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, that is where we must go for that is where I met those church men that you saw outside of the city for the first time. If they were with Volkov, they may also know where he is now. The Bull may have closed its doors but I think we can sneak inside anyway though it brings me no joy to commit such a blasphemous act, circumstances warrant it".
Venice by Night- Thursday March 27, 1309
The Blue Mongoose -
Stefano remains quiet but Nicolo responds, "Indeed Signore' fortune does favor the bold. I too came here with a dream and now I am working for another. Still, the Lintini family has been good to me, I am paid enough coin to live and enjoy life. Though with what is about to happen here it seems a time to head for greener pastures. Perhaps Genoa's star will rise eh?" He chuckles.
"I jest of course, Venice, she has captured my heart I could never leave her no matter how poorly she treats me.
I wonder which of the strange guests of Signore' Lintini you will meet this night! Odd ones to be sure. Odd dress, odd mannerisms, they eat little and drink less if that is possible. I notice these things".
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Nosferatu Warren –
Cristianp shrugs, "Achh. Never much with gambling have I had, now, how to get to him eh?"
The white light still appears to be keeping you at bay...
Venice by Night - Thursday March 27, 1309
Greetings Inn - by the Canal –
"At an Inn you say?"
"By Gods let us storm this Inn".
"No, no", another shouts, "He said they were AT Gunthar's home!"
The mob heads back to the door of the Thesings and begins knocking and screaming demanding entrance!
The door is answered by a burly older Gentlemen who is larger by far than any in the crowd, "It's about time that... Wait, what is the meaning of all of this!" he roars in anger.
"Michele Querini was here, what have you done with him?!"
The man replies, "Nothing, he was here for private reasons what business of it is yours!"
The crowd quiets down as he yells at them his face quivering in rage. For a Mortal, he is rather impressive...
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
The Masoleum –
Yeti begins to teach once more.
Soon enough Lord Benne arrives to retrieve you, "Come DR. we must head to Elysium. Yeti, I promise that once this is all over I shall announce your presence here".
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Xing’s Hovel Haven –
Xing strikes yet again this time her kick bruises his face, badly. He feints towards you again and then heads for the door, trying to open it not realizing that you trapped the door so the handle does not work at all as he struggles to turn it.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
La Serenata Notturna –
Sadir beckons Gino over, "Michele is it really you we were..."
Sadir speaks to him, "Sit down and be quiet until I tell you to speak again". You can hear the steely voice of command emanating from your Sire.
The man sits and remains silent though he fidgets and you can see the fear in his eyes.
Sadir turns back to Vykos and begins speaking in Greek,
Vykos does not even look at the Mortal or you only having eyes for your Sire, "You claimed what was not yours, or at least, your soul stealer friend did".
Sadir seems taken aback, "How did you know?"
"I have my ways.." Vykos replies.
"So what, YOU are the one who asked us to free your Sire from his grasp. We did so, now a century later you are crying over spilled blood?"
"Stolen blood! Blood he had no right to take. I claim it in the name of my family. Tell me where he is".
Sadir responds firmly, "No. I won't. You will have to find him yourself. And even if you do, he has the powers he wielded, formidable to say the least as well as those of Gesu and Michael. Do you really think you stand a chance against him?"
Vykos snarls, "Prepared properly of course. Know that until the blood is reclaimed I shall see you as an adversary Sadir".
Sadir shrugs, "There is a long line in front of you, Vykos".
Vykos stands up and makes his way out of the door. Sadir motions to Ranerius, "My friend, can you attend to us once more?"
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn -
Luca appears too overwhelmed to respond to Vitaliano's offer as does the young gypsy woman, Durga Syn though does respond, "No thank you my dear. This is a social visit but I do not wish to partake of the Mortals that were trafficked here by snakes and made pliable by shadows.
I am here to see Vasatanesa".
Antoine calls down, "Durga Syn! How pleasant of you to join us. I fear your old friend is quite distracted by our newest arrival..."
Durga Syn shakes her head, "Yes I had heard he was making a bid for a Council Seat this night".
Antoine standing at the top of the landing next to Lutz now, looks confused looks, "Did you know of this Lutz? Is Dimities here for that?"
Durga Syn now seems confused, "Who is Dimities? I meant Talisman or should I say Beshter..."
Lutz has a look of recognition dawn on his face, "Ohhhhh him. Yep we told a bunch of Toreador and other people about that but they of course don't listen. I mean you tel a guy something directly and they look at you like your crazy right?!"
La Serenata Notturna – [ooc]Ranerius Banerius & Michele Querini
Sadir beckons Gino over, "Michele is it really you we were..."Sadir speaks to him, "Sit down and be quiet until I tell you to speak again". You can hear the steely voice of command emanating from your Sire.
A mortal, knowing far too much I fear. This could be dangerous to my inn and us all.
When the greek is spoken, he tries to act like, at least for now, that he doesn't speak it.
Gesu? Micheal? Gods wounds.
Vykos stands up and makes his way out of the door. Sadir motions to Ranerius, "My friend, can you attend to us once more?"
"How may I be of assistance?" He moves forward as the courteous host he is.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn - Vitaliano da Riva & Luca Marano
Vitaliano stood there taking the fact that he was basically glanced over before the Elders started talking surprisingly well. He blinked a few times before he looked over the two Gangrel in front of him.
They did at least seem adept at the more unsightly side of things than himself. He mentally noted that they would be quite useful should things go awry much as his Sire had told him before. He looked up after a few breathless moments and said to his Elder Malkavians. "Is this still not getting in your skulls, enough with your mannerless behavior. First it's this nonsense about practically yelling outside one's sleeping chamber, then it's fighting like spoiled children, and now you're talking loudly from across an entire Inn." he said seeming to get a bit of color in his cheeks from being so mad.
"WE HAVE GUESTS, GET DOWN HERE AND BEHAVE AS SUCH" he yelled at them having enough of their behavior.
Venice by Night - Thursday March 27, 1309
Greetings Inn - by the Canal – Bagrat
But Signore, Michael Quarini, no one has seen him in a few night, It might be a coup from the Doge and his allies. Then just this day, Christopher Dandolo claimed to have seen Michele Querini just the other night alive, here at this home. He might be covering up for something. Its not unlike them to cheat and lie. If the city is going to survive this crisis we should be doing all we can. Maybe the signor of this house can tell us what happened, or yet maybe better search this house, he could be a prisoner of this place ! he shouts with a passion
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Xing’s Hovel Haven – Xing Shi
Xing lashes out again with her fists of fury attempting to knock the man out (not murder him).
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
The Masoleum –
"As you wish, Lord Benne. Yeti, until next time."
Following his sire, Lorenzo asks, "Beyond looking into the Mistress Fanchon situation, is there anything else you would like me to investigate tonight?"
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
La Serenata Notturna –
Sadir glances at the frozen Gino, "Well embarrassing as this may be, I would like to bring our friend upstairs and ascertain if your Sire has uh ah... the capability of aiding our friend in mis-remembering what he has seen and heard this night..."
Gino's eyes flicker to Michele pleading for assistance.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn -
Antoine wiggles a finger at Vitaliano, "If our guests wish to see Vasatanesa they'll need to come up!!! Now relax, I understand that you are a madman but please decorum..."
He signals for you all to come up the stairs as he and Lutz head down the hallway on the second floor.
Durga Syn places a hand on your shoulder Vitaliano, "Remember who and what they are. Yelling at them will only encourage them. If you take my meaning..." Durga heads up and Adria follows, leaving Luca and Vitaliano behind.
Venice by Night - Thursday March 27, 1309
Greetings Inn - by the Canal –
You incite the crowd once more and they surge forward. Gunthar slams the door as the crowd begins to pound on it trying to open it, screaming i anger.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Xing’s Hovel Haven –
This time, you are able to pummel the man into unconsciousness. You find enough rope to tie him up with and leave him on the bed bound and gagged but alive.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
The Mausoleum –
Lord Benne smiles, "The other task I will grant to you is to vote for the Ventrue Councilor. That will of course, be rather quick but Fanchon and her next plot will be your focus".
You step outside with your Sire and see just what it is Dominic is speaking about. The city is alive with anger and fires. Even from here with them so far away you get a small sense of dread.
Prince's Elysium –
Lord Benne steps onto a gondola that awaits the watery entrance to the mausoleum. If he is afraid he does not show it, his confidence bolsters yours and you relax as the quiet ride brings you to Elysium's shores.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Narses Elysium –
As you step off of the gondola and onto the docks you see Robin Leeland speaking with a man you have never seen before.
lucky, you say?
Edwarde is a young englishman in his Mid-20s. Just above average height with dark hair that is cut short. He is obviously in good shape, but also has a distant look in his eyes.
He is dressed in nice, clean clothes, but they are well worn and of a cut that never really goes out of style, but is also never the height of fashion.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Nosferatu Warren –
Simon closes his eyes and twitches.
Cristiano turns back to you, "I uh, thought we weren't supposed to be able to move when we're staked?"
Nosferatu Warren
we are not done with him it seems
+potence 1
And celerity for a second shot to the head
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Narses Elysium –
Lorenzo is a deathly pale man with dark, shoulder length hair that has been pulled back into a tail. His bearing and posture lend a belief that in life he was not accustomed to much in the way of physical work, and comes from money.
The pale skinned man is dressed in dark, utilitarian clothing. His clothing while simple in nature does appear to be of high quality.
I am the leader, well one of, the leaders of the Furore's. We seek equity among the Damned and a more functional relationship with the Kine, Mortals. I have come here because the Prince of this City, Narses claims to bee seeking the same thing. I believe what he seeks is more power and his equality is nothing more than a means of placating the young by giving a few station above the rest. Much the same way Kings Land Knights to give their peasants the belief that they too could one day be landed if they follow the Law.
I have come here to bear witness to the sham which is, or will be, the Camarilla, a sect he has decided to name after an ancient sect of Roman Vampires to placate the Elders he has aligned himself with.
With the proof of my own eyes I hope to bring more of the young around to my cause. From there we can form our own Sect and the Elders be damned.
A bit on our History, it is said that we are descendants from Caine who God cursed when he slew his Brother Able. However, Cainites from the East have a different myth, as do those from the Dark Continent. Thus, I will tell you what all agree with. At some point, the Clans the Thirteen of them morphed into different Bloodlines and began to battle one another. As they bred, their Childer carried on those battles and sometimes began to attack one another. This at the least was four thousand years ago, if not longer.
The Elders carry these wars with them, I seek to end this strife, let the wars and the feuds of thousands of years ago be between them not us. I do not and I should hope you do not, wish to die for them... That is what we fight.
Our main enemy here is Alyssa Fitz Gilbert, the lackey of the Ventrue Lord that rules our island, Mithras. Yes that Mithras from ancient Babylon, he is that old and powerful.
Our main ally is of our Clan, Brujah, her name is Ecaterina the Wise. Another of our allies is here as well, Armin Brenner of Magdeburg. Our Clan, Brujah have long been the Masters of War and debate. Beware, for our tempers can flare and we can lose control.
The Ventrue are not all bad as some claim. The Clan of Rulership and Kings, they have long sought control over the rest of us. It can be difficult to ascertain who among them to trust but I believe that Lord Jurgen here in attendance is among them. Our communications with them must be clandestine though so their Elders do not know of their sympathies.
Assamites are a Clan form the East, many if not all have converted to Islam but the older ones can be as eclectic as the worship if the Babylonian Gods, Zoroaster, or in some cases even the nailed God. The ones I have met are honorable but their lust for our blood makes them, unpredictable.
The Cappadocians are the Clan of Death. They study it and immerse themselves in it, leave them to it I say.
The Followers of Set, or Setites worship their progenitor who claimed to be the ancient Egyptian God, Set. Perhaps he was, these creatures are entropy in the form of man. Beware of gifts from them for they come with a price.
Gangrel are the most animalistic of us. They often shun civilization. If you wish to journey the highways and byways between cities and nations, befriend one. On a side note, werewolves, that call themselves Garou, hate us for some reason. Avoid them.
Lasombra are the Clan of Shadows. The Prince of this City is one. They are less scrupulous versions of the Ventrue.
Malkavians are the mad among us, there can be wisdom in madness but there is also madness in madness so parse what they say very carefully. Oddly, they can often be the most stalwart if not necessarily reliable allies.
Nosferatu are the monsters among us. Their blood twists their bodies and visages and sometimes their minds. I will teach you the power of Auspex when we have time, you need to be as proficient with that power as your blood will let you as that is the only way to be sure they are not spying upon you.
Salubri are the holy crusaders among us. Surprisingly they despite their Christian bent, ally with the Muslim Assamites against threats both consider most unholy. They can be implacable foes so be careful. Those who are not warriors are scholars and our allies within many Ventrue cities.
Tremere, blood thief wizards. Human wizards who became Vampire wizards. I don;t and you shouldn't trust them as they seem to have thrown their lot in with the Ventrue.
Tzimisce are the most horrible among us all perhaps. They can manipulate flesh and bones with their blood powers and this makes allying with them ephemeral at best.
And that is it, the 13 Clans all represented here. I'll introduce you to the Prince, after that, meet with those who are Childer, I am curious to their opinion of the Camarilla this far...
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Narses Elysium –
Robin nods to Lord Benne, "Edwarde, this is Lord Benne. The leader of the Cappadocians in this city and his Childe Dr. Cappelli.
Tell me, now that the first vote is upon us, for whom will you vote among the Ventrue?"
Lord Benne turns to Lorenzo, "Shall we share such information with a troublemaker such as Robin Leeland my Childe?"
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Nosferatu Warren –
Cristiano speaks, "Tell me how it is when you drink him..."
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Narses Elysium –
"A pleasure to meet you, Edwarde." Lorenzo says in way of greeting.
"I do not suppose there would be much harm in revealing who Clan Cappadocian intends to back among the Ventrue...even to a troublemaker. If the laws of Elysium as strictly enforced as I have been told."
Lorenzo says in response to his sire's question.
"It is our intention to ultimately back Lord Mithras via his envoy, Lady Alyssa, as the Ventrue representative on the Inner Circle. That is not to say that we intend to leave Lord Hardstadt out in the cold completely though."
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Narses Elysium –
"... and placing the only Tyrant worse than Narses on the Council", replies Robin.
"Lady Jadviga would be a better choice, she would at least be forced to meet with the Ventrue she supposedly represents to get their input on what to do as opposed to ruling by what benefits one the most, which is what Mithras would do".
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Narses Elysium –
Lorenzo allows himself a half-grin.
"Granted, my experience in the Cainite world is limited, but even one as inexperienced as I am can see that your Lady Jadviga is the least qualified of the contenders for the seat." the former doctor says almost dismissively.
"All that being said Signore Leeland, we are not beyond reason. Perhaps if you were to try to sway our opinion in the direction of someone more qualified than Lady Jadviga..."
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
La Serenata Notturna – Ranerius Banerius & Michele Querini
Sadir glances at the frozen Gino, "Well embarrassing as this may be, I would like to bring our friend upstairs and ascertain if your Sire has uh ah... the capability of aiding our friend in mis-remembering what he has seen and heard this night..."
Gino's eyes flicker to Michele pleading for assistance.
Ranerius considers it. It is possible his sire doesn't, but Rafael might.... but Sadir might feel indebted to which ever handles this... and that leads to possibly the wrong one being owed. Further more, this is a matter of family for Michele, a man he does not know, but he does know that family is not something trifled with lightly.
And yet, there is also the tradition of secrecy, crucial at any night.
Tricky thicket...but yes, I'd prefer not to have my place associated with rumor particularly in these panicked times.
"Well, we certainly wish no harm to this fine man," he says in a soothing tone, meaning to calm Gino, "Allow me a moment to find out. I will return shortly while you and your apprentice make sure all is...agreeable."
Unless they object to waiting a bit more, he will head upstairs to find his sire, and if need must consider asking Rafael as well.
Nosferatu Warren
Now that he was here there was much he did not know only days old, to have risked so much on such a playing field... still so much unanswered, but here was a prize he had sought. So Onfroi seals this fate and drinks Simon to the last drop not bothering to say anything til he is done.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel -
Veronica looks to Mistress Fanchon and says in a calm voice, "Is this a joke?"
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
The Stronghold of the Teutons then Through the Streets of Venice –
Geoffroi nods
"Let us be off. Follow me and we shall try to avoid the mob"
Venice by Night - Thursday March 27, 1309
Greetings Inn - by the Canal – Bagrat
Venice by Night- Thursday March 27, 1309
The Blurred Mongoose -
Piero listens intently.
"I am to meet a German, Herr von Saschen, I am told. I know little of him, other than that he is...let us say, discerning. And that he is quite well connected, and treats partners well. It is my hope that we will find common, mutually beneficial ground. In these troubled times, we need all the friends we can find!"
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Xing’s Hovel Haven – Xing Shi
After double checking the man is fully secured and gagged Xing heads out to find someone to feed on and then move out to find Gothas and her sire!
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn - Vitaliano da Riva & Luca Marano
Vitaliano becomes speechless. He was being told about decorum...HIM...over these fools. He shook slightly in annoyance. Durga Syn's hand on his shoulder calmed him though and he looked at her and nodded. "I'm beginning to think it's not in the blood that produces madness, but in the gathering of several of our clan." he said hotly.
He looked back at the two fledglings besides himself and tapped his chin. "Awfully quiet you two? You do know you won't catch madness simply by speaking around us yes? I mean, if you upset us there may come madness springing up in your soul but as long as you mind your manners I'm sure you will be fine. Do you know what everyone is here for? I'll be sorely cross at my Sire if I'm the only one not in the know." he said smoothing back down his hair.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Narses Elysium –
Robin poses a question back to you, "You claim that Lady Jadviga is the least qualified but without evidence to support that position. I ask you, first, what proof have you that your conclusion is true and second, how do you quantify qualifications?"
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
La Serenata Notturna –
Ranerius heads upstairs leaving Michele and Sadir and a very nervous looking Gino alone. Sadir smiles at Gino and pats his hand reassuringly, "Worry not Gino, all will be well but we cannot have you blabbing all over the city now can we?"
-------------
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Nosferatu Warren –
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Narses Elysium –
Robin poses a question back to you, "You claim that Lady Jadviga is the least qualified but without evidence to support that position. I ask you, first, what proof have you that your conclusion is true and second, how do you quantify qualifications?"
Edwarde stands quietly to the side observing the kindred and listening carefully.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
the Roof of Elysium -
You maintain your courage in the face of the unnatural, Mistress Fanchon grimaces, "This is no joke. Narses, we come to attend the Conclave!" she shouts.
The tentacles so close to striking pause and quiver, from the shadows appears a man, an older looking gentleman, "Ah Mistress Fanchon, a most unusual way to arrive. Luckily for you I was paying attention to the roof expecting another..."
Mistress Fanchon gives a stiff nod to the "man" who upon further inspection almost appears as if a statue has come to life. He does not breathe, blink and barely moves at all the way normal people fidget and tick ever so slightly. "Valdemar is it? I would have thought Brexiano would have been the one to greet me".
Valdemar responds, "Your memory is keen Mistress, Caldemar is indeed my name. Brexiano as I understand it is.. detained with other matters so until further notice I shall be Seneschal this night. Which begs the question, who is this with you?" His gaze turns to you, cold as the shadows that writhe around you all.
"Go ahead dear, introduce yourself to the Senescahl that he may properly announce you when the time comes", states Mistress Fanchon.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
the Streets of Venice –
At first you and Baldemar manage to avoid entanglements, the closer you get to the Church though the thicker the crowds become. When a mob comes near you both duck down an alleyway.
This proves to be a poor choice as well as there are a handful of men here already drinking. One of them squints and stares at Baldemar, "This is the one from earlier. A Holy Warrior, man of God. Puppet of the Pope I say!" The other two men draw steel one states, "Shall we show the Pope what we think of his Bull!"
Baldemar places a hand on the hilt of his blade and states calmly, "This is a most unwise decision".
The men charge!
Bravos
Venice by Night - Thursday March 27, 1309
Greetings Inn -
The door is pushed in and the first person receives a bludgeon with a warhammer flattening the man cold.
The same man screams, "is it worth it!"
The crowd retreats away from the door dragging the fallen man with them as the burly man swings his warhammer in series of twists displaying competence with it though not true mastery.