"Indeed, did he tell you we had become among the largest of the clans, bloated, in need of a blooding to become more healthy. Mark my words carefully young one for I have gazed long into the endless streams, a time of blooding is coming for all of our kind. The strong will survive and we emerge on the other side better as a species for it."
He hands Charles a rotted organ as he continues his work.
"Now what brought you to my halls this night, young one?"
Charles inspects the organ to determine what caused the rot, Intelligence + Medicine
"A Blooding eh? Similar to this Reconquista? Or more expansive?"
As he refocuses on the reason he came, Charles asks, "The Church. My allies believe that speaking with a member of the Clergy may be able to aid us in identifying some of the foes of the Church in the area. After all, it was a Priest that was slain within one of their own Churches earlier this night. I was hoping that perhaps you had some contacts to aid in this matter?
I have utilized the powers inherent in our Blood to identify the voices and faces of those Mortals that are committing these Ritual slaughters. All take place by day, making it obviously difficult for us to act against them".
"Very carefully, there are special codes and word combinations used. As to their travels I did not hear them speak of such things, though it would be uncommon to travel though Greece, Sicily is more likely. There interest in nothing I cannot handle, I will let you know if that changes. Is there some danger that I should be looking for?"
"Murders, my friend. Two of them, one at a dock, the other..well tonight. I'm trying to learn more, but both apparently were part of some occult ritual. I tell you this because you have been an ally to me and I trust you to be discrete. I do not know who is behind this for sure, and I do not want to unleash the authorities on any innocents. But given what you deal in, I do worry for you." Honesty. Will it turn and bite him? Possibly
Charles inspects the organ to determine what caused the rot, Intelligence + Medicine 2d10+3d10
"A Blooding eh? Similar to this Reconquista? Or more expansive?"
As he refocuses on the reason he came, Charles asks, "The Church. My allies believe that speaking with a member of the Clergy may be able to aid us in identifying some of the foes of the Church in the area. After all, it was a Priest that was slain within one of their own Churches earlier this night. I was hoping that perhaps you had some contacts to aid in this matter?
I have utilized the powers inherent in our Blood to identify the voices and faces of those Mortals that are committing these Ritual slaughters. All take place by day, making it obviously difficult for us to act against them".
The rot was caused by being dead for many years, you estimate at least 30 years.
"You should speak to brother Antonias, though do not reveal your true nature. He believes all he cannot rationally explain to be servants of the devil but his knowledge of occult rites is good for a mortal. If you cannot act by day, use ghouls or the blood bond." He shakes his head and mumbles "Sires don't teach them properly anymore."
"Very carefully, there are special codes and word combinations used. As to their travels I did not hear them speak of such things, though it would be uncommon to travel though Greece, Sicily is more likely. There interest in nothing I cannot handle, I will let you know if that changes. Is there some danger that I should be looking for?""Murders, my friend. Two of them, one at a dock, the other..well tonight. I'm trying to learn more, but both apparently were part of some occult ritual. I tell you this because you have been an ally to me and I trust you to be discrete. I do not know who is behind this for sure, and I do not want to unleash the authorities on any innocents. But given what you deal in, I do worry for you." Honesty. Will it turn and bite him? Possibly
"Some dark cult moving to take advantage of the chaos a change in rulership brings? If that is true then the safety of the many likely outweighs the pain of a few."
The rot was caused by being dead for many years, you estimate at least 30 years.
"You should speak to brother Antonias, though do not reveal your true nature. He believes all he cannot rationally explain to be servants of the devil but his knowledge of occult rites is good for a mortal. If you cannot act by day, use ghouls or the blood bond." He shakes his head and mumbles "Sires don't teach them properly anymore."
Charles looks at the organ curiously, "My word, that was a long dead corpse Elder the rot is substantial...
At any rate, yes I was suggesting just that very thing earlier this evening to my compatriots. However, I am not entirely sure how many Ghouls they have at their disposal and my single trusted manservant cannot be expected to handle several bloodthirsty cultists. No sense in wasting a resource in such a manner. It does seem that an entirely new set of Ghouls may well have to be created... I just hope that our Cultists plans do not reach fruition before they are ready.
Regardless, I shall speak with Brother Antonias. Thank you for your assistance Elder. I shall inform the Prince of your vital aid in getting to the bottom of this mystery once we have concluded the matter".
"Some dark cult moving to take advantage of the chaos a change in rulership brings? If that is true then the safety of the many likely outweighs the pain of a few." ..
A grin, "You might not think so if you were one of the few, but I think it best if a few must know pains, it be the these murderers yes? Do you know anything that might aid me beyond what you've shared?"
Charles finds brother Antonias pouring over an ancient tome in a back corner of the clerical library.
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Fredrico finds that none of his available books can be of further help, though several mention another book, Arkanis Geometria Arcanys
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"Alas my friend, I am but a poor peddler of trinkets, such things are beyond me."
Charles pulls his cloak tight about himself and keeps to the shadows as much as he can when approaching Brother Antonias, "Brother? Lord Cadava bid me seek you out. There are murders, another one this night, I believe by those who revere the Prince of Darkness. The nature of the slayings, cult like. I was hoping perhaps that you could help identify any enemies of the Church locally. Also, a witness saw some of the men fleeing one of the scenes and I can provide you with descriptions if that would help..."
"Alas my friend, I am but a poor peddler of trinkets, such things are beyond me."
"Becareful my devout friend" A bit of humor mixed in with real concern [B]"But if you should learn any more about the situation? or know someone I could seek for more information into matters?" he offers a coin or two.
"Lord Cadava you say? These are serious claims, in the light of day I will ensure they are properly investigated. What did you say your name was brother? I will need to speak to you again after investigating."
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"As always Alvaro, doing business with you is always profitable."
Charles nods to the cleric, "I am Brother Tacitus. I appreciate the help. These agents of evil must be stopped. In the meantime, I will see what I can do this evening and tomorrow to find out more information, I've companions who are also seeking answers. Together, we will succeed".
Charles takes his leave and heads to the rendezvous point.
At this point all of you can meet up again.
Charles steps within the warehouse, "Good evening my friends. While I've not made much progress I have recruited an agent who can operate by day to aid us in the search for these villains".
Alvaro makes his way towards the others "Not much progress myself but there are strangers about looking for books of occult nature."
Dragoslav meets them at the entrance to the warehouse. "That's more than we knew before. I looked at this place with fresh eyes and it would seem, that the ritual must, or should, be conducted at the center of the building. As both murders took place inside, I wonder if this ritual can be conducted outside."
Dragoslav pauses begins muttering to himself. "Maybe hang the sacrifice from the tree? Or outside the building? Are these exact spots important or did they choose it out of convenience?" He continues for some time, and then stops and asks the others. "Do we know what stood here before the warehouse? And what stood at the church's grounds?"
unless you guys have something else you want to do this night I will move things ahead tomorrow.
You all separate again to sleep away the day. While you are sleeping your mortal minions spread out across the city and investigate. After much work they find that recently arrived individuals from far away are moving in and out of the area around the docks.
Further ritualistic killing takes place during the day.
Alvaro goes home, rests, and ponders who he will check with next Greed I would understand, but demon worshipers and occultists are almost alien to me. I'm too used to material power I suppose. When he rises contemplating finding Sofia. What a seamstress who works for nobles might know he's not sure of, but then, he only has so many leads and contacts to try.
Dragoslav will send one of his ghouls with a sealed letter to each of the others.
Good evening.
I suggest we ambush those cultists during the day with the ghouls we have. Let us discuss the details in person near the docks. Please send you answer with this ghoul.
Yours truly, Dragoslav Ranković.
Charles sends Trent back to Dragoslav letting him know that he will indeed attend the meeting at the docks.
Charles needs to feed.
Charles sends Trent back to Dragoslav letting him know that he will indeed attend the meeting at the docks.
Charles needs to feed.
roll
Charles hunts for a lone victim, the irony of him laying humans while trying to prevent other humans from slaying humans is an irony not lost upon him.