dc 7. Die pool reduced by 1 already
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Bassanio
"Alive", she purrs in your ear softly.
Vitaliano will prepare a doctor's bag. Though not the normal for if he was making a house call, this bag was one he had prepared before before he had to leave his old home. He prepared a few tricks of the trade to help out in case things got a bit... ugly. He put his surgery tools, some Chloroform, some rags, a few empty bottles, and a few needles. A bone saw was already inside though he had never had the need to use it yet. He set that bag by the door and sat there on the bed thinking about what he was doing.
It was crazy to do this right? No...crazy would be throwing it back in the face of those people and not accepting. He knew too much not to be pulled in at some point or be killed. He was prepared for this day since he started brokering blood. He sighed and laid back to sleep.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Alyssa turns to you, "Wait here".
She returns a few tense moments later with one of the Vampires who passed you by in tow. "I will have need of your cloak..." she requests of the Cainite.
He smirks, "Troubles Ventrue? I shall lend it to you but first pray tell, what danger has you so aroused that you require the anonymity of a cloak to release you from this danger?"
"Pacifico, that is your name yes? Some games must be played discreetly and this is one. An unexpected visitor has arrived that I would prefer not recognize my pawn", she replies gesturing to you.
Pacifico grins further, "I would ask for a Boon but I know this favor is to small to require such an official recompense. Knowing that I aided you will be enough, if you d end up on the Council, forget this not..."
He hands the cloak to you Alessandro and steps out of the room.
"That should do it". she murmurs as she raises the cowl of the cloak over your head. "Come, let us go".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Finn Garrety
Vykos looks to Dragan, "Open it".
Dragan grows wicked talons and begins sawing at the head of the victim until the brain matter beneath the skull is revealed.
Vykos turns back to you, "Now young Obertus, feast on the corporeal representation of the accumulated knowledge and experiences of Bagrat Kamsarakan". He closes his eyes and begins to speak in speech which seems to make no sense.
At the same time, the Cainite known as Claudius begins to chant as well and you see dark energies swirl around the room as his commands become more insistent.
Dragan moves to the far side of the room, he appears to be apprehensive at what is taking the place. The Cloaked Figure does not move or react in any way, he is so still he could be a statue.
2 successes.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
The Priest nods, "Come".
He leads you to the back of the Church and reveals the familiar stairs which lead down into the secret basement.
You hear voices echoing from the chamber.
Kevan turns to you, "Shall I head down first m'Lord?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
As you ask the question another guest rises from a nearby table and approaches, "The failures of the past are attributed to the greed of the few who were powerful enough to impose their wills on others. In Carthage, those few, despite the objections of some to the contrary", the man says looking at Lady Meridie "the Antediluvian Troile meddled with the forces of Darkness and had to be brought low. In mine own Rome, the treachery of many Elders, notably the Triumvirate, weakened the internal structure of the system causing the Camarilla to crumble. In Constantinople, the poison of the Triumvirate caught up with them and the fate to which they left the Eternal City, caught up with them in the end. This will be different as there will be o one Elder or group of Elders to seize power. The organization stretches across the civilized world and no one Elder or even group of Elders can challenge the collective might of all of the Children of Caine".
Lady Meridie seethes with anger
Another figure from another table interjects, "A pity your understanding of the civilized world practically ends at the Outremer Kestral".
Kestral turns to the figure, "You separate yourselves from us, Khadijah Saadeh. Not the other way around".
Saadeh retorts, "This organization will..." he pauses [/b] "No you will not bait me into this discourse this night Lord Kestral". [/b]
The Muslim Cainite turns and walks out, leaving his companion at the table, also a Muslim, behind alone stroking his beard.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michael Santo
You are able to see very little in the murky blood stained water. You hear nothing and see nothing. No body rises to the top of the water to your dismay.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing and Michele
Xing's blade slashes a Bully Boy,
The Armor slows down the blow but Xing has first blood in the encounter!
Michele, your action.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
As you and Sir Martin climb to the deck with ease Captain Menini appraises you, "Impressive climb in such bulk. Now, it seems you believe that my ship should be at your disposal. Know that I Captain for Khadaji Shipping, a chartered Venetian business with ties to the Ottoman's. If you see to commandeer my ship, there ill be ramifications Signore's. However, If I feel your cause is just, I will plead on your behalf should questions arise as to why I allowed my ship, not to be put into the bay for a few more days at least, was released from its hold. I await your explanation".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
As you lay in bed, the powerful draught coursing through your veins your thoughts begin to wander...
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
"Nay Kevan, I shall venture down alone, these men's confidences are not mine to break, please wait here".
Andrew heads slowly down the familiar stairs into the secret basement.
His leg fails in function, but at least the pain no longer plagues him..
Comes to the chamber door and knocks lightly.
With Xing in front of me I will turn and run out of the alleyway. I will head to Greetings taking a route to throw off any pursuit.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
The knight nods in acknowledgement of the captain's praise. "Good captain, we are in pursuit of a certain individual involved in unholy acts against God, church and man. He is believed to be fleeing Venice in yon ship." Baldemar points to the receding galley. "We would give chase, but alas, we have no ship. Can you immediately put to sail and catch that vessel?" de Frisia looks to the captain for his response with an intense, earnest expression of apprehension.
dc5
Forcing himself to do the dirty dead Finn makes the best effort no to look as his diner. He pictures "it" instead as a Franc delicacy of" cervelle d'agneau"
Round 1
=> 2/6 success
Still forcing himself he eats more of "it"
Round 2
=> 4/6 success
Round 3
=> 7/6 success
By now not nearly disgusted by the taste it seems a lot easier to finish it all up and with a show of both physical strength and willpower and looks back at the collective
All Done. is pretty much all he can manage to say
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Lorenzo sits silent, listening to the back and forth banter while thinking, Is this experiment doomed to fail too?
Turning his attention back to his sire, "My apologies, Lord Benne. It was not my intention to start a war of words by asking my question."
Michael will continue to scan the water looking for where the blood is dissipating and where it is emerging to follow the direction where his assailant has gone off too. Finding nothing of worth, Michael will find himself back into his office and try to patch himself up. Keeping his dagger close in hand he takes a minute to reflect on his close encounter with death.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
As you knock, a young man you do not recognize opens the door.
Sitting in the middle of the room is Claudio de Mendini with him much to your surprise is one of the men that was with Sergei Volkov the night of the grave fight. His name escapes you at the moment.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Bassanio
You gaze into the eyes of Aitana intermingling those looks with soft kisses. So enraptured with her beauty are you that when a sibilant male voice right behind you begins to speak, you nearly jump out of your boots!
"Aitana, who is this beautiful young specimen you have found? The other guests claim you have kept him to yourself selfishly all night long".
[ooc] You want to jump in here?
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi
You manage to keep your composure in spite of the scent of fresh blood.
From behind you hear the retreating footsteps of your charge running down the alley away from the fight! Unfortunately, there is little you can do as the three assailants are on you!
The first attacker stumble so badly on a wild swing that it takes him of balance tumbling into the third man.
The second scores a hit on your forearm.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michele Querini
Your first move down the alleyway is intended to put as much distance between you and her as possible. With a small glance backwards you see two of the three are already down. What sort of fight is this woman anyway!?
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
"My employer would agree that such a thing is important. Very well we shall give chase but you will owe me coin for this!"
The Captain begins bellowing orders, sails are raised, moorings untethered from the dock and oars put out where appropriate.
Soon, you and Sir Martin are in hot pursuit of the Giovanni ship.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Finn Garrety
"Excellent!" exclaims Vykos.
For a moment you see a silhouette of a man standing next to you and its as quickly it is gone.
Vykos turns to the others assembled, "Have your parts of the bargain been successful my friends?"
"He is fettered". states the well dressed man, "now you must keep him alive for some time so that my efforts have not gone to waste".
The Cloaked Figure nods in agreement.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Lord Benne shakes his head, "If not you, another would have started the debate. Listen and learn, they reveal much in their anger..."
As they drone on, you realize that coming down the steps and heading towards the door is Alessandro Khadaji who is covered in a large cowl, practically a monks' outfit which is not the same thing he came in with.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michael Santo
You wait with bated breath seeking a return of the angry homicidal monk.
Still he does not return, either you have slain him or he retreated though either prospect seems to leave you with sour prospects at the moment.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
"Thank you, captain. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. our Lord smiles upon you and your crew."
Baldemar anxiously waits for the galley to set sail. As it slowly slips into the harbor, he moves to the prow to better see the fleeing ship.
Her tough skin is able to absorb some (if not all) of the damage.
Storyteller Shadow
I will head to the inn that I had frequented before that receives some of Sadir's goods. I will take a route that is somewhat direct for time but may double back and some parts or use gondola's were applicable to throw her off when he tries to follow.
Seeing Alessandro, Lorenzo makes an off-handed comment to Lord Benne.
"It seems Lady Alyssa has already charged her child with some sort of clandestine mission...or at least that is what I would assume by his change of dress. Any thoughts?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
"Beg pardon tha interupion, I had been investgating tha area o tha former farm where tha dead fought gainst us."
"I have cause to believe that tha men o God should return there, as more evil is seeking to devour tha innocent like a hungry lion."
"I also have another such meetin to attend, can you return with me to tha mainland this night?"
Bassanio turns about with a start at sound of the new entrant. Momentarily annoyed at his time with the lovely Aitana being interrupted he gathers his wits and briefly examines the man before replying, "I am Bassanio," he introduces himself with a slight bow of his head. "It is a pleasure to meet you signore.." he inquires allowing to gentleman to supply his name.
Michael will finish preparation for the gondola jumping at ever turn with dagger in hand.... making a mental list of the men for the job and planning out how much coin for the job plus their slience. Michael will work o alibi to make sure the job gets done while making sure he can throw off sergei and the pietro if need be.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
Sir Martin joins you at the prow, "This will be the first victory against evil Sir Baldemar. Tis a shame Andrew could not be here with us".
Within ten minutes the ship embarks from the dock. Captain Menini calls for oars to be placed into the water to pick up speed on the Giovanni ship which from this vantage is lazily heading into the Mediterranean.
The First Mate approaches with a spyglass to view the ship. "The Captain believes that we will overtake them shortly. He will pull alongside them but will not risk ramming them. We have a gangplank we can use for boarding, it is dangerous, if they shove it off you could fall in the water, this would spell certain doom in the armor you wear".
True to his word, the Captain, between raising sails and dropping oars is able to bring his ship alongside the Giovanni vessel.
The Giovanni Captain it seems realizes that something is amiss and attempts to maneuver away.
Turning back, you see a glint off of the docks despite the dark night. You pay it no mind as Captain Menini outmaneuvers the Giovanni ship!
The Giovanni ship is forced into a tie up causing a small crash but little damage to either vessel that you can see.
The crew of the Giovanni ship begins screaming in protest. Both side draw cutlasses but only brandish them.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi
The dagger hits home but does not manage to draw blood, perhaps your tougher undead skin deflects the blade.
You glance back for a moment and confirm that Michele Querini did indeed take off.
1. Xing Shi
2. Michele Querini
3. Local Tough of the Doge 2
4. Local Tough of the Doge 3
5. Local Tough of the Doge 1
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Finn Garrety
Claudius speaks next, "I have attached the spirit of this man to you. If you are unable to respond properly to any inquiry, he may be able to inhabit your body and take it over for a time, provided he proves strong enough to do this. The Ritual that Vykos performed should allow him to do so despite his recent death. Do not be fearful or you may eject his spirit from your flesh. This alone could cause a misstep that would show you are not who you say you are to this powerful Cainite".
Vykos speaks last, "Finally, the Ritual should allow you to retrieve memories of Bagrat much easier. These are a mix of the memories I implanted within your memories along with whatever you may have just 'consumed'. Is this clear?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michele Querini
You run as fast as you can away from the altercation turning a corner, freedom may be mere seconds away...
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli & Alessandro Khadaji
Lord Benne turns to reply to your comment when suddenly a bell rings.
The darkness swirling about the floor begins to stir slowly at first but as the bell rings more incessantly it picks up speed and quickness creating a vortex of inky darkness. From that void steps a figure cloaked in the stuff of darkness, all that can be seen in the cowl is a set of blue glowing eyes. As he exits the portal several figures exit from behind him, each one takes a place kneeling before the set of bowls along the walls where the candlelights dance erratically their heads down in supplication.
The room is dead silent as Brexiano stands to address the figure, only Talisman is not paying attention to the scene unfolding still staring ahead.
"Welcome to the humble Domain of Prince Narses, we have been expecting you, Gratiano. The timing of your visit is unexpected. We appreciate the gifts you have brought for us all Prince Narses will return soon with the offering for the Blood Rites. It sees we will all be overfed this night".
Some of the Cainites in the room chuckle as the tension vanishes from the room.
The figure nods to Brexiano, he glances backwards and waves his hand. The vortex behind him closes. "I would speak with my Brother's Childe Seneschal".
Brexiano replies, "Yes he shall return..."
"Now", Gratiano retorts.
Brexiao nods and stands up from the dais. Gratiano walks past Alessandro paying him no heed joining Brexiano and they, similar to the group earlier in the evening, walk through the shadows and are gone.
Kestral watches the pair disappear, his eyes narrowing.
Lord Benne stays silent and turns to the Lady Meridie shrugging who shrugs back. Alyssa is still at the landing of the stairs staring at Talisman's back.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
Claudio regards you, "Evil is indeed afoot. It seems that two more murders have taken place. Sergei Volkov has sent his man Wilhelm here to find us, he claims that though we may be infiltrated the Fiend is too powerful for his group alone to handle. One of the victims had their head pulled clean off of the body. Is this meeting so important that it must take place tonight Lord Andrew?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Bassanio
"Well met Bassanio, I am Rafael, Aitana's brother. I apologize for the interruption but as I walked along the streets I spied my sister up here on this balcony alone with a man I did not know so I am here to check on her well being and her chastity", his voice is aloof. As you get a better look at him you are struck by how young he looks and how handsome he is. Despite yourself, you are almost in awe of his good looks.
Aitana's response clears the odd thought from your head, "He is no stranger my brother, he is the son of Antonio Strozzi".
Rafael smiles and his eyes light up, "Ah! Your father had mentioned you may be here in Venice, how fortuitous that we meet on the very night of my arrival".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michael Santo
You finish yur work one eye over your shoulder at all times knowing that you have merely driven the foe away and not slain him.
As you open the door, a man is standing before you just about to knock on the door. He is rather tall and dark skinned, a moor you would say.
"I am looking for Michael Santo, are you he?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
"I fear tha it is as important as tha I have tha knights templar tracking tha lair if you come this night you may meet tha beasts resting during tha light o day....if not tha evil will elude our efforts yet again, an find a new hole to hide within!......Tha master moves and tha spawn likewise. Only coordinated effort may let one team track and a rested team to strike!"