Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
Claudio turns to Wilhelm, "Most of my worthies are on patrol. Can we retrieve your people and head to the mainland this night?"
Wilhelm nods in the affirmative, "We have access to a Gondola for our own personal use, we can be to the mainland nearly within the hour".
Claudius nods to you, "Very well then Lord Andrew, shall we go now?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
"Aye, tha more tha better, we will be given a full accounting afore tha battle."
"Bring fire and faith in plenty!".
Bassanio raises an eyebrow in surprise, "Oh, you know my father, that is most fortunate. And if you do meet him you may let him know that I have made a very good start of matters in Venice." he says proudly. In fact, just this night terms have been arrived at for a very profitable venture."
Bassanio smiles very satisfied with himself. "Your lovely sister," he says turning to Aitana, "was helping me celebrate without realising. Come now, we joined by another that our celebrations shall be further increased. Let us drink and dance this lovely night. Come with me." he adds.
Bassanio leads them back inside pouring three glasses of wine and calling upon the musicians to play something lively. "Come now. A lively tune! Let us dance." Bassanio hopes to make it a memorable evening, keen on enjoying it with these new friends for reasons he cannot fully explain nor does he question the desire as to revel is only in his nature. he eyes rarely leave the beautiful Aitana. Every time he is forced to look away his gaze returns with a moment of terror that she might vanish in the time he looks away followed by relief and elation at the sight of her. He asks her to dance with him and forgets all others except Rafael.
Xing growls knowing her master would be mad if she lost the person she was supposed to return. She will turn and run after Michele that 2 of them are prone and the one probably isn't going to be to much trouble being hurt already.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
As you all climb the stairs the Teutonic novitiate waits expectantly, "Lord Andrew, shall we retire to the Santa Trinità to meet with Sir Baldemar?"
Wilhelm and Claudio look to you awaiting your response.
In the meantime, the Priest assigned to the church this night closes the secret stairwell, covering it with a carpet.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Bassanio
Rafael smiles, "Indeed, your father is a shrewd businessman and through him have I made many investments here in the Italian City States, perhaps we can have you start handling our affairs here in Venice?"
Aitana shakes her head, "Tonight we celebrate, no business, get us a drink while we dance Rafael!"
As you and Aitana dance together with the other guests, Rafael brings both of you glasses of wine. He does not dance and instead mingles keeping an eye on both of you.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi & Michele Querini
Goons #1 and 2 stand up, that is their action for the round.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Finn Garrety
Vykos looks to the others, "Seems like a situation that could have happened".
Bassanio thanks Rafael for the wine, showing his pleasure at the suggestion he handle their finances in drinking his third glass for the night the while he dance with Aitana, losing himself in her. "The way she smiles and her eyes twinkle I could be lost those eyes forever and only awake to the passion of her in my arms, her hair swaying as we dance."
He pulls her closer to him as the move to the music of every passing song. Finally he drains the glass before saying, "My dear, I feel no matter how much time I spend with you it only further fuels my thirst for you. I fear this night is too short. I shall not be able to work the day tomorrow, with the pleasant infliction of thoughts of you upon my mind. My only remedy would be the knowledge that I would see you again."
Xing bolts after Michele.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
Sir Baldemar calls out loudly to the Giovanni ship. "Hold your blades! We are come to speak with Pietro Giovanni."
I will use a will power point also
Alessandro marvels at the powers manifest by these... creatures. There a pecking order, rather formal. But, power levels as well, real or perceived.
Right now, Alessandro... enjoy going unnoticed.
He notices Lorenzo, and it is as if looking into the future. Affording Alyssa a sidelong glance, he does his best to stay out of the way.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
Andrew keeps walking as he is talking...
"Soon Kevan, We must first venture to tha mainland so tha these gentlemen may hear first hand where they must go this day, will you come with us and then we may still have time to go Trinità to meet with Sir Baldemar."
"Come we must hurry, not enough time to accomplish what must needs be done."
still walking towards the Gondola as fast as he is able to limp along.
"Apologies to all I am but one man I try to do too much."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli & Alessandro Khadaji
Seeing his sire remain silent on the matter, Lorenzo does likewise.
Looking around the chamber to see the reactions of others, in particular the now cloaked Alessandro.
Xing continues to chase after Michele sliding her blade back into it's sheathe knowing the streets are coming up.
Continuing to run.
Will use a willpower point either way
Does potence help in any way?
Michael eyes the stranger with the wariness of a man fresh out of battle. Trying to compose himself as best he case. Wiping dried blood off his face with the back of his wrist he responds
"Yes I am he. How can i be of service to you"
Michael opens the door to let the man into his place of business
Vitaliano awoke with a start. Something was bothering him and he wasn't sure what it was. He stood up in the middle of the night and lit a candle looking about the room.
The room was quaint filled with enough to keep someone comfortable but didn't have anything lavish to make one assume he had money. Something about it irked him, even made his skin crawl. He began to pace, wondering and worrying.
He checked things in the room, carefully putting it back in place but only to pick it back up again and try again feeling that it was off in some manner. He stood back after a few attempts at trying to find what was wrong and looked at the room. It just didn't make sense to him, he knew the room was the same as it was before but it just didn't feel right now. He scratched at the back of his hand as he thought and began to rearrange the room so he could satisfy his brain.
When he was done, the room was balanced in a manner. Everything was mirrored by something else of similar size and shape and the bed was centered on the wall to make it completely mirrored. He stood back and stared at it for a moment...it'll do for now. He shook his head and climbed back into bed and slowly feel back into a restless sleep.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Bassanio
You dance with great exuberance once you down the wine provided by Rafael. It has a cloying taste, bitter and coppery, similar to that of the wine used at mass. Still despite its unpleasant taste you feel a certain euphoria at having drunk of it.
Aitana pulls you in closer whispering, "Tomorrow night come to where I stay, the Titian Inn. We will mix business with pleasure. This is ok for you?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi & Michele Querini
Michele, you turn the corner but it seems that Cing has decided that catching you is more important than being attacked by the Dodge's bully boys.
Pushing yourself beyond your normal limits you hustle to the end of the next alley. Despite your hustle, this little woman is gaining on you! While you see on bully boy chasing her, the other two are not in your peripheral vision, was she so easily able to best 2 of 3?
If you turn left you enter the maze of this winding neighborhood. If you turn right you will end up on one of the minor canals where perhaps someone can assist you.
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
Other start pursuit - 8 successes behind. Goons #1 Stamina+Athletics and 2 Stamina+Athletics
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
As you call out yur request, the men on the other ship lower their weapons. One of them runs to a cabin and within seconds Pietro Giovanni strides forth to the edge of the deck nearest to you.
A number of the crewmen aboard the Khadaji Shipping vessel are holding a few gangplanks ready to drop at a moments notice. You appear to have more men them they do, though the difference from what you can see in the light from several torches and lanterns on both sides is about a dozen.
Pietro regards you both, "Simple Travelers staying at the Getties Inn eh? My men found no evidence of either of you staying there. I thought nothing more of the foolishness you and that Lord Andrew brought with you yestereve. I am a busy man and have little time for nonsense. Now you commandeer a vessel and dress in the livery of a Knightly order? For what, to raid my ship of its cargo? I have little of value aboard save bodies to be brought to their rightful burial and some furniture I will be using at another stronghold of ours in foreign lands. Truth be told there is a small cache of treasure but not enough to make this entire crew rich. So tell me Baldemar, what is the reason for this intrusion upon my commerce?"
I will turn right to a minor canal.
Keep on running.
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Alyssa quickly heads down the stairs as it is obvious that Talisman is raptly attentive to nothing more than the statues in front of him, even with the entrance of such extreme power.
She hustles you out of the building, back to her guards and to your waiting Gondalier.
She audibly sighs in relief then smiles, "My Love! You have uncovered a precious secret I can only imagine is known to a precious few. The question is what to do with this secret? I wish my Sire was present. He would certainly know how to handle this situation. I will have to met with the Rabble tomorrow, your safety in this dangerous atmosphere was paramount. If I lose the support of Lord Jurgen so be it. More importantly, we have discovered the final fate of my brother. gain, were my Sire here he would now what to do though it seems he fell opposing the worst of our kind, a Baali. If they can even be considered our kind".
This is as animated as you have seen her.
The Gondola ride to your estate happens rather rapidly as you attempt to sift through the events of the evening.
Alyssa pays the Gondalier and makes him "forget" the ride. As you approach the front of your home Alyssa turns to you. "There is one more thing you must do for me this night..."
Before she can finish the sentence Jaleel approaches you.
"Alesandro, Captain Menini requests your presence on his vessel. He has learned that the Great Council will take a final vote tomorrow on the issues with the Pope and he and his companions need your voice to be heard. The Captains as well as the dockmasters are there waiting for you!".
Alyssa turns to you, "I suppose our discussion can wait, do what you must for your fair city my Love. Whence you return, retire to my chambers forthwith".
So saying, she heads into the House with her etourage in tow.
Xing pushes on chasing Michele.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
Kevan looks as if he wishes to object but with the grim visages of Claudio and Wilhelm resting upon him he thinks better of it and merely move in place behind you.
You reach a Gondola and see yet again another familiar face, Brice at the helm.
"Dark night eh Lord Andrew:.
"Dark Tidings go along with it states Wilhelm, we are to push of and head back to the field of death".
Brice responds, "You jest?"
Claudio speaks up, "No jest, Lord Andrew is again the bearer of ill tidings. Based on what he has discovered thus far, I and the Lord, are inclined to believe him".
The trip to the mainland is long and dark, you see other larger boats piloting to he mainland as well. Some of the passengers look at you oddly for choosing such strange passage to the mainland and odder still as you veer off to a place where it is clear no docks and no light are present.
You land the boat as ear as you can in the marsh where last time yu encountered foul denizens of the Knight.
Each of you light torches provided by Brice. All but Kevan brandish gleaming swords. Kevan has a mere dagger and looks frightened by what is taking place, he does his Order proud though as he does not waver nor complain about these odd circumstances.
As you all begin to march though the swampy area looking for patches of dry land a soft and then after some time a loud slamming sound can be heard.
Soon enough the sound becomes distinct, it is a sword slicing into human flesh!
Claudio picks up the pace, "Lord Andrew you man may well be in danger!"
Within mere minutes your light comes upon another light flickering out here in the darkness.
Near a torch planted in the ground is Brian swinging his great-sword at an assailant moving towards him in a lumbering fashion, around him are three other bodies all it seems have fallen to his sword.
His sword makes contact and the head of the creature comes off, its body dropping to the ground. He spins looking more enemies then turns to your group a mere 50' away.
In Gaelic "Lord Andrew, by the Lord I hope that is you!"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Finn Garrety
Vykos nods, "Miecyslav shall be along soon enough. He will be paying a visit to Prince Abertorius in Vienna. Then he shall be along".
Claudis grunts, "What of you Serpent? Our time here is done we can no longer afford to give you safe harbor here, your fig leaf so to speak has rotted to its midrib. Will you be coming with me".
The Cloaked Man shakes his head in disagreement, "No. I have much work to be done here before I leave. The body count is not high enough as no one else is assisting me in my endeavors. It seems when Prince Narses speaks, Cainites actually listen".
"Bah, Pietro has taken care to arrange for plans to crash Narses party".
"Who said I am doing this for Pietro?"
Claudius turns on the Cloaked Man and attempts to grab him... but the Cloaked Man is sitting on the other side of the room!
"Are you quite finished?" asks the Cloaked Man.
"If you are betraying us I will bring this place down on your head Serpent", he hisses as his eyes grow red and his Cainites elongate.
Vykos stands, "Far be it from me to stand between such powerful enemies but I believe we are on the same side here no?"
Claudius is about to speak when the Cloaked Man interjects, "The plans of my other employer mesh nicely with your own plans Claudius Giovanni. He wishes to ensure that certain members of the Kingship Clan do not survive this Conclave. That is all I can tell you".
Claudius straightens out his clothing, "I do not trust you nor did I counsel Ambrogino trust you”.
The Cloaked Man shrugs, “Such a pity”.
Claudius says no more and stalks out.
Vykos turns to the Cloaked Man, “I presume you wish to stay here?”
The Cloaked Man nods in assent. “None would dare look for me here. Soon I shall be out of your way as well. Have a place to go to ground but I do not trust it so I shall have to make other arrangements for my safe passage”.
“Afraid to be the assassin who ends up dead?”
The Cloaked Man again nods in assent.
“Then why agree to such a dangerous assignment?”
The Cloaked Man begins to laugh, “With the spread of such Chaos, the Priests of Typhon cannot help but forgive me my transgressions”. His voice is so diabolical even Vykos goes rigid at its sound.
“I shall leave you and your pet to do as you wish, I will take quarters in the attic. When next we see one another I shall be a free spirit and ready to take the necessary steps to assist in the Conspiracy of Isaac come to fruition”.
The Cloaked Man takes his leave.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michael Santo
The man looks at you poor condition and shakes his head.
"It seems I arrived too late. My apologies, I hope you have driven off whoever it is that attacked you Signore Santo. It is not how you can help me but how I can help you".
He pushes his way past you and closes the door despite your best effort to keep him out.
"My apologies for being rude but I do not wish passers by to hear our interaction, you may refer to me as Moses. I have been hired by Pietro Giovanni to assist you in locating a Katriana Volkov. I am in the correct place am I not?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi & Michele Querini
Michele, turn down the alleyway that leads to the canal, one of the smaller less well lit canals in the city. In the distance a short run away are a few drunken revelers. The other way ends up in the lagoon. You know from being down here a few times before that there are a few seedy Taverns that way but no cut throughs for escape.
The asian woman is relentless, she is not gaining on you but you are huffing and puffing and she seems to show no signs of slowing down. Behind her, only one of the men is giving chase but he is falling behind.
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
Goon #1 Stamina+Athletics who is 9 steps back and may turn the first alley corner now with at least 1 success. Goon# 2 Who slipped and fell in refuse in the alleyway last round stands up but he is 11 successes back and nearly out of the encounter completely.
I will run towards the revelers.
Do I recognize anyone?
In case I need to make another roll past the revelers
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Kestral turns around deep in thought and returns to the table where he was sitting before saying nothing and watching the dais with great interest.
Lady Meridie looks somewhat perturbed by the matter, "Let us speak at a later time Lord Benne, I have a few others I wish to visit this night".
Fadris smiles, "The Eldest sends Gratiano himself! It seems the Amici Noctis approve of our actions here. The support for our Camarilla grows. I must spread the word, please excuse me!"
Fadris also takes his leave.
In the commotion of your talking companions abandoning the debate you see Alessandro and Alyssa slip out.
Lord Benne turns to you, "Best not to mention such observations as those out loud my Childe. The first lesson I shall teach you is to extend your perceptions beyond those which your human self was capable. This will allow us to discourse in private. In due time we will teach you the skills necessary to reclaim your beloved. There is another mater we must discuss but in private it may be time for us to..."
As your Sire seems about ready to leave yet another Vampire approaches, "It seems you will be with us for some time my Lord. Glad to see you are back".
The Vampire is yet another stark looking female, but unlike the rest she is not overly dressed, pretty but in a workman like sort of way.
Lord Benne smiles, "Lorenzo, allow me to introduce you to the heartbeat of Venice, Alda Vassari, the Artisan of Venice. It is through her tireless efforts that this city has become the center of culture that it is today".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi & Michele Querini
You feel this chase, though brief has take the wind out of you. As you slowly close towards the location of the revelers, they pass beneath a torch sconce on a building.
The revelers are Pesaro Tamparo, Marino Soranzo, Zaccaria Querini, who is married to Bianca Soranzo, the daughter of Giovanni Soranzo who is even now fighting at Ferrara alongside your uncle Marco, and Luigi Carrera. The first and last members of the group are hangers on. Marino is for the Doge and his ally. Zaccaria is your cousin Marco's older brother. Both are members of the Grand Council.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
As they await the ship's master, Baldemar leans in to brother-in-arms, "Remember, Sir Martin, we suspect, we do not have evidence. Let us put forth questions, not accusations."
Sir Baldemar nods at the merchant as he comes upon the deck, "Signore Giovanni, we must speak with you. I can answer your questions by shouting them back to you or we can speak face to face. Please allow these men to lower a gangplank across to your ship and we will cross over to you. Will you grant us permission to board your galley?"
Venice by Night
Baldemar De Frisia
"Very well, you and your travel companion and no others may come aboard and you can explain the meaning of this intrusion".
Xing sees Michele running toward a group of people and channels her voice toward Michele.
"Sleep."
(diff Micheles current willpower)
Venice by Night
Baldemar De Frisia
At Pietro's response, the teutonic knight motions to the sailors to lower the gangplank. Nodding to Sir Martin, he moves to carefully cross over to the other galley.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Lorenzo quickly nods toward his sire, acknowledging his most recent lesson as yet another vampire arrives before them.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Alda." Lorenzo says, keeping Moses's suggestion to himself for the time being.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
The men are grim and determined as they approach the Gondola.....
"Both a dark night and filled with dark tidings Brice."
Reaching the mainland, and slushing through the marsh...then upon hearing the sounds of battle..
"Tis tha sound of battle fer certain!"
Perception+Alertness DC 8
"Take heart Brian it is I an other Godly men come to aid."
Andrew heads in the direction of the battle as fast as his leg will allow him to close the distance....
"Kevan stay near me, I'll not want tah explain yer death to Baldemar!"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Bassanio retires after a wonderful evening with Aitana. Thoughts of her upon his mind. His mind racing with images of their bodies intertwined discovering new sins of the flesh together. His thoughts though are continuously interrupted by those of Rafael and the possibility of a profitable business venture together. The pushes them from his mind to focus on the curves of Aitana and her melodious accent, but each time they seem to return, the image of Rafael a rude interruption.
Bassanio awakens near noon, starting with lunch for breakfast while hearing the news of the day from Etio. He considers the papers Etio places before him, giving the older man his assessment of each, and listening his counsel with fleeting interest, as his thoughts keep turning to the pair from the previous evening. Once the days work is complete Bassanio finishes his supper with haste rushing to the Titan Inn as instructed, his feet carrying him a pace barely within the dignity acceptable for a nobleman.
Finally his destination arrives, he examines the Inn from outside before entering in search of Aitana and Rafael.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Bassanio
You head home and hit the pillow still thinking about Aitana with Rafael's image intruding upon those pleasant thoughts.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar De Frisia
As you and Sir Martin make the perilous climb across the gangplanks both crews go silent and only the creaking of the vessels can be heard. All wait with bated breath the word which will come between the two sets of men.
"Now that you are here to what do I owe the displeasure of your visit? Are you Teutons who came to my place of business incognito or are you pretenders who have stolen armor from that august order?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michele Querini & Xing Shi
1. Xing Shi - Song of Morpheus
2. Michele Querini - You Pass Out Cold on the Cobble-stoned Street
3. Local Tough of the Doge 2 - Xing you do not see this one you think he may have given up.
4. Local Tough of the Doge 3 - Xing this one got caught in a pile of refuse and has not advanced but has murder in his eyes as he still waves his dagger at you.
5. Local Tough of the Doge 1 - Xing this finally turns the corner, it looks like he is not giving up yet.
Goon #3 continues to give chase - Stamina+Athletics Still 4 steps behind Xing he got caught up in refuse in the alley.
If he achieves as many or more than Xing, his attack roll - Dagger attack
Goon #1 Stamina+Athletics 7 steps back and has rounded the alley corner.
Goon# 2 Stamina+Athletics 9 steps back but still has not turned the corner.
One of the Revelers shouts out, "Oi, that is my cousin, Michele! He has fallen, drunk as a skunk I wager, I wonder where he was I did not see him at the Red Fox Tavern. Come we must see him safely home!"
Xing the Revelers, four of them begin to advance on the fallen form of Michele.
Pesaro Tamparo Perception+Alertness DC 8 He does not know Michele.
Marino Soranzo Perception+Alertness DC 7 He knows Michele.
Zaccaria Querini Perception+Alertness DC 6 He is related to Michele.
Luigi Carrera Perception+Alertness DC 8 He does not know Michele.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
She smiles, "I am well. Busy with preparations for the design of the new Elysium which we will be utilizing for the Conclave when it begins. Tell me, will you e staying for the blood feast? It seems that double the refreshments will be served with the arrival of the Ancient Ones youngest".
Benne pauses awaiting your response.