Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Alyssa dresses you in the latest fashions as the sun sets determined that you look as regal as possible for your first true foray into the political arena.
”If we expect others to choose us to lead tem, we must look the part. Are you satisfied with your current attire my Love?”
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
You wake, again after Brian does, and kneel down with him in solemn prayer.
He stands and places a hand on your shoulder, ”It is time. Introductions will officially begin and we shall wish to know who will be here for this event which shall prove to be contentious I have no doubt”.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Bassanio Strozzi
At the Titian Inn Aitana dresses you for your big evening. Rafael enters you room already prepared to leave, ”He looks fine my dear, we must go. It would not do well to be the last of our Clan to arrive Bassanio, if we are to lead tardiness is not becoming”.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Bagrat Kamsarakan
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Giovanni Dal’este
Lord Bajazet waits on you in the taproom of the Al Ponte Mocenigo as you rise late again. He grins at your grogginess. ”Take your time my Childe. The last to arrive is the one to gain the most attention, we shall do just that tonight when I reveal that you are my right hand. It shall be a shock for all to see”.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Lord Benne and Lydia sit in the parlor taking orders from mortal customers for burials as you enter the room after Dominic has applied your make-up.
As much as Lord Benne cannot stand to do so, there must be a presence in the mortal world if the House of the Giovanni is to escape mortal scrutiny and thus business must continue to operate.
Once the mortal leaves, Lord Benne shuts the door and locks it, ”Are you ready my Childe? This will be a spectacle to be sure, Narses will need to reveal his strength for all to witness if he wishes to retain control over this gathering that he has assembled”.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Michael Santo
You look for fares as you head down the canals of the City. You have not seen anyone for days connected to the night life that so turned your world upside down – no Hans, no Sergei, no evil monk, nothing, not even Francois. You sigh hoping for a sign of something else to come when you see a passenger flag you down for services.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Michele Querini
Waking in your new haven in San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto your wife is once again by your side. You nip at her neck to ensure that you have as much blood as your body can carry.
Heading down the stairs you see Sadir looking into a mirror in the foyer as if he is practicing for some speech he is about to give…
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Cristiano Lintini
You were unceremoniously dragged out of your sleep by Simon once dawn broke. Standing across the canal from Narses haven you have a perfect view of who will arrive.
Simon grins at you, ”Once all of the most important Cainites are accounted for, we will make our grand entrance. While Alejandro has spent a great deal of time with you, you shall be quite the spectacle upon arrival my Childe”. Simon hands you a heavy cloak with a deep cowl, ”Enter in this and do not remove it until I prompt you to”. He turns back to watch and see who will arrive first…
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
You wake in the Alla Vigna Inn feling as refreshed as you ever have while mortal, tonight is the first night of your ascent to power.
As you head down to the main room one of the worker drones hands you a note, the scrawl written on it is certainly from your sire.
”They are after me again, I will shake them, let’s meet at the Prince’s Elysium!”
You smile at his craftiness and knack for so narrowly escaping his enemies yet again until you realize that you don’t actually know where you are going, you were never formally introduced to the Prince!
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Xing Shi
He turns to you, ”We must wait for others to arrive first, the less conspicuous your arrival, the less questions will be asked of you, do you remember what to say?”
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
He takes the piece of paper and lets out a little chuckle. That indeed sounded much like the crazy fool he had come to know. He scratched at his chin a bit and realized his situation.
He thought back to what his lessons had taught him and he grinned knowing just where to head. He grabbed on of the drones and dragged them to a chair to drain making a fresh vintage and warm at that, he tailored it as he did most with a bit of good wine to give it the blush and taste that made for a good sale.
He slipped the cork into the top proper and began to walk down the way he had walked so many times before. Niccolo would know where this lovely little meeting was to be. After all that was the point of the Nosfertu, the filthy little spiders.
His mind wretched at the idea, knowing how hard it would be to not want to carve that face into something....proper. But that wouldn't get him what he wanted, no no best not to kill the spider lest they not catch the flies.
Alessandro takes his time mulling over his letter to the Church.
As to being stylish, less ruffles, more buckles. He explains he wishes to look aware of the latest style, but not a slave to it. Besides, what may be popular in one area of the world might not be in another.
Elites and leaders, yes. But no foppishness as he wishes to earn the respect and support of Clans Brujah, Nesfaratu and Gangrel.
He makes slight and subtle changes, adding hints of world fashion. Above all, he looks serious, yet approachable.
Xing looks to the human shell inhabited by Gottsdam still learning of all these new powers thinking back wondering if she ever encountered one of her new kind in the past but never realized it.
She nods "Yes, I'm to announce myself as the child of Erwin of clan Lasombra and I'm here to find Uriel and Sebastian. What do I tell them if they ask why I'm looking for these two?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
Arising from his prayers, his leg is still weakened and crippled, yet the pain of it has faded away like a distant memory.
"You prepared me well nuff fer tha which I bore witness to an clearly see tha way is lost to so many o not just tha childe, but also tha sire. I shall ware myself an seek those o like mind."
"Ready."
Storyteller Shadow
"Do you need me to do anything before we depart?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
"As ready as I am going to be, I suppose. This should be interesting to say the least."
Taking note of Lord Benne's distaste of the keeping the mortuary running, Lorenzo says, "The Giovanni were not the only morticians in Venice, would it be wise of us to gain control someone from one of the other mortuaries to run the day to day operations?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Giovanni Dal’este
Lord Bajazet waits on you in the taproom of the Al Ponte Mocenigo as you rise late again. He grins at your grogginess. ”Take your time my Childe. The last to arrive is the one to gain the most attention, we shall do just that tonight when I reveal that you are my right hand. It shall be a shock for all to see”.
Gio gives Bajazet a seated bow from his resting place before starting to rise. "Where are we going tonight, my lord?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
You arrive at the meeting place where you typically complete your dealings with the Nosferatu. This time instead of steeling yourself to enter a potentially life threatening situation, you enter as if you belong there knowing that in many ways you do.
Seated before you are Niccolo and two of his brethren, they are discussing something in hushed voices. The conversation ceases once you enter. Niccolo turns to you wearing the face you have traditionally seen him utilize for face to face meetings.
He grins, "Why Vitaliano, I am quite surprised to see you here! Should you not be at the meeting with the rest of the honored guests?"
You detect no hint of malice or sarcasm in his voice, the statement is a genuine one. Yes, yes indeed you do belong with those who should be honored!
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Once Alyssa is satisfied with your attire your group heads out of the Khadaji compound. Flanking you are two of her ghoul guards. Once these men have you hard glares, now they follow your orders as if you were Alyss herself, how things have changed so suddenly in such a short period of time.
Boarding a Gondola you are bound for the small island that marks Venice's Elysium. You are not alone, several such Gondola's converge on the large building, and not doubt many others will as well before the night is through.
You step off of the Gondola and head towards the maze entrance that wraps around the building leaving Alyssa's ghouls to watch the Gondola and the driver who does not object to collecting a large fare for doing nothing the rest of the evening.
Most faces gathering here you do not recognize. One does stand out to you and in fact motions you both over, it is Lord Jurgen, with him is Christol his Brujah vassal.
"Good evening my Lady, Alessandro", he bows and kisses her hand gently then nods to you.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Xing Shi
"The first part you have the right of. The second part you must be more subtle about. Do not ask directly, ask if anyone has seen them as one was ally to your now deceased Sire. Otherwise, those there will believe you are seeking them for some gain and the information will not come forth at least not without a price".
He leads you towards the island destination but motions that for now, the two of you will stay put.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
Brian rows the dinghy to the mainland and heads for the destination for the evening, a place you are loathe to travel to. For now, is necessary that you attend such a meeting even if it turns your stomach to do so.
As you arrive you see you are not the only Gondola's to make this trek this night. Dozens of beings are here, Cainites you suppose is the proper word.
One alone for now stands out among the crowd, Lorenzo Cappelli of Cappelli storage!
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Lord Benne shakes his head, "No, its is best if I stay connected with humans as much as I can. To separate ourselves completely leas to an inability in dealing with them as the decades and centuries go by.
Such folly leads to inevitable breaking of the Silence of Blood as one becomes far removed from human habits. A flaw many Tzimisce possess. Best to interact with mortals who are not your Thralls when you can to always remember that social graces are important, to survive we must blend in with their society not separate ourselves form it".
The trip to the Elysium is short as the House of the Giovanni is not far from it.
As you arrive a sea of faces you do not recognize greets you. Most make their way chatting amongst themselves in small groups. One face in particular catches your attention, Andrew Lord of Moray, the Scotsman who took such an interest in Dominic's warehouse!
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Michele Querini
Sadir shakes his head, "No simply keep your ears and eyes open. We shall be the only representatives of our Clan here. That gives us little leverage though my deeds have great weight with Narses ad the Clans I assisted others look upon us unfavorably by reputation alone. We must convince them that we are nothing like our reputation would indicate.
We shall dine here before we go, I do not wish to be too early".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano bowed slightly before the group before coming back up with a smile on his face like he had changed out mask. His head tilted to the side a bit. "Ah, you see. I'm afraid that while my invitation found it's way floating gently into my hands, my guide was whisked away on the very same gentle breeze. But then that breeze has guided me along my way to the holder of keys of so many places...Niccolo, my friend I'd like to extend an invitation to join me at the most honored place this eve...Why I've even brought a fine bottle warmed to the touch as a gift for accompanying me." he said with that smile never leaving his face.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Giovanni Dal’este
"We go to the viper's den. A place of thieves and beggars. We must strive to be neither.
The Conclave begins and so too does your true test of worthiness of the Blood of Haqim.
Come, let us go".
An overland trip from your temporary Haven brings you to a series of canals. In the distance you see many Gondola's converging on a single island with an abandoned building located upon it. For all the years you have lived here you never quite noticed it before, perhaps because the area is not the best one in the city or perhaps because there are no homes nor businesses located nearby. It dawns on you that you and your ilk truly do hide in plain sight.
As you arrive, no faces are familiar to you. A man wearing the garb of a Muslim, like Bajazet approaches you both.
"As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu wa maghfiratuh", states the figure.
"Wa-Alaikum-Salaam", replies Bajazet. "Khadijah, this is my Childe Giovanni Dal’este".
Khadijah does a double take as he looks at you twice both times as if for the first time.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Seeing Andrew, Lorenzo comments to Lord Benne, "Well that is interesting...it seems that the man that broke into my family's warehouse is the chosen of another Cainite. I suppose it could be coincidence, but that seems unlikely."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
@Brian
"I see a familiar face amongst tha gathered."
Makes his way towards Lorenzo.....
"Lorenzo, glad am I tah see yah again. It seems tha mayhap tha both o us ave found ourselves awakened in a very different world."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Giovanni Dal’este
"Wa-Alaikum-Salaam", replies Bajazet. "Khadijah, this is my Childe Giovanni Dal’este".
Khadijah does a double take as he looks at you twice both times as if for the first time.
Gio, dressed in his usual Venetian fashion, nods respectfully to the other man. Bajazet had not taught him Arabic but Gio spoke Ottoman Turkish fluently, which to his Venetian ear sounded very similar, so he addressed the man in Turkish.
<"Good evening, brother. I am honored to meet my first of Bajazet's comrades and hope to bring honor to the clan.">
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
Niccolo cracks a smile, "If you wish me to attend to you, I shall. Come let us go".
He turns to his brethren, "Later this evening I will be back, enjoy the rest of the night, it should prove most interesting. Keep and eye on the flock as their doings in these turbulent times must not be traced back to us".
Niccolo leads you out of the small tunnel and back beneath the bridge under where the tunnel exits. "Let us share that wine now before we go friend Vitaliano. Tell me, how have you found your new existence with your new Sire?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli & Andrew the Hardy
Lord benne nods at your statement, "Yes most likely not a coincidence".
Mere moments later Andrew addresses you.
Following right behind him is a man, Cainite you can only assume, dressed in the attire of a Templar. He looks to be from similar stock as that of Andrew, "Lord Benne I presume? I am Brian Stack of Clan Salubri. I have heard of you in passing a pleasure to make your acquaintance for the first time".
Lord Benne gives a slight bow back, "My Sire and your Progenitor have had a correspondence as of late. An interesting relationship dynamic is that one. Tell me Brian, what do you make of Narses proposal to form a coalition amongst our kind?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Giovanni Dal’este
Khadijah shifts to Ottoman Turk as well, "I apologize for my rudeness Giovanni. I did not expect Lord Bajazet to Embrace an Infidel.
We are comrades in faith though not comrades in blood. I am Khadijah Saadeh of Clan Lasombra. The same blood as Prince Narses but not of the same lineage.
Tell me Giovanni, what are your views on the clash between the east, Islam, and west, Catholicism? This will be the great struggle that your Clan will face in this gathering of so many Western powers."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli & Andrew the Hardy
"Indeed it seems we have. Good to see you again, Andrew." Lorenzo says in response to Andrew's greeting before becoming silent and listening to the conversation between Brian and Lord Benne.
-
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli & Andrew the Hardy
Had yah heard tha Federico hast made a go o being a pipeweed farmer? I ave hopes fer tha lad."
"Tha idea o tha meetin o all sounds like home tah me when all tha clans gather tah talk, it has werked fer some mortals some o tha time."
"I ave been haunted a bot o late an wondered if yah knew bout souls bound gainst thar will?"
Xing nods and waits patiently for the others to arrive.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli & Andrew the Hardy
While Andrew pulls Lorenzo aside, the Sires continue their discourse.
Brian shakes his head, "I have high hopes. We need to stand united as one against our foes. The servants of darkness stand in the shadows and manipulate us because we lack unity. With this group, we will be able to stand against them and guide our flocks well. It is our duty to protect the souls of those who provide us nourishment".
Lord Benne shrugs, "Our flock are not just sheep, wolves hide amongst them. We also need to be mindful that our presence and influence, if discovered, would be met with outrage and retribution. Do you truly believe that those who serve Demons threaten us so?" Lord Benne sounds rather skeptical.
"It is not a belief, its is a proven fact. The Baali are stronger now than ever before. The lack of belief in them has given them the anonimity they so require to carry out their dark works", replies Brian. "Just mere centuries ago, the belief in spirits was believed to be the maniacal ravings of the Malkavians, did your Clans newest members not prove that indeed spirits are a force in this world despite existing in the next one?"
Storyteller Shadow
I will feed until my thirst is sated.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Michele Querini
You and Sadir make your way through the streets of Venice. It has been a few nights since you have left the comforts of the Inn and the streets this night seem electric with the people walking by, none of whom see either of you.
Few women are out but plenty of bands of armed men are.
Sadir turns to you, "This city seems to be ready to explode. Perhaps the security of this place is not as strong as Narses would like the rest of us to believe".
He says nothing more as the two of you head towards the boathouse of Michale Santo. Upon arrival he makes the presence of both of you known demanding the driver present take you both to your intended destination.
On the water the city seems a bit more peaceful, perhaps because the main mobs have kept to streets away from the canals where the Doge's men patrol more heavily.
As your Gondola turns towards a part of the city that is unfamiliar o you, the magnitude of this event finally dawns upon you. At least five other Gondolas head in this direction as well, none of which contain figures you have seen before. Some nod to Sadir others look stoically forward while others chat amongst themselves.
You land on a very crowded dock and begin making your way towards the front entrance with Sadir. The building looks rather ramshackle considering the events that will take place within.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Xing Shi
Gottsdam points at one of the Gondolas, "There is Michele Querini. With him is Sadir. Go now, speak with them first my dear. Remember who your Sire is as you may plead to one of the local Lasombra should you run into trouble".
He closes his eyes and you see a Gondola driver leave the shore of the small island and head towards your position.
"I have summoned that for you. I shall wait here in the shadows until you return to me though I will watch you from afar I cannot directly aid you".
Storyteller Shadow
Perception & Alertness DC 7
Storyteller Shadow
I turn to Sadir and whisper the following to him.
"I see Dr. Capelli whom I had dealings with in my old life. Shall I stay with you or may I speak with him before I enter?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli & Andrew the Hardy
Stepping off to the side with Andrew, Lorenzo considers the question.
"I may have seen such things before...where might this restless spirit be?"
-
Alessandro notes the change in the guards' demeanor. He will need to address it.
Lord Jurgen, Christol. Alessandro nods to each, unsure the Brujah would be open to his hand. He is however open to meeting her eyes.
His eyes discretely scan the assembly for individuals known to him.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Michele Querini
"I shall accompany you", he replies ad begins to head in the direction of that small gathering.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Lorenzo, you spot Michele Querini who also sees you and begins to head in your direction with another ma of Egyptian descent right beside him. The figure beside him s what you envisioned when your Sire and Simon described the Followers of Set...
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli & Andrew the Hardy
"I know not from whence it came, it told o bein sent an bound in servitude gainst it's will...Do you know how this ken be done, and undone?....I believe tha spirits all ave began circling round me, I see tha shades even now."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli & Andrew the Hardy
"....I forgot tah mention I encountered tha spirit in tha Manse o tha Giovanni....yer help an insights I appreciate."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji