Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Ecaterina the wise who was heading to the Brujah stops in her tracks as the two Cainites walk by and pauses to watch their presentations, she too seems wide eyed by the arrival of at lest one of them.
Alyssa the Ventrue shoots up and seems about ready to shout something out but holds herself back as the men begin to speak.
The one dressed in dark garb who has an Eastern European look to him speaks first, "I bid you good tidings and good fortune oh Prince. You know me as a traveler who has come to and fro through your City. I come now again, I am Kratos of Clan Lasombra". He bows deeply and peers around the room suspiciously.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
"Indeed it is splendid to see you again my friend. While I would normally welcome you with open arms to my city, this Conclave taxes the ability to maintain the Silence of Blood with so many of our kind in attendance. Therefore, while you are welcome here, you may feed on the Lagoon only at Bloodfeasts else you must seek your sustenance on the mainland".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Kratos bows and replies, "As you command my Prince, I think you for your hospitality".
He heads to the Lasombra table though is forced to stand as seating is not available due to the large presence of the Clan in attendance.
The next man does not nod or bend or kneel, "I am Robin Leeland of Clan Brujah. I am here to test just how committed you are to creating a Sect that respects both the Fledgling and the Methuselah oh Archbishop of Nod".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
"It appears you are also here to test my patience as well as the Traditions of our kind. Be welcome here Robin Leeland of Clan Brujah, I am sure you will find what it is you are looking for here in my city. I reiterate what I told my own Clansman, you may feed at Bloodfeasts but nowhere else on my Lagoon is that understood?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Alyssa shouts out, "Be welcome? Be welcome? Prince this Cainite is a fugitive under Blood Hunt in the Courts of Avalon. A so called Furore who has broken all of the Traditions in the Realm of Mithras. He should be apprehended and sent with me back to Avalon to be tried for his crimes!"
Robin grins at the accusations and turns to Narses.
The Court holds its collective breath as Narses responds...
Narses Court - Setite Table
"since I am so young I know not of these events or much of the East where we hail. I'm sure I will in due time. "
I don't recall Kratos.
Xing just watches the exchange with a neutral gaze not really knowing any of the players here. She realizes her clan is very large but that doesn't really give her much comfort as she has known her own people to kill their own and she is sure it's much the same with the vampire.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Assamite Table
Giovanni sits alone at his table as his sire takes his place on the dais, quietly observing the other vampires bicker until the eruption over the Brujah draws his attention back to the dais.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Brujah Table
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Brujah Table
Considering Criatas words before answering "Then is it not easier to see such things as a shadow master aiding his clan, instead of the public figure head?" rubbing his chin out of habit "I heard a baron say something similar once, but it burned down to pride and it hurt us more. While he was great at what he did, he wasn't very good at sharing and being part of the group, which your response of if it's not me I'll burn it words let me think that indeed, you wouldn't see a clever ruse because you might be easily led, if you retort to such tactics, and you might find yourself leading a very empty table"
Turning to look at Christol "So I should be more qualified, since I have survived hundreds of attempts of my life from my jealous peers and enemies when I was crusading. Not to mention thwarting my enemies plans to claim land and titles in the holy land, and lose ground to the enemy wherever I fought" sitting back in his chair and resting looking tired "Even in un-life it's the same after all" "In my ignorance I do not know this Hardestadt, so I apologize, as I am sure he is a great... man, but I don't trust someone to lead me, if I have to take his minion word for it, many things could get twisted, messages changed and I may be young in this court, but I know this game from my time in mortal courts"
Taking a deep breath "You already probably displeased them, might as well go all the way" Lady Meridie is my sire, so I will be inclined to support her, it's only natural, but so far I have not seen a quality worthy to see why I should consider one of you over her. Age and scorched earth is not something that will help us as a Clan. Leading from afar through a proxy gives the proxy to much power and can be abused, and if it's not for the Clan, then why would I follow you then?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Cappadocian Table
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Setite Table
Khay'tall chuckles, "In due time eh, time runs short Childe, time runs short..." he states as he begins to observe the presentations of the two most recent arrivals.
Narses Court - Setite Table
I start to observe the presentations also. As I do so, keeping my eyes to the presentations, with a slight grin, "If we can't finish tonight I am sure we can make time. "
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Lasombra Table
The Cainites at the table watch the proceedings with interest, "Let us see how the Prince handles this challenge by the Ventrue", murmurs Lord Kestral.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Brujah Table
Criatas responds glares at Selena while he responds to you Dunstan, "It is better that this endeavor fails then our Clan is led to ruin Childe. You need not follow me if you do not wish to Childe, I shall look out for your well being nonetheless.
Ever has the Clan been one which has valued innovative ideas but I would not follow another with less experience especially not one who sides with a Clan who has long been our foe".
Christol shrugs at your contention, "Then you are well suited for this existence, your un-life will be threatened in ways you have yet to comprehend.
You misunderstand, Hardestat is everything that Criatas has pontificated against, the worst of the worst of his Clan. His Childe has stood his ground against that one, it is for that I follow him".
Lady Meridie chimes in, "You cling to the old ways Criatas, those ways did not work, the War of the last century should prove that. Prince Narses tries something different, no doubt he has ulterior motives but if the end result is favorable, what should we care what he seeks to gain from it?"
*******
Criatas grimaces as the Ventrue Alyssa requests that the Prince take Robin Leeland into custody, "Yet again the Ventrue seek to destroy one of our own. That shall not happen whilst I am present".
Criatas begins to rise...
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Cappadocian Table
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Prince Narses turns to Sadir, "Lord Sadir, the Ventrue seek to petition the Camarilla to apprehend an outlaw from the Barony of Avalon. I believe you had thoughts on such matters no?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Alyssa retorts, "Are you not the Prince of this Domain in which this criminal stands present?!"
Sadir responds to Alyssa, "This is a Conclave of the Camarilla, not the holding of the Court of Prince Narses my dear".
The Setite then turns to the assembled Cainites on the dais, "The so called War of Princes has set Sire against Childe, get against get, and Clan against Clan. There are many who could be considered "criminals" depending on what Prince or Voivode they ave offended.
This Sect should not hold onto such past transgressions but should start the healing process by absolving those who have had past transgression of such crimes".
The entire court begins to murmur. Criatas the Elder who stood up to speak in defiance exclaims, "Does this Sect then also free vassals from their vassalage and absolve those who owe boons to a patron?"
Sadir shakes his head, "My initial inclination is to say that bonds of loyalty and boons are a separate matter altogether".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Narses turns to the rest of the Inner Circle, "What say the rest of you to this proposal from Lord Sadir?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Milov Petrankov responds first, "Those who have made trouble will make trouble again in the future. Absolve them, they shall run afoul again if such is their wont".
Lord Bajazet, "Aye, free those who have broken the laws of the Prince for if this Sect is to hold any power, it is the decisions made here that bear the weight of all which must prevail". There is something about the way he speaks which reeks with sarcasm but neither Narses or Sadir say a thing.
Mistress Fachon shakes her head, "A wholesale absolution for all crimes does not seem prudent. I say nay".
Helene la Jouste at the Toreador table murmurs,
Brian of Clan Salubri chimes in, "With the exception of charges of Infernalism, the unforgivable crime, I would agree that all other crimes should be waived until a set of laws is set in place for all to abode by".
Lord Benne is the final member of the Circle to speak, "This seems a stretch. How will the decrees of this group be respected by those in power if we arbitrarily reverse their decrees with no basis for such a decision. I see that I am already outvoted in this but I too say nay".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Lord Criatas, perhaps there should be a group chosen among those present to enforce this laws, it is only natural that someone we can all respect or fear lead this group. While I cannot speak about Robin since I am ignorant of his crimes, I do believe some rules should be present and see measure him to them perhaps as a compromise?"
Dunstan shrugs his shoulders not sure how else he could advice an ancient creature like him, but he would not deter now "He may be of the Clan, but everyone should be accountable for their crimes, and if new rules are to be made, then all in this Sect that agree should be accountable regardless of position, and in Robin's case perhaps if he is released, he might be different and surprise some nay sayers."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Finn/Bagrat
It would indeed be interesting to know what and how are the connection formed between the dodge / the pope and the prince wouldn't it? Following the money trail can indeed provide somes direction as to who is in bed with who he askVykos shrugs, "The Pope and the Doge have few connections, as I understand it they are fast becoming mortal enemies.
Yes, knowing how the Prince is connected to the Doge would be interesting indeed. Perhaps by day you can investigate this? As a mortal still insinuating that you can assist the Prince in this wil gramt you access no others may get".
Of course i'll try to assist the prince to the best of my skills
he replied smiling
He whispers.
It's a trap. You and I, without Narses' permission. We are the trespass. So, the choice he offers is absolution or the destruction of us both...
He's mentioned it several times. Clever leverage. This is not the time for emotion.
A final death sentence for us and those like us... eliminating powerful individuals from every clan.
In this seeming madness, there is a pattern, a logic, a system we must discern and master. Pure chaos would not attract so many and hold their collective interest for so long.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table
Andrew has been learning the man Brian his sire for some time now and in all that he has seen of him and experienced, the one thing he knows is that Brian has few tells, few signs that indicate anything out of sorts is going on.....
Andrew continues to watch it occurs to him that he had once heard that much of politics is theater, meaning that what is happening upon the stage is for the benefit or detriment of others.
Andrew remains silent, not knowing anything for certain, and resolved to check the demarkation line and see what prevents the spirits from entering this area, and more importantly not to mention the spirits abounding again, hopefully Lorenzo will be able to provide guidance in this....knowing how to ward from spirits should hold clues upon binding them, and if wards can be made and binds made then both wards and binds can be undone....
Andrew sits down and folds his hands in front of him as if he is about to offer prayers, and he does briefly think of it in fact he almost does, but he has been given no part, no script and no direction for this theater of the night.....
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Helene mutters, but she does not speak up from the Toreador table. None of us do? Can it be we hope to appear neutral, or is that none of us dare speak with authority without a rival at this very table denouncing the other? How can we help unify all Cainites when we our clan is divided?
He dares speak up, "Perhaps, those princes that recognize the Camarilla and its authority, should in turn have their authority recognized by the Camarilla. Membership should have its privileges, as well as its obligations, should it not? If a prince claims independence, he will find his grasp goes no further than his domain. He will have his pride, and less intrusion on his domain, but he should not expect other princes or the Camarilla to waste time and resources hunting down their enemies. Would this not be reasonable?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Given the importance the court had so far placed on proper deference to one's elders, Gio is surprised when Ranerius raises his voice to address the Prince directly. He watches closely to see how the vampires on the dais react to the bold youngster.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Criatas ignores Dunstan's response awaiting the ruling of Narses in the matter though he appears on the edge of taking action.
Alessandro, your whispers as well elicit no reaction from Alyssa as she too waits on the words of Narses.
The room is deadly silent, after all none of the participants in this room breathe so there are not even the normal sounds of life distracting your ears from Narses next words.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
"The Inner Circle, incomplete as it is has spoken. As such I shall abstain as my vote will not influence the outcome.
The sins of those who acted prior to the formation of this Sect shall be wiped clean.
After all, if we do not, old grudges and rivalries will plague this august gathering and the same will reduce this Camarilla to war and bickering again.
Childe, Ranerius is it? You raise an excellent point, this is after all the purpose of this gathering is it not? A mechanism for resolving issues amongst Cainites both high and low.
If a criminal should act against a member of the Camarilla he acts against all such members, he shall find no succor anywhere that the influence of the Camarilla will reach. Nor will the Camarilla tolerate a rogue Prince acting against other Princeships. To attack one is to attack all and the full weight of our might will come crashing down as the dagger of Caine struck down Abel".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Alyssa speaks out again, "As less than half of the total membership has voted, I believe that this matter must come to vote again before this Conclave is through".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Narses nods, "Perhaps if you are voted to this body, you will raise such a motion, perhaps not. For now, Robin Leeland you may take a seat at the table with those of your blood".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Alyssa glances down at Alessandro and nods to him taking her seat again not pushing the issue any farther, for the moment.
"That decision seemed a bit hasty did it not?" asks Cristo from the table of Clan Nosferatu. "After all, will the rest of the Clans here and now not have a voice once they decide who shall represent their respective Clans?"
Sadir clears his throat, "Before we move on there is one small matter I must address concerning a caveat to our current decision Prince Narses.
Before my arrival here I was in contact with all Seven of tee Courts of Clan Setite. The Seven Eldest decided that there were a few members of our Clan for whom absolution was not an option. A list of criminals whose crimes are so heinous that they must be punished".
Lanzo stands up, "How convenient serpent that the very same member of this gathering who proposed absolution now looks to make exceptions to his own rule!"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Narses raises his eyebrows at Sadir.
"I agree with Lanzo here Sadir, this matter should have been brought up before your motion".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Sadir shrugs, "The caveat would make little difference to the matter of Robin Leeland and the Barony of Avalon. Each Clan can only name a member of their own Clan Anathema.
Clan Setite has named three, Keminitri, Fahdi Mohammad, and the Typhonian Beast.
The crimes of these beings have been deemed too grave to be forgiven. The Elders of my Clan beseech this Sect to capture these creatures and bring them to the Courts to be judged".
Milov sits up, "The Typhonian Beast, as I understand it, dwells within a member of my own Clan, an Elder who has not been seen active since before the coming of the nailed God".
Sadir shrugs, "It was the creature which was chosen by the Elders, I had no input in the matter".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Narses turns to the Inner Circle, "What say you all?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Lanzo seems irate, "Yet another vote will pass without the input of all? This is fast becoming a farce Prince".
Cristo chimes in, "Agreed, our Clans must have a say in this matter as well. Once all of those invited arrive, we shall be able to come to a consensus as to who will speak for our Clans".
Brian responds from the dais, "You speak of farces Ventrue and enable the Nosferatu to discuss delusions. If your Clans were able to decide who amongst you could speak for all, you would have done so by now".
The Toreador Helene stands, "Not true Salubri, I believe that my Clansmen have seen the error of their ways and are about to elect me to lead the Clan of the Rose"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Finn/Bagrat
Vykos smiles right back, "I am sure you will. Now, it is time for us to get to the Conclave. I wish to be last but not terribly late after all, Narses will want a large audience to receive his gift..."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Finn/Bagrat
"I believe it is not the Prince's fault or anyone else that some are not here at the appointed time, that is on them." Sir Dunstan looks across the room "We can't force those present to vote, but the silence of their choosing is their own damnation, for it is within themselves to make their voices heard, so speak now or be forever shackled to another ones voice and vote, since you have surrender it to him" looking at Criatas and in a more lower tone "I'll still rather see lady Meridie lead us than you, so do not speak for the Clan Brujah or myself just yet lord Criatas" bowing in respect to the elder Brujah, but making it clear he won't condone his threat to his sire or himself if he did not lead the Inner Circle.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Perception & Empathy DC 8
Xing watches the exchange watching those at her table to see their reactions to what is going on.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Childe, Ranerius is it? You raise an excellent point, this is after all the purpose of this gathering is it not? A mechanism for resolving issues amongst Cainites both high and low.
"Thank you, Prince," "I am but fortunate to have had heard my sire discuss such matters with me previously."
Again he inclines his head to the prince, and then also to his sire, Francois. Ranerius knows he took a gamble speaking to openly to the room, but it paid off in hopefully more than one way.If Francois cannot use that to gain the advantage in earning the Toreador spot, then I'm really not sure what else I can do for him. Besides, this Camarilla idea does indeed have merit. It attempts to civilize and open one city to another, much as Venice itself does. Ideas can more easily pass, and where ideas more easily pass, so comes art, and music. Too often culture becomes the tool of politics, but sometimes politics can serve the spread of culture. Yes, this could work to the benefit of all
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Perception & Empathy DC 8
Unexpectedly conviction and stubbornness of epic proportion swells up in Andrew as if it is some new part of his make up......
He leaps up and proclaims.....
"God alone can determine who is granted Absolution!...What if one clan condemns and another clan on tha counsel disagrees? If a demon held sway in a swine and it was cast out would not the crimes of the one be upon tha head o tha demon an tha swine be redeemed tah God?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
"God will judge the souls of those departed to bear his judgement, but among us, it is the laws that will cement the foundation of this Camarilla so that we may live in peace and in a civilize manner" Another zealot, would you got to church also bathe in holy water and stand in mass. No. I doubt it, just another empty worded wind bang that can preach what it's convenient."]
An so It begins he tough to himself as he noded back.
Alyssa's acknowledgement didn't do much to remedy Alessandro's concern, but it was something.
The others... what to make of them? Easily drawn in. Narses a clever cat; they, so many balls of yarn. Not even mice.
Listen, learn.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court
Never one to make rash decisions, unless pertaining to one particular subject, Lorenzo silently listens and observes as he formulates his own opinions on the matter.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court