Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - A Secluded Room - Vitaliano
Vitaliano listened carefully to the words the Canite offered. He had heard about the Toreadors and their blood's desire to be a part of the old world but this man's idea almost sounded more cloak and dagger then the clan's normal views.
He rubbed his chin a bit and looked up at him after a bit of contemplation "Forgive me if I have gotten this wrong but you see your role as being a Shepard to a flock of sheep yes? Steering the humans carefully away from the dangers and keeping them safe for our needs as well as their own?" he asked after a bit. If this was true and the man wished to be more of a puppet master working his puppets in a show then he would indeed be a valuable person in a position of power.
He turned the subject a bit after he had gotten his answer "I think I understand well how you think and how you would suit the position...but I of course have to ask, what is it you think of my sire and his opponent?" he asked trying to get a bit of insight as to how he might best manipulate this vote.
Michael watches as ms Fanchon exits listening to her final wordS.
"A lovely flower she is"
Michael turns towards the remaining group
"Thank you all for your favorable votes. Should my unnatural life be expanded. I shall repay your kindness."
Michael bows
"honestly what do you think my chances are of surviving this? Is my ordeal similar to any of yours?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
Turning to Radek and K'haytall, "what do you suggest? Speaking directly to Fanchion? She may want something in return. "
Onfroi will continue to grab rats until hr no longer feels mad
sucking down one after the other
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing - Robin Leeland
Xing listens intently to Robin and Andrew.
"Those in charge always try to keep the many down for they fear the many will eventually rise up and take over. This is the way of things as I know it, nothing new."
She smiles at Andrew and then back to Robin.
"I will flow where the river takes me as I have done with most of my life."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Dais of the Inner Circle - Ranerius Bernerius
As you scan the room you see that politicking has begun in earnest, many are not even in the room at this moment and many others are gathered together.
Seeing that Lady Meride is alone, and having met her before, the young Toreador makes his way towards her,and bows when he sees her, "Lady Meride, a pleasure to see you again. How fares your eve?"
Onfroi continues to slurp down rats not caring what he is drinking from his mind still not registering the momentous change
Finally feeling somewhat sated Onfroi says I am lucky to have lived as long as I did if ever one of us hungered as I just now
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
Lorenzo smiles, "You are quite welcome, Michael. As to your odds of survival, I truly have no idea. I would like to think that the powers that be can be reasonable an see the benefit to your continued existence, but I too am new to this world and any opinions I give would be mere speculation."
Lorenzo's expression turns to one of sympathy as he continues to address Michael. "I can not speak to the experience of others, but I know my own experience has been significantly less harrowing thus far."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Dais of the Inner Circle - Giovanni Dal'este
Put aside my foibles for a moment. I am older and more respected than Petradon among my peers. If you wish for my Clan to participate in this Sect and not operate outside of it, I believe that I am the obvious choice".[/b]
Bajazet is stone faced as he replies, "Giovanni. I would have you met with this Petradon. Between he and Simon, you will inform me which you would choose and why".
Gio gives Bajazet a nod that was nearly a bow. "Yes, my lord." He turns to Simon. "I would not ask for an introduction, Simon, since your relationship with this man seems... fraught, but if you could tell me where to meet him I would appreciate it."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing - Robin Leeland
"I suggest self governance. Obligation to a coterie of peers not to one Master that rules large swaths of territory he has never seen nor knows exist. The Traditions, have their uses but they must be modified to reflect the reality that our kind no longer consist of fifty to one hundred blood suckers living in caves or hiding in one or two cities".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - A Secluded Room - Vitaliano
"I do not see it as such Fledgling, the reality for us all that it is that way. If humanity and its civilization should perish, what would become of us? If they returned to the days of hunting for food and moving as nomads across the land how would our kind survive? The most powerful and cunning might survive but the rest would perish much like the flock".
He grins at the mention of your Sires rival, "Your Sire I know little of, I was hoping YOU could give me more insight into him. His opponent seems a madman. Though I have been led to believe differently..."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
He stand up, "I shall take my leave, come and find me when you wish to discourse further Michele Querini..." He exits the room.
Radek watches him go, "I thought he was dead, interesting to see that he still lives". Radek turns to Michele, "In fact, as I understood it, your Sire and Sebastian are the ones that had slain him. I am glad he is not dead, he has given me an idea. Tell me Michele, Lorenzo. Would either of you be willing to give my Childe and I a haven for the night?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing - Robin Leeland
"Coterie, coterie of peers how now does this work? I understand obligation an friendship, how is this a governance?".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Onfroi the Bastard of Burgandy - the Nosferatu Warrens of Venice
Petradon nods, "Yes, the hunger is a powerful force but you must master it. The initial pangs you have just felt are as terrible as any you will feel. Under normal circumstances, I would give you several weeks if not months to explore your abilities and delve into the nature of our existences most deeply.
We do not have the luxury of that time and you are not a normal Fledgling. By your Embrace, I have secured the vote of your former Master for my position as the head of my Clan.
You will assist me in gathering the rest of the votes necessary to become the head of a new organization being formed by my, our, kind. How much, if any of this, had Francois discussed with you?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Dais of the Inner Circle - Giovanni, Cantor, Alessandro, Dunstan
Giovanni
Simon smiles, "You would be better served having me introduce you. The warrens of the Nosferatu are not to be traveled lightly, not even by the dreaded Assamite warriors. I assume he sees me as a rival, I do not share the same view. I know I am the correct choice".
All Together
As Simon finishes his statement, three Fledgling approach the dais.
Alessandro Khadaji of Clan Ventrue, Dunstan Fuller of Clan Brujah, and Cantor of Clan Gangrel.
Bajazet speaks a frown forming on his face, "An unusual collection of Fledglings to be sure. Have you come to me in the stead of your Sires?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Brujah Table - Ranerius Bernerius
"Ranerius is it? I am well, I appreciate the asking. Manners are most important at Court.
Until your arrival I was watching what was going on around me. How do you fare? I see that you have begun to make rounds on behalf of your Sire's interests. You seem to have adjusted to your new, existence, rather well".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing - Robin Leeland
"How is it not? Do your friends not offer you advice and assist you in your time of need? Have they not always had your best interests at heart even when you believed that your decisions were correct when in hindsight it was apparent that they were right?
A much different type of governance to be sure. Leadership not rulership is what I am those of like mind seek."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
Nodding to K'haytall as he leaves then turning my attention to Radek.
" A story I would like to hear once we have these matters settled. Do you require assistance with this idea?"
Onfroi shakes his head and says very little but I gathered from your deal it was important and I will of course do what I can to bring others to your support and cause. If time is of the essence then let us do this now and I can learn as I go.
Having seen Petradon change shape and face, realizing walking around looking as I do now is an issue I will spend a blood knowing how to do this from using celerity and see if I too can look as a regular man, picking a random mercanary I once knew some hundred years ago.
difficulty 7
My memory of the man flawless I end up acting and looking exactly like him in every way in a surprising gasp of "it worked" coupled with "I did it" I smile at my sire saying I saw you do this, how do I look?
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing - Robin Leeland
Xing listens intently.
"Without firm leadership how could there be order? I'm still learning the ways of our kind but I would think without order, chaos would be our downfall."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Shadow Court - Bagrat Kamsarakan
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing - Robin Leeland
"Chaos indeed, who would settle disputes amonst tha different coterie, an should one o a coterie kill one o another coterie; then it would be retaliations. How can this tha you speak o result in less conflict an less bloodshed?"
"Wha other tha friendship ken hold tha coterie together'
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
"Good doctor cappelli, I am grateful for your hospitality. You have come to my aid more than once in our meetings. I am sorry if have been a burden. Once I can get a grip on what is reality once more I will be able to return your in kind."
Turning his attention to Michele
"Mr. Querini I am also in your debt for supporting the movement of my continued existence. Hopefully the powers that B will too see value in my existence. I do not wish to be a blight upon this world so I leave myself at the mercy of this court. I too hope to be able to repay the support in kind."
Michael will convey the same thoughts to those left in the room who supports him and will bid them farewell as he prepares to leave.
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Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing - Robin Leeland
"Fledglings, your entire mortal lives you have been taught to obey. Search for answers from a higher power or authority. You must unlearn what you have learned.
The system in place now is chaotic and arbitrary. Treachery abounds. Before this law was enforced by Tyranny.
I seek a healthy balance of order and chaos. Certainly difficulties would ensue from this new approach. I daresay that with less oppression there would be less angst and ultimately less violence".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
I will tell you that tale and soon Michele. No, I believe I must make a deal with someone I have not spoken with in a long time though I may well need Sadir's assistance in getting away should my gambit fail me.
Hold Michael. We will be leaving with Lorenzo this night. Can you check with your Sire Lorenzo as to whether we can leave forthwith back to your haven? I must set my plan in motion quickly. We will wait here for your response".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Onfroi the Bastard of Burgandy - the Nosferatu Warrens of Venice
Petradon nods his head in approval, "Splendidly done. We shall walk and talk".
He too takes on a more appealing form as you both walk through the streets of the city together.
"Our kind gather here to settle disputes which have been raging for over a century. What began with the fall of the Dream of Constantinople spread to Paris and then to the rest of the western world. Long established Methuselahs began to be displaced or destroyed resulting in a power struggle known to many as the "War of the Princes".
Those who still retained power sought to expand their territories and those who defeated incumbents sought to hold off their longer established rivals. During all of this, many troublesome Neonates and Anacillae rose up with axes to grind and foolish notions of what things should be like and gained traction with their peers in other Clans who would have never before listened to such drivel.
To make matters worse, the Mortals churches, along with other "Hunters", have begun to uncover evidence of our existence threatening all that we have strived to build.
This Conclave is being called to bring such hostilities to rest by electing a body that will oversee all of our kind and quash petty local rivalries which threaten us all".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Shadow Court - Bagrat Kamsarakan
If not, tell me, what are your ambitions?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
"Certainly, Radek. I will be back with answer as soon as Lord Benne is free to answer the request."
With that, Lorenzo nods to each of the individuals remaining in the chamber and goes of in search of Lord Benne.
Onfroi listens to what is being said carefully and responds
"so Francois and yourself are two individuals who would be rulers of this new organization, what manner of rule do you envision? Also I can see why young vampires are easily swayed if this is the power one has when one is born. Such power could make any fool believe that they could do anything. Finally, I have never witnessed the loss of one of our kind as a mortal but anything may be killed I suppose, what must I be wary of?"
Now considering things a bit more he says
rules are guidelines, what rules will you place on so many powerful ones that they can accept and what punishments will be imposed. I understand that chaos is no good for any, buy our kind is not housed all in one place, how will anyone enforce rules? What prince who rules his own state would want to bow to a new king unless it benefits him? How will you who wish to rule convince others this rule is beneficial? I am no history student, however, any successful rule must have the power and support of its people or the strength and will to force it and then a way to continue it with both sword and kind deed."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing - Robin Leeland
"I'm all for less violence. I have seen far to much of it in my short lifespan and with these new gifts I'm sure much more will follow but not having to deal with it would be a welcome relief."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Lorenzo
As you step out of the room and proceed down the hall you see Helene la Jouste and her Childe Victor la Rouche stepping out from another room with Lady Jadviga Almanov and her Childe Lady Partrizia. They seem too engrossed in their own conversation to pay you much mind.
Proceeding into the main lounge area on the second floor the Cainite that spoke to Michele is seated there still but he pays you little mind as you walk by, you have yet to catch his name and you are sure he did not introduce himself earlier this evening. Based on what Mistress Fanchon said he is of Clan Malkavian.
As you proceed down the stairs you arrive at your Sire's side to find him speaking with Milov Petrankov of Clan Gangrel.
"...the damned unreliable fool was supposed to have provided me with a confrontation with the mortal and now I find out from him that this mortal is the very same Hunter that..." Petrankov stops speaking once he notices your approach.
Lord Benne smiles at you, "Shall we speak in private as to what you ave discovered my Childe?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Onfroi the Bastard of Burgandy - the Nosferatu Warrens of Venice
"Yes, we would be two of the Thirteen selected.
A rule of laws. The Traditions are interpreted differently by each Prince as they see fit. This must come to an end, these rules are objective not subjective.
Ah so you see the weakness as well? What is a ruling body with no arm to enforce it's laws? I will propose a set of Enforcers, powerful members of our Order skilled in the ways of combat who shall be dispatched as needed to keep the wayward Princes in line. It will also keep the warmongers among us busy with the threats the Inner Circle deems important ensuring they will cause no trouble.
The benefit to each Prince will be of course stability of one's realm. Instead of a costly war with a local rival, they may settle their disputes through the Inner Circle and it's representatives. My second proposal, a set of Judges who will speak with the voice of the Inner Circle that shall be dispatched as needed.
These selections will be from among the rivals who are not seated on the Inner Circle. This will give them a powerful place in the structure of this Camarilla and ensure that they do not abandon the Sect simply because they were not selected for the position they wished".
A large group of mortals bearing torches heads you way, swords out obviously looking for trouble. Before they get near, Petradon guides you through an alleyway. The closer they came the more you could feel a primal fear rise up within you.
He continues, "Fire, Sunlight, the Claws and Fangs of the Supernatural. These are what cause the Final Death. There are other ways but those most of all must be avoided my Childe".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing - Robin Leeland
"Whom amongst all the assembled err the victims o oppression? Arbitrary is bad enuff, I would ave tha notion o equality, this I am familiar wit, in mah home tha man is followed fer his fitness tah lead. William Wallace was such a man."
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table - Andrew and Xing - Robin Leeland
"You are surrounded by the oppressors not the oppressed. Though Durga Syn could tell you the tale of the destruction of many of her Clanmates at the hands of the Tremere, a topic not spoken of in polite company in the west. Look to those assembled here not long ago, the crew of the ship, their crimes that led them to be outcast were not even named. Perhaps you should ask them their tales yourselves.
I am a wanted Cainite for speaking out. Ecaterina the Wise also speaks out but in a different way and for different reasons. I have other... allies here but I would not speak of them here. The walls and tables have ears in this place.
Others beside me may journey here though most of my own allies consider me reckless in this action.
Yes, I met Wallace once, even aided his efforts on occasion when I could. What happened to him was a betrayal by those who share interests with the Cainites surrounding us".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Lorenzo
"If have you the time to do so, my Sire, that is my wish." Lorenzo says nodding a greeting to the upset Gangrel.
"Lord Benne, there has yet to be a decision on the fate of Michael Santo. As you have instructed, I have spoken positively on Michael's behalf. Radek and his childe have sought hospitality for the day, I have offered to let them return to the mortuary with us this night."
Pausing a moment before asking, "If I may ask, Lord Benne, what role is the Gangrel responsible for the presence of the Volkovs to play in the coming nights? He is the same Milov Petrankov of which Katrina spoke of, yes? When I met with Katrina before, she had also mentioned one known as Beshter, with whom she is in league with. Does that name mean anything to you, my Sire?"
Onfroi shakes off the terrible feeling from his heart and guts upon seeing the flames and says yes, I see what you mean. Also to summarize you want unified laws called traditions, enforcers for those laws, and the ability to settle disputes hidden from mortal eyes over territory. So the warriors will stand useless behind those of honeyed words and only the enforcers will ever fight? You will need to slide in some way for warriors to fight on occassion who are not enforcers, some manner in which violence can solve the cause.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Brujah Table - Ranerius Bernerius
"Ranerius is it? I am well, I appreciate the asking. Manners are most important at Court.Until your arrival I was watching what was going on around me. How do you fare? I see that you have begun to make rounds on behalf of your Sire's interests. You seem to have adjusted to your new, existence, rather well".
The Toreador smiles as his name is recalled, "I thank you for the compliment. You have it aright that I'm trying my best to represent my sire's interests. Motivation for myself is not difficult, as I think he's suited to what is needed for this new Sect. Execution? Well, I am too new to this court, to this society to be sure of how well I fare in that."
"You don't strike me as a woman to watch without purpose, or at least without shrewdness. Have you guesses on how the votes will go?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Dais of the Inner Circle - Giovanni, Cantor, Alessandro, Dunstan
Giovanni
Simon smiles, "You would be better served having me introduce you. The warrens of the Nosferatu are not to be traveled lightly, not even by the dreaded Assamite warriors. I assume he sees me as a rival, I do not share the same view. I know I am the correct choice".
Gio nods at Simon. "I bow to your wisdom on the subject. Thank you for guiding me."
All Together
As Simon finishes his statement, three Fledgling approach the dais.
Alessandro Khadaji of Clan Ventrue, Dunstan Fuller of Clan Brujah, and Cantor of Clan Gangrel.
Bajazet speaks a frown forming on his face, "An unusual collection of Fledglings to be sure. Have you come to me in the stead of your Sires?"
Gio turns to look at the three other fledglings but says nothing, instead listening closely to what they have to say.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Onfroi the Bastard of Burgandy - the Nosferatu Warrens of Venice
"Those who wish to act in a violent manner can be sent to the battlefronts of the mortals to excise their aggressions if that does not work, they can simply hunt Lupines..." he states as he continues to walk at a brisk pace.
Soon you are within sight of a small island the area seems to have the shadows cling to it. No mortals appear to loiter in the area though there is a Gondalier available to ferry you across.
"No doubt Francois has beaten us back here, we must introduce you to the Prince or his Seneschal first then we can begin to meet with other representatives..."
His voice trails off as you both land on the docks of the small island. You recognize that most f the mortals here and these are all mortals are either ghouls or blood bound servants or those under the mental dominion of Vampires.
A man approaches Petradon as he comes closer it is obvious from his complexion that he is a doomed soul in the skin of a man, a Cainite and by his bearing a powerful one, "Greetings Petradon. Simon shall be no match for you politically. His folly was in Embracing that thing he believes is his Childe. You merely need to not make others dislike you. A difficult task for you I know. The Bloodfeast shall begin soon, we should wait here until the Priests call us in". The Cainite chuckles darkly.
"Thank you for the insight Lord Kestral. This is my Childe Onfroi of Burgandy. Onfroi this is Lord Kestral the voice of Rome".
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Lorenzo
"Excellent work. You shall take them to our Haven and show them to the rooms upstairs. Careful that they do not meet our other "guest". I do not wish for you to be part of the Blood Ritual nor do I wish for you to be part of the ceremonies beforehand. Spend your time with these two this night".
"I do not know. It seems that the Malkavian Talisman is the one who somehow alerted the Hunters that Milov Petrankov would be here. For some reason, the Malkavian seems to desire to possess this woman, at least that is what Petrankov believes. It seems that Talisman believed that Sergei would be a worthy Childe for the Gangrel, who as we know, has already chosen another.
Matters are complicated by the fact that the Malkavian still wishes a confrontation with these mortals despite the wishes of Narses to avoid these Hunters. These are of course not mere mortals but ghouls that thrive on the blood of our kind that they hunt and slay. Have you any idea where this Katriana is now? I am told that the Malkavian lost track of her. Did Santo speak of this in the Inquest?
Beshter? I fear I do not know the name. Do you believe that it is important enough to ask my Sire if he is familiar?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Brujah Table - Ranerius Bernerius
"Yes, I know how many of the votes will turn out already. Is that something you desire to know? Shall we trade information like two Nosferatu in a warren?" she asks with a coy smile.
Onfroi bows somewhat formally saying "it is an honor to meet you Lord Kestrel straightening himself back up and tugging clothes back into shape
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - The Inquest - Lorenzo, Michele, and Michael
Turning to Radek and Michael, "I am going to find Sadir to let him know what transpired. I will see you again soon.
With that I will walk out and look for Sadir.
Venice by Night – Monday March 24, 1309
Narses Court - Brujah Table - Ranerius Bernerius
"Yes, I know how many of the votes will turn out already. Is that something you desire to know? Shall we trade information like two Nosferatu in a warren?" she asks with a coy smile.
"ha," He chuckles at that, "I know very little of that Clan but from what I have heard, I should only be so fortunate as to have their skill at that. Clearly in such a trade, you would have far more to offer than I, still, at risk of making a fool of myself... I'd not object to trying. What would you like to know in exchange that a mere fledgling can offer?"