Michele Querini - The Dark Canals of Venice
" How do I even know you are telling the truth and this is not some ruse for a favor?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji - The Dark Streets of Venice
...I sense this grand endeavor will require collaboration of the highest order...
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Xing Shi - Just Outside Narses Court
Xing looks a bit taken aback by hearing a voice in her head. The wonders of the kindred.
She looks to who she things is speaking to her as he is still staring at her.
"He is my friend."
With that she turns and makes her way to her clan mates to meet with her target for the night.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Just Outside Prince Narses Court
Following Brexiano's greeting, Lorenzo casually follows others present into the Elysium.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Luca Marano – the Dark Streets of Venice
Luca whirls around to face the siren singing.
"Get back!"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Vitaliano - Just Outside Prince Narses Court
Vitaliano listened with curiosity, he was rather surprised by how the cultures and attitudes differed between the bloodlines. Even those in the same area seemed to vary rather wildly, perhaps it was due to lengthy lifespans of the elders of the clan that held sway over the others of their clan.
Just when he was about to speak, two others of higher stature came over and he backed up politely allowing them to speak. He was rather surprised to see the look of disgust cross Vykos's face at the sight of Lord Benne. It didn't make much sense as he didn't seem to be of the Clan Nosferotu who were the ones to typically get such behavior.
When the two went silent and still, he watched with a bit of intrigue. He wasn't certain what was going on that they were not talking as they said they were going to but it was fascinating none the less to see just how dead like they truly were. It was next to impossible to examine himself in such a state, so his attention was rather rapt to the calmed state.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Andrew the Hardy - Just Outside Narses Court
Mistress Fanchon's attention is taken by the announcement that Court will begin. She then turns back to you, "I have no interest in God's faithful or Gods for that matter. We are like Gods unto ourselves. If I deem it practical to work with you and your Clan I shall do so, if I do not I shall not.
When Court is finished for the evening you may present your ideas to me and I shall consider them".
With that she heads towards the front doors.
Brian looks to you Andrew, "There are many that do not trust these Warlocks, after all magic is generally considered to be utilized by those that trek with demons and their foul ilk. We must be careful with their kind, vicious opportunists, especially that one. Come, let us see if the Final Death is your reward or if Faith will become it's own reward".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji - The Dark Streets of Venice
Alejandro shakes his head in disagreement sitting at the back of the Gondola to speak away from the ears of the driver, "You are wrong, old prejudices die hard young one. Look at me, a full century has passed since losing my Princeship and yet I still seek to reclaim my right to the the city I aided in conquering in Blood during what mortals now call the First Crusade. What took place there... well... it is better not to say".
Cristiano ignores Alejandro's comments, [b]"I too grew up a merchant, trade and barter I understand better than politics, Offer me something to aid you and your Sire. Offer me something in addition and perhaps I shall share my secret with you..."{/b]
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Bagrat Kamsarakan - Just Outside Prince Narses Court
Vykos retrieves you and starts to bring you to the now open doors of Elysium, "Must I watch you at all moments of the evening Bagrat? Mice must be careful when they dance with the cat..."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – the Dark Streets of Venice
A look of disgust and rage crosses the man's face, "A Moor? I spent a lifetime burning these heretics from the shores of my native land. My God is the only Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If this is not your God then I shall leave you to your companion of the night..."
He turns to leave instead of approaching you...
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Michele Querini - The Dark Canals of Venice
"You do not and cannot. But answer me this, can you afford not to discover more?"
As you near the docks there are dozens of Cainites already present standing outside. You hear a bell ring and see the front door of the Elysium open. When you turn back to answer Khay'tall he has vanished!
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Andrew the Hardy - Just Outside Narses Court
@ Mistress Fanchon
"Thank you fer yer time I hope tha one day trust ken werk amongst all."
@Brian
"Aye an one whose words err meant tah antagonize, magic is an interestin word as tha Lord spoke plainly o powers and principalities, an also o faith. Iffen God's will is fer me tah return now, I see no better time tha His."
He heads for the door as well....
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Xing Shi - Just Outside Narses Court
You turn to join your Clanmates as they head towards the doors of the Elusium.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Luca Marano – the Dark Streets of Venice
You are able to shrug off the sleep which was overtaking you, when you turn Adria is right behind you.
"The hard way then!" she growls.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Vitaliano - Just Outside Prince Narses Court
VYkos grins, "Agreed, very much so agreed Lord Benne. If you would all excuse me, I believe Selina is trying to eat my ghoul again. Seek me out later Fledgling". Vykos says to you Vitaliano.
Just then the bell rings and the doors open, Court has been called...
You step through the threshold of the doorway but what stands before you seems to be a different building entirely. Gone are the mosaics representing the imagery of the night now covered from ceiling to floor in white sheets. The marble floors are still flecked in gold and platinum but they shine with a brilliance that was not present before. Light from the hallway beyond flickers catching these flecks making a few members of the pack of Cainites a bit uncomfortable.
The porphyry statues are gone, replaced with statues representing saints, atop each one a long tapered white candle. Though the light given off is greater somehow the shadows dance more erratically than they did previous nights you visited this place, perhaps the shadows object to these changes?
Gone is the cloying mist of shadows which seemed to reach out as if hands with minds of their own, instead on the ground is a fine smoky mist coming from thuribles which are placed every ten feet suspended from the ceiling. Smells emanate form these censers, the smell of frankincense fills your nostrils.
As you step into the chamber where the Prince holds Court front of each alcove are the small black tables etched in each table the Clan symbols as before. But within each alcove sits a different image:
Clan Cappadocian - In this picture Jesus is condemned to death.
Clan Ventrue - In this picture Jesus carries His cross.
Clan Setite – In this picture Jesus falls for the first time.
Clan Salubri – In this picture Jesus meets His Mother.
Clan Nosferatu – In this picture Jesus is given aid by Simon of Cyrene in carrying His cross
Clan Tzimisce – In this picture Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
Clan Brujah – In this picture Jesus falls for a second time.
Clan Toreador – In this picture Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
Clan Malkavian – In this picture Jesus falls for the third time.
Clan Tremere – In this picture Jesus’ clothes are taken away.
Clan Gangrel – In this picture Jesus is nailed to the cross.
Clan Assamite – In this picture Jesus dies on the cross.
Clan Lasombra – In this picture the body of Jesus is taken down from the cross.
The raised dais and its 13 seats made of walnut wood and decorated with inlays of ivory, mother of pearl, colored wood and precious stones with matching Clan symbols to the tables in each alcove are still present.
Also still present is the set of statues made of gold and inlaid with precious stones depicting the same figure in different poses, the angelic figure. But now hanging between suspended from the ceiling is a Fourteenth picture.
It shows Jesus being laid in his tomb.
Brexiano stands in front of the seat of power upon which Narses usually rests.
The entire group of Cainites are surprisingly silent as they walk through this re-decorated Elysium.
Finally someone breaks the silence, ”What is the meaning of this Brexiano?” Asks Gustav Breidenstein of Clan Ventrue.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Onfroi – Just Outside Narses Court
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Luca Marano – the Dark Streets of Venice
Luca wil leefend himself as best he can before trying to grab onto his assailants limbs to prevent her from attacking him easily.
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – the Dark Streets of Venice
Touch-y. "Come Lucia! My boon 'companion of the night'. Let us away to a place made merry by song and wine and away from God and the wars men wage on his behalf!" Durdona says gaily, hoping it will dispel her foreboding.
after Michael helps lydia off the agindola he steps up behind her and whispers in her ear
"If everything goes her way I shall meet the final death so this maybe my last night, we can make it one hellofanocturn if we skip..."
DC 3
Michael's attention is drawn elsewhere
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Michele Querini - The Dark Canals of Venice
I guess I will have some things to ponder. I will step off the gondola and make my way in.
Perception + Awareness DC7
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
A bit too religious for my tastes... Lorenzo thinks to himself, seeing the spectacle before him.
Looking closer at each of the images he does a double take, seemingly recognizing one of the background figures in the images, Simon? Was he there?
"Though tha taste is a bit more in line wit may own tha clans should all be in agreement tha no one is offended err tha enclave will be fruitless. "
Andrew shrugs when he meets the gaze of other Canaanites in the court...
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Xing Shi - Just Outside Narses Court
Xing shrugs off the mental message as she has no idea how to practically communicate with the being and moves toward Kratos.
She does not interrupt the group but politely waits for them to acknowledge her when she is near their gathering.
Onfroi wanders into elysium and puts himself someplace where he might spot his sire not caring about the decorations
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Xing Shi - Just Outside Narses Court
"I don't know what Gothasad wants with the Salubri he just asked me to get in contact with them for him. Everyone is shrouded in secrecy and it's not my place to ask questions."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Ranerius is impressed by the designs and artistry, "The decor is magnificent..." For a moment he seems frozen by the visuals
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Sir Dunstan Fuller - Just Outside Prince Narses Court
Dunstan only smiles, and nods in acknowledgment of his new found knowledge.
Inside Prince Narses Court
I have no idea what powers Narses has, but at least he has good tastes, and ability to have enough men to do all this changes over nig... day. As awkward as that sounds now.
The Cainites present are genuinely stunned at this change over in the decor of the room.
The Toreador are actually enraptured by the room and seem unable to do more than fixate on the paintings hung by the Prince. All those except Ranerius and Bassiano.
Neitehr Brian of Clan Salubri or Fadris of Clan Lasombra seem surprised at all.
You see Simon staring at the picture that appears to depict him standing in the background. He begins to weep and tears of blood run down his face. He was certainly not outside the gathering earlier or if he was you did not see him. He turns to you at that moment and gives you a sad soft smile. Then his face changes and the tears can be seen no more, his appearance that of a beggar in the street.
Beneath the 14th banner a candle sits shrouded in darkness. As Gustav speaks the candle flutters then you realize it is not candle but a being stirring, a simple light emanates from it. Then darkness begins to fill that space once more...
Perception + alertness DC?
Brexiano opens his mouth to reply to Gustav but at that instant the darkness behind him grows. Intermingled in that darkness is some sort of light.
Finally the darkness and the light coalesce in the form of a being made partially of darkness and partially of light. The figure seems familiar and yet different at the same time.
"The Lord has spoken to me Gustav Breidenstein and I have heeded his call. The Cainite Heresy is no more. I the Archbishop of Nod forsake it as I forsake those who believe in it.
It was nothing more than a lie, a sham, deceitful and blasphemous. A tool of an age now past I declare those who would trek with such Heresy Anathema in my Court and would hope that the Camarilla would see fit to agree with my decree.
I Prince Narses declare a Blood Hunt on those who would not forswear their allegiance to the group within seven days time.
Now, Court is in session, those newly arrived tonight will announce their presence as the Second Tradition demands."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Luca Marano – the Dark Streets of Venice
Nanibia - Grapple Maintain Grapple .
As you move to raise your hands to defend yourself you feel that you are grabbed from behind by the hairy beast!
"I am sorry, we have little time for this..."
Adria pounces on you and her fangs sink deep into your neck!
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – the Dark Streets of Venice
You and Lucia stalk off into the night looking for an Inn La Serenata Notturna, a fine establishment according to Lucia.
You arrive there by 9 PM. Once you arrive much to your surprise you see the same moorish looking man speaking to a woman of incredible beauty at the bar. He cocks his eyebrow as he notices your entrance.
he turns to you as well then places a hand on his shoulder to draw him back into the conversation.
Before you ca take a seat at the bar a woman approaches you, "A good evening young ladies, out so late with no escort? Do you not know the streets are very dangerous?! Come sit I will ply you with fine drinks and food until my husband arrives to escort you home later this evening, I am Zuana the owner's wife. Your names my dears?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji - The Dark Streets of Venice[b]
Alejandro seems genuinely disturbed by what took place at Jerusalem, either he has a conscience or what took place is so horrific that even a Cainite's blood was frozen by it. From your history lessons you remember that the city inhabitants were slaughtered by the Crusaders, Muslim, Jew, Christian, all were out to the sword...
As you consider this ad the Gondola moves inexorably towards Elysium Cristiano speaks again, [b]"Nothing then? Very well, either you ave nothing of value or do not wish to know as badly as I thought".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Luca Marano – the Dark Streets of Venice
Agh!
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309[/bigger]
[bigger]Prince Narses Court
A sympathetic look crosses Lorenzo's face as nods to Simon.
The look on his face turns to one of curiosity as Prince Narses makes his proclaimation. Cainite Heresy? What in blazes is that? Lorenzo thinks to himself.
The Prince's Court
Onfroi watches it all and waits for his sire so that with him he may make a proper introduction, filing away all he has learned so as to share these things with his sire or others he must consider...
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – the Dark Streets of Venice
You and Lucia stalk off into the night looking for an Inn La Serenata Notturna, a fine establishment according to Lucia.
You arrive there by 9 PM. Once you arrive much to your surprise you see the same moorish looking man speaking to a woman of incredible beauty at the bar. He cocks his eyebrow as he notices your entrance.
She turns to you as well then places a hand on his shoulder to draw him back into the conversation.
Before you can take a seat at the bar a woman approaches you, "A good evening young ladies, out so late with no escort? Do you not know the streets are very dangerous?!"
"Thank you ma'am though I am sure they are much safer now that we are in. Though I cannot vouch for their safety after we leave." A strange land this Venice, where women play the part of a woman's uncle.
"Come sit I will ply you with fine drinks and food until my husband arrives to escort you home later this evening, I am Zuana the owner's wife. Your names my dears?"
"We'll take a seat over there if it is all the same. This is my most esteemed friend Sister Gertrude the Great known no doubt for her ample faith, and I am Tamar the now former Queen Regent of Georgia. We're on holiday. Truly I think we have come at the very nick of time to save you from a painted-on Christian. Yonder man is a professed man of the Miles Christi, a warrior of the cloth though I think that a bit of a lie--keeping company with other men's attractive wives--in their own taverns no less. The temerity! The cheek of the thing. My deepest pardons it is just that it inflames my passions so. It is not my intention to disparage a woman of means such as yourself. Merely that this rascal is a dodgy one. Where he truly a man of the cloth I would expect his would be a different sort of tavern altogether. A humble servant on his knees in humble supplication to the spirit of his fellow man. Isn't that right Gertrude? I'm such a fiddle-head when it comes to matters of religion. Even stranger still a dark Spaniard like him not a Moor? You might as well dress a leopard up in tiger's stripes."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji - The Dark Streets of Venice
Jerusalem. Never had there been, nor will there ever be a more political arena. Religion and politics, an eternal power play.
This encounter will bear no fruit. So be it.
I can only imagine what happened in Jerusalem. If I can help, please let me know.
Cristiano, you have me at a great disadvantage. While my origins, history and current status are known... Nearly, a matter of public record, you are enigma.
Alessandro wonders how transparent he should be.
I am quite curious, but without knowing a blessed thing about you, it would be folly to enter any sort of negotiation or exchange and believe it equitable.
All I have is my commercial and personal abilities. I've not much to offer, save good faith in exchange for the same. I suppose, I'd be considered conservative in that respect.
She thinks to herself still trying hard to communicate with this being.
"And who should I say would be meeting with him?"
Xing still waits patiently for the others to finish with their conversation before confronting Kratos.