Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Sir Dunstan
Dunstan cna only shake his head with a feint smile at the Elders squabble "Some things do not change even after death" focusing his attention on Bassanio "We are in a agreement that decisions for the good of our clans must be made. I would like your support for lady Meridie if at all possible, and we could support the claim of someone from your clan that you want" Dunstan smiles "That is why I was coming to Raenarius, but it seems he has... changed his mind and is avoiding me instead."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Luca Marano – the Dark Streets of Venice
The beast grins, "Well spoken Luca Marano of Clan Gangrel, well spoken.
What has befallen you indeed...
Adria, care to enlighten this Fledgling?"
The woman blinked, her eyes glowing red disappearing for a second and then reappearing.
"But Yenshun I am only a day, er night old, I..."
"Had better remember what you were taught then", he growls in return.
Adria sighs, a sound that is a hold over from life it seems as it dawns on you that you have not taken a breath since you sat up!
"We are the children of Gangrel. Ennoia to use her name from the Book of Nod. But that is not our past, that is the past ascribed to us by other Clans.
To be Gangrel is to concentrate on your own personal power, your individuality, and your capacity to survive anything the world throws at you. We’re animalistic and feral, we’re cold-blooded killers of every stripe, and we don’t care about honor or duty — we care about survival. Survival over the corpses of allies if necessary, and certainly when it means crushing the ashes of your enemies beneath your boots.
But we are also creatures of the pack. Clan means everything and nothing to us for it is brother and sisterhood which we value, more so than the other Clans. The pack must be strong for the individual to be strong. That is why we protect our own, for a time.
We Embrace those who seem the strongest, the toughest, and the apex predator of their pyramid. Then we leave them to see if they’ll survive on their own.
The Mark of The Beast is upon us all, our frenzies leaving the impressions upon us unlike any of our other brethren save the Nosferatu.
We are one and we are many, we are Gangrel".
Adria turns to Yenshun awaiting his approval, "Close enough Fledgling, close enough. Now Luca Marano, your lessons begin now for soon I must leave you and you will thrive alone or you will not survive".
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – La Serenata Notturna
Lucia starts, "Oww".
Violetta smiles, "I am Violetta of Paris. I was and still am the greatest actress to walk the face of the earth. My love, my muse, my master is Francois Villon, the greatest poet who ever lived. My grandmother is Helen of Troy, the face that launched a thousand ships. I have seen some of the horrors which you so quaintly throw around as if they were fable through the eyes of my Grandsire, I am the woman who will drink your blood for insolence, unless of course my companion decides that he wishes to have you for himself.
You see your fate was sealed when you crossed his path a second time, God is not with you.
The Moor who is not a Moor was known in life by another name, El Cid. The man so dangerous to the Moor that they claimed him as their own not realizing that he was no man nor beasts' to claim. So Rodrigo rose and slew the fiend that sought to control him and the Shadow Reconquista had a new player in the game. One who aided in driving the Moors from the continent they had held for a span so long even those of the living dead could not remember a time when it was not so".
Lucia begins to giggle, "OK, me next my turn..."
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – La Serenata Notturna
The Moor who Violetta named as El Cid turns to Violetta, "This one shall be yours", he points to Lucia.
"That one I claim as my own". he points to you.
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – La Serenata Notturna
Lucia pauses at the tone in his voice, "Hey, I'm not for the claiming!"
Both sit and stare at the two of you, not moving, not blinking, not even breathing... No motion, as if they were statues made flesh. The the woman smiles, ever so slowly, "Oh yes, in here, you have made yourself mine". She stares into Lucia's eyes.
Lucia stops moving as well and simply stares back.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
Petradon speaks, "The Traditions must stand above all else even a sect such as this. The decision is the purview of the Prince and the Prince alone".
Vykos frowns at Bagrat whispering,
I agree destabilizing the Tremere is a worthwhile goal. However, the Tzimisce Clan would would seek to replace me should they ever find out that I suggested that one other than the Prince of a Domain is absolute law. For now, I shall side with Narses and hope the vote goes against us. Within Council, if it comes to it, I will deliver the fatal blow to the usurpers".
Mistress Fanchon smiles, "If it was not clear let me reiterate. This decision is for the Prince and the Prince alone".
Brian of Clan Saubri finishes conferring with his Childe, "The rules were agreed to by Prince Narses, he ceded a portion of his power to this Ruling body. Such a concession should not have been given lightly nor shall it be returned without further debate".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
"While Ecaterina the Wise's rationale is sound it is not based entirely in fact. Never did I cede power to the Camarilla for such matters nor shall I".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
Sadir steps forward, "As the last member of the Inner Circle whose place on the Council entitles him a vote on the matter, I believe I shall have the final word Prince Narses".
The Prince stares daggers at the Setite.
"If I decide with those who rebel against the Prince then I may well anger them causing them to leave this Council and thereby ruin any chance of achieving the end of this War".
"If I side with these Rebels who seek to limit the power of the sovereign then I may well anger an ancient and powerful Prince, one who is known for a long memory for those who betray him".
Sadir begins pacing, "Still, it was Narses was it not who brought us all together? It was Narses who believed in this enough to rally all of the Clans to his side. It was Narses who offered his home, his Domain as the mid-wife for this sect to be born. Thus it must be Narses who leads by example to bring us into a new age.
I believe that Narses, given time and perspective, will see that this is the only way the same way the the Kings of England could see that the Magna Carta was the only way to retain power to avoid annihilation.
What do you choose Narses? The Council has spoken, it is their will that we and not you, decide on the fate of this usurper...
In fact just by the very nature of what we discuss here, you fall another vote shy Narses for Mistress Fanchon gets not vote as her seat on the Council is no longer a fait accompli".
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – La Serenata Notturna
Lucia pauses at the tone in his voice, "Hey, I'm not for the claiming!"
Both sit and stare at the two of you, not moving, not blinking, not even breathing... No motion, as if they were statues made flesh. The the woman smiles, ever so slowly, "Oh yes, in here, you have made yourself mine". She stares into Lucia's eyes.
Lucia stops moving as well and simply stares back.
"Well you are certainly a good enough actor to fool me into thinking you can act. And as for 'El Cid'-" and she renders the words with such venom that you would think it was something you should be scrapping off your boots. "well we aren't young choir boys so you wouldn't be interested in us."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table
Andrew turns to Brian....
"Am I understandin tha Prince is seekin tah rules not jus here but tha world o'er?"
Andrew had reasoned many princes existed the world over, to declare one over all the others seemed an open declaration of war upon other sovereigns.....
"Is any other prince o any other land here?"
Narses Court
As the inner circle is not yet complete and we as a body are considering to vote the circle complete, and as this is as said Narses court and Narses idea then Narses who is prince of this domain and lord over it will decide as there is no complete circle at this time. The inner circle once complete will have power over the all of us, and will decide such issues but it is not complete. Therefore the power of this place is the prince. Period.
Onfroi is certainly done speaking now having spoken more in two days then in hundreds of years, but he felt a change in him and knew that power once lost is hardly ever regained and losses would not turn themselves to wins. Onfroi would not sit by again without a voice as he had...
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Luca Marano – the Dark Streets of Venice
It was odd, speaking and...living, without breath. He tried taking one to see what'd it'd feel like.
"So I was some sort of test for this woman? Some part of filling out this pack of yours, that I might be worthy... Alright go then. I've survived worse than this. I don't to accept aid from my attackers."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Brujah Table
"I find my self in agreement with" looking at not quite sure of his name, but recovered quickly "My brother cainite. As long as this inner circle is missing members, then all clans have no representation and hence cannot speak for us all" looking at lady Meridie for any sign of approval or disapproval "Until we are able to have a representative for each clan to the inner circle I believe Prince Narses holds the last word in the matter"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Brujah Table
Political move al that but it sure looks like many people are speaking out of turn was all that he could think at the moment
Michael looks to Radek and nods
"How will they contact your elder to verify this? "
Michael asks in a hush voice trying not to disturb the court
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Xing Shi
As Kratos and Alejandro head to the stairs both top at the challenge being issued to the Prince. You manage to skip behind them and up the stairs.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Ranerius Bernerius
Francois watches the events unfold before him with rapt attention.
There is always a game afoot with Narses as I understand it, It is the Cappadocian who is surprising me here..."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Vitaliano da Riva
Your Sire nods in agreement, "Yes the Princes Privilege is what led to these Wars. No doubt it is time to scale such immense power back. Better that these Clans challenge him now. They taint themselves in the eyes of Narses and we are free form the offense of challenging him. It may be a Council but as long as he is in existence and the Council meets in his city, he will always have the advantage.
He shrugs, "The Ravnos no doubt have a presence east, here they have log been accused of crimes and targets for Princes who needed an easy criminal to scapegoat. In many ways they are right though I do find this Durga Syn most impressive and conspicuously absent form these events tonight".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Onfroi
Petradon shakes his head no, "The serpent is right, we have lost. Either Narses will capitulate or there will be blood here and now..."
But Onfroi responds before his Sire can complete his point.
If it is possible, the color drains from your Sire's deformed face even more than it already is.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Sir Dunstan
Bassanio grins, "We bring more than just Rafael's vote, no doubt there are many Ventrue who will sway to your side once you and yours open support Rafael's claim". He whispers back despite the tension that is rapidly filling the air.
As Dunstan speaks in support of Onfroi, he sees that Lady Meridie nods in approval.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table
Brian shakes his head no, "The Inner Circle will rule all others though each Prince must have their own level of Sovereignty.
No, no other Princes have come here. Their representatives and Childer yes but not them personally. Though there are a few former Princes here".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano attempts to stifle a smirk but doesn't manage as he looks to his sire. He adjusts his shirt cuffs as he speaks "It seems that our...overactive imagination, as polite company might call it, has saved us some face from jumping to speak our mind." he said as he turned his attention back to the fourteenth portrait. It bothered him that it was eluding him, not only that but the symmetry of having thirteen clans present and having fourteen paintings...he knew this must mean something.
Was the Prince eluding to a new clan, or perhaps the Ravnos, or perhaps even the childe that is to become the Camarilla?
His smirk slowly begin to turn to a frown and his brow furrowed in annoyance.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
Lord Benne turns to Onfroi and Dunstan, "Your beliefs do not concern me. If your Clans were more cohesive you would have had representatives already. How can Narses decide on the fate of one who also seeks to have a seat on this Council without the input of this Council?
Indeed, if anything, the vote as to the fate of Radek must be deferred as he may well win a seat at this very Council! In such a case a ruling by Narses would be moot by operation of the rules laid down by him because each member of the Inner Circle will be allowed to Embrace a Childe who shall be their Seneschal on the Council. Thus, as a member, he would not have broken any of the Traditions within this city".
Sadir picks up the argument, "In fact, should Narses rule on this decision without the Council it will be precedent for other Princes to decree independence from or control over matters which should fall under the purview of the Camarilla under the doctrine of stare decisis".
Brian speaks, "Prince Narses, my friend. Will you strangle your own child in its crib all for your own ego?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Michael Santo
Radek chuckles at the question, "The same way that we did my Childe".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
Prince Narses watches the debate unfold and finally speaks, "ENOUGH!"
"Those who sit on the Inner Circle and those who vie for a seat will attend to me, we shall contact this Goratrix via Mistress Fanchon's magic. From him we shall ascertainw hether he truly has support to be on this Council or whether the Elder of the Clan wishes the rogue detained".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
With that he steps back into the shadows and Brexiano steps forward to take his place.
"Those who Narses seeks may follow me, the rest of you may remain".
He begins heading to the stairs.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
Ranerius follows the procession, bowing in the Prince's direction before he does so.
Too many balls to juggle I fear, not just on my part, but all around us. Something is getting dropped tonight... I only hope it doesn't get broken.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
Dunstan bows and proceeds offering his arm to lady Meridie as it is customary for him to do so. In a whisper and close enough to lady Meridie "I believe lord Benne's point comes from his desire to punish the man before he can compete for the council position securing the place in the inner circle for someone else"
Onfroi nods acknowledging the kindred who agrees with him and marks him to be spoken with later and then follows his sire into the gathering knowing that he is not going to be speaking in here unless asked to.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
Considering Alyssa's concern, Alessandro thought it would be a good time for learning.
What position would Ventrue take, historically... and specifically, what would concern Mithras?
Hearing Narses speak, Alessandro had taken silent. Dutifully attending to Alyssa as she follows the group.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Xing Shi
Xing will attempt to listen in to the conversation they may be having in the room before making any moves.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table
"Ah tha first moments o tension much like tha history o sovereigns an tha church. Tha hast shifted an changed o time."
Then another thought hits Andrew....
"How is a prince made err unmade? Former princes still gather."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court
Lorenzo holds back a smug smile as he follows his Sire in the procession, emboldened by Lord Benne's obvious influence.
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – La Serenata Notturna
Durdona throws a wine glass at the face of Violetta whose hand comes up and snatches it in a blur.
She pulls upon Lucia to no avail, the girl appears mesmerized by Violetta.
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – La Serenata Notturna
A few patrons turn in the direction of the thrown glass but a stare from "El Cid" has them turn back around quite quickly.
"Are you going to run or not child of the virgin birth? It is not much sport if you sit still and let me catch you..."
Again, he seems a statue he sits so still before you.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Luca Marano – the Dark Streets of Venice
Yenshun shakes his head no, "No test, you were to be her first kill. I skimmed your thoughts as she hunted you and realized you would be worth more to Clan Gangrel as one of us then one of the countless mortals who have fallen before our fangs.
If you wish for me to go, I certainly will, I will find you even more worthy as one who may survive on their own without the assistance of mentoring".]
Adria speaks, "But Erik told me that the Prince will slay anyone he finds here in the city who has fed without the right to do so."
Yenshun turns back to her, "Indeed, he will. But Luca will prove himself worthy by surviving such perilous circumstances will he not?"
He turns to go motioning for Adria to follow.
She pauses, "I may not know you and I may have just killed you and for that I am sorry but don't do this..." The look in her eyes is one of desperation.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Xing Shi
Do you still want to stay on point or try and spy on the procession passing you by?
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Alessandro Khadaji
Alyssa heads up last responding to your question, "The Setites' discussion of the Magna Carta was a reference to Mithras. At the same time the mortals of England imposed their will on the King so too did the Cainite nobles impose their will upon Mithras.
Mithras utilizes the Counsel of a Primogen to make many policy decisions within his Domain. Of course his Domain is much larger than most Domains so the support of these various factions allows him to retain power through political alliances rather than force of will.
Mithras of course retains the ultimate decision but he often as not agrees with and implements the will of the Primogen in place of his own desires, especially where his own feelings on a subject are tepid".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Bagrat Kamsarakan
As those who do or may constitute the Inner Circle retire upstairs to convene, you are left with mostly members of Clan Lasombra in the main Court.
One of them approaches you, Khadijah Saadeh the Muslin Lasombra, "A good evening to you Bagrat, tell me have you experience in Cainite Courts? You seem well composed for a Mortal in such a circumstance".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Salubri Table
Brian turns to Andrew, "Remind me later and I shall regale you with the tales of both Alejandro Prince in Exile of Jerusalem and Alexander the Deposed Prince of Paris".
That said he heads up the stairs to the meeting.
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – La Serenata Notturna
Durdona throws a wine glass at the face of Violetta whose hand comes up and snatches it in a blur.
She pulls upon Lucia to no avail, the girl appears mesmerized by Violetta.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - A Crowded Meeting Room on the Second Floor
So many Cainites packed so closely together seems to increase the tension in the room especially as all are pressed against the wall to allow the Tremere to cast whatever Ritual they will prepare to communicate with this “Goratrix”. All who seek or have a seat at the table and the seneschal Brexiano are in attendance.
A long fifteen minutes pass by as both cooperatively but will little cooperation complete a magical circle upon the floor. Bothe begin chanting and soon enough a face appears conjured from thin air.
Brexiano speaks, ”I was under the impression that such a Ritual was a mental communication, this is most impressive.”
The face is bloated with long black hair framing his face, as he opens his mouth his fangs are quite prominent.
”Wayward Grandchilde, we speak again, more in two nights than in the previous two centuries”. he chuckles. ”Mistress Fanchon, so Filareus saw fit to send you to represent our interests in this gathering of luminaries eh? His prodigy come so far and sent even farther away from his power base”.
Mistress Fanchon replies, ”Indeed, though you did not see fit to respond to the invitation and Meerlinda did, it was decided that I would represent our Clan at this Council. Your Wayward Grandchilde seek to save his own hide by claiming that you support him for this position”.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - A Crowded Meeting Room on the Second Floor
"We seek you out Goratrix to confirm whether this rogue should be taken into custody or be allowed to mount a challenge to Mistress Fanchon's desire to sit upon this Council. If he does not have your support then he has broken the Third Tradition here within my Domain and he and his Childe are subject to my jurisdiction. If he has your support then he has acted within the spirit of the rules for application to this august body and I shall overlook his Embrace of this mortal".
The room murmurs at Narses statement as it appears that he is indeed following the logic presented by Lord Benne and Sadir.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - A Crowded Meeting Room on the Second Floor
Lord Benne steps forward and speaks, "I believe that it is irrelevant whether this Goratrix supports the aspirations of Radek or not".
Narses glares at Benne as he steps back into the shadows of the room.
Goratrix laughs, "Prince Narses, I do indeed support Radek's "aspirations", as Lord Benne has so eloquently stated. Should he win a seat, I and the Paris Chantry shall be behind him and so shall my brood and the brood of my deceased sibling Domingo".
Mistress Fanchon retorts, "You would risk a rift within the Clan over a matter already decided by two of the Council of Three!?"
Goratrix smiles, "No rift is possible. You are clearly the more worthy candidate. If you fail to win your bid for a seat on this Council against a rogue with no allies outside of an Autarkis Lasombra Pirate and a Nosferatu who walks through walls I question the wisdom of Meerlinda and Filareus picking you in the first place. Are there further questions for me?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – La Serenata Notturna
With might born of desperation and fear, you bear the weight of Lucia with ease.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - A Crowded Meeting Room on the Second Floor
Vitaliano listed with curiosity peeked. His fingers tapped rhythmically against his leg as he contemplated what was being said. This Goratrix elder was being quite intelligent about his gambit.
By backing Radek and then openly mocking how easy it should be to win against who he backed. If Radek lost, it showed that he was right and Fanchon couldn't possibly lose and it was merely a ploy to bring Radek out in the open to be disposed of. However if Radek won, Fanchon would lose face instantly and everyone would be wise to back Radek or face the Elder's retribution.
He bite his lip before leaning towards his Sire's ear "Perhaps it might be prudent to ask what his request would be of those here regardless of who wins...just so that even if there is anger at having lost, then there would be order's in place to keep things...civil." he mentioned as he felt it would be unwise to be the one to speak up.
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg – La Serenata Notturna
"Lucia! We're leaving!"
Narses Court
Onfroi saw now that this was some greater scheme and trading of favors then a position that was something the prince would have say about and even more that these powerful beings had arranged Fanchon's challenge here. Now it was a numbers game. Onfroi saw Fanchon had one vote, Radek and his childe had two... so then that seemed easy enough, for even if Radek lost his votes could mean more to his sire and ultimately not cost anything unless Fanchon could swing more votes to his sire then that...
No more questions here to be sure, just time to be about his business.