Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Marcella's Trattoria -
You order another glass of the finest vintage of Red available when two men enter the restaurant. The first glances in your direction and smiles, "By your accent, I take it you are from London sir?"
"Indeed, are you recently traveled from our island? it has been several years since I was last home."
Vitaliano looks around and notices that there are a few of the Brujah here that he had planned to visit next. He thought about the past few days and how they had looked at his Sire and himself over the last bit.
He approached them and gave a slight bow of the head. "How do you do this evening, I am Vitaliano da Riva, Childe of Antoine le Fanu...I was wondering if I might speak with you about this...voting business?" he asked curiously.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Geoffroi de Clairvaux -
Geoff curses as his carraige rattles down the potholed road
"God's Teeth I shall be pleased when I find this city! Or at least a place to ease my aching bones."
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Durdona Checheg –
El Cid nods, "We will begin by my observation of your approach to these ruffians. Interact with them, at least one is a target for you to slay or all if you feel you have the skill to do so".
On the edge of frenzy she resists attacking her sire by transposing his face onto that of one of the men, all of the men, all men.... She walks up to them as freely as any woman of the night hungry for food might. Durdona however knows she'll take her sup not later in small hours, and certainly not in coin.
"My what a broad sword you have there sir. Do you know the art of war? Can you fence?"
First roll (approach): The player rolls Appearance + Subterfuge versus a difficulty of the subject’s Wits + 3. Each success beyond the first adds one die to the pool for the second roll. A failure means the subject expresses his disinterest; a botch means the subject might grow disgusted or angry.
Second roll (witty repartee): The player rolls Wits + Subterfuge versus a difficulty of the subject’s Intelligence + 3. Each success beyond the first adds one die to the final roll. If the roll fails, the subject breaks off the contact, but might prove receptive at a later date since the first impression was good. A botch gives the subject some sort of dangerous insight about the character.
Third roll (intimate conversation): The player rolls Charisma + Empathy versus a difficulty of the subject’s Perception + 3. If the third roll succeeds, the subject is enamored with the character and agrees to accompany him to a private spot. If the roll fails, the subject breaks off the contact, but might prove receptive at a later date. On a botch, the vampire likely ends up with a drink in his face.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
I suppose there's is no point dwelling on it, now. Thank you all for the lesson and enlightenment. Alessandro give a slight yet respectful bow.
Aside to Alyssa when there's an opportunity and privacy... So, what do my Bloodline and Sire think of all this? Path of Heaven, Sword and Salubri Hunters?
I'm just relieved my hands didn't start burning.
by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
The Streets of Venice - Michele Querini
" Sound advice. I will seek him out. What more for tonight-anything?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Bagrat Kamsarakan
Tring to maintain as much self control as he possibly can
We all wait for the prince to come back. The court is in cession although the prince took a break in order to contact Goratrix via Mistress Fanchon's magic. From him they want to confirm who represent the Tremere at this council or if the one called Radek has broken a tradition.
All the other attendee are now conversing in shadows trying to secure votes for seats in the inner council, or attempting to balance the decision from those Elders on the power balance of the powers of a prince in regards to the power of the naissance alliance of the clans The Prince is proposing.
Michael will excuse him self and follow Andrew to have a word.
"signore Andrew might i jave a word with you"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Marcella's Trattoria -
"Indeed, very recently, I have only been here for a few weeks. It is nice to see a fellow Countryman here, perhaps my friend and I can join you? I am Robin, Robin Leeland".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
Dunstan nods in return while Selina heads out of the room, still holding her hand, "Certainly, it was only a matter of time before we would have had to speak. Perhaps we can step into one of the rooms up here to have a more private conversation?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
The Outskirts on Venice - Mainland Italy - The Dead of Night -
Through the thick trees off the side of the road you see a flickering fire light.
"Of course, come sit. I am Edwarde Ashedown. Spent the better part of the last 5 years here."
He turns towards the bar. "Barkeep, some cask ale for my friends."
Turning back to his new friends "Tell me of the latest news from london, how fairs our new King Edward II? I was greatly saddened to hear of the death of his father, though he lived a good long life."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
Alessandro states his peace and heads off with his Sire and out of Elysium.
Andrew turns back to you Lorenzo and shrugs, "I suppose yer answer satisfied his curiosity.
Ah've mah own question fer yah Dr. Have ye seen hide or hair of the Volkov's? That man and his sister were everywhere now they seem tah' be nowhere".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
Alyssa brings you out into the crisp night air.
"Rare are the members of our Blood who walk that Road. There are a handful at best, we are more of a practical lot and to follow that Road requires a great deal of discipline or fanaticism or both".
She shakes her head at mention of the sword and inquires further hearing your response she replies, "I have heard of such items but never seen on in person before. That fact that one such items is in the hands of a Fledgling and one that appears every bit the Fanatic I would call it a dangerous occurrence.
Before we discuss more about that, perhaps you can update me as to progress politically this night?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Onfroi
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
Lorenzo, before you can respond, Michael Santo approaches and asks for a word with Andrew who responds, "It it a werd tha' Dr. Cappelli can share with us?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor - Vitaliano
Vitaliano smiled and waved his hand as if to ask her to lead the way. He was curious to get into the insight of the brujah clan.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
The Streets of Venice -
Sadir stares you dead in the eyes, "Avoid all Elders and do your best to locate Katriana Volkov. If she is in this city, have no doubt that her Brother will return".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
Of the three, the shortest one pushes his fellows back and approaches, "We three agree, you are one of the most beautiful women we have ever seen. However, I have the broadest sword here and thus I have won the right to accompany you home through these dangerous streets. Tell me, do you wish to see my fencing skills first hand?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court -
Durga Syn nods and smiles, "A very astute summary. It seems you are paying quite close attention as to what is taking place here. I am not surprised, for if you are truly a descendant of Narses you would be a quick one. Tell Durga Syn true child, is that who you really are?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Outside in the Back -
As Alejandro takes your arm he begins to pull you through the dark void. Having done this a few times you are starting to get used to it, if such a thing could be gotten used to, soon enough you are standing in the shadows at the back of the building.
He turns to you, "Shall we agree on a story to present? I would suggest that Kratos has gone missing and we seek out the Cainite with his documents only to ascertain if that being knows where Kratos may have gone to. Unless you have a better idea..."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
The Outskirts on Venice - Mainland Italy - The Dead of Night -
Through the thick trees off the side of the road you see a flickering fire light.
Geoffroi reins in his horse and peers at the distant fire. He climbs down and secures his horse to a tree, slipping her a handful of oats and an apple. He heads towards the fire, using his field craft to be as silent as possible. He makes sure his dagger and sword are ready to come out of their scabbards
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Mainland Italy -
We Gangrel instead do follow the Eldest who rule wide swaths of territory calling us together from time to time as the need warrants. Unlike our cousins we respect the word of our Elders and the lead us not rule us...
There’s expected to be a cultural aspect to it. In those rare cases where a Keeper is good at her job, it is because she has an eye for architecture and art as well as security and secrecy. She’s expected to find places that are aesthetically pleasing, stimulating, and occasionally even finds herself responsible for providing entertainment.
And it’s up to the Keeper to keep the peace, protect the Elysium, and prevent vampire doings from spilling out and giving up the secrets of the blood. It isn’t simply herculean; it’s downright impossible.
Among the Gangrel, we have a Caller who gathers our members for meetings and keeps us all informed. If a challenge is made by a younger member against the Eldest, the Caller will observe the battle and report on the results.
In Traditional cities, only the most formidable elders speak to the Prince. Even if the matter is of the most importance, you can’t get near the Crowned Head. Instead, you better hope you can catch a second
of the Chamberlain’s time. She’s the one who knows names, knows sires, knows territories, and if you’re very lucky, knows why what you’ve got to say matters.
Not all Princes have such a position due to the power they wield. The Gangrel have no such functionary and no need for one.
Or, sometimes a leader of a Domain will look out at her court, see among her courtiers a brute or a savage or a swaggering tough itching for a fight. If she is wise, she will give that vampire a job breaking necks and spilling blood in a legitimate way.
In Venice one Cainite serves all three of these roles. We Gangrel have no need of such a being though in more dangerous territories there is one among us who is the best warrior that is responsible for dealing with grave threats.
As you and Adria arrive at the edge of the mainland looking at the dark lagoon across the water your Sire finishes, "There are also smaller roles such as the Harpy, the Scourge and whatever else a Prince can think of, we Gangrel see such positions as useless and do not observe them. Time for us to find a ride back, have you any questions?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Marcella's Trattoria -
The man grins, "Indeed the Longshanks has finally passed. His son is not nearly as effective a ruler as the father. His marriage to Isabella of France did not bring the stability he had hoped for and it certainly has not ended the wars in Scotland.
So, what is it you do here Edwarde? Are you a merchant?"
The drinks arrive at the table but neither man moves to actually pick them up.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
Dunstan steps into a small room and closes the door to provide you with privacy. He sits and bids you to do the same, "I have been told that you and yours could be... difficult to deal with Vitaliano. Tell me, if this is so, how can you make any sort of deal that I and my Sire can reasonably rely upon?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
The Outskirts on Venice - Mainland Italy - The Dead of Night -
You sneak through the woods getting closer to the fires through the trees. You can see a group of men most dressed in the tabards of holy orders! None appear to be Templars. Two men speak on the other side of the woods from where you stand speaking in soft tones. Two more patrol the camp though they seem rather tired and do not notice you.
All told there are about 20 men and horses here, at east from what you can tell from your vantage point...
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor - Vitaliano
Vitaliano takes his seat as he is bid, he smiles politely as he begins to speak. "From what I have heard, it is true that members of my clan are...difficult to deal with as our curse is strong. But surely you've seen how the other member attempting to take the seat acts. My sire is indeed cursed as am I but if you were to compare him to our competition, it's really not all that difficult to tell who would be the easier one to rely on. After all, at least from day to day we are still the same person. Even if you can only rely on us to not be in your way, it's still better then someone you can never predict?" he mentioned, beginning to feel that he was repeating an argument he was growing bored of even if it was true.
Geoff walks quietly towards the voices
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
Lorenzo waits to respond to Andrew's question about the Volkovs, hoping to stay around and see what Michael wishes to talk about.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Outside in the Back - Xing Shi
Xing thinks about what he proposed. He is in this almost as deep as him now and both could be in very serious danger soon if things do not go well.
She nods slowly. "I believe that is reasonable. We really don't have much to go on as it is since Kratos is so secretive. He seemed rather open with you though and would of hoped you may have some inclination as to where he normally hides out."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
Ranerius takes a moment to try to see if he can get a moment of Simon's time when the Prince is done. If possible, he then asks,
"Brother Simon, I do not follow your road, but I am a son of the Church and a believer. I have some connections within the musical community, some of them compose. Would it be presuming on my part if I were to try to have a hymn made?" An apologetic look, [B]"I'm supposed to be swaying as many as I can to voting for my Sire, and I confess, I hope I have made a good impression upon you and can convince you his vision of cooperation is the right one, but however you vote, I would like to use what small influence I have to help perhaps a bit more song in this world for God's glory. If the effort fails, I trust you as an honest judge to gently inform me it does not suffice and I shall be disappointed in the failure, but not offended."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Marcella's Trattoria -
The man grins, "Indeed the Longshanks has finally passed. His son is not nearly as effective a ruler as the father. His marriage to Isabella of France did not bring the stability he had hoped for and it certainly has not ended the wars in Scotland.
So, what is it you do here Edwarde? Are you a merchant?"
The drinks arrive at the table but neither man moves to actually pick them up.
"That's the way of it isn't it. One generation is strong, the next not so."
"Yes, I represent my father's business here. And you?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
Alessandro let's the discussion of the blade rest, she was not comfortable with it.
Lady Jadviga might not be pleased, but that's because Lady Helene of the Toreador is. The Khadaji's have come in contact with quite the collection of artworks, patrons we are. She would like to visit and inspect some.
Unsure how to approach his incompetence, he decides the truth would be best. I was nearly an incomprehensible ape when I approached Bajazet, but the Assimite has a soft spot for the followers of the Prophet.
I can't make heads of tails of Simon's Childe. And, have had no opportunity to speak with Simon.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Mainland Italy -
"So while we maintain ties to the other clans, our clan prefers to be detached?."
Luca can't believe the words as he utters them. Less than a day and he had already come to accept his circumstance. Perhaps his primal need to survive was changing to be more accepting of this monstrous development.
finally ending the accursed gondola ride
Onfroi exits the gondola and will return to the Elysium looking for his sire and leaving his shadow conspirator behind. He will also be considering a place to feed in order to fill up for what may come.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Bagrat Kamsarakan
March 25, 1309
The Streets of Venice - Michele Querini
"I have to determine a better way of finding here. I have to think back to whom may or did cross her path. I will concentrate on that then going to see Kay'tal. "
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
Of the three, the shortest one pushes his fellows back and approaches, "We three agree, you are one of the most beautiful women we have ever seen. However, I have the broadest sword here and thus I have won the right to accompany you home through these dangerous streets. Tell me, do you wish to see my fencing skills first hand?"
"If your hand is what you are most comfortable with."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
Dunstan considers your statement, "A fair point. But how do I know that you will in turn support us against those who challenge my Sire for her position?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
The Outskirts on Venice - Mainland Italy - The Dead of Night -
Your feet rustle leaves and one of the men patrolling the camp pauses, "My Lords, did you hear something?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Outside in the Back -
Alejandro pauses, "I do not know Kratos very well and he is not a frequent visitor to this city, nor am I for that matter. He trusts me because his Sire and I have history together and he has no other connection to the brood of Narses here. Let us begin by asking our Clansmen first if he approached them". He heads towards the entrance.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Second Floor -
As Narses steps away Simon turns to you and smiles, "That would be a splendid idea! I agree, this Camarilla must be about more than seeking power, it should be about building bridges between the Clans. I do not seek out any to vote for me, I think the miracle of my Childe should convince others that I am the right choice. If they cannot see that then no words I have will sway them.
I have no plans this evening if you should wish to collaborate together this night?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Marcella's Trattoria -
Robin shrugs, "I seek to represent everyman. Forces gather to crave up the carcass resulting from many wars over many years. I hope to prevent the most greedy from taking the prime cuts and leaving scraps for those with no voice. Though my road to do so seems bleak".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Outside -
Alyssa chuckles, "Buffoonery is acceptabe if the objective was achieved despite your efforts.
If Lady Jadviga is upset with us then you have done what was expected of you. Let us arrange a meeting with her early tomorrow evening".
She pauses, "Do you think this sword business gives you some sort of ability to speak with Simon that others would not have?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Mainland Italy -
Yenshun nods, "Not detached, free from their strings. We come and go as we please.
Ah there, a boat. Let us take it back to the city. Tell me Childe, have you mortal family dwelling in your home within this city?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court - Outside -
As you hop out of the boat Alexander lays down to hide his own presence with you. Luckily, it seems the few Cainites outside at the moment are more concerned with their own conversations.
You walk past Alessandro and his Sire Alyssa. As you head towards the entrance you see Xing Shi and another Lasombra whose name escapes you coming from around the other side of the building. Stepping out from Elysium is another Cainite, Dark Selina who grips her hand a look of pain and anger upon her face.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Narses Court -
She does not stop to look at you.
Durga Syn watches her walk past, "Speak of the Devil and often she comes to you young one. Should you need assistance from one of our kind, do not hesitate to seek me out. Your connection to Narses keeps the wolves at bay, for now. But beware should you lose his favor".
As she finishes her sentence, Narses appears from the darkness behind his "throne". He walks toward you purposefully.