Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Khadaji Household -
Unfortunately other than the fact that they are traders and of all things heretics, Muslims, you do not know much more about the House. Certainly you have been cultivating a contract with any new shipping company that you can and this one is a bit of a stretch based on their religious affiliations but business is after all business. If they have a new ship which is faster than others available you must consider all avenues to increase revenues.
Night soon falls and Aaron knocks upon your door, My Lord, we should go now while there is still some light in the sky".
As you make your way through the streets with Aaron you can see that tensions are running high. Despite the Doge's ban on the carrying of weapons a few weeks ago, groups are doing so openly in defiance of the decree. Still, Aaron is a large imposing man and as you are clearly outsiders by dress and skin tone, none seek to pick a fight with you or your large protector.
Soon enough you arrive at the Khadaji Household. The last rays of the sun were gone perhaps twenty minutes gone by. As you step to the wrought iron gate that blocks the path leading to the manse you hear a familiar voice.
"Well met Lord Ashedown", it is the voice of the countryman you met just the night before, Robin Leeland.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Malkavian Safehouse -
Hidden now, you step near the door to unlock it and let the force of he who is on the other side open it. Your Sire steps in, seemingly in a panic. "Come quick my Childe". He turns around frantically seeing that you are nowhere to be found, "By God they've captured him too! I'll have to fend for myself!"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
House of the Giovanni -
Yeti shrugs, "I would sleep better if I could be introduced to the Prince. Regardless, shall we begin?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Luca's Humble Abode -
Adria smiles weakly and nods her head in agreement with Luca.
The envelope is addressed to you from House Khadaji, the very same merchants you met with the prior evening. A meeting that was quite literally a lifetime ago though less than a day has passed.
The invitation invites you to come in the early evening to meet with the Master of the House to finalize a shipbuilding contract and to meet with the man who will assist in financing the venture.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Outside -
As you are not aware of the location of Alejandro's haven you are forced to seek him out first at Elysium.
The streets are filled now more then ever before with Mortals many of whom yell at one another and seek to agitate for one reason or another. Perhaps it is the presence of so many of your kind. Your kind, a strange thought but it is true now. Here in the city, perhaps they sense the apex hunters among them in such large numbers or perhaps it is politics. Either way you move past them or through them as necessary to reach your goal.
Finding a Gondola driver who is willing to take you to the deserted plot of land but not willing to stay! you find the doors to Court are firmly locked when you arrive.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Nosferatu Safehouse -
Violetta smiles at you and pats the seat next to her for you to come sit.
"Violetta has come because she seems to believe that there is a greater path to influence for you and I my Childe than that of Counselors". Petradon frowns.
She continues to smile, "Indeed. I have it on very goo information that this very night the seat of power of the Assamites will be challenged.
Narses will use that challenge to back an idea floated regarding other positions not on the Council but pertaining to the Council".
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Somewhere in Venice -
"A wise choice. Know that you are now a member of the most selective and deadly of the Cainites. Clan Assamite.
Before you learn of the Laws of the Night or of the other Clans first you must learn of that which will allow you to retain your sanity in this new coil. As Humans have their own morality so too do we have tenets that we must live by lest the Beast Within seize you with an unending lust for blood which will override your rational mind.
Our Clan follows two Roads. Many follow the Road of Kings. Most follow the Road of Blood. Still some do follow the Road Heaven, those most devout at any rate.
I am a Paragon on the Road of Kings. The Road of Kings is one that has been strode upon by many.
Just as God ordained that kings should rules over men, by placing His mark upon Caine He ordained that Cainites were above the mortal herd, and that some also held divine right to rule. The Scions, followers of the Road of Kings, believe that power and rulership are their inheritence, secured by strength of arms and skill at court. Just as the mortal nobility wars for control over land and wealth, so do the Scions war among themselves for control of Cainite domains, with lesser vampires and mortals arrayed like pieces on a chessboard.
The Beast stands in the way of a Scion's destiny, as it stands in the way of all who bear the mark of that first creature who cursed us so. It represents all the dark impulses that drag a ruler down and lead to rebellion and betrayal. But, carefully controlled, those same passions can raise a ruler up to greatness and give him the power to conquer his enemies and hold on to his throne. So the Beast must be controlled, and conquering the Beast is a necessary first step in conquering the world.
Those who rise to the position of prince often do so by following this road. Of course, this Road like the rest, gives incremental increases to power and requires a great deal of its adherents.
Have you questions before I continue?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
House of Giovanni -
Radek nods, "Very well but make it back for the Conclave thi night. I will need you to begin to move around the younger Cainites and convince them that they should convince their Sires to vote in our favor. Offer what you must short of our Blood powers for it is unlife or death for us that we win.
Take care near Sergei's man for he is a Hunter lest you draw attention to us or our kind. That is another way for us to be killed".
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing's Home -
The streets have turned into the Grand Council it seems! The populace as involved in politics as you have ever seen them, men women, young old, all seem to have an opinion as to what to do about the Church and the Doge. For a moment your conscience gets the better of you as you know that your family needs you now. Your moment passes though as you realize your new family has an even more immediate need.
You knock upon the front door of Thesing's abode for a time there is no answer.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Malkavian Safehouse - Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano was surprised by the sight of his Sire and let the veil go down to show himself "Relax Sire, I am unharmed. I merely was practicing the ways of our blood. Now let us make haste and uncover this plot. Come, I will cloak you as well and we will escape this to the safety of the Court." he said before he began to concentrate once again and will the power of his blood.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing's Home - Michele Querini
Perception + Alertness DC 7 2 successes needed
I will place my hand to the right of the door touching the house and concentrate.
Second dot of Visceratika to determine how many people are in the house.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Outside - Xing Shi
Xing shakes her head. They must be late sleepers...
Xing thinks back to the meeting and who the mortal was and the kindred who was with him. Bagart... How do I find him.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Khadaji Household -
Soon enough you arrive at the Khadaji Household. The last rays of the sun were gone perhaps twenty minutes gone by. As you step to the wrought iron gate that blocks the path leading to the manse you hear a familiar voice.
"Well met Lord Ashedown", it is the voice of the countryman you met just the night before, Robin Leeland.
"Mr Leeland, why does it not surprise me to see you tied up in this. Where is your mute friend?"
"Aaron, I should be fine from here I am sure a member of the staff here will see that you have somewhere to rest while I meet with the family."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
House of the Giovanni -
"It is not my place to introduce you to the Prince, but I will certainly relay your desires to Lord Benne." Lorenzo says in response to Yeti's comment.
"Otherwise, yes, we should begin."
Sensing Yeti's desire to avoid idle chit-chat, Lorenzo remains silent unless asking a clarifying question on the lessons being taught.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Ranerius Bernerius
You wake with excitement knowing that even if the other Cainites in the Court cannot appreciate the hymn you wrote the night before, they will be forced to acknowledge that you are a political force to be reckoned with as Simon will credit you with writing it!
Sitting next to your bed is a warm cup of coffee, you can smell it is laced with blood, your wife’s blood. ”My love, try this, perhaps a little something in it will allow you to keep this down?” As beautiful and caring as ever she smiles at you. ”When you are ready, your friend Francois awaits you in his room”.
Hopefully I have won Simon's vote as well, but still, if I failed, at least my attempt may bring in beauty to this world.
"With you, my love, I prefer the source," He caresses her neck, "You alone had access to this cup? There are reasons I ask. Even a vampire maybe bound by another vampire if one is not careful."
Assuming she assures him, he nods, and drinks.
If there is a question of it being in another's hands, he may abstain.
And then he goes to see his sire.
Onfroi considers what is said and then states so the prince will make a place not at the table for those who lose to catch the scraps? It is an intellegent thing to find favor even to those who do not win seats on the council who are here because so many favors and representatives of boons for more powerful beings are here, making more of them pleased with the outcome is brilliant really. Do you feel my sire will not win the council? Of course we wish to hear more of this place near the council but as for myself I intend to see my sire at the table and not catching scraps
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Malkavian Safehouse -
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing's Home - Michele Querini
As you concentrate the door opens the face of Gunthar Thesing greets you, "Can I help you?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Outside -
You see no one else about.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Khadaji Household -
Aaron gives Robin a staredown as he begins to head away from the house.
Robin smirks at Aaronas he responds to you, "I doubt we are here for the same reason. I would call our meeting here serendipity.
My mute friend does not speak English I fear but his German and French are very good. At the moment he is elsewhere though he and I do have an event to attend later this evening.
Have you met Alessandro Khadaji before?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
House of the Giovanni -
You are able to grasp the concepts readily enough this night.
Once the lesson is over, Yeti sighs, "I should hope so. I have been agreeable and amenable to your and your Sires desires. The Giovanni were obviously my captors I wonder if you are as well just less aggressive about your approach..."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
"No my love, you drink deeply only of me". As you sip you recognize her blood and only her blood.
Soon enough you stand before Francois' door and then you enter, this is after all your home.
Francois looks up at you from his writing desk where he has been busy drafting several notes, "Ah good evening my Childe. Close the door. Let us discuss the approach for this night. But first, tell me what it is you think I should know about".
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Nosferatu Safehouse -
Violetta smiles, "Scraps? No, not scraps. After all who is the true power behind any Kingdom, the one on or the one behind the throne?"
She flutters her eyes at you.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing's Home - Michele Querini
Perception + Awareness DC 6
"Gunther, it is Michele Querini. Do you have a moment to discuss some buisness?
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Malkavian Safehouse - Vitaliano da Riva
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Luca's Humble Abode - Luca Marano
Luca sighs and sets the documents down on the table. A lifetime ago that project seemed to be his saving grace, and now it was the unpleasant factor in his birth in this new life.
"Tell me, how will our....advisor, take to me taking a contract from a human? It would be good practice for this 'fleet' he hopes me to build, but I know not how to handle these matters."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Outside - Xing Shi
Xing grumbles to herself and takes a stroll around the building looking for a new entrance or window she could possible slip in through.
to try to open window if one is found to get in.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Khadaji Household -
Aaron gives Robin a staredown as he begins to head away from the house.
Robin smirks at Aaronas he responds to you, "I doubt we are here for the same reason. I would call our meeting here serendipity.
My mute friend does not speak English I fear but his German and French are very good. At the moment he is elsewhere though he and I do have an event to attend later this evening.
Have you met Alessandro Khadaji before?"
** spoiler omitted **
Edwarde smiles knowingly when Robin says it is luck that they are both here.
"We should have spoken in French then, everyone would have been able to follow the conversation."
He pauses for a moment, "I have not had the pleasure of meeting him, though I have met some of his staff."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Somewhere in Venice -
"A wise choice. Know that you are now a member of the most selective and deadly of the Cainites. Clan Assamite.
Before you learn of the Laws of the Night or of the other Clans first you must learn of that which will allow you to retain your sanity in this new coil. As Humans have their own morality so too do we have tenets that we must live by lest the Beast Within seize you with an unending lust for blood which will override your rational mind.
Our Clan follows two Roads. Many follow the Road of Kings. Most follow the Road of Blood. Still some do follow the Road Heaven, those most devout at any rate.
I am a Paragon on the Road of Kings. The Road of Kings is one that has been strode upon by many.
Just as God ordained that kings should rules over men, by placing His mark upon Caine He ordained that Cainites were above the mortal herd, and that some also held divine right to rule. The Scions, followers of the Road of Kings, believe that power and rulership are their inheritence, secured by strength of arms and skill at court. Just as the mortal nobility wars for control over land and wealth, so do the Scions war among themselves for control of Cainite domains, with lesser vampires and mortals arrayed like pieces on a chessboard.
The Beast stands in the way of a Scion's destiny, as it stands in the way of all who bear the mark of that first creature who cursed us so. It represents all the dark impulses that drag a ruler down and lead to rebellion and betrayal. But, carefully controlled, those same passions can raise a ruler up to greatness and give him the power to conquer his enemies and hold on to his throne. So the Beast must be controlled, and conquering the Beast is a necessary first step in conquering the world.
Those who rise to the position of prince often do so by following this road. Of course, this Road like the rest, gives incremental increases to power and requires a great deal of its adherents.
Have you questions before I continue?"
"You do not follow the path of your Christian God?" Durdona only half expects an answer her mind contemplating future regicide. "What is this 'Road of Blood'?
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Unsure where Alyssa may have gone, Alessandro gathers himself and replies to he man.
Galeel? Of course, I'm coming. Is everything alright?
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing's Home -
Gunthar opens the door and peers at you his figure imposing though less so then it was when you first met him, "Signore' Querini, it is late to be visiting me no? To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Nosferatu Safehouse -
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Malkavian Safehouse -
He smiles at you, "Indeed, the window, an excellent idea!"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Luca's Humble Abode -
Adria shrugs, "You may have been "born" or "unborn" last night but I was made or whatever, the night before that. I fear I am the wrong person to ask. I suppose it could not hurt to visit and just say no so as to not arouse suspicions..."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Malkavian Safehouse - Vitaliano da Riva
Seeing that his Sire has no difficulty with the jump. He slips out the window himself shortly after.
He manages well enough and looks to his Sire. "Quickly, let us head to safety then. I will send word to have the place locked up later." he said as he looked to his Sire to lead the way.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Outside -
No visible entrances besides that door. The back door is literally bricked up. You do find a few windows though. One seems the most promising based on what you remember from the layout. With ease you slide the window up.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Khadaji Household -
Robin smiles back, "My friend is a bit of a firebrand even to your progressive thinking. I am not sure if you would have liked what he had to say. Let's hope soon that we are both able to form our own opinions of Master Khadaji".
As Robin finishes his sentence there is a man heading down the path towards both of you.
"Greeting". The man states in broken Italian. "What help you with I can?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Somewhere in Venice -
"The Road of Blood is said to be a difficult one to follow especially here among so many who stain the honor of our Founder by their very existence.
First, those on the Road must Faithfully follow the teachings of Haqim.
Second, I have accepted that Mortals are beneath the notice of Cainites. Thus, Feeding from them only when necessary.
Third, lose no opportunity to obtain Cainite blood of any Generation. The power of the Blood shall ensure victory against the enemies of Haqim victory.
Fourth, Withstand the Beast’s fury — failing to master oneself results in lessened prowess.
Fifth, at all times Seek knowledge that may aid the Clan in our war on its enemies.
Lastly, Extend the glory of Haqim’s cause to other Cainites.
Haqim would have all follow him for his is the true path of enlightenment.
Or so the Paragons of that Road would dictate".
He spits, "No, I do not follow the Road of God for he has forsaken me. I honor him in my own way but I have been cast from his side, indeed he has turned a blind eye towards all that I do.
I do not follow the Road of Blood as to me this seems a set of rules for hero worship of the Founder. Little different from following a religious background..."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
House Khadaji -
Jaleel smiles and turns to walk back down the hall, "All is well but as the head of the Household duty calls to you!"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
The Streets of Venice -
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
The Streets of Venice - Vitaliano da Riva
Onfroi looks at Violetta for a long moment and smiles at her saying let us hear more about what you are saying then going along with what she wants
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Outside - Xing Shi
Xing will concentrate (for 1 round) before entering to activate her echolocation power to determine if anything invisible is waiting for her and keep it up for as long as she doesn't speak. She will move into the building a quietly as possible.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing Home- Michele Quereni
" it has to do with our future along with your family. To ensure there financial freedoms. May I come in?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Out Front -
Your Sires' panic appears to be effecting his ability to act rationally.
You choose the Asylum of Elysium to escape your Sires persecutors. It is quite early in the night and none appear to be here yet. The doors are locked as well.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Outside -
As you concentrate on the building you realize that there is something in there moving, what it is is unclear as it does not love quite like anything you have ever encountered before.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Nosferatu Safehouse -
Violetta practically giggles but manages to restrain herself.
"Narses will suggest as has at least once been mentioned in Court prior to the delegates arrival that a second Cainite be a part of the Council. Instead of a member, this Cainite will enforce the edict of the Council. The position is to be called Justicar. Each Justicar will have three deputies known as Archons.
These advisors will enforce the will of the Council in the wider world away from Venice".
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing Home -
Gunthar steps outside and closes the door behind him, "What sort of game are you playing at Querini? My daughter is to marry Christopher Dandolo within a weeks time.
I'll not have you seen here creating trouble for her or for me. I am well aware of your cousins rivalry with Christopher but it has nothing to do with my daughter. Stay away or you'll force me to do something I do not wish to do!"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Outside - Xing Shi
Xing sense something but not sure what... Probably a minion of the prince, shadow or something. She still has much to learn of her clans powers but now is not the time to find out what this thing is. She slips back out not wanting to risk being caught by some other supernatural and cause problems with the Prince at this time.
Xing will leave and head toward the Quereni estate to hopefully find Michele. Maybe he knows who this person is she seeks and where to find him.