Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Out Front -
Vitaliano, as you consider your next course of action, Xing appears from the side of the building heading to the docks. The Gondalier you paid to get here is pushing out as he is clearly spooked by this location.
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?"
"I received an invitation to speak business with Master Khadaji, I am not sure about my friend here."
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!"
Alessandro is intrigued, and at least Galeel is smiling.
He follows.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Khadaji Household -
The man gestures, "Come, come". And he heads into the house. The man, clearly a Muslim, leads you to a back patio where refreshments have been laid out.
He motions for you and Robin to take your seats and he heads inside.
Galeel brings you out to the patio where one man you have never seen before is seated. The second man you recognize as Robin Leeland.
Galeel bows, "Master Khadaji, meet Edwarde Ashedown, a trader who deals in goods from the Isle to where your father has recently traveled. This I believe is his bodyguard".
Robin grins at Galeel's confusion.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Out Front -
Vincent looked around after finding the doors locked and he sighed, he wasn't sure what to do until Xing slipped out a side door and he looked at his Sire before walking towards her and releasing the veil. "Good evening young flower, I find myself upon the door of the coven only to find it is locked so early in the night. My Sire...be it his curse or truth has assured me that he and I are in danger this evening so I cloaked us and made our way here to seek Asylum. Might you be able to secure that for us?" he asked in a hush.
If Violetta could avoid giggling then Onfroi could manage to not smack his face on a flat surface but he listens politely and when she is finished will say this is most interesting, thank you for bringing it to our attention. Does Francois wish to do this instead so we might then support him in that endeavor?
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Luca's Humble Abode - Luca Marano
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing Home
"Gunther, you mistake my intention. I wish to open an establishment similar to yours and wish for you to run it for a price as you have the skills for that. I want to remain "silent" in this endevour. Would you like to discuss this further as it can ensure your financial future?
Expending a blood point for Entrancement
Appearance + Empathy. DC is targets willpower
La Serenata Notturna - [ooc]Ranerius Bernerius
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".
He closes the door, then looks at the writing to make sure it matches that of his true sire. Paranoia might yet be prudent, when he sees that it does...
"What to tell you, my lord," Ranerius considers it. It feels like the nights can be almost as weeks, "I believe I have ingratiated myself with Simon. We share a common religion, though he is more pious than I, I admit it. We worked together on a hymn. I think I may gain his vote partially because of it, but it was a joy to work on regardless. " He'll show what they've worked on, "He believes the Sect should be about building Bridges between Clans. Between that and our faith in common I hope I've earned the vote you needed."
"The path of heaven in general is meeting surprising resistence from some of my peers in age. Some have seen too many examples of man's cruelty to man to be so... optimistic? Others simply have different cultural backgrounds. This may mean that Humanitas remains supreme among us or merely they search more... though so far the Prince's recent conversion seems to last, so among the elders that faction maybe picking up influence."
"Critias of the Brujah was eager to talk to you tonight, and maybe cross with me for when I went to seek you out, you were in sessions," He sighs, "He believes you are already going to vote for him, but I think he believes you must yet earn his support. My mistreatment of Dunstan has thrown him for now I believe, but the man is learned and no fool. I'm very cautious about him. He won't appreciate being tricked."
"We met Lutz of the Malkavians... who demonstrated his ability to disguise himself even as the prince. Very intersting that. If he's hoping to make ME paranoid, it maybe working," A pause, "He also spoke of the Prince saying...'The Prince's new direction? Phhffft, I'd do a 180 if my second in command was kidnapped and slain by the Dracon too. I know it was a while ago but that one seems to have a real hate for the Heresy, Crimson Curia whatever they hell they called it before Narses broke up the party earlier tonight. Will that save his skin I wonder?"'" He does a decent mimicry himself for a layman."He also suggested that, he would vote for the Toreador no one knows is running. That... has me curious. The Artisian, she truly does not run?"
"Your calligraphy has changed."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Out Front - Xing Shi & Vitaliano
Xing eyes Vitaliano cautiously.
"Yes it seems as the court does not open it's doors this early, as for Asylum I'm unsure I can do much to assist you in that department. I do have an apartment you could possibly hide in but I'm looking for someone before I would be able to take you there. Do you know where I can find the one named Bagrat?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Nosferatu Safehouse -
Petradon replies, "No, your former Master believes that I should defer to Simon and take the role of Justicar!" He smashes his fist down on the table you are all seated at crushing it into splinters with a Nosferatu love tap.
The "people" of the Inn, blood dolls all in a haze that causes them to wander and lounge like zombies even start at the noise and violence.
Violetta smiles at you, "Indeed. Francois has assured Helene of the Courts of Love that he will choose her as his Justicar. This frees up an important social and political space in Paris for the Court of Love to fill. In exchange for evacuating this position, Helene will select me as one of her Archons and support Francois for the position of Inner Circle".
"Explain how this all benefits us! Petradon snarls.
"You will be Justicar doling out punishment or favors as you see fit. Following the dictates of the Council of course. In exchange, the Toreador will select Onfroi as one of our Archons".
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Luca's Humble Abode -
You sense that it is a good idea to keep up appearances as Adria argued but a bad idea to do so without informing your Sire first.
Adria chimes in as she sees you wrestle with the decision, "We could juts leave a note and head over there very quick, I will even accompany you!"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Khadaji Household -
Galeel frowns but stands and steps away closing the inside door behind him leaving the three of you alone.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing Home -
Gunther smiles, "Of course. Of course. That is a terrific idea, come in come in".
He leads you into a quaint home and directs you to sit on the couch. His wife steps into the room, "Gunthar I thought we decided no visitors... until..."
Gunthar replies, "Do not worry about it dear. Michele is offering us a business proposal. Wonderful right,get us some refreshments".
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..."
"Kings it is then."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Out Front -
Onfroi watches the table splinter like kindling thinking to himself how impressive, further thinking of this developement in relation to his plans and says I am flattered to be considered at all for such things. It is my summation then that you feel Simon to overall be weaker and more easily swayed most especially due to his faith. Being weak on the council will make every Nosferatu position weaker. Being a strong judge and jury under a weak representative of rule still makes us weak. If you had a third strong choice for inner circle that my sire could agree to instead of Simon and then he as Justicar I could see him doing so. This is, however, not as it is.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Francois listens to what you have to say though your point at the end gives him pause. "Goddamned madmen. I have no idea what he means. I fear what he means though for often they know what we do not. It is certainly not the Artisan, she is what she appears to be of that I am sure. Go to this Lutz, pledge our support for more information on this. He is staying at the Alla Vigna. Go to him before the Conclave reconvenes this night.
I will meet with Criatas this night. I believe that we can secure his vote with the negotiations that Violetta and I entered last night. Stay away from him after that, you are right, he is no one's fool and tensions between us could run high.
I am also under the strong belief that your visit with Simon will all but ensure our support from him. Well done. Tonight, when you see him, let him know that Francois stands with him.
As yes, I follow the Road of Humanitas and suspect that you will do so as well you seem well suited for it. If you find another Road that you believe suits you, by all means we can discuss this.
Yes, the Prince's conversion seems rather well timed. It is that conversion I believe that should convince us all to support Simon as the Nosferatu head. Whether it is genuine or not it is public and we must be wary of it. Whether Narses can wash the blood on his hands away by blaming the Crimson Curia and destroying those who will not renege I suppose remains to be seen. As I understand it, the Dracon has not been seen in some time, this means nothing but as Vykos is the creatures Great-Grand-Childe and is in attendance then I can only assume that Narses has healed whatever wounds were once there".
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Somewhere in Venice -
Rodrigo nods, "Excellent as I would have hoped.
Now, when in my city rules would be different but we are not in my city. In fact, you may never be in my city if what I propose will come to pass. Thus, you must know the laws that the Prince of this city, Narses, has put in place.
The First Tradition: The Covenant. Those closest to Caine must rule as they are possessed of the most power and wisdom. It is through them that the rest shall prosper. In exchange, those closest to Caine offer their protection to those who dwell within their Domain. To obey is to uphold The Covenant between all.
The Second Tradition: The Domain. The city is the Prince's City, they protect and nurture it by enforcing its laws, the laws laid down by Caine. Those who would seek refuge in the Domain will submit to their will. They shall dictate who shall feed and where they shall feed to ensure that the flock is not thinned and stays vibrant. You shall pay respect to them and to those who they allow to dwell within the Domain. Those who are not welcome are to be brought before the Prince, such is the duty of all who dwell here.
The Third Tradition: Progeny. As the eldest in the Domain only Prince's have the wisdom to understand whether the flock has grown sufficiently enough to sustain more of our Brothers and Sisters. Thus, you may not Sire another without their permission. To do so will bring the penalty of Final Death for you and said Childe.
The Fourth Tradition: The Accounting. Those who Sire take on a great burden. For the actions of the Childe reflect upon the Sire. Your successes are their success and your failures are their failures. Your Sire is to instruct you in the proper rules of etiquette. He is also the first to enforce the Traditions. You answer to him as you would answer to the Prince for your sins are his to bear as well. Once he releases you, then shall your actions reflect upon you and you alone.
The Fifth Tradition: Destruction. Thou shalt not kill thine elder. Neither shall you spill the blood of another of our kind unless forced to do so to defend your own existence. Those who seek to harm you shall suffer my wrath. If a Cainite is to be destroyed, it shall fall upon the Prince to decide and no others.
The Sixth Tradition: The Silence Of Blood. You shall never reveal your nature to those not of the Blood, by so doing, you renounce your claims to yours. At all times you must retain control of yourself in front of mortals with the exception of those for whom you have decided to take sustenance. Then only through death or deception shall you claim the sustenance you need. Many of our kind have mortal servants despite this restriction, it is up to your Sire to decide how and when you may take such servants under your guidance.
Have you any questions?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing Home - Michele Querini
I will stand for the moment.
Looking Gunther in the eyes and paying the wife no mind.
Gunther, my partner and friend, is that your lovely daughter I hear at the top of the stairs? Let her come down so I may pay her my respects
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing Home -
Gunthar smiles, "Certainly. Jordan come down here for a second my dear".
You hear footsteps from above you walk ddown what must be the hall and then head down the stairs, "Yes daddy?"
"Jordan, meet Signore Querini he is here to wish you well".
Jordan gives you a dark look, "Querini you say..."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Nosferatu Safehouse -
Violetta frowns, "No, you misread. Simon is one of the oldest Cainites here outside of Criatas and Alexander. His influence with the Prince is clear based on the Prince's conversion. We believe that alone will sway votes to Simon's side and away from yours".
She turns to Petradon, "If you agree to hand the reigns to Simon now in exchange for the position of Justicar then you guarantee a position of power. If not, who can say what member of your Clan he will pick. We believe he has Childer among the Nosferatu of this city and as a result contacts, allies, and influence you could not hope to duplicate in a century. He may well pick one of them leaving you with nothing.
As Justicar you can twist his decrees as you see fit as he will be here while you are wherever you happen to be enforcing the will of the Council. Is our position now more clear?"
Petradon folds his arms, "I am not finished yet Violetta".
He turns his gaze to you, "What do you think Childe. These are after all, your former comrades".
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Out Front - Xing Shi & Vitaliano
Michael will prepare him self to leave, There is much to do and precious time to waste. Michael will search for the good doctor so they can make haste
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing Home - Michele Querini
I will now to Jordan and graciously smile.
"Please I mean you, your bethrothed, and your family all the best. My cousin can be hot headed at times but I am simply a business man. I have come here to ask your father to run an establishment for me based on his expertise.
Looking at Gunther
" Would you like to hear more about what I am thinking of doing? "
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
House of the Giovanni -
Yeti starts when a knock falls upon your door. "It's Michael, Dr. are you ready to go to the Way of Kings Inn?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing Home -
Gunthar grins, "Yes please do!"
His wife and daughter look on skeptically.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing Home - Michele Querini
" well my idea is to create a space that people can relax and drink in that has themes. So perhaps we have a large room adorned to look like an establiment from Eygpt, other rooms can have other designs. It brings some entertainment and somehing new to people. I have the coin but need someone that can run the business end of the establishment. You can get paid a salary and/or take a minority stake in the business."
Will look around to guage reactions.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Out Front - Xing Shi & Vitaliano
Vitaliano thought for a moment and turned to his Sire grabbing him by the front of his shirt and giving a rather rough slap "Snap out of it my friend, we cannot rest here for the time being but I need to know what you know of the Tzimisce Myca Vykos and of her ghoul Bagrat. They may be able to hide us and help a GrandChilde of a very important vote" he said trying to snap some sense back into the man.
Onfroi looks to Violetta and back to his sire and says I think if the prince publically supports Simon and declares it so then we would be wise to accept this second position. All of this will be done publically and you have an arrangement with Francois that he has spent recources for which he will not wish to lose
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Out Front - Xing Shi & Vitaliano
Xing watches Vitaliano curiously. His sire is odd and Vitaliano not far behind him...
La Serenata Notturna - Ranerius Bernerius
Francois listens to what you have to say though your point at the end gives him pause. "G#&+&*ned madmen. I have no idea what he means. I fear what he means though for often they know what we do not. It is certainly not the Artisan, she is what she appears to be of that I am sure. Go to this Lutz, pledge our support for more information on this. He is staying at the Alla Vigna. Go to him before the Conclave reconvenes this night.
[B]"I treated him with respect, and meant it. then again, I think treating one who can inflict madness upon you with some due caution is just good sense. It may help, but regardless I'll go to him, of course." He wonders if they plan to honor this, but decides not to ask, plausible deniability. "he is very perceptive I think. But translating those perceptions will be difficult. I'll see if I can do so without losing my wits." A thought occurs but is wrong it could damage things more than help. Unity is at stake, but it occurs to me there are only a handful that could be running out anyone's knowledge.
'I will meet with Criatas this night. I believe that we can secure his vote with the negotiations that Violetta and I entered last night. Stay away from him after that, you are right, he is no one's fool and tensions between us could run high.
[B]"Can you tell me more of the details of the negotations you and Violetta had with him? And, where is Violetta now?"
I am also under the strong belief that your visit with Simon will all but ensure our support from him. Well done. Tonight, when you see him, let him know that Francois stands with him.
"I shall pass that message on. I really can't wait for you to hear the hymn all politics aside."
As yes, I follow the Road of Humanitas and suspect that you will do so as well you seem well suited for it. If you find another Road that you believe suits you, by all means we can discuss this.Yes, the Prince's conversion seems rather well timed. It is that conversion I believe that should convince us all to support Simon as the Nosferatu head. Whether it is genuine or not it is public and we must be wary of it. Whether Narses can wash the blood on his hands away by blaming the Crimson Curia and destroying those who will not renege I suppose remains to be seen. As I understand it, the Dracon has not been seen in some time, this means nothing but as Vykos is the creatures Great-Grand-Childe and is in attendance then I can only assume that Narses has healed whatever wounds were once there".[/b]
"But we continue to throw our support behind Petradon in fact do we not? We had a bargain... I do not care for Petradon per se, but onfroi served loyally, and it is through him we had the bargain. It feels like betrayal otherwise."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
House of the Giovanni -
"I am finishing something up at the moment, and I need to speak with Lord Benne briefly first. After that we shall be on our way, Michael."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Luca's Humble Abode - Luca Marano
"Hmm...best to wait until we meet with our....advisor. If need be, I could always say I became terribly ill and had not had time to reply."
Luca will opt to meet up with advisor first.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Khadaji Household -
Galeel, this is Master Leland. He is an associate of the Lady Alyssa. With a practiced and discreet signal, Alessandro indicates to the valet, that everything is alright.
Gentleman, how may I be of assistance? Or is it the Lady Alyssa you are after?
"That sounds fine I will wait outside until you are ready"
Michael will take his leave as he waits for his host. Going over todays agenda.
.oO(Anya! I havent checked in with her in a while.... wait fhadi may still be lingering around have to inform Radek she may be of some use to him.)
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Khadaji Household -
Galeel, this is Master Leland. He is an associate of the Lady Alyssa. With a practiced and discreet signal, Alessandro indicates to the valet, that everything is alright.
Gentleman, how may I be of assistance? Or is it the Lady Alyssa you are after?
"I received a message saying that you wished to speak with me about trade deals."
It would seem that someone is not telling the truth
Edwarde subtly checks that his long knife is where it should be and that it would easily be drawn.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Gunthar Thesing Home -
Gunthar smiles, "I love the idea!"
His wife and daughter seem a bit taken aback.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Out Front -
Antoine appears to do exactly that Vitaliano, "Ah, well done my Childe. We are safe!"
Sanity seems to return to him as he looks at Xing and smiles, "Fledgling. Now what was it you asked my Childe?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
At the Nosferatu Safehouse -
Violetta clucks her tongue, "Narses has already publicly backed Simon. After centuries of leading the Crimson Curia he disavowed them and converted to Catholicism or at least the belief in the God of Man. He'll not make it any more public than that. Francois has little else to do. If you make the deal with Simon the Cainite will honor his word and hand to you the position of Justicar..."
Petradon rises, "We shall have to discuss this privately if you take your leave?"
She rises, "Time runs out a decision is only days away". She states as she walks out of the Inn.
Petradon turns to you, "Thoughts?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Francois nods and raises an eyebrow, "Do you wish to take another with you if you fear for your sanity with Lutz?"
He sighs when you ask about Simon and those particular negotiations and your comments on betrayal, "Violetta has her own goals there. I told Simon I would support him. Your visit with him no doubt solidified that support in his mind. As to where Violetta is and what she is doing, I shall wait to hear from her before I advise you on it further.
As I said, we support Petradon, perhaps not in the exact way he wishes to be supported but we do so nonetheless".
I think what they have said has merit, and they are supporting you by offering you what can be offered, but if you still wish the inner circle let me know it, and I will do what can be done.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
House of the Giovanni -
"Michael, head down to the parlor. I will meet you there as soon as I have finished speaking with Lord Benne."
Lorenzo heightens his senses, waiting to hear that Michael has stepped away before emerging from his room with Yeti.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
House of the Giovanni -
"Thank you for the lesson, Yeti, quite informative as usual. I will express your concerns about presentation to Lord Benne before I depart for the evening." Lorenzo says to the Samedi as he escorts him back to his chambers.
After leaving Yeti, Lorenzo makes his way to Lord Benne's chambers. Knocking on the door, Lorenzo asks, "May have very brief moment of your time?"
"Lord Benne, one of our guests is growing rather nervous about being, or perhaps more appropriately, not being presented to Prince Narses and is beginning to wonder if he as much as our prisoner as he was the Giovanni. I told him that I would bring his concern to you. As I have done that, unless you require something of me, I will be off to see what sort of dealings Michael Santo has with the Salubri."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
House of the Giovanni -
Arriving in the parlor, Lorenzo is apologetic.
"I am truly sorry for the delay, Michael. Thank you for indulging my request. Shall we be on our way?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Narses Court - Out Front - Xing Shi & Vitaliano
"I'm looking for the one named Bagrat? Do you know where he may be residing?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Somewhere in Venice -
Rodrigo nods, "Excellent as I would have hoped.
Now, when in my city rules would be different but we are not in my city. In fact, you may never be in my city if what I propose will come to pass. Thus, you must know the laws that the Prince of this city, Narses, has put in place.
You and I both.
The First Tradition: The Covenant....
The Second Tradition: The Domain....
The Third Tradition: Progeny. As the eldest in the Domain only Prince's have the wisdom to understand whether the flock has grown sufficiently enough to sustain more of our Brothers and Sisters. Thus, you may not Sire another without their permission. To do so will bring the penalty of Final Death for you and said Childe.
"So rank is attained by age alone?"
The Fourth Tradition: The Accounting. Those who Sire take on a great burden. For the actions of the Childe reflect upon the Sire. Your successes are their success and your failures are their failures. Your Sire is to instruct you in the proper rules of etiquette. He is also the first to enforce the Traditions. You answer to him as you would answer to the Prince for your sins are his to bear as well. Once he releases you, then shall your actions reflect upon you and you alone.
Pyrrhic victory perhaps.... "Oh, I'm listening."
The Fifth Tradition: Destruction. Thou shalt not kill thine elder. Neither shall you spill the blood of another of our kind unless forced to do so to defend your own existence. Those who seek to harm you shall suffer my wrath. If a Cainite is to be destroyed, it shall fall upon the Prince to decide and no others.
So the laws of 'Caine' be above the laws of men. It does not matter men kill other men all the time.
The Sixth Tradition: The Silence Of Blood....
I can keep a secret.
Have you any questions?"
"When you say 'Caine' you mean the 'Caine' of the Book, correct?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
The Streets of Venice -
You and Adria take to the streets to track down Yenshun. As you walk the streets you again find that the people in the streets are restless. It seems some sort of deadline looms near and the leaders of the city have yet to meet it.
You can both feel the tensions ad the blood of mortals running hot as they argue back and forth or speak so animatedly between themselves. The blood you took last night was something but not as nourishing as the smells that assail you now.
.