Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Bagrat in Narses Shadow Sanctum:
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Venetian Streets -
"All right. Why don't you tell me more. I am interested."
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Blurred Mongoose
Piero inclines his head respectfully.
"I am considering it, my friend. It seems that my company this evening has business to attend to, and there are few things more pathetic than a man drinking alone! I do wonder, though...surely you hear word of, let us say, business opportunities for enterprising individuals? I am newly arrived in the city, and have yet to find any worthwhile ventures. Surely a man of such talent as yourself has his ear to the ground, eh, Signore?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
"For now, let's say the rules don't apply, you get a pass for the first one.
Narses is not our Leader, he is trying to be but he is not. There has been a struggle for a long time now brewing, between the old and the young the haves and the have nots among our society.
In the Mortal world ones parents age and die. Here it never happens and the young have almost eternally been slaves to their "parents". Things have changed but often through bloody violence.
Narses seeks to change that by creating an organization in which the concerns of the young are aired out but never addressed or at least not in a meaningful way. That I cannot abode by and I sense in this a Kindred spirit in you.
How about that one?"
After a brief walk away from the Khadaji Household he points to a man who appears to be drunk and alone near a canal.
"Sounds good to me, how does this work."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
"No apology necessary. I am a Seneschal, I have received worse from many of those assembled here. A calm heart is required to be in my current role.
It appears that you and your Sire are at odds, if there is some way I can assist you I will. If your Sire does win the seat on this Council he, and you, will dwell in the city for some time. I will need you to understand the rules of our existence and quickly."
"Yes, I'm afraid the man would be as bad a lord, as he is a teacher. I would say more, but what am I to do? He is apparently my 'sire', and I his slave. I would rather ask for death than the dishonor I fear he has in store for me." Durdona says looking morose.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Lorenzo & Vitaliano - Cappadocian Table
Vitaliano caressed his chin for a moment. "If...I were to try and sum up my Sire, I would simply call him insightful. He has a knack for seeing past the petty gossip to the issue and the fundamental character of a person and their objective. Whether that is from the curse of our blood or simply his cognitive ability. I'm unusre." he said offering his piece.
"If you would like to probe more, I'll do my best to answer." he said smiling.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
What do I consider....strong?
Luc had never considered the question before. Sure, he had strength, strength enough to do carpentry work. Perhaps it was more accurate to say he had never needed to consider the question before.
"Strength is...to survive." Luca answers. He's not confident, and it shows in his voice, but its what most accurately reflects his current situation.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
I agree my Childe, it shan't be easy but our vote is two nights hence so we must do one of two things: one ignore these rumors and act as if it is just a rumor, or two band together to at least ascertain if we are the only ones aware of this.
Good, Violetta is working with others to arrange more votes for us with both the Nosferatu and the Brujah clans.
Have you any other concerns?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Venetian Streets -
"My presence here is due to an organization that I and my allies agreed to join with the understanding that I would be the representative.
The Organization though has decided to allow an outsider, who was once part of my group, to compete with me for a seat on its leadership council.
Had I known this development was going to take place, I would have brought someone more skilled in Diplomacy with me. I need you to meet with a few of the voting members of this organization and convince them to keep their votes with and not give them to this criminal who seeks to usurp my position. Is this something you can assist with?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Blurred Mongoose -
Christian grins, "I have opportunities like you would not believe Piero. Recently I became linked to an organization and been reunited with family I did not realize I had. Between these two recent developments, there is much I can offer an enterprising newcomer.
Come, let's take a booth in the back and speak".
He brings you to a booth and pulls the curtains closed. "Now, to determine how I can best help you, I need to know what it is you have a talent for Signore' de Luca".
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
Robin shrugs, "There are as many different ways to capture prey as there are prey. Some must be brought down like wild animals, others can be bargained with, others seduced. Of course, feeding off of those who would allow you to do so without objection is always useful.
Back at Khadaji's we experimented briefly with the powers of the Blood that come to you most naturally. You may use them to aid you.
At the moment there is one important caveat, you cannot kill the man. He must remain alive. Focus, do not lose control... Now have at him".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Still, he is powerful. Powerful enough to be a choice target for one who would increase their own power... but he is dangerous. One would need certain assurances if one were to assist you in his destruction. At least, I suspect one would want assurances if one were so inclined to assist you".
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Venetian Streets -
Veronica pauses to think it over,
"I think I can...especially if these voting members are all ready clients. It may take some time otherwise to build that trust. But I believe I can help you with this." She than takes a deep breath,
"But be warned I don't like to be used or being anybody's pawn. You will not want me as a enemy. So I will help you with this, but at any time I start not liking what I see I will back out of this deal."
Piero grinned widely. Now, this was more like it.
"I believe you will find I have many talents, Signore. I will say this; I believe my greatest talent lies in divining what people want, and what they need, even if they don't make it explicitly known. I am a businessman; I have become successful by making people happy, and I am excellent at it. Beyond that, well...I do have some friends among the nobility. In a while, I think perhaps a title of my own would be good. I certainly have the money for it! It's my hope that by continuing to accrue wealth, and power, I may build a better world for myself, my people, and the children I've yet to have. Perhaps that sounds a bit...grandiose. But when I die, well, I can't take any of my wealth with me, can I? I may as well have used it to build a future I'd want to see."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Durga Syn grins, "Perhaps you were born to be Gangrel, spoken like an Elder of your Clan youngling.
This no place for either of you, come, we shall speak elsewhere. No more do I have to offer in this place this night, or at least I have less to offer here than elsewhere with you two".
Sh beckons for you both to follow her out the door.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Onfroi and Xing take their leave from Elysium separately.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
The Streets of Venice -
Xing, you arrive at your old or is it current, Haven. Sitting on the bed inside is the body inhabited by Gottsdam, Kratos is nowhere in sight.
As you enter he looks up at you, "Well? You appear to be empty handed..."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Khay'tall turns to you, "Sadir it seems is not attending tonight at all. One wonders what is more important than this..."
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Venetian Streets -
"I can assure you that none of these luminaries will be current clients of yours my dear.
Time to build trust is something I do not have. I fear I may need to provide you with greater tools for your disposal. Tell me, have you ever considered your own mortality?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Blurred Mongoose -
Christian grins, "One never knows whether one can take it with them until its time to go. I may well know someone who can use a man of your talents.
Tell me a bit about your past, your family. This particular client is... particular about who he will work with. A Blue Blood through and through but one with great wealth and great connections. Thus, despite his rudeness, I tolerate him.
I have spoken with him at length about what it will take to get what he desires. I told him he needs someone young to advance his cause!"
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Venetian Streets -
Veronica gives her a smile,
"Of course I am a courtesan after all. I am under no delusions what will happen once I get old. Hopefully I will have enough by than to retire...but what does that have to do with anything?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Venetian Streets -
"It has everything to do with anything. I can offer you a remedy, a potion, of sorts. One that will allow you to carry on as you wish without the burdens of the mundane life you lead now. Think of this as your last and most difficult courtship. If you succeed, rewards beyond your wildest dreams await you. If you fail, well, my organization tolerates failure poorly.
Still, one must weigh the benefits and burdens of all decision".
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Venetian Streets -
She shrugs with a bemused expression on her face,
"Sure I agree to this."
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Venetian Streets -
"Excellent, then let us begin".
Her mouth opens and you see fangs in the place of where Canine teeth should be, she attacks you!
Before you can react she is upon you, her teeth sinking into your neck. At first and only for a split second the pain is excruciating. But then you feel a fire in your loins as no man or woman has ever drawn out of you before. You wonder if you ever made anyone ever feel this good. An odd thought to have as you die but you did take pride in your work while alive.
Life it seems fades away quickly, your sight begins to fade with it. Everything seems so far away, your hopes your dreams. Now there is nothing...
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Vitaliano, Michele, Durdona, Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro & Luca
Michele - Setite Table
" he always has a reason doesn't he? So what do you think about the Gangrel and what occurred?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Blurred Mongoose
Piero nodded. He knew that type of man quite well.
"My father was a trader, so business is in my blood. He has retired, to enjoy is well earned florins, and the business has expanded larger than ever under my care. While I am not a nobleman by birth, I am rather well loved by the Visconti's of Pisa. Rodrigo Visconti and his son, Alberto, are dear friends of mine, and all the business needs of the Visconti family are handled by the De Luca Trading Company.
Apparently, my work in Pisa has made my reputation precede me. Since arriving at the city I've been fortunate enough to share wine with Bajamonte Tiepolo . He was...ah, unsympathetic to the policies of the Doge. As I'm sure you know, ever since the Pope excommunicated the Republic of Venice, trade has been...stagnant, let's say. We Christians are, of course, forbidden from trading with the Republic. Should private citizens reach out to me, however, well...I'm trading with them, not the Republic of Venice, so that's all right."
Piero couldn't resist a smile. He was not a devout man, and often chafed at the restrictions placed upon the people by the papacy. Any chance to get one over on them was one he would take...assuming he didn't risk himself or his business in the process.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Venice - A Residential Home -
As you step back outside you find Sir Baldemar in the shadows across the street waiting, "What did you find? You must have found something you were in there for some time..."
"I did sirrah. There is an exceedingly intriguing gentleman within, who claims to hold vast knowledge. He is willing to share it with me, and all he asks is that I make the acquaintance of Sergei Volkov, the gentleman we had discussed earlier. I confess I am at a loss at where to find him though."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
The Streets of Venice - Xing Shi
Xing sighs. "Things got... complicated. Vykos interfered with my hunt of the one with the scrolls as he is bound to him it seems. Alejandro says he can get the documents and wishes for us to meet him later this evening at the Way of Kings inn Tavern. I do not trust him though, seems all to easy."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Lorenzo nods, giving a glance toward Sir Dunstan to see if he has anything to add to the conversation.
"What is your Sire's stance in terms of philosophy? Obviously Prince Narses has been enamored with the Road of Heaven in recent nights, and I suppose there is nothing wrong with that. My Sire and subscribe to a more...practical, at least in my opinion, set of beliefs. I suspect it would be beneficial if the Council was not dominated by one set of beliefs if they are to guide our kind through the Long Night."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Bagrat - Narses Shadow Sanctum:
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Lorenzo & Vitaliano - Cappadocian Table
Vitaliano shrugged slightly at this question. "If my Sire followed such a philosophy I doubt he would have chosen a heathen like myself as a Childe. Though I suppose some choose their children for conversion purposes, he has not grilled or pushed me in such a...religious way." he said trying to be polite about the particular Road in question.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Khay'tall shrugs, "I believe it means they are putting the Camarilla on Notice that the Gangrel will come in force should this body seek to flex their muscle upon interests that have long belonged to the Gangrel. Of course, what would I know...
Tell me, do you believe that your Sire has accomplished or failed at his goals here in Venice?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Blurred Mongoose -
Christian nods, "Indeed, the threats of the Pope are effecting trade, giving many of our western trading partners cold feet. Yes Pisa, my father too has made inroads into Pisa. Our trade is in goods that a legitimate company would not ship, perhaps there are some synerges for you and I as well.
Still, based on my current status, I am better off in aiding those to whom I am subordinate then myself. After all, once I become powerful enough, I should hope there will be those who clamor to please me! the man that I believe you should meet with is a German, von Saschen".
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Venice - A Residential Home -
Baldemar looks thoughtful at your explanation of the interaction, "Let us find Sergei then. I wonder what he could want that man for and how he knows of him..."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
The Streets of Venice -
Gottsdam chuckles, "Does this Alejandro think me a fool? I'd not step willingly into any situation where he retains control.
Go, I shall find a way there that does not involve me placing this body in harms way. If you see any of his allies attempting to place an ambush around the location, you will withdraw once I arrive. Is that clear?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Dunstan nods in seeming agreement, "I spent many days and nights on Crusade, I for one am done allowing those who claim to have a direct conduit to God, any God, retain control over my lif... or is it unlife. My Sire is one who is practical, the Road of Humanity is her concern. In fact, I am surprised there is no lesson on the Roads this night,perhaps the Elders believed we needed a night off of these tedious lectures..."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Venice by Night-Tuesday March 25, 1309
Blurred Mongoose
Piero smiled.
"Ah, an enterprising man, such as myself! I do believe we might find much common ground. Indeed, perhaps we may help one another. For now, though, tell me of this von Saschen. Where may I call upon this man? Does he have any desires that are well known, that I might satiate to prove my value to him?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Venice - A Residential Home -
Baldemar looks thoughtful at your explanation of the interaction, "Let us find Sergei then. I wonder what he could want that man for and how he knows of him..."
Stifling a yawn, Geoffroi claps Baldemar on the shoulder
"Why don't we head to our chambers and get some rest. In the morning we can start fresh and see if we can find Sergei"
by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Vitaliano, Michele, Durdona, Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro & Luca
Michele - Setite Table
" seems your observations of the Gangrel could be true. I gather he had brought favor to himself and now me by proxy with Narses by bringing food for most here. Then again is anyone ever really done wringing the blood from a stone? I would think with living for such a long time you get many opportunities to continue to enrich yourself with coin or knowledge.
Venice by Night-Tuesday March 25, 1309
Blurred Mongoose -
I admit I am not entirely sure about his preferences but I do know that he trades in power. I will mention him to you, if he wishes to meet with you, that meeting will take place here. Like me, he is a night owl so coming here tomorrow night makes sense as he may well come to allow you to attend to him".
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Venice -
You and Baldemar head to your respective homes and bed down for the night.
=======
Venice by Day – Thursday March 27, 1309
Venice -
The sounds of shouting outside alert you to the fact that something has happened, something that has many people in a panic...
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Michele - Setite Table
"Knowledge dear Michele knowledge. I could drown a small village in the amount of coin I have amassed over the length of my existence. True decadence needs no wealth.
Perhaps you will learn that soon enough. I wonder though, will the tired old Clan of Serpents be doomed to repeat history? With your Sires' failure to capture Fahdi will be be the Judged pariah now and you the wayward Childe set to pursue his powerful and elusive Sire? After all, that is what happened to Fahdi and his Sire when she failed, one wonders whatever did happen to Lady Amisa..."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Satisfied by Vitaliano's answer, Lorenzo smiles and nods in agreement. Turning his attention back to Sir Dunstan he comments, "Indeed it is a bit odd that we are not subject to another lesson this evening, perhaps this is Narses's way of subtly pushing the agenda of those on the Road of Heaven."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Venice -
Geoffroi springs up and goes to the window to try and ascertain what is occuring
Venice by Night- Tuesday March 25, 1309
Blurred Mongoose
Piero will nod gratefully.
"Then I shall take my leave and ensure I am well rested...and worry not, my friend. Should this prove beneficial, your part in it is well marked. I don't forget my friends."
With that, Piero will go rest for the night and come back tomorrow.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
"As long as Durga Syn keeps the votes as confidential as Narses claims she will then he shall not have to worry.
I agree my Childe, it shan't be easy but our vote is two nights hence so we must do one of two things: one ignore these rumors and act as if it is just a rumor, or two band together to at least ascertain if we are the only ones aware of this.Good, Violetta is working with others to arrange more votes for us with both the Nosferatu and the Brujah clans.
Have you any other concerns?"
"Many, sire. I admit, I perhaps lack your zeal for the political though I hope I serve well enough in your pursuit. I wonder if I should update our list to compare for Onfroi since so much is changing. I am troubled by my lack of progress with others...and the Prince's religous transformation seems...oddly timed. That said, I'm not sure there's anything that can be done but continue on unless you have more insights? If not. I shall try to learn what I can as directed."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
The Streets of Venice - Xing Shi
Xing nods and doesn't say another word exiting her old hiddout and heading to the location trying to find a good spot to hide and keep an eye out for a while. She will activate her power to try and see if any hidden enemies are around the location as well.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Vitaliano, Michele, Durdona, Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro & Luca
Michele - Setite Table
" it is my hope that history doesn't repeat itself. After all these nights of conclaves I need to discuss with Sadir but since you brought up my great grandsir- this Lady Amisa who was she?"