Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
A Private Villa - the Lido -
"You are a good servant. You bring honor to your master.", Franz comments on her training, then adds, thoughtfully:"I do feel a desire to tend to the hunger I feel. But while you are comely, you are a bit too old for my taste. Do you, by chance, have a younger sister you could send for?"
There was a certain thrill in asking her so bluntly. But then, he now was a monster among monsters, a ruler, and this girl obviously knew her place in life. False modesty or shame had no place here.
"Either way, I'll take a few minutes to process everything that happened since yesterday, before I meet your Master, if it's the same to him."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Through the City -
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Way of Kings Inn –
"Awfully vague. There've been some suspicious characters about. Ye'll need ta' give me some more detain'that ta obtain a similar level a detail from meself. You unnerstand I'm sure..."
** spoiler omitted **
Geoffroi stiffens, and cocks his head
"What detail could I give you? I don't know what more you need. Ask away, if I know something, I will relate it"
He looks at his companions, trying to telegraph there are others in the room. He lets his hand drift unobtrusively towards his sword hilt
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto - Michele Querini
"understood. Tell me where his haven is and I will will go there now then head to Elysium. Good luck- if that such a thing. with a slight grin Michele will depart once he is told where the haven is.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Titian Inn -
Of course, the Herd shipped to this place can give you no help, rendered disabled mentally by Vampiric powers. Still, you have ha enough conversations with Bassanio to get a sense of what floor he is staying on and approximately what room.You head to the third floor but as you reach the landing striding down the hall if Rafael not his Childe. He smiles at you, "Maestro Bernerius. I did not know you traveled anywhere but your own Domain and Elysium. May I inquire why you are here?"
Ranerirus inclines his head, "Of course, lord. I was hoping to speak to your childder, on two or three subjects, actually. I did not think I would be a distraction to yourself. I hope I have not proven to be so?"
He tries to get a read on the man and his aura but will treat the results with caution recalling his mistake with violetta
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
As you crack open the door you see Robin grinning, "A good evening Lord and Lady". He announces with some volume, not quite a shout. Neither returns the acknowledgment.
He stops at your door and then sees it slightly ajar and grins even wider, he knocks as if you are not standing right there.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Venetian Back Alleys -
Xing finds a few individuals huddled together whispering in conspiratorial tones. They do not notice her as of yet.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn -
"Indeed. Wait what curse?" retorts your Sire.
Dimities smiles grimly, "The Patriarch was only half sane even when I first met him a century and a half ago. From what I understand of his history, and I know much of it, he was ever the opportunist. He survived the worst that this world could bring upon a man or former man.
He has even survived death, albeit I am sure not as whole as he would claim to be. Even more troublesome, he shares his body with another Elder, one whose belief system encouraged if it was not the embodiment of metamorphosis. Then add to that a Cainite who was an Anacillae of some daring and will.
How could he be the same creature he was prior to his second death?
While this thing may forgive Narses, we should not do so readily..."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
the Mausoleum -
"Whether ya want to accept God intah yer life is yer own choice but ah can tell yeh that ahm proof o' his holy powers as they dwell wit'in me.
Aye. I saw tha' holy men an Sergei leave weeks ago. Ah've a comrade who's still at tha' Inn ah was stain' at who's there ta' make sure if'n he comes back ah'll know 'bout it.
If'n ye've no more queries o' me I say we get down tah' business, what'm I teachin ta' yerself and you ta' me?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
the Mausoleum Gondola -
"My own silence I can guarantee, it is only myself I damage by revealing what I know of this dark deal.
You can tell her that I've as much to lose as she. Should the Clan ever find out what I did, one third who would support me should I win will turn upon me. The faction that Fanchon represents will always mistrust me but there is little I can do to change that. It is the majority that I need to appease not the entirety.
Without erasing your memory, what guarantee have I that you will not seek to "renegotiate" your silence at a later date? Come now? No enemies to be rid of, surely there must be someone that you wish removed as an obstacle to your goals no?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
A Private Villa - the Lido -
She curtsies, "Thank you for the compliment my Lord. I do my best to serve well.
I've no younger sister sire but I can certainly find a girl more to your liking easily enough. Coin or charm or both are enough for me to get what it is you need.
I shall let me Master now that you will attend to him shortly. My understanding is that he wishes you to attend Court this night so pray do not tarry over long. I shall be quick about my business!" She rushes out the door to follow your orders.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Through the City -
So close to the Inn, you see a group of quite familiar people and they see you!
"Luca!" one yells out. "My friend, I thought in the chaos you left or were harmed, how do you fare?" The others eye Adria a bit skeptically, though she is a beauty she is clearly a gypsy.
Adria remains quiet and a bit wide eyed.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Way of Kings Inn –
"Tha' name o' who ye'r lookin' fer ta' start", replies the Scot.
Brice nods almost imperceptibly in response.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto -
Sadir describes a Manse, in somewhat of a state of disrepair but still in a neighborhood you are familiar with.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Titian Inn -
You find yourself unable to read the Anacillae, he responds, "Surely anything you can discuss with my Childe you can discuss with me no Ranerius? I've found our interactions delightful thus far and I should hope they would continue to be so".
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Titian Inn -
You find yourself unable to read the Anacillae, he responds, "Surely anything you can discuss with my Childe you can discuss with me no Ranerius? I've found our interactions delightful thus far and I should hope they would continue to be so".
"Well, as he and I are close of age, as we Cainites saw it, I had hoped to talk to him about keeping contact among others you would call Neonates." he admits, "however this goes. Though, since I have the fortune of stumbling upon you and you are being forgiving of it. Perhaps you could give me your opinion on the one known as Talisman and his...claim to Toreador blood?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Venetian Back Alleys - Xing Shi
Xing sighs to herself not able to find a single soul that she could satisfy her thirst on.
She slowly makes her way toward the group looking down at the ground not trying to make eye contact attempting to hear what they are talking about as she moves past them.
on the good ship lollipop...
Onfroi considers and says very well I will accept after I convince our mutual friend of your sincerity and silence. In return I will be given the ability to name an enemy at a later date which I will be allowed to remember was part of our deal for the vote swapping along with the instruction I have already been promised.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
A Private Villa - the Lido -
Franz appreciates the servant girls efforts. It would be some time before she'd be back, and it would be inpolite to let his host wait too long...but it would also be inpolite not to give his host a bit of time to prepare himself for the meeting.
Trying to remember, exactly, the events of...last night? Probably last night...Franz takes a few minutes to collect all the information he remembered in his mind, then stepped out of the guest room.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
the Mausoleum -
"A man of few frivolities. Most appreciated." Lorenzo says with an approving nod.
"I believe I am to teach you to use the spirits to aid you in your quest for information. It will not be easy, nor will it be quick, but it will be very useful to you. We call this the Path of the Sepulchre." Lorenzo explains.
"For your part, your at least part of your clan is famous for its ability to heal. I once was a doctor, a healer, rather than the destroyer I have become. I would very much like to regain a bit of what I once was. I seek to learn your discipline, Valeren, particularly the healer's path also spoken of as Obeah."
"In either case, you teaching me and I likewise you, blood must be shared I am afraid."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Titian Inn -
"I believe he believes he is who he says he is. Now, as he was diablerized by a Salubri of all things, I cannot imagine he is still a Toreador by blood".
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Venetian Back Alleys -
"... Querini has offered good coin for this armed struggle."
"But what if we lose?" another whispers almost hissing.
The original speaker replies, "The crime falls upon the leaders. If it appears all is lost we just slink away or change sides and keep that good coin".
The men go silent seemingly thoughtful at that last statement.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
the Mausoleum Gondola -
"Agreed. Driver pull to the streets. I wish to hobble from here".
The Gondalier pulls to a set of steps to let you off into the streets, Radek then states, "I've changed my mind. Continue". The man appears a bit bewildered but pushes into the canal once more.
Onfroi continues remaining invisible and will again make his way to try and meet Durga Syn before she arrives to elysium, having watched for several days I should have seen the general direction she comes from. If she cannot be headed off I will go to Elysium to find my sire and see if he has anything for me.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Venetian Back Alleys - Xing Shi
Xing will skulk in the shadows once she finds a spot out of sight.
Once the group separates she follows one that goes alone (if any do) and looks to feed upon that poor soul.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Through the City -
"Alberto! Gaston! Everyone!" Before he can stop himself, he moves to embrace them as only a friend can. He notices the feeling of affection in him. Perhaps he wasn't as changed as he once believed.
"My friends, I fare well. But the fates have played me in strange ways these last few nights. Have you a place to speak in private?"
Shadow
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto - Michele Querini
"Very well. Hopefully I return no worse tonight. "
With a slight sigh Michele heads out trying to think through what he needs to do. Before heading out he will alter his appearance. Michele doesn't need someone recognizing him.
Perception + Stealth Diff 6
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Brexiano's Haven -
Durdona moves out into the night. She locates the right type of gondola, and has them help her get Guatalupe out into the boat. Giving directions she remains alert.
When she arrives at Elysium she doesn't relax. This is the most dangerous part of the evening. I hope I can work this out to my advantage. I'll wait to see what the response is before I choose an action. I hope my "clan" is here, and they are willing to take me on.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Titian Inn -
"I believe he believes he is who he says he is. Now, as he was diablerized by a Salubri of all things, I cannot imagine he is still a Toreador by blood".
"Agreed. If he were to embrace whatever there would be would not be a toreador. it is one thing to harmonize to seek unity but a horn cannot be a flute no matter how hard it tries. I find his plays a threat to our clan, Sir. I pretend to be more welcoming to him to see what I can learn of him but," A frown "I find it distasteful. Still, do you agree that he cannot be allowed to become Representative of our clan or justicar?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel -
Veronica pauses for a minute...."This task you set me upon...is very difficult I must say. What can I give?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
A Private Villa - the Lido -
Franz steps out into the hallway where yet another servant, this time a male awaits. He bows, "My Lord, please follow me".
He brings you down a hall with several doors on either side. The woodwork is superb and the details on the moldings show the symbols of Venetian power and wealth filled in as they are with gold and silver. Down the stairs to a main room with a wide bay window looking out over the Mediterranean Sea is where he leads you. The moon is not quite full and the view is lovely though far fewer ships are incoming and outgoing than normal.
Seated at the table are your Sire and the man who was with him at the Mongoose. Standing at your Sire's side is the man at arms who you also met. He turns to you and motions for you to sit. The servant bows remaining silent and strides away leaving the four of you alone.
"Lovely is it not? Your new eyes no doubt at noticing intricacies of, well everything, you missed as a Mortal. As I understand it, your meal should arrive soon.
Allow me to introduce my companions, Gustav Breidenstein, Childe of the Prince of Berlin Ilse Reinegger and also a member of Clan Ventrue". He does not introduce the warrior and so you assume him to be a subordinate.
Gustav looks at you, his face impassive and nods.
"You have but a few days remaining my Childe to soak in the Wisdom that Gustav and I possess. Let us first start with your questions. Once they are out of the way, I shall begin to teach you a small portion of that which you will need to know. However, matters speed along forcing me to leave the city and return to my Master. Be of good cheer, for I shall return as soon as I am able and complete your instruction".
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
the Mausoleum -
Lord Andrew nods, "Let's begin, a lot ta' do this night".
As the lesson ends, Andrew nods, "Same time on the 'morrow? Ought we ta' head ta' Court tagether now 'ere we be late?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Elysium -
The Mortals are restless once more but with guards and soldiers in the streets it seems less like open rebellion and more like protest. Certainly you hear clanging steel but not like the night before.
You are unable to ascertain exactly where Syn is staying and in a city so big you soon give up and head to Elysium.
When you arrive the doors are opened but two large ghouls stand in the doorway, "Emergency session of the Prince and his Seneschal, I fear you'll have to wait outside until the Prince instructs otherwise..."
Outside luckily is your Sire who nods to you and whispers, "Much was afoot last night, it seems that the Seneschal was murdered by the Assamite El Cid. Also, my rival has gone missing, a pity".
No one else has arrived yet.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Venetian Back Alleys -
You are able to fall upon the orignal leader who stalks away hurriedly from the other two. He is the one that mentioned the name Querini.
He does not notice you creeping up behind him and for once you are in luck, no one else is in sight.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Through the City -
Adolfo smiles at you and returns the hug, "By God Luca, you are ice cold, were you sleeping in the streets these past few nights?"
Andrea smiles at Adria, "Ah Luca, where did you meet ah her?"
Adria stays silent her eyes cast down.
Adelchi looks around to make sure no one else is watching his hand straying to a dagger.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Venice - A Run Down Manse -
The Fledgling Setite blends into the shadows, they embrace him as if he were one with them. Soon enough and without impediment of any kind, he arrives at the house, manse, though a bit run down, that Michele instructed him to visit.
No one seems to dwell in the place at all.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Elysium -
You arrive at Elysium and the Gondaleer assists you in getting the torpid Cainite off of the boat. He asks no questions as you drag the body towards the building. The doors open and shadowy tendrils invite you within. As the body comes closer, they even pick it up and pull it into darkness so deep you cannot even see! As if the body is being swallowed whole.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Titian Inn -
Rafael listens and responds, "Indeed I do agree. Luckily, the Malkavian provided a viable solution.
I think it is also clear that your Sire is not going to win can we agree upon that as well?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel -
Mistress Fanchon sighs, "Favors our powers are not parlor tricks to be dealt away to those who were not deemed worthy of the Blood to begin with.
If this endeavor fails, so be it. The integrity of our Clan is more important than a seat on a Council which may or may not exist in a decade".
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Venetian Back Alleys - Xing Shi
Xing licks her lips reach to pounce on her prey and feast!
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
the Mausoleum -
"Same time tomorrow night..." Lorenzo confirms. "...and yes, we should be on our way."
Lorenzo escorts Andrew out of the mausoleum as the pair head off toward court.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Elysium -
Durdona stands for a few seconds watching the tendrils pull the woman inside the building. I came all this way. Let's see if tonight is the end of my existence or a new beginning.
She straightens her clothing stands as tall as she can, and walks into the darkness with a bold stride as if she belongs there.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
As you crack open the door you see Robin grinning, "A good evening Lord and Lady". He announces with some volume, not quite a shout. Neither returns the acknowledgment.
He stops at your door and then sees it slightly ajar and grins even wider, he knocks as if you are not standing right there.
Edwarde moves away from the door so his voice won't come from directly by the door. This also buys him several seconds for a reasonable delay.
"Yes? One moment."
He throws on a cloak so he is somewhat clothed before walking back to the door.
"Ah Robin, it is night already? It feels like I slept for only moments."
sire, with your rival gone did you speak to the clan regarding their support for you?Onfroi will write again a note and pass it to his sire. He will say aloud the streets have been filled with violence sire, both for kine and kindred it seems. then Onfroi will write of the offer for the votes with Radek and the instruction in the two disciplines in return for a favor which Onfroi is accomplishing.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Titian Inn -
Rafael listens and responds, "Indeed I do agree. Luckily, the Malkavian provided a viable solution.
I think it is also clear that your Sire is not going to win can we agree upon that as well?"
"I am not sure Talisman is willing to settle for the solution. And give the power he displayed over Helen, he may not have to. As to your statement?" "It will be much harder than it was before but thanks to the aid of one Ventrue much ground has been regained as you saw. Clearly someone has attempted to defame my sire. That said one faction's defamation maybe another group's inclination. True or not, if some believe my sire has ties to the Furoies, and that can be turned to an advantage. By him, and by those who are wise enough to work with him." a look "Indeed, more than that might make working with my sire on your part a wise choice. If I maybe so bold to suggest? "
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Venice - A Run Down Manse - Michele Querini
Perception + Alertness DC 7
Seeing a face Michele walks slowly to the front door with his hands to his side and slightly out with him palms showing. Michele waits for a moment, " may I come in? I am Michele childe of Sadir. "
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Through the City -
I....I have been through some very hard days." Luca looks into Adolfo's eyes.
"Some very hard nights as well. This is Adria, someone important to me. Please, let us move inside somewhere where we may speak without whispering into the winds."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn - Vitaliano
Vitaliano heard a few words and ideas he hadn't before and considered. The first, he believed there was a term for a vampire's either age or strength he'd not heard, Anacillae.
The second, it seems the term Patriarch was being used to denote...he assumed the original Malkavian but perhaps it simply denotes the current closest to the source of their clan. All the same, hearing that this Patriarch was similar in perhaps their scheming as he would like to compare himself made him a bit more appreciative of his clan's lineage.
He had not heard much in the way of Clan history, but the presentation of the current state of affairs for his Clan left much to be desired and the issues with how he even viewed his own 'family' made it difficult for him to see a time in which they had the political or even purely the respect of the others.
Still, this boded well in his eyes for his future. There was, of course, advantages to being considered incompetent and it was these advantages that he began to suspect his Sire to take advantage of. The first being that their meddling will amount to nothing and therefore can be dismissed. Underestimating an opponent can mean your death if the stakes are high enough and these next few years he felt were indeed this way.
He had much to think about as he made his way to court that evening. Sadly, he was at a loss for words for his clan's discussion. At this time, their knowledge of the past and the conversation at point was above his head. The only thing he could even presume to speak upon was that the Prince was indeed not to be trusted, but playing the hand of perhaps aiming for the top or even close to it was not something one so short in his second life should mention. Besides....some of these present even could be considered his, competition or even his enemies if the circumstances were to present themselves.
There was of course other information over the last night that had been weighing on his mind, something that he would indeed relish to research but could tell it was most venomously considered taboo. That was Diablerie. He wasn't sure if the goal of feasting upon an Elder was to take a shortcut to gain power of if simply there was a, for lack of a better term, ceiling that he would one day reach in that he could not get past without amassing power in this front.
For the time though, he'd simply have to shelve this till perhaps he could find perhaps a library, or a notable researcher in the Kindred.
Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309
Way of Kings Inn –
"Tha' name o' who ye'r lookin' fer ta' start", replies the Scot.
Brice nods almost imperceptibly in response.
"His name is Andre de Beaulieu, a Norman knight such as myself. I heard he was in Venice"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Venetian Back Alleys -
Xing is able to grapple the man easily enough.
He struggles before she can secure the kiss.
However, his desperation is no match for Xing's experience and she sinks her fangs into the morsel, errrr mortal. His resistance becomes a writhing of pleasure.