Dark Ages Vampire - Bloodlines

Game Master Dennis Harry

Gunther laughs heartily along with the two long-time patrons sitting at the bar before him. Placing his hands upon the bar, he turns his attention towards the stranger.

“I’m Gunther. What can I do for ya, friend? Cold ale? A hot meal? Or are you looking for lodging for the night?”

Concerned about how busy it is this evening, he catches his wife's attention and gestures for her to come over.

"Wife, this gentleman and I need to discuss business, a private matter. I need you here for the moment."

He gives her a peck on the cheek and a playful pat on her rump as he walks behind her.

"Right this way, good Sir."

Gunther leads them around the back to one of the storage rooms down the hall.

"I represent a consortium which would like the use of your facilities. Guests would be arriving on March 16 and their journey here should be complete by March 18. We will require all of your facilities until March 28th at the earliest. We will need the premises closed to all outsiders during that time this includes the rooms and the tavern. We shall supply our own food and drink as well as attendants. Does this offer interest you?"

"Well, that is quite an intriguing business proposition you have to offer. Of course, I would have to ask for payment in advance, you understand."

The man reaches into his cloak and produces a sack which jingles. He places it on a shelf next to Gunther. "I trust this is sufficient?" The man's voice has an eerie edge to it which alone entices you to accept his offer. What do you do?

"Sufficient, indeed. We have an arrangement. You will find everything ready for you and your companions in two days time. I will close the tavern and the inn to all outsiders during your stay. However, I will be around to monitor the place on occasion and to be nearby in case there is anything you and the others should need. Agreed?"

"My apologies, I misunderstood, but since you can actually make use of my inn and tavern then I will certainly make sure to accommodate you. And to answer your question, my family and I live nearby, right next door, in fact."

"Of course! I understand completely Sir. Do not concern yourself about discretion. You and your associates will be able to conduct your business privately and without any interruptions. Welcome to Greetings! Enjoy your stay."

Sergei shoots her a quick sneer.

"We are moving the family business here to Venice."

Bubbles simmer to the top of the water quickly followed by something large. As it bumps the botton of the boat it turns over. Michael's eyes widen in horror as the face is that of his "late" employee.

Francois looks grimly at the body and spins around to see if there is anyone about.

Michael make a willpower roll difficulty 8 to resist retching, you have never seen a dead body before especially someone that you know. How to format the dice roller can be found below in the box "how to format your text".

Volkov's what do you do?

We will assume that you head back to the tavern and the rest of the night proceeds uneventfully. The Inn at night is tended by one of your employees so that you may focus on the tavern but the next day you will likely inform him that any long term stays should be given notice that they must be out within three days time.

Mr. Kestral nods to you and steps out of the small meeting area heading down the hall towards the tavern and presumably out. You open the bag and look inside your eyes widen as the coins are solid gold and Venetian mint. If this is half of what you will be paid by the end of his stay Mr. Kestral will make you a wealthy man, fortuitous indeed.

We will assume that you head back to the tavern and the rest of the night proceeds uneventfully. The Inn at night is tended by one of your employees so that you may focus on the tavern but the next day you will likely inform him that any long term stays should be given notice that they must be out within three days time.

Katriana you see nothing in the surrounding area.

Sergei water pours out of the body and your good clothes smell of dirty water and death. Grimacing at the stench you begin to look for signs of foul play.

Sergei make an Intelligence + Medicine roll as you look at the body.

"Anyway, let us get to our destination quickly, lest we fall in as well!"

Michael is still hovering over the side of the gondola with an incredulous stare at the small groups level of comfort over finding a dead body.

Chaio Michael. Unable to sleep after you woke me I examined your friend. I did not find any marks on his body but I also did not see the signs I would expect to see from a drowning victim though admittedly this is also not my specialty. Please contact his family and determine whether they will allow a more full examination. This often involves cutting open the deceased and families may object to this treatment of their loved ones. If they approve, I have a colleague who no longer practices but may see to the procedure for the right price. Let me know. My apologies for disturbing you on this day, give my condolences to the man’s family and may the Lord bless and keep you.

It is signed Dr. Arrigino. What do you do?

“Master Thesing. I received your note about informing guests about their need to vacate the premises. Some of them are not so happy about this arrangement especially one group who had pre-paid for a week. I am not sure if you would like to speak with them or not”. What do you do?

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect".

Amen respond the worshippers most of whom probably have no idea what was said. "Not an easy maxim to live by eh brother? If only the Pope and the Dofe could love one another we could all get back to business", chuckles Dominic.

As you walk out with Dominic he waves to a young man who waves back, the man looks exhausted, as if he had little sleep the night before. Dominic continues walking until you reach a cafe on the edge of the lagoon overlooking the Sea. You remain silent until an order is placed and you are both alone.

"This should be quiet enough Lorenzo. Tell me do you need some more, favors from me?" Though his face is serene his eyes betray a weariness as they gaze at you.

"One of you night watchmen came to see me last night. Some sort of altercation in one of the warehouses, and he wished for me to see if there was anything I could do for the intruder....he passed in the most curious way, he simply dissolved into dust. Seemed he was interested in a crate full of religious items and broken chair legs."

Before continuing, Lorenzo takes a sip of wine, [b]"Tell me, brother, what is going on, or does none of this make any sense to you?"

"Of course I would. Have all those concerned come speak with me and I will take care it personally. Thank you, Cyrano. Is there anything else?"