Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Backhand - Damage
Vykos chuckles at the blade does manage to pierce his flesh!
"Well struck", he states coldly in a gravely voice. He raises his hand and strikes you with a massive backhand.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
In an out of the way flop house -
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
In The Way of Kings Inn -
Talisman pauses and stares at you, "What do you propose? I let you handle my servant? Hmmm...
Very well, let us see how well you are able to play our games.
Arrange what must be done and inform me as to when the confrontation will take place, I will arrive and observe and interfere if I deem it necessary.
In the meantime I shall deal with other pressing matters. Serve me well and you shall gain me as an ally fail me and while we may not be enemies, I shall certainly not be favorably disposed towards you".
Adria sighs, "How would we contact you if we agree?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Ranerius heads up the stairs awaiting Durga Syn's exit from her private chambers...
Once she exits, Ranerius stops her before she can return to the first floor of Elysium.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Outside Prince Narses Court - Durdona Checheg & Vitaliano da Riva
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
"Let's just say that I believe I will have achieved my goals".
He pauses as you discuss your qualifications, "Indeed, perhaps your age may make you less personally powerful but with the right selection of assistants, that power may not matter.
Consider that unless of course you prefer to stay here and handle courtly intrigue. The Prince of a city is not always the most powerful but the one who juggles the personalities of his city the best. Of course, personal power can keep foes at bay but this "Justicar" position is one elected not necessarily earned..."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Lanzo grins at your response, "Well Lady Meridie, which are you?"
She laughs, "I suppose you will have to vote for me to find out".
Lanzo shrugs, "Perhaps we shall and perhaps we shall not. Good luck to you in either case young Brujah. Tell me, would you be willing to betray one of your own Clan to secure our vote?"
She shakes her head, "If you want Leeland, you'll have to catch him yourself".
Lanzo shakes his head, "A pity then".
She withdraws to politick another attendee of the Conclave. Lanzo turns back to you, "That one is far too rational to have on the counsel. While I appreciate your wisdom in the matter, the Brujah must be represented by an unreasonable hothead. This will ensure that their allies are always limited to those who despise us of which there are few. Tell me of your impressions of your first experience in Conclave thus far".
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
The Streets of Venice –
Baldemar has a sharp intake of breath, "I believe I have been pricked already. One of my closest friends gone, perhaps slain by these creatures. My own memories betray me.
I am not sure if I should simply leave this accursed place or embrace these things I have seen. Either way seems madness to my rational mind. Yet I cannot forget what I have seen just now with own eyes!
If such creatures inhabit the world around us where is safe? The creature, this Jurgen claimed to be from the Hochmeister of mine own order, his letter was official or an exceptional forgery.
Thus, there dark tendrils have invaded the highest levels of leadership in all places. Here, in the Teutonic Order, if we do not stand against their darkness here, with allies at our side, where and when do we do so?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
Criatas dives in after the Father.
Moments later he rises from the water, hand upon his face. A cross is burned upon it, he pulls himself onto the docks grimacing in pain, "That burned. Your priest has some sort of magic at his command. Unusual..." There is simmering rage in his eyes but he is managing to control it, you can see he hangs on by a thread his anger is so potent.
Maria bows her head and closes her eyes. "...I'm sorry. I did not know."
"Thank you for making the attempt, regardless."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Outside Prince Narses Court - Durdona Checheg & Vitaliano da Riva
"You were from Venice before? I come from the desert, and I miss the heat. The endless slosh of water from the canals here grates on my nerves. I miss the sound of the wind through the sand. My Uncle brought us here to gain power." she laughs. "His plans to use me to do that have been ruined. That's not a bad thing in my eyes."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
"It is a complicated dance - and quite different from the political machinations I am familiar with. On the surface, at least - I believe the nature of what is happening is quite similar, there's simply added nuances."
Watching the Lady Meridie leave, Franz looks back at his Sire: "I understand age is not dependent on physical looks, that is, she is young in terms of this second life? And votes may be provided for favors?"
Franz contemplates the answers, then speaks up again:"Personally, I think we should vote for her. In fact, I think we should be open about the fact that we want people to vote for her."
As Lanzo raises an eyebrow, Franz explains:"As you say, she is young, and probably inexperienced. Others will expect us to vote for an unreasonable hothead. If we don't, they will wonder why. Especially if we clearly support a candidate like her. They will assume that she must have made a deal. If she did not, there is nothing to find out, and there will always be doubt. A lack of trust and inexperience will make her position precarious. Even if she will not feel in debt for our help in electing her, she will need allies, and since others are already assuming she is aligned with us, she will have few options. If, on the other hand, she manages to maintain control and safely establish her position, then we can claim foresight in believing in her ability to do so, and she will be beneficially inclined towards us for our help. Not a guarantee she would help us, but it seems a gamble worth considering - at least, that is how I would see things in the world I came from. I know things work differently here, and 'in the long run' has a whole different meaning. But I wanted to voice my consideration regardless, so that you could help me understand which aspects of my thinking I'll have to focus on to better represent your wishes."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
The Streets of Venice –
Baldemar has a sharp intake of breath, "I believe I have been pricked already. One of my closest friends gone, perhaps slain by these creatures. My own memories betray me.
I am not sure if I should simply leave this accursed place or embrace these things I have seen. Either way seems madness to my rational mind. Yet I cannot forget what I have seen just now with own eyes!
If such creatures inhabit the world around us where is safe? The creature, this Jurgen claimed to be from the Hochmeister of mine own order, his letter was official or an exceptional forgery.
Thus, there dark tendrils have invaded the highest levels of leadership in all places. Here, in the Teutonic Order, if we do not stand against their darkness here, with allies at our side, where and when do we do so?"
Geoffroi nods, his eyes still scanning the crowd
“Then we make our stand here, and trust that God will watch over us. As you say, there is nowhere we could go to that does not already seem unsafe from these ... fiends”
Veronica will stand to one side and observe.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Ranerius heads up the stairs awaiting Durga Syn's exit from her private chambers...
Once she exits, Ranerius stops her before she can return to the first floor of Elysium.
"Ah, the Votes have been counted, and you are an honest woman, this I know. But I thought to tell you, Rafiel and Francois have agreed to pool their votes. One has agreed to be Justicar for the Clan, While the other sits upon the inner circle for the Toreador. If this is still permitted? The votes are given already, and counted. But who they count for is now bundled you see."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
"It is good that you have achieved your goals, Lord Villon". Lorenzo says with a small smile.
He considers Villon's advice for a moment or two before responding,
"I fear I may be even less qualified for courtly intrigues, so perhaps the role of Justicar would be for the best." Lorenzo says, with a self-deprecating laugh. "Or at the very least, less interested."
"How is it you see this Justicar role playing out? I know what the Prince has said, but it does not take long among our kind to know that what is said and what is done are not necessarily the same thing."
With a shrug he adds, "Honestly, as seems to be the sterotype for my clan goes, I would just as soon return to my studies as anything else. Oh, as a side question, have you or yours heard anything about the whereabouts of the Nosferatu, Simon?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
In an out of the way flop house - Xing
To much to do, not enough blood in case danger occurs, which seems to find her no matter where she goes.
Xing will head back to the Court to see if she can find Michele or her Grandsire.
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Venice by Night - Friday March 28, 1309
Outside Prince Narses Court - Durdona Checheg & Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano bows his head "I suppose the name gives it away? Yes, I came from there. A wonderful city, a shame I had to leave." he said simply on the subject.
"I've spent a small bit of time studying the Eastern Medicine. Simply fascinating what a bit of difference where you grew up changes how you look at things. Fascinating. It is good for you that his plans failed, I'm sure. But, I can understand using almost any means to gain more power or riches. It's indeed a terrible curse that drives all things, Greed. But then, while his using of you was easily observed, truly we use everyone to our advantage to gain." he said smiling at her.
He studied her for a moment "You are a lovely specimen of East, it's a shame most of the world doesn't understand that too much breeding of similarities leads to stagnation and death." he said musing aloud.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
You watch as he closes his eyes and the wound heals, watching weeks of healing time for a human occur in mere moments!
He smiles at you, "It is no trouble my dear, for you I would endure worse".
He beckons the boatman closer and he assists you in boarding, the Father has either perished or must have managed to surface somewhere else, these parts of the canal have hidden crannies so it is possible.
As you step onto the Gondola you see that the boatman has a bit of a glazed look in his eyes as he begins to move the boat along to its next destination. Through these narrow canals and into the main canals of the city you travel. From the water you can see that the city is still in a state of chaos though not full civil war... yet. Some fires from the riots last night still smolder and smoke.
The place looms before you, you've passed it before and considered visiting, Hotel Danieli, one of the most luxurious Hotels in the city. It has been closed for weeks due to "renovations", it would seem that immortals are in residence as Criatas ushers you off of the Gondola and into the Hotel. The Gondalier pushes off and back into the main canals.
Two guards merely nod as you pass with Criatas. The main room of the hotel is mainly vacant with a handful of patrons that appear to sit about listlessly. All of them sit up as Criatas appears but he pays them no mind. No clerk is in attendance as he climbs the stairs motioning for you to follow.
Soon enough on the third floor he brings you to a large room and bids you to sit. He smiles, "Tomorrow, I shall be elected to a position of great power. It is time that I have a Childe of mine own to represent me here within this city which, for now, will be the main seat of power in the organization we are forming. The question becomes, do you wish one more day in the sun or are you ready to pass on from this to something more?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Lanzo nods at your analysis, "Indeed, apparant age has absolutely nothing to do with power or our true age.
Indeed, favors may be provided for votes but to owe everyone a favor for a vote of course is to court disaster.
Your analysis of the situation is or would be sound but for what I have not told you. An important lesson in this new world you find yourself in. You will never know everything. There is always something hidden, lurking out of sight from us.
Most of those who have traveled here for a "sat" on the Council being dubbed the "inner circle" are here as representatives for others. I am not different, I represent my Lord Hardestadt. His is the Bloodline derived from Antonius the Gaul, a Lover of the wretch whose remains have been dubbed "Talisman" formerly known as Michael the Archangel. We shall have further discussion of this creature later.
Meridie's patron is Guillaume. A Brujah almost as old as Criatas and worse for us, one who is rational in thought. His influence would increase the influence of the Brujah in general, something we do not need to take place. Their brand of humanism is the antithesis of what should be done if we all wish to continue to exist.
Still, what you say has merit. This night is almost over, the Brujah vote is slated for tomorrow. Go, interact with your younger kin, tell them that we have had a change of heart and wish to elect Dark Selina to the position of Brujah Councilor. That will muddy the waters..."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
The Streets of Venice –
As you both head to the Basilica to once more attempt to make contact with Father Cardinale fate intervenes. Baldemar suggests working alng the canal to attempt to access the Basilica from a different direction than the night before, one where there is less foot traffic but greater danger of falling into the canal. Several blocks from the Basilica a hand reaches out of the canal thrashing in the water. The man tries to pull himself up, it is Father Cardinale!
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Durga Syn cackles in delight,
It seems none wanted the old spirit to lead the Clan. Time shall tell if they were right or wrong in this.
Your honesty is admirable Ranerius Bernerius, I shall remember it..."
She pauses as she stands next to you leaning on her cane heavily, "Help an old woman down the stairs would you young man?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Villon responds, "The Justicar will be the sword of the Inner Circle, enforcing the will of this Council beyond this lagoon. The Justicar will likely have underlings what powers they shall be authorized is not clear but I believe these lieutenants may be the true power behind the Justicar.
I understand, I would rather be writing and painting but a call to action I felt was necessary after what I have seen of this society since mine own Embrace what now seems to be so long ago. If we all go to our work and let the world play out as it will you will raise your head and find it a far darker place when you left it. Think on that Fledgling".
He pauses, "I have little interaction with the Nosferatu though I have heard others speak well of this Simon. The answer is no, I have not seen him".
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Khay'tall grins, "Silver... maybe? What's it worth to you to find out?
Ah poor Amissa.
I could possibly get a message to Fahdi, I have not attempted such a Ritual in some time. I could teach it to you.
You are getting good at our game, I see you've answered none of my questions but continued to ask your own..."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
You arrive in conjunction with Vitaliano and Durdona as they are re-entering Court. As the three of you head down the hallway Xing in silence and Vitaliano and Durdona chatting quietly you all see Durga Syn as she descends the stairs with Ranerius the Toredor.
---
Xing sees both your sire and Michele staring up at the descending elderly Ravnos, the entire room in fact is silent as a tomb...
Prince Narses Court -
The room goes silent as the shifting of feet on the stairs seems to echo despite their light footfall. BY each footfall is accompanied a thump of the old woman's cane. If she is putting on to play up her age she has mastered the effect. Accompanying her down the stairs is Ranerius Bernerius raising many eyebrows and eliciting a frown from Helene.
Most if not all take their seats as the woman steps onto the dais and Ranerius returns to the Toreador Table. She leans forward into the ear of Prince Narses who nods and stands...
"I congratulate Helene la Jouste of the Courts of Love who shall join us on the Inner Circle as a representative of Clan Toreador in our Camarilla".
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
The Streets of Venice –
Geoffroi grabs the hand of the drowning priest
“Grab the edge and pull!” He barks in his best Italian
He looks over to Baldemar
“Grab that gondola pole and brace me!”
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Durga Syn cackles in delight, ** spoiler omitted **
She pauses as she stands next to you leaning on her cane heavily, "Help an old woman down the stairs would you young man?"
He offers his arm and is, actually quite gallant and respectful to her, leading her down the steps
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court - Michele Querini
With a look of reassurance Michele scans the area then responds.
“ I am truly honored that you say that as it seemed genuine. Perhaps it is due to all our discourse? Yes I believe I would like to learn that ritual as even if I don’t contact him it would be useful. What does the teaching entail?”
"Thank you for your advice, Lord Villon, certainly something for my mind to dwell upon." Lorenzo says with a quick, short bow. "Also hank you for taking the time to answer my question about Simon."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
After the announcement, Lorenzo glances back toward Villon, expecting to see a look of shock, disappointment, or anger on the Toreador's face - perhaps even a combination of all three.
Mentally reaching out to Lord Benne, Lorenzo thinks...
The sorry state of Venice's streets says much to Maria's eyes. This conflict... when rulers bicker, it is the common folk who suffer the most. Riots, assaults--these are men lashing out because it's the only thing they can think of to take some control of their lives back.
...not unlike what I'm doing now.
When the two of them reach the Hotel, Maria is quite dazzled by the luxury on display. But there's still a part of her that remembers how she must conduct herself.
"Tomorrow, I shall be elected to a position of great power. It is time that I have a Childe of mine own to represent me here within this city which, for now, will be the main seat of power in the organization we are forming. The question becomes, do you wish one more day in the sun or are you ready to pass on from this to something more?"
"...there is one thing I must do, sir."
"Is there some parchment & ink about?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
In The Way of Kings Inn -
God, things are starting to get complicated...
"My companion asks a good question. How would we contact you?"
Already in one devil's bargain for eternal life, what's one more to the list?
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
The Streets of Venice –
Baldemar and Geoffroi manage to pull the soaking Priest out of the water. As you look around one shocked bystander rushes away at the odd sight. Other than that woman, perhaps a street walker? no one else is about this time of night. Or at least not back in this alley like canal anyway.
The Priest is muttering, "He took her, the Devil's own son he took her. And and and she went with him willingly!"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Once the Prince makes his announcement Khay'tall turns back to you, "A half night, no more, but you will need to understand basic knowledge of working magic. Have you knowledge of Occult practices?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Lorenzo sees Villon nod to Rafael who nods back.
I would be surprised if she makes either of them a Justicar, it puts them one step away from her seat.
I wonder how much the presence of Talisman affected this vote.
For now, let us focus on the Brujah vote tomorrow".[/b]
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
Criatas nods, a few minutes later a man enters the room as if his hair were on fire. "Do you need me my Lord?"
"Parchment, ink, and quill. Quickly". The man's return with what you require is even faster than his initial arrival.
Criatas gestures to you, "My dear as you wished".
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
In The Way of Kings Inn -
Talisman grins, "I shall reach out to you in the early, middle. and late night hours to assess your progress. Simple enough yes?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Helene approaches the daid ans takes a seat in the Toreador chair, "My friends, I think you for your votes of confidence.
To my opponents I applaud you for the challenge. Do not consider yourselves to have lost. No you have won for I shall represent the ideals of our Clan above all else.
The Courts of Love are now inclusive of all Toreador anywhere that this Camarilla's influence extends. All the burdens and benefits of such now rest upon your brows my Brothers".
She steps down after her short speech and embraces both of her opponents in full view of Elysium showing a solidarity that was not quite matched in the previous contests".[/b]
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Narses nods to Valdemar who steps forward to the front of the dais, [b]"The Conclave has ended for the night as has the audience with the Prince.
Go, obey the Laws of the Night and return tomorrow for the vote of Clan Brujah will be held and those who fail to appear, shall fail to have their votes counted.
---
Durga Syn slowly makes her way out of the room as the rest of the tables break up and begin to mill about.
Of the Brujah, only Lady Meridie and Dark Selina remain. Both Ciatas and Leeland have left already for the night.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Outside Prince Narses Court -
"Greetings once more Onfroi the Bastard of Burgandy, I assume that your visit is to discuss the business you approached me with last evening?"
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court - Michele Querini
“ other then stories or old wives tales I have not dabbled in the occult.”
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Khay'tall smirks, "Then I suppose you should consult with Mistress Fanchon of the Giovanni for a few books on the subject".
He stands, "Nice speaking to you once more Fledgling. I bid you a good evening".
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Helene approaches the daid ans takes a seat in the Toreador chair, "My friends, I think you for your votes of confidence.
To my opponents I applaud you for the challenge. Do not consider yourselves to have lost. No you have won for I shall represent the ideals of our Clan above all else.
The Courts of Love are now inclusive of all Toreador anywhere that this Camarilla's influence extends. All the burdens and benefits of such now rest upon your brows my Brothers".
She steps down after her short speech and embraces both of her opponents in full view of Elysium showing a solidarity that was not quite matched in the previous contests".[/b]
He nods at something, and as the three main sires show solidarity, he himself bows his head "Congratulations, Lady. You were, it seems, as inevitable as the tide."
Narses nods to Valdemar who steps forward to the front of the dais, [b]"The Conclave has ended for the night as has the audience with the Prince.
Go, obey the Laws of the Night and return tomorrow for the vote of Clan Brujah will be held and those who fail to appear, shall fail to have their votes counted.
At this, he bows again. His mood subdued but not hostile nor angry. What really would be the point?
A part of me is stunned. I really thought we could pull it off. I suppose anyone over a century old will call me a fool for that. Perhaps I was. But even those much older than I did not see everything. I will still seek out those who sided with my sire, at least the ones I know of, and thank them. And I shall thank those who heard me out. A monster I maybe, but I am a monster with manners.
He does wait near his sire to see if Francois has a moment for him or if Helene wishes to speak to him as well (Which he doubts) he would of course stay . Otherwise, he will head home.
There are gratitudes to be planned, even in the face of failure.
Outside the Court
Onfroi slips into the gondola quiet and says when she alerts him she knows he is there.
Radek offers to erase my mind with dominate but it still leaves you to deal with him. I offer counter wise that you dominate me changing your answer from yes to no but giving me something lesser to be rewarded by Radek for. This is closest the truth for us all. If Radek wins the vote you lose and risk nothing, if he loses the rest of your clan will be hunted to extinction. In addition I will become an ally to you and yours and assist you as I can. This is my offer. What further deal you make with Radek is yours to do. Onfroi says.
Venice by Night – Friday, March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
I trust we still back Lord Critias for the Brujah seat?
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
The Streets of Venice –
Baldemar and Geoffroi manage to pull the soaking Priest out of the water. As you look around one shocked bystander rushes away at the odd sight. Other than that woman, perhaps a street walker? no one else is about this time of night. Or at least not back in this alley like canal anyway.
The Priest is muttering, "He took her, the Devil's own son he took her. And and and she went with him willingly!"
Geoffroi faces the sodden priest
“Sta’ calmo, padre” He says in his best Venitian-accented Italian
“My name is Sir Geoffroi, and this is Sir Baldemar. Were you attacked? “
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court - Xing & Michele
Xing watches the scene and smirks when she sees Michele talking to another and her Gransire. Weighing her options she decides to approach Michele once their conversation is over she approaches him.
"You and I should talk Michele of house Querini. It's been quite some time."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
"Thank you, for the valuable lesson. And your patience. Seeing how I am to represent your agendas, I should have understood that another one deemed young would only fill in for her own patron. My own ambition blinded me to this possibility. I shall take care to consider such details more cautiously in the future.", Franz bows to his Sire, then mingles with the others - he had planned to mostly observe, but if there was an opportunity for social networking, he did not plan to pass up on it. If there was a chance to muddy the waters, as well, then all the better.