Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Gates of the Khadaji Household –
The city is one edge once more this night. You and Sir Baldemar must avoid the Doge's men but having had a few nights practice, it is a bit easier to do so.
Mobs are not forming due to the efforts of these patrols and that adds to the luck you have in having to deal with them as it seems likely they would confiscate the weapons you both carry.
Ducking into alleys brings suspicious eyes bearing on you both. Your garb is not that of the Doge's men who seem to be the recipient of vitriol this night more so than those men of God that would serve the Pope.
Soon enough you stand before the estate of Khadaji. The house has a beautiful view of the Mediterranean and is enclosed within a 10' high wrought iron fence. It appears to be three stories tall and has several balconies on the sea side. What is odd about it are the men guarding it, all English soldiers. You spent enough time with these people to recognize them on sight.
Baldemar looks thoughtful as he stops far enough away from the house for the soldiers to not look too closely at the two of you, "How odd, are they mercenaries do you think?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A S++$ hole the Slums of Venice -
You feel no particular streak of conscience that would lead to a moment of crisis despite how pathetic the man appears. You need his mind, that is all that matters. Of course, carrying him anywhere like this would pose a problem. Perhaps you should seek your Grandsire first to ensure he has found someone to assist with the delving.
Still, he does not look so good, he may need food and certainly water.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel - Tremere Chantry -
"Very well. Tell me, have you had any interactions with Clan Assamite as of yet?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel - Tremere Chantry -
"Not that I am aware of."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Palazzo Abadessa -
You head down to the first floor and see the listless nearly lifeless patrons reminding you that indeed, your new role in this world is as apex predator.
Petrankov completes his feeding on one who slumps to the floor, not dead but certainly weak as you take a seat.
"The woman on her way down as well or has she left the city to wanderlust?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
"Brother, the transaction is complete. The Khadaji's have provided us the coin and the business is theirs.
It is really time to go now. I arrived this morning to mangled corpses and none of those creepy spirits, apparitions? Guarding the place. Something happened last night or this morning, it's dangerous, it's time to go, we can go anywhere with the small fortune we just made! Plus Venice is in turmoil, I was almost killed twice last night myself!"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn -
"Your shop? You are still thinking lie a mortal. Let it go, you must move on.
We have to stick together! The Clans need to see us for our utilities, together we can show what we can do. You have contacts, I have the prowess of even the most talented Toreador in the art of poetry. We can align the Clans with us... and against our foes".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto -
As you stand to get out of the bath your wife gently pushes you down, removes hr clothes and mounts you. She appears a bit disappointed at your lack of reaction.
"Just the right application of the blood will achieve the desired results my friend", states K'haytall looking on as the servant girls leave the bathroom, it was cramped with them in it anyway.
"Your Sire is not here. Who knows where he went to.
Indeed, you might want to handle this or perhaps not".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
"Excellent. This as they say, is your last chance. You may walk in the sunligt again, say the word and I shall erase from your mid the events of last night and you will return to your life as was", the Elder states with no emotion registered. He seems statue like in his mannerisms appearing that much more terrifying and yet attractive at the same time.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel - Tremere Chantry -
"Then it is time you do so.
The Childe of El Cid, Durdona, she is an Assamite. Albeit a youngling. Perhaps approaching her to eliminate our rival would be wise. Best not to take things to chance or perhaps approach her through another intermediary.
It is best if his vote not take place and I am the winner by default. Besides it being a catastrophe for our Clan, I fear what rewards this rogue has been offering to those who deem to support him to achieve a seat on the inner circle".
Maria looks out the window again, contemplating what to do next.
"...if I were to return now, I have no reason to believe that I will not be attacked again. What happened tonight... I would have died were it not for your intervention."
She stands, resolute. "I choose to walk this path."
a luxury hotel
Onfroi appears once more and gestures for Prince Alexander to enter saying thank you for coming to see me. I simply must get your spy network. To know I was here was extraordinary, considering I looked different when I entered and this was my first night staying here. I apologize for no refreshments to offer. Please be seated and tell me, how might I assist you?
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Gates of the Khadaji Household –
Baldemar looks thoughtful as he stops far enough away from the house for the soldiers to not look too closely at the two of you, "How odd, are they mercenaries do you think?"
Geoffroi looks in distaste at his distant cousins
“The English are willing to take anyone’s coin, ‘Tis true. But I find it odd that all the guards at this Saracen palace are of that breed”
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel - Tremere Chantry -
"Would that not be...kinda Obvious? Maybe we can lead the hunters to him...I can think a few ways we can do so with clean hands."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
"You were almost killed? Twice? By whom?" Lorenzo asks, more concerned for the well-being of his brother than the business dealing.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Palazzo Abadessa -
"She can sleep a bit longer I must discuss with you a recent change in events."
He muses on how to be st frame his next question.
"Francois, how do you...feel about him ?"
Luca then quickly brushes his hand to the side as if to wipe away his attempt at subterfuge.
"I made a deal with Francois'...owner? In order to keep Francois from being...retrieved."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Safe Haven or a Prison? -
Durdona sighs. Always left out of it. Even now.
She begins to feel around for a light source. I'm awake is anyone there? she calls.
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto - Michele Querini
Concentrating to make that “right application” of blood work.
So perhaps you have a suggestion then since I don’t know where to start?
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
"Sirus has left the city, he seeks refuge in Padua until this ... situation has passed. Yes, the crops are planted, some cost to that but if you believe it is worth it my love so be it.
This news unsettles. The man was something of a friend, but more importantly, a contact into the guard itself. "I think it will be, sadly,more useful than the flowers" A sigh. Beautiful plants are not always the edible ones, at least not to his people.
The Doge has sent more men into the streets, the fighting has been cut down, half the Great Court has walked out stating the Doge is destroying the city. I hope that this, new venture of yours, will bear fruit and insulate us against what may happen if the city revolts and we have war".She seems calm and so does her voice but the fear in her eyes is clear to you, the man that knows her so well.
"Rest assured, love, whatever comes I will be there to help you through it. I will not lie to you and say it will be easy. Hide your strength, so that if you must use it, it will be all the less likely to be countered."
You walk the halls to your Sire's room thoughtful and when the door opens you see he and Violetta seated at the table in his room, "My goodness Ranerius, you are thinking quite loudly. Worry not, the Kine world is the Kine world and our world is our world", states Violetta as you enter the room.Your Sire gestures to the open seat.
"Violetta, congratulations are in order to you I think?" He says to her with a slight nod of respect, then to his Sire he gives a deeper nod and takes a seat, "But even a wolf pack should be cautious if cattle should run wild. I keep thinking there maybe a way to muse some music or the like out of the stress and worry my fellow venetians must be feeling. or , conversely, perhaps some way to soothe same. But I imagine that is not what we are to be discussing now."
Venice by Night - Friday March 28, 1309
Greetings Inn -
”You are brave Northerner.
Yield and I shall provide you with your reward, fail to, and I will teach you the meaning of pain and then give you your reward. It is of no importance to me which method you prefer…”
”Life is pain. And if you want mine, I’ll not give it freely like some Catholic Lamb - you’ll have to take it!”
Wishing he had a spear, Einar throws himself behind his sword in an attempt to punch his blade through the monster’s chitinous chest plate and into it’s vitals beyond. Unfortunately his power is limited by the hindrance of his shield, his off hand unable to provide much extra force to the blow...
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn - Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano paused at the words the man offered. He raised a brow, POETRY. The thought that such a talent would help them with their kind. It was enough to cause him to have to bite a fingernail in frustration at the idea that the man considered his prowess with poetry was as useful as Vitaliano's own ability to see through the web of lies and dance along the strands of politics.
He sneered slightly "Forgetting an asset even one as small as how I have amassed the attention of the nosferatu in this town with a source of blood that would not raise the brow of the cattle...is foolish. You say forget a source of power and bargaining over an entire clan? You may have a way with words to evoke some minor emotions but you do not seem to see the big picture." he said at some length.
He paused though "However, I do not plan to not help you, for I know that you do not grow as old as you without some ability. It will take little time to check in on my office, in that time, we can discuss your thoughts." he said with his emotions back fully under control.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Private Villa - the Lido -
Sating his third in a more controlled manner tonight, Franz approaches his Sire and Gustav in good spirits.
As the question is asked, he takes but a moment to think before answering: "I had indeed pondered that very question. At first, I had considered my butler. He's been in my service for years, very reliable, very discrete. But that would be the obvious choice in the eyes of any enemies I might make...and his schedule is very much filled with tasks related to keeping my household running...and will be more so in the future since I will be unavailable during the day - no, I would like to bind him to my will to ensure his continued loyalty and discreteness, but not make him my agent. No, I would pick, as my honored servant, the orphan-girl Sophia. I will take her into my household as a maid-in-training. She is frail, but smart. I understand the former is possible to counteract by providing her with my blood. I am aware her options as agent of mine are more limited than those of an adult male, but I would see her as more of a hidden asset, rather than a tool to use openly. If I need guarding, none will question her extended stay in my room. She can keep an eye on the orphanage without raising suspicion. She can help me find others to feed on. And she is young enough to learn how to best fulfill the role I have in mind for her."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
A moment later you feel his fangs sink into your neck, the pain is there but for an instant then fades away. You feel yourself falling into darkness and then you feel nothing. Not even numb.
Your eyes open suddenly and you sit up with a start. You are not breathing! You feel so cold and yet warm in your belly.
You turn and see Criatas seated next to you, "How do you feel my dear? I fear we've to go soon..."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca Formosa -
"No spy network. I was aware that this was the location where your Clan was ah... staying. Mere luck you were here this night else I would have made this trip for no reason at all".
Alexander takes a seat at the edge of the bed, "I understand that Simon has not been seen in a few days. I fear for his safety, know you if he has simply fled the city or has something... untoward happened to him?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Gates of the Khadaji Household –
They stand at attention in front of the compound. Within you do see figures moving on the second floor but you cannot see them that well.
"Shall we approach openly? I think sneaking into this compound would be ill advised unless we wish to fight these English".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel -
Mistress Fanchon smiles, "An interesting idea but risky as well. How would you find them and know where he could be found at the same time?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
"Brother are you so far removed from the world of men? Civil War may be upon us! The Great Council meetings have almost come to blows within Council sessions!
If this continues the bad blood will be true blood in the streets, there already have been people killed and accosted.
These ruffians accosted me as well.
It is time to leave our home, there is nothing for us here any longer".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Palazzo Abadessa -
"I care nothing for that Mortal. If he has come through I will Embrace him as he wishes. If he does not I will drain him dry and leave him upon the mainland as to not have conflict with Prince Narses.
I tire of his bleating.
Tell me of this deal.
I assure you that his Master is dangerous, quite dangerous, more so than I ever realized before".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Safe Haven or a Prison? -
A voice responds, silent and sibilant, "Who iss thisss? I am here".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel -
"I have no idea right now...I would to do some...investigations.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto -
You are able to apply the blood just right as she begins to move up and down and moan softly.
He grins and nods approvingly, "I have many suggestions, do you believe that I should present them to you with no offer of recompense from you? Would you?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Violetta smiles at your suggestion, "You are quite right, it is never not the right time to discuss the Arts. Tell us your suggestion Ranerius. We must ever be mindful of the Kine as if we do not shepherd them, who among us will?"
Francois nods at Violetta, "I am glad my dear that you can still keep your perspective in the face of the politics of our kind.
I agree Ranerius, tell us of this idea and if you've no idea, suggest one. I should like to hear it. If it is sound or we can elaborate upon it, the idea could be passed to Narses..."
Venice by Night - Friday March 28, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Grapple
Rend the Osseous Frame
Once more your blow fails to injure this thing Vykos has become.
He grins, "Pain then".
He grabs at you as a man would grab a child you wonder if he intends to crush you with his huge frame but instead you feel your spine begin to seize!
You fall to the floor unable to move barely able to breathe.
He reverts back to his human form his hair long and hanging in your face, "I wonder... have you ever heard a man scream? Truly scream? I have. Men and women. Imagine what pains await you my Childe".
He chuckles, "I have but thirty minutes to show you the meaning of pain as I've somewhere to be this night. I assure you though, I'll not waste a second of that time speaking any further".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn to your Humble Office -
Gregor lays out his plan and it is either brilliant or insane, you are not sure which but you are sure you still want no part of it when you each your office. The door is still locked, it seems your customers respect your station enough not to break in or at least do so well enough to lock behind them.
The streets seem less dangerous or Gregor utilized a power to make the masses ignore you both, you suspect the latter.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Private Villa - the Lido -
"A well considered plan my Childe, I approve though I would not pursue such a tactic myself. But then I Embraced you to be you not to be me. Let us approach the Seneschal about it for approval.
I will need to leave by tomorrow at the latest, before we head to Elysium once more, tell me, is there something else you wish to hear from me that you believe you may need to know to fulfill your duties n my absence? Gustav will be here as an advisor but he will be staying on the mainland in nearby Padua and readily accessible on any given night".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel - Tremere Chantry -
"Proceed then. Come to Elysium tonight and inform me of your progress but most importantly, do not get apprehended by these Hunters yourself".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel - Tremere Chantry -
"Proceed then. Come to Elysium tonight and inform me of your progress but most importantly, do not get apprehended by these Hunters yourself".
"Well...I will try not to be."
I do not know what has become of the elder Simon. My clans elders are hard to know and harder to find.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Gates of the Khadaji Household –
They stand at attention in front of the compound. Within you do see figures moving on the second floor but you cannot see them that well.
"Shall we approach openly? I think sneaking into this compound would be ill advised unless we wish to fight these English".
Geoffroi nods
“Fortune favors the bold”
He approaches the compound
“Ho there! I seek admittance!”
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Private Villa - the Lido -
"Thank you for the trust you place in my choice. I shall make sure it turns out to be a wise one.", Franz bows briefly, then continues to listen.
"Truly, I have learned much in the past days, and much more, it seems, remains to be learned. I have seen, in Elysium, that there is a very complicated pattern at work. As such, I understand that all trust has to be seasoned with caution, but do we have any...for lack of a better word, allies or enemies among them? I believe goals align or dis-align in a certain fluidity...some may pursue the same outcome, but not for the same reason...while the goals of others may be identical long-term, but be diametrically opposed in their short-term approach. In other words...who should I attempt to keep on our good side, and who should I be extra careful about, questioning their motives even more than those of others."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
"I understand your concerns, Dominic, but we can not leave just yet." Lorenzo says. "Perhaps now that our business with the Khadaji is complete, you would do well to stay here and out of the streets for the time being. Yes, I am aware of what has occurred with the guards, but trust that the issue is being taken care of." he continues, trying to reassure his brother.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
A moment later you feel his fangs sink into your neck, the pain is there but for an instant then fades away. You feel yourself falling into darkness and then you feel nothing. Not even numb.
Your eyes open suddenly and you sit up with a start. You are not breathing! You feel so cold and yet warm in your belly.
You turn and see Criatas seated next to you, "How do you feel my dear? I fear we've to go soon..."
"...I..."
Maria looks down at herself. "...cold. But my belly feels warm."
...wh-why am I not breathing?
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Venice by Night - Friday March 28, 1309
Greetings Inn -
I'll not give you - or your walking bag of excrement, Dragan - the satisfaction!
The Norwegian grunts as his back twists out of shape, defiantly eyeing the now-beatific monster that is Vykos. As Einar's torments drag on, they only serve to strengthen his resolve, until his world is reduced to naught but unimaginable pain and spiteful silence.
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Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Violetta smiles at your suggestion, "You are quite right, it is never not the right time to discuss the Arts. Tell us your suggestion Ranerius. We must ever be mindful of the Kine as if we do not shepherd them, who among us will?"
Francois nods at Violetta, "I am glad my dear that you can still keep your perspective in the face of the politics of our kind.
I agree Ranerius, tell us of this idea and if you've no idea, suggest one. I should like to hear it. If it is sound or we can elaborate upon it, the idea could be passed to Narses..."
He does not hide his surprise, and a pleasant surprise it is. True, they might take credit for his ideas, but then, if they can help him implement them, it might be worth the risk, "Songs about Jesus' forgiveness should be constructed, not challenging the pope's decree directly, but strongly hinting that the only thing that can truly sever a mortal from God's love is that mortal himself. It maybe low key hersey mind you, but what would the pope do about it? excomunmicate Venitians again? On a more blatant stand, what we need is a monument, and within that monument, a saint's bones or ashes. Something the common man, in his ignorance, might gain comfort from just brushing his hand against. We should make both of these works of art, the song should be uplifting, soul stirring, and the monument or art where the ashes or bone with in were closed? Oh it should bespeak of a humble majesty. I think I know who might aid us in this latter- the Cappadocians. Lord Benne is a brillaint man and from what I have been told, the contemplation of death and the here after is quite profoundly in thier clan's interests. Well, everyone now fears damnation, a state of after. So perhaps, not so much as a ruse, but a gentle guide to contemplating that thin but strong strand of hope for it is possible and they would be interested in the same. It may help curb the despair that fuels riots so dangerous to us all"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto - Michele Querini
”I would expect no less but I only see 3 ways. The first would be to either kill my entire side of my family and main supporters or their enemies. Second do nothing and let the mortals fight and take advantage of the chaos. Lastly I can reappear and perhaps ensnare them with my speech to calm them down. If you see another path what would it cost me to hear it?”
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Safe Haven or a Prison? -
Durdona spins around in a circle trying to locate where the voice is coming from. "My name is Durdona. What is your name?" she continues to spin around as she makes her way to where she thinks a wall is.
She's at all sure she wants to see the creature that has a voice like that. What have I gotten myself into? I was supposed to be safe here. This doesn't feel safe."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Palazzo Abadessa -
Luca bites his lip, unsure how to proceed. So he does what's always come naturally to him, he barreled forward.
He starts to relate the encounter with the "master" of the man they were using.
"And that's all I know. I made a call. There is still much I do not understand, but if that long, mind-numbing political meeting was any indicator, such deals are common I suspect?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A S++$ hole the Slums of Venice - Xing Shi
She eye's the mortal and shakes here head before heading out.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn to your Humble Office - Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano sighed a bit in relief and went into his cellar to check his supplies of blood wine.
He yelled up from down there "I'm worried that I can't begin to fathom how your plan would succeed or how I could help it succeed. Either you're brilliant beyond my own ability to understand...or you are perhaps insane. I would need more time to consider your plan and to seek council from the few I would call friend." he said trying to be polite but blunt.
He brings up a single bottle of decent vintage and offers it Gregor "Apologies, I'm not entirely certain of your particular tastes but this is one of my finer bottles. It should nourish you will be a bit more pleasant on the tongue than pure blood." he offered humbly.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel -