Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
As he climbs the stairs with you he turns and whispers, "Listen to the news of the missing noble Lord and Lady, do you believe the strife of the politics or our night fiends have claimed them?"
Geoffroi looks grave
“It is hard to tell, but I will say this. If I were a fiend such as these, and I had to live by the murder of innocents, then the politically unsettled city, the battlefield, and the plague house would be My refectory. Where else could they gain a meal with little comment? A missing Noble at a peaceful time would raise a hue and cry, now good men just shake their heads and comment on the unsettling times. “
Geoffroi’s frown deepens
“I would further imagine that these fiends are the architects of many evil times, if for no other reason than to keep their larders stocked”
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
"She's Lasombra".
Andrew pauses and considers the question, "Nothing about her Sire, I may have seen him once but in passing. I d'nae recall his name.
Her Grandsire is Alejandro o' Jerusalem. Apparently he was tha' Prince there till tha' Saracens reclaimed tha' city from the Outremer Empires.
Him I know ta' be a child o' yer Sire".
"I am interested in knowing who her sire is. It seems that it is a discussion we will need to have face to face. Any idea of here whereabouts now, or how I could find her?"
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
"My Uncle has fled the city in shame, and Suam Celsitudinem has agreed to take me on as his ward. All in all a much more advantageous situation than I was in before. How about yourself? Have you been staying occupied these last few days?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
"A self appointed purpose. What if you are instructed by the Tremere Can to leave, how will that purpose change? If you do not cultivate your magic, will they find you a liability?"
She asks as you continue to get closer to Elysium.
"I will burn that bridge if it come to it...though prostitutes can be found everywhere...And unfortunately they are victimized everywhere."
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
Outside the City of Padua -
”"We are ready, let us walk to the ship or boat you have procured…You must know, my patience are not endless, especially these nights, for those who do not answer my queries plainly”.
Einar stops walking. ”Then let us speak plainly. Once we're on my boat, exactly where do you think I’m going to take you? I've come to barter a coalition, not play helmsman to your dodging Princely introductions.”
"...I'm not certain that I'm welcome in the Church anymore. Father Cardinale likely told them all about what happened that night..."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Outside Elysium -
Gustav nods, "Excellent. The Ventrue Clan is not a place for those who who would idle away their gifts.
Indeed, prudence in the face of the unknown is wise".
As you both near the door a Gondola does come from the darkness. It contains the two Malkavians who have their backs turned to one another but appear to be speaking to each other regardless.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
She nods, "Indeed, the Lasombra have great influence with the Church though that power nay wane in light of the Mortal Pope's edict.
Who else were you considering approaching?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
She smiles, "It is very silly of you and one of the reasons why I love you so".
"Patience my dear. You are exactly who I wish you to be. The Long Night stretches before us and you prowess and powers will grow as you gain experience.
Retain that silliness and I shall love you, always.
Be not bitter of heart. That is the way to the Beast.
Now.
I must have you tell me again all you know of this Talisman. His existence is a shock to me. He is as old if not older than Mithras himself. My patron must know what is going on with this being in the present day".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose -
You simply cannot tell, if he is a Mortal, he is a perceptive one.
He simply stares at you and raises an eyebrow.
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
"I dare not wander down such dark pathways in my thoughts Geoffroi.
For if I do then I must wonder why the Hochmeister himself would have sent such a creature as Lord Jurgen to me! It was his very handwriting that was upon the scroll the villain brought to me.
I.... Let us find this Sergei".
He heads up the stairs and locates the room where Volkov and his allies reside.
A knock and moments later the door opens. Dwelling within is a man neither of you have seen before sitting across from Sergei who appears quite agitated. Brice is at the door, "Enter Knights. More grave news this day".
Sergei does not even turn towards you he stares at a wooden stake in his hand flipping it over and over again.
"You are sure Francois?"
The man nods , "I am sure Sergei".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
"Tha' last I saw o' her she was stayin' at a place in tha' wretched part o' this fair city.
I c'n take ye there meself.
I too would like ta' unravel tha' mystery o' this one".
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
She responds, "I was staked and left in the Underworld for dead but I got better.
So, what then does your Warden want with Greetings? I am sure you were not trying to go there for a drink hey?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
You come to the end of the line, from here, you will need a Gondola to gain entrance to Narses realm, Selina closes her eyes then opens them and regards you once more. "My boatman comes.
You must learn to let go of such Mortal concerns. Prostitutes. Peasants. Yes, even Kings. Are fodder for our larder.
We the Beast they the Hunted.
How the cattle choose to live their lives, I leave to them, until such time I end them.
Once my Clan attempted to create a city where we existed peacefully with Mortals.
The Ventrue burned it to the ground with others.
They were wise enough to see that the Mortals began even to manipulate us when is such close proximity to us. They become darker more obsessed with power the closer they are to the sources of power. Give them no such opportunities".
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
Outside the City of Padua -
The female speaks, "This one has spirit my Love".
Belisarius chuckles, "He is either the bravest of the stupidest Cainite I have ever met. I agree my Love.
I will answer your questions when you reveal the identity of your Sire Viking.
If the next sentence from your mouth is anything but that, I will begin to remove your limbs. One by one. Then finally your head.
That is as plainly as I can speak Viking. Nod your head if you understand my plain speaking".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
"You do not believe he drowned my Dear? If not, that is a loose end we must neatly tie.
Well, if not them than perhaps the street walkers?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
She nods, "Indeed, the Lasombra have great influence with the Church though that power nay wane in light of the Mortal Pope's edict.
Who else were you considering approaching?"
"I would hear your recommendations if you have any," He says "Before I venture mine. But I want others of both Clan Capaddoican and Clan Nosferatu involved. If anything can show how we can unify for a task, this might. It is a promising quest for the sect to embark upon"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
"Does that not describe everyone?"
"Well..." Maria pauses in thought.
"...actually, come to think of it, there's Madame D'Angeline. She was my employer when I was still a street walker. She allowed me to seek refuge in the Church after..." She trails off, looking forlorn.
Bernardo curses a bit in Italian and then waits in quiet and peace contemplating thrnn extending himself once more to his blood.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
Looking around at the mortals nearby, Lorenzo says, "We should not be speaking quite so plainly, Lydia." before waiting for Durdona's response.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
"That's why we walked outside Doctor. Harder for these simpletons to hear us out here. Alright though, let's just go to Greeting and explore it ourselves shall we? It's just right down the canal after all".
She points t it being not very far away at all.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
Alessandro reiterates all he has already told his sire.
I will try to remember, and speak as I heard the tale.
The body, vessel... host is that of Sebastian of Gallia Narbonensis. In life, a man of God. He took the blood of two ancient beings, and has slowly lost control ever since. One was Mi-Ka-Il, known as Beshter and later Michael to the Romans. The other, Gesu. I believe Kestral wants him dead.
As a Mesopotamian Elder, Beshter had a favored ghoul whom he loved dearly, her name was Ma-Ri. As the City under his rule was sacked by his enemies he was forced to leave Ma-Ri behind lest he perish. Ma-Ri died in the flames which consumed his palace. At least he thought she died.
Somehow she was returned to life and rose to prominence as one of the most black hearted of all Kindred, those who pay homage to Demons and Devils. She spent a millenia chasing down Michael to destroy him. He fought Ma-Ri when she learned that he, Sebastian, had claimed the Blood of Michael for she wished to have him course in her veins.
Though she slew one of their group, a Childe of Gilbert Fritz de Clare, I believe. They were able to deliver to her the final death. They burned her again and buried the ashes.
This Ma-Ri may be in Venice, now. She is known as Katriana Volkov. She can summon her old Demon masters. And, what hold she has on Talisman or the entities fighting for control within him, I do not know.
Sebastian said he would call me, Sadir. Sadir had helped him a century past. If Talisman calls me anything else... Beshter has assumed control. And, all are in danger. Human, Kindred, all...
Alyssa looks thoughtful, "Go to him. This ancient. Let us see if he remembers you at all. Tell him that Mithras would indeed be interested in rekindling old alliances.
This Ma-Ri, you had a set of contacts looking for her, I take it thus far you have heard nothing of her yes? I fear I lost track of this, important as it is due to the Conclave.
After you meet with him, we shall meet with your Mortals. I have... changed my mind".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
"The Cappadocian's you include because of the Relic I take it?
Why the Nosferatu. Cruel irony? How would they be involved?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Canals of Venice -
The Elder is silent for a time. When the Gondolier arrives and you both step on board.
Selina finally speaks, "Yes of course.
But by day there are few to trust. Very few but you certainly cannot them unless they are bound to you and we have not enough of the stuff of us to bound all.
Trust Cainites less and trust Mortals even less than that. Make not your existence them or their concerns. Do you understand?"
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
"I suppose we could do that, but I would greatly prefer to get a quick bite to eat first, lest this gnawing in my gut be too distracting."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
"Seek her out. Have her drink of you three times on three separate nights. Thereafter, she will be yours. You may need her. This is something the wise among us do.
While I am gone you will not have me. Think of that which you wish to know from and of me before I leave. Take your time as such unponderables will take you time.
Come, let us go".
He takes your hand and leads you to the front door and out into the night.
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
Outside the City of Padua -
He is just outside of the city to the south. It seems that they were true to their word that they were here only waiting and the Viking is who they were waiting for.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
"The Cappadocian's you include because of the Relic I take it?
Why the Nosferatu. Cruel irony? How would they be involved?"
"I know they are frightful to look upon, but they are in the end, still Cainites... and of the same sect. Furthermore, they keep accounting of matters with great skill... we will need their keen eyes in this I think should other obstacles we did not fore see arise."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
Alessandro is surprised, but also displeased that she would blame herself. The failing is mine, love. I have but a tenth of your burden.
Approach Talisman, then... I've done it before, as a mortal. And yet, perhaps that is what preserved me. Being seen as a non-threat.
But, now I have more to offer. We shall see how it plays out. The danger was real, but it didn't bother him. Strange. He hesitates then, his mind making connections. It felt the same in a sense, but different somehow, in this new form... he hadn't noticed.
Do you know where I may find him? He seemed fond of the canals and sewers... the Nosferatu, perhaps a link to Simon?
And, if I may... is there any more to the tale that you might add? Which childe of the Earl was... destroyed?
On another matter, we have no vote certainly... But is there another who does, that we should be swaying in one direction or another... in their vote for the seats that remain?
He starts to ready himself, in an effort to do as much as possible with the time left on this night.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
"Such attempts are doomed to failure, know you not the tale of our Antedeluvians?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
"Such attempts are doomed to failure, know you not the tale of our Antedeluvians?"
"I believe I've heard more than one, but please, enlighten me. " He frowns. He had not thought superstition would arise in this AGAINST them. Worse, it may not be superstition at all. If something within our very nature works against this project...well damn.
Bernardo will get a spy glass and then move out following "the scent" as it were until he gets just within spyglass range using protean to augment his senses he will look and watch what the Viking and his companions is doing.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose - Michele Querini
Rolling his neck side to side Michele straightens up in the chair, leans in slightly, and looks him in the eye.
Utilizing Passion - Manipulation plus Expression
“ So let’s start over again. What do you think?”
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
"Tha' last I saw o' her she was stayin' at a place in tha' wretched part o' this fair city.
I c'n take ye there meself.
I too would like ta' unravel tha' mystery o' this one".
”Thank you, I am ready to go whenever you are.”
Wretched part of the city... I best be on my guard, he seems a little too helpful. This stinks of a trap.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
"Perhaps we could see who there is to eat in that place?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
The Artiste speaks, "The Nosferatu Antediluvian, Absimiliard, was embraced in the shadow of Enoch. Powerful and vain, Absimiliard was a hunter of great skill and beauty who thought he was powerful enough to track and kill Zillah, the daughter of Caine.
Instead, Zillah fought off Absimiliard easily, and instead of killing him for the affront, Embraced him for his strength and bravery. As a reminder of her strength and his arrogance, Zillah left a tiny scar on Absimiliad's face that inflamed his vanity.
Arikel is a progeny of Caine's childe Enoch; she is the oldest Antediluvian and is Malkav's twin. She served as Caine's "Blossom", in the First City, where she created many works of Art.
They were the two most beautiful of the Antediluvians and as you may have guessed Absimiliard and Arikel were lovers and shared a blood bond.
When Absimiliard was cursed by Caine with ugliness, Arikel professed not to care, but Absimiliard was too enraged to listen to the counsel of his lover. He turned his back on human and vampire society alike, and retreated from the world by hiding in deep caves.
So you see, this is why such an endeavor could be problematic".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
"I would rather not discuss the death of the Earl lest it drudge up bad memories for him.
Where to find him I will leave in your capable hands. I shall journey to Elysium once more this night.
There I will encounter Lanzo and see what concessions I can negotiate from him.
Meet me there once you have spoken with the Methuselah".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose -
His eyes glaze over a bit and a grin spreads across his face.
"I think we can do that. What was that you wanted?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
After you both make excuses to have your allies and retainers stay at the Way of Kings, you begin the travel to Xing's hideaway.
Andrew leads you to the run down section of the city he referred to, it takes a Gondola and painfully slow walking to get there due to Andrew's bad leg which the Embrace did not correct.
He is affable and speaks of a man in this neighborhood who he knows and has assisted in partnering with to create a pipeweed farm.
Soon enough the building he speaks of looms before you both. The alleyways and the streets themselves are full of locals active at night. You assume many to be criminals or would be criminals. Having left your retainers behind only the swords both of you prominently display and your apparent lack of care at being in such a place keeps the wolves at bay.
Andrew enters the building paying no heed to these figures and takes to the stairs heading up to the fifth floor and finally arriving at a door. He knock on it, hard, "Xing, it do be Andrew and one o' yer kin come ta' pay a visit".
He turns back to you and whispers, "We canno' break in, she's wicked traps at tha' door an window that could way lay even us".
A female vice responds, "What is kin Lord Andrew?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
The Artiste speaks, "The Nosferatu Antediluvian, Absimiliard, was embraced in the shadow of Enoch. Powerful and vain, Absimiliard was a hunter of great skill and beauty who thought he was powerful enough to track and kill Zillah, the daughter of Caine.
Instead, Zillah fought off Absimiliard easily, and instead of killing him for the affront, Embraced him for his strength and bravery. As a reminder of her strength and his arrogance, Zillah left a tiny scar on Absimiliad's face that inflamed his vanity.
Arikel is a progeny of Caine's childe Enoch; she is the oldest Antediluvian and is Malkav's twin. She served as Caine's "Blossom", in the First City, where she created many works of Art.
They were the two most beautiful of the Antediluvians and as you may have guessed Absimiliard and Arikel were lovers and shared a blood bond.
When Absimiliard was cursed by Caine with ugliness, Arikel professed not to care, but Absimiliard was too enraged to listen to the counsel of his lover. He turned his back on human and vampire society alike, and retreated from the world by hiding in deep caves.
So you see, this is why such an endeavor could be problematic".
"If the Nosferatu do not wish to take part, well, the loss at a chance for both creation of wonder, and prestige among Cainites is theirs. I will offer still, I think. Perhaps you suggest someone else we should urge to join us?"
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
Outside the City of Padua -
Einar nods with a grim frown and briefly rubs the fingertips of his right hand across his thumb in anticipation. The instant the woman disappears she’ll be behind; I can’t let them surround me. ”I’ve sworn not to implicate my sire by word or action in the course I’ve chosen to undertake.” Much as he did to Bernardo, he gives Belisarius an apologetic shrug.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
Lorenzo momentarily winces at Lydia's blatant commentary. "Very well, let us go see what is so important about that place."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
I shall endeavor not to disappoint you, then...
Parting ways, Alessandro moves to speak with Galeel. He will see about this Amin's whereabouts, and if he knows a Haji.
And, instruct Galeel to obtain guard dogs for the perimeter, the Moslems will complain... But, he will remind them of history of Moslems and dogs. Canines and Cainites... He smiled.
Then he would see about where to find Talisman.
Also, is there some roll that would help track down Talisman? He seemed to be interested in sewers, tunnels, canals... Was there a spot Alessandro would remember, or a place he could ask the Nosferatu?
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose - Michele Querini
"I was looking for Christiano Lintini who is a friend of mine. When was the last time you saw him here?
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
"Seek her out. Have her drink of you three times on three separate nights. Thereafter, she will be yours. You may need her. This is something the wise among us do.
While I am gone you will not have me. Think of that which you wish to know from and of me before I leave. Take your time as such unponderables will take you time.
Come, let us go".
He takes your hand and leads you to the front door and out into the night.
Maria blinks once before Criatas leads her away into the night.
...how should I get close to her? And drinking blood three times? Wait--how often did I drink from him?
An unwelcome chill settles in her gut.
...and she will be mine?
"I understand, sire. But of my... status as a Brujah--is there a way I can mask it? She was always a woman who could notice the finer details of others."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Canals of Venice -
Veronica is silent for a moment...finally She says,"I understand."
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
Durdona laughs Lydia's quip. "We could, but I understood it to be a sanctuary of sorts. I'm to meet someone there, and extend an invitation. I've eaten. If you wish, I'll join you for dinner if you wish for company Doctor, and Lady."