Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
It will be as you say, you have my word.
Do you have any information about how it was lost? I understand your people keep the best records. It may help me in my petition.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius, Vitaliano da Riva, and Michele Querini
"Neither from what I could tell. When I first sat at the bar for a split second he appeared to be some monstrous creature, with tusks for teeth and red bulging eyeballs. I blinked and then saw him for what he was, just a large brute of a man. He also pulled a large sack of coin out of his jacket that was not possible due to its size. He new instantly when I sat down that I was no longer human."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
Upon further thought it would appear odd for a proposal to come solely from myself, should it presented in behalf of an individual or organization within the clan?
I'll also need the exact stretch of waterway, it's bounds and strategic importance for the current and previous owner.
How will Petradon and Ferdinand react to such a petition? Who would oppose it? Onfroi, how might he play into this? The name is known to me.
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Sergei turns to you Geoffroi, "Any suggestions?"
Baldemar chimes in, "Perhaps somewhere near but not within the Orders stronghold here in the city?"
Geoffroi nods to Baldemar.
“A good thought my friend. We will need an avenue of retreat and somewhere that can withstand a siege by these fiends “
He turns to Sergei
“My thoughts are these. We would be best served engaging them at a distance as much as possible. If you have skilled archers I would post them on the roofs about our trap. I do not know this enemy’s weaknesses well, but if the things I have read before are true, they indicate these things are affected by holy items. I would fain be blessed and shriven before the battle and perhaps petition for a blessing on our weapons. Some water from a baptismal font could be obtained, or some water blessed by a priest, perhaps buckets set to hand to shower any that attack us with God’s blessings. I would also see if any churches you are aligned with would be willing to send acolytes and relics with us for defense”
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
"The waterways which are adjacent to their Mausoleum are theirs by right. However, the Giovanni petitioned to have waterways for the next mile in either direction handed to them and that petition was granted.
We wish to have those two miles back under our control.
How you do it and who you involve are for you to decide for it is you who undertake this favor of your own volition. Ferdinand would welcome it, I suspect that Petradon does not care nor does his Childe.
As far as who would oppose it, the Giovanni though they are not here. Thus, this Domain belong to the Cappadocians, whether they know it or not".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
-------
Sadir remains impassive, "An interesting exchange. I wonder which image was the true image and which was the mask".
-------
As the wait for the Malkavian continues, the door to Elysium opens and Talisman enters. He nods to the Prince who nods back. He does not head to the Toreador table but sits down with the Snakes.
-------
"My old friend. I presume that your Childe delivered my message?"
Sadir's eyes become unfocused for a moment and he responds, "Indeed, we can chat about that once the voting comes to an end".
Talisman places his hand on Sadir's hand,"Marvelous".
-------
Criatas looks in the direction of the newcomer, "The Ancient has long trekked with the Serpents. I wonder what this meeting is about and why now in the middle of Elysium?"
-------
The Seneschal approaches the Setite Table, "Methuselah, would you attend to the Prince for a moment?"
Talisman looks up at Valdemar and nods in assent. He then stands and approaches the Prince on the dais leaning over to the wizened figure. They continue to speak in hushed tones...
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
You have been generous with your time and knowledge. I will not forget it.
Alessandro moved away from the area, wondering if there is still time for his other enquiries. Talisman.
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
"No, I do not want the Church involved, this Fiend is mine and mine alone. Near the Teuton Stronghold is fine but I do not wish your Knights to interfere more than they have to.
Milov is to be my prisoner and no one else's...
The holy water must be blessed by one who is truly pure. Water from the Church does not always work.
Let us consult our captive as to what he may know about this Fiend".
Sergei heads to a chest and opens it, he pulls out the sack which contains the torso of the Fiend captured and staked on their trek to the mainland.
The stake removed the creature snarls and its eyes glow red, "Still not ready to destroy me yet eh Ghoul?"
Baldemar stiffens at the sight even though this is not the first time he has seen it.
"Tell me creature, what you know of the Fiend Milov Petrankov?" asks Sergei.
The thing chuckles, "An Elder Gangrel. One far too dangerous to be defeated by your rag tag band. His flesh is like stone. Only fire hardened wood could have a chance to pierce it.
Replace my arms and legs and I shall capture him for you".
Sergei snorts at the suggestion, "Foul thing. You must know that such a suggestion is preposterous".
Sergei looks about to see if anyone else has questions.
Baldemar speaks, "My friend spoke of archers on roofs, would not the metal arrow aid in piercing this Fiend's flesh?"
The torso shakes its head, "Only a stake wielded by one such as yon Ghoul or another Cainite would have the force to pierce this creature's hide".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Sergei looks about to see if anyone else has questions.
Baldemar speaks, "My friend spoke of archers on roofs, would not the metal arrow aid in piercing this Fiend's flesh?"
The torso shakes its head, "Only a stake wielded by one such as yon Ghoul or another Cainite would have the force to pierce this creature's hide".
Geoffroi looks troubled
“If this fiend is as powerful as your ... captive says, then you are leading us into a slaughter “
He turns and regards the captive torso ascalmly as he can manage
“What is a Gangrel? I have not heard that term. Does he have other powers besides strength and invulnerable skin? Is there naught that we could use to defeat him?”
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Sergei scowls, "Anything that can bleed can die Sir Geoffroi. Besides, we have what we need here to strengthen our efforts".
The torso chuckles at that and turns to you Geoffroi, "It is a type of "Fiend" as you call "their kind". There are 13 separate types with different strengths and weaknesses.
This one likely can shapechange into a beast or into a fine mist. He can command animals. What else he can do I know not as I have never faced him in battle.
To defeat him you can render my assistance, in exchange for me to go along my own way".
Baldemar exclaims, "Rope, says Baldemar. Rope soaked in holy water..."
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Side Alley of Greetings Inn -
Durdona remains quiet as the Doctor and Moses speak. She files the information away in for future thought. She shudders at the thought of what she might find inside.
"We'll wait. Please go speak to your master, but be quick about it. Will you also bring me Bagrat Kansarakan? I need to speak with him at the behest of the Prince." Durdona waves the man away with an imperious movement of her hand.
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Sergei scowls, "Anything that can bleed can die Sir Geoffroi. Besides, we have what we need here to strengthen our efforts".
“I did not say it cannot be killed, but at what cost? I said I will help and I will. But if I am to lend my arms to this battle I wish to be as prepared as possible. What are you using to strengthen your efforts?”
ToThe torso chuckles at that and turns to you Geoffroi, "It is a type of "Fiend" as you call "their kind". There are 13 separate types with different strengths and weaknesses.
This one likely can shapechange into a beast or into a fine mist. He can command animals. What else he can do I know not as I have never faced him in battle.
To defeat him you can render my assistance, in exchange for me to go along my own way".
Geoffroi looks vaguely alarmed
“So this Petrankov is a Loup Garou, eh? We have such in my homeland. Evil cannibal beasts cursed to wear a beasts form under the full moon. Silver is effective against such. Do we have any silvered weapons?”
He looks at the torso, then at Sergei
“Sometimes evil can be used to combat evil. Can you give this wretch his arms and legs as he asks? We could use his supernatural power in the fight”
Baldemar exclaims, "Rope, says Baldemar. Rope soaked in holy water..."
“Yes. That is another good idea. If we aim to take this skinchager alive. And perhaps some silver wire braided into it as well”
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
It's only been a few days, but Alessandro can only wonder what the two miscreants have been up to... Lost causes? Which was that one... Saint Jude.
He proceeds to the brothel. It's going to be a long night.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius, Vitaliano da Riva, and Michele Querini
Vitaliano paused for a moment. He still wasn't sure about the Tremere to honest but he doubted he could curry any real favor from the rebel and the group of them seemed very based on tradition.
"We vote for Simon's proxy and Mistress Fanchon." he said realizing he had taken more time than he should.
He politely bowed his head to her and made his way back out into the open to take his spot back at the Malkavian table.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Veronica looks at Michael,"So did he really threaten to kill your family if he lost...or was that a attempt to play on my womanly sympathies?"
Elysium, the wait for the Malkavian is over
Onfroi waits for the Malkavian to return to his table and then stands and makes his way to the stairs and up those stairs to make his clans vote be heard as his sire bids.
Maria glances in the direction Criatas is looking. "Doctor, who is he?"
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Side Alley of Greetings Inn -
The guard steps within and closes and locks the door behind him. After several minutes he returns, standing behind him is a fellow who is rather hard on the eyes. He is dirty, stinky, ugly, and no doubt a Cainite based upon his feral features.
"Bagrat has not been here for two days, we assumed that he was with the Prince. Are you saying he was not?"
Lydia breaks in, "This is not a discussion to be had out here in an alley. I strongly suggest you let us in..."
The Cainite shrugs, "I am not authorized to do so. This the territory of Clan Tzimisce. They do not take kindly to those who violate their Domain".
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
"The blood of this creature will strengthen us Sir Knight".
He opens his mouth to answer the rest of your statements but Baldemar responds in dismay, "You would have us drink the blood of a wretched Fiend! I would die first!"
Sergei looks back at his steel gazed, "Yes. You would indeed die if you entered mortal combat with these creatures without some advantage that their blood can give you".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice to the Brothels of Venice -
The streets are filled with people this night, some joyous, others raucous. The mood is an odd one to pinpoint. Confusion seems to reign. Why would it not? With the city excommunicated it is in danger of losing its precarious position on the sea as well as land.
This is, yes, this is anarchy and it may only get worse if the Doge cannot get a handle on it. Though, can the man who lit the fuse also be the same one to stop the explosion?
Pulling away from your thoughts as you step into the Brothel managed by your pawns, you see a familiar face, Dominic Cappelli sitting at the bar. He has several glasses in front of him, all at various stages of emptiness.
The rest of the location is full of ladies of the night. It seems that they have all given up on Dominic as they do not approach him. With no other men present, or perhaps all still upstairs, the women turn towards you and bat their eyes. One walks towards you boldly her skin a dark ebony, she is from the Dark Continent but her Italian is impeccable, "I believe you have found what you are looking for, no Signore'"?
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
The Malkavian finally returns to Court.
The Prince looks up from his aside with Talisman and stares at the Nosferatu table.
Petradon nods to you , it appears that it is time to ascend the stairs and complete the last of the votes to create this Camarilla.
-------
Radek turns towards your conversation, "It is not I who will kill them but Mistress Fanchon herself. Without us, there is no one left to look after them".
Fanchon shrugs, "What do a handful of Mortals have to do with this organization? Mortals die every day".
-------
Criatas shrugs, "It is not possible to tell any longer. Either the most or the least dangerous Cainite in the room.
Likely the most unpredictable aside from the Malkavians.
Stay away from that one my dear".
Despite the warnings from your Sire, you cannot pull your eyes from him, he is the most beautiful man, nay person, you have ever laid eyes on. As you scan the area around where he and the Prince confer, you realize that the statues the Prince has in the area behind him are the spitting image of this Cainite.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice to the Brothels of Venice -
Alessandro smiles warmly, always appreciative of hospitality.
In many ways, my dear... In so many ways. Please bring me an espresso, make that a double for my friend.
And, are Mario and Maurizio here, I'd like to see them. Many thanks.
Pulling up next to Dominic, What ails you, my friend? I have not seen you like this in a while, maybe never. It is Alessandro.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Side Alley of Greetings Inn -
Not wanting a fight, and still in need of nourishment, Lorenzo shrugs and says, "So be it, let's go someplace else."
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Sergei looks back at his steel gazed, "Yes. You would indeed die if you entered mortal combat with these creatures without some advantage that their blood can give you".
Geoffroi looks shocked
“I am afraid I feel the same way as Baldemar. I will not stain my soul with this creature’s blood! How is that any better than what they do to mortal folk? Why, you might be committing a mortal sin! Would you condemn your soul to perdition for vengeance?”
He turns to Baldemar and quietly murmurs in his ear
“I feel we should leave”
He turns to Sergei
“Sirrah, I wish you well in your battle, and if there is anything that does not involve drinking a dead creature’s blood I will be happy to assist, but this act is one step too far towards eternal damnation for me. “
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
A Hovel in Venice -
Xing purses her lips, "My Sire is the Man with No Name. Childe of Alejandro the Exiled Prince of Jerusalem who is Chidle to your own Sire Uncle. Is that the proper honorific to refer to you as, Uncle?
Why not ask this question of my Grandsire who is no doubt in Court right now? I've little use for these politics".
Andrew begins packing a pipe, "Ah right, tha' man wit' no name, Ah remember ya' mentionin' that name ta' me.
Seems like yer a long way from yer own home tho' Xing. Are ye' intendin' on stayin' 'ere a while? If so, ah'd like ta' ally meself wit' ya'. I think we work well tagether"
Savio bows slightly to Xing.
"Thank you for the information. As to the Prince's motives for this information, I know not."Savio turns to Lord Andrew.
"And thank you Lord Andrew for your assistance in this matter. I owe you a favor."
Savio turns to address them both.
"If there is nothing else, I shall return to Elysium."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice to the Brothels of Venice -
"Khadiji?!
An... an unexpected pleashhure.
I was uh, contemplaining about. Tha' Tha'..."
He slumps off of the stool and onto the floor with a thud, quite drunk.
As he does so, Maurizio approaches he looks down then up at you, "Signore' I understand that you wish to speak with me? Come to the back where we can speak more privately".
He half turns and gestures for you to follow.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Side Alley of Greetings Inn -
Lydia places he had up to signal that you not move Lorenzo, "I request an audience with the Master of this Domain. We have business to attend to, that is quite clear".
The figure growls and shakes his head, "Wait here, if the Master is not too busy I shall see if he will grant your audience". He turns and steps back in leaving the guard outside with the three of you.
He remains silent looking both directions down the alley behind the building.
The door opens once again, this time Vykos himself stand before you, dressed in a fine robe and looking rather irritated, "What business have we then? I have little time to make my appearance at Elysium tonight".
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Sergei shakes his head, "You need not partake or even watch as I do so but failing to do so could shorten your lifespan. I would still request your assistance.
My soul is damned already, I simply wish to drag as many of these Fiends to hell as I can find with me, especially this one in particular".
Wilhelm clears his throat, "I do not believe this creature is a Loup Garou per se, Sir Geoffroi. Merely a Fiend that mimics its powers. Thus, silver may be of no use. We have heard that shape shifting men do exist but have never encountered one".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
A Hovel in Venice -
Xing bows and turns to Andrew, "Will you stay?"
He nods, "Fer now, my Sire can handle tha' final vote this night".
Andrew shakes his head, "Ya' owe me nuthin' Signore' Savio. We aided one another, perhaps we can aid one 'nother again if it's o' necessity".
Xing frowns, "Before you leave Uncle, can you tell me if you have ever heard of a member of our kind named Gottsdam?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice to the Brothels of Venice -
Certainly, I do... it's good to see you, Maurizio.
But, first... how much for these girls, all of them that want to get paid and can follow orders?
I want your finest... cleanest room, they will help this man there, and knowing he is a friend of mine. They will make him comfortable, and let him rest, watching over him. When he wakes up, coffee, a bath, whatever he needs.
No funny business and not a copper missing from his purse. Consider him, my brother.
After arrangements are made and paid for, he joins Maurizio.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
A Hovel in Venice -
Xing bows and turns to Andrew, "Will you stay?"
He nods, "Fer now, my Sire can handle tha' final vote this night".
Andrew shakes his head, "Ya' owe me nuthin' Signore' Savio. We aided one another, perhaps we can aid one 'nother again if it's o' necessity".
Xing frowns, "Before you leave Uncle, can you tell me if you have ever heard of a member of our kind named Gottsdam?"
Savio pauses for a moment seeing if the name is familiar.
"I am sorry Xing, I have not. Would you like me to inquire about this Gottsdam at court? As I told Lord Andrew, I have few allies here in Venice, and you seem a creature quite like like myself. Perhaps we can work together my Niece?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Franz waits patiently, watching Onfroi make his way up to vote.
A vile appearance on that one. But both their strenghts and weakness would make them valuable allies - allowing us to benefit from each other.
Veronica shrugs,"So...I am confused...why are you killing them?"
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Sergei shakes his head, [b]"You need not partake or even watch as I do so but failing to do so could shorten your lifespan. I would still request your assistance.
“I trust in the Lord to protect me. If he should need to call me, I shall go to Him. I will not sully my soul for the sake of a battle “
Maria can't help but stare in awe at the new Cainite.
She's able to look away for long enough to notice the statues that resemble him.
"...Archangel Michael...?"
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius, Vitaliano da Riva, and Michele Querini
Ranerius looks to the Capadocian and Noseferatu tables, should he see either the good doctor or Onfroi he inclines his head t to them.
His ears are trained chiefly on Helene, what she says to him and what she says to others are very likely different..and if not? Well, a more pleasant surprise. He doesn't dare look at her though... he'd be overwhelmed he fears.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice to the Brothels of Venice -
Maurizio smiles, "I will make it so Signore'".
As Dominic is picked up by three of the woman and carried to a private room, Maurizio brings you into a back room and down into a cellar where he lights a lamp. Though the space is a bit dingy it is clearly private.
"How can I assist you? I assume you are not here to count coins?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
A Hovel in Venice -
She bows, "Yes Uncle, I would be honored to work with you. Please, if you can discover more of this one it would be helpful".
The Streets of Venice
You take to the streets in this run down area and find the place more deserted than you would have expected. It is almost as if the cut purses who would normally be out and about are elsewhere.
Soon enough, you find a Gondola and direct the boatman to steer you towards the Prince's Elysium. So many Mortals it seems have had their memories altered in a way to allow for the ease of passage based upon this Conclave that it shows the reach of your Sire. But you must wonder, is it wise to make such knowledge of a secret place so widespread?
Elysium
You arrive and find the front door open, stepping within you can hear the din of chatter among the dead. You turn the corner of the hallway and see your Sire on the dais speaking with another. His eyes have not yet seen you.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
She speaks first, "Your proposal. I accept. Who shall be the one to make you forget...
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Baldemar nods in agreement, "Beware Sergei Volkov. Your soul may be forfeit from these actions".
Sergei responds, "So be it, so long as this Fiend rots in the Hells with me, I shall be content".
Francois clears his throat, "Excellent, shall we then ste our plan in motion?"
The group nods grimly and sit down to listen to the proposal.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
---
Fanchon responds, "Radek has been an outlaw for centuries, he has been a dead man walking for some time. This is his last desperate bid to continue his existence. Michael is not the target, but the sins of the Father fall upon the son and he too must meet the Final Death to extinguish the Bloodline of Radek".
---
Criatas turns to you, "How did you know his name my dear?"
---
Oddly, Cappelli is not here this night. Onfroi returns your nod as he ascends the stairs, no doubt towards his Sire's triumph in the voting this night.
---
As the Nosferatu heads up to vote, the Prince's Childe, Savio, enters Elysium.
---
Gustav motions to the back of the room, "The Prince's Childe. You may wish to interact with that one if he is returned for good. He is the youngest of Narses brood".
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Baldemar nods in agreement, "Beware Sergei Volkov. Your soul may be forfeit from these actions".
Groffroi looks grim. He leans in and speaks quietly to Baldemar
“I would fain see these fiends he has mortgaged his everlasting soul to slay. I with fight with him, but not under his command. Stay ready, friend. We walk into the lion’s den tonight”
"How did you know his name my dear?"
"I recognize the statues--" Maria pauses, the realization beginning to sink in. "--the statues he resembles."
"In Christian doctrine, Michael is an archangel... he serves God as His greatest general, and as the shepherd who guides dead souls to Heaven." The former lay sister folds her hands on the table.
But he cannot be the same person... can he? No, no, he can't. I don't know!
elysium, dance of the sugar plum fairies aka the vote for the inner circle
If you have the power to do so then I would trust you to modify it so that I appear to visit Radek to secure a vote and have him make an offer to pay the Nosferatu a gift through me for our vote and visit you to vote today alone. If you cannot do this then it is my sire I shall involve for I do not trust other.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
---
---
Oddly, Cappelli is not here this night. Onfroi returns your nod as he ascends the stairs, no doubt towards his Sire's triumph in the voting this night.
---
As the Nosferatu heads up to vote, the Prince's Childe, Savio, enters Elysium.
---
He gives a nod to Onfroi
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Side Alley of Greetings Inn -
Durdona bows to Vykos, Thank you for your time My Lord. I have a question to ask regarding Bagrat Kansarakan. Our Prince has sent me on this matter. May we step inside for a moment to discuss this matter?"