Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium
Regardless Durga Syn looks at you intently, "Fledgling, are you well? I asked for which Cainites you would select to head their respective Clans.
You selected Radek for the Tremere then appeared to lose... focus".
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Vykos narrows his eyes and sighs, "Very well. Enter".
You follow Vykos through a kitchen and into Greetings Inn proper. Some of the Mortals upon which the Tzimisce feed have succumbed to blood loss. They have become, quite literally works of Art. Grotesqueries.
Flesh statues. Chairs. Tables. One a candelabra suspended from the ceiling.
They sit or stand among those still living, the "blood dolls" brought here to sate the hunger of the Elders of all those Clans who requested it. Those still living are so Dominated or perhaps horrified that they stare off into space mumbling to themselves eyes focusing on nothing in particular as you move among them.
At the far side of the room is a creature, unlike anything either of you have seen. Even Lydia's eyes widen at the site of the brute which is composed of multiple people standing well over 7' tall and twice as wide a doorway. It regards you as would an attack dog on a leash eager to get at you but awaiting the orders of its Master.
Lydia leans into you Lorenzo and whispers, "I suspect you can drink a few of these vessels dry if you ask respectfully enough Doctor".
The Cainite you saw earlier is not on this floor. You do hear several footsteps upstairs, perhaps he is there?
Vykos sits on a chair that is the amalgamation of three "people". "Welcome to my Domain. I fear that I bring bad news to you. I cannot locate Bagrat. It is why I have been absent from Elysium. He is my Ghoul and intended gift to the Prince to forge an alliance between he and the Tzimisce.
I suspect that someone has discovered the true nature of Bagrat and struck at him to either attack myself, the Prince, or my intended alliance with him".
Elysium March 30, 1309.. it was the best of times
Onfroi thanks Durga Syn for accepting his vote and then also ensures he has voted for his sire as well for Nosferatu.
---
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".
---
Veronica gives her fellow fledgling vampire a sympathic look,"When your Sire looses I will look after your family. Though honestly I don't any women who's life is not improved by the removal of their 'Man'."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice to the Brothels of Venice -
Of course not, Maurizio... we must maintain a certain level of trust and understand the consequences of our actions. Coin is really just a game we play.
I'm just paying you a visit, checking in... any new information for me?
I've plans this evening, so I cannot stay long, but I will come back to check on my friend.
How is Mario? I hope well. And, how is business... our way? Maybe slow going, but it will be steady and if you treat people fairly, word will spread. And, if you treat the... help fairly, they will flock to you.
Do let me know if anyone offers any trouble. And, please stay out of trouble, always be the gentleman in the room. Remember, coin is just a game we play at... consider doing as I ask, and you will never need for money again.
After, what Alessandro hopes will be a pleasant chat... he checks on Dominic and slips Maurizio some coin to make certain he's not put out by the request for hospitality... a little extra for all the girls, as if they had a busy night.
Excusing himself, he makes his way to the canals where he finds a gondola.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium
Durga Syn chuckles, "I have had to prompt everyone to vote for the Madmen..."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice to the Brothels of Venice -
Maurizio shrugs, "Business is slow. The political upheaval has the locals plotting and not prodding our "merchandise". The streets may soon run with blood my friend. Ware as you walk the streets.
I shall of course look after this man, he is a regular after all!"
---
The Canals of Venice
You find a Gondola to head back to Elysium for the first time in several nights. You do indeed see Mortals in the streets collected into groups. Few walk the streets alone. The fires have died down, the fighting has died down though this may be the calm before the storm...
---
Elysium
You arrive at Elysium. There are several Gondolas here waiting for those within of course to leave without delay.
You enter and find many fewer Cainites in attendance. One who stands out to you is Talisman, he stands on the dais speaking with Narses.
At the Ventrue table is a Cainite you do not recognize with Gustav.
Elysium
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Durdona does her best to stare straight ahead after a quick glance around. She's still so new to this unlife that her remembered human sensibilities are shocked. She looks toward Vykos, and tries her best not to stare at the "throne" he sits on, "I'm sorry to hear that sir. The Prince is concerned and send me to fetch him. Should I deliver a message to the Prince regarding this? I offer to search for him, but I am sure your resources are greater than mine."
She steps back and waits for the clan leaders response, and to see what the Doctor and Lydia has to say.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Vykos responds, "It would indeed be a great asset to me were you to search for him Fledgling.
While I may be more powerful than you in terms of years of experience and influence, I lack some of the abilities that your Clan possesses.
I can send Dragan along with you if you believe you may need an extra set of hands in case of a scuffle. The object though would be to track him down and fine who, if anyone, has taken him. Not to rescue him. I suspect that the Prince himself would seek to do that. After all, he is that important to your Patron".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice to the Brothels of Venice -
Alessandro, see if he can make eye contact with Talisman, without getting too close to the podium, as he greets those he knows. He makes special note of those at the Malkavian, Nosferatu and Giovanni tables - where he greets Lorenzo.
There is so much to keep track of, in this tangled web.
Eventually, and in time, he gracefully finds his seat at the Ventrue table and greets Gustav.
Interesting times.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
-------
Criatas chuckles, "Indeed, Talisman is an enigma. He claims to be a resurrected ancient Cainite who once ruled over a great portion of the Cainite world. That Cainite fancied himself a messenger of God if not a God himself. One of his lovers, a descendant of the Tzimisce Vykos who is within this city but has not graced us with his presence since your arrival, sculpted him in the likeness of the Archangel. At least that is the story as I heard it. I did not spend much time within his city though I did spend time within the regions they laid claim to".
-------
Michael frowns and his face snarls in rage, "You do not even know who they are or where they are. If you believe that my wife and children are better without their father than I would not want you near them in any case!"
Fanchon's eyebrows raise at the outburst, "Such a reaction is more suited to the Brujah than our Clan Fledgling".
Radek places a hand on Michael's arm, "You worry for nothing, we shall prevail Childe".
-------
Gustav once more directs your attention to the back of the room, "A young Ventrue Cainite, Alessandro has arrived. He is a Childe of the emissary of Mithras. Should he be staying it would be good to ally with him. Especially in light of the fact that Mithras shall be our Chosen Sword in the Camarilla".
-------
Helene leans over to you at the Tremere outburst, "These Wizards may have something useful to add to what it is you are building. If you capture the renegade Fledgling for Fanchon once she wins most certainly she will owe you a Boon. The Elder is of course beyond you".
-------
Sadid states, "You go vote, I will take my leave". He fades from the room as if he was not there while Narses is engaged with Talisman.
-------
-------
Onfroi returns to the Conclave and sees that Talisman has arrived. He also observes the late arrival of the Prince's Childe still in the back as well as Alessandro Khadaji, who has not been present for a few nights.
Narses turns to the table where Clan Setite sits and nods, it is their time to vote.
Talisman then steps away from the dais and heads to the Toreador table while looking at the Setite table. He does not even nod to his "fellow" Toreador.
-------
As Talisman steps from the dais you hear a voice in your mind,
-------
Narses motions for you to come forward.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Outside Greetings Inn -
The sludge of these foul canals lead to true earth, a hard commodity to find within the city of your Prince's Grandsire. You sleep there after following the three Cainites from Padua to Venice. Losing them was a necessity, had they discovered you, you suspect you would have met the Final Death. You are certain though that this is where they slept the day away and have not moved since.
The questions are why have they come here? What do they intend to do here? Was it wise to follow them? As you watch the Inn from afar you see three more Cainites enter the Inn through a back door.
That means at least six, possibly more, reside within and two are Elders, of that you have no doubt.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Veronica looks calmly at Mistress Fanchon and says,"You see it is this 'male rage' that makes me worry about any woman's safety." she than looks at him cooly,"I am not the usually woman that you can put back into her 'place' by displays on anger. I am unimpressed." she than gives Radek a sympathetic look,"Is he really the best you could find to embrace?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Radek shakes his head, "No. But he is a man with certain knowledge and influence which made him worth saving.
He has been betrayed and such is his rage at those who wounded him so that spills into the love he has for his family. A love that dies each day as he is dead...
He deserves pity if not sympathy Fledgling. Such is in short supply with your Mistress. Ware your own bias and ego. It will injure you if you are not careful, a lesson I once painfully learned from a Cainite who..."
He looks around the room, "is not in attendance tonight.
Do not worry, my male rage will not spill upon you once I am victorious Veronica. Not even to your Mistress though she may well be deserving of it".
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
"Good evening, Lord Vykos. Perhaps I may be of some aid in finding your wayward ghoul. Often the spirits are able to more easily able to gather such information without being noticed." Lorenzo says.
"Unfortunately, such powers rely on the blood, and I find myself somewhat lacking at the moment. May I impose upon your hospitality to remedy such issues?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius, Vitaliano da Riva, Michele Querini, Alessandro Khadaji and Savio Ingannatore
Michele nods to his sire, gets up, and heads to the dias to vote.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
"I am not too worry about it...if nothing else I am a survivor."
Venice, the Greeting Inn
Bernardo moves up to the inn and will find a bit of earth and sink down against the inn and use increased senses to listen to those inside from just inside the ground
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
-------
Criatas chuckles, "Indeed, Talisman is an enigma. He claims to be a resurrected ancient Cainite who once ruled over a great portion of the Cainite world. That Cainite fancied himself a messenger of God if not a God himself. One of his lovers, a descendant of the Tzimisce Vykos who is within this city but has not graced us with his presence since your arrival, sculpted him in the likeness of the Archangel. At least that is the story as I heard it. I did not spend much time within his city though I did spend time within the regions they laid claim to".
-------
Michael frowns and his face snarls in rage, "You do not even know who they are or where they are. If you believe that my wife and children are better without their father than I would not want you near them in any case!"
Fanchon's eyebrows raise at the outburst, "Such a reaction is more suited to the Brujah than our Clan Fledgling".
Radek places a hand on Michael's arm, "You worry for nothing, we shall prevail Childe".
-------
Gustav once more directs your attention to the back of the room, "A young Ventrue Cainite, Alessandro has arrived. He is a Childe of the emissary of Mithras. Should he be staying it would be good to ally with him. Especially in light of the fact that Mithras shall be our Chosen Sword in the Camarilla".
-------
Helene leans over to you at the Tremere outburst, "These Wizards may have something useful to add to what it is you are building. If you capture the renegade Fledgling for Fanchon once she wins most certainly she will owe you a Boon. The Elder is of course beyond you".
-------...
"I have always hoped for harmony in the sect," He nods and ponders this advice. Helene has proven to be amazing at this strange game again and again. But the stress on 'when' she wins. Mmm
When Talisman moves to the table, he inclines his head respectfully. The man is no Toreador, but he has seen much. And may yet have much to teach and share.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Franz raises en eyebrow when Gustav points out Alessandro. "Why is he here? Do you know? As far as I learned, our kind acts on purpose, not whims - if we are to ally, I need to understand the reasons for his presence." Taking a moment to gauge the new arrival, he adds a question:"What is he to me, in standing? Senior? Equal?"
Talisman is his name?
Maria has more questions, but gets the feeling that they will have to wait until later.
One can sculpt themselves to appear as an archangel?
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Durdona waits for the answer from Lord Vykos before she responds about having Dragan along. If the Doctor is going to assist, they may not need him.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Vykos appears puzzled, "Spirits? I thought that Necromancy was the purview of the Giovanni Family. Interesting.
Certainly, take what you will.
Soon enough I shall take my leave. Once I choose a successor to leave behind they shall have to fend for themselves and this place will have to be burned to the ground to protect the Silence of the Blood with these doomed souls within. Better that you have that Blood than it be wasted Doctor".
He turns to Lydia, "These others I know. You I do not".
She curtsies, "Lydia, bodyguard to Doctor Cappelli and his Lord Sire".
Vykos nods, "A Lamia eh? The Elder of Constantinople did not employ your kind, perhaps she should have. Tell me, do either of you know the fate of Alexia Theusa of Clan Cappadocian, former resident of Constantinople?"
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Outside Greetings Inn -
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
-------
You head to the dais and the Prince locks his gaze with you and glances to the stairs. You pause and turn heading up the stairs to where the Ravnos Durga Syn awaits.
-------
Radek smiles, "As am I".
Fanchon says nothing in response.
-------
Talisman nods back, then his face becomes a snarl of rage for the flicker of a moment. So fast you are not sure you saw it or if your mind was playing tricks upon you. After all, with a face as beautiful as his, it is easy to be lost in it. Helene's Childe certainly is.
You follow his glance to the Setite Table and see it empty… You could have sworn that the Sire of Michele Querini was there only a moment before. Querini meanwhile went upstairs to vote. Something that you, sadly, will not have the opportunity to do this night.
-------
Criatas watches the Lasombra Childe head forward to Narses dais. He then looks to the Lasombra table and sees one lone figure there. He speaks as you contemplate his prior statement, "The Lasombra representative from the Saracens has not been in attendance for some nights. I wonder if he left or has simply chosen not to attend".
-------
Gustav replies, "No. I believe his Sire left. He may have been left behind to monitor whether Mithras indeed receives the position that was contemplated for him within this organization.
If you wish to know why he is here, I would ask him. He has paused at the door, now may be the time.
In standing, he is an equal. For now".
-------
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
As you approach your Sire you see that your Siblings, Alejandro and Valdemar nod in your direction. Alejandro from the Lasombra table and Valdemar from the left upon the dais several paces behind Narses.
No doubt others watch you approach but what concern have you with the lesser Clans in this seat of power?
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
"Thank you, Lord Vykos. Is it so unusual that proper Cappadocian would learn the abilities of one of our bloodlines?" Lorenzo says before sating his thirst.
After taking his fill, Lorenzo answer's Vykos's question as honestly as he can. "Nothing specific, I am afraid, simply that she went missing sometime around the 4th crusade. From what I understand she was a bit of a loner - even by the standards of my Clan."
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
"Unusual, perhaps not but contrary to what I had been told regarding that matter", replies Vykos.
"A pity, while not a close ally she was part of the Dream and her fate was one of which I had heard no news.
I suppose that is no surprise, loners do not do well when chaos erupts as they have only themselves to rely upon".
He remains silent for a time then speaks, "Bagrat I last saw at Elysium. I know that he was speaking with the Prince in private. Thereafter, I assumed that he was remaining with the Prince in the Prince's care.
However, after a few nights of not seeing him I began to worry and sent Dragan out to seek him. In meeting with the Seneschal he discovered that the Ghoul had not been within the Court for a few days. In an unusually astute moment, Dragan managed to not alert Valdemar that this was a problem.
Ever since I have been searching for him with the few agents I have within the city. They have turned up nothing I am afraid.
What else do either of you believe you will need to assist in resolving this dilemma? I am sure that the Prince will pay handsomely any Cainite that can locate the man. After all, he is the last living descendant of the Prince".
----
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius, Vitaliano da Riva, Michele Querini, Alessandro Khadaji and Savio Ingannatore
Vitaliano watches the procession of varying comings and goings to vote and such. He would have sighed at his boredom if he remembered to breathe enough to provide the air to do so.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Despite your misgivings at slaying Mortals, after all not long ago you were a Mortal, you are able to reconcile these deaths. After all, they are probably better off in the afterlife than they are here and now. Certainly this is a better fate than being burned alive. Besides, it is the fault of the butcher that delivered them to the hands of the Tzimisce not your fault...
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Antoine looks about the room, in a more paranoid state than normal now that the final tally for control of Clan Malkavian is commencing.
Lutz stares at Talisman and grins waving at the... whatever he is. "Hey, since he's not a Toreador maybe we should adopt him as a Malkavian? I mean he might be crazy but we all go a little crazy sometimes right? Right?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium –
Savio stands up straight, advances to the Prince’s side and addresses the Prince in a hushed voice to preserve discretion.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court -
The Man with No Name? Speak with Alejandro, I would know who this Childe of his is if we are to take this Xing into the fold".
Alejandro is indeed present at the Lasombra table.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius, Vitaliano da Riva, Michele Querini, Alessandro Khadaji and Savio Ingannatore
Michele nods and closes the door behind him.
thank you ancient one. For the clan that lives in the shadows we choose Simon. For the touched ones it is Antione. For the wielders of magic we choose Radek.
Michele will wait for a moment to see if she has any replies and if not will take my leave back to the table.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
-------
No reply a mere nod from the Crone. You take your leave and head back down to the Conclave.
-------
The Setite returns and Helene of Clan Toreador rises and heads up. She is back down quickly which in turn leads to Clan Tremere voting.
Radek rises with his mind powers and floats up. Not as quickly as the Toreador but quickly enough he returns.
Fanchon then rises, "I will cast the votes myself Childe", she states to Veronica and heads up the stairs.
She too quickly returns, the pace quickens. Clan Tzimisce representative Vykos is still nowhere to be found.
Narses frowns.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Narses then speaks, "Vykos has 10 minutes to arrive and vote. If not, his vote will be absentee and we shall move along to the final Clan, Ventrue. Completing the votes and we shall finally have our Circle complete".
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
As Durdona ponders her response and Lorenzo feeds, there arises from the side of the Inn a great racket. As if someone slammed into the building, perhaps Mortal fighting outside?
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
"Troubles outside?" Lorenzo asks as he activates his heightened senses in an attempt to learn more about what is going on outside.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
After the initial ruckus, you hear nothing further. Vykos turns to Lydia and grins, "Feel free to investigate mi'lady".
She turns to you Lorenzo for confirmation.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Lorenzo nods in the direction of Lydia. "I will join you."
Turning to Durdona, he says, "Meet me at Elysium later, and we shall better plan the investigation, should you still require my aid, Durdona."
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Lydia grins herself, "Catch up when you can my dear" and heads out of the back door, moving faster than your eye can follow Lorenzo.