Venice by Night Monday March 10, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
Andrew unsheaths his sword and lays it across the table....
"When is it I must feed an how oft'n?....Animals were made sustenance, so seems a fitting choice, wha is tha downside?"
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
The Duke shakes his head, "Our ways are not those of the lesser Clans. You must choose this existence. We want only those who are not only worthy but willing. If you do not wish this gift I will wipe away your memories of myself and Alyssa and your life will continue along its normal course".
Venice by Night Monday March 10, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
"You must feed in the shadows. The downside of animals is that eventually you will need to feed from humans as the blood sustains the body but not the hunger. It is also, difficult to feed from animals here in the city without the proper powers to do so. To feed from humans, you should do so on a daily basis, we waste away each night bit by bit. This, not feeding is not an option. Beware, though, currently there is a ban on public feeding and we have no rights to feed in this city at the moment". Brian begins to inspect the sword...
Choosing and wanting are two different things. I'm choosing. It is a gift, privilege and duty.
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
"Excellent. Then what I need from you is for you to keep yourself alive until such time as my Master attains the position he rightly deserves. Then and only then, may Alyssa embrace you".
The Duke stands up and takes his leave of your quarters.
"How Pietro knows of your dealings is beyond me. He knew of your cargo and wants me to keep him informed of any future dealings. As to the reason why Pietro wanted me dead is due to me trying to help the volkovs. We ran into his goons in some swamp and they seem to have been abnormal folk and sergei believing he had the upperhand on them blurts out my name and it must have gotten back to pietro, there have been several attemps on my life which all have failed but now Pietro wants to use me for what ever his purrpose is. He just wants me to keep him in the loop of any 'cargo' being shipped from my boathouse I came to inform Fahdi here of what I have found and i was going to come for you later but since you are here i can inform you both of what I have been dealing with. "
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michael Santo and Michele Querini
Before Michele can respond Hans interjects, "Pietro knows because in the 'community' it is well known that someone has been tasked with bringing in sustenance for the many delegates who will arrive in the city. It is a simple matter for one as powerful as Pietro to discover your identity Michele. From there, he could have discovered Michael's role in the transportation. Interesting that his resources are limited in a way that he would seek more mundane ways to discover the cargo's final destination. More interesting is this revelation in context to other things that I know especially in light of your relationship with the Volkov's. I shall have to consider these matters further. For now, feel free to inform Pietro of the cargo comings and goings, we shall see what he does with this information, perhaps it will be of value to us."
Michael Santos
"at this point we can do nothing else I suppose correct Fadhi? Why not just do away with this Peitro? Maybe point Sergei in his direction?"
"I too was thinking about sending the volkovs in his direction. Have them chase each other around, but i didnt want to act without having council with you two. Are there any other options to explore."
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michael Santo and Michele Querini
Hans surges forward at Michele seizing him by the throat and lifting him like a doll his face a twisted visage of hate, "Hans! You will address me as Hans!"
He drops Michele and just as quickly regains his easy smile.
"Normally I would agree that such an idea has merit. However, I have an understanding with Pietro and I do not wish that arrangement to come to an end prematurely. Continue your conduct as normal. Michele, send an agent to Vicenzo after contacting the Man with No Name. Michael, find an alternate route to the final destinations which do not run through your boathouse, the Volkov's must not discover your secrets. Keeping a tab on them is a wise decision. It is best if you keep them away from the minions of the Church. I will ensure that no harm comes to either of you from the nocturnal community. In the meantime, I will try to locate this Katriana, it is best if you both stay away from her. If the situation warrants we shall reevaluate. Any questions?"
Alessandro takes a few deep breaths, wondering how soon it will be before he can no longer do so.
He moves through the house to visit Alyssa.
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
As you approach Alyssa's quarters you are stopped by the guardsmen who you sparred with.
"My mistress bis you a good evening. She requests that you allow her to rest. She further suggests that you spend the rest of the evening awaiting the rising of the sun. Appreciate the scene with your own eyes Alessandro Khadaji, it may well be one of the last times you are able to do so".
No plea you make gets you past the guards...
So long as she is safe. Alessandro nods and leaves to retire.
Michael Santos
Courage-
Feigning more fear then I actually have I will defer my gaze away
"I will send the agent to Vicenzo."
Dipping my hand into my interior pocket I will pull out more coin and hand to Santos.
"In case you need to acquire more friends."
With that I take my leave and head back to my home.
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Dawn approaches, for some, it is a sight that will never be seen again. For others it is one of the few they have left as the sands in the hourglass of their lives begin to run low. For others, though they do not know it yet, this is the beginning of the end of their lives.
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi - Andrew the Hardy
Xing , you feel lethargic, the Man with No Name pulls you to him as he pulls bedding and covers over you.
"The traps will ward away any humans this day. Sleep, you will need the rest".
Andrew , as Brian begins to inspect the sword he smiles. "They have blessed it. Against those with evil hearts it will strike a death blow. To those pure of heart such as you and I, it is just another sword".
Suddenly you begin to feel weary Andrew. Brian shakes his head, "It is time to sleep my friend. We will be well protected from the day here".
He motions you to a small cot and himself lays down to sleep...
Xing Shi sleeps....
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi - Andrew the Hardy
Andrew begins his prayers, but with the pain in his leg gone, he quickly falls into a dreamless slumber....
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Finn Garrety
You wake a bit late after your late night activities. Confident that the seeds you planted will ripen you step out to proceed with your initial arrival plans...
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Moses is the first to wake up. He has retrieved a hearty meal to break your morning fast.
Dominic is bleary eyed and quiet.
Moses grins, "Better accommodations than the last place I set you up in eh Lorenzo?" he says with a smile. "Have you any plan today other than to lay low?"
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Galeel rouses you from your slumber, "Sabaah al-khayr Alessandro. Your father, he wishes you to break your fast with him after morning prayers".
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michael Santo
After a long night of back and forth you head to the boathouse one more time to ensure that at least the business end of your business is operating more smoothly than your personal life.
To your amazement, all of your drivers have recorded hefty fares. It seems that the past few days have seen more overnight arrivals than you have seen in quite some time. Putting this in the back of your mind you head to the Volkov safe house knowing that going home yet to sleep is not an option.
As you arrive there as dawn breaks Francois is the only one awake in teh main room.
He shakes his head at you, "Risky. Going off on your own like that. Next time, you may not make it back. I keep telling Sergei you are a liability but he won't hear it. More nights like this and I won't have to try too hard to convince him I am right".
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
"It certainly smells better." Lorenzo responds with a small grin.
"Thank you for the meal by the way."
Contemplating Moses's question about plans for the day, "Nothing in particular comes to mind, though I suppose I would greatly like to return to my home to retrieve the remained of my research journals. Dominic, is there anything you want or need to do today? If so, now is the time."
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michele Querini
You head back to your home a bit shaken by your encounter with Hans/Fahdi. It seems that he can be rattled though you are not sure doing so is the wisest move! You wish to tell Sadir about this encounter but some force holds you back, probably the power of that damn Hans!
You are puzzled about how to find the Man with No Name if he is indeed a nocturnal creature. Perhaps the woman is the only way to find him but then how do you find her?
You at least find comfort in the arms of your new "wife".
As the sun rises late in the morning, sleep has not solved your dilemma.
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Moses gives you a dubious look, "We are staying here because we should not be at your house. I don't think that is a good idea at all".
Dominic chimes in, "I agree. Instead I think we should seek out two individuals. The first Christopher Dandolo and the second Alessandro Khadaji. Both men seemed to express an interest in our warehouse business. Now is the time to sell and give some of the profit to our dear sister and her children. The rest, we keep for ourselves to have our own liquid cash, in case for some reason we need to flee this city".
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
"I suppose you are right, Moses. Although I truly desire to retrieve my work eventually."
Lorenzo raises an eyebrow at his brother's suggestion. "We could certainly do that. Perhaps we try Dandolo first?"
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
"And you shall get it back but it is not worth your life".
Dominic shrugs, "Alessandro will be easier to get to as he is a simple merchant and not a politician but Dandolo will no doubt have more funds".
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Lorenzo shrugs. "I will defer to your experience in business, Dominic. Which ever you feel is best."
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Moses shakes his head, "Do you expect Lorenzo to go with you on these expeditions?"
Dominic nods yes, "We will be in the daylight in the open. The Volkov's and their minions would be a fool to attack the three of us in broad daylight!"
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Lorenzo gives Moses a questioning look, "That would be acceptable, yes?"
Sabaah al-noor. Of course, Galeel. Thank you.
Is he in good spirits?
Storyteller Shadow
After a bit of a meal and will get dressed and seek out Santos at his place of work. Figure we can talk more in regards to the night before.
With a look of restlessness, fatigue bordering the edge of sanity "I still have a business to run to ensure my family has a place to live and food to eat on their return. I still have patrons to please to ensure my status is well kept among the nobles I serve. I can take care of myself. I have been running these streets and waterways long before you and your band showed up. A liability i think not."
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Moses sighs, "Fine but I will accompany you. Lead on Dominic".
Dominic grinning gets ready, [b "Let's eat first, need to be on a full stomach to negotiate properly". [/b]
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Galeel hesitates, "He has been hard to read since his return Alessandro, I am not sure what he is thinking. Come, let us attend to him".
After dressing you head with Galeel through the house to where your father sits on a veranda overlooking the sea.
He turns to you, In Arabic. "Sit my son sit, let us discuss the future. Galeel, you may leave us".
Galeel closes the door behind him leaving you both alone.
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Finn Garrety
Grima agrees to give you a tour of the city though his station does not allow you to gather the nature of information that you seek.
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michele Querini
You head to the boathouse looking for Michael, unfortunately he is not there.
One of his employees is present though, "Signore Santo is not available at this time. I understand he was by late last night, I do not know where he is now".
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michael Santo
"You just don't get it do you Mon'Amie. Your life as you knew it is over, you hang on to something you need to rid yourself of if you wish to stay alive. Do as you wish, your arrogance will be your undoing".
You stride past him to see if Sergei is awake.
Sergei looks up at you, he is speaking with a new figure, one you have never seen before. He nods to the man who strides out of the room. No one else is present.
"It is time to begin a real sweep of this city Michael. We will need to begin with the areas where the murders took place over the past few weeks. Let us take a tour you and I, shall we?"
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
"Thank you for indulging us, Moses." Lorenzo says with a look of true appreciation on his face.
Turning to Dominic, "Shall we?"
He shares a look with Galeel, it was not like Alessandro to be so dismissive of the man he saw as uncle.
Alessandro knew his father is fluent in several languages and several dialects within several of those languages. But, Arabic was where his heart, his abstract mind was comfortable. So, the younger addressed the elder in Arabic.
Sun and sea, father. They have been your domain for decades. We've hardly shared a word since your return.
What news?
Storyteller Shadow
"Let him know that Michele Quereni stopped by to conduct business. Have him seek me out at my home."
From there I will return home to rest.
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
You all head over to the home of Alessandro Khadaji. It is a bit colder this day then the past few causing you to shiver as you are not dressed for it to be so cool, especially without full access to all of your clothing at the present time.
His home is by the sea, mush to your surprise, it is guarded by men who wear an unfamiliar sigil.
Within the gates a woman attended by a few guards strolls purposefully towards you. It would seem a coincidence that they are leaving as you are arriving. She is dressed in a hijab. Curiously, the men guarding her are all white males, too pale for the olive skin of a Venetian.
As you arrive at the gates, they pass through.
The woman turns in your direction but keeps moving.
The men at the gates stop you, "What is your business here?
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
"I am well as is your mother. She is overseeing affairs in the north. Tell me how you feel about marrying this daughter of an Earl. It is an opportunity for our family to stride both east and west but I sense some hesitation in you, why is this?"
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michele Querini
The worker nods in assent as he goes about his business.
You head back home considering your next move as there is much to do but not much of it that can be done right now. The woman Xing must be found, she is the key to finding the Man with No Name.
Sadir should certainly be informed about what you have discovered about Fahdi, Even thinking the name causes a ripple in your mind, to say the words are just impossible. Then there is the trouble with the shipments and ensuring secrecy in the process.
Your musings absentmindedly bring you closer to the center of civic life in the city. As you look up you see your father standing there aghast.
"Why are you still here?" he hisses as he approaches. "You were to accompany the agent of the King to a meeting, do you care so little for your responsibilities to your family!"
You realize that out here in public he is trying not to cause a commotion but from the look on his face he is furious with you. Surrounded by citizens, you are glad for the safety in their numbers.
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
"Alessandro had expressed interest in a potential business deal. We have come to see if that is something that still interests him."
Finn spends time during the day the understand the city and its power structure
Then as he settle pore a little Apperitivo he recollects all the information learned in order to ascertain the current political Climate
And as well as the commercial opportunities that could be enjoyed
(DM do you want me to re roll on the 10 ?)
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
The guards shrug and let you through with that explanation.
As you approach the open doors of the house you are greeted by an older Muslim gentleman, "Good day Signore's. I am Galeel, Seneschal of House Khadaji. Tell me, how can I be of service?"
Galeel appears to be warm and inviting, he is tall but not as tall as the hooded giant Moses.
Dominic chimes in, "My brother and I own a venture which Alessandro expressed an interest in purchasing from us. We are here to discuss this further".
Galeel smiles, "Very well. Come, I shall find a place where you can take refreshments. Alessandro is busy with other business but he should free up soon enough".
that particular trait. For example, a character with five
dots of Strength might choose “lifting” as a specialty, or
a character with four dots of Archery may choose “longbows”
as a specialty. Any time a specialty applies to a roll,
any dice that come up as tens count as two successes,
instead of one.
So with our lifting specialist above, if he rolls 2, 3, 8,
10, 10 on a difficulty 8 roll, he would normally have three
successes. But if the roll was to lift, he’d have five successes.
Venice by Day – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
"Excellent." Lorenzo says, following his brother, Moses, and Galeel.