Beschi stands and bows to Grandfather, "If I may I would like a few minutes of air to consider what we have discussed".
Beschi heads out a few paces from the Garou and uses Sturbridges item to contact Celestyn.
Grandfather suggests you use the room off the side. You enter another sparse room, this one obviously sleeping quarters, and sit down on a stool and contact your sire.
"Greetings Beschi, I apologize for earlier. I had to put down some of our number that have gone rogue."
"Master Celestyn. It has been... some time since we have talked. Yes, it would seem that those of our order who are practitioners of the Lure of the Flames are falling to the darkness. The Prince of New York has discovered a scroll from the Second City which he believes will allow us to uncover what is happening. I have a number of questions but as you are my sire I will allow you to query me first".
"First my son, I am sorry it has been so long. I have been embroiled in myriad battles, plots and schemes. Secondly, be advised this is not something that affects all who practice the Path of Flame, as were that the case, I too would've succumbed. No this seems almost random from I can gather. However, I doubt it is truly happenstance which members of our clan this targets.
So. You've met and spoken with Moridin, and survived. A rare feat indeed for one of our clan. He and I have both battled and allied many times over the centuries and yet for all his faults he is incredibly smart and fiercely devoted to destroying the Baali and their demonic and Infernal allies. If he contacted you, he honestly believes you can help unravel this mystery of his. He is not one to waste resources or chase frivolous pursuits."
Grandfather smiles at Edgar "Nay lad, at least not the magicks of my people. Ours is the way of the spirits and they do not usually work with those who are not truly alive. Perhaps you can learn the magicks Beschi practices"
"I don't trust him but if you believe he is an enemy of the Bali I will trust that. The dreams of neonates led me on this path. Moridin retrieved this scroll which I could decipher parts of. I have retrieved a relic from the Uktena which he claims will allow me to translate the scroll. Have you uncovered anything which can help me here, is there a specific foe I should beware of or a method of fighting these creatures that will aid me?"
"It is good you do not fully trust Moridin, however long before he became prince, long before he became one of the most feared among our kind, long before he became anything really, he was Assamite. Your studies should prove to you all you need to know regarding his and his clan's stance versus the Baali and their minions. Know too that if what is on the horizon is as bad as he thinks, then we Tremere possibly condemned this world, its mortal and Kindred population alike, to a terrible Hell when we hunted down and wiped out the vast majority of Salout's children. I have heard rumors however that some may have escaped and that they are seeking to reclaim their ancient birthright. Perhaps they can be of aid to us, if we can get them to see the bigger picture."
"The Salubri? I have never seen one myself. Besides the third eye I should think they would appear as any other of our kind. Though their kind would not respond well to me I would presume".
"Very well I will trust in your words.and those of Moridin. That does not mean that those around him are to be trusted though".
"What role would the Salubri play in this? If I remember correctly they once hunted the Baali but I do not see what they could accomplish that we could not".
"If things are as bad or worse as what Moridin believes, we could very well need every willing ally we can get. And while our powers may be formidable, the Salubri wield power that is almost Heavenly in nature. Would you turn down Holy power, Beschi?"
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"You must be referring to the Gangrel. They have more respect for nature than most vampires, yet they are still a long way off from being similar to us Garou"
Edgar sweety, remember that you are talking to a werewolf shaman, so using the term moon beast may not be that wise Lenore reminds you gently.
"I would prefer not to debate my relationship with God with the one who took it away from me. No offense intended Sire".
"In any case I agree that I would not turn down aid from the Salubri, what I doubt is that they would seek aid from me. At any rate, how can I tell who is a dangerous practitioner of the Lure of the Flames from those who are safe? I know that the one of our ilk who founded the ability believed it a gift from God but from what I recall he was brought low by Demons in a fiery conflagration which destroyed his chantry".
"It is not your relationship with God we are talking about Beschi, but the real, Holy power that exists. There are many out there, some even among our number, that wield their faith as if it were a weapon.
As for how to tell which of those among us practice the path of Flames might be dangerous, I have no idea. One cannot tell which Paths any of us practice normally, so trying to figure out if those who practice a certain path will suddenly go rogue is almost impossible. What I can tell you is this though: what they seem to be using is twisted reflection of the Lure of Flames known as the Fires of the Inferno, which is a known path of Dark Thaumaturgy."
"I have always seen my faith as a shield and not as a sword. I have never heard of one of our kind displaying any gifts from God. Are we not damned by our blood and by our deeds?"
"Fires of the Inferno? That would mean that our entire clan then has been infiltrated by infernalists, from the lowliest neonate to... well who knows".
"While perhaps we are indeed damned, and the truth of that is beyond me, there are still some who somehow manage to not only hold onto their faith, but whom embrace it even more deeply upon becoming a child of Caine. Surely you heard of Archbishop Moncada, no??
I do not think this was an infiltration my childe. From what I have seen first hand and what others have told me, this seemed to be a spontaneous occurance and most afflicted appeared just as shocked as those around them. No, I think this is something far more sinister and insidious than base infiltration."
"I have heard of him but I do not believe the stories of his Faith. He is Sabbat. Not that I believe the lies the Vantrue tell us about Sabbat but they are clearly more inhuman than those Kindred of the Camarilla. I have been praying again, If anything comes of it I will be surprised".
"Good. A few of the neonates, Childer in my Chantry, fell victim to this plague. I would hate to think I harbored Infernalists under my own roof, or former roof. Perhaps the Lure of the Flames makes some Tremere more susceptible to Demonic possession, those weaker willed?"
"It is possible that is what's happening, though neonates are not the only affected, so do not assume it's just those youngins. I must go now, but I will attempt to stay in contact with you. If you find out anything of important, let me know. This is definitely something where we need to stay in communication and put aside any disagreements or prejudices we may have and that I do not mean just you and I. Keep an open mind, as allies can be found in the least likely of places."
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Grandfather smiles at your comment."Often in life, we an not choose the paths we take, but we must make those most of how and where we tread in life, or unlife. When we do have the choice, it is important to choose not only what is best for us, but also best for those around us."
"I shall sire. I have no disagreement with you I suppose if I am not damned than this was the fate that God gave to me, perhaps to do this very thing. Take care".
Beschi walks back into the tent and addreses Edgar's question that he bombards him with as soon as he returns.
"It is a secret reserved for the most dedicated of our kind. My clan does not share such secrets Edgar".
"Power is based on secrets. If everyone were to have access to such knowledge than there would be a level playing field and no one would have power. It is the way of the world for good or for ill. Perhaps you are correct though and such power is nothing more than the illusion of power".
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"Indeed I have seen a great master of nothing who taught nothing yet kept those unable to pierce the veil as followers of the nothing, holding them with promises and delivering nothing in return."
"I will endeavor to follow my own path as I am able, thank you Master Beschi. I am well schooled."
DM
Possible I might pick up protean or animalism from proximity to the Garou once I accumulate another 3 points?
"My initial fears have been soothed by my meditations. Edgar, Thackery, if you are both willing I think that a return to Moridin's lair would be prudent tonight. I would not of course object to staying here for the night".
"Grandfather. I thank you for your time and wisdom and I swear that should I survive the coming nights that I will return to you that which you have freely given".
Beschi thinks for a moment then comes to a decision.
"If I may be so bold. Do you believe that a member of your group could accompany us on our journey. This member could ensure safekeeping of the relic and aid us against any demonic worm foes we may face".
Grandfather shakes his head "I can not, all of my people are needed here. We watch over a great evil, and if even one of our number was not here to see to their task, we would fail and it would break free. I think perhaps it would be best to go back to Moridin this night. The longer you delay, the longer the enemy remains a threat."
"This evil we face may be as great as the one you guard here Grandfather but that of course must be your decision. Thank you again. Edgar, Thackery, if there is nothing further we should move. This night will not last forever".
"Edgar, is that a serious question? Of course I am sure the night will not last forever, it is time to go". Shaking his head Beschi bows stiffly to Grandfather and heads out into the night air.
The four of you make your way back to where you were told Wolfgang would meet you and sure enough seconds after you arrive, he comes speeding up to you all, and barks at you to get in. Edgar, your hotdog is still waiting for you, and it's surprisingly still warm.
Beschi holds back his disgust as well as he can and closes his eyes considering all he has discovered this evening. Over a century of quiet existence and study has been irrevocably changed never to be the same again.