Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Streets of Venice - Alessandro, Lorenzo, Michele, and Ranerius. NPCs Onfroi and Lydia
"Edoardo, pleasure to meet you." Turning to Isaac, "Who is Father Acampora."
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Andrew's eyes go wide at the number given.
Ranerius, as of yet, all you see is Edoardo.
Isaac turns to Michele, "Narses most recent Ghoul. He was a Mortal contact of the Nosferatu Simon. Narses hoped to get a toe hold in the church in Venice, it was something he avoided for centuries prior due to his belief system and his place in the hierarchy of the Cainite Heresy".
Onfroi hisses as that phrase is mentioned.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Edoardo and Isaac lead you all from the dock to the mainland with Andrew trailing in the back due to his limp.
There is not much here really except for farmland. The ghouls are able to see fairly well in this dim light, a fairly impressive feat or they are just so familiar with the way that their need to see is not relevant. After about twenty minutes of straight walking through the farmland and past a few modest houses, you finally come upon a structure that is built like a small fortress. It is two stories high and has no visible doors on the ground level. It also has no visible lighting. Your Vampiric eyes are able to see figures moving on the "battlements".
As your group approaches, a rope ladder is lowered down. Edoardo begins to climb, Isaac motions to the rest of you, "My Lords. Unless you can turn to mist or fly, or walk through the shadows, this rope is the only way in. I suppose you could also scale the walls but they were built smooth for just that reason, to keep out unwanted visitors.
You may be the first set of Cainites in centuries to see these halls besides our former Master as none of his Childer have claimed this place just yet".
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Streets of Venice -
Geoffroi laughs quickly and grabs the rope at his turn
“I am new enough at this existence that a rope is well enough for me “
"The rope will do." ANd he waits his turn as well
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Streets of Venice - Alessandro, Geoffroi, Lorenzo, Michele, and Ranerius. NPCs Onfroi , Andrew and Lydia
"the rope for me as well." Michele will wait his turn
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Alessandro looks around, letting his senses reach.
When in Rome...
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Lorenzo looks at the rope ladder somewhat dubiously, before conceding, "It is what it is, I suppose."
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
The rest of the Coterie follows up the ladder as well. You reach the battlements and see there are a handful of Ghouls patrolling with hand crossbows tipped with wood bolts. Strapped to their waists are wooden swords with the tip carved to a point.
They nod to you all with a smile upon their faces, clearly happy to see that relief has finally arrived. There is only one door on this level leading into the building. A narrow hallway leads to a set of stairs that head downward. Along the hall are murder holes cared into the stone. Isaac and Edoardo lead the way down.
The stairway halfway down leads to a very large atrium. In fact the entire first floor is an open atrium full of couches, shelves lined with scrolls and books, weapon racks filled with weapons and armor. On the other side of the room are tables filled with food and drink. Torches line all of the walls giving off plenty of lit but also, many dancing shadows, as the second floor is held up in various places with byzantine style archways. Most of the art on the walls is reminiscent of the byzantine style, some may well be ancient byzantine paintings of Eastern Orthodox style, these are mixed in with decidedly darker images, blasphemous images of Vampires as angels and even Jesus himself in many such paintings depicted as a Vampire.
By day it appears no light could penetrate this room as there are no windows and the only way out seems to be the way you came in.
Herein there are indeed several, what you assume to be Ghouls gathered. Some spar, others eat, many speak in small groups. All stop what they are doing and fell silent as you all enter the room. Those guards behind you on the battlements come down the stairs. As you turn back to watch them come down, you see two doors on either side of the stairway, you would all be that those doors cover stairs that lead up to allow the Ghouls to occupy positions in those murder holes.
After a moment of silence, the Ghouls all begin to clap and cheer, big smiles all around. Isaac raises his hands and brings them down, "My friends. Our fears are assuaged, I have indeed located Cainites willing to aid us in our hours of need. Some of us will need to rely solely on Signore' Michele Querini to sustain us, the rest of you can choose from who you will.
All of us these Night Masters a debt of gratitude, some of us may well end up serving these new Masters, time will tell.
I shall allow them to introduce themselves and from there, you can decide from who you shall wish to acquire sustenance".
One of the Ghouls, a Priest, speaks, "Is there enough vitae for so many of us? As I said, I have an offer from one willing to aid us".
Isaac sighs, "He is but one these are many Father". The Priest shrugs his shoulders and concedes the point still adding. "Though I believe this one to be more pure of heart... but... your point is well taken Brother Isaac".
Isaac turns to you all, "Sometimes, vintage matters. Your Clans and strength of Blood will allow us to know who among you can feed from that will sustain what we have worked so hard to gain".
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo - Alessandro, Lorenzo, Michele, and Ranerius. NPCs Onfroi and Lydia
"I am Signore Ranerius Bernerius, where is my old friend Sirus Terzago? And... forgive me, good priest, what offer from whom do you speak of? We were told your need was dire."
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo - [ooc]Alessandro, Lorenzo, Michele, and Ranerius. NPCs Onfroi and Lydia[/oo]
Sirus extricates himself from a small crowd he was cloistered with and approaches grinning and chuckling, "Then Isaac told you eh?"
The Priest responds to Ranerius' query, "His name I do not know, he claims to be the Childe of one of your kind I once knew, a Simon". The Priest nods, "Indeed, our needs are dire but at the same time, we must be careful whom we bond ourselves to... sometimes death is preferable to servitude, especially an eternity of servitude".
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
"A Childe of Simon? Do you perhaps refer to Niccolo?" Lorenzo asks.
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo - [ooc]Alessandro, Lorenzo, Michele, and Ranerius. NPCs Onfroi and Lydia
Sirus extricates himself from a small crowd he was cloistered with and approaches grinning and chuckling, "Then Isaac told you eh?"
"Given your abrupt departure at key points, it came as no surprise," He says almost casually "I am glad to see you well, relatively, in such trying times. I thought I'd aid you for old time's sake, and perhaps have you pay back your tab with service." At that, he does smile.
The Priest responds to Ranerius' query, "His name I do not know, he claims to be the Childe of one of your kind I once knew, a Simon". The Priest nods, "Indeed, our needs are dire but at the same time, we must be careful whom we bond ourselves to... sometimes death is preferable to servitude, especially an eternity of servitude".
At the mention of Simon and a child, he glances to Onfroi to see if he can guess which child it might be.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
"No, he was a very beautiful man, physically. And his soul, I could feel his soul. It's only the second time I have felt that way, the first was around Simon himself. While Simon was beautiful within, but monstrous without, this Childe was pleasing to the eye and the soul..."
---
The always observant Ranerius does see an ever so slight twitch from Onfroi when Simon is mentioned.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Geoffroi leans into Andrew and whispers to the elder Salubri
"I am unsure what is transpiring here. Could you make it clear to me? What is on offer? What do these servants wish of us? Vitae? Life?"
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo - Alessandro, Lorenzo, Michele, Geoffroi and Ranerius. NPCs Onfroi Andrew and Lydia
"I am Michele Querini and as Isaac mentioned will tend to the more elder of you. I am of clan Setite and 5 steps from Caine. Who among you were procurers for your former masters? Some of us would benefit to sake our thirst to better tend to you all."
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Seeing that formal introductions had begun, Lorenzo would go next. "I am Doctor Lorenzo Cappelli of Clan Cappadocian and a member of the fifth generation of Cainites. Indeed, slaking our thirsts in order to be able to provide more vitae would be beneficial to all here."
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Alessandro Khadaji... Venture. The "young" man offers demurely, aware of his clan's typical haughtiness.
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Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
The rest of your compatriots, including Ranerius, announce their Bloodlines.
Isaac looks a bit surprised at Lorenzo, "Then it appears that we have two who can meet the needs of the Eldest among us, excellent".
Edoardo nods at Lorenzo, "My friends, I believe that the Doctor is correct. To get, we shall have to give. Freely give of yourselves and we shall take back what we need.
Here in safety, we may rest and recover, after all with our Lord gone and none to give us new tasks, there is no pressure".
The Ghouls begin to congregate to you all. As there are Eight of you and Twenty Two total Ghouls, all appears to work well enough.
Those in attendance and specifically bound to the PCs are:
-
Leonardo Mancini (Prince Narses Head of ALL Security and one of the Doge's current Personal Bodyguards. He was the one that "turned your Uncle in" last night.. He has 3 Potence and 1 Celerity),
Edoardo Amato Secondary Head of All Security. He has bodyguarded Doge's of the past and is in line to be the Persona Bodyguard for the next Doge, whoever that roves to be. He has 3 Potence and 1 Celerity), and
Arcadius Mesopotamites (Head of ALL Ghouls. One of the Eldest Ghouls wielding Dominate 3, Celerity 2, Fortitude 1, and Obtenebration 1).
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Sirus Terzago (his function is to travel to Inns and simply read Auras, he has Auspex 2),
Lorenzo Bianco (he is the Ghoul you encountered at the Doge's dinner. He was Prince Narses Spymaster and wields both Auspex 2 and Obfuscate 2), and
Alexandre Moreau (he was an enforcer, has 2 Potence).
-
Claude Durand (he is permanently stationed to Spy on the Way of Kings Inn, he has Auspex 2, you have absolutely seen him sitting there the few times you went there),
Damianus Kourkoas (Overseer of the Latin Kingdom & Ghoul Contact for a Lasombra named Alfonso still dwelling in Constantinople. He has Dominate 1 and Presence 1), and
Edoardo Romano (he was an enforcer, has 2 Potence).
-
Theodota Diogenes,
Camille Fournier, and
Amelia Taylor. (All are females adults with no children. All three worked as procurers for Prince Narses. Each has Presence 1).
-
Isaac Gabras (Besides what you already know about him, he wields the following powers - Obtenebration 2 [plus the Ritual Pierce the Murk], Mortis (Grave's Decay) 1, Obfuscate 2, and Fortitude 3),
Christian Fugger (Diplomat to the Holy Roman Empire. Wields Dominate 2), and
Giulia Rizzo (She is an extremely ugly female [Appearance 1] but she was the direct contact between the Princes Ghouls and the Nosferatu Ghouls. She wields Obfuscate 3, Anamilism 2, and Potence 2).
Let me know if you wish to interact with these Ghouls in any meaningful fashion or if you just all wish to sit and decide what course of action to take next to track down Sir Dunstan.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Geoffroi leans into Andrew and whispers to the elder Salubri
"I am unsure what is transpiring here. Could you make it clear to me? What is on offer? What do these servants wish of us? Vitae? Life?"
Andrew nods, "All here'r Ghouls tha' drank tha' blood o' tha' Prince. If'n Cainite vitae leaves there system, they may crumble ta' dust. So they need err vitae as tha' Prince is no longer aroun' ta' feed em.
So fer them tha' vitae is literally ther' life".
Ella Anderson - Diplomat to the English and the French (Courts of Avalon & Courts of Love) - Dominate 2.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo - Alessandro, Lorenzo, Michele, Geoffroi, and Ranerius. NPCs Andrew, Onfroi and Lydia
"Having given my name, I will simply say six steps from the originial murderer and I are to be found traced through the line of Toreador." He is not blind to the fact his blood is not as potent as some, but is more so than others. Normally he wouldn't talk so freely with mortals, even ghouls, save perhaps his own beloved wife.
Ranerius eyes the three that came to him. He had thought the Cainites would be the ones choosing, not the ghouls themselves and he arches a brow at this. Still, these three will be useful. He does envy Alessandro such beautiful ladies.
"Greetings gentleman, I suppose it is too much to hope any of you sing or play an instrument?" A chuckle, "I take it none of you have had any one vampire's vitae recently?" He does not want to be blood bound himself. If the answer is, as it should be, no. He then continues.
Sirus Terzago is first, the Toreador bites into his neck and drains precious blood. Sirius wobbles for a moment, only to find Ranerius offering up his palm where a pool of vitae collects for him to drink from like a cup. His former contact drinks freely, but the Toreador is ready to zip away at fast speeds if any of them lose their control or bare his fangs to terrify, which ever is required. Still, for Sirus, he smiles, "Welcome home, Sirus. I hope to use you as my eyes."
Lorenzo Bianco he remembers from the dinner. Here, he takes the man's wrist after it is bared, "Signore Bianco, we meet again and at a mutual dinner once more, how fitting." And he bites down and drinks, before offering the man some of his vitae in turn.
When Lorenzo is done, he says "Your late benefactor dreamed of a more unified society, let's see what of his dream we can salvage, eh? I'll need you to be my ears as you were his."
Alexandre Moreau, an enforcer, one he does not recall at all, but that's no reason not to be polite, "Signore Moreau, I would say 'well met' but I can imagine this has been a trying time for us all. Still, you do right by me, and I shall do right by you." And again the wrist, again the bite, and again the offering of his own vitae in turn. Of this one he must be extra careful for Moreau's potence means the man might be hard to pull from if he latches on to drink more than was agreed upon. When done, he says "I think you'll serve well as a strong fist for me at these times."
Once that is done, he says Sirus will tell you I endeavor to take care of those who work for me. Have any of you family or loved ones in need of haven? My inn has the Doge's men on it currently, but if said loved ones are not in trouble with the Doge, they would find haven there."
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
…So fer them tha' vitae is literally ther' life".[/b]
Geoffroi nods
“Just so. This existence holds many surprises “
He surveys the three ghouls who approach him. Although this ritual is strange and .. well .. ghoulish… it is not all that different in tone than some rituals of fealty he has seen. He speaks with the three, inquiring of them and their service to the Prince, and if they felt comfortable transferring their fealty to him.
“I am a simple man. I have commanded men in the past, and the one thing that I value most in my subordinates is honesty. That includes the honesty to say when I am in the wrong. I need good counsel as well as strong arms and sharp eyes. Grant me this, and we shall prevail against our enemies “
If none demur, Geoffroi will perform the rite, taking as much blood as he needs to fill his reserves and give the ghouls their share
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Lorenzo gathers the three who had come to him. "Good to meet all of you." the former doctor says as way of greeting.
"Beyond the three of you, there is another who my vitae sustains, a tall Moorish man called Moses, I suspect at least a few of you know of him."
Lorenzo continues, "I suspect you will find me a fair patron, preferring to ask rather than command where possible. That being said, I need to know each of your capabilities."
"Isaac, as you were Narses's liaison with the Giovanni, it is only suitable that you are with me. I suspect you still have some ties with that family, I will require any and all information you have about the Giovanni as you know it." Lorenzo says flatly. "What other tasks had Narses or the Giovanni set you to?"
Turning his attention to Christian, he asks, "So you were an envoy to the Holy Roman Empire. Who are your contacts among the Empire and what specific goals had Narses set for you?"
Finally he turns to the rather homely woman. "Giulia, you are the primary contact with the Nosferatu. Who's ghouls do you speak with most often? Niccolo's? Ferdinand's? Someone else entirely? In the short time I was able to know him, I considered Simon a friend, or as least as much of one of those as my kind can have."
He waits patiently for each ghoul's answers before deciding whether to ask more questions of those directly tied to him, or go see how Lydia was faring with her new charges.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Sirus shakes his head in the negative. Alexandre grins, "When drunk I sing. Badly".
Lorenzo nods, "I can play the Lyre and sing, well enough".
They all state unequivocally , "The Prince forbade us from feasting on the blood of any but he. Few Ghouls would incur his wrath on this matter so no, our most recent infusion was from the now deceased Prince of Venice".
Both Sirus and Lorenzo ask, "You wish to use us as eyes, and ears. To what end, for your Inn alone or in a wider endeavor".
Alexandre chuckles, "They've no relatives left who would not be horrified that they still live. My son and daughter in law are well, but I see them infrequently as they both now look older than me already.
As far as a strong fist, Signore', my fists are yours."
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Damianus speaks first, "That is no problem for me Signore', often I advised the former Prince on matters of Statecraft in dealing with the Byzantines. I still have contacts within Constantinople of course as Alfonso is still there, but in a much diminished role than he had hoped. But I digress".
Edoardo shrugs, "My Sigmore', I've not been at this for so long. My role is as an enforcer, teh rest o it, I leave to you".
Claude smiles, "Yes, drinking the blood, especially from another and being fed upon in turn are awkward, but one gets used to it. More frequently of course we are a source of material assistance and not a blood supply for keeping us strong and fed keeps us more effective.
One thing I can certainly do is be your eyes and ears at the Way of Kings. There is always much to be learned there, if one sits by the stairs and concentrates hard enough and listens".
Alexandre’s admission that he sings badly when drunk actually gets a chuckle from the Toreador, ”A good way to encourage me to keep you sober on the job, Signore, but thank you for your honesty.”
Lorenzo’s admission he plays the lyre and can sing well enough has Ranerius pleased, ”As you may know, music can open doors and lower guards, so I am glad to hear of your skills there.”
He is glad that the ghouls have not partaken of any other recently. He makes no more of it … for now.
Both Sirus and Lorenzo ask, "You wish to use us as eyes, and ears. To what end, for your Inn alone or in a wider endeavor".
Alexandre chuckles, "They've no relatives left who would not be horrified that they still live. My son and daughter in law are well, but I see them infrequently as they both now look older than me already.
As far as a strong fist, Signore', my fists are yours."
”A good question, gentlemen. You will grow to know my inn. As much as I love my inn though, I feel you would soon grow bored were to restrain you oermuch to one location. No, I love Venice, and with your suggestions of where YOU think your skills and expertise would help best, we shall work out places for you to apply those skills and your time. You can do what we cainites cannot, watch an walk in daylight. Plans my change, but I think it is safe to say hunters are this city’s greatest threat currently. I would know what they are up to, where THEY visit and lair and how … besides, the best way to defend one’s terrain is make sure any battles occur in the terrain of the agressor instead. I am not so arrogant to never ask your counsel in how you can be of use.” He knows he must be careful, ghouls can be ambitious too, but it makes no sense to let their judgments and expertise be too constrained.
At mention of relations, or lack there of, he nods ”Then I take it they will not need our protection. Very well.”
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Isaac nods sagely, "Yes, we are aware of Moses. He was an agent of Brexiano for quite a long time until the Prince had Brexiao liquidated by that Assassin. Brexiano was after all, trying to diablerize the Prince for quite some time since the beginning of the War of Princes".
They all nod along when you speak of fairness.
Isaac smiles, "Yes, I was quite happy to know that your blood could sustain me. That is not disrespect to Signore' Querini of course.
My duties for the Prince had me as the liason for the Cainite Heresy. Once that had err... run its course, I was the liason for Clan Cappadocian, specifically the Giovanni Family.
I was to keep tabs on their dealings and close negotiations as warranted with the Mortal family, specifically their Ghouls. As you know, I came into contact with their Cainite leaders, some of them anyway. From there I began to feed information in the other direction"
That elicits gasps from the other two Ghouls.
He chuckles and turns to his companions, "Not to worry my friends, Narses is dead and his wrath dead with him".
He turns back to you and continues, "The Giovanni were mainly organized by Pietro as he handled the day-to-day operations of both the Mortal and Immortal world.
Claudius Giovanni was the visionary, exactly what he is seeking is most likely locked away in my mind, you are aware of how to release it Signore'. Ambrogino Giovanni is a scholar. Augustus, the Patriarch.
There are others spread out across the west, and some in the east.
My only task was to spy for them, whatever I found out, that I thought was important I told to them and they followed up on it as they saw fit, without my assistance of course. They had their own Mortal and spiritual slaves and anything I knew or did could be easily compromised.
My last task set by them was to find you. I've not had contact with them in many weeks".
Christian responds, "The Barony of the Black Cross and the Elders of Rome were my responsibility you might say. I was to send correspondence to them and receive correspondence from them, by them of course I mean their Seneschal's.
The Romans were much more active than the Black Cross though I do have a strong relationship with one of Hardestadt's younger Ghouls. They ah, move through them a bit more often as their search to expand their holdings leads to their Ghouls becoming much more physical literally in the field.
The Roman Elder Camilla had some interest in the Cainite Heresy though he was too much of a sinner to become any sort of member. However, since his return nearly a century ago, he took over as the Prince of the Eternal Senate and his Seneschal who was once a servant of Constantius.
That was a much more interesting time of course.... most recently I was responsible for assisting the Lasombra Lord Kestral upon his arrival in the city".
Giulia sighs, "So damned long-winded, the both of you! For a time, I met with Simon directly though not since the Prince competed his "conversion".
Before that and after that, I was the liason to Ferdinand's friend, Casutra". She pauses and laughs, "I too was taking blood from another source, the Nosferatu Niccolo. At least I think it was him, I think a lot of them just use that damned name. Could have been any of 'em.
Simon was mostly a gentle soul, occasional rages when a Nosferatu warren was violated, but he mostly was serene. He's the one that lead Narses conversion of course".
Isaac clears his throat, "My dear, Narses knew you were on the take. Being a Ghoul to one of them does take its toll".
She frowns, "What's that supposed to men?"
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo - Alessandro, Lorenzo, Michele, Geoffroi, and Ranerius. NPCs Andrew, Onfroi and Lydia
Michele looks to the 3 gathered to him. “Well met. Leonardo, I thank you for your part in helping my family retain its ties to Venice and not see it’s doom. It will not be forgotten. Edoardo, I am not sure if you played any part in helping my family but thank you none the less.” Turning to Arcadius, “When I have completed my duties to Leonardo and Edoardo is there a more discreet place where we may have some conversation while you feed?”
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
The ghouls chuckle at your jest.
”A good question, gentlemen. You will grow to know my inn. As much as I love my inn though, I feel you would soon grow bored were to restrain you oermuch to one location. No, I love Venice, and with your suggestions of where YOU think your skills and expertise would help best, we shall work out places for you to apply those skills and your time. You can do what we cainites cannot, watch an walk in daylight. Plans my change, but I think it is safe to say hunters are this city’s greatest threat currently. I would know what they are up to, where THEY visit and lair and how … besides, the best way to defend one’s terrain is make sure any battles occur in the terrain of the agressor instead. I am not so arrogant to never ask your counsel in how you can be of use.”
Lorenzo nods sagely, "I believe I know of who you speak. Narses as well had us keep tabs on them but not get too close to them. They mainly operate from a Basilica in Saint Mark's Square. Very visible publicly.
If I am not mistaken, Isaac has already asked me to begin to move the Doge against them, and for a concrete rationale Mortal reason.
Sirus and I can spend some time tomorrow looking in on them further as the last few days we have been preoccupied with matters most perilous pertaining to ourselves".
Alexandre cracks his neck, "My best role for now is just keeping an eye on your Inn".
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Leonardo and Edoardo give to you and take as does Arcadius.
They both remain silent as Aradius shrugs, "I have the key to enter the former Master's reception area down below, we can speak there".
He heads to a space behind the staircase and lifts a rug, pulling a key from around his neck he kneels down and unlocks a lock on the floor. Up from it springs a handle, "Come this way".
The other two ghouls wait behind, both shivering a bit watching you head towards the stairs...
Lorenzo nods sagely, "I believe I know of who you speak. Narses as well had us keep tabs on them but not get too close to them. They mainly operate from a Basilica in Saint Mark's Square. Very visible publicly.
If I am not mistaken, Isaac has already asked me to begin to move the Doge against them, and for a concrete rationale Mortal reason.
Sirus and I can spend some time tomorrow looking in on them further as the last few days we have been preoccupied with matters most perilous pertaining to ourselves".
"A useful update and yes, I think your plan for your tomorrow is a good one," Ranerius approves. He does not need servile sycophants who cannot think for themselves. One hires employees because they know their craft. "Should you run into more trouble than you feel you can handle, withdraw with news of that trouble but make sure you are not followed."
Alexandre cracks his neck, "My best role for now is just keeping an eye on your Inn".
"Very well, Alexandre,, You will be taking orders from another who like you has my blood in her. My wife, Zuana, maybe the youngest of the three of you, but she is the senior in my eyes. I have plans for her future, you see, and would have her live. Despite her seeming innocence, she has a ruthless pragmatism when called for. Give her your counsel, to be sure, but the Inn is her domain to run for now." Then softly, though he knows others might listen in "When you first introduce yourselves to my wife, be it one at a time or not, tell her I sent my regards and said current events in Venice a '' a sad song of jagged notes'". That pass phrase will change, of course, in time, but for now it should cement I sent you."
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
For Alessandro, it is a rather heady experience.
The near palpable pull and push of multiple psyche. Even when the join forces to overwhelm him, he navigates the miasma.
Is a ghoul a possession? He's never considered ever... having one. But, who wouldn't wish to be surrounded by if not possess any or all of... these?
Not too close. You know not the heart and soul of their true selves. He reminds himself.
Alyssa forgive me.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo Michele Querini
Michele follows. "Thank you."
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
The Ghouls all nod in understanding as you make it clear that Zuana is in control at the Inn.
They all repeat the phrase, 'a sad song of jagged notes', to make it clear they have it right.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
the women giggle at your shyness, "We can't promise we won't bite, skin has to be broken to get what we need my Lord".
As all of the women are procurers, they spend time getting to understand your tastes, certainly one thing is for sure, if they remain with you past these harrowing nights, your Herd shall surely grow by leaps and bounds!
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
"Very well, Isaac. We may discuss this further down the line, but I do understand the imperative that has been placed upon you." Lorenzo says with a nod before turning his attention back to Christian.
"Lord Kestral you say? And what exactly do you know of his whereabouts?" the former doctor questions. "Secondly, who is the ghoul of Hardestadt's that you have this strong relationship with. Indeed it seems as if you have stronger connections to Clan Ventrue than that of your former patrons."
Finally, Lorenzo turns to the rather homely Giulia. "You were the liaison to a rather large snake?" Lorenzo asks, trying to hide his confusion. "How exactly did that work?
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Arcadius Mesopotamites leads you down the stairs, the way is quite dark but he appears to now it well enough even IN the dark. He arrives at a door and unlocks that with a key. The door opens to a metal ladder that leads down 20'.
A single flickering candle alights on a round table as you set foot in this underground room, the stairs deposit you in the center of this room. Around that circular table are four comfortable seats, their design quite old. Around the room which is a 15' circular room are doors. The doors have no handles or perhaps they are alcoves?
There are statues in the spaces between the doors, all look to be old, from antiquity and range from Greek and Persian and Egyptian to styles you don't recognize.
There are seven such doors and seven such statues.
He takes a seat and looks up at you, "How can I assist you young Master?"
As you are about to sit, you notice that the flickering of the candle light does not align with the way the shadows dance in this room. The same unnatural phenomena took place at Narses Elysium... if the Ghoul notices this, he does not seem perturbed by it.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Situational and self awareness if the ladies' business, as such it is not difficult for them to pick up that to Alessandro at least, they are not merely a means to some end.
Though in more indulgent moments his certain blush of health might serve to debunk reason.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Christian responds, "I have not been in contact with Lord Kestral for weeks, Narses was concerned about the matter, but as the Romans seemed to have no interest in taking a leading role, Narses surmised that the Kestral may have simply returned to Rome.
The Ghoul goes by Paul the Crusader so named because he was indeed a Soldier of the Lord on the first Crusade.
I wouldn't say I have a better relationship with the Ventrue per se, but with Paul I certainly do. The Patricians and the Magisters have never seen eye to eye so to the extent that they can give communications between them to subordinates, they do.
I have much more extensive correspondence with the Romans. The Eternal Senate though led by a Ventrue, is composed of many Clans, much as it was when Rome was.. well... Rome. That is why Narses liason with the Romans has been Kestral, he is one of the few Lasombra that decided to remain behind and play politics in the Eternal City. It's probably part of why he is such an unpleasant individual to deal with
Isaac may be able to give more insight there as well".
Giulia seems exasperated by the time Christian is done, "You know Casutra? He's my favorite of their guardians! The Nossies taught me how to speak with animals.
See? Ya' don't need to write a book ta get yer point across", she stares at Christian and shakes her head with disapproval.
He merely sighs in return.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
While they tease you lightly for your shyness, they are not mean-spirited, they explain, "Narses needed three of us for his voracious appetite. Despite his age and disposition, I don't recall him ever feeding on any Mortals to the point of death, he had remarkable control.
We've heard stories of Blood Feats he's hosted but we did not procure for such vulgar rituals and so don't know if he displayed a more vicious side in such circumstances".
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Michele Querini:
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
I fear I do not know their names with the exception of Boukephos, the Sire of Narses". He points to the Greek style statue.
Upon closer inspection you realize that these "doors" are made of shadowstuff, they pulsate and radiate a cool temperature.
The Ghoul continues, "The doors are not doors at all but portals set up by Prince Narses. They transport one to different locales within the city of Venice. I do not know where for I have never seen any save the Prince himself utilize them".
He chuckles as you chuckle, "No, we have no say in the matter. Narses developed the network to support his own approach to rule.
It is not clear how his Childer would rule in his stead, would they employ us? Destroy us? I cannot say.
I suspect the Valdemar would utilize us. Magdelena would trust only the shadows. Alejandro was a Prince in Jerusalem, my understanding is he was detached from the Mortal world which is part of why his Princeship failed, how he would approach that role here would be anyone's guess.
I suppose the arrangement would end if the new Prince either claimed us as their property or destroyed us. Placing us under your wings may save us or bring you trouble if they don't appreciate the decision to save us all.
Isaac's back-up plan I believe failed which is why this desperate scramble was made. I suspect I know what it was but I cannot be sure.
Certainly I would be the ideal candidate to assist your future Family of Ghouls, I have been training those blooded but not of the Blood for a very long time.
With respect to becoming one of you, I have frankly outlived many Cainites that I have met in the flesh. The right member of the blooded serving the right Master is in a much better position than one who becomes a Lord of the Long Night. That of course is how I feel. Others may see things differently, especially those who are either very young or quite old. Perhaps I am an enigma as I do not fear death".
He smiles, "Yes, being presented with an opportunity such as this can create racing thoughts. This is a time of great upheaval. Narses has been in control of this city for 700 years. It is one of the most powerful city states in the west, many will wish to take this seat of power. There is opportunity in chaos, but there is also death".
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo- Michele
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
I was formerly a Ghoul to Boukephos, I was born in the year 1 A.D. as you trace linear time. He assigned me as it were to Narses to provide his childe with counsel in his early years as the Methuselah was probe to wandering and knew he wouldn't stay as long as he needed to. That may well have been a mistake, I could never get the former Prince to relinquish his vendetta against the Byzantines...
I would require four things, first room and board, second food, the third your Blood without having to give anything further of my own, and finally, respect. Much like Narses, you will be unable to bond me with blood, yes, I am aware of it, as I am still bound to my original Master".
Shadow
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
Thereafter, I prefer a single draught per week as I don't often burn through resources.
Where I am required to activate my abilities, I only ask that you replenish what I was required to expend".
[ooc]a "draught" is equal to 1 BP.
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
The Ghouls all nod in understanding as you make it clear that Zuana is in control at the Inn.
They all repeat the phrase, 'a sad song of jagged notes', to make it clear they have it right.
He nods, "Excellent. Is there any other bit of information you have not shared with me yet but you think would increase our mutual chances of survival?"
Venice by Night - Sunday - April 6, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo -
He nods, "Excellent. Is there any other bit of information you have not shared with me yet but you think would increase our mutual chances of survival?"
Alexandre shrugs.
Sirus states, "I think that Lorenzo can speak best to this".
Lorenzo nods at Sirus, "Correct. In my role, it was my job to have the pulse of Mortal world. The Doge is in a much more firm position than he even was a few weeks ago, coups have a way of galvanizing those who were luke warm in support before.
The Doge's most trusted advisors see you as one of the hero's of the night. Of course one believes that slaying men in their sleep is heroic only when those slain oppose them. With the exception of the Knights that seek to slay you for what you are not who you are, all is well.
We shall all be vigilant for any Knights that enter your establishment.
If there is nothing else for us Master, I believe that we will head back to Venice and execute your will".