Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
The Mausoleum -
"I do not appreciate your gaze cur. Perhaps I should remove your soul from your body and place it in the form of a Mortal dog? It has been some time since I have had a pet and you are used to being an animal..."
You get the sense that this Cainite has done that before.
Before you can respond, Lorenzo comes down the hall.
---
Lorenzo, you see Ambrogino staring hard at Bernardo though Bernardo's back is to you so you cannot see his reaction.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Outside the Mausoleum -
You ponder where the Salubri may be located and you realize that no one has ever seen them anywhere out and about except at Elysium.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Khadaji Manse to the Streets –
Alyssa dresses with you and heads out with you to a location unknown.
The streets are saturated with rain from the horrible storm that is raging. Unusual, Jaleel had mentioned rain but not a full on storm this night. Still you forge ahead with her at your side, your journey takes you to the western most portion of the city and to a small warehouse where the door is closed but unlocked.
You enter with Alyssa at your side. Standing in the middle of the room is Talisman with the Gangrel Elder Milov Petrankov. Talisman smiles, Petrankov does not, then again he really never does.
Alyssa draws steel as you feel the "call" cease. "How dare you summon my Childe!" she screams.
Talisman responds calmly, "Quiet, your screaming might upset the Gangrel Elder at my side or more importantly, Me". The menace in his voice is quite clear. Still, she holds up her weapon defiantly, "Answer me or you shall taste the steel of Clan Ventrue".
Petrankov grunts, "I did not come here to fight anyone Methuselah. I came here to repay my debt to you in the limited scope in which you expressed would clear my slate with you.
If you will fight then, you fight these two alone. That being said Ventrue, it is not wise to anger one as old as this one. He has abilities that are spoken of in Legend by Elder Cainites".
That is the most you have ever heard this Gangrel speak! His voice sounds like stones tumbling together.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Outside Elysium -
You arrive outside of Elysium. The doors are closed still as it is rather early in the night but there are a few Caintes standing outside in the pouring rain under a canopy set up to keep rain off of their heads. It appears to be made of pure shadow!
Standing there chatting are your Sire, Lord Bajazet and his Giovanni, the Gangrel Cantor without his Sire, and Helene of Clan Toreador and her Childe Victor.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto –
As Michele sweeps his arm about you hear but do not see a muffled female voice as if gagged. Then the front door opens rain sweeping in, you see the faint form of a manlike figure holding a body, then the door slams shut and the two figures are gone!
Maria looks around the room for anything that will keep the rain off of her for a while.
I'll have to visit Madame D'Angeline... but perhaps not in the nun's habit. Maybe in something else...
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
"Ah there he is." Lorenzo says. "Thank you for looking after Lord Benne's guest while I dealt with Ranerius."
the Masoleum
Bernardo looks at the fellow for a long moment and says I have not been announced in the city to the prince and do not have hunting rights so better to be a dog then hunted. Again, thank you for your offer having said this in front of Lorenzo he will turn then to Lorenzo and say Thank you for collecting me, shall we?
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Khadaji Manse to the Streets –
As Alyssa draws steel - Alessandro gracefully and gently raises a hand, tenderly touching her sword wrist. Clearly, she is free to act as wishes. It is a request. All the while, his eyes are on the Methuselah
My Sire and Love... please. Talisman means no disrespect, for in our world he is beyond that construct. I would however, prefer a gentler, calling in the future. Such that I am not forced to resist the compulsion.
If we are to work together, I am of little use to you if I lose face and the respect of my people. Consider this at your leisure, ancient one.
Turning his head to look into Alyssa's eyes, it's clear he wishes the situation diffused.
Alessandro then approaches the Gangrel, facinated. Congratulations, on your election, Lord Petrankov. The name is familiar... no, the other is Volkov. Similar origin I suppose and certainly not Italian or Arabic. I should study more geography.
There will be no fighting, here, tonight, amongst us gathered. Only respect for our respective... statuses.
The neonate bows his head to both elders. Sire. Please, let us hear Talisman out. It is my experience that he is quite informative and enlightening.
Let us not take offense so quickly, you taught me properly when you instructed that we, Clan Ventrue, are stewards.
And, as stewards... self-appointed or otherwise, we should listen, learn and act in the best interest of the future. I would gently suggest however that for the boon of my service and usefulness, you are owed some small recompense.
Alessandro looks Talisman in the eye, aware of the dangerous game being played.
How may... I... be of service, tonight?
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Hotel Danieli –
There is a closet full of clothing and after a brief search with the Maid's help you are able to find something suitable to keep the rain off of your head, mostly.
The Maid assists you in dressing, "Do you require sustenance before you go out? Lord Criatas has informed me that you must be available to him no later than 10:30 for the meeting this night. He has already stepped out and will be back then".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
Ambrogino grins, "Hunted eh? There is little to fear being with me against me, is another matter.
I shall be taking my leave of the city once more this night Doctor.
Lord Benne and I reached a separate agreement last night. I leave the Samedi to you and your Brother to his own devices.
Perhaps we shall meet again one day". He bows stiffly and heads back to his own room.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
a Warehouse –
Alyssa lowers her blade but does not sheathe it.
Talisman speaks, "I admire your Sire's loyalty towards you Alessandro. I sense that her feelings for you run deeper than the Sire Childe bond. Rare among our kind. Having loved before and being in Love now I shall not let my anger get the best of me and thus I shall control my rage at your Sire's threats".
Petrankov interjects, causing even Talisman to raise his eyebrows, "Indeed Volkov and Petrankov sound similar Ventrue. Your statement pierces he heart of the matter without even realizing it".
Alyssa speaks, "Is Volkov not the name of a Hunter active here in the city?"
Talisman nods in assent, "Yes and tonight his threat shall be eliminated once and for all. I have arranged for his Sister and he to be joined together and thence bound to me".
Alyssa's eyes bulge in shock, "The Prince has forbidden..."
Talisman chuckles, "Narses was a Mortal when I recognized his utility and his vast intellect. That he has come so far since the days of his Mortality is a credit to my own recognition and simultaneously one of my greatest failure in that we did not select him for the Embrace but instead chose his rival Belisarius.
While not fit to be a Toreador, he would have made a cunning Patrician. Perhaps that is why he was chosen by the Lasombra. His cunning nature as he was no Patrician in life.
Regardless, the point is that I do not fear the edicts of one who is but a Neonate compared to myself. I am older still than even your Mithras".
Petrankov interjects once more! "Volkov's parents were Diabolists. Servants of the true forces of darkness. I hunted and slew them myself over a century ago. I took pity on the children as innocents and spared their lives. A mistake I should think..."
Talisman turns to Petrankov and gives him a sharp look, "Ware your words old friend".
Petrankov ignores him and continues, "As children they could not have known what their parents were, evil in body and soul. Somehow thereafter, they became Hunters of our kind. Obsessed with finding and destroying me. Unfortunately, their parents called me out by name as we fought my name whispered by their dark masters in an attempt to use vile dark magics to slay me. Even with the blood of Baali Vampires and dark magics fueling them they were no match for me".
Talisman continues, "Their search several years ago brought them to Paris where they came to my attention as one of the advisors of Prince Geoffroi. I hunted the Hunters and recognized Katriana as the reincarnation of my dead Lover Ma-ri.
So I planted a traitor in their midst.
I planned on luring them in when I was informed that I needed to go to Venice. At that same time I was informed that Milov would be the Gangrel representative and I devised a new trap for them using Petrankov to lure them out.
Then Katriana came to me, unbidden!
I decided not to bother with her Brother but then as quickly I lost her. Somehow, she is immune to the powers of Presence and thus I could not retrieve her.
In the most recent days, I discovered that Sebastian's ally Sadir has discovered her whereabouts and hid her from me. And so I decided to spring once more my original trap.
We shall use Milov to lure in Sergei Volkov, reunite him with his sister and destroy the rest of the Hunters that serve him. Thus, in one fell swoop we shall eliminate the threat of Hunters from the city and I shall begin my Brood once more.
That is where you come in Alessandro. I need an extra body in case something I have not forseen comes to pass".
Maria pauses in her dressing, turning to the maid. "I... I might, come to think of it."
"Are you offering?" She asks, her tone uncertain.
Venice and the conclave
Onfroi approaches stepping under the tent and nods to his sire inway of announcement and then says good eve sire, good eve one and all
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Hotel Danieli –
The Maid smiles alluringly, "No Mistress. As My Lord's favorite Ghoul he frowns on me for doing such things. I am a retainr, not common stock he tells me but I can retrieve a vessel, or two, from downstairs for you though".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Outside Elysium -
Your Sire smiles warmly, "Good evening Childe. I trust your business for the night is concluded now that the first meeting shall be taking place?"
Helene and the Assamites continue their conversation as the Gangrel Cantor approaches.
"My Sire may not be in attendance tonight. I do not believe he has much interest in this business at all. He has provided me with a list of Gangrel who he believes would be bothered to act as "Justicars" as Narses has already stated is his goal for the evening.
I believe that the first order of business should be the proper wording of a decree to be announced at each major and perhaps even minor city of the formation of this Sect. There may be those who will be resistant to a change in the old ways regardless of how many were in attendance".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
Lorenzo raises an eyebrow at the news of Ambrogino's other arrangement, but otherwise says nothing.
"Bernardo, I suspect the time is near for you to introduce yourself to Prince Narses, and we will be leaving for Elysium shortly, but first I will give you a chance to thank your host for his shelter during the daylight hours. He is a Cainite of significant influence and staying on his good side can be nothing but beneficial." Lorenzo says, making his way to his Sire's chambers.
Arriving he knocks on the door. "My Sire, a moment before we depart for Elysium?"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
The door opens and you find Lord Benne conferring with a man you do not recognize Lorenzo.
Benne nods and gestures for you both to enter his room, he closes the door behind him.
"Good evening Bernardo, did you sleep well within our walls?"
The stranger stands and approaches Bernardo extending his hand, "Evening, Yeti Samedi, at your service. I uh just arrived earlier this night to confer with the Giovanni only to realize that the Cappadocian Clan proper now controls this peculiar Haven.
I understand that you will both be attending the Prince for introductions, mind if I tag along?"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
A surprised look crosses Lorenzo's face. "Yeti?" he says, in an uncertain tone before recovering. "Of course, more the merrier I suppose."
Reaching out to his master with his thoughts, the former doctor thinks...
Ambrogino had mentioned a new arrangement, one that does not involve Yeti or my brother. Dare I ask what swayed his mind?
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Outside the Mausoleum -
You ponder where the Salubri may be located and you realize that no one has ever seen them anywhere out and about except at Elysium.
** spoiler omitted **
He recalls the Way of Kings Inn might have Andrew the Hardy, and ponders this. With the Prince cracking down on mortal interaction, it's best first to head to his own inn, feed from his herd discretely, and then go to the Kings Way Inn. If he doesn't find Andrew there? Well, there is always the Lasombra.<P>
He's glad he started this night early
Venice, conclave
Onfroi says a few loose ends to complete as always Sire. Onfroi then quiets and listens to the conversation waiting for the doors to open or for others to approach him wondering whom will his sire choose as justicar.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto – Michele and Vitaliano
Paying no mind Michele takes a seat. ”So what has brought you out in this weather? Have you found the one armed man?”
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
a Warehouse –
Alessandro seems conflicted, too many variables... unknowns.
Sire, please consider with me the pros and cons to this endeavor. Besides of course, the threat of Talisman's wrath.
I have no interest in being a "another body," and certainly you can find many more suitable warriors among the knights perhaps. I'm a merchant, a diplomat although I did manage to survive a Crusade campaign. By leadership and wit, not strength of arms.
His eyes move from Talisman to Petrankov. I am the Son of Venice and Alexandria and I am Ventrue. And, yet... Alessandro looks back to Alyssa for a brief moment, only long enough to catch a glimpse of her eyes before he speaks the next few words.
...I wish to walk my own path.
He then turns to Petrankov. A path of diplomacy, balance and peace. I wish to walk among and with other clans, perhaps you can help me start with Clan Gangrel.
This is not a demand, for I know I have no right to ask it.
Alessandro pauses. Perhaps Alyssa would impale him right there. Talisman laugh at a neonate's gall or Petrenkov hurtle himself claws first amd eviscerate him for deigning such a thing.
But, there was only ne thing he knew for certain. He would walk his own path or none at all. Bowing to the elders, he stepped back to stand near Alyssa... if she would still have him.
Well, if we are all agreed... let's do this thing. The neonate attempts to lighten the mood. And, wonders how odd that is among those present.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
Yeti grins, "Excellent".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
You head to your own Inn for a small nibble then to the Way of Kings.
As you arrive within range of the Inn you see a massive clash of horsemen and footsoldiers! Literally hundreds of combatants are fighting in the pounding rain, one side does appear to be routing the other. It may be impossible to get to the Inn due to the fighting.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Outside Elysium -
As you and your Sire remain silent, Cantor presses once more, "Your thoughts on my proposal gentleCainites?"
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
a Warehouse –
Talisman nods, "Your ability to roof walk and climb is what makes you valuable. Volkov's forces will be on surrounding roofs trying to stake Petrankov from afar. We need you to disable these men, if they die, so be it they are not my targets.
However, there will also be two Knights on the same roof, they are not to be harmed.
If your Sire is willing to go as well, you can both separately disable the other two".
Alyssa shakes her head, "If you wish our assistance, you will grant to us something of value in return".
Petrankov nods, "I shall instruct my Childe to look upon your first request in the Inner Circle most favorably".
Talisman shrugs, "I will remember your assistance fondly..."
Alyssa sighs, "Very well. Alessandro, are you sure you wish to do this?"
Maria looks down at her feet before looking back at the maid. "...only one, please."
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
a Warehouse –
Certainty has destroyed many a city, my Sire, my Love. I am not certain of anything. However, we must remain as fluid as the times upon us. And, shall acquit ourselves admirably... shall we wear masks? He allows himself a small smile before turning to Petrankov.
I will push my luck and ask for favor towards two requests not one, one of which will be minor... a simple matter of reverting waterway rights to and control of a segment of canal, from the Giovanni or Cappadocian to the... Nosferatu. Please.
And, I am at your service. Alessandro offers a slight flourish and deeper bow.
Mausoleum, Venice 1309
Bernardo arrives to Lord Benne and says thank you for your hospitality.
Then he nods to this newcomer and says it is up to our hosts if you come with us, but I have no reason to deny you.
Finally Bernardo simply nods and prepares to follow along, too much going on here behind the scenes for him to follow.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
"Lord Benne, will be joining us at Elysium, or shall you be arriving a bit later?" Lorenzo asks.
Turning his attention to Bernardo and Yeti, he says, "Either way, we should get going. It promises to be a busy night at Elysium and the sooner we get the two of you introduced to Prince Narses the better. If the two of you will head to the foyer, I will be along momentarily."
"My Sire, if Dominic is no longer in play to be the Childe of Ambrogino, I would ask that his memories be altered so that he can be done with our kind. If that is your will, of course."
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
You head to your own Inn for a small nibble then to the Way of Kings.
As you arrive within range of the Inn you see a massive clash of horsemen and footsoldiers! Literally hundreds of combatants are fighting in the pounding rain, one side does appear to be routing the other. It may be impossible to get to the Inn due to the fighting.
What insanity is this? he asks himself and extends his senses hoping to identify by mark or voice in battle just who is fighting whom and why?
conclave again
Onfroi looks at Cantor passively and then finally says there are only so many princes. Many want the conflicts done and not restarted and the hunting of our kind must stop. Yet let's say that there is a city with a prince who says no. Where shall we start? Shall I speak for Critas whose sire is Meneleus of Troy? Perhaps I shall speak for Hardestaadt and his sire? These ancient vampires did not send representatives here in order to be quibbled with when things are done. If some of us are tasked to spread the message we will be instructed to do so. If they want those who fail to join handled we will be told this. It's been decided before we got here and if it has not and some elder asks for my opinion then I will give it with genuine thanks that I was gifted to do so. Until that moment I will be quiet and wait Cantor.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto – Michele and Vitaliano
Despite the assurances of his host, Vitaliano opens his senses further out of reflex. He held up his hand to Michele's offer "Thank you, I've not quite gotten used to drinking from the source. I still have my business and wine cellar so my needs are well taken care of." he said smiling.
"I would have brought you a bottle but with everything that has been going on these last few evening, I seem to have forgotten my manners." he said looking displeased with himself.
"Very well, regarding our mutual business...I'm frustrated that my resources seem to have come up empty. I thought perhaps if you'd welcome the company, I'd be happy to continue our investigations together. My blood's insight allows for deeper information from the most unlikely of sources at times, so I hope that my madness might prove useful." he said grinning slightly as he bowed.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto – Michele and Vitaliano
“Ah yes I would like to taste what you have to offer at some point. Unfortunately tonight I have some personal business to attend to prior to heading to the conclave. Perhaps after the conclave we can continue our search? Hopefully the storm will die down a bit.”
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Your Haven to the Blue Mongoose –
You set out, armed, for the Blue Mongoose to meet with one of your brethren, granted an older less successful member of Narses Brood but still one that is an elder to you. What should have been an easy question to answer has become a strange riddle. Who is the Man with No Name? Why is Alejandro being so secretive about the man’s origins? Soon you shall find out no doubt.
The rain soaks your heaviest coat quickly. You push through the wind and rain and see few Mortals out and about. The storm throws off strange rattling sounds and what appear to be distant echoes of the clash of steel, probably the storm playing tricks on you.
You arrive at the Blue Mongoose and enter the place, one of the few below ground establishments on the island. The place has a damp feel. The clientele sit in their drinks and mutter to one another. The man behind the bar gives you a sharp look, it is one you find a bit hostile. Before you can approach this offending Mortal you catch a flash of a hand motioning to you, it is Alejandro.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Your Haven to the Blue Mongoose –Perhaps Alejandro chose this place due to it being below ground, or perhaps he wants to limit my escape options…..
Staying alert, Savio joins Alejandro.
”Good evening Brother, how do you fare this evening? What an interesting choice of meeting place. Shall we sit or do you have other arrangements?”
Feeling particularly tense, Savio is quite prepared for action. His fingers tap lightly upon the pommels of his blades as he awaits Alejandro’s response.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Hotel Danieli –
"Mistress, do you wish to slay that one? Leaving one alive will give you little sustenance...
Once you are done feeding, we can finish dressing you, it would not be seemly for you to have spots on your outfit for the night".
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
a Warehouse –
Alyssa grins, "If we have them yes we should wear them".
Talisman shakes his head, "You will need to petition the Prince regarding such rights".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
Lord Benne raises an eyebrow, "Indeed, this can be accomplished but what do you wish him to remember? Your Mortal business is sold, what will he do?"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
You step to the foyer with this Yeti waiting for Lorenzo.
He turns to you and grins, "Well, this should be a good night. I could use something good to happen to me for once. Been a bad century ya' know?"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
You reach and and can see that on one side is certainly the security forces of the Doge! The other side is a signia you do not know off-hand.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Outside Elysium -
Cantor shakes his head in disagreement and moves to the Toreador to make his case.
Meanwhile, the Salubri Brian Stack and his Childe Andrew the Hardy arrive and come under the tent, which is now running out of space.
"Terrible weather. Worse yet, I see ships out at sea. This crisis of the Mortals with the Pope may lead to a blockade by Venetian rivals. We must take care traveling by sea if this is the case".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
"I suppose I should give him the choice, but in light of Ambrogino's new arrangement and no longer being a prospective Sire for Dominic, it seems the proper choice. The sale of the business has certainly left him with enough capital to start something new should he choose...he was never particularly fond of the family business anyway." Lorenzo reasons.
"Either way, I suppose it can wait until after Elysium. If I have your leave, Sire, I will be on my way as soon as I check on Dominic."
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
The Blue Mongoose –
"This place is just fine. Few enough Mortal eyes and ears and those that are here now better than to pry".
He pauses and takes a deep breath, "I suppose I should not be too surprised at the interest Narses has taken in the Man with No Name. I never informed Narses to the fact that I did indeed Sire him. In fact, I never expected to see him again. This Conclave was the first time that had happened since before the First Crusade. Before I became Prince of and then lost Jerusalem.
You see, he was Sired out of duress.
I believe that his presence here is due to significant players in the Jyhad. Players much older and more dangerous than our Sire. If you wish to know more, know that you cross the Rubicon with me and there is no going back".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
"You indeed do have my leave.
With the arrangements made I believed it was time to release Yeti for introduction. He has been freed from the yoke of Ambrogino permanently.
Time shall tell what shall come of this. Know that I may ask you to take actions soon which shall have a profound impact on our entire Clan. We shall speak on these matters tomorrow night as tonight we must focus on getting this Camarilla off of the ground. Then, we will turn our attention to internal matters.
I shall travel with your contingent to Elysium as I have no further business here this night. Once you are doen with your Brother, meet us in the foyer".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
"Of course, I shall try to be quick." Lorenzo says before heading off to see Dominic.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
You knock on your Brother's door and he answers it, clearly terribly hung over, "Is it time Brother? I must meet with this Ambrogino?"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Mausoleum -
"No, my brother." Lorenzo says as sympathetically as he can.
"Ambrogino is leaving Venice tonight, and as such you are spared my fate for the time being. With that comes another choice for you, I am afraid. Continue as part of this dangerous existence, or forget all you know of it - and never have me darken your door again."
"You need not make a decision right now, as you are in poor condition to do so. Rest well, my brother. We will speak more on this when I return."
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
a Warehouse –
You mention two knights, that are not to be slain. How will we recognize them?
What house and what are their names? I have come in contact with several, since my... embrace.
Venice 1309 conclave at the tent
Onfroi listens to the discussion about the excommunication and sea travel and starts to wonder if a vampire is behind the pope and an enemy to Narsea or to the conclave but says nothing aloud.