When Baldemar rebukes him, Geoffroi backs away, his eyes narrowing
“Yes I am one of them now. Something I hardly wished to happen. Something that would not have happened if you had not crossed my path. So, if you wish to rebuke me, that is your option. However, remember that it was my kindness in trying to help you that led to my death. “
Andrew unsheathing his symbol and sword cuts off any further talk from Geoffroi
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Baldemar remains steadfast and does not respond to Tassilo's comment.
Valdemar waves his hand at the feeding request, "All of you are free to feed in the Domain of Venice as you see fit provided no Law of Night are violated".
As the neonates gather Sadir moves towards you all as well, "Come, let us get comfortable and discuss".
He leads the group upstairs to one of the larger meeting rooms of Elysium, one with several comfortable chairs.
Baldemar follows along and as the door closes he stares at Geoffroi, "You are one of them now yes? Explain to me why I should aid you, any of you, against Mortals who seek to cease your murderous ways? Am I not simply better off sacrificing myself for the greater good? Without me, any plan you generate will likely fail".
Andrew stands up and takes a deep breath, he removes from his shirt a Holy Symbol and closes his eyes, he presents it forcefully. All of you begin to experience discomfort if not outright pain! Sadir falls to his knees and stares at Andrew, "Make it stop foul Knight!"
The Salubri then unsheathes his blade and it glows with light! He brings it to bear against the Elder Setites skin, gently, it sears the flesh. Sadr cries out in pain but cannot stand or back away with the holy symbol pinning him fast to the floor. He removes the blade just as quickly.
None of you feel like you can move forward to stop Andrew without exerting significant force of will.
Andrew turns to Baldemar sheathing his blade and placing the holy symbol back into his shirt, that feeling which made your skin crawl with fireworms, ceases.
"Now you an ah,we've some histary ta'gether Baldemar. You know fer ah fact ah've fought the dead alongside wit' Claudio and his boys. Ah kow tha' Cardinal an ah'e a bet...
Tassilo takes a point of Agg.
Intelligence+Occult -
Perception+Empathy -
Intelligence+Occult -
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Baldemar opens and then closes his mouth at Geoffroi's words, he is at a loss to respond. He sighs then his eyes go wide as he watches the display of Andrew's power.
Tassilo grunts as he too is injured by Andrew's power.
Sadir stands and forces blood to his face to heal his wound. He does not speak but eyes Andrew with open hatred as Onfroi speaks.
Andrew shakes his head at Onfroi, "I brandished no weapon, just merely placed it gently against tha' face o' one who would give up his kin to save his own arse.
Where ah'm from, ken a'fore yerself. But ah suppose ah should expect no better from a snake hey?
Correct, it is tha' power o' God tha' fuels me and it's tha' power o' God tha' Baldemar thinks belongs only ta' Mortals. True believers exist even among tha' so called wicked.
So ya' see, it was necessary fer err success ta' show Baldemar jus' that".
His eyes narrow, "How can I know this is not some sort of trick? An illusion?!"
Andrew draws his blade and hands it to Sadir. The Setite snarls as he takes it and before he can respond the light of the blade winks out. "Ya see, he's a damned soul and his damnation prevents him from usin' tha' blade o' the righteous. Hand it ta' Baldemar, snake".
"I should lop your head off with it wretch. But I believe I see where you are taking this and so I shall instead, humor you".
The Setite Elder hands the blade to Baldemar and the light bursts forth once more!
"Ya' feel it don't ya' Ser Baldemar?" asks Andrew.
You saw Onfroi also openly flinch at the presentation of the Holy Symbol, he was the only one who did so, besides you...
The blade is indeed dangerous. If used against you, it would spell your doom, it has been blessed by the great foe!
---
As the young licks make their way up the stairs the Seneschal turns to you and Khay'tall, "For now, it may be wise to remain here in Elysium.
We cannot know where these Inquisitors may strike next and this is the most defensible position in the city.
Going anywhere else is subject to some risk but it is of course your individual choices to decide what to do next".
The female Lasombra Magdalena speaks, "We should alert the Toreador and the Nosferatu warrens of this information, if they do not already know it. I shall take care of that task".
The Seneschal nods.
Alejandro speaks, "Savio and I have rapport with the Toreador Artist, we shall warn her. Attend to the Nosferatu my dear splitting up will get us farther faster".
Magdalena nods and exits through the shadows as do Alejandro and Savio leaving just you Bernardo, Khay'tall, Alyssa of Clan Ventrue, and the Seneschal in the audience room as the rest are still upstairs debating.
Alyssa remains quiet and eyes the stairs.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Somewhere Not Safe -
Feet come back down the stairs, there are several of them. The footsteps all congregate in one area of the room.
Claudio speaks, "So you were a Crusader as a Mortal man?"
"I was".
Claudio responds, "How can I trust that you will be honorable and not try and free your companions?"
"Place you holy blade upon my flesh. If I die, I shall pray my soul to go to the Lord, if I still exist, I shall serve you and yours".
Feet shift and the Knights mutter.
"So be it", states Claudio.
He unsheathes his blade and you hear nothing. Nothing at all.
Sir Dunstan speaks, "Free me and I shall pledge my blade to you. I shall show you where the vipers nest, by day we shall root the rest out with fire.
There are easily twice as many here as you have captured. Some have their own bolt holes so we may not be able to capture them all but we can capture most".
The Cardinal speaks, "We shall assign to you three of our Order who will slay you should you act against us".
"I understand. I shall not fail you Cardinal or your Field Marshall. Once we find the one who created me, I shall embrace life not death. Let the blood of these Devils wash away my sins!"
Claudio sighs, "I believe this one. Free him".
The chains are removed and you hear Sir Dunstan step down, "To ensure that I am your man, I shall wield no blade but mine own hands.
As Michele Querini spoke earlier I am weak and require sustenance. I shall take it, from these creatures, the more full I am the better I can serve".
Feet scrape the ground and the sound of flesh hitting the floor is picked up by your Vampiric senses, "Field Marshall or Lord Commander Claudio, I pledge my fealty to you, my word is my bond, I shall die before betraying you but take heed for my maker can direct me as she sees fit".
Claudio smacks Sir Dunstan twice, "Rise Sir Dunstan. Do what you must and then you shall lead us to our next target this Night. Know that we will need to imprison you once day comes again for own our safety and yours".
"I will comply My Lord", responds Sir Dunstan. "May I now take what I need?"
"Yes", replies Claudio.
Dunstan heads to a body and the chains rattle, the Cardinal speaks, "Not Sister Maria!"
Dunstan replies, "She willingly became one of our ilk. She and those who serve the Master will be mine. I shall take two of them for they are dangerous".
You hear him begin to feed! He feeds upon three and grunts as he does so. After each drink the chains slump, whatever sentience those Cainites had, Dunstan has taken.
After several minutes of the Knights watching he takes a deep breath, "I am now sated and more powerful! I shall be that much more useful to the cause now my Lord".
"Come, we shall head to this nest. Cardinal, you, Ramon and Kristoff shall remain to guard these prisoners.
We shall prevail, God Wills It!"
"GOD WILLS IT", the Knights, including Dunstan retort.
A rush at the stairs leaves the room silent thereafter...
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Somewhere Not Safe - Lorenzo Cappelli & Michele Querini
“Is he truly going to hunt down the others or is this a ruse. Either way I hope any aid comes soon.
Roll
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Somewhere Not Safe -
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Somewhere Not Safe -
April 1st, 1309: Venice by Night
Onfroi says gritting his teeth I am going to feed and then will find a building near by to watch their entrance and exit from above. Find the tallest near building and get to the roof and I will find you. Onfroi is done with this and departs to go hunt on his way to the location where the kindred are held.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Andrew calls out to you Onfroi, "Afore ye leave Nossy, remember that yer sapposed tah cloak us so we can sneak up on em' unawares. Only tha best o' them can see ya no?
Plus, I didnae teel ya' wher ta' go yet..."
Alessandro steps forward, "I will go with Onfroi to feed, then we will meet you back at the Way of Kings Inn Andrew". The Ventrue peers around to see if Onfroi will re-appear.
Baldemar blanches at the discussion of feeding, "I can feel the power of the Blade Lord Andrew". He pauses for a brief period contemplating what he will say next.
He swallows hard and with a grim visage speaks in a husky voice near to cracking, "My price for my aid is as follows, first, I shall be allowed to hold this blade as a defense against future betrayal, second, I shall not raise my sword arm against any Knights, be they Teutons or otherwise, third, you shall not slay any Knights we encounter, finally, you Andrew and you Geoffroi will escort me out of this city once this deed is complete. That is my penance for costing you your life Geoffroi. You are the second of my close allies whom I have cost their lives due to the presence of these Fiends".
Sadir snorts, "Who are you to make demands upon us? You are as much a prisoner as an ally.
I have done what I can and what I am willing to do. I leave the rest of you to this endeavor. I have business away from this city to which I must attend. If you rescue my Childe, tell him to seek me in the Court of the Winds. I am sure Khay'tall will tell him where his search for this place must begin". Sadir vanishes via Obfuscate.
Venice by Night
Onfroi had not yet disappeared and nods saying you would need a great ability to see me to be sure.. Onfroi takes Alessandro with then and walks out not vanishing with him until just about to leave the Elysium doors.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
from Court to a Venetian Gondola -
As you and Alessandro exit Court, you find only the Setite and the mysterious newcomer waiting along with Alyssa.
The Seneschal watches you both leave without questioning you further.
Alyss follows behind. As you both exit she speaks, "My Love, are you going on this fools errand? Why? There is nothing left here but unnecessary danger, it is time I made my report to the Courts of Avalon and time for you to leave this place and accompany me".
Alessandro replies simply, "No, I must do what I must do".
With your cloak falling upon him Alyssa opens her mouth to object but you have both vanished, you are also both on a Gondola before she considers heading to the docks to stop you.
As the boatman shoves back into the city proper the Ventrue speaks to you, "Why are you undertaking this task Onfroi? As a childe of a Camarilla Inner Circle Member, for what it is worth I suppose, you could push back on the Seneschal until your Sire resurfaces no?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Andrew speaks when the room is considerably less crowded, "Ah'll meet yer price Ser Baldemar".
"So be it", replies Baldemar flatly. He removes his own blade handing it to Andrew and sheathes Andrew's own in his scabbard, a close enough fit.
Andrew nods, "Time's a wastin' and me leg don't allow me tah move real quick like, we should make err way tah tha' Inn now, unless any others of ya' have somethin' ta' say or an actual fookin' word ta' speak..."
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Casting an eye at the stairs and at the Elysium exit Valdemar speaks, "She will no doubt seek the aid of the Nosferatu. A plentiful if not cowardly lot.
Alejandro and Savio will seek the aid of the Toreador Elder who it seems they have some relationship with already.
That means that I have the two of you.
There are still several Cainites here assuming they have not been captured or met the Final Death from the Inquisition. Where they fall may have an impact on who is crowned the new Prince, have you any alliances with them Serpent? The greater the numbers that speak on my behalf, the greater the chance a transfer or power is bloodless".
Khay'tall speaks, "So long as you are still in existence, when y ally arrives, it will matter not what ass sits upon that chair, we shall be victorious".
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Somewhere Not Safe -
"Cardinal!" one of the Knights exclaims after several long minutes of silence, "What if we are wrong and this Fiend Knight leads our brethren into a trap!"
The other Knight picks up on the thread, "Volkov and his henchmen are all disappeared. That leaves just us. One of us should take one of these creatures and go! Now!"
The first Knight speaks again, "Our deaths will be meaningless if the Holy See does not receive actual proof from our Order".
The Cardinal remains silent, "Very Well, you are both right. This may have been a mistake by Claudio. Take one of the females, they shall travel the lightest. It will take both of you to accomplish this task. God shall be my sheppard lads".
You hear the sounds of the Knights beginning to pull down one of your captured lot to vacate the city with but which one!?
** spoiler omitted **
Geoffroi whispers to Andrew
“What of the poor wretch I mentioned that Volkov’s knights have amputated? Wouldn’t it be prudent to either retrieve or kill him? To deprive them of their evil fuel?”
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Andrew turns to Geoffroi, "Maybe ah'm mistaken but ah dinnae remember what yer aboot.
Did we speak o' this? Maybe tha' strain o' tha' night has me misrememberin'?"
Venice by Night, a gondola with a Ventrue
When they exit the gondola and are in a place hunting back alleys quietly Onfroi will answer getting these fools to the door is easy and that is my task. If they present a way for me to stop the Masquerade from being broken, good. If not, fine as well. However, these knights struck against me directly and almost had me. If I can take victory from their maw in a clever way I will look for it just so they may taste their folly. Yet know that their faith is strong and their numbers impressive so I will be smart about it or not do it at all.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Andrew turns to Geoffroi, "Maybe ah'm mistaken but ah dinnae remember what yer aboot.
Did we speak o' this? Maybe tha' strain o' tha' night has me misrememberin'?"
Geoffroi looks at Andrew apologetically
"Perhaps in all the confusion I didn't mention this wretch to you. Volkov had a prisoner, a ..Cainite...such as ourselves. He had amputated the wretch completely. The man was but a torso. He was using his blood to fuel his knights. He offered me and Baldemar some of this abhorrent blood, but I refused. It seemed profane."
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Andrew turns to Geoffroi, "Maybe ah'm mistaken but ah dinnae remember what yer aboot.
Did we speak o' this? Maybe tha' strain o' tha' night has me misrememberin'?"
Geoffroi looks at Andrew apologetically
"Perhaps in all the confusion I didn't mention this wretch to you. Volkov had a prisoner, a ..Cainite...such as ourselves. He had amputated the wretch completely. The man was but a torso. He was using his blood to fuel his knights. He offered me and Baldemar some of this abhorrent blood, but I refused. It seemed profane."
"Who is this Volkov? I would agree if he keeps a Cainite to fuel his ghouls, removing him would advantageous."
Geoffroi looks at the unfamiliar man
“Volkov heads the knights who hunt Canites. He was the one who organized the ambuscade where Baldemar and I were captured. He is supported by the Church, to wit one Claudio, a bishop. They use our blood to gain prowess. They know what weapons will incapacitate us.”
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
"Aye, Volkov was a Ghoul Hunter. But we c'n locate tha' Cainite prisoner after we rescue err comrades".
Andrew is silent as Tassilo and Geoffroi exchange, "Leads is no tha' correct term, was aligned wit's is more accurate.
But ye telled me tha' he was subject ta' tha' Embrace by Talisman anyhow last night no? So he's not in tha' city any how. Claudio's tha' leader o' tha' Knights but there is a Cardinal who's damned name ah' always ferget. I say we head ta' Way of Kings, meet up wit' tha' Nos and tha' Ventrue and then figure it all out".
Ranerius nods in agreement clearly not thrilled to be included in this.
Baldemar grimaces and begins to head towards the door.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
After nearly two hours of travel and wait time, Onfroi and Alessandro appear behind the Way of Kings Inn and your small band is together again.
Andrew speaks, "Alright, tis time. Baldemar, Geoffroi and meself will head inta' tha' Church and see wot's wot.
One o' us will find a way ta' exit and report back ta' the lot o the rest o' you, who''' be under tha' cloak o' Onfroi watchin' and then we'll figure out what ta' do. We canno' wait till the morrow".
Andrew reveals that the Church is only a five minute walk from the Inn. As you all arrive in the area to decide what positions to take...
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Somewhere Not Safe -
Whoever was chosen is carried out under heavy burden by the Knights after sounding like being hammered into a coffin for daylight protection.
You all hear a chair sliding into the middle of the room and the Cardinal speaks.
"This is it my Lads and Lasses. The time shall come soon and the rest of your allies will be captured or slain. Consider what I have told you this evening, those who I could speak to at any rate.
The Lord looks upon us with great favor. We will save those who we can, the rest we shall send to God for final judgment..."
Venice by Night, going to the Chapel...
Venice, former Elysium of the Prince
I we are to win we must have support until your friend arrives or we don't survive. We need the other two factions to fight. How do we make that happen? Also who is the piece that can get us support to at least make us serious? I will do what must be done now Bernardo says
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
Andrew reveals that the Church is only a five minute walk from the Inn. As you all arrive in the area to decide what positions to take...
** spoiler omitted **
Geoffroi points to the wagon
“That looks interesting, considering who we search for, non?”
"Interesting indeed, lets take a closer look..."
How are the two men dressed? What are they armed with?
Venice by Night
Onfroi notes what the group is pointing at and whispers let them leave the grounds of the church and we can take them unaware in the streets swiftly
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Khay'tall remains silent while Valdemar replies, "All that remain to be petitioned are the newest arrivals of the Camarilla.
The problem being we do not know who is captured, who has fled, and who remains.
Can you track the Tremere who just left Bernardo? That Elder is quite old and resourceful, he will be a valuable asset. His name is Radek.
We can also claim credit for those who have been rescued by the Neonates as it was I who authorized, nay demanded, that they be freed".
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
Alessandro nods, "Agreed. I can scale the buildings and descend on them from one side while you take the other.
Tassilo can remain here to assist our allies if they run into greater trouble within, can you cloak us once more Onfroi?"
Andrew nods in agreement, "Aye, it's a solid plan, good eye Geoffroi.
Baldemar, Geoffroi, once tha' carriage moves away we'll have ta' quickly approach the front door o' tha' Church".
---
Soon enough the wagon begins to move forward drawn by the horses with the two Knights atop the front. One holding the reigns, the other a wicked looking crossbow.
Geoffroi advances towards the church, alert to any guards or noises
Venice by Night, ambushing the stagecoach
Onfroi will spend celerity and just after the coach leaves the grounds he will board the coach from the back using stealth with his sword drawn prepares to appear from thin air and sh be it through the crossbow man's neck and will wait for Alessandro to jump down from above and then attack.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Wagon Ambush -
As you take off to follow you hear Alessandro curse under his breath as he knows he has to do the heavy climbing but he excels at such and you suspect he shall come through.
Before there was parkour, there was Il Corvo!
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari -
Your attempt at stealth is negated by Andrew's slow walking gait towards the front doors. Baldemar follows behind somewhat reluctantly but is there nonetheless, he keeps his thoughts to himself and his face is impassive.
You all arrive at the stairs and then to the doors unimpeded. A few patrons exit as you approach. They appear to be locals here to pray and hurry along when confronted by three armed holy warriors though they nod respectfully.
Andrew and Baldemar arrive at the doors open and enter, you get a slight hesitant feeling. As if, as if... you are not welcome.
---
You both await outside to see what the Knights can do against the imposing edifice of the Basilica.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Somewhere Not Safe -
Cardinale prattles on about God and Redemption.
Geoffroi masters his feeling of reluctance and enters
Venice, attacking the stagecoach!
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari -
You enter the Basilica and all is as it appeared the last time.
Andrew and Baldemar head for the secret stairway, the same you utilized last time. No one is here, it is quiet, perhaps too quiet.
As you all reach the false wall Andrew turns to Baldemar, "Lead the way".
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari -
Three distinct sets of feet come down the stairs Lorenzo and Michele and you hear Cardinale cease his prattling.
"The Lord bless me, you have all returned!
We had thought you all perished when Volkov and his allies did not return.
Lord Andrew, you too are most welcome, it has been some time, we had thought you returned to Scotland as your countrymen had not heard from you for weeks!"
Geoffroi, as you peer around the room you see several coffins lined up, each coffin lid is open but with heavy clothes draped over them. Each coffin has separate manacles chaining whatever, or whoever is inside to these sturdy stone walls.
“It was a fraught night, and much occurred. What news on this side?”
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Wagon Ambush -
Onfroi you successfully manage to leap into the back of the wagon, a quick search of the wagon reveals that it is indeed a chained coffin within.
The wagon moves fast but not too rapidly as the cobblestones of Venice do not allow for speedy wagon travel, they will likely need to go to a small ship in the harbor if they wish to bring the wagon and the casket along with them. You trust that Alessandro knows the city well enough to find the right ambush site...
Just then you hear a thump in the front of the wagon, "My apologies gentlemen but I cannot allow you to go any further!"
Witnesses % Chance of Presence -
Initiative
Onfroi -
Alessandro -
Knight 1 -
Knight 2 -
Round 1
Onfroi - GO!
Alessandro
Knight 1 & 2
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari -
Cardinale replies, "Great success!
We have captured an interrogated several Night Fiends, some I sadly knew as Mortal men only mere weeks ago!
Did Vykos and his men survive?"
Baldemar speaks, "Father, I fear there is little time for talk, I must take you with me to safety. Andrew and Geoffroi will steel themselves for battle. You are defenseless and the hordes that remain in the city come to seek their captured brethren! Where is Lord Claudio?!"
Andrew's eyebrows rise in surprise at the tactic taken by Baldemar.
Cardinale shakes his head in defiance, "Nay! We are all in God's good graces, this evil must be stamped out. Let it come, here in the Basilica I cannot be defeated by these wretches of Satan!"
Venice by Night, Wagon Ambush
Onfroi spends three points into strength and three points into stamina and takes the sword appearing behind the man with the drawn crossbow out of no where and attempting to ram it through his neck!
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari -
Cardinale replies, "Great success!
Did Vykos and his men survive?"
“All was in chaos. Our ambuscade was anticipated and countered. We had to retreat from an onslaught. I cannot say who has survived. I had hoped you had word”
He looks to Baldemar, aware that the man is looking for a way to betray them
Venice by Night, former Elysium of Prince Narses
Bernardo nods and says where was he staying? as soon as he has the answer he runs out by foot feeling they will take a gondola and he may be able to pick up speed by foot to reach Tremere quicker.