Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Exiting the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari -
"Even dead tha' Ventrue seek out coin, I s'pose that's why they've so damned much o' it!
Tomorrow eve than".
He gestures for Geoffroi to follow him to their next destination.
As your group begins to move in separate directions the Lasombra Tassilo steps out from the shadows and nods to you all. He then steps back in and you assume, takes his own leave.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Without the benefit of the Nosferatu's mastery of Obfuscate, the travel through the streets is fraught with more peril.
Around any corner a group of Knights, with a Cainite who knows you by sight, can challenge you! Part of you wonders why Victor stared at you with such open aggression, a matter not as important as returning home alive of course.
An eventful night you hope to soon have over.
Despite the many Mortals you encounter this night, none wear tabards indicating the fanaticism of the Church Inquisition. The Mortals are all far too involved in their own whispered conversations to give you more than a passing glance. Suddenly you remember, the Mortal world too is in full turmoil! You finally arrive at your home and business finding the front door locked.
A knock produces your wife at the window who spots you and beckons you within, she gives you a look of concern, "Is all well my Love?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
The Cappadocian, the Setite, and the Toreador make their way to Lorenzo's home. Doubling back a few times out of sheer paranoia, the group arrives later than they should have but are reasonable sure they were not followed.
Michele curses under his breath for not having mastered Obfuscate yet that he could cloak the entire group but then with these fanatics able to see through his illusions would it even protect them if he could? He instead hides his own appearance behind a false mask as the Querini family is currently not one that should be roaming the streets this night.
Groups of Mortals that they do encounter chat animatedly, such is the passion of Venetians!, about the events of the previous night and day. The talk of rebellion and the Church dominate the topics.
Finally the weary group enters the front door. Within the presence of a huge man dressed all in black, wielding a wicked looking blade towers over them, Victor shifts to attack when a familiar voice speaks, "Doctor! I was concerned when you did not return but I have waited here and finally you have come home. The usual channels have been silent, has something happened?" It is Moses.
The Toreador turns to you Lorenzo, still on edge, "he is yours I presume?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Bernardo, you return to Elysium to find the Seneschal waiting alongside Khay'tall. The Setite seat of power has been moved to the left side of the Prince's "throne" and they converse quietly.
As you approach, the Seneshcal gives you a cold stare and a nod, "What news...."
His voice trails off as Andrew and Geoffroi, the two Salubri enter Court.
"You both live. This must men that you have succeeded in rooting out these meddlesome Holy Men yes?"
Andrew pauses for a moment holding his leg, he looks up, "Yes, we've freed several o' err kind. Some have died at tha' hands o' tha' Knights. At at the fangs o' thirsty Cainites. If'n some were kin to ye' then ye' should take it up wit' those who were hungered.
We did no root out tha' Knight though. They were out a huntin'.
There's a possibility tha' one o' err kind hunts wit' em".
Geoffroi bides his time and keeps his mouth shut. Having grown up a lesser son of a lesser nobleman, he well knows what can occur if someone of lesser rank speaks out of turn. He gets the feeling he is of the least rank in this assembly
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Blurred Mongoose -
"Ware trading with that one my Childe, while an alliance with him is useful, too close and the sun will burn you out.
The Hunters invaded the Inn assigned to our kind as well. I slipped through the to the cisterns as you did to escape. The Herd from each Inn must be kept somewhere as well for they would not slay their own kind. Despite Kestral's domination, they too are a threat to the Silence of the Blood. The resources of our Clan are being used to track their whereabouts.
What of the rest of those captured? Were they destroyed or released from the clutches of these Mortals?
Mithras eh? From one ancient Ventrue to another". He chuckles, "You are certainly on the correct track Childe, aligning ourselves with the most powerful is the best way, it's what so few of the rest of our Clan fail to grasp.
Now that you have found me, we must discuss our next steps.
The Prince is not in Elysium and Ferdinand cannot locate him at all. This is an ill omen".
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Without the benefit of the Nosferatu's mastery of Obfuscate, the travel through the streets is fraught with more peril.
Around any corner a group of Knights, with a Cainite who knows you by sight, can challenge you! Part of you wonders why Victor stared at you with such open aggression, a matter not as important as returning home alive of course.
An eventful night you hope to soon have over.
Mostly, he hopes he is not followed. I hope my sentry duty was of some worth to the others. I Should have done more, but the basilica was.. mesmerizing and by the time.. bah. Enough. Focus on the now and about you.
Despite the many Mortals you encounter this night, none wear tabards indicating the fanaticism of the Church Inquisition. The Mortals are all far too involved in their own whispered conversations to give you more than a passing glance. Suddenly you remember, the Mortal world too is in full turmoil! You finally arrive at your home and business finding the front door locked.
A knock produces your wife at the window who spots you and beckons you within, she gives you a look of concern, "Is all well my Love?"
He extends his senses one more time, to be sure none follow or have followed, to be sure no ambushers await him in the inn holding his wife bespelled, a dozen ideas but that seem ludicrous but they live in a world of the dark and impossible do they not?
IF there is no sign of danger after that he says "It seems well enough, my wife. Though things are changing, rapidly yet further."
Venice by Night
Onfroi nods and listens to what Petradon says and then I feel I should accompany Alessandro and his sire to London and work with the offer with Mithras as the inner circle gaining favor for us and the clan. I feel I have no particular connection here and I think Venice is played out now for us. What think you, Sire?
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
"Indeed, Moses is an ally of mine." Lorenzo says with a respectful nod toward the ghoul.
Turning his attention back to Moses, he says, "Many were captured by inquisitor knights, including those you see before you now...we were freed by fellow Cainites...others met the final death."
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
You sense no threats.
Your wife seems quite tired. After locking the doors once more you return upstairs with her. Tomorrow she will have a big day getting the place open for business once more.
You lay with her and let sleep take you over.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Blurred Mongoose -
"Mithras is powerful indeed but he is a Justicar not a member of the Inner Circle. The true seat of power, or at least the intended seat is the Domain of the Black Cross of Hardestadt".
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
"This is most vexing indeed Doctor. I am glad you are all safe. It is unfortunate that some of your ilk faced destruction but well that you did not.
I take it you will rest here now?
Your Brother-in-Law has not returned. Nor has your Brother come to visit. I assume if any try and enter here by day they are hostile and should be dealt with?"
Victor cuts in, "Do we sleep in one of the bedrooms Cappadocian?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
"Yes Moses, that is accurate. Save of course for my brother or brother-in-law who should simply be hurried away rather than harshly dealt with." Lorenzo says.
Turning attention to Victor, he says, "No, that would not appropriate as this was my home as a mortal and the windows would not be very conducive to our continued existence."
Going over to the large rug on the floor, Lorenzo pulls it away revealing the door in the floor leading to his laboratory. "This would be more appropriate for our kind. Moses, if you would, replace the rug once we have descended."
Venice by Night
Bernardo arrives and enters elysium and is about to answer the question when the Salubri arrive to speak of the rescue attempt. At that point Bernardo remains silent and listens and waits to see how long it will be until he has time to speak to the seneschal and Khay'tall.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home - Lorenzo Cappelli & Michele Querini
Turning to Lorenzo, "thank you again for the place to stay tonight."
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
Victor nods in agreement with Querni's sentiments.
The three of you head down to the lab which is a bit musty and dusty after several weeks of disuse. Most importantly though, it is proofed from the sun due to its location under ground.
You are all able to find a place to lay down, the Cappadocian on a stone slab meant, appropriately, for the dead and the others on the floor.
Soon enough the soft footfalls of the large man upstairs fade as day sleep overtakes you all. With sleep the anxieties of the past two nights fade.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
"Who would this be Lord Andrew?"
"Sir Dunstan, a Brujah if'n ah'm not mistaken".
The Seneschal sighs, "Then there is a possibility that the location of this Elysium is compromised then". He makes a statement and is not asking a questions.
Valdemar grimaces, strain upon his face. "We shall have to then temporarily abandon this seat of power. The lower chambers cannot be reached by Mortals only by Lasombra or those who Master Obtenebration.
I shall make arrangements through the night to make this place look as abandoned on the inside as it is on the outside. Your diligence in reporting this Lord Andrew is well noted".
Andrew nods, "Ah'll rent a room at the Way o' Kings Inn through a proxy by the name o' Federico. If'n ya' need ta' reach me, seek him there and he''l get ta' us. Fer now I agree, we need ta' stay low. We've taken their prizes and this time they're not gonna show much mercy if'n they sink thair red hot pokers inta' err asses again".
Andrew and Geoffroi take their leave, the younger Salubri saying nothing at all.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
As the Salubri exit the Seneschal turns his attention once more to Bernardo, "There is now much to do, speak quickly as it was not take I told them. I shall not have these possessions ransacked by these fanatical hooligans".
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Outside the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
As you both exit the Elysium Andrew turns back and frowns, "Tha' Seneschal convenes wit' one outsider who ain't o' tha' Camarilla an another I ain't never seen a'fore this night but've now seen twice.
Where in tha' heel err all o' tha' damned Cainites tha' dwell in tha' city?
Err they captured err dead, err fled?"
He walks along the deck, thumping along with is bad leg, "Worry no lad, twas a rhetorical question.
Here's one tha' ain't. Dare we brave tha' Way o' Kings this night ta' visit tha' creature tha' the Volkov's captured err do we jus' head ta' bed till tha 'morrow?"
Geoffroi grimaces
“I would rescue that wretch if it is possible. I thought what was being done was wrong even when I was living. Also, it would deprive Volkov of his source of blood”
Venice by Night
Onfroi nods at the correction having forgotten who had been chosen and says well, what would you have me do then Sire?
Venice by Night
Bernardo says plainly the Tremere was at one time a coterie member with Alejandro. He will not move against him and urges you to make a deal with him against the others and then he will help you, but that conflict was foolish
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Outside the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
"If'n what ye telled me is true, he is one o' us know. Embraced by a powerful member o' err kind ta' boot!
If'n we get the wretch we'll need ta' stay at tha' Inn, we canno' risk having a creature as vile as he know the whereabouts of our only safe haven".
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Blurred Mongoose -
"There is danger here but opportunity as well.
The Nosferatu who are kin to Simon will never tell me what truly takes place here and I must leave to secure more warrens to legitimize my seat as Inner Circle.
I could force you to stay but that is not our way. My preference is for you to be here. If you do stay, I can teach you a simple Ritual that you can use to communicate with me directly and keep me apprised of what is taking place.
If you choose to go the Kingdom of Avalon it is vital that you show Mithras or his minions just how useful you can be.
The choice, is yours".
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Khay'tall grins, "I told you that was foolish".
Valdemar shakes his head, "Even nearly three centuries later their ties are strong".
Khay'tall laughs, "Lasombra and Setites are unique in our distaste of Coteries, generally speaking. But other Clans bond strongly even with those not of their Blood.
Still, the advice of Radek is sound. He is one who has survived when the whole of his own Clan, with the exception of his own lineage, sought him to be dead".
Valdemar nods, "What if I offer him the Princeship while I retain my position as Seneschal. When your ally arrives, it is up to him to challenge her rights or step aside? Of course, that may result in the death of my dear Broodmate if your ally is as strong as you claim".
Khay'tall remains silent and looks to you Bernardo...
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Outside the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
"If'n what ye telled me is true, he is one o' us know. Embraced by a powerful member o' err kind ta' boot!
If'n we get the wretch we'll need ta' stay at tha' Inn, we canno' risk having a creature as vile as he know the whereabouts of our only safe haven".
“Aye. I meant the knights in general, if any survive”
Venice by Night
I see opportunity in both paths sire. I will stay here and see what can be done with this city, but I won't belong with my own clan here either who will see me as extension of you. I will have to carve my own path to be sure Onfroi says.
Venice by Night
Bernardo says our deal was for you to gain when Khay'tall's associate was Prince so until that happens what incentive does Khay'tall have or myself to assist and uphold you? We would need positions and assurances that we would remain in the power structure. We would assist Alejandro to hold prince then and we could of course make the same deal with the other faction vying for Prince so they don't feel like losers but gain in Venice as well in return for life and loyalty. Then I think this works and when Khay'tall s representative arrives we will align to our original deal for her support of our loyalty and positions in the city and we will offer the same to all the others at that point. No sense in fighting such an elder when we can continue to deal as our situation evolves right? You in turn will have to grab the resources of the former prince and hold them with value and enhancement to retain and increase your value to any prince of this city. We three will form a mutually supporting act to maintain and increase all of our positions including the receipt of domains and positions to increase our resources and value to any prince. What say you?
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
Outside the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
"Then let's get ta' tha' Way o' Kings and take a room. We should break inta' the Volkov's room tomorrow eve as if'n there be a problem this night we've no time ta' go to ground".
The two of you make your way back to the vicinity of the Bacilica being careful not to go to close to the front entrance. The Innkeep informs Andrew that he still has his rooms. Andrew looks a bit sheepish and asks for another set of rooms.
He hustles you quickly up the stairs to this new room, "Ah damned well forgot tha' those I came here wit' err still about. Damnation. Let's bad down and discuss further in tha' morn'".
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Blurred Mongoose -
"Agreed, I have a room here. Stay the night and I shall teach you the Ritual. It is time consuming to cast but rewarding to do so when lines of communication are too far".
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Valdemar nods, "Agreed. While Prince Narses never held formal positions outside of the Senschal, such positions do indeed exist in other cities.
There is an Inn, the Lion's Mane Inn. On the third floor is a room where Brexiano used to do business so it is reserved for him at all times. Simply enter and go to the third floor, the last door on the left and enter, I shall be there awaiting your arrival. Then s=we shall formalize the agreement with Blood Contracts. Once we have officially aligned ourselves, we shall approach Alejandro.
Are these terms acceptable?"
Khay'tall nods in assent.
Venice by Night
Bernardo looks at them both and nods then and says agreed, I will see you tomorrow. Bernardo departs if there is nothing more.
Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309
the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
The Gangrel finds a spot in the earth to sink into and rests though his dreams are plagued with memories not his own...
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
You awaken to the sounds of furniture being moved downstairs and your wife swearing at the job. It sounds as if she is quite serious about getting the place back to normal this very night!
But you know that nothing will be normal again, not with what has happened to you. At first, this was a magical experience, to be immortal, to experience the world and continue your art forever. But now, with the Prince having vanished and the Hunters having appeared, this is now a deadly game.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Blurred Mongoose -
You wake up in the Mongoose having stayed the day in a light proof space with your Sire.
He watches you as you begin to rise, "You are waking late Childe.
Ware your loss of Humanity as it will weigh heavy upon you by day and force you to wake later each night.
Regardless, I take my leave from Venice this night. I shall visit the port cities along the coast to the west. Our Clan will bring word to others of our Clan to inform them of my existence and of yours.
Once you decide what course you shall take, inform me.
Stay away from these Hunters if you remain here. As with all Mortal troubles, we shall outlive them. Have you any further questions for me?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
The day disappears and you all wake in the evening, MIchele last, without stakes in your chests or booted feet stomping upstairs.
Victor sighs deeply and looks to you both, "I must return to the Courts of Love. I must inform the Queen what has happened to my Sire. If Khadahi owns a shipping company, do you believe he is trustworthy enough to arrange for passage for me to return?
My Sire had no plans to leave any time soon so I have no transit arranged at the moment".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
Geoffroi you wake up in the evening and take a deep breath but then remember it is not necessary.
You find Andrew sitting in a chair, looking out the window. Smoking. It appears he removed all of the daylight blocking sheets and mattress he placed there the night before.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Somewhere Outside of the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
You can hear your own voice speaking into the darkness, whispering in a language that no Mortal speaks. The Darkness speaks back. "You" seem to understand what is being discuss but Bernardo just does not understand. You cannot determine how long the discussion lasts for but the Darkness agrees to aid you, the price for such aid appears to be access to the world of the light... and something else, but what else you cannot quite grasp...
You wake up, still in the ground.
Venice by Night
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
Lorenzo shrugs. "I have had business dealings with him before this existence and again since and have not been betrayed. He is reliable, but trusting any Cainite is something you do at your own peril."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
"After our meeting with the Salubri this evening I would like to be introduced formally to Khadaji. I interacted with him briefly during the Conclave but your personal relationship would be most welcome.
Much as I would like to stay and slay these Hunters myself, the death of my Sire must be reported to the Courts as quickly as possible".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Somewhere Outside of the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
"I suppose that is something that could be done, in exchange for a similar meager favor to be returned at a later date. Of course, anything beyond a formal introduction would come at a higher cost."
"Is that agreeable, Victor?" Lorenzo asks, gesturing for his "guests" toward the steep staircase to the house proper.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
Geoffroi you wake up in the evening and take a deep breath but then remember it is not necessary.
You find Andrew sitting in a chair, looking out the window. Smoking. It appears he removed all of the daylight blocking sheets and mattress he placed there the night before.
Geoffroi awakes, a hunger stirring within him
“Andrew, how should we proceed with our rescue attempt?”
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
He turns back to you from looking out the window, "We'll have ta' be real careful like.
Tha' Inquisition is out in full force t'night. I c'n see 'em from here. If'n they recognize us, we're gonna have ta' interact wit' 'em and see'in as how I dinnae know where Baldemar took that Cardinal, who knows if they know o' err existence.
If'n tha' Cainite is a torso like ye said he is, we'll have ta' make sure we hide him in somethin' and carry him out. We've ta' disguise errselves fer sure".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
Victor nods in agreement, "This has been a disastrous trip thus far. What area few more minor boons to ensure safe passage away?"
Geoffroi ponders
“Perhaps if we assumed the visage of common laborers and we got an empty crate? We could look as if we were doing something innocuous and perhaps spirit him away via gondola?”
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home - Lorenzo Cappelli & Michele Querini
Michele listens intently and nods at the comments of a disastrous trip.
“ Let’s hope things get better and there are not to many more surprises, though I have a feeling we won’t understand the full effects of the last day or so for a while.”
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
You awaken to the sounds of furniture being moved downstairs and your wife swearing at the job. It sounds as if she is quite serious about getting the place back to normal this very night!
But you know that nothing will be normal again, not with what has happened to you. At first, this was a magical experience, to be immortal, to experience the world and continue your art forever. But now, with the Prince having vanished and the Hunters having appeared, this is now a deadly game.
He rises, troubled greatly. Gauging time, he will see who he can safely feed from here in the inn itself. If he finds no one, he moves on to the meeting after telling his wife to be careful.
"I fear I must to out again, love."
Venice by Night
Onfroi will nod to his sire and swing out of bed and say I will indeed work on being earlier to rise, sire. I will see what fruit may be gathered here and if none then I may go elsewhere to find it and will report to you shortly With nothing further Onfroi will ask to take his leave and vanish and look to feed several times on the way to the Princes Elysium.