Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
We're headin' ta' Khadaji storage anyhow, if'n we c'n find a wagon err a Gondola that'd be great..."[/b]
Geoffroi nods
"You would know best. If you feel he will be quiescent, then we should continue"
Geoffroi dresses in the clothes directed, and prepare to attempt to bring the crate away with Andrew
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
The two of you grab the chest which is bulky and heavy. Your side comes up with ease and Andrew pales a bit as he rights his side.
The two of you carry it down with less of a struggle than you pretend to exhibit as you follow Andrew's lead. He simply passes through only nodding to the fellow manning the bar and you both walk right outside into the night.
He puts the crate down several feet away from the front door and eyes the Mortals milling about warily.
"We be not far from tha' Basilica. Ah want ta' get out o' this vacinity as son as we c'n".
He peers around for a wagon or a nearby Gondola at the canal. There are no wagons but there is a Gondoleer standing by. Andrew nods in his direction and approaches.
After a few minutes of haggling and some coin exiting his pocket. The oarsman heads over and assist you in picking up the crate and moving it towards the canal. The man grimaces at trying to get it in and the Scot drops yet more coin into his boat.
---
Geoffroi hisses at Andrew
“Someone observed us and is now flying away towards the basilica”
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
Andrew swears in a gaelic dialect.
"Boatman, we'll need ta commandeer tha' Gondola fer a bit, sit tight aye?"
With superhuman strength he places the box in the Gondola and grabs the oars in one fluid motion. He begins to row with you both watching at the speed with which he does so!
Luckily the crowds are still rather thin or paying attention to some smoke in the distance as the Silence has clearly been breached by Andrew.
"Signore' never have I seen one row so hard so fast!" he exclaims.
Andrew pumps away until you are all out of sight of the Way of Kings, putting as much distance between yourselves and any possible adversaries as he can...
Soon enough, with a great deal of ducats and an explanation of his time on a slave ship to explain his rowing prowess and a long walk with a heavy crate, you and Andrew arrive at the Cappelli warehouse....
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Lorenzo, Michele, Ranerius and Victor stand (or sit) in awkward slinece awaiting the arrival of the Salubri Cainites.
After nearly a 30 minute wait, the two arrive lugging with them a large iron bound crate.
Both appear a bit frazzled.
"About damned time", mutters Victor.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Near the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
As you climb through the stairs of the abandoned warehouse and onto its roof, single minded in your desire to get a good view of the smoking Elysium, you stumble upon three Hunters, fully armed and armored!
Initiative!
Knight 1
Knight 2
Knight 3
Bernardo
Venice by Night
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Lorenzo, Michele, Ranerius and Victor stand (or sit) in awkward slinece awaiting the arrival of the Salubri Cainites.
After nearly a 30 minute wait, the two arrive lugging with them a large iron bound crate.
Both appear a bit frazzled.
"About damned time", mutters Victor.
"Is all well?" Ranerius inquires
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Near the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
You leap into the canal! Knowing discretion to be the better part of valor, the forces were likely more than what you just saw...
Around you, bolts pierce the water but none are able to strike you. As your foes were all armed with blades, it is clear there were more of them present indeed.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Streets of Venice Near Elysium -
You move through the crowds and towards the buildings which surround the Elysium like a ring. In the night sky this close and so full of stars you can see that the smoke is not so black as to have a fire burning still, more like smoldering ruins.
You approach now not far from the first building that is nearest to the canal. Cloaked, of course, in the powers of the Blood, none can see you.
You spot on the roof of each building a group of men, they try and conceal themselves and perhaps to Mortals they are hidden but not to your keen senses!
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Andrew rubs his leg and sits on the chest, "Ah... well no.
One o' tha' damned Inquisition spotters saw meself an Sir Geoffroi here, away wit' said crate.
I had ta' use tha' blood ta' row us faster'n a Mortal c'ld. Silence O' tha' Blood bent but no broken, at least i dinnae think broken. But we had te get away and could no drop this prize inta' tha' hands o' tha' Hunters once more...."
Venice by Night, when the hunters are in your eye like a big pizza pie that's amore...
Onfroi keeps moving through the crowd and then leaves the area turning and heading toward his meeting to leave Venice and these hunters behind
Venice by Night 2 April 1309
Bernardo has his meeting to attend and makes his way from under water to a few blocks away and then will pull himself out and look for a late clothing shop where he might get a change of clothing quickly
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
"Alright, we are all gathered. What is the plan? Venice is still crawling with those damned hunters, and the elders are of no help as I am sure they would simply use us to slow the hunters down long enough for them to escape again." Lorenzo says.
"And do any of you know anymore about the group that went after Lydia? Does she still exist?"
"One o' tha' damned Inquisition spotters saw meself an Sir Geoffroi here, away wit' said crate.
I had ta' use tha' blood ta' row us faster'n a Mortal c'ld. Silence O' tha' Blood bent but no broken, at least i dinnae think broken. But we had te get away and could no drop this prize inta' tha' hands o' tha' Hunters once more...."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
"Alright, we are all gathered. What is the plan? Venice is still crawling with those damned hunters, and the elders are of no help as I am sure they would simply use us to slow the hunters down long enough for them to escape again." Lorenzo says.
"And do any of you know anymore about the group that went after Lydia? Does she still exist?"
Now, if can keep myself from freezing in awe at the sight of the basiclica or other building this night, perhaps I'll be more useful thann I was last time. He does eye the trunk curiously
Then he says "The hunters may not be as united as they seem. Perhaps there's a way to turn them against each other? They want monsters, if there was some way to make them see each other so.. perhaps it would sow chaos among them?"
Geofftoi nods at Ranerius
“A wise thought, M’sieur. Having been on the other side, I can say that they do not know much of how the kindred are organized. They could be tricked into seeing treachery “
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Streets of Venice Near Elysium -
Seeing the trap for what it is, Onfroi simply, walks away.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Near the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
Your half swim half walk through the murky depths of the canals of Venice.
Along the way you encounter several dead bodies sunk with heavy stones, whether sent to these watery depths by Cainites or political rivals you do not have the time nor the inclination to investigate.
As you are about to emerge from the water, a hand grasps at you and pulls you backwards! You flail in struggle but whoever or whatever this is, is quite strong and it seems, more able to operate under water without restrictions than you are.
After several tense moments you are pulled into some murky tunnel and dragged through, unable to get purchase on the slick muddy and moss covered stones that line this space.
You pop claws and begin to carve at the attacked but it does not even flinch!
Suddenly, light and air hit your face and lungs. The thing that had you grappled is a dead thing, its eyes sightless.
Within the space it releases you and standing at the entrance of another tunnel is a pale Cainite who himself appears to be a corpse, a Cappadocian you wager. "Who are you to walk through my domain in such a manner!" he snarls angrily. "Narses did not ask for such dispensation for any including his pet Nosferatu!"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Victor shrugs, "Of which Elders do you speak Lorenzo? While I do seek to leave this place, the Seneschal did order a rescue attempt after being alerted to our plight by the Setite Sire of Michele.
I do not think that we should out of hand assume all of the Elders are against us. Some are more selfish than others to be sure but not all are untrustworthy. They too have incentive to see these Hunters banished or slain".
Andrew sighs, "Ah do have no word o' yer Lydia Lorenzo. I did no see Onfroi nor Alessandro at Court last night.
Also Geoffroi, they had no knowledge o' err kind till one o' us betrayed and turned. Sir Dunstan is a threat that needs ta' be eliminated if naught else".
Geoffroi nods
“Aye. For the Knights and the Church could easily overcome us should our organization become known. I am new to this life, but I can see we are few in number. This Silence you speak of is a necessity of survival. No matter how strong one is, how versed in powers, numbers will tell. Should we be fully revealed, we shall suffer the same fate my former knightly order did - hounded and slain, all of our possessions taken and our strongholds thrown down”
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse - Lorenzo Cappelli, Michele Querini, Geoffroi de Clairvaux & Ranerius Bernerius
Michele listens patiently then joins in
“ Should some or all of us head to Elysium to see which elders are still here and what can be done to the hunters? I agree that Sir Dunstan needs to be handled quickly bc until then none we do not know what he has told them.”
Venice by Night
Onfroi will head to Alessandro's Villa with Elysium burning and not having connections here he will go to catch that ship to London.
Venice by Night, 2 April 1309
Bernardo looks at the creature and says Sir, please I had no idea your domain was here. Narses met the final death and his Elysium is burning with hunters scouring the city. I had to leap into the water to escape their grasp. I have been seeking allies in the city. I would have for sure looked for you!
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Andrew nods at Geoffroi, "Ah dinnae think so Michele, I warned tha' Seneschal of as much last night, tha' one thing we know tha' Dunstan knows of is tha' Princes Elysium. They've no other place ta' strike at us".
Victor shrugs, "Can you not just summon one of them here to us Querini?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Streets of Venice Near Elysium -
You head to Alessandro's villa and find he and Lydia in a testy argument, it seems she wishes to head to the Giovanni stronghold and he and his Sire advise against it, instead suggesting she head to London as well to meet with one of the Cappadocian Elders...
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of an Unknown Cainite -
The Cainite goes rigid, "Narses has met his doom?
That is an interesting development. I had thought the creature invincible considering the enemies he has created over the centuries.
How did this happen?"
"Lydia I haven't seen. As for checking with the elders?" A frownn, "One or more of them will want to raise their station from this tragedy with the least amount of risk. Perhaps.. perhaps if we insisted that noblise oblige was a factor in that status.. that is, those elders that contribute the most to helping will gain the most after, it will force a few to consider doing more than watching?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse - Lorenzo Cappelli, Michele Querini, Geoffroi de Clairvaux & Ranerius Bernerius
turning to Victor, "I certainly can try to summon one but typically elders do not seem to be happy with me afterwards.
turning to all " If we agree to go down this path who would you like me to summon?
Venice by Night, argument ensues
Narses Elysium burns and hunters are stationed on the rooftops to destroy our kind. This city is no longer safe for the kindred. I am sure the ports and exits of the city will be watched.
Venice by Night, April 2 1309
Bernardo says I am Bernardo Morosini of clan Gangrel sir. I witnessed Narses death myself. so there was an assamite and another who was there first. The assamite moved with such speed as I have never seen and struck Narses so fast I could not follow. Narses fell then
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Khadaji Manse -
Lydia stares hard at your entrance and comment. She frowns, "Very well. So be it".
Alyssa looks to you all, "We shall be safe enough traveling in a group. My men and Alessandro's household guards and servant will accompany us to Alessandro's new warehouse.
There we shall be packed in crates and delivered to one of Alessandro's trusted Captain's. While on board, my entourage will release us from our crates and we can roam the ship freely until arrival at several port stops along the way to London".
Alessandro speaks, "We should avoid feeding on the crew as much as possible, thus, the frequent stops".
Lydia fumes but says nothing further.
Alessandro turns to you Onfroi, "Are you in agreement and ready to take this next journey?
I shall miss my fair city but you are correct, it is entirely too dangerous to remain".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of an Unknown Cainite -
"Do you know their names Lad?" the creature inquires.
Venice by Night
The first was named Belisarius an ancient foe of Narses who gripped a ghoul that Narses sought named Bagrat. Narses tore out Belisarius throat and gripped him with five black tentacles. Just when he had his victory a slim form appeared at the top of the stairs named Shabbat who struck until he collapsed to the floor. Bernardo says watching it as it plays in his mind.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of an Unknown Cainite -
"What theater!
What a magnificent tale!
Rivals in life and undeath finally confronting one another across the ages. Tell me, did the Ventrue survive?"
This Cainite, corpse-like as he appears is becoming animated by your tale.
Venice by Night
Bernardo says Belisarius was able to heal and survived and spoke of a debt paid to a third vampires Viking named Dargan or something like it. The ghoul walked away and a young assamite named Durdona was staked and taken by Belisarius as part of an unspoken deal. I was allowed to walk away mostly because nothing I did had effect
Venice by Night, so kiss me and smile for me...
I believe we should move tonight while awake and make our way ourselves and remove as many mortals not dominated or ghouled as possible. These hunters have at least two who can see through our gifts and are as fast as us and as strong. I have witnessed this myself in combat against them Onfroi says
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
"Are there any among the elders that we feel we can trust even moderately? I am not sure I hold my own Sire in that regard at the moment, but I suppose you could try for Lord Benne."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of an Unknown Cainite -
"The Dracon no doubt.
A pity then, Belisarius sought out his foe at the behest of a Methuselah. Less interesting than his own passion for vengeance sweeping him away but entertaining nonetheless.
What did you say your name was again Neonate?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Khadaji Manse -
Lydia remains impassive but seems to relent by her failure to respond.
The two Ventrue and the Lamia leave their minions to pack gear for the next ship. All of you leave to head to the Warehouse,, cloaked by the power of your Obfuscate. Though the Mortals walk along normally...
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Before anyone can respond, the locked door is unlocked and in step three familiar faces, Alessandro Khadaji, his Sire Alyssa, and Lydia! The fourth Cainite has a face none of you recognize and you assume him to be a Cainite based on present company.
Alyssa turns to speaks to someone outside, "Wait out here, guard the entrance!" She closes the door behind her.
Lydia rushes to Lorenzo's side, "Forgive me Lord, I have failed you!" She drops to a knee quite distraught.
Victor blinks and grins, "Well met Khadaji".
Alessandro seems wary, "What are you all doing here?"
Geofftoi blinks as the newcomers arrive. He recalls his first meeting of Alessandro and realizing he was something other
Now I am something other too He muses to himself
Geoffroi looks at the newcomers closely, trying to assess them as best he can
"A pleasure to see you again, SIgnore Alysa, were it under better circumstances." A nod to the others
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse - Lorenzo Cappelli, Michele Querini, Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Onfroi, & Ranerius Bernerius
“We are trying to figure out what to do next with hunters still afoot. Are you doing the same?
Venice by Night, warehouse by the sea
Onfroi smiles to see his associates here and after a moment says Ranerius, it is I Onfroi once more partaking in my skills. I must warn you all that the hunters have burned down Narses Elysium and have placed themselves on the roof tops seeking our kind.
Venice by Night, 2 April 1309
Bernardo says again I am Bernardo Morosini, Gangrel, and you Elder?
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Alessandro nods to you Geoffroi, "I would ask how you fare but I already know.
I regret the circumstances that led you to where you are now but I assure you I had nothing to do with your predicament. My own involvement in that sordid affair was not of my own making..." he searches for what else to say when Onfroi makes his pronouncement of the fall of Elysium.
Victor hisses in rage.
Alyssa speaks, "Those who wish to vacate the city may join us tonight. There is of course a cost to this assistance but what we provide is well worth the cost".
You sense actual, genuine empathy from Alessandro, he is truly pained at your fall.
The one named Onfroi it sems can cloak his very appearance with illusions! There is little you can perceive of him due to this protective glamour.
The female that took a knee next to Lorenzo is perhaps the most interesting. Despite her cravenness to Lorenzo there is something predatory in her demeanor and her gait. She is beautiful the way a demon from the Holy Book is beautiful.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of an Unknown Cainite -
"I am Bion of Byzantium of Clan Cappadocian.
You've met Karl".
The Zombie groans to you as he is introduced.
"For your information and entertainment, I shall extend to you my Hospitality for the evening. I assure you,no Mortal shall find us here".
Venice by Night, warehouse by the sea
Onfroi smiles to see his associates here and after a moment says Ranerius, it is I Onfroi once more partaking in my skills. I must warn you all that the hunters have burned down Narses Elysium and have placed themselves on the roof tops seeking our kind.
"Do you have an idea how many hunters there are?" He stiffens.
Alyssa speaks, "Those who wish to vacate the city may join us tonight. There is of course a cost to this assistance but what we provide is well worth the cost".
"I see," He frowns. the idea of leaving Venice is repugnant to him, "It is a generous offer. I do not think I will take it"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Lorenzo shakes his head, dismissing Lydia's concerns. "Nonsense, please rise, Lydia. You stayed, you fought as best you could. We were simply outnumbered and abandoned. I am glad you have returned to me safe."
Turning his attention to Alessandro, Lorenzo plainly states. "For me, this is where this life began...also it was a convenient place to gather given the previously uncertain state of other locations."
At the offer of escape, Lorenzo considers his options. "What might this price be?" he asks, looking to Lydia to gather her opinion on the matter.