Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Alyssa responds, "A major boon for ensuring your continued existence. Should Mithras refuse you Domain in the Courts of Avalon, another boon to ensure the smoothing over of any such denials, a debt of lesser prestation of course".
Victor speaks out, "I seek passage to the Courts of Love and am more than pleased to accept this offer Ventrue".
Lydia frowns at the statement made by Alyssa.
Andrew states, "Ah've ta' stay here ta' ensure tha' err future is no endangered. If'n we all flee the Elders're in no position ta' stop these Hunters. I know o' em personally, ah'll no take yer offer, generous as it may be.
If'n ye wish ta' go Geoffroi, dinnae let me stayin' dissuade ye".
Alessandro retorts, "I feel the same as you Andrew but I must do as my Sire bids me".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Andrew states, "Ah've ta' stay here ta' ensure tha' err future is no endangered. If'n we all flee the Elders're in no position ta' stop these Hunters. I know o' em personally, ah'll no take yer offer, generous as it may be.
If'n ye wish ta' go Geoffroi, dinnae let me stayin' dissuade ye".
Geoffroi shakes his head
“I would prefer to remain with you, Sir Andrew, as I am but new come to this life. I have no real home, the French king wishes me dead for the sin of being a Templar, and now the Holy Church wants me dead for being both a Cainite and a Templar. I am a trained knight. I will not shirk from battle. Let us conquer the foes that array themselves before us. If these Elders are craven and will not fight perhaps it falls to us to preserve our kind’s secrets”
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Lorenzo nods to Lydia before stating, "I appreciate the offer, but I have unfinished business and will be staying here."
"Alessandro, I trust you have someone in place to look over our families' mutual business venture?"
Venice by Night, the other hand revealed
Am I included in that price as well?Onfroi asks as this had not been stipulated previously.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse - Lorenzo Cappelli, Michele Querini, Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Onfroi, & Ranerius Bernerius
“I thank you for the offer but I can not leave. I have some business dealings I must keep with. Plus I wish to speak to Khay’tall to learn more about my sire.”
Venice by Night, 2 April 1309
Bion I was to meet at the Kings way with two kindred tonight and sign a pact to place us in position to decide the new Prince. I do not know the way from here and I wish for your hospitality and thank you, but do you think I should then not attempt this meeting?
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Alyssa looks to Onfroi, "If you choose to journey with us, the terms shall be as we agreed to last night".
She then turns to Victor, "We can arrange to land in Cannes..."
Alessandro interrupts, "Marseille, the Genoans have far too much influence in Cannes at the moment and with the excommunication by the Pope of all Venetians, we may be seized.
I have contacts within Marseille who would be willing to allow us to dock without entanglements from the Avignon Papacy or the Genoans".
Alyssa nods and continues, "... from there you will need to make your own way to the Courts of Love".
Victor frowns, "I would prefer to be landed in La Rochelle"...
Alyssa shakes her head, "Impossible".
The Toreador huffs, "Marseille it is then". He looks to Michele, "Though a Snake you may be you should know that even you cannot trust another of your own kind".
Andrew nods in appreciation at Geoffroi's declaration. Andrew speaks to Onfroi, "If'n yer powers o' hidin' er as good as I ken they are, we could use ye here..."
Alessandro addresses Lorenzo, "Of course. My trusted manservant Jaleel will stay behind to administer my house and business, I shall have you greet him. There is something I will need to discuss with you anyway which I nearly forgot in the chaos of the past few days and nights".
Lydia speaks out, "We shall need to meet with the Prince, do any of you know of his other Elysium's within the city? No doubt he shall be holding Court there if his main Court is under Hunters assault".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of an Unknown Cainite -
"With whom is this meeting young Bernardo?
The position of Prince falls to me with Narses death. This is the deal we made very long ago..."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse - Lorenzo Cappelli, Michele Querini, Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Onfroi, & Ranerius Bernerius
“I am well aware but we may have similar interests where my sire lies. Perhaps we mutually use each other. Either way he will certainly get the best of me of that I am sure.
Venice by Night, 2 April 1309
Bernardo gets a look on his face as if his night could not be more interesting and says I am young and not that great at lying so I will tell you what I know in the hopes of some further benefit and you would just wring it from me anyhow. Hunters are ravaging the city right now. They burned down Narses Elysium and have high ground seeking our kind. Valdemar was made Seneschal after the other disappeared. Khay'tall, the Follower of Set would summon his queen to Venice to be Prince. However, Valdemar, Khay'tall, and myself do not have support to hold the city while she arrives. So we make a plan to hold position and help Alejandro who is also vying for power to hold he city, as Valdemar is weak without us and knows he needs us to stay alive. Meanwhile, Alejandro's former coterie mate named Radek is here someplace now supporting Alejandro's bid and is a newly made inner circle of the Camarilla which was set just before Narses death. He gave me advice to give to Valdemar and Khay'tall without knowing of Khay'tall's full involvement or of his queen to come. No one knows about you or your deal with Narses I think, and Valdemar said that one must have Obtenebration to be Prince in order to rule Venice but did not elaborate. Meanwhile Valdemar sent another group of young kindred to save fellow kindred who had been earlier captured by the hunters and they succeeded and are childer of many of those who were elected to this Camarilla but I do not know where they went or who they support. Bernardo says it all in a matter of fact tone just laying out what is going on as he knows it.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
...
Alessandro interrupts, "Marseille, the Genoans have far too much influence in Cannes at the moment and with the excommunication by the Pope of all Venetians, we may be seized.I have contacts within Marseille who would be willing to allow us to dock without entanglements from the Avignon Papacy or the Genoans".
Alyssa nods and continues, "... from there you will need to make your own way to the Courts of Love".
Geoffroi speaks to the travelers
“If you would, I dwelt in Marseilles for several years posing as a merchant. In return for delivering some letters to my employees I can put my residence at your command until such time as you travel on. I do not know your position in the city, but your foes would not likely be looking for you at my dwelling, as I had no affiliation with Cainites until I came to Venice “
"Which Elders are staying in Venice I wonder?"
Venice by Night, the meeting of the "small council"
Onfroi looks to Andrew and says I have battled these hunters twice and had them make maneuvers a third time which are cunning. They mean to prove our existence to the Pope and to destroy us. At least two of them whom I have faced directly moved as fast as Kindred and could see through kindred powers including my ability to hide. If I was to stay here the Prince would have to value the idea of hiding in such a way as to outlive these men and not have a place they could root out in daylight. Our disagreements as Kindred would necessarily have to be put aside to survive.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Victor shrugs at Michele's response. He nods to Geoffroi, "I would indeed be willing to handle this task for you as you provide me with something I certainly lack. But, I am not familiar with you, who exactly are you?"
Alyssa replies to Ranerius, "The Prince, no doubt. His Seneschal. I assume the Toreador who names herself the Artist. Several Lasombra and several Nosferatu though who is Elder and who is not among their numbers are unknown to me. As far as the Camarilla go, I suspect none. This turn of events weakens Narses power. If he cannot keep his own Domain safe how viable is this organization he sought to create?"
Andrew retorts, "They've have tha' means already wit' Sir Dunstan. He needs ta' be found an turned back away from tha' Hunters err slain.
Ah dinnae wish harm upon these Hunters. If'n ah were Mortal and known'n 'bout err kind, ah'd want us dead.
Tha' Volkov's may a've taught em 'bout tha' power o' err blood err they've powers tha' same as I, true believers. If'n ya flee, where do ye go tha' tha' Church canno follow? At least in tha' west? Would the Saracens tolerate err kind if tha' Pope revealed err kind ta' them? Err would tha' allow them ta' put their difference aside? Stay an fight now err die later and in tha' process spill more innocent blood than we need ta' te survive.
I don't give a damn 'bout what tha' Prince thinks, there's more'n what he thinks at stake here..."
Alessandro turns to Alyssa, "My Love, Andrew is right I..."
"...am coming with me my Love and I am leaving". Alessandro bows his head and sighs.
Venice by Night
Much is centered on lack of information which none of us have. The Prince or Seneshal or someone must be in command of the city. We have no one here now who knows of their location now among us. Yet here among us is opportunity. Narses must re-establish order and he will need help to do it or this city an his dreams of a united group to watch over our kind is done. Alyssa touches the thorn directly. This issue here must be handled for Narses or anyone to rule this city and for the Camarilla to survive it must be proven to be something that CAN survive. My sire wishes it's survival,therefore I must sadly decline the offer Allysa as he and I have spoken. I will keep you all hidden as we seek to discover our place in Venice and I will serve as we decide as a group and for whom ever rules this city, we will take action to take it back on our own until they find us in their due time. Onfroi says simply
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Victor shrugs at Michele's response. He nods to Geoffroi, "I would indeed be willing to handle this task for you as you provide me with something I certainly lack. But, I am not familiar with you, who exactly are you?"
Geoffroi nods politely
“My name is Geoffroi DeClairvaux. Until very recently I was a merchant in Marseilles, and prior to that a Templar. I had traveled to Venice to meet with other Templars who have survived our purge by the French. I was drawn into this whole situation quite by accident, trying to assist Baldemar, the knight who was a pawn of certain Cainites”
He shakes his head bemused
“I myself have difficulty untangling the knots of this situation. However, it is clear that I will be unable to return to Marseilles for some time , at least until this threat is finished, and I become more acquainted with the new life that I have been given. My servants, my factors, and my workers will need instructions on how to proceed if I do not return for several years. These are the letters I will entrust to you. My house in Marseilles is a pleasant one, not palatial, but a good solid house of stone in the Old Port district. Due to my situation, I made sure that my house is very defensible.”
Venice by Night, the meeting of the "small council"
Onfroi looks to Andrew and says I have battled these hunters twice and had them make maneuvers a third time which are cunning. They mean to prove our existence to the Pope and to destroy us. At least two of them whom I have faced directly moved as fast as Kindred and could see through kindred powers including my ability to hide. If I was to stay here the Prince would have to value the idea of hiding in such a way as to outlive these men and not have a place they could root out in daylight. Our disagreements as Kindred would necessarily have to be put aside to survive.
"They could see YOU?"That's alarming. Onfroi is a master of supernatural stealth.
Alyssa replies to Ranerius, "The Prince, no doubt. His Seneschal. I assume the Toreador who names herself the Artist. Several Lasombra and several Nosferatu though who is Elder and who is not among their numbers are unknown to me. As far as the Camarilla go, I suspect none. This turn of events weakens Narses power. If he cannot keep his own Domain safe how viable is this organization he sought to create?"
A brow raises at this. Can it be she does not know?
"I thank you, I am not ready to give up on this new sect yet. It's like Onfroi says, we need to put aside some differences to survive. Harmony that this new organization can provide will help us all. "
A lower mutter "A point might be made that the elders who will not work to save Venice have no part in its leadership but perhaps that is the patriot in me."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Andrew nods and grins, "Glad ta' have ye Onfroi.
Only a few k'n se through yer illusions, those're tha' ones we'll need ta' avoid an' I'll know 'em by sight meself. Ah reckon they're tha' ones tha' I first split open tha living dead wit some time ago when I was among tha' livin'.
Agreed Ranerius, but wit' they're power all we c'n do is do what we must.
Tha' more ah consider Robin Leeland's words the more they ring true..."
Victor puts out his hand to you Geoffroi, "Can you have these papers prepared tonight? I believe the intention is to leave straight away, yes Ventrue?"
Alyssa nods in assent, "Ware believing all that Robin Leeland has to say, he has his own intentions Andrew".
Alessandro remains silent, clearly not happy with being forced to leave.
Geoffroi shakes Victors hand
“Aye. I just need some parchment, a quill, ink and sealing wax. “
Geoffroi writes a note to the merchant house that holds his funds, alerting them that he will be handing over control of his warehouse to his factor, Abelard. He writes Abelard to let him know and to keep the business on a steady keel until he is able to return and to pay his staff from his monetary funds. To his butler/houseman Charles he writes to allow the party with the letter room and board within reason , but not to expect a long visit. He also asks him to deliver the other letters to their recipients. He adds a codicil that there is a purse with five Livres D’Or in his desk, and that Charles should use four for any house expenses and keep one for himself for good service.
Once finished, he seals the letters up and presses his signet ring into the wax on each. He hands them to Victor. He describes his address to him
“My butler is a man by the name of Charles. He lives on my property along with two other servants, he is a veteran of the last crusade, and is somewhat hobbled by a leg injury. You can give him all of the letters, he will know what to do. I picked my staff for their circumspection, they are not gossips. Still, I would caution you not to be too reckless. My neighbors are often nosy. I wish you good fortune in your travels”
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
While waiting to hear if anyone has an answer of any sort to Lydia's question concerning the elders, Lorenzo turns his attention back to Alessandro.
"It would seem you are to take your leave quite soon, Alessandro. What is it you wished to speak of?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Alessandro pulls Lorenzo aside,
He fled before I could stop him and I was of course, unable to follow. By the time my household was alerted he had escaped the grounds. With the chaos in the city none of my or Alyssa's security gave chase.
I am not entirely sure of his mental state, you may wish to locate him. I regret that I cannot stay..."
Victor clasps hands with Geoffroi, "I thank you for your hospitality and I shall deliver these papers on your behalf".
Alyssa clears her throat, "The time has come. I, Alessandro and Victor depart. Our retainers shall pack us and deliver us onto a ship bound away from this city. This is your last chance if you wish to journey with us".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Bion listens intently, "I know of this Valdemar, a younger member of the Prince's brood.
I know of Alejandro as well, a former Prince without a city to call his own. More worthy of the title than Valdemar to be sure.
Khay'tall, that is a name I had thought erased from history when the Dream was dashed a century ago. I wonder what Serpent would align with that one? She too must be an outcast.
How many Neonates did the Elders sacrifice?
I know nothing of this Radek or who or what Camarilla is. Please elaborate, if you can young Bernardo".
He chuckles at the mention of Obtenebration, "Have no fear, this is a power that I do indeed wield with great effectiveness. One cannot live in the shadows of this city for so long without it".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Alessandro pulls Lorenzo aside,
** spoiler omitted **
Victor clasps hands with Geoffroi, "I thank you for your hospitality and I shall deliver these papers on your behalf".
Alyssa clears her throat, "The time has come. I, Alessandro and Victor depart. Our retainers shall pack us and deliver us onto a ship bound away from this city. This is your last chance if you wish to journey with us".
If Ranerius' keen senses over hear any private conversations, he doesn't show it. His focus seems on Aylyssa
At her comment of last chances, he sighs , "Alas no. However, perhaps if things calm here, I will send word to you and others that it is safe to return. So you know it is legitimately from myself or one here, be on the look out for the phrase in the letter 'the fog lifted this morning'"
Venice by Night, 2 April 1309
Bernardo considered things and said The princes and those behind them ended the war of the Prince and Narses sponsored a meeting to gather many of these elders. Voting was held to create an organization of rulership for the kindred with the vote being secret. Many favors and competition between elders and their shadow representatives occured and there were victors and losers. Radek is a victor over Mistress Falchion of clan Tremere.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse - Lorenzo Cappelli, Michele Querini, Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Onfroi, & Ranerius Bernerius
"May you have a safe trip."
after they depart Michele turns to the others, "What else needs to be discussed?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Bion nods, "So the Elders wish to spread their influence from their own cities and kingdoms to all places where Mortals would congregate.
Though I would have not chosen the word Camarilla, after all, such did not work for the Romans.
I suppose then I must decide whether I wish to exercise the rights I negotiated with the Prince of Shadows or whether to remain here with Karl.
Come, I shall summon a feast for you to regain your strength".
Venice by Night
Bernardo follows along and considers Bion's position well, if you want to be Prince it would not be much to do so. Yet you would have to decide to join this new organization or not either way. You could stay here in the sewer. However, I think hearing my tale has brought the thought of being a part of more stories to you. No reason to sit for all time in the dark when you can be making stories and hearing others, eh? Valdemar, Khay'tall, and myself can still make the same deal only with you and you can contact those other neonates who yet live after all of this and enlist them as well. You have a position as good as any other and an oath no other has.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Lorenzo puts his hand to his forehead, as if trying to soothe a headache while muttering obscenities under his breath.
"As in he saw you feeding?" Lorenzo asks to confirm his suspicions. "That is most unfortunate, as Lord Benne had erased knowledge of our kind from his memory...and provided a cover story for my absence. I suppose that is all out the window now. Thank you for the knowledge. I will see what I can do to ease his mind."
With his conversation with Alessandro complete, Lorenzo bids those departing the city farewell.
Turning back to the others who remain, he says, "If we know the whereabouts of another Elysium, I suppose we should go to see what remains of the Cainites of the city...if we are still willing to trust the elders."
Vampire by Night, needle in a hunter stack
Onfroi says And where do you think we might find a place where kindred are that the Brujah does not know? He has betrayed everything he knew. We need to simply start murdering the hunters numbers and find the Brujah until we get down to just a few. Their churches and safe houses need to burn. Their money taken, and they made to look like fools. Then when it is safe we might find an elder
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
---
Take care my friend, I hope to be back as I plan to petition for my release from Mithras from my Beloved, I shall be back as soon as I can".
---
Andrew frowns at Onfroi's suggestion, "I dinnae thunk tha' burnin' down tha' Prince's city is fer tha' best. It may have ta' come ta' killin' these former allies and I'd do so wit heavy heart, if'n they expose us ta' tha' world it'll create only more bloodshed...
Do we know o' any other Elysium's in tha' city? I hope that tha' Court be the only place that Dunstan knew about".
Alyssa interjects, "The Toreador who calls herself the Artiste has a gallery which is also Elysium". She nods at Ranerius.
Alyssa then asks you all to step into the small office to conduct your council as she, Victor, and Alessandro are packed away by their retainers.
Lydia speaks, "So what is in that Lilith damned chest Unicorns?"
---
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
You follow the Elder Cappadocian through a series of tunnels. The going is slow as he disarms several traps along the way. The walk overall, is short.
Taking stairs down into an even more wet and dingy part of the lower city you step into a rather high ceilinged (10') chamber. A full two feet of water fills the entire space. The water is stagnant and smells of rot. Along the walls attached to the ceiling are a series of shelves with various books and parchment scattered about as well as several Mortal bodies in varying states of decomposition and dissection.
There is a dim light from each corner of the chamber, you suspect magic afoot.
He sits in a chair half submerged and Karl moves to stand near him. He reaches under the chair and pulls out some sort of scroll case made of glass, he spins it in his hands and finally speaks.
"Do you know these Neonate by sight young Bernardo?"
Venice by Night, April 2 1309
Bernardo considers and says One of them was a Cappadocian named Lorenzo who was at the former Giovanni home with his sire before it was struck by hunters. Both escaped. His name was Lorenzo. Soft hands dark hair, slender, and not a warrior but a student. There also was a Follower of Set named Michele A noble of Venice of the Querini family with brown hair long fingers. There was a good looking Italian fellow named Ranerius with dark eyes and sharp facial cheeks and a good voice of the Toreador. There was a knight with a scar on his left cheek and red hair named Geoffroi and then lastly a Nosferatu named Onfroi who I never saw the true face of but he carried an English long bow. Bernardo walks around the room in his mind from meeting them all at the Elysium a few times.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Andrew frowns at Onfroi's suggestion, "I dinnae thunk tha' burnin' down tha' Prince's city is fer tha' best. It may have ta' come ta' killin' these former allies and I'd do so wit heavy heart, if'n they expose us ta' tha' world it'll create only more bloodshed...
Do we know o' any other Elysium's in tha' city? I hope that tha' Court be the only place that Dunstan knew about".
Alyssa interjects, "The Toreador who calls herself the Artiste has a gallery which is also Elysium". She nods at Ranerius.
Alyssa then asks you all to step into the small office to conduct your council as she, Victor, and Alessandro are packed away by their retainers.
Lydia speaks, "So what is in that Lilith damned chest Unicorns?"
---
A nod, "I know where the Gallery is if it is to an Elysium we head. She is not, as far as I can tell, a political creature, but then she never pretended ambition beyond art. Still, Elysium is Elysium?"
A look to Onfroi, "I don't wish to burn any part of my city unless I must. Venice is suffering enough." A frown
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse - Lorenzo Cappelli, Michele Querini, Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Onfroi, & Ranerius Bernerius
"I think we should go to this Elysium to see if there are others there to "fill our ranks" and perhaps understand what Narses plans to do. I personally would like to pay back these hunters also but what is the best way to get as many of them at once? They must be sleeping during the day so they have their strength at night."
Venice by Night, hunter in a hay stack with a needle
they were in significant numbers in the inn where I was attacked and could sleep in shifts. We know where they are now watching for us on the heights. We can go and take out several groups of them swiftly before they knew what was happening striking at several distant points at once, killing and retreating. They are out now but not for long.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
"Staying here is not a option. If I am to believe what my eyes saw the first night I was exposed to our kind, these hunters have had supplies stockpiled in this warehouse. I believe Michele has the right of it. Shall we be on our way?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse - Lorenzo Cappelli, Michele Querini, Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Onfroi, & Ranerius Bernerius
"Onfroi, I agree that we should take out who we can tonight but still want to go to Elysium first. If we are to fight we should also sate ourselves fully then understand what different offenses we have to combine and use effectively. If agreed let us make haste to Elysium."
"Onfroi, my friend, please come with us. I think once we're there we can concoct the best plan of attack, and it will, hopefully, give a base of operations to do it from. But we must make haste."
If all are willing, he will guide them there.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Lydia nods in assent with the group's decision.
Andrew shrugs, "It seems tha' best solution fer now.
Not sure I agree wit' yer plan Onfroi, if'n they are all gathered there, they have strength in numbers versus err numbers. Outnumbered five ta one plus they've Sir Dunstan who we know Diablerized a number o' Cainites just tha' past night.
But, if'n we're ta' die, I'd rather die on me feet than wit' a stake through my heart by day.
I suppose wha' I ah'm sayin' is, I c'n be convinced ta' do this thing".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of an Unknown Cainite -
Bion nods, "I appreciate your accurate descriptions, let us see how accurate they are...." The Elder, if not Methuselah, Cappadocian closes his eyes.
the Summoning Lorenzo DC 10
the Summoning Michele DC 10
the Summoning Geoffroi DC 10
the Summoning Onfroi DC 10
the Summoning Ranerius DC 10
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Ranerius turns his head as if hearing something, then frowns, "Does anyone else feel a summons? I know not from whom, but it appears another elder may already be in play if so?" Perhaps it is wrong to admit this but this is not the time to split the group without warning. "I think I can still get us to the artiste first, but the compulsion will grow for me at least."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
"I do not feel any pull one direction or another, but if you and any of the rest of us are feeling such, we should all go...there is strength in numbers, and numbers may be the only advantage we currently hold."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
"I do not feel any pull one direction or another, but if you and any of the rest of us are feeling such, we should all go...there is strength in numbers, and numbers may be the only advantage we currently hold."
"It would be much appreciated and, yes, coordination and harmony seems more crucial than ever," The Toreador hopes the others agree "I can't help but wonder if the one summoning is an elder who will actually do something. "
Venice by Night, collect call
Onfroi says I feel it too, a compelling pull to go someplace. Shall we try this first?
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse - Lorenzo Cappelli, Michele Querini, Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Onfroi, & Ranerius Bernerius
“I do not feel anything but agree we should stay together for strength in numbers. Let’s see what Elder beckons.”
Ranerius nods, "It seems we have a majority. Onfroi, can you cloak us as we follow the pull?"
Onfroi nods and says stay close and then spends the blood necessary to hide the group
And off they go
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Streets of Venice into the Canals -
Lydia frowns at the suggestion that the group move towards this danger, especially when only some can be cloaked. Andrew sighs, "Ah'll stay here. Mah injury makes me a liability if'n we seek ta' escape a trap".
Michele notes that he can hide himself leaving Onfroi available to cloak the Lamia. She is happier but still not happy with the decision.
As the group of five exit, leaving the sounds of the hammering of shipping crates behind, Onfroi and Ranerius feel the pull from the center of the city.
The group moves through groups of Mortals unseen. For those who have little experience with this power, it is quite something to see but be unseen! The weather is fair on this spring evening with the violent storms gone a cool breeze has settled in off of the sea.
The Mortals seem tense but not as tense as they were several days ago, almost as if the coup was the blow off needed to relieve the tensions which had been rising. Now, it is known who the winners and losers are. Whether the outcome is for good or ill, sometimes any outcome is better than uncertainty.
You seek out gondaliers to bring you close to where the pull originates from but strangely, there are very few out tonight and those out mainly have fares. Not a single one is familiar to any of you, as if Michael Santo's employees all decided to take off the same night at the same time.
Extra walking is required as a result and the closer you get, the more wary you become, you are getting dangerously close to Elysium where you know there to be a trap! Sir Dunstan is a known Brujah but has he become so skill at the Discipline of Presence that he could try and summon you all?!
You consider pulling out but so close to the summoning it's harder to resist it now. Then abruptly, the summoning pulls you down into the canal and under a bridge near where Elysium stands but several "blocks" away. Under the bridge a wall appears then disappears, at least to the eyes of Onfroi and Ranerius. The rest of you follow through, whether an illusion or a trick of the light it does not matter.
From there , Onfroi pulls open a metal grate. Down now is where the pull takes you, below even the warrens of the Nosferatu.
You all begin to hush up, anticipating... what you do not know. A Nosferatu Elder perhaps? Perhaps a secret lair of Narses?
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
At the bottom of the rusty ladder are small twisting tunnels, some partially and others fully submerged. You all finally exit from one of the fully submerged tunnels, wet and smelly from the stank of Mortal offal into a large chamber with 10'high ceilings.
A full two feet of water fills the entire space. The water is stagnant and smells of rot. Along the walls attached to the ceiling are a series of shelves with various books and parchment scattered about as well as several Mortal bodies in varying states of decomposition and dissection.
There is a dim light from each corner of the chamber, you suspect magic afoot.
Seated in a chair half submerged is a Cainite, a Cappadocian by his pale skin, standing next to him is a rotted carcass. In his hand is some sort of scroll case made of glass, he spins it in his hands as he watches you all enter the chamber. To his left stands a Cainite that some of you have met.
"About time", the Cainite states. "It seems the Ritual worked but not so well as I would have liked, regardless. Here you all are.
Welcome to my Domain, I am Bion of Byzantium, Elder of Clan Cappadocian and Chile of the Methuselah, the Byzar.
Once of you is kin to me, a Cousin. The rest, kin of another sort.
For those of you who do not know, to my left is Bernardo Morosini of Clan Gangrel. It is thanks to him that you stand in this place. Safe from the prying eyes of Mortal Hunters.
There is much to discuss this night".
At the introduction, Lydia takes a knee, "Elder, I humbly serve the one known as Doctor Lorenzo Cappelli but I bow in acknowledgment of your status".
"Rise faithful Lamia and tell me your name".
She stands, "I am Lydia, Childe of Marsista of Myrsk".
Bion nods, "A fine warrior she was".