The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Ranerius bows politely, "Ranerius Bernerius, of Clan Toreador, my sire is Francois Villon of Paris. Your invitation was attention catching, Elder. We were discussing, among other things, how to rid fair Venice of the hunters," A nod to Bernardo before going on, "Which it is clear you already know of, by what you say. Our thanks for the use of this haven, our options were narrowing." Showing respect, but also suggesting they had other avenues.
The Toreador prefers art to politics, but he's sure it's best not be too much in debt at this time. If such rules even still apply in this time of Chaos? Still, If this elder is willing to act rather than just hide, that puts him above others who are content to let my city wither while they sacrifice the young.
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Lorenzo slowly nods in deference to the elder Cappadocian.
"Greetings, Lord Bion of Byzantium. I am the aforementioned, Doctor Lorenzo Cappelli." he says, gesturing toward Lydia.
"I am the Childe of Doctor Robert Benne, or at least that is the name my Sire has relayed to me. Grandchilde of Japheth Cappadocius."
After introducing himself, Lorenzo remains silent so that others may do the same, unless addressed.
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium - Bernardo, Lorenzo Cappelli, Michele Querini, Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Onfroi, & Ranerius Bernerius
Michele bows as much as he can “I am Michele Quereni of Clan Setite. My sire is Sadir and my grandsire is Fadi. Thank you for your hospitality.”
3 April 1309, the lair
Onfroi releases the power and then looks around and when the elder speaks he too bows since he has yet to meet alot of elders this age and says I am Onfroi, called the Bastard childer of Petradon and with that he stands and waits to hear what the elder wants.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Bion nods to Lorenzo, "Your Grandsire is known to me, the Eldest of our Progenitors' Childer. A powerful bloodline indeed.
The rest of you and your Bloodlines are not known to me but then I have been deep in my studies for many centuries when not in Torpor.
It has come to my attention from Bernardo that Prince Narses has met the Final Death. I call you here to ascertain whether you wish to pledge your fealty to me or to one of the Prince's get or perhaps another who wishes to seize the throne. I assure you, that my claim to this city is quite strong".
He continues to spin the scroll case in his hand.
Lydia stands and turns to look at Lorenzo but says nothing.
Geoffroi, sending this is a noble of the Kindred, bows as if meeting a duke
“My lord Bion. My name is Geoffroi de clairvaux. I am the scion of Lord Brian Stack, and of the clan known as Salubri “
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Bion nods to Lorenzo, "Your Grandsire is known to me, the Eldest of our Progenitors' Childer. A powerful bloodline indeed.
The rest of you and your Bloodlines are not known to me but then I have been deep in my studies for many centuries when not in Torpor.
It has come to my attention from Bernardo that Prince Narses has met the Final Death. I call you here to ascertain whether you wish to pledge your fealty to me or to one of the Prince's get or perhaps another who wishes to seize the throne. I assure you, that my claim to this city is quite strong".
He continues to spin the scroll case in his hand.
Lydia stands and turns to look at Lorenzo but says nothing.
Ranerius tries to curb his shock, but his eyes still betray that he is startled. Narses is dead? So much more is upended than we thought!
Still, his voice is calm, "Lord Bion, forgive me if what I say smacks of audacity, but there are many questions to be asked before we lent our support fully to any who would be Prince. To your credit, so far you seem the first Elder to take action, and that speaks well of you but this group you now see before you , while young, has been forged in fire- in some cases near literally. I dare say we would support a Prince that acts, and recognizes support with reward and an open ear, but less likely if we are on the 'front line' so to speak and told to quote the old mantra 'we who are about to die salute you'" a shake of his head "I don't doubt you have a claim, but what is your vision for Venice? Have you been told of the Camarilla which Narses tried to form, and have you a thought on it it continuing? Will those who serve you be allowed after this be recognized as peers and granted the rights of domain, or embrace? What do you think is the best style of rule as Prince? You are clearly a learned man, and an elder in age and not just blood, and we must seem childer to you, but any who would be Prince cannot treat us so if they wish our full support."
A look to his fellows, "I know not of you all feel as I do, but I will not fight for an elder that will not also make effort for this city, and for us in return."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Lorenzo glances at Lydia and nods.
"Lord Bion, my own thoughts on the matter are not so dissimilar to Ranerius's. I am not beyond the thoughts of supporting another Elder, particularly one of my own Clan, but recently my faith has been shaken in such. In this grand scheme of the hunters that has apparently cost Prince Narses his unlife, my own Sire discarded Lydia and I, like little more than refuse, so that we may delay the hunters while he ran away like a damned coward. It is not as much the act itself, as the manner in which it was done." Lorenzo explains.
"I trust the basis of your claim resides in that scroll case, Lord Bion?"
Bion's lair
Onfroi listens to them both and says I wish to support the Camarilla because my sire has position in it and many elders are invested and I assisted some of them in investments so it's good for me as well. I support a strong Prince who will rule as such. I don't expect kindness nor do I ask it. I don't expect fairness nor honor. I expect rulership in the heat interest of the ruler and then the domain and then those in it.
Geoffroi nods as he listens to the speakers
“I am the youngest of the young and not versed in the politics of our kind. I never met the prince Narses, and I have no investment in any power structure. However, I was a man of action while I was mortal, and I remain so in Undeath. I will pledge to a bold prince, one who is ready to take action against the hunters who scour Venice and the traitor who will bring the weight of the Holy Mother Church upon us with his perfidy”
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium - Everyone
Michele’s face contorts at the mention of Narses death not that he cares for him but because what Narses had made him do just 2 nights ago. Quickly gaining composure.
“What Lorenzo speaks of with his sire was the same for me so I would like to hear more about your claim and how Narses met his final death. Who bore witness to it so we know it true and not some ploy of his own making to save himself?”
Venice by Night, 2 April 1309
I witnessed his death as I fled from the inn where Narses did combat with his enemies. They chased him down and the job was finished. I have revealed this here and to the Seneshal as well as the elder serpent and made a deal with them to work with another party who was challenging for Princedom and then in my attempt to escape the hunters I found Bion and he presented his claim and here we are
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium - Everyone
"Did you know who the assailants where? I am sure he had many enemies but with the Camarilla just formed the timing seems to coincidental."
Bernardo repeats his words from earlier with Boon: 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 Just when he had his victory a slim form of an Assamite appeared at the top of the stairs named Shabbat. There was a Viking named Dragan and the neonate named Durdona, and myself who Narses assigned to find Bagrat.
Lorenzo quietly listens, studying Bernardo while he speaks.
Ranerius expressions is one of surprise, particularly at the mention of the Assamite and he too tries to read into the Gangrel's tone.. and more.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Ranerius had hoped to pick up on the mood of Bernardo, but that is not to be and he sees no reason not to believe the fellow. Did it matter if he was happy or sad about the prince's final death at the hand of these others? the deed is done.
"Durdona I know, but the others.." A shake of his head "I think you are right, Signore Querni, it strikes me as beyond coincidence that the sect form and this happen."
"Dragan? The one in service to Vykos?" Lorenzo asks.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium - Everyone
Intelligence + Occult - Belisarius Diff 7:
Intelligence + Occult - Shabbat Diff 7:
Intelligence + Occult - Dragan Diff 7:
"Was not Dragan one of your clan? Do you know why Narses asked you to track down the ghoul Bagrat? He must of been important to him."
Venice by Night
Bernardo says I tracked the enemies of Narses from Padua where the Prince there was Narses childe. I followed them as a favor to that prince of what was my city. There was a plot to kill Narses even then. I do not know why Bagrat was so important to Narses but that I was offered more favor to find him, and I know no more of many elders of my clan then you do of yours or perhaps less. Gangrel do not stand on who knows who or who your sire is or even much of any organization at all. I am a Morosini, a silk merchant, so the politics and the fighting for politics is easier for me. We have family here and business which I can connect to and use my family name. Right now I am trying to survive two nights in a row from Narses death to hunters and I am glad I am here with Bion in this place. I will support his claim to prince that helps me most and I have a group of elders with me who will support who ever makes the claim best which is what I told Bion. I am with the Seneshal now and others. There is the former prince and now perhaps Bion. That is what I know besides that I might be the best tracker any of you will see or ever meet and I am good in a fight
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium - Everyone
"Well there are mysteries we may never understand truly but thank you for the information given. I have some thoughts if everyone will give me a moment to collect them." If not interrupted Michele will continue.
"What we should be asking of ourselves is how did the hunters know of all the inns and other residences of our kind? Only a handful of our kind to my knowledge knew of them all. Narses, his former seneschal, my sire because he provided the sustenance, myself, and Michael Santos. Santos knew as his gondolas were used as means to deliver said sustenance. His men where made to forget. Curiously enough did anyone notice his gondolas where not out tonight? He needs to be paid a visit to discern what he knows and if he can't be found perhaps we speak with his sire. Also these hunters- maybe they can be used to an advantage against each other or perhaps any of our enemies left in the city. Not sure how at the moment but a thought."
Ranerius scowls a mention of the attack on Inns at talk of the hunters "I prefer we turn hunters on themselves. Make them suspect they have traitors in their midsts, stoke the illusions ... Loathe as I am to admit it, if we trick them into staking a beloved but innocent mortal where others can witnness the murder..." He pauses, then frowns "no, I suppose that's too ruthless a thought. Regardless, turning the hunters on our foes sounds.. tricky and prone to twisting on us."
while we wait they sit on the roof tops now murdering innocents who go up the steps for a better view of Narses Elysium burning. We could be striking them as one large group a tower at time until they tried to converge and then escaping to do it again. Or we could seek where the elders are who yet remain as you say and gather all our force and crown a prince and let him decide. I am for either but time is not our ally now if we wish to see the Camarilla carried forward
Through his years of poring over occult texts, a few of the names seem familiar to Geoffroi
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Shabbat - This Cainite is a female Assamite. It's a name you heard in passing at Elysium when El Cid was sitting at the Assamite table speaking with Al Nasir, she is apparently some sort of outcast from the Clan.
Dragan - Gangrel, a servant of Vykos. For some reason the Cainite feared Vykos but away from him appeared a dangerous foe. You remember hearing that Milov Petrankov was not fond of him but you are not sure why.
Shabbat - An Assamite, one who Belisarius had some sort of alliance with.
Dragan - Gangrel, a servant of Vykos. Sadir knew little of him other than that he required the protection of the Tzimisce from foes, though who those foes were he either did not know or did not say.
Shabbat - You do not recall ever having heard a name of any such Cainite.
Dragan - Dragan is the name of a Slavic Warlord. Again, if this is the same man, he was rumored to have died fighting the Saxons of the Holy Roman Empire who sought to colonize the lands to the East, what is commonly referred to as Transylvania. He would be approximately 250 years old.
Shabbat - She was, and it seems based upon Bernardo's story, still is the Assamite Lover of Belisarius. Unless Narses slew Belisarius when his throat was ripped out, Canites have survived worse...
Dragan - This cur serves the Tzimisce Myca Vykos because he betrayed his own Clansmen to the Tremere during the Tremere/Tzimisce Wars which lasted approximately 100 to 200 years. Why Vykos would allow such a being to serve him is unclear.
Shabbat - You do not recall ever having heard a name of any such Cainite.
Dragan - Dragan is the name of a Warlord from the East. The Templars studied his "guerilla warfare" tactics as they were often utilized against Teutons who sought to conquer lands in the East. Some Templars were chummy enough with the Teutons that battle tactics for dealing with foes in certain terrains was a common enough discussion when the two groups would meet, informally of course. Though dead for a few hundred years, his tactics were fearsome enough and famous enough to make it into the written archives of the Templars.
You have of course, never heard of any of them as Cainites due to your age, until now!
Bion speaks, "Vykos? A name familiar to me, a GrandChilde of the Patriarch's Lover the Dracon, well, one of his two at any rate.
Of all of the Tzimisce I have ever had the displeasure to meet, the Dracon was one that was the least... distasteful.
So, you wish for me, the rightful Prince, to prove to you, my own potential subjects how I will aid you within the confines of my own Princedom?!
Scandalous that neonates would so challenge an Elder!
Know that I would defend this Realm vigorously.
Know that I would not support this Camarilla, this is not the first time such an organization has been attempted. The Romans created an organization with the exact same name. It failed. The failed Elders brought this same structure to my city, Byzantium. Renamed their organization the Dream or some such, it too failed! We are solitary by nature and by necessity. Our prey, Mortals, must congregate together. That is how they thrive. Together, we fight, apart, we can nurse of hatreds and jealousies with less conflict. It is in solitude and darkness that we thrive.
Know that I as Prince, would treat with you the same I would any Elder. No more can I promise you than fair dealing and no more should you deserve!"
He takes a breath and calms, "You are quite right and observant Lorenzo Cappelli, my claim is contained herein".
The Toreador ponders "Wait, Bellisarius ... if the general under Justinian would be ... 7 centuries old." a nod "An elder who is a master tactician? Well, yes that's an effective combination."
So, you wish for me, the rightful Prince, to prove to you, my own potential subjects how I will aid you within the confines of my own Princedom?!
Scandalous that neonates would so challenge an Elder!
Know that I would defend this Realm vigorously.
Know that I would not support this Camarilla, this is not the first time such an organization has been attempted. The Romans created an organization with the exact same name. It failed. The failed Elders brought this same structure to my city, Byzantium. Renamed their organization the Dream or some such, it too failed! We are solitary by nature and by necessity. Our prey, Mortals, must congregate together. That is how they thrive. Together, we fight, apart, we can nurse of hatreds and jealousies with less conflict. It is in solitude and darkness that we thrive.
Know that I as Prince, would treat with you the same I would any Elder. No more can I promise you than fair dealing and no more should you deserve!"
He takes a breath and calms, "You are quite right and observant Lorenzo Cappelli, my claim is contained herein".
Ranerius inclines his head, "Challenge? No. I do not think any of us are so foolish. However, there is a difference between 'not challenging' and 'supporting'. I thank you for indulging our curiosities and concerns. You would fight for Venice, that means much to some of us." And he bows with respect that is geniune.
No better, nor worse, than any other elder, that is definitely an elevation for us. But to not even try for harmonizing the clans talents to move forward? It seems like such a waste.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
"I have heard of this Shabbat, well perhaps overheard. It would seem that by the words of others of the Assamite Clan, she is an outcast. Dragan is, as we have already stated a member of Clan Gangrel who fears Vykos, but yet serves the Fiend. Petrankov did not seem to have much love for his clanmate. Unfortunately, I know nothing of this Belisarius. What know the rest of you of these three?"
Turning his attention back the Cappadocian Methuselah, "Fair dealing? That seems a bit more than has been exhibited by the elders of the Camarilla." Lorenzo quips.
Thinking that given his current less than positive thoughts about Lord Benne, there could be worse scenarios than throwing his lot with another Cappadocian...at least there was the potential to learn more, Lorenzo adds, "Assuming of course that your claim is as strong as you claim, Lord Bion, I will pledge my support."
"What is contained on that scroll that backs your claim, Lord Bion?"
Venice by Night
This battle of elders stretches back to Constantinople with Belisarius and his lover the assamite. Antonius the Gail who was His grandsire was killed by Michael the Patriarch and Dracon. Dragon betrayed the Tremere in the war against the Tzimisce and ended up serving Vykos. This is all in the mists of time.
Onfroi runs his hand through his hair a bit considering and says The Prince of a city again is it's ruler and elder. I will support you as it benefits me and understand your dislike for the Camarilla and it's ideal. It has support and not. I shall work to support it for my reasons stated. If you are Prince and order it never mentioned here or in your domain I will respect you. Either way I prefer action and getting rule for the city must be accomplished
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn - Durdona Checheg & Lorenzo Cappelli
Geoffroi frowns
“Justinian’s right hand general still live…err exists! And the prince was a contemporary rival of his when Constantinople was at its zenith! Almost a thousand years…”
Geoffroi looks off in reverie for a moment, then snaps back
“I care not for the politics you all speak of. I was not a party to them, and from what I have seen so far the politics of Cainites is like herding cats. “
He looks at Bion
“If you need a strong arm at your side, I will pledge mine, my prince. We all should put other considerations aside until the threat that looms over us is destroyed. “
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium - Everyone
" I do not have anything of importance to add on these three."
"Lord Bion, perhaps it is time for you to share what the scroll contains that solidifies your claim so it can determined on what you and we would need to accomplish quickly. I still feel that whatever is decided that we need to get to Santos."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Bion grins at Lorenzo and Michele, "You shall find out what is within young ones but not yet.
It seems you have three paths before you Neonates.
Search for this Santos character the Snake seems so interested in, strike at the Hunters nearby as the Nosferatu seems eager to do, or search for other Elders in the city to rally them to my cause which is in my best interest.
I know of Narses secondary Haven which is I suspect where his Seneschal resides, assuming he was wise enough not to stay in Narses Court.
If you wish to strike at the Hunters, my assistance will be to reanimate those you slay to fight by your side. I have a limit as to how many I can create in a single night and from afar.
If the tide turns against you, return here. Once you are within this room, my traps can be activated. Most of the Hunters shan't survive them assuming they cam hold their breath long enough to even reach my warrens".
I know where to meet the Seneshal and that we are hen meeting the other party vying for prince. Let us go there gather them all and come here and let this all be done and a Prince decided. Bernardo says not wanting to fight those hunters
Ranerius looks at the others. His own thoughts still racing It's wise to seek out the other would be princes, but I do not know if Bion will take such talk well for fear we might work against him. Thus far though, at least HE is taking action, even offering to help us in battle. But where to go from here? I suppose if I'm going to Preach Unity I should see which way the wind is blowin with our group
Geoffroi looks about
"I am a warrior. I vote to strike at the hunters. All else is secondary. You do not squabble about who leads when the Saracen is at the door"
He looks at Bion
"Any assistance you can render me would be greatly appreciated, my lord"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
"I am decidedly not a warrior, although Lydia is. I suspect most of you are in the same situation as I, that being too low on blood to effectively fight these hunters, even if we were to try." Lorenzo begins.
"That being said, I would be in favor of marshalling our forces before trying to strike at these hunters. That means trying to find some sort of unified front...at least for now. Selection of a Prince and thus at least temporarily unifying our forces would seem to be the most prudent course of action."
Venice by Night, 2 April 1309 a little patience
very well, I shall change my thoughts. I will not enter battle with those who have no will yet to fight. Let us cross the city again at my cost to find these others who would be Prince and see if all can meet and choose a prince and then the Prince may decide to tell us what to do Onfroi says clearly no pleased with it all.
"Then we seek out these others." Ranerius says, "It seems the tide leans that way and perhaps that's the best." A bow to Bion, "Thank you for your patience, Elder, and your assertiveness even more." I am sick to undeath of elders who bully but do not act. At least Bion does.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Bion turns to Bernardo, "Very well then, journey to the Way of Kings Inn. Meet with the Seneschal and the Serpent, then bring them here to me. We shall forge an alliance or we shall not. From there, more will be clear. If no agreement can be reached, we shall ourselves take the fight to these Mortals. To the victor shall go the spoils.
However, we cannot afford to fight among our own kind before this common enemy is vanquished, lest we cull our numbers to their advantage".
Lydia speaks, "Should we also not try to find the other Childer of the deceased Prince this night as well as the local Nosferatu? If only half of the city agrees..." she leaves the thought dangling.
Venice by Night, Bion's lair
Bernardo stands up and says very well Bion, I shall gather the Seneshal and the serpent, conduct that business, go meet the other party for prince and invite them here for your claim, but I cannot promise they will listen or come.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
Bion nods, "Nor have you pledged any loyalty to me Gangrel.
I accept that there is every possibility that the outcome will be strife".
Venice by night
I am unfamiliar with the sewers from here to the King's Way. We will go with Bernardo here as some of us have pledged for you and perhaps can maneuver a meeting. I will speak to those assembled as well to see if I might sway a meeting between us all if not here then at least on neutral ground. I give my word that I will not join any side until all sides either meet or eliminate the others.
"I think Elder Bion shows wisdom to wannt to keep strife delayed until the enemy is dealt with and am eager to go see if we can help in that endeavor." A nod to Onfroi
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -
The group exits the way they came, a different way than that first traversed by Bernardo. This exit from the lair manages to bring you not far from the former Princes Elysium, the smoke that was prominent coming from the location earlier in the evening has all but dissipated. Despte the desire of some of your Coterie members to strike a decisive blow now, you all instead head towards the Inn where the Seneschal and the Snake are reportedly waiting.
After a fairly brief, uneventful, walk you find yourselves several hundred yards away from your destination, the Way of Kings Inn....
(subtracting a success for the "1", leaves the power in effect for 4 hours for the pair)
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Lair of Bion of Byzantium -