"Hunters..." Lorenzo hisses quietly to the others. "At least three, not particularly well hidden..."
Onfroi whispers three little morsels to eat, my how kind of our adversary to think of our needs. Shall we go inside and see if there are more since we now know they are watching the inns?
His hunger tearing at him, Lorenzo nods in agreement.
Geoffroi frowns
“A Hunter had spotted Andrew and I here earlier. Perhaps that is why this venue is being watched”
“These are minor men at arms. Not actual knights of the hunters.” Geoffroi whispers
Perception + Alertness Dif 7
Michele nods in agreement also
(Perception plus Alertness, Dif 7 or Diff 2 depending on heightened senses)
The Toreador is not one prone to violence, but he nods as well. They are beginning to annoy me.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
The group edges ever closer to where the Hunters are seated but they register your awareness not at all. It seems these are indeed mere foot soldiers.
The group navigates past them and through the open door with ease.
Soon enough you find yourselves in the common room of the Inn, an upscale bar and eatery for those who had never been here before, and for those who have, nothing has changed since your last visit.
Somewhere up the stairs the Seneschal and the Snake await though they never specified where exactly, the group surmises that the top floor would be the correct space.
You take the stairs as quickly as you can reaching the top level and see at the room at the far end of the hallway, three armed men guarding a door. They appear to be the Doge's men and thus it is likely that is where the meeting is to take place. These men do not react to your "appearance" as you are after all, cloaked with powers of the Blood.
Geoffroi is unsure of protocol. He glances to the others, and he eases his hand towards the hilt of his sword, in case it becomes needed
Venice by Night, Kings Inn
Bernardo is expected to this place so he steps back around the corner and then allows himself to leave the area of the obfuscate while the rest stand by and he walks back to the guards with all watching and says
I am Bernardo Morosini, I am expected here for a meeting
When or if the door is opened Bernardo will stand and wait for an extra bit for all of those hidden to enter the room with him, still hidden bending down to adjust his boot pulling it off and saying damn rock in my boot, sorry about that.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
vs.
The guards move aside at the approach of Bernardo, "You are expected Signore".
As the door opens and the rest of the group filter in, you see Valdemar and Khay'tall lounging in chairs by the window looking at one another. They do not speak but then Elders do not necessarily need to speak to communicate.
No other Cainites are present.
The Setite turns as Bernardo enters and frowns, "You have brought other Neonates eh?
Querini and Cappelli and the Cappadocian guardian.
Tell me, what development has led to you bring these Childer with you Bernardo?"
The Seneschal does not react at all to this news.
Venice by Night, King's Inn
The hunters almost had me earlier so I dove into the water and there I met Bion the elder who provides me safety and wished to make his bid for Princedom known and have a meeting between all parties at his location. Bion summoned these others based off my description and I needed their help to get here unseen. Bernardo says plainly
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Valdemar appears confused, "Who is Bion the Elder? I do not remember any such Cainite attending the Conclave".
Khay'tall merely grins and chuckles.
Venice by Night, Kings Inn
Bernardo shrugs a bit and says Bion is as old or older then Narses and made a pact with Narses when Narses became Prince that allowed Narses to be Prince in return that should Narses perish that Bion would be Prince. He is formidable and has a serious claim and wishes to speak to all sides this night to have the Princedom decided. As far as I am concerned it changes nothing between us all and we can continue our deal to support which ever side is better for us and allows you to remain Seneshal Valdemar.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Valdemar looks dubious at the claim, "An Elder none have ever heard of or seen with no allies presumes to be Prince?
I think not".
Khay'tall sighs, "This Bion is real Lord Valdemar. He is a Chidle of the Methuselah that controlled Constantinople before it was, well Constantinople.
By now, assuming he was not Torpid the entire time, he would be formidable indeed as our friend Bernardo has stated.
I would be interested in seeing his... evidence".
Venice by Night
Bernardo nods and says in return for his hospitality I ask that we gather the other group and that we three finish our agreement and then that we all go to Bion the Cappadocian's home in truce and have the Princeship declared and then from there we see, eh?
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Valdemar frowns but after hearing from Khay'tall he nods to Bernardo, "Very well, I shall take Khay'tall with me through the shadows away from this place and to an Inn, the Viper. It is on the waterfront.
I believe you will find the others at the Elysium of the Artiste'.
Well, perhaps not Maria but she alone cannot overcome the Will of the rest of us.
Bring my Brothers to me at the Viper and together we shall all journey to the lair of this Bion".
Venice by Night
Bernardo nods to them both and departs hopefully with the other neonates in tow and outside the stair since Bernardo was the only one to break obfuscate he asks if he might be added again so they may make their way to the Elysium of the Artiste and then the inn of the Viper.
Venice by Night, keeping up the illusion
Onfroi had kept quiet not wanting to give himself away for free and when the group steps out he pulls Bernardo into the bubble of obfuscate again and then moves out and away from the location to the location of the Elysium of the Artiste. He steps them toward the location with no words wondering if it too has been attacked.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Lorenzo follows Bernardo out of the room, instructing Lydia to do the same.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Way of Kings Inn - Everyone
Michele follows out of the room....
As does Geoffroi
And the Toreardor finds himself leading them to a Clan elder even as the Nosferatu shields them
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Way of Kings Inn to the Artiste's Studio -
The Coterie is able to once more pass by then Hunters undetected despite their watchful eyes. Much as some might like to strike now, with so many Mortals present it would be.. unwise.
Ranerius takes the lead through the city streets, Gondola's are in spare supply for some strange reason. Not a single one of Santo's Gondola's are out.
The Mortals are still sparse on the streets though the forces of the Doge are out in force in a way not seen in several weeks.
None see you, you move among the Herd as invisible Wolves. The weather is fair, the wind light this evening. No other Hunters are seen.
After some time cross crossing bridges the Coterie arrives in an area of the city few have been to before. Mid-city, the area is not wealthy or poor and no businesses are in the area. The Studio stands alone among houses with the occasional cafe' shop nearby. The Mortals here seem more calm and do not speak of politics but art.
The door to the Studio is painted in the motif of Heaven's Gate, the Studio has no signage. Ranerius knocks and rather swiftly the door is opened by a tall attractive Male, dark hair and deep blue eyes, bared chest sculpted with sinewy muscle. His eyes narrow as he sees Ranerius standing before him (of course he appears to be alone!), "Have you an appointment Signore'?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Way of Kings Inn to the Artiste's Studio -
The Coterie is able to once more pass by then Hunters undetected despite their watchful eyes. Much as some might like to strike now, with so many Mortals present it would be.. unwise.
Ranerius takes the lead through the city streets, Gondola's are in spare supply for some strange reason. Not a single one of Santo's Gondola's are out.
The Mortals are still sparse on the streets though the forces of the Doge are out in force in a way not seen in several weeks.
None see you, you move among the Herd as invisible Wolves. The weather is fair, the wind light this evening. No other Hunters are seen.
After some time cross crossing bridges the Coterie arrives in an area of the city few have been to before. Mid-city, the area is not wealthy or poor and no businesses are in the area. The Studio stands alone among houses with the occasional cafe' shop nearby. The Mortals here seem more calm and do not speak of politics but art.
The door to the Studio is painted in the motif of Heaven's Gate, the Studio has no signage. Ranerius knocks and rather swiftly the door is opened by a tall attractive Male, dark hair and deep blue eyes, bared chest sculpted with sinewy muscle. His eyes narrow as he sees Ranerius standing before him (of course he appears to be alone!), "Have you an appointment Signore'?"
"I am Ranerius Bernerius, and I have a standing invitation" he says with confidence, "It is of a matter of utmost import."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Way of Kings Inn to the Artiste's Studio -
The man eyes you warily but allows you in just the same.
You follow him down a long corridor with bare walls that appear to be freshly painted white.
You enter the studio of the Toreador proper, she paints shadows on a canvas. Staring into a dark corner as she does so. When Ranerius enters the room, she turns to him, "My word Signore' Bernerius!
I am so very happy to see you still walk among us!
I was getting a bit worried when I did not see you, though, with the dangers lurking I could not afford to seek you out myself.
Are you here looking for safe haven my dear?" She shoos off her Ghoul.
"Great Lady, always a pleasure. Pardon the intrusion, but my associates and I bring news. The Prince has met his final moment, hunters abound, and.. a claim has been made for the position by Bion the Cappadocian. I know politics mean little to you but Venice suffers, and with it the opportunity to create is greatly reduced. Harmony of some sort is more paramount than ever if beauty is to thrive"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Way of Kings Inn to the Artiste's Studio -
"Your friends..." she pauses in her art and begins to scan the room. She frowns, "I see the three of you, this is Elysium, without express permission from myself or the Prince, powers of the blood are not to be utilized.
I shall let this transgression pass but de-cloak that we may have a proper conversation".
Venice by Night, my what things we learn...
Onfroi notes the lack of looking to him and he allows the obfuscate to drop all of those with him becoming revealed and Onfroi says there are three groups vying for Princedom, and we are told one of those groups is here. Bion the elder Cappadocian sends his regards and wishes all parties to meet in order to decide the Princedom.
Lorenzo drops the Mask of Shadows, giving a polite nod toward the elder.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Artiste's Studio -
Her eyes widen as she realizes there are even more of you than she could see but otherwise, she does not react.
She sighs, "What a bother.
These politics.
I was informed that the Prince had perished though the exact details were not conveyed to me by Alejandro. He and Savio and in fact Maria all visited me for my thoughts on a successor.
I care not who said successor will be, I care only that my Art and my ghouls be left in peace. I will support whosoever wins and will grant me the peace I have found here under Narses reign. Although, permission to Embrace a Childe may sway my vote...
While none of the Lasombra are here, I can certainly summon them here if you wish.
I am not aware of any Bion the Elder but then I spend little time with those who would tread upon the road of death".
Venice by Night - Summon Cha Cha Cha
Onfroi considers this and likes this better then running around trying to hunt down everyone over and over again. this is a neutral ground then. Lorenzo, can you get message to Bion to meet us here? Then The Artiste can summon all parties here and we might hammer this out from this Elysium, which may be the most safe place one might find.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Artiste's Studio -
"I suppose I can try." Lorenzo says dryly.
"Lydia, please come with me." he says before bringing back up the mask of shadows.
After the ritual is complete, Lorenzo begins his journey back to Bion.
"You are a testament to dedication to the purity of art, great lady," Ranerius says "It maybe such boons will be offered, though Elder Bion claims to have paper proving such succession is his by pre-agreement. The Cainites of Venice are... currently depopulated somewhat, either by final death or retreat. Perhaps after the hunters are dealt with there will be a strengthening of such." an elegant shrug "I know you are a woman of focus, but do you know anything about the Hunters and what the other elders hope to do about them?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Artiste's Studio - Everyone
Michele stands and listens hoping Onfroi is right. The sooner this is dealt with the better.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Artiste's Studio -
She sighs at Ranerius' question, "I know only that Hunters come and Hunters go.
Avoidance is the best remedy for the dilemma, they are, after all, only Mortal.
Inasmuch as I appreciate your compliment, I am no Elder. What the leadership of the City seeks, I do not question. Narses long had a policy of extreme avoidance under penalty of Blood Hunt".
She pauses and closes her eyes, "I have summoned the Lasombra".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Entrance of Bion's Lair -
Though not swift of foot, being bereft of the burden of breathing, Lorenzo and Lydia are able to press themselves hard to return to the Elder's lair.
As they enter the initial entrance tunnels, the Lamia pauses and grans your arm, "I would be remiss if I did not stop you here Master Lorenzo.
Remaining here is dangerous. We should abandon the city and seek out your Sire. No doubt you are angry with him for his lack of consideration of your own well being, such is the way of the Elders. I know enough about His Sire's Domain that I can find a way near it, if not exactly to it.
This is your Mortal home but you are no longer Mortal".
Elysium of the artist
the problem with waiting these hunters out is they have at least two of them who are immune to kindred powers and a Brujah is assisting them in hunting us down this all the inns being attacked and Narses Elysium burning down Onfroi says as he leans against the wall.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Entrance of Bion's Lair -
Lorenzo regards Lydia curiously. "While there is certainly little left for me in Venice beyond the notes of my work that could not easily be replaced, I have no desire to return to Benne's treacherous side...I will need more than a nebulous danger to seek him out."
"Your demeanor on this situation seems to have changed, do you know something of this Bion and his line that leads you to this line of thinking?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Artiste's Studio -
The Toreador sniffles, "That is an outrageous claim Neonate! Even a Brujah would not be so foolish as to do such a thing!"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Entrance of Bion's Lair -
Lydia shakes her head no, "I did not wish to question your decisions in front of other Lord Cappelli. This is not safe for you, my job is to keep you safe.
If this is the course you wish to choose than I shall follow you along until it plays out".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Entrance of Bion's Lair -
"Where is it you feel the danger lies, with the hunters, the remaining Cainites in the city, or the one we currently seek? If it is with last of those options, that die has already been cast, the others...there is still time." Lorenzo says, preparing to enter Bion's lair.
At mention the Lasombra have been summoned he says "Thanks you, ood lady."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Artiste's Studio -
The Toreador sniffles, "That is an outrageous claim Neonate! Even a Brujah would not be so foolish as to do such a thing!"
"Outrageous or not, Onfroi has a gift for learning things I myself have grown to trust. I wouldn't dismiss his concerns out of hand."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Artiste's Studio - Everyone BUT Lorenzo
"Onfroi speaks the truth and to allow them to continue unhindered would be unwise. Perhaps not all of our kind would perish now but it would bring more and sustained attention in the future then we would want.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
The Entrance of Bion's Lair -
"The Hunters my Lord.
These are not like others, their powers are the like I have never seen before".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Artiste's Studio -
She is so stunned by the claim that she is silent for several minutes, "If that is the case then I am glad that I have not met this one for his little Mortals would perhaps have swarmed me here in my own home.
If one of our kind treks with Hunters then this is a dangerous game indeed.
Perhaps the best course of action is to abandon the City. In a decade, with no evidence of our kind they will give up their pursuits. Mortals have short attention spans. If the Prince has indeed met the Final Death, this seems an ill time to pick someone new as no one else in this place knows this city as he does or did".
Venice by Night, Artiste's Studio
Bernardo laughs a bit and says the Prince has met the final death and the Seneschal is one of the parties vying for Princedom along with Bion and others. I have been reading running around trying to get them all here now for sometime. It would be a shame not to have a plan more then run and hide, eh?
"I'm inclined to agree with Signore Morosini. Besides, Venice is in need, it has become over the centuries a work of art in itself. I don't trust these hunters 'vision' for it. Venice needs protecting from them. "