Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
The Blue Mongoose –
The shadow transit is rapid and as Alejandro answers you step from the shadows into an alley between two buildings. The hard rain pelts down on you both and the smell of the sea is strong. As you look out onto the Grand Canal Alejandro responds, "That is the name of the Masquerader.
He is at least as strong in the blood as our Sire and a millenia or more older. With the contact from his Mortal severed he may well come here in person. That is my cause for concern.
Agreed, we can use Narses paranoia against him".
You hear a door open and Alejandro pulls you back into the deep shadows so neither of you are seen. Exiting the back of the building right next to your current position is a Cainite you have never seen before along with one you have. You believe that one to be the Ward of Narses, an Assamite Neonate. Those two scale one of the buildings in silence rather than exiting through the alleyway. The woman mentions a list of Inns to be visited this night and the Cainite grunts in agreement.
Alejandro turns to you whispering, "Interesting. That is the very same building where the Tzimisce resides. Shall we enter and make ourselves known to Vykos?"
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
the Orphanage to Elysium –
The Priest nods to you smiling broadly, "Of course my Lord all will be arranged as you request. We are grateful to your continued generosity".
The pounding rain and wind may be worse than when you entered the Orphanage. You search about for a Gondola to head to Elysium but the weather may be keeping the roving boatmen from being as aggressive about finding passengers as they had been the last several days.
From the shadows a voice calls to you, "My Lord, I can aid you in arriving to the meeting you seek if you would speak with me on the way there..." The voice is raspy but clear through the wind and rain.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline –
Allow me to scout ahead, sword in hand Alessandro moves forward and upward.
From Elysium to a Trap: March 31st, 1309
Bernardo grits his teeth and rides the dark shadows
Arriving with his mind intact and not screaming like a cabin boy at a pirates captain convention Bernardo will attempt to hide in the shadows and turn on Protean growing claws and increasing his senses.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse –
You take the stairs and scan the third floor seeing nothing at all.
You do hear footsteps on the roof though.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse – Alessandro Khadaji & Michele Quereni
Michele quickly wonders if he should be relieved or worried that Alessandro is here but when he sees his blade he hopes it will be relief. Michele will allow himself to be seen with his pointer finger from his left hand over his mouth to ensure Alessandro stays quiet while pointing with his right hand to the trap door above.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
the Orphanage to Elysium –
Franz tenses up, his hand flashing to the Rapier under his cloak as he turns looking for the origin of the voice - then quickly relaxes again.
If the speaker had ill intent towards him, he could have acted without announcing their presence.
"Considering the circumstances, a talk on the way is a small price to pay for what you offer."
He pauses a moment, gathering his thoughts:"I assume you are not here by chance, but rather have been following me. You know who I am, and that places me at a social disadvantage I would like removed before agreeing to your offer - with whom do I have the pleasure?"
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
The Blue Mongoose –
What a lot of kindred in one spot. This should prove interesting…..
”Let us, fortune favors the bold.”
Savio rests his hands upon his blades ready for conflict should it arise.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse –
Alessandro nods, and motions the same to Alyssa.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse – Alessandro Khadaji & Michele Quereni
Michele will concentrate a moment and use Obsfucate 1 to create an area of silence.
Michele will point to the stairs and start walking towards them beckoning the 2 to follow to the second floor.
If they do Michele will drop the silence and say in a whisper.
"I will have no quarrel with you as long as you are not here to harm my sire. There is a man who is in armor and armed with a crossbow on the roof of this building. I believe that the panel on the ceiling I pointed to is locked so no one can access the roof from inside. He heasrd me moving around but could not see me. He is swift and seems to have nerves of steel. I can create an area of silence and we can break through the panel to the roof and subdue him together as I believe he is here with the hunter. What do you think?"
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse –
No quarrel will your Sire, Michele. If there is a window, I can climb up from the outside as he is distracted by yourselves and focused on the door.
Do you know his name? There are two, we must not kill.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse – Alessandro Khadaji, Michele Querini
"I have never seen this man and do not know his name. There are more? I believe once the situation warrants it perhaps we can all explain what we are doing here. For now lets deal with the task at hand. If you can climb in this weather us distracting could be the best route. We can break through the door quietly and then retreat to the stairwell hoping that gives you an opportunity.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Outside Elysium -
The Cainites enter Elysium you cannot help but feel for a moment that you should have been one of them. Regardless, you know better now than to enter the meeting.
There is open war in the streets between Mortals and active Hunters here in the city and you must leave the safest place to be this night. So the question becomes what now?
The Toreador feels oddly unsure. He's worked so hard just to get permission to stay in his beloved Venice and now finds himself blocked more or less from progressing from here. It is up to the Prince. Well, the Prince is not a fool. Now more than ever he needs a way to ease the tension..we all do. This sect could work wonders if we can only stop eying each other's throats with hunger.
For now, he makes his way towards his Inn. There he will try to work on some hymns for his part of the goal. He heightens his senses slightly.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
The group enters Elysium and the Elders take their seats upon the dais while the Childer take their seats at the table. This room, once filled with Cainite factions vying for control seems large with so much space. The shadows within seem deeper as well even though more lanterns flicker than ever before.
Narses scans the room and frowns, "I would have thought that everyone would have assembled by now.
It seems that the weather and this conspiracy have perhaps delayed some arrivals.
Do any of you present know the current whereabouts of Michele Querini?" The normally impassive face of Narses shows signs of frustration.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Palazzo Abadessa -
Gritting your teeth against the trip you end up in a space below one of the bridges that cross over the canals. It takes a moment to get your bearings. You look around and see the Inn that the Prince was speaking of, a set of stairs will lead you to the cobblestoned streets above.
While you see the building you of course do not see this female Cainite or her companion. They must be within. Do you wait for them to exit or enter yourself?
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice –
The figure appears several feet away from you, if he is armed the weapon is hidden. He wears a cloak pulled tight across his face, his hands appear normal but that is likely an illusion as his identity soon reveals, "I am Ferdinand of Clan Nosferatu.
I was briefly in Elysium opposing Petradon for leadership of my Clan.
Indeed, I have been following you. Narses makes it a habit to keep tabs on all Cainites which visit his fair city, especially those that intend to stay. We are his eyes and ears here".
His voice rises and falls with the whipping of the wind and the pattering of the rain on the streets but you hear him clearly enough.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Greetings Inn –
You both enter the Inn and find several Mortals languishing about the first floor. Vykos is actively feeding on one as you both enter.
He seems surprised by your appearance and his surprise leads the large malformed creature in the corner to roar at you both and take steps forward. Th thing is a fleshcrafted horror of what you think were once people molded together!
Vykos drops the mortal and raises his hand and the creature pauses, his eyes flash dangerously, "I recognize you Alejandro Prince in Exile. Your companion I do not.
Speak quickly else we shall come to blows and you shall regret entering my Domain!"
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse –
Alyssa sighs in frustration, "Let use use this one's power my Love, climbing out the window now is dangerous with the wind and rain. If you fall you will not die but you will be injured and require much blood to repair yourself".
At that moment you all hear the wind cease and the rain begin to taper off...
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Suddenly, the wind ceases and the rain tapers off.
You see this Petrankov slap Francois and he rolls into the courtyard, "... wild chase!"
He stalks after the still rolling Francois, "Why have you led me here!?"
Then Volkov steps from the shadows of one of the warehouses his muscles taut sword wet and gleaming in his hand as he holds a bullseye lantern trained on the Fiend.
"You are here because I wish you to be here Monster! I would look on the face of the Beast that murdered my parents a I kill you myself".
The Fiend stops short as Voklov exits into the "courtyard". The Fiend is about 10' shy of the perfect spot which allows for all of the group to collectively fire at him with the least distance.
Baldemar mutters his frustration at that fact but continues to watch. Your eyes too are glued on the drama below.
The Fiend replies, "Volkov. Yes, I recognize your facial features. You look just like your Father. I presume you to be a Ghoul? I slew your Father mover a century ago".
Sergei brandishes his blade fiercely goading the Fiend towards him, "At least you remember my family name! That is good, may it echo in your mind as I send you to Hell!"
The Fiend responds, "I would no doubt see your parents there. I killed them because they were in league with Mortals, Wizards, and Cainites that worship and had dealings with true Fiends".
Baldemr turns to you, "He is close enough, I say we fire my friend".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
There are still some Boatmen on the docks despite the terrible weather that begins to now diminish, you have to wonder whether the powers of that Tremere caused this or if it was just a coincidence. NO matter, the night becomes a bit more clear and the rain slows down to a drizzle as you cast off to head to return to your Inn.
Soon enough you are on land instead of water making your way.
Suddenly from between a few of the buildings a Mortal bearing a sword and bloodied from battle rushes in your direction, "Signore' Signore" provide me with succor, they chase me, they chase me!"
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse –
For Venice and for you, my Sire.
Distract him with some noise from the door at his feet.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Baldemar turns to you, "He is close enough, I say we fire my friend".
Geoffroi hesitates. He turns to Baldemar
“I would fain wait until the others on the other roofs loose their shafts. Whoever fires first will draw reaction from whatever unseen friends this fiend has. “
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse –
March 31st, 1309
Bernardo appears beneath the bridge looking up and around and spending blood on Protean for better senses and to grow claws, he will look for high ground to attack them from and try to detect anything near by for some time
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Volkov's face spasms in anger, "LIAR!" His feet shift as if he is about to charge the Fiend but he holds himself back.
The Fiend holds up both hands, "Why would I lie about such a thing?
What benefit is afforded to me?"
The Fiend looks at Francois, "It seems this was all a set up by you to lure me to this place. I understand your grief, my sister was slain by the same Cainite that Embraced me. It took me a great deal of time to overcome that rage.
Because of that, I shall offer you a deal. Give me this vile betrayer and I shall let you walk away free. I shall explain to you, here and now, all that transpired before I was sent to kill your family. Were it not for me, you would be a puppet of the Devil himself or slain in your parents vile rites."
Francois stands up, his hand to his cheek where the Fiend struck him, he turns to regard Vykos, remaining silent.
Vykos pauses for a time it seems considering this offer though his muscles twitch in anticipation...
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Lorenzo shakes his head in response to the Prince's question, silently confirming that he has no idea where Querini may be.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Francois stands up, his hand to his cheek where the Fiend struck him, he turns to regard Volkov, remaining silent.
Volkov pauses for a time it seems considering this offer though his muscles twitch in anticipation...
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse – Alessandro Khadaji, Michele Querini
"Are you sure you want to take a chance and go outside? Someone may see you. If I use the silence and we breach the door he will not know unless he is looking at the door. Then we can head up and hopefully dispatch him quickly."
Elysium and a much smaller gathering
Onfroi does not know who the Prince seeks all that well but wishes he did and says I do not know where Querini is Prince to answer the question
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse –
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
There are still some Boatmen on the docks despite the terrible weather that begins to now diminish, you have to wonder whether the powers of that Tremere caused this or if it was just a coincidence. NO matter, the night becomes a bit more clear and the rain slows down to a drizzle as you cast off to head to return to your Inn.
Soon enough you are on land instead of water making your way.
Suddenly from between a few of the buildings a Mortal bearing a sword and bloodied from battle rushes in your direction, "Signore' Signore" provide me with succor, they chase me, they chase me!"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium - Lorenzo, Vitaliano and Onfroi
Vitaliano looked around at the others before answering the Prince. "Apologies, I did in fact see him at where they reside not long before coming here...but I'm afraid that he said he had urgent business. I was to hopefully find him after for personal reasons." he admitted.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice –
"Greetings, then, Ferdinand of Clan Nosferatu.", Franz bows, "I would like to feel offended about being spied upon, but I would do exactly the same thing in his place, so that would be rather hypocritic of me.", he shrugs with his shoulders.
"Your ability to move unseen seems most useful for such a task, and certainly makes you valuable allies - no doubt not only the prince seeks you out for such favors. I had meant to get acquainted with a representative of your clan, in the near future - so the price you asked for passage is welcome. We can start moving at your leisure, and you can tell me what topic you meant to converse about."
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Outside the Palazzo Abadessa -
You rush up the stairs and attempt to scale the building nearby. The rain slicked walls are difficult to climb but with the aid of a few ledges, you are able to at least reach the second floor easily enough, to get to the roof is to risk injury or worse yet, noise if you fall.
Soon enough, the Prince's Ward and her companion exit the building. The Gangrel with her is clearly Anacillae, he has a few features of the Beast which show that he has a Frenzy or three in his past. You are a bit surprised that he is out in the open in such a manner as Mortals viewing him could be a breach of the silence of blood.
Regardless they discuss their plans right below you...
"I say we head to the Alla Vigna Inn next".
"The Malkavians Haven?" asks the Gangrel.
The female nods.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse –
As Michele and Alyssa stick their heads out the window, Alessandro slips out the window and leaps up to the next ledge over bouncing back to the one he just exited and leaps up, finding a crack on the wall to place his left foot, from there he leaps up, manages to reach the edge of the building and pulls his feet up to his chest, pushing against the wall he literally flips up spinning in mid-aid and lands on the edge of the roof balanced on the balls of his feet!
Alyssa seems genuinely shocked by Alessandro's acrobatics.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Sergei sighs and lowers his blades, "Very well. Come, speak with me. This Francois is my Sister's man and I never cared much for him anyhow".
Francois' eyes go wide, "But... but... but..."
The Fiend nods and walks forward, Sergei screams, "NOW!!!"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
The audience turns to Vitaliano as Narses responds, "Urgent business eh?
More urgent than to be here. Interesting..."
Narses turns to Lord Valdemar and nods, the Lasombra elder vanishes into the shadows...
The Prince turns to the rest of the assembled Councilors, "Let us begin.
Tonight, you may have seen the Mortals restless in the streets. I assure you that my pawns have any such uprising under control. By tomorrow, this bloodletting in the streets will come to a stop and order will once again return to Venice. In the meantime, although a few of our members have not arrived, let us discuss the first order of business.
What is the best mechanism through which this Council can project its overt authority over the rest of the Clans? Certainly, based upon participation in elections, it appears that many Elders and Prince's are in agreement that this body is indeed necessary".
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice –
Ferdinand begins walking with you and suggesting a bit of a circuitous route to Elysium, "The representative of my Clan is one with whom the local Nosferatu have significant disagreements and significant doubts as to his ability to properly govern in the best interests of our Clan in general.
We seek an alliance with a Clan who would oppose his viewpoints. We do not believe that Narses would be so willing as he is ever the opportunist and likely sees our failure to secure Leadership, regardless of the circumstances behind such a failure, as weakness.
Who better situated then to oppose Clan Nosferatu directly and with little repercussions than the mighty Ventrue?"
---
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
The Fiend nods and walks forward, Sergei screams, "NOW!!!"
Geoffroi’s shot goes wide
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse –
Alessandro moves to slip the bolt. If the hatch opens up, he will use it for cover.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
The Toreador's features smooth and he grabs the soldier, "This way, to safety." And he tries to take the man to a private area where they might not be seen. And then.. feast! He's nearly dead anyway... it's a kindness...yes. the Beast devours his conscience
Bernardo attempts to follow unseen but much like before has little good luck moving or hiding. going to have to practice at this for sure he thinks
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Greetings Inn –
”I am Savio Ingannatore, childe of Prince Narses, and brother of Alejandro. I apologize for entering your Domain unannounced. We are in need of your abilities, and our time is limited. I am prepared to negotiate fair payment for your help, if given, and either way will compensate you for our indiscretion. Once again, my sincere apologies.”
Savio rests his hands upon his weapons.
If this comes to violence….So be it.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
You drag the wounded man into a dark space between buildings gruffly reassuring him, your eyes gleaming with hunger. He is too weak or wounded to resist and soon enough he resists no more!
You rear back, belly full of the dead man's blood and stare in horror at your first kill...
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Geoffroi's bolt skitters across the wet ground, nearly striking Francois in the foot. Likewise does Baldemar's shot miss overhead.
Both Wilhelm and Brice's shots though strike the creature right in the chest! However, they do not sink deep enough and the Fiend brushes the bolts off of his chest. He looks around at the buildings and back at Sergei, "Treachery eh?"
Sergei raises his blade again ready to receive what will likely be a strike by the Fiend...
"WAIT!!!" a commanding voice echoes from the canal where another figure drifts in on a Gondola.
Hie command catches the attention of Sergei and the Fiend. Francois begins to back away towards the building on which Wilhelm stands.
Baldemar takes the distraction as an opportunity to reload his crossbow and it appears that Brice and Wilhelm are doing the same.
You glance up at the Gondola to see who the hell has decided to come from nowhere to interfere and you see the being, the Fiend, Talisman.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline in a Warehouse –
Alessandro, you reach the latch and pull out the crowbar, raising the hatch for cover and providing Alyssa and Michele access to the roof. As you raise it, you hear a voice you recognize, Sergei Volkov scream, "Now!!!"
You hear the twang of a crossbow bolt and brace for impact. However, no impact comes, you risk a glance and see that the Hunter is firing off of the building and to the street below, from below you hear a voice you recognize, the Gangrel Elder Milov Petrankov state, "Treachery eh!"
Then a few seconds later, yet another voice you recognize call out, "WAIT!!!" That is the voice of Talisman.
Meanwhile, the Hunter on the roof begins reloading his crossbow once more. He is intent on the action below.
---
Michele, you see the hatch raised, some rain begins to fall on the third floor but it and the wind have died down significantly. Alyssa turns to you as if inviting you to head up first...
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Lord Bajazet speaks first, "The east is not like the west. Our customs are different. The way a territory is ruled is different.
Were the Tzimisce Vykos here he would likely say the same of the territories that his Clan Lords over. I do not believe that we should be debating an expansion of control and instead should be debating how to get more Elders in one place to discuss such issues more thoroughly!"
Lord Criatas shakes his head, "The Assamite makes an interesting point and I do not dismiss his wisdom. However, both he and Clan Tzimisce sent a single representative, the challenge from El Cid aside, does that alone not show that the east, regardless of Clan, does not take this august body with any level of seriousness as their mightiest Elders were not sent as representatives?"
Lord Benne speaks next, "I do not believe that this is the debate that Lord Narses has raised for discussion. He asks the best way to do something, not how well it will work. This is a probe for suggestions".
Lord Antoine chimes in, "Wait, how do we know for sure that no other Elders were sent by the Assamites! They could be watching us right now!" He begins to scan the room...
Lord Petradon speaks, "We cannot be in more than one place at once. We need representatives across the known world to spread our decrees".
Lord Stack, "Aye and those who would remain to ensure that such decrees are followed".
Lady Helene, "What we need are enforcers, those who will come down on wayward Princes who move away from these decrees or all we discuss will be for nothing".
Lord Radek, "I believe the word used in earlier sessions was Justicar no? That is to be the position of enforcer?"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Lord Narses responds, "Yes. Justicar. I like the sound of it. Should there be but one voted by us all, is that enough?"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Outside the Palazzo Abadessa -
You shift on the ledge of the second floor as they speak and the Gangrel looks up sharply, his eyes begin to glow red as he spots you.
"You, who are you to spy upon us!"
The female tenses for battle.