Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Alessandro reconsiders his tact. Wilhem, all of you... I will be honest. That woman is the most dangerous creature to walk this Earth. She is the incarnation of an elder demon-worshiping vampire. And, she wishes to claim the blood of Talisman.
She is a Ghoul, like Volkov. If she is allowed to take Talisman, her powers, she will be unstoppable.
Talisman is a being of great power and multiple personae. He has only one weakness, his love of Ma-Ri. It is a blind spot. And, it will end us all.
I will go speak with him, but it will most likely be my final act on this good Earth. Promise me, you will slay the woman... if I fail.
The fledgling pauses, When I first met Talisman... the persona of Saint Sebastian was in control. A good man, a man of God. He told me the history, he warned me of this moment. She wishes the blood of Beshter.
My Love, he addresses his Sire. Talisman also stated that she destroyed a childe of the Earl.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium - Lorenzo, Vitaliano and Onfroi
Vitaliano paused, it wasn't a terrible position to find himself in. He'd certainly have more power and standing by accepting such a role. "I fear, my Sire, that my current state of being would not be up to the position beyond being a watchful eye that could report to another more...battle savvy Justicar to clean up. Though, if I may be frank that would help foster better relations between the clans by helping one another out with their plights." he said smiling.
He let that thought linger a bit before looking to the other Sires present. "A thought has occured to me if I may speak of it." he said smiling.
He waited till he received permission. If granted he'd continue. "Justicars are currently only as powerful as their clan's abilities. This puts them purely on par with the rest of their clan. Obviously the Council members are those of longer years and power before the long night. Perhaps, it might benefit the ideals and the cause of being able to reign in our wayward members if the Justicars could seek permission to learn from other clans the ways of their blood magics? Obviously there are some magics that are closely and carefully guarded and I would understand why some abilities would be coveted and guarded carefully to keep within ones own clan. But there are still other powers that one could learn that would only help assure the capability of those chosen to guard the interests of the Council?" he said at length.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline - Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Alessandro Khadaji & Michele Querini
“Alessandro- Talisman will not heed your words as he has to much internal strife and obsession. I fear his former relationship with my sire with also cloud their minds but it seems that Sadir has composed himself. I will help you where I can if you are going to face him.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
There is only one play, an appeal to self-preservation and total honesty. Wilhem, Michele, my Love... you must get a message to the Hunters, Katriana must die, or at the very least kept from Talisman.
Reach Geoffroi and Baldemar, dearest... tell them you are the Sorceress of Avalon and that I sent you.
I already fear she will feed on Sergei to power her blood-magicks and become whole. She is millenia old, as Vampires enter torpor... her essence skips through time, from host to host.
Her patrons are in league with Iblis or Shaitan... you will know him as Lucifer. Wilhem, we must work together. If you want victory, this night... vampires are the least of your worries.
Alessandro moves away from the others, stepping onto the edge of the roof.
I am coming down to talk! You know who I am! I am powerless against you, mere neonate... fedgling... I only wish a moment, for the services I have rendered since your arrival in Venice!
I demand nothing... I humbly ask.
Alessandro leaps gently off the roof, appearing to levitate for a moment before decending with cloak fluttering. Landing in a crouched position, he stands to his full height as he pulls back his hood.
The merchant prince floods his mind with memories of St. Sebastian, the frailty, the kindness and moments shared between them... the conversations. It is all he thinks on, Sebastian, Michael, Beshter, Talisman... helping, protecting, saving.
May I approach, Ancient One? You asked for my help, freely given over and over.
I do not know if any who are inside you would deem me friend, but none should mark me as foe. My mind is open to you... I will try not to resist.
Alessandro's hands are open and turned forward, his arms slightly wide as if he'd offer a hug and clearly brandishing no weapon.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline - Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Alessandro Khadaji & Michele Querini
Michele will start heading down through the hatch and out the side door he came in originally. Heading towards the front to peer around the building to see what happens he puts his hood up to at least obscure himself from the humans.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
You reach your Inn and standing outside are several wounded Mortals. The front door of the Inn are locked. One turns to you, "Signore' do you not own this place? Will you open your doors to us?!"
"I understand your concerns, I do, but I must make sure we have the space and rooms, sir. Or you will risk further injury."
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Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
---
"An interesting thought my Childe but then we would need to teach our secrets as well! That is something we should only do in limited circumstances. However, it does happen. Still, I believe that no one would be interested in suggesting it as a requirement".
---
Petradon merely nods at your response.
---
"I assumed as much but wished at least to give you the option my Childe. While you do not have the power, you certainly have the correct judgment and temperament. Perhaps another time in the future..."
---
Lord Benne nominates Hippolyta of the Lamia Bloodline as the Cappadocian choice.
Lord Antoine nominates Camilla Baines.
Finally, Lord Petradon nominates Kelso of Venice.
The nominees of all of the Clans are accepted until the Circle reaches the Cappadocian choice.
No one, not a single Clan seconds Lord Benne's suggestion.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Prince Narses shakes his head, "How can a member of a Bloodline be given such a position Lord Benne?
I must oppose that vote despite your right to self-determination of the proper Justicar for your Clan. We cannot have members of true Bloodlines defer to quasi Cainites".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Lord Benne shrugs, [b]"This Justicar is no more than a vessel of the will of the Inner Circle, what does it matter who I nominate, Cappadocian, Lamia, even a Ventrue, if I so choose.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Alessandro leaps off of the roof and lands on his feet catlike in his grace.
If he is injured, he is tough enough or resilient enough to ignore it.
Talisman turns to you Alessandro, "My friend.
Speak. Victory is in my grasp".
The Saracen stands up and his body language shows that he is indeed defeated, it seems that his conflict, whatever it was, has been resolved and he will not oppose Talisman.
Sergei speaks before you can Alessandro, "Alessandro Khadaji? The Merchant? How deep does your web go creature?"
Katriana turns to you Alessandro, her eyes view you with curiosity, if there is hatred and evil burning deep within her, those eyes are not a window to such a soul.
From a rooftop one of the Hunters calls down, "Sergei!"
"Do not be beguiled by this Fiend! He seeks you and your sister for something sinister. Strike at him now. Your childhood does not matter, it is what you do now that matters!"
Sergei appears confused as to what to do....giving Alessandro an opening to speak.
---
---
Baldemar speaks, "Wilhelm and the other man have left the roof. I assume they will come down. I am not sure what is happening over there or down below.
Geoffroi, I believe that we too must head down. We must strike down whatever Fiends we see or die trying..."
---
As you head through the hatch, you see Alyssa moving with the speed of Celerity down the stairs...
Wilhelm follows you down, "If this creature is as old as the Saracen says, what can we do to it? Must we kill Katriana?"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
The man's face is screwed up with rage, "You were happy to take our ducats in good times but will not aid us in the bad times!"
Others look on to see your reaction but most appear to favor the statement made by the wounded stranger as most are bloody, either from their own or another's blood on their clothing.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
In an attempt to aid his Sire's cause, Lorenzo speaks up, saying, "It is my understanding that the Lamia have long been servants of Clan Cappadocian. It would seem natural for one of their kind to serve Clan Cappadocian in this capacity."
Reaching out to his Sire mentally, Lorenzo thinks,
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Geoffroi whip around, his keen senses spotting a blur of movement leaping onto the roof he occupies
”BALDEMAR! WE ARE BEING ATTACKED!” He shouts, bringing the crossbow up to try and skewer the threat
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice –
"A mutual hope, then. Your value is beyond doubt, but I do hope I will be able to proof mine.", he bows to Ferdinand, not surprised to find the Nosferatu gone by the time he raises.
Taking a seat, he faces the boatmen, trying to estimate how much longer it will take.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
The man's face is screwed up with rage, "You were happy to take our ducats in good times but will not aid us in the bad times!"
Others look on to see your reaction but most appear to favor the statement made by the wounded stranger as most are bloody, either from their own or another's blood on their clothing.
"I said no such thing, Sir." The innkeeper blinks as his request for a moment to prepare is turned into refusal by this fellow, "Do not twist my words and save your anger for those who have truly hurt you."
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Lord Benne gives a slight shake to his head as if denying something.
Lady Helene speaks, "You are opposed by all in this Lord Benne.
Respectfully, nominate another".
Lord Benne frowns, "Very well. Then I nominate Mithras of Avalon as the Cappadocian Justicar".
The room falls silent in shock.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
---
---
Geoffroi you fire at whatever it was but miss.
Baldemar stands and draws his blade.
Whatever you saw, you see no longer.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Entering Elysium -
Finally, the rain slows and you arrive at Elysium, a few boatmen and Gondolas linger at the docks. You disembark and enter Elysium, as you do so you hear the voice of Lord Benne of Clan Cappadocian.
"Very well. Then I nominate Mithras of Avalon as the Cappadocian Justicar".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
The man frowns, "Speak then, explain what it is you are willing to do.."
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Entering Elysium -
Franz bows to the Prince, then hurries to the Ventrue Table.
It was clear he arrived late, and it seemed he was not the only one.
As there was an ongoing nomination, speaking up would do little else than to interrupt the proceedings, and it was clear enough he did not arrive late by choice.
He intended to wait until he was called to voice something, or the next topic would be reached.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Lorenzo's face goes blank, trying to hide his surprise as he thinks to himself,
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Geoffroi loads another bolt into the crossbow and winds it quickly
“I think we can do no more from this angle, Baldemar “ He says
“Whatever fiends we are arrayed against, they are much too fast for our mortal senses. We need to get to the ground and make sure we have a way to retreat should we be attacked. Follow me”
Geoffroi heads to the stairs
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
The man frowns, "Speak then, explain what it is you are willing to do.."
"My name is Ranerius Bernerius, and I do indeed own this inn. I think I remember your face, but not well enough that I place it. That is perhaps a failing of my part, but if you are to make demands of me, I would at least know your name. To answer your question, as I was trying to say, I need to make sure of space, room and may have to rearrange them to maximize space. This is my expertise, sir, and trust me to know it before you accuse me of malice, IF You please. I have seen fights break out, wounded trampled and more because someone treated good folk like cattle in their haste to press them into a place. Neither of us wants that. How did your group come to be wounded? "
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
After Franz - in a hurry - took his place at the Ventrue Table, he takes note of the silence still covering the rooms, then speaks up: "Interesting choice, Lord Benne - but we seem to be at odds here. Clan Ventrue nominates Mithras of Avalon as our Justicar as well. Do you have any other fall-backs in mind for Cappadocian Justicar? Lord Camden, maybe?"
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Thank you, Ancient One. Alessandro bows in deference.
I might have fled, but here I am sacrificing my existence. For you, Talisman and the entire world as I have come to know it. You, too Baldemar... Geoffroi. Even you, Sergei. Selfishly, it is mostly for my beloved city, my Venice.
Sergei, your... sister is a being of great power and over time, generations has become a great Evil. Deceit and lies that we cannot pierce, no matter how keen our judgement. I am not powerful enough to see through her, but the hair at the back of my nape... they alert me.
Talisman, she seeks revenge for eons ago, when you left her for dead. She wishes your blood, to consume you and become omnipotent. Only her Demon Lords, her Master... if ven they could maintain their hold after she acquires your power.
Sergei, she used you... mere mortal, conditioned you, set you on a path to hunt the Elder who left and bring her to Talisman. Can you imagine, she probably made your parents what they were, devil and demon worshippers. All the while, the unassuming seemingly innocent matermind.
Who wouldn't pity her and spend their life energy protecting her? Talisman, who wouldn't desire her? She has hopped through time, incarnation to incarnation. Evil, deceit, lies... distilled.
Step away from her Sergei, she will turn on you. And, the more you cannot... the more you know you must.
Forgive me Sebastian, if I have failed you. But, if you're in there with Michael... if you are in there, please hear my words. I fear they may be falling upon deaf ears."
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
A rare look of shock turns to one of relief on the face of Prince Narses as the Ventrue enters the room and opposes the nomination made by Lord Benne, "Certainly the Cappadocian's cannot have the first choice among Ventrue Lord Benne".
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Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Lord Benne nods to Franz, "Very well then.
Clan Cappadocian nominates Lady Constancia as our Justicar".
The room murmurs a bit but does not oppose the nomination.
Lord Bajazet speaks, "We are still missing both the Setite and Tzimisce Inner Circle Members.
Can we truly have agreement until these two arrive?"
Re-Posting from February 5...
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
A Roof in Venice -
As the three of you ascend a roof, you see the city below is in chaos. Horseback riders move to and fro through the city. Skirmishes between factions, the origins of which none of you are familiar enough with the politics of the city to understand, spread out.
The Gangrel chuckles, "What Kindred are these? You babble nonsense!
Come Durdona, we have work to do, I know not this Neonate but I have never seen him before, have you? How can he be a messenger from the Prince!?"
Durdona looks dubiously at both of you...
Re-Posting from February 8...
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Greetings Inn –
Vykos at first appears aghast then begins to giggle and then full on laugh, "Had enough of the yoke of the tyrant eh?
I have a few allies, a Logoj and Velya, who have experimented with such methods. We have not as yet successfully broken a bond. Though perhaps the method works better when there are those whose blood is a mixture rather than an amalgam of Blood of the same Clans.
If we could find a third participant who is not Lasombra it may well work. Know you of any residents of this who would be willing to try and be immediately available?"
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
As you rush the stairs with Baldemar you do indeed see a figure heading up the stairs quickly towards you. It is a raven haired female, "She calls out. Do not shoot, I am the Sorceress you were told of, I just wish to speak with you both!"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
"I am Paolo Berdini. We allied with the Querini and Tiepolo families against the Doge and what seems to be his desire to drive our beloved city into the ashes of history.
Our plans have failed, I suspect treachery. We all here flee the Doge's men and their allies. If you do not open soon we will need to scatter for they seek us out..."
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Katriana seems genuinely shocked at the words, "How can you say these things about me?
Who are you to know me?
I am who I am not another". Her eyes begin to tear up.
She turns towards Talisman and suddenly snatches Sergei's weapon, "If you love me for what or who you think I am and not what and who I am, I will drive this sword through my own heart!"
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
As you rush the stairs with Baldemar you do indeed see a figure heading up the stairs quickly towards you. It is a raven haired female, "She calls out. Do not shoot, I am the Sorceress you were told of, I just wish to speak with you both!"
Geoffroi halts, but keeps his crossbow at the ready
“Speak then, and be quick about it. I would fain be off this roof”
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline - Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Alessandro Khadaji & Michele Querini
Passion (Love of me just towards Wilhelm)
Manipulation + Expression (diff target willpower)
"Wilhelm, I will stay here. Go to the group quickly and do what you think is best for Katrina. Should she live knowing of her parents evil, what her and her brother have done all these years along with whatever Talisman has in store for her? Or is she better off int he afterlife? Go know." With this Michele will step back a little further in whatever shadows he can find while still being able to watch
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Damsel in distress? Hardly...
Beshter, forgive me... Ma-Ri strings you along. It is not even you she is after. No, it is no longer the love you remember.
She is using you. Break the spell, Ancient One.
Ma-Ki II, Beshter, Michael, Sebastian, Gesu. I am nothing compared to you, but it pains me that such greatness is to be manipulated by a small, vengeful and cunning black-hearted servant of devils and demons.
She seeks the blood of Michael, as she did at Hagia Sofia... REMEMBER!
That is her goal, that is what she loves... power.
A short pause, I cannot fight her, I can only awaken you. The ember in you. If not for Venice or the world. For self preservation.
If she takes you, your transcendence will be for nothing, great ones.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
"Foolishness", responds Talisman.
Those outside feel an overwhelming sense of power press down upon you and all of you are drained of motivation or incentive to act. Katriana drops her blade but manages to stay on her feet and Sergei likewise sinks to one knee. If Brice on the other roof still has his wits about him, it does not show in a response or even a sound.
Sadir drops his head in supplication to the power of the ancient one.
"She and Sergei will be mine".
Wilhelm races out from the building and collapses at the power of Talisman.
Talisman's fangs descend and he tips Katriana's neck and begins to drink deeply of her...
-------
Alyssa speaks, "We need to slay the female. Alessandro believes she harbors the soul of a demon. Even if he is wrong, can we afford to allow her to become a Night Fiend?"
Baldemar grimaces, "We must hurry down the stairs if we are to have a chance to thwart whatever transpires below.
We can sort whether this Sorceress is friend or foe later Geoffroi".
at the beginning
Onfroi considers and listens and then says some may not arrive on purpose to delay. Or some elders may be in torpor. Having representation for their wishes and vote as well as their will and to not delay others is important, no?
[dice=Willpower vs Presence 7]7d10
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline - Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Alessandro Khadaji & Michele Querini
Willpower DC 7
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Alyssa speaks, "We need to slay the female. Alessandro believes she harbors the soul of a demon. Even if he is wrong, can we afford to allow her to become a Night Fiend?"
Baldemar grimaces, "We must hurry down the stairs if we are to have a chance to thwart whatever transpires below.
We can sort whether this Sorceress is friend or foe later Geoffroi".
Geoffroi nods
“I doubt we will have any chance against these fiends, but at least on the ground we will have options. Let’s go!”
Geoffroi heads for the stairs with a cry of Deus Vult!
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Alyssa speaks, "We need to slay the female. Alessandro believes she harbors the soul of a demon. Even if he is wrong, can we afford to allow her to become a Night Fiend?"
Baldemar grimaces, "We must hurry down the stairs if we are to have a chance to thwart whatever transpires below.
We can sort whether this Sorceress is friend or foe later Geoffroi".
Geoffroi nods
“I doubt we will have any chance against these fiends, but at least on the ground we will have options. Let’s go!”
Geoffroi heads for the stairs with a cry of Deus Vult!
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
"I am Paolo Berdini. We allied with the Querini and Tiepolo families against the Doge and what seems to be his desire to drive our beloved city into the ashes of history.
Our plans have failed, I suspect treachery. We all here flee the Doge's men and their allies. If you do not open soon we will need to scatter for they seek us out..."
"Your master will be indebted to me for the risk you are placing me under," he says "Know i do not necessarily agree with your attempts, Signore, or your cause. But for now, for now I have had enough of blood spilling in Venice..." For tonight at least it seems "... and you have been one of my guests. This is foolish of me, but get in. Quickly. But recognize I am master in this house and if and when I dismiss anyone, they leave. Now, quickly before I change my mind."
Geoffroi hesitates as he gets closer to the woman. Realizing her pedigree he halts
“We should prevent her from becoming a Night Fiend, but who has prevented you?” He says, swiveling up the crossbow
“I want to know what is going on. I’m tired of playing the pawn in this chess game of fiends. Speak directly, and let me know what is your angle in this, fiend!”
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
Relief washes over the faces of the men as you fling open the doors to your Inn.
You enter the last and close the doors.
Within at the bar your wife looks on in dismay as the tables and bar are lined by the wounded and the weary alike.
She comes from around the bar all smiles but you see through that fakery. "Husband, can we speak upstairs for a moment?" As she gets close, her eyes go wide for a moment as she sees the blood on your clothing and knows it is not yours...
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
"The wishes of those in Torpor cannot be considered young Onfroi.
Their opinions matter little and we can but assume that they too would agree that continuing the senseless battling of the last century is prudent, especially in light of the activities of Mortal Hunters as of late", replies Lady Helene.
"Those who have arrived late may be delayed by the rains or tha' chaos o' tha' city. Mayhap ah'll venture out an see who ah c'n find?" asks Andrew the Hardy.
He Sire nods, "I agree. It may be prudent to send my Childe out to find our missing Elders and have a full agreement on this our first meeting. An ill omen to only partially agree on such important matters from the outset", states Lord Brian.
Lord Bajazet turns to Onfroi, "Do you have reason to know why the Setites or the Tzimisce would not want to attend or would seek to undermine us now?"
Andrew the Hardy rises and begins to head out of the exit.
---
---
---
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
She pauses as the crossbow is raised towards her, "It cannot all be explained to you now Sir Knight. I will admit that I am a Night Fiend as you say. We are on the same side here odd as that may seem it is true. If we were not why did we have a three to one advantage and let Wilhelm live?"
Baldemar rattles his sword at her, "Speak now Fiend else we will strike you down or die trying".
She sighs, "We are running out of time. Believe me or stay here".
She turns her back to head back down the stairs.
Geoffroi turns to Baldemar
“I like none of this. There is no side of this that is on the side of the angels. My advice is we go down to the street and walk away from this passion play of fiends. We know not who are the villains in this piece and I’m beginning to feel like no matter what side we choose we will end up dead”
He allows the sorceress to descend a bit before following warily. He turns to Baldemar again before continuing downward
“I cannot choose for you, my friend, but I see no righteousness in this fight. Both sides are staffed by fiends, and even the knights we came with drink blood. I’m done being their tool.”
Geoffroi descends to the ground
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -