Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline - Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Alessandro Khadaji & Michele Querini
Michele realizes he must act as no one else can- down 1 WP. He summons what courage and blood he has and starts running towards the group- specially Katrina.
Spend 5 blood to increase his Stamina by 3(now 5), and his Str and Dex by 1 more each (both 5 has he had increased by 2 each previously).
***If I have another opportunity to spend more blood bc of distance I will increase all 3 to 7***
Michele thinks of the one armed creature known to him as Haji and calls for him to come. He hopes he comes quickly and aids him. He will deal with those consequences later as they can't be much worse than Talisman.
Spend 1 blood to Summon
Charisma + Subterfuge Base diff of 5 but can go up to 7
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...
Zuana's skilled at showing her best side even when she does not feel it. A pity I cannot have her join me in the embrace yet. What a marvelous creation my wife would be. Then a tilt of his head, "Yes, dear, but briefly, please."
And he does head up with her, straining his senses to hear for trouble downstairs even as he heads up and a soft mutter "And yes, I need a new shirt I fear. Are you well, my beloved?"
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Alessandro Khadaji... will... not... kneel.
Hear me.
Venice, conclave a go go!
I have no reason or knowledge of anything more then conjecture of why anyone would chose to not be here and now with the chance that we may move on without them, and as for torpor I am referring to future issues involving those now appointed. Any reason or delay of those here for others is unreasonable and having multiple representatives with one chose to speak in case the justicar has to speak for the inner circle or the justicar is absent may be wise Onfroi says simply
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Also, she and Vykos despise one another with a passion".
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
As Michele charges from the building so too from the other building does Alyssa charge, alone, the Knights are no where to be seen. Her charge falters in the face of Talisman's powers.
Alessandro screams out and Talisman pauses and stares at the Saracen Ventrue then back at Katrina's fading form. Then he turns impassively to see Michele charging straight at him as if he was a mere observer of what takes place around him.
Sadir's eyes go wide as his Childe charges the ancient one.
Talisman still holds Katriana in one hand while Michele keeps coming.
"So. Your will is greater than I would have suspected young one".
He does not act though.
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Geoffroi you and Baldemar exit the other side of the building, leaving these Fiends to their own devices and manipulations.
Baldemar grits his teeth as you both exit onto the street, "Is this the right decision? Should we not stop a great evil in its tracks? Are we not bound by Duty to the Lord to do so?"
At that moment you hear Alessandro scream from the otehr sid eof the building, Alessandro Khadaji... will... not... kneel.
Hear me.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
"My Love. I kept them out for a reason. They attempted a coup against the Doge. Whether I agree or disagree matters little, they have failed, we should not associate ourselves with such a failure. This Doge is as ruthless as any have ever been. We do not wish to cross him, even if you are what you are..."
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline - Alessandro Khadaji & Michele Querini
Summoning all he has left Michele thinks of the one armed creature known to him as Haji and calls for him to come one more time. Literally screaming while looking at Sadir, "Haji come to our aid.
Spend 1 blood to Summon
Charisma + Subterfuge Base diff of 5 but can go up to 7
Next round:
Continue towards them while spending 6 blood to increase his Stamina, Str and Dex to 7
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
---
---
Sadir looks back at Michele confused.
You attempt to Summon Haji once more. Still drifting towards Talisman with intent.
He turns to Sergei his neck spasming as if fighting an internal war, "Volkov. I think this Fledgling intends violence towards your Sister..."
Sergei stands and grabs his blade from the ground where his Sister dropped it, she moans softly, blood trickling from the fang wounds left by Talisman, "You will not take my Sister from me Querini!" he roars. He begins stalking towards you Michele...
Sadir looks to Michele and then back at Talisman.
Talisman looks down at Katriana his hands shaking and she too shakes in his arms on the doorstep of death.
Initiative -
Talisman
Sadir
Sergei
Alessandro
Michele
Round 1
Sadir & Talisman - (Acted)
Michele (GO!)
Sergei
Alessandro (Held Fast by Presence)
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Geoffroi looks at Baldemar
“I honestly do not know where the evil lies. I think it is evil fighting evil. I don’t want to die fighting for a fiend”
He sighs
“However, I cannot leave this tableaux. Perhaps the Lord Jesù has appointed us to be here at this moment to be the fulcrum for some momentous thing. I do not know. “
He turns towards the fight
“So be it. Let us face our destiny then together, friend Baldemar. I pray the Good Shepherd will guide us to the right path. For we truly walk into the shadow of the Valley of Death”
Geoffroi crosses himself, checks his crossbow and begins sliding along the building, trying to keep in shadow as much as possible
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
The Elders consider Onfroi's words and Cantor replies, "That leaves the Setites and the Tzimisce with no Justicar.
Do we appoint one for them in the interim or table further voting on the matter to tomorrow?"
Antoine blurts out, "We should summon them, we should summon them right now. Elysiun be damned. If they plot against us we must know!"
Criatas shakes his head, "I believe that we should simply move on. When they arrive, they can select their Justicars. If they never arrive, so be it. Their own Councilors can do the job themselves. There is nothing that stops any one of us from selecting ourselves should we have been so inclined.
More important to me this night is discussing what to do with the criminal elements among our kind. There are many active Blood Hunts by Princes against rivals. Do we give blanket immunity so all such criminals until such time as a Justicar can hear these cases under our new order?"
The assembly seems aghast at the notion...
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
As you and Baldemar round the corner you feel an overwhelming sense of power emanating from Talisman, it buckles your knees and you slowly sink down. Baldemar feels it as well he prays to Jesus and finds the courage to retain his footing, barely.
You see that most, even the Fiend Alyssa lie on the ground in supplication. Alessandro stands but it takes sheer will to do so. Only Michele Querini strides purposefully towards Talisman with Volkov heading in Querini's direction, naked steel bared!
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
March 31st 1309
Bernardo looks at them both and says after a long pause I came at the princes bidding why would anyone be anywhere near you or give you warning unless it was true? I don't care what happens to either of you and I wash my hands and am leaving having done what I can do.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
"My Love. I kept them out for a reason. They attempted a coup against the Doge. Whether I agree or disagree matters little, they have failed, we should not associate ourselves with such a failure. This Doge is as ruthless as any have ever been. We do not wish to cross him, even if you are what you are..."
Troubled. He values his wife, and her opinions, a scandal to be sure but he was not lying to his sire thinking she would be a fine cainite, "Banishing them now might prove difficult. If need be, we can claim wounded or not, they had swords. The other option is to inform someone in authority, but that would lead to a fight that might endanger the inn."
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Geoffroi Initiative
Baldemar Initiative
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Round 1
Sadir & Talisman - (Acted)
Michele & Geoffroi - (GO!)
Sergei
Alessandro & Baldemar (Held Fast by Presence)
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
A Roof in Venice -
The female holds up her hand, "If the Prince did send you, we could use your assistance, whether Dragan here wants it or not".
Dragan grimaces and growls but stats nothing further.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
"My Love, are you night a creature of the night? Is there nothing you can do to get rid of them with your powers or slay them? Claim you have eliminated the Doge's enemies... it will make us allies with the side that has won, for good or ill, the Doge has now assumed complete control of our Venice".
Geoffroi steps from the shadows, crossbow raised
“VOLKOV! Stop! “
He swivels to Michele
“Hold thy place as well, m’sieur!”
He steps slowly towards the assembled parties, but always keeps his back to a handy object
“I have been entangled into ... whatever... is occurring here. I know not the true evil, and I cannot tell which of you all play the devil’s role. So I present you with this ultimatum. Stop your attacks. “
He swivels towards Talisman
“That includes you , m’sieur! Release the woman! “
March 31st, 1309
Bernardo looks at the woman and says my speaking to you shouldn't have happened and my warning you was past my deal. I have no reason to stay further with you now especially with you in the danger you may be in. What is it you want from me?
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline - Alessandro Khadaji & Michele Querini
**noted on the blood and adjusted**
Michele starts backing up towards his sire Sadir (so he can't see Sadir) so he can see as many participants that are gathered here as possible but especially Sergei, Katrina, Talisman, and Geoffroi.
" My sire and I are not the issue friend. None of us are other then then the brother and sister. Talisman wishes to make them his pawns in evil for eternity. My sire and I want to leave now. Sergei- I hope you find peace in whatever comes of this but either way it seems your sister will be lost to you."
Presence 6
Rage at the crowd not centered on me (crowd is diff 7)
Manipulation + Expression
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline - Geoffroi de Clairvaux, Alessandro Khadaji & Michele Querini
Geoffroi and Alexander feel a swelling surge of red hot anger wash over them momentarily emanating from Michele. It however, is not enough to overwhelm you or perhaps not enough to overcome whatever hold Talisman has.
It does though, seem to get the best of Sergei who rushes forward at
Alessandro!
Alessandro is helpless as the enraged Hunter charges at him striking Alessandro in the right hip.
---
In the meantime Talisman turns towards Geoffroi, "Release her? That is exactly what I plan on doing Sir Geoffroi. If you wish my aid, you will not interfere".
Baldemar cocks his head, "How does this Fiend know your name?"
---
Round 1
Alessandro (GO!)
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
A Roof in Venice -
"Assistance. If you are a representative of the Prince then you will aid me.
This one I barely know and he owes his allegiance to the Tzimisce. I am a Ward of Prince Narses. If I survive this, how would it look for you that you turned your back on me when I asked for your aid?"
Geoffroi grimaces
“I have crossed paths with this fiend before. There are currents within currents. I now have to determine who in this mess is the proper side”
He sees Volkov go beserk
“Volkov! Halt now!”
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
"Not that I presume to know a great deal on these matters of politics, but would it not be prudent to as Lord Criatas says, simply move on. If any of the votes that occur could be swayed by votes of the Tzimisce and the Setites, then perhaps table that issue. If their votes would not sway the decision of the council, say if there are already seven votes for or against a particular measure, there is no reason to delay such a vote." Lorenzo says.
Thinking a bit more about Lord Criatas's question, Lorenzo posits, "If this Council is to gain the support of the majority, if not all, Princes would it not be beneficial, albeit tedious, to take these Blood Hunts on a case by case basis?"
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium - Franz, Lorenzo, Vitaliano and Onfroi
Vitaliano worried slightly that his Sire might be right, it's odd that two of their number would be missing so shortly after being appointed. Still, he'd not give in to the madness and paranoia on the subject.
When the subjects were broached, Vitaliano nodded to Lorenzo "I believe Lorenzo is correct, it would be quite easy to take the votes as is and hold should their votes truly matter. I doubt they'd take offense as it seems only reasonable even to one of madness." he said nodding twice.
When it came to the subject of blood hunts, he held his breath for a moment. While it is true that there are those who enjoy abusing their power for their own gain and defense...it'd also not good to put their guard up so heavily. He tapped his chin, once, twice, thrice....and without thinking a fourth.
He paused heavily on speaking before finally saying something. "Their decision was before the council was presented...I would not stay their hands but merely send the Justicars to intervene and investigate should they get there in time." he offered.
[dice=Soak, Stamina 3 + Fortitude 2]3d10+2d10
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Criatas replies, "Justicars to intervene? There are quite literally hundreds of such Blood Hunts and so far, eleven Justicars to adjudicate them all.
That is why they should all be withdrawn. If we do not do that what are we doing here? Injustices that led to our creation of this body will continue and we will end up right back where we started..."
"While I do not agree with you on this Lord Criatas, I believe that we should take a vote on the matter", replies Cantor. "I vote nay. We can certainly give Princes the information that Prince Narses has taken this action but we should not compel them to do such a thing as that action may have an even worse consequence than leaving such Blood Hunts in place".
Lord Benne turns to you Lorenzo.
Lord Antoine peers about staring at shadows, likely with Auspex Vitaliano. He may be having a moment.
Petradon inches closer to you Onfroi and whispers in your ear, "Vote nay".
Franz, you are here alone..
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Lorenzo nods to his Sire. "Clan Cappadocian votes nay. It raises too much of a risk of immediate rebellion should this body over-rule so many Princes so quickly."
March 31st, 1309: Conclave Round one, fight!
Onfroi listens to those who are speaking and then leans in to hear what his sire has to say and then leans back with a shake of the head as if to indicate no to a question and then says
Each blood hunt to this point had what merit the elder of the city measured. I am sure that Prince Narses would not want some other to decide what was valid for him. I vote nay with the idea that enough injustice will gain the attention of our justicars regardless eventually and the issue might be handled "behind the scenes" as it has been done for some time now.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
"My Love, are you night a creature of the night? Is there nothing you can do to get rid of them with your powers or slay them? Claim you have eliminated the Doge's enemies... it will make us allies with the side that has won, for good or ill, the Doge has now assumed complete control of our Venice".
His pride pricks, then he says "I am. So.. you crave their blood do you? Mmm. Let's not fools about it. Shall we? Break out the drinks...let us get them relaxed, and drunk...and hopefully disarmed."
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
She starts for a moment at your response then caresses your face though her hand wavers a bit, "My Husband. I do not crave their blood as much as I crave that our blood not be spilled by the Doge. He will arrive by day. They will drag you out to arrest you and you will meet the sun. That, is what I wish to avoid".
She pauses, "Drinks on the house then?"
Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309
Via Orsoline -
Sergei Random Rage Attack! Randomized Berserker Attack 1 = Michele, 2 = Francois, 3 = Wilhelm, 4 = Geoffroi, 5 = Baldemar, 6 = Sadir, 7 = Alessandro, 8 = Alyssa.
Alessandro, your Vampiric body absorbs much of the hit. Despite this, you feel your limbs unleaden, it seems that being struck by a servant of Talisman has allowed you to break his hold over you!
Baldemar rushes at Talisman and swings his blade.
Greatsword Attack - Greatsword Damage
Talisman does not even react, it is as if he did not even feel the strike on his back from Baldemar's deadly blade.
-------
Round 2
Sadir & Talisman
Michele & Geoffroi - (GO!)
Sergei
Alessandro & Baldemar
Sadir stands and looks at Talisman who looks back at him. "Haji? Where did you hear that name Childe?"
Talisman chuckles, "Always a new surprise no matter how old you are". He bites back into Katriana's neck and this time her eyes flicker and her blood spills onto the ground.
-------
Round 2
Michele & Geoffroi - (GO!)
Sergei
Alessandro & Baldemar
Seeing Talisman drink again and Baldemar’s charge, Geoffroi makes his decision
“Deus Vult “ He whispers
The bolt flies towards the vampire Talisman
[dice=archery+Dex ]5d10
Geoffroi reloads as fast as possible
March 31st, 1309
very well then since you speak for the Prince perhaps you will offer his favor for helping you? Offering his displeasure seems poor reward. Bernardo says.
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
A Roof in Venice -
The woman frowns, "You say you were sent by the Prince yet you ask me to offer you favor with the Prince for helping me.
You sir speak with forked tongue...
Assist me and I shall tell the Prince that you did. It is up to he and not me as to whether your assistance merits favor".
Dragan chuckles and awaits your response in the drizzle that patters on all of your heads. Thank God that the lashing rain finally stopped!
Geoffroi's bolt literally bounces right off of the ancient fiend.
Geoffroi observes the bolt bouncing off. He realizes the ranged weapon will be ineffective
“ canticum David Dominus pascit me nihil mihi deerit...”
He drops the crossbow and draws his great sword. He rushes to attack
“.......sed et si ambulavero in valle mortis non timebo malum quoniam tu mecum es virga tua et baculus tuus ipsa consolabuntur me”
The Vulgate prayer falls from his lips in a tumble as he rushes to his doom
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
She starts for a moment at your response then caresses your face though her hand wavers a bit, "My Husband. I do not crave their blood as much as I crave that our blood not be spilled by the Doge. He will arrive by day. They will drag you out to arrest you and you will meet the sun. That, is what I wish to avoid".
She pauses, "Drinks on the house then?"
"Forgive me, Love, of late it seems fate conspires to draw me from what's important... instead I find myself in petty intrigues, and grand political foolishness. All I ever wanted to do was bring beauty and music in this world. You would not believe the forces in this world that seem determined to complicate that" He touches her cheek in return, "It will hurt our supplies, but yes."
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
Then Franz made a mental note that he needed to ask Gustave about what just happened - and how dangerous or intrusive such abilities were...
"Regarding the Setites or Tzimisce - I was delayed myself - there is chaos on the streets and without prior arrangement, they may be unable to attend for reasons outside their control. It raises a valid point, though: If someone abstains from the meeting, how do we treat their vote? If we vote and they can act as tiebreaker, that gives those who abstain a great deal of leverage. We could also be sabotaged that way - if one of those choosen goes missing, for example - as such I believe any meeting called must be able to vote on matters in a conclusive manner, regardless of presence. As such, I suggest those abstaining from the meeting be allowed to vote on all matters discussed until such time as the meeting is concluded, and consider their votes forfeit if they fail to present themselves in time."
"Lord Criatas has a point. If such Blood Hunts were called for sinister purposes, to eliminate a princes personal or political opposition, then upholding them would be against the spirit of what we are trying to achieve here. At the same time, calling off those blood hunts for serious crimes until a Justiciar can look into the matter would be a disservice to our kindred. I suggest that we choose a number of offenses, such as amaranth, kinslaying or breaking the silence of blood, which are considered grave violations in all our eyes, and elect to uphold those blood hunts called for these reasons - while anulling all those called for minor infractions. Such Anullment could still be challenged by the princes, to be looked into by the Justiciars - but few princes would do so if they are unsure if they can convince the Justiciar of their case - and there will overall be less work for them, allowing for a reasonable time to respond to calls."
Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium -
"A wise compromise to consider, Franz. Lorenzo says, genuinely impressed with the suggestion.
March 31st, 1309
Bernardo nods and says I will assist you, what is it you are looking to do?