Darn it. I forgot the DC on that second one was higher. Apologies. I will try to focus a bit more
Tis ok! That's why the ST is here to interpret said rolls :-)
Apr 2, 2013, 08:14 pm - Original Thread -
Lorenzo Cappelli & Michele Querini
"Bodily harm? From myself or your former physician? Certainly not. We are men dedicated to healing the body not destroying it. Coin? You wish me to purchase information from you? That is not my way either. I am sure I can convince you to tell me by virtue of a lengthy discussion. You raise a question about what was in the crate. I have my suspicions but I do not know for sure. I do know that Dr. Ceppelli may or may not have looked".
He pauses for a moment and sips more wine. "Let me tell you why I seek the answer after that you will be the judge of whether you will tell me or whether I will have to convince you further".
Dr. Benne stands and begins to pace. "Approximately three hundred years ago in southern France a group of Christian missionaries centered in Tolouse and Albi sparked a schism based on the teachings of Bogomil. The movement became very popular and spread like wildfire across western europe. The Holy See of course provided a solution to the heresy by hanging these Heretics whenever it could locate them. However, two hundred years later the movement was still quite strong. In response Pope Innocent the III initiated a Crusade against these heretics commonly referred to now as the Albignesian Crusade, after all the Crusade was effective agains the heretics of the east why not perpetrate religious crimes in ones own homeland? The movement was of course led by the French crown and used by the crown to attack not only the heretics but its political enemies".
"According to the Church, more than heresy was discovered amongst these schismatic Christians. They claimed to have found evidence of withcraft and demonology. The Church at the end of the Crusade twenty years later formed a commission to seek out creatures embedded amongst us summoned by their worshippers the witches. This group known commonly now as the Inquisition was given great power to investigate the affairs of the low and the high. Soon the Inquisition claimed to have found much evidence of withcraft all over europe. Meanwhile, those who were politically astute were able to manipulate the Inquisition into destroying their ebemies and acquiring their possessions including most notably their land".
Dr. Benne pauses, "Have you any questions thus far?"
Lorenzo Cappelli & Michele Querini
Dr. Benne nods and continues, “Several years ago Brother Pietrobuono of Padua, Padua being a Bishopric of Venice, committed a series of just such frauds within and around Venice. He allowed heretics to purchase absolutions and those who would not he condemned and claimed the property of, subsequently selling it and amassing a large personal fortune in the process. By the time his underhanded dealings came to the attention of then Pope Boniface VIII many lives had been ruined, including the family of an up and coming merchant family which was a rival of the Doge. The activities of the Inquisition have since been suspended in the city. Thus, if it were known that members of this sect were to be infiltrating Venice now during this time of crisis it would reflect poorly on the Holy See. It may even be seen as an act of war by the Pope against the Venetians. The Inquisition is known for burning heretics at the stake with no or little proof. I do not think that is something we wish to see, unless of course that is something you are interested in seeing, Signore Querini”.
Dr. Benne pauses and stares at you almost through you, then continues, “This sect is dangerous and any hint of their activities in the city at this time is a grave portent of things that may come to pass. Imagine the thought of people burning in the streets accused of witchcraft! Do you not agree after what you have just heard?”
Can't remember, did I try... Thought I did.
Therefore, the spirits that the Giovanni used may well have some insight into who some of these Ghouls of Narses may be.
I have the infamous sire (someone, perhaps not Alyssa... or maybe her) seeking Golconda.
Also, I have 15 XP to spend. Not sure what sort of shenanigans will ensue.
Infamous Sire I know, still trying to figure that one out. Not sure how to work that angle just yet BUT I have an idea, which should roll out in this Chapter.
XP This will be heaviest combat oriented Chapter, I am thinking 2 celerity and 2 Potence, that's 14 XP, so you will have 1 left.
Also, since you are behind a bit and my new guy coming in I gave some XP to, please add the following to your character sheet:
2 Dominate, 2 Presence, 2 Auspex, 3 Manipulation, 4 Athletics, 2 Survival, 3 Politics.
I think it's OK for these questions to be out of spoiler...
Is there anything that would help Alessandro be a more effective leader, as in uniting different clans... or allowing cainites from other clans follow his Ventrue lead... without being heavy handed and using disciplines?
And if they don't follow him, perhaps will throw in with his faction because of him.
Also, since I'm not that aware/sensitive to what's occured... Is there anything he perhaps shouldn't tell Alexander or that Alexander would dislike?
His tendency is to speak the truth, albeit diplomatically.
Oh... what's the relationship between Mithras and Alexander? And relative generations, I suppose?
Lastly, for the cheaper seats... I'm simple terms... who is/was aligned with Narses?
I think it's OK for these questions to be out of spoiler...
1 - Is there anything that would help Alessandro be a more effective leader, as in uniting different clans... or allowing cainites from other clans follow his Ventrue lead... without being heavy handed and using disciplines?
And if they don't follow him, perhaps will throw in with his faction because of him.
2 - Also, since I'm not that aware/sensitive to what's occured... Is there anything he perhaps shouldn't tell Alexander or that Alexander would dislike?
His tendency is to speak the truth, albeit diplomatically.
3 - Oh... what's the relationship between Mithras and Alexander? And relative generations, I suppose?
4 - Lastly, for the cheaper seats... I'm simple terms... who is/was aligned with Narses?
1 – Mostly through roleplaying. Convincing them that your ideas are better is what it boils down to. One advantage you have is that you are a native Venetian and will know the city and still have Mortal contacts that may prove useful.
The current political climate is unknown to you (or Franz and Alexander for that matter) so you will need to get up to speed on that once you re-engage with the group.
2 – Alexander is petty and arrogant, that much you have seen. Anything that damages his narrative should absolutely be brought up diplomatically. To successfully deal with him, he needs to be treated like any narcissist, the rub is that this one is godlike.
3 – They are both children of Ventrue. Alexander dislikes Mithras because he did not provide him aid or succor against the uprising that overthrew him, but he reserves his special vengeance for his own Childe. Mithras though is older and more powerful, how much more is hard to say.
4 – Most of the Camarilla was aligned with Narses. The Nosferatu and the Salubri are/were especially close. The Tzimisce and the Setites seemed less so, based on their lack of attendance at the Conclave. The rest of the Clans somewhere in between though the Cappadocians and the Toreador Clans do have members that are permanent residents.
At Conclave it became common knowledge that Narses had at least an indirect hand in the fall of the Dream of Constantinople, so he may have made enemies in so doing.
Reading... Baldemar and Valdemar are two distinct individuals?
Reading... Baldemar and Valdemar are two distinct individuals?
Yes, Baldemar is the human Knight you saved from certain doom on your ship that was burned by the Giovanni. Most recently, he was caught up in the machinations of Talisman and was taken by Narses as a hostage to force you and Alyssa to slay Wilhelm and Brice. He just wo his freedom by aiding the Coterie in freeing the rest of the captured Coterie.
Valdemar is a childe of Narses, most recently attaining the position of Seneschal after the destruction of Thomas Brexiano by the Assamite rogue, El Cid. Further facts about him I/C will become known to Alessandro as the Chapter moves forward.
So, I'm assuming Alessandro would know Franz's generation and that it's at least one less than his own.
Also confirming Franz's bloodline is different or the same as Alexander? Hardestadt maybe?
So, I'm assuming Alessandro would know Franz's generation and that it's at least one less than his own.
Also confirming Franz's bloodline is different or the same as Alexander? Hardestadt maybe?
Yes, one less than Alessandro's unless of course, he's gotten a hold of something tasty...
Correct, he is in Hardestadt's line.
---
Back in the day I toyed with the idea of specific tweaks based on the Ventrue you are descended from (like offsetting merits and flaws) but never did anything with it.
Plus it creates an imbalance to other PCs to not do the same for their respective Clans.
Though in my Ventrue only game I may just tinker....
Apologies, family celebrations this weekend I may not be posting till monday
So with 1 more XP, total 16 XP... I could get Dex 5?
How do folks feel about Attributes vs. Disciplines?
I'm always cautious about relying on blood points too heavily... Especially if there will be longer fights.
Mechanically, raising attributes is almost always optimal. There are only 9 to choose from and 95% of the rolls in the game are attribute + ability.
That being said, I've typically leaned into "what would my character be focused on".
In the case of Lorenzo. I've focused on Disciplines, as that particular field of study is where Lorenzo would focus over any general attribute.
Long story short - What would Alessandro be focused on improving?
Apologies, family celebrations this weekend I may not be posting till monday
I did not start up the main group yet so no worries.
I'll be starting the rest of you this week.
Long story short - What would Alessandro be focused on improving?
Alessandro is for all intents and purposes, Captain (Venice) America! He's the un-vampire, like the uncola.
Discipline v. Discipline, he'd probably get his butt kicked every time. He's the youngest (highest generation) and weakest I believe and only been turned a month?Attribute wise, I'd pump Dex, Sta and Cha.
And, he thinks human (still)... He'd most likely avoid using his disciplines, expending blood.
Passive disciplines, I like... Fortitude, Auspex.
I appreciate how he was NPC'd, thanks Storyteller Shadow! Reading the story, I often thought... that's exactly what I would had him do or say.
Tough call on spending XP, I tend towards Disciplines unless my Attributes and Abilities require a buff to use said Disciplines, then I build up those items in conjunction with one another.
I appreciate how he was NPC'd, thanks Storyteller Shadow! Reading the story, I often thought... that's exactly what I would had him do or say.
Alessandro, much like Andrew the Hardy and Baldemar, were so well played for so long I felt like I could see their point of view fairly well. When I NPC a former PC, I try and keep them true to the original intent of the PCs.
Grazie!
Does Alessandro know about the Artiste Elysium? Hard to tell timing wise. I think he and Lorenzo were speaking when it came up.
Grazie!
Does Alessandro know about the Artiste Elysium? Hard to tell timing wise. I think he and Lorenzo were speaking when it came up.
I do not recall, I do not think so but do a search in the thread and if it's there then yes, if not, then it was not made common knowledge in the Conclave and you would not know.
He does!
...Alyssa interjects, "The Toreador who calls herself the Artiste has a gallery which is also Elysium". She nods at Ranerius.
Alyssa then asks you all to step into the small office to conduct your council as she, Victor, and Alessandro are packed away by their retainers.
Found here: https://paizo.com/campaigns/v5748p75ivkqm/gameplay&page=30#1480
He does!
...Alyssa interjects, "The Toreador who calls herself the Artiste has a gallery which is also Elysium". She nods at Ranerius.
Alyssa then asks you all to step into the small office to conduct your council as she, Victor, and Alessandro are packed away by their retainers.
Found here: https://paizo.com/campaigns/v5748p75ivkqm/gameplay&page=30#1480
Then no. EDIT Then YES!
You know Elysium is a trap. You know that all of the Inns where the visiting Cainites were staying were attacked as well as the Giovanni Residence. Note that Elysium was NOT attacked on the day of the first assault but on the next day.
So your best leads for locating other Cainites are either: (1) Cappelli Storage or (2) finding the Nosferatu.
[You might also know where Xing Shi's haven is, I don't remember if you were ever there].
Lorenzo, Geoffroi, Michele, and Ranerius
I will start your group up probably by Wednesday night. You will begin in Bion's Lair.
Let me know if you have any questions based on the spoilers I put up for your OOC checks or any questions otherwise.
Thanks again for re starting this campaign with me after such a long absence!
I nor Alessandro probably know all the "bits and bobs" as they say... But, Alessandro is catching a whiff of conspiracy.
Hopefully I'm not running us around in circles or dragging this out.
I nor Alessandro probably know all the "bits and bobs" as they say... But, Alessandro is catching a whiff of conspiracy.
Hopefully I'm not running us around in circles or dragging this out.
Nope not at all, you need all the info you can get. Some of it is useless, some useful, figuring out which is which, that's the important thing! I try to give all the PCs a piece of thread to pull on. Unfortunately, some of these threads are owned by PCs who are no longer with us so I am trying to fill in gaps as we move along. You might never find out who orchestrated this, or, you might find out as the next set of PCs.
I'm happy when Alessandro accomplished some relatively small task/quest. Return Alexander's Childer, etc...
I've actually mostly only read my own thread. So the over-arching plot isn't fully apparent to him.
He's been mostly concerned with Alyssa and Lorenzo.
Do Cainites immediately know what clan another vampire is from/of... or do those of the same clan recognize one another?
Alessandro wouldn't know if the unknown female is Ventrue?
Do Cainites immediately know what clan another vampire is from/of... or do those of the same clan recognize one another?
Alessandro wouldn't know if the unknown female is Ventrue?
No, no one has any idea, that's part of why announcing one's Clan is a Tradition.
Not even taste of blood or auspex 2 can decipher clan, auspex 4 reading minds will allow one to snatch a clan with enough successes.
Assuming Alessandro no longer knows Alexander is staying with Franz?
Assuming Alessandro no longer knows Alexander is staying with Franz?
Correct, once he touched you, he utilized Dominate to rework your memory of the interaction, you now believe all of the information that was provided was provided by Franz Albert.
Are we assuming Alessandro has a secondary location in the city, where he could change clothes, rest, feed, etc...?
Are we assuming Alessandro has a secondary location in the city, where he could change clothes, rest, feed, etc...?
Besides your Manse, you have a small storage facility by the docks which has an office. Feeding there is likely risky due to heavy foot traffic and sleeping there is absolutely not an option. Foot traffic should be light though as no ships are due from the East for at least a week.
You do have secret tunnels underneath the Manse as well.
Finally, you now own the Cappelli Warehouse. More room there to feed (but you need to find someone to do that to) and to change and you could probably have an employee pack you in a crate (you're the boss after all). Cappelli's also had a second warehouse but that's on the mainland. You own that too.
Based on paperwork signed, you also know where Dominic Cappelli lives though your last encounter with him was... disjointed and Lorenzo stated that he was mind wiped.
I guess what I'm asking is... Does Alessandro need be alert (abundance of caution)...
...or is he a hunted fugitive (known entity), properties are known (by the enemy and off limits). Manse likely to be watched, raided, staff killed, etc...
I guess what I'm asking is... Does Alessandro need be alert (abundance of caution)...
...or is he a hunted fugitive (known entity), properties are known (by the enemy and off limits). Manse likely to be watched, raided, staff killed, etc...
You don't know!
That's the fun of it right? :-)
For some... ;)
So, Alessandro wouldn't have a secondary (smaller, less opulent, more secret) residence/haven?
Also, would Giuseppe know Khadaji is one of the bosses - even if he doesn't know him personally?
I remember the idea of buying at tenement for single mothers, etc... Mario & Maurizio.
Having a hard time knowing what's at his disposal, even some fresh clothes or il Corvo get up.
For some... ;)
So, Alessandro wouldn't have a secondary (smaller, less opulent, more secret) residence/haven?
Also, would Giuseppe know Khadaji is one of the bosses - even if he doesn't know him personally?
No, you have not been a Cainite long enough to set that up and there was no reason to as there was no perceived threat. Plus, your Manse has armed guards.
He would know him by name but not by face.
I remember the idea of buying at tenement for single mothers, etc... Mario & Maurizio.
Having a hard time knowing what's at his disposal, even some fresh clothes or il Corvo get up.
Yes, that is available but it's filled by Day with Mortals coming and going who do not know you are a Cainite.
Gotcha, right now at your disposal is:
1 - The Khadaji Manse [Main Base] (there is also an under passage for escape - built by your Father in case a quick escape was needed),
2 - The Khadaji Warehouse (very limited in size, used to store goods from ships that would be shipped to the mainland from Venice) il Corvo gear would certainly be stashed here.
3 - Cappeli Storage - Venice (nothing stashed here as it was a recent acquisition and you have been busy with the Conclave and Cainite matters).
4 - Cappelli Storage - Mainland Venice (you've never been here).
5 - Mario/Maurizio Abode - (these retainers are located here but you know them to be unsavory and not blood bound so you would likely not trust them by Day while you were dormant).
Maybe you have one more set of il Corvo gear on a rooftop in case you needed a quick change, probably a weapon with that gear as well.
I don't see Andrew the Hardy listed anywhere... would you mind providing a character summary? Loyalty affinity etc...
I don't see Andrew the Hardy listed anywhere... would you mind providing a character summary? Loyalty affinity etc...
Gotta check the old threads for him, he's a former PC, he's done too much to list, but briefly:
Clan Salubri, Childe of the Salubri Inner Circle member Brian Stack. He was at most of the Conclave meetings but you may have had only passing interactions with him.
He recently revealed that he has True Faith and handed his faith empowered sword over to Baldemar the Ghoul as he was part of the rescue Party.
His affiliates are Xing Shi (former PC now NPC who has not been seen in a while, a Grandchilde of Narses), Michael Santo (former PC, also currently missing, the Childe of Tremere Inner Circle member Radek), Ranerius (current PC), Geoffroi (current PC).
I don't see Andrew the Hardy listed anywhere... would you mind providing a character summary? Loyalty affinity etc...His affiliates are Xing Shi (former PC now NPC who has not been seen in a while, a Grandchilde of Narses), Michael Santo (former PC, also currently missing, the Childe of Tremere Inner Circle member Radek), Ranerius (current PC), Geoffroi (current PC).
Guess he's a'ight...
Somehow Geoffroi fell off the current PC list
The two concentrations are insigtful for Perception and Occult for Academics
Somehow Geoffroi fell off the current PC list
** spoiler omitted **
Once you post in Gameplay you should be reflected again, I'll resolve that roll tomorrow!
You have heard this order referenced in your time as a Templar, but were never able to get any full explanation of what this order was and who was in it exactly.
Do you want to try and swipe it? Make a Dexterity+Larceny roll DC 6 - 1 success required.
Any hints as to where is find the Nosferatu waterway discussion?
Watetways discussion
Thanks!
Quick questions, 10-word or less answers? As Alessandro might know.
What ultimately happened to Ghost?
What ultimately happened to Talisman?
Ghost left on the ship of the Lasombra Renegade Captain Sepio as he was a member of his crew.
You were indeed there when Talisman left the city with Brian Stack and his new Progeny, Sergei Volkov. They were attempting to preserve Katriana Volkov who was on death's door. Before they decide to give her the Embrace or Death, they are going to seek to save her soul (that location was not mentioned but Lord Stack "knew someone who could help". If they left straightaway, that means that Talisman's ghouls are probably still behind.