Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Andrew seems taken aback by Geoffroi's statement, "Ah thought ye two were allied no?"
Geoffroi looks at Andrew
“The man who called Baldemar a friend is dead. Baldemar approached me and wove a sad tale of not remembering what had happened to him. Obviously, he was a victim of machinations beyond his control, but I still resent the fact that my charitable instincts towards a fellow knight led me to the condition I currently exist in”
His frown deepens
“Or do you think that he would spare either of us if we fell into his hands? I warned him to leave Venice. He obviously declined. He is as much a danger in his way as Sir Dunstan. Had he decided to head back to more northern climes, that would be one thing. Here, he knows who we are, WHAT we are, and likely works hard to thwart us and our kind. “
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Alessandro notices Onfroi's controlled reaction.
The hunters are the cat's paw, a distraction, and a good one. Because the discussion becomes what to do about them. The options leads us down different paths, they fracture our resolve and our potency.
The cat is surely one of our kind, and is surely waiting. Has it ever truly been any other way?
The only real question as I see it, 'Who orchestrated Narses'... removal and to what end?'
That is the question the Ventrue would ask and do. He pauses.
Lose focus and we all perish, whether we fight or flee, merely dancing with smoke and shadows.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Geoffroi nods at the Ventrue
“It is very important that we watch the entire forest, not just the trees. You raise legitimate concerns. However, in a battle, the troops in the front must be dealt with before the generals. I think, reading the tactical situation, that there are guiding hands. However, we will need information to uncover their identities. So, my counsel is thus: We meet these hunters and disperse them. We attempt to take prisoners. Using the powers I have seen, I am certain we can interrogate any prisoners effectively. Thus we slay two foes with one thrust. We clear the hunters off the board, and , God willing, we obtain the identities of those who use the hunters as cats paws. “
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Root cause, Geoffroi.
What has actually changed with Narses' removal and who benefits the most?
Did he know something that died with him, perhaps?
It could even be a faction or individual we know nothing of, a new player entirely.
There is a bigger game afoot. He looks around, meeting each face. Trying not to linger too long as he looks at Alejandro and Xing.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Geoffroi nods
“Having seen the politics that seem to be rife among people of our … nature, I agree that any of those are possible. However, all the politicking in the world will avail us not should a group of knights slam ash stakes into our hearts and cart us back the Eternal City”
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Geoffroi frowns
“You will pardon me. I still have not acclimated to the mores and laws of this dark society. I myself was both pawn and knight in the last crusades. I saw Philip move against my whole order and persuade the Pope to abet his treachery. I cannot even imagine what it is like to wage war if millennia-old tacticians from the Ancient Greeks and Romans held the hidden strings.”
He sighs
“It’s amazing how Destiny plays with us. All I ever wanted to do is fight for my bread and read the occasional book”
Inside The Blue Mongoose - (NPCs) Lydia, Onfroi, Xing Shi & Andrew the Hardy
This talk he listens to.
The Camarilla, once i thought it the dream of a harmonious if imperfect forever night, now? They're right, it has yet to be fully realized.
At the talk of mass embraces, he arches a brow. It would allow a chance for my beloved to join me, and then... be utterly destroyed as mere fodder. Ironic. And it would likely draw more eyes.
"We must go for the head of the snake, but we are not sure where the true head lays. A plan has been suggested in using our dark gifts to go up the ladder of evidence, as it were, to find it. Disarm the knife and see who's hand wielded it. Perhaps we should also consider a distraction of some sort. A way to split the forces of the hunters so we have a better chance against the few we take on? False leads we plant or the like?"
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Bernardo speaks, "Who has slain Narses is known as I witnessed it with my own eyes.
A Ventrue, Belisarius, and his paramour, Shabah, an Assamite, slew the Prince. Their motivation? That is not known to me, perhaps one of the Elders here can enlighten us".
Alejandro shrugs, "My Sire and Belisarius were rivals as Mortals and that carried over to Death, Undeath. Long have the Greeks blamed Venice, and by extension Narses, for the sacking of their city in the 4th Crusade.
Why now? Well, Gregor Dimities accused the Prince of the crime in the Camarilla conclave, most of us if not all of us witnessed this.
The being known as Talisman forgave him his crime, but it seems that Belisarius was not so forgiving if the tale that Bernardo weaves is true".
Valdemar speaks, "I believe it to be true and so does K'haytall, and that one was present for much of the history and the fall of the city during the sacking..."
Magdalena interrupts, "I believe that the death of Narses was indeed unrelated to these Hunters. However, I do not believe that the presence of the Hunters is unrelated to the formation of this Camarilla.
The Ventrue and the young Salubri make an interesting point, these Knight may well be pulled by strings they do not even see.
If we know who provided to them information about where to attack by day, then we can root out the traitor and perhaps trace that one back to the mastermind".
Radek finally speaks, "We would need to capture the leader of these Knights, alive. He is likely the one who was informed of the locations of each Inn where our Brethren were staying.
I would bet that Sir Dunstan informed them of the location of Narses Elysium. It was not sacked until a later night. Had they known of that it would have been struck the same night as the others I would wager".
The Artiste chimes in, "I concur, if another were working with these Hunters, my studio would have also been struck. This Dunstan never met me and never knew of my Elysium. Thus, I have had no unpleasant visits".
Vitaliano grins at Ranerius, "Devilishly clever my friend, split them up.
Perhaps that is the best use of Narses ghouls, plant false information by day to these Hunters..."
Onfroi groans aloud, "We should attack them directly. We know their church. We know where the Teutons stronghold is located. Hit and run tactics I say".
Lydia respond, "Were it so easy Geoffroi and Onfroi, I think the Elders would have done so.
These Mortals are... different, they resist our powers. They have their own powers. All can fight more effectively than many of our numbers can. Direct confrontation may lead to the Final Death for some of us as well".
Andrew lights up his pipe, "Ah well, do ye really think we c'n live f'rever hey? Tha' Prince perished as did some o' tha' others tha' the Knights slew. We're more, ah Hardy, than they, but we ain't deat' proof".
Valerio speaks up, "Indeed, others, more worthy of the blood have also met the Final Death". He glares at the other hooded figure in the room, "Our Patron and forefather, Simon was cowardly slain recently in the city as well". The hooded figure does not look back at Valerio.
Inside The Blue Mongoose - (NPCs) Lydia, Onfroi, Xing Shi & Andrew the Hardy
"We must go for the head of the snake, but we are not sure where the true head lays. A plan has been suggested in using our dark gifts to go up the ladder of evidence, as it were, to find it. Disarm the knife and see who's hand wielded it. Perhaps we should also consider a distraction of some sort. A way to split the forces of the hunters so we have a better chance against the few we take on? False leads we plant or the like?"
Geoffroi nods at this
“It is a sound strategy. Whether or not this Narses murder was tied to the hunters we face, they do have to be dealt with. I suggest we take the more martial of our group and turn the tables on the hunters and make them the hunted. Then, perhaps those who are wiser in the plots and machinations surrounding La Serenissima can try to come at the problem the other way”
"Were it so easy Geoffroi and Onfroi, I think the Elders would have done so.
These Mortals are... different, they resist our powers. They have their own powers. All can fight more effectively than many of our numbers can. Direct confrontation may lead to the Final Death for some of us as well".
He pauses for a second and then continues
“I am not advocating a direct confrontation with the hunters. We do not know enough of their strength and powers. However, if we can draw them into an ambuscade, or send them haring off on some wild goose chase, perhaps we can thin their numbers and keep them occupied enough that they do not bother the others as they do their work. And, perhaps, we can take a prisoner or two in the process”
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Crime? What crime is this that our late Prince was guilty of?
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Bernardo nods in agreement with Geoffroi, "Aye, splitting their ranks is important. Together they are powerful, separate, they are only Mortals. Even the most gifted among them alone is vulnerable. How to set up such ambushes is the question.
Outright attacking them is unwise, at least by our kind. Their fellow Mortals though, that is another matter entirely".
Alejandro smiles at Alessandro, "The most ancient among us have blood on their hands, the blood of Mortals and of Cainites alike.
Narses as a Mortal was a servant to the Byzantine Emperor Justinian as was Belisarius. Both men were great, in their own capacity. Narses though was outmaneuvered by his rival in the Mortal byzantine politics, I do not recall the particulars and was sent to the west. Then, this was a punishment as that was the farthest reaches of the Empire.
Belisarius was chosen by the Ventrue for greatness. Narses, a player in the shadows as a Mortal had some dealings with our kind, he was enraged that his foe had not only had him cast aside, but would live forever while he would die as he was already an old man and his descendants were indirect. To seek a way to strike back, Narses was able to find a way to also seek the Embrace.
Narses' Sire was older and more powerful than Belisarius' sire, but Belisarius was enmeshed in the power of the Vampiric Byzantine Court and so there was no way to strike against him directly. Over time, Narses built what we know today as Venice, through Mortal proxies of course. Venice began to grow powerful and came into conflict with the Byzantine Empire directly, through trade wars.
His rivalry thus extended to not only Belisarius, but the whole of the Dream and those Vampiric rulers that oversaw it, after all, was it not they who had chosen another less worthy man for the Embrace? They had held him down in life and now in unlife. Thus, when the opportunity came to pass that his beloved Venice could bring Constantinople under his control, his Mortal proxies attacked. It of course helped that his Mortal proxies had helped install a new Emperor on the throne only to find that the money the new Emperor owed them could not be repaid. Thus, the city was sacked and the Crusaders divided up the carcass.
Narses is guilty of the death of many Cainites due to these machinations. The Romans were guilty as well, but Narses had a more direct hand in the actual bloodshed. Unlike Narses, the Romans felt regret for what they had done and Narses had become somewhat of a pariah for the past century although it could not be directly proven that he had a hand in slaying the Cainites of the Dream, it was suspected.
The War of the Princes that followed the fall of Constantinople, among the fall of other Princes, though prevented anyone from acting upon him directly or seeking to prove any such crimes.
He then seized upon the idea of uniting the Princes of the west and the east into one unified group. He appeased Roman guilt over the part they played in the death of the Dream by reviving the name for their Eternal Senate, the Camarilla. His other schemes are not worth discussing as he is no longer with us. In open Court, during the Camarilla Conclave, he admitted his crime when Gregor Dimities appeared.
It seems that Belisarius did not forgive and did not forget who actually was responsible for the death of the Dream and sought to end his rival before he became too powerful to ever strike down
Whether his admitting the crime had any impact on what Belisarius ultimately did, you would have to ask the Ventrue. I suspect that he made his mind up regardless of what Narses would admit to or not admit to. However, with Narses admitting the crime, Belisarius is less likely to be hunted as his slaying of the Prince will be seen as comeuppance instead of petty revenge. Or I imagine so he hopes".
Valdemar turns to Bernardo, "Gangrel, tell us more, you witnessed his Final Death and what led to it yes?"
“ I believe I can shed some light on the hunters per se. When I was a mortal my warehouse was used to store the relics and arms of the hunter. The contact came from the Cardinal whom my family had ties with.
The Cardinal’s contact in Rome was Fabrizio Ulfilia who was the childe of Maltheas who is a childe of Venture. Seems all roads lead to the Ventrue.”
Michele pauses for a moment then continues. “My sire told me that Belisarius was an Assamite Elder who is the Grandchilde of Antonius the Gaul and the Childe of Caias, the Ventrue Elder. Belisarius was a Mortal General in Byzantium and a political rival of Prince Narses when Narses was a Councilor of the Emperor.”
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Thoughtfully, almost to himself...
Talisman.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
"Fabrizio Ulfilia eh?
That one holds great sway with the Church. A powerful Ventrue indeed, if anyone is as guilty as Narses of inciting the 4th crusade it would be he. He is Roman, but was not embraced until after the fall of Rome and therefore was never part of the Eternal Senate.
Narses wondered if that one was the one who was behind the incitement of the Holy See against Venice, a troublesome issue which is still plaguing the Mortals of this city due to the excommunication as I understand it.
This does not seem to be a coincidence!" exclaims Magdalena.
Radek grimaces, "His Childe was here at the conclave, Lady Jadviga. However, she was representing the Eastern Arpad Ventrue and Bulscu".
"Your point?" asks Magdalena.
Radek shrugs, "As that is the case, I believe that her alliances are to the East not not her Sire in the west".
Onfroi interjects, "All I know is that these Hunters clearly knew all of the locations of where the Clans in residence were staying and nothing of any local Cainite havens. For all we know, it could have just as well been a local that provided them with such specific information".
Radek turns to Michele, "Serpent, you were directly involved in smuggling Mortals to the city, no? Did your Sire know where to bring these vessels ahead of time? Was there anyone else that may have known? My Childe perhaps?"
Magdalena speaks again, "The Ventrue seems a perfect fit.
He sent no representative but a spy unaffiliated with himself to gather information, who had left the city before the attacks began, and he supplied weapons to the very Mortal Hunters that carried out the deed!"
Valdemar frowns, "I suppose Ulfila could have had some motivation, his strongest allies in the city were exiled by the Prince before the conclave began.
Still, he did send a representative... and that representative also knew of all the locations of where the vessels were staying! Plus, he has not been seen in some time! Perhaps Lord Kestral relayed that information to the Hunters and then fled back to Rome!"
Antoine begins to cackle, "Yes, it all makes no sense at all! Or does it? Why not make an enemy out of almost every Elder, west and some of the east, I mean who wants to live forever right!"
"There were also Prometheans and their sympathizers here, lest we all forget Robin Leeland. He indeed does have motivation to slay many Elders and it is a Brujah who has directly betrayed us. Leeland was seen speaking to that one was he not?" states Alejandro.
Vitaliano spins the wheel more, "What if this Ulfilia used the other Ventrue to slay Narses to end the search for a culprit of the death of this Dream. With Narses dead, the story can end there and no one casts their eyes further to Rome.
Bernardo, did any of Narses assailants say anything that might give a clue?"
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - (NPCs) Lydia, Onfroi, Xing Shi & Andrew the Hardy
Michele turns to Radek," Other than my sire and your childe knowing I do not know who else would know. I would think someone could try to follow them but to all locations not likely. Where is Santos? Can you communicate with him and ask him?
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
At mention of Lord Kestral, Lorenzo states, "Lord Kestral may have attempted to flee the city, but failed in that attempt. He was a prisoner of the being calling itself Talisman. Kestral's staked form currently resides with Lord Bion."
Ranerius wishes Lord Kestral's location had not been given away to his clan breathren
As for talk of dividing the enemy, while praised, he's still not sure how best to do it. "How quickly can we spread rumor I wonder, or lead sections of the inquistion away from their post? A frame job on some third party we do not favor?"
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
. "How quickly can we spread rumor I wonder, or lead sections of the inquistion away from their post? A frame job on some third party we do not favor?"
*Wheels within wheels within wheels* Geoffroi thinks to himself, listening to the litany of players in the political game. Ancient Romans, an Eternal Senate, Great Byzantium an experiment in Canite politics. It seems he has much studying to do the get up to speed on who is who!
“As for leading the inquisitors away, I would think it would be easy to strike quickly and flee. Throw a rock at the hornets nest and see what flies out. The agitators flee, hopefully with a the inquisitors in full reckless pursuit. Then, the inquisitors are led either on a merry chase, or into an ambuscade if one can be arranged.
“We hit quick and hard and then fade into the shadows of Venice. Perhaps we dive into the canals. These hunters might have fell powers, but I assume they still need to breathe. If we can keep picking at them without getting in a stand up melee, we can bleed them without much danger to ourselves. “
Michele looks toward Valdemar and pipes up. “Valdemar, who were Ulfila’s allies that the Prince exiled before the conclave? Maybe that info could be of use?”
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Radek nods affirmative to Michele, "I can contact him via ritual. He asked permission to be released and I granted it to him, I believe he left for Paris days ago".
Magdalena's eyebrows raise when Lorenzo mentions Lord Kestral, "If Talisman had him staked, how has come to be in the possession of Lord Bion?
While Kestral is a pawn of the Roman Elders, I do not believe he had direct contact with Fabrizio who does not reside on the Eternal Senate council as a Cainite must reside in Rome to be an active member, at least that is my understanding from my Sire".
Onfroi speaks reiterating the ideas of Ranerius and Geoffroi, "We should question Kestral as well about who he may have told about the Inns which were invaded. Though, staked as he was, he likely had no direct hand.
I like the idea of both false rumors and hit and run tactics, if not both".
Valdemar turns to Michele, "Why the Giovanni of course, but they were sent away before the Conclave even started, on purpose I might add. Partially to cede control of their holdings to Lord Benne and partly because Narses became distrustful of their motivations. Brexiano mentioned this distrust to me but never elaborated on what it meant and I never thought to ask further as I did not expect him to meet the Final Death".
Bernardo opens his mouth to speak but pauses, hesitating to see what other follow up questions or ideas are considered.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - (NPCs) Lydia, Onfroi, Xing Shi & Andrew the Hardy
Michele turns and nods to both Radek and Valdemar then turns to address them all.
“I had a thought on how to root out the hunters and perhaps not get our hands as involved as possible. My mortal persona is not dead as I made a fabrication that I was away on business. As my father is dead, I am the head of the Querini household. I can come “back” and quickly influence my cousins and others in my family to gather a crowd of mortals close to the hideout of the hunters. Once gathered my cousin Marco and I can make an impassioned plea to have the crowd return these men to the Pope as you understand my meaning. Using my mastery of Presence I can make them have an uncontrollable rage and push them towards the hunters. I can have Marco do most of the talking and interject as needed so he can take the fall if required. As the chaos swirls, we can make sure to take of Dunstan and whomever else the mortals cannot. What do you think?”
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Talisman chose Belisarius over Narses, perhaps an error he wished to erase.
And, what of the hunters names Volkov? They were here before these others. He share information others may not have, as he'd had the... pleasure of interacting with Talisman upon the ancient's arrival to Venice.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Andrew responds to Alessandro, "Tha' Volkov's arrived in tha' city on February 28, so just aboot five weeks past, so they've no been here fer too long and err gone again".
Geoffroi briefly states, "The Volkov's left the city with Talisman. One turned by Talisman, the other seemingly deceased, but yet not. I don't exactly know the woman's fate. That was when I was Embraced by Brian Stack who left with Talisman at the behest of Prince Narses".
"Well, more accurate to say that Antonius the Gaul's childe Caias chose Belisarius. The Embrace was likely approved by The Dracon and Micahel/Talisman". retorts Alejandro.
Radek adds, "The Dream began its death spiral when Michael and the Dracon slew Antonius, but that is another tale entirely".
Onfroi cocks his head in consideration of Michele's plan. Lydia turns to see Lorenzo's reaction. Xing turns to Andrew in a similar fashion. Ranerius purses his lips in contemplation as well....
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - (NPCs) Lydia, Onfroi, Xing Shi & Andrew the Hardy
Ranerius betrays nothing as yet more details about Kestral are given, his condition as well as location now. Why don't we just scream it to every Lasombra in the night eh? Lovely
"My meager skills might assit in learning more from even a torpored Kindred. We shall see."
As for the distraction and false rumors, he nods to Michelle's ideas "How can I assist?"
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Following that Antonius and Caias thread, how do his childer relate to the known Ventrue, that have visited or had interest in Venice of late?
Mithras, Alexander, Hardestadt and Franz... Alyssa was not behind this. Who else?
In life he would pace, strange he had no urge to do so, now.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Radek responds to Alessandro, "Alexander and Mithras are Childer of Ventrue himself.
Hardestadt is a Childer of Antonius the Gaul and the leader of the Fief of the Black Cross.
Franz is a Childer of Lanzo van Saschen, his Grandsire is Hardestadt.
Lord Jurgen, a Childe of Hardestadt was also at the conclave briefly, though he was here on his own behalf.
Your Sire Neonate is the Childe of Vander Fitz Gilbert or Gilbert Fitz de Claire, he on occasion used a synonym, who was a coterie mate of Sadir and Sebastian, the same one slain by Ma-ri the Black.
Finally, Fabrizio Ulfilia is an Elder, I believe his Sire was a Ventrue Methuselah, but I am unsure which one. However, I am quite sure it was not Mithras, Antonius, or Alexander".
Magdalena turns to him, a look of surprise on her face, "You know a great deal about the Bloodlines of the Ventrue Warlock".
Radek nods, "Indeed, it is good to know such things. Ventrue serve as the Princes of many domains. When you are on the run, being able to pay proper respect to the Ventrue can be a of a great advantage and they are quite proud of their lineages.
I have met Mithras in the flesh, in fact I aided him in reclaiming his Kingdom of Avalon when he woke from Torpor. I made the mistake as a cocky youth of insulting Alexander of Paris, he ripped both of my arms off as punishment. I also met Caias in the flesh, though I found him a shell of the mighty Cainite he was once rumored to be, his Sire met the Final Death long before my Clan joined the rest of our kind in the Long Night".
Alejandro chuckles, "You know Fahdi told me the story of your arms literally being ripped off, I thought that was a jest".
Radek shakes his head grimly, "No, it was not.
In fact, I believe respect and disrespect drives Alexander deeply. When he was driven from Paris he sought assistance from both Hardestadt and Mithras in reclaiming his position. Both refused to assist. I believe he has held a grudge ever since and that is why he moved further east settling in Constantinople. What shocked me was that he decide to serve the Tzimisce Prince in that city instead of overthrowing him. I would speculate that he will settle for nothing less than the Princeship of his beloved Paris and nothing else will do... though I am not entirely certain that he even survived this attack from the Hunters".
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
El Cid slays Brexiano, why? Alessandro seems to be tugging at some perceived string.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Valdemar sighs at Alessandro's question, "Lasombra internal politics. Amici Noctis, have long coveted the city of Venice as a cornerstone of Lasombra influence. However, Narses has just as long subverted their efforts to have him join them. Brexiano had dealings with them, in fact, Narses selected Brexiano as his Seneschal to appease their desire for his membership into their ranks.
Narses believed that Brexiano as far back as the beginning of the War of the Princes, had been granted the right to Diablerize him by this organization. I speculate that Narses saw his ascension to the top of the Camarilla as a way to finally pull himself from the grasp of these Laombra Elders and Methuselahs. Thus, it was time to eliminate this potential Brexiano threat. Using El Cid to do so and then declaring a Blood Hunt on El Cid seemed useful cover to give plausible deniability should the group seek to punish Narses for the death of Brexiano.
As I said, I don't wish to turn over every stone or shine light in every dark corner of my Sires dealings for he had many".
Andrew chuckles, "Tha' Cam'rilla was usefel ta' him in many ways, he ev'n converted ta' Christianity ta' escape from his involvement wit' tha' Cainite Heresy. Again tha' Cam'rilla bein' a shield ta' help him wit' avoidin' incurrin' their wrath, or so said me Sire".
Magdalena's lips twitch, "He had rivalry with a Tzimisce for leadership of that group as well. Nikita of Sredetz, a rivalry he was losing".
Valerio speaks up once more, "I am familiar with that name, he was of the line of the Tzimisce mentioned by the Warlock, the Dracon. Narses for some time had us watching for this Nikita or any of his minions".
Bernardo continues to bite his tongue, but suddenly lashes out with rage in his voice, "He was an opportunist!!!" He composes himself, "I do not wish to begin my tale until these threads are fully pulled, pray tell my friends, continue with these theories, we may well be on to something here".
Xing speaks, "Prince Narses certainly created very many enemies for himself".
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Hmmm...it would seem that the Lasombra are not fond of Bernardo's outburst... Lorenzo thinks to himself, before asking the same for a bit of clarification. "An opportunist? One could say that describes all of our kind in one way or another. There have been many a name mentioned here this evening, to whom do you specifically refer to, Bernardo? The Tzimisce that is not in this city or someone else?"
The former doctor carefully studies the target of question, intrigued by the outburst.
"Do we know the whereabouts of members of Narses Conclave that attempted to form this version of the Camarilla that are not currently present here? Of course I would be most interested in knowing the whereabouts of my Sire in particular."
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Bernardo looks puzzled at Lorenzo's question, "Who was an opportunist?"
Valdemar answers Lorenzo's other question, "We, the three Childer of Narses have taken his mantle for Clan Lasombra.
Of the Ventrue, Lanzo von Saschen returned to the Fief of the Black Cross prior to the disaster, he left his Childe Franz here as his mouthpiece. Where he is, I do not know. The same is true for Milov Petrankov having left his Childe Cantor here, if I am not mistaken, your coterie rescued Cantor from the clutches of the Hunters.
The Assamite and the Brujah, are... unaccounted for.
Lord Stack of the Salubri left with Talisman at the behest of my Sire, which I suppose means that Andrew is acting Inner Circle.
I presume that Lord Benne has gone to his Sire's domain, leaving you the acting Inner Circle for Clan Cappadocian.
One never knows what shadow a serpent hides in, but Sadir is indeed alive and has also left the city, leaving Michele Querini as acting Inner Circle.
As I understand it, Helene la Jouste met the Final Death and her Childe fled the city after your coterie rescued him. Thus, teh Toreador have no representatives to speak of.
Radek is present to speak for the Warlocks.
The Tzimisce, well, it is not clear is it? Vykos was the only Tzimisce who arrived and he was not present for the final vote tally's. Is he Camarilla Inner Circle for that Clan as default?
The Malkavian...."
"I am present", answers Antoine in his best impression of his Sire.
"Ah yes, you are here, your Sire, I do not know.
Onfroi can speak to whether his Sire survived or died..."
Valerio chimes in, "Perhaps his aura is stained with the blood of my Sire and so he has chosen to exit".
Bernardo moves to speak once more, "I believe that I can speak further on this Vykos..." and Onfroi interrupts, "Enough non-sequiturs, who is in to attack these Hunters and who is out!?
Enough lessons of history and of Cainite plots, these Mortals hunt for us by day and by night, they must be brough to heel".
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Would there be a Blood Hunt then against Belisarius and Shabah? Who would be calling it?
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Bernardo looks puzzled at Lorenzo's question, "Who was an opportunist?"
With an equally puzzled look on his face, Lorenzo retorts, "You tell me, you are the one who blurted out the comment about an opportunist moments ago...rather angrily I might add."
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
The Lasombra all look at one another as Alessandro asks the question, Magdalena responds, "Until we have the current situation under control, we shall not call a Blood Hunt, but it is under heavy consideration of course".
Valerio chimes in again, "So it is legal than to slay with impunity? First my Sire. Then the Seneschal? Now the Prince?"
Valdemar retorts, "Brexiano's killer was put under a Blood Hunt! Granted, it is quite clear that the Prince wanted him dead and could have slain him had he so chosen.
You claim that your Sire was slain, where is that proof other than his disappearance? He has long been a wanderer yes? I know for a fact that my Sire favored your Sire and would have turned his attention to that investigation had the Conclave not distracted him".
Valerio retorts, "Very well then, the very Cainites likely responsible are in this room as we speak. Cristiano Lintini and Onfroi the Bastard of Burgandy. I demand a trial or an least a inquiry on the matter!"
Onfroi scoffs while the hooded figure, Lintini, if Valerio and Lorenzo are correct does not react at all.
Andrew whistles at the request, "Ah think tha' Onfroi is git tha' right o' it. We're bein bogged down wit' much. If'n Onfroi and this stranger err guilty o' this crime, now ain't tha' time ta' infight".
Bernardo scowls at Lorenzo, "I think you are speaking with too many spirits and hearing voices Cappadocian, I said no such thing".
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Lorenzo looks to the others among those he traveled with, particularly Lydia "You heard him as well, did you not?" briefly doubting his own sanity.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Lorenzo turns to Lydia whose mouth is agape, "Absolutely I heard it".
Bernardo snarls, "Of course you would say that, he is your master".
Xing chuckles softly, "Oh no, you certainly said it, excitedly so".
Bernardo scowls.
Andrew nods, "Ah heard it too, are ye ok Bernardo? Is there somethin' ya' need ta' tell?"
He pauses, now seemingly doubting himself.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - (NPCs) Lydia, Onfroi, Xing Shi & Andrew the Hardy
"I certainly heard him also."
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
"Thank you all for confirming that I am not slowly becoming a Malkavian." Lorenzo says with a small grin before turning back in the direction of Bernardo. "Well then, who is the opportunist? Based on the proximity of the statement to other bits of the conversation, I assume you meant either of the Tzimisce mentioned prior, The Dracon or Nikita."
Turning his attention back Michele, he offers, "Your plan sounds like a solid one, but admittedly, such affairs are not my are of expertise."
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
It seems only your coterie is focused on the outburst, though there has certainly been a great deal of cross talk at this meeting!
Bernardo shakes his head, "I am sorry, but I do not remember what I said nor who I said it about then".
Vitaliano peers at the Gangrel intently, "Oh. Ohhhh". Then turns to the gathering of the Cainites, "Is it just that the Elders do not wish to even address Michele Querini's suggestions because you want no part in it or are you afraid?"
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Alessandro considered the bizarre response to his own question, the bizarre behaviors...
The third option is the breadcrumbs we follow may meander too close for comfort.
In which case, not only with there be no help but, there may be active attempts to thwart our efforts.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
I am new to these... matters.
Pray tell, what are the rules for Succession for Lasombra? Eldest, election... nomination? Who is to be Prince of Venice?
Are there other... descendants of Prince Narses out there with rightful claim?
Would they... never mind, getting ahead of myself. He waves the last question off.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Magdalena responds to Vitaliano and Alessandro's insinuations and Onfroi's aggressiveness, "Our Sire has long had a policy of not actively engaging Mortal Hunters, whether agents of the Church or otherwise. We believe that his wisdom was prudent and thus we hesitate to overrule that advice.
While we do not seek to actively thwart your efforts we are also still not comfortable with actively assisting in them either. Moreover, an ill planned attack can result in unforseen consequences so any rush to attack these foes could make matters worse.
The approach of Michele Querini is the exact sort of response that our Sire would likely suggest, so I at least, find it an interesting idea.
The "breadcrumbs" that are being left, or stones being uncovered indeed may well point to a figure who has orchestrated this attack. Though generally I find that Cainites underestimate Mortals willingness to act of their own initiative, not all things can be explained by Cainite machinations.
The rules for succession were laid out by our Sire, or at least so this Lord Bion claims by way of shadow proxy. I've no doubt the shadow figure was indeed made up of the essence of Prince Narses thus I am in alignment with myself and my "Brothers" leading as a triumverate for now and then deciding who shall rise to Prince after this crisis is attended to.
Indeed there are others, Savio present with us is the youngest and not yet ready. Pacifico, was sent to torpor in the fighting with El Cid is safely ensconced below Narses haven, I cannot imagine the Hunters found him as one can only enter those dungeons through the shadow. Finally, the Prince of Padua has a claim, but my brother likes his station as is I believe".
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - (NPCs) Lydia, Onfroi, Xing Shi & Andrew the Hardy
"To me a good bit of breadcrumbs lead to Fabrizio Ulfilia whether directly or indirectly. The hunters must be dealt with and does the rest even matter now if we are all destroyed or have to run out of the city?"
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
It is my honor to serve Venice. Alessandro bows to Michele, committing to his proposal.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
As I understand it, Helene la Jouste met the Final Death and her Childe fled the city after your coterie rescued him. Thus, teh Toreador have no representatives to speak of.
Ranerius arches a brow, trying not to let his surprise show too much, but "The Artiste remains, as do I. Unless she wills it, all petitions to the Clan of the Rose should be kept in my care." He words this carefully, cementing his authority without claiming leadership of the Clan. "You say Helene La Jouste is dead? Interesting. I apologize, but how certain are you? She is... or was, quite potent."
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Geoffroi nods to Michele, "You have my blade".
---
Andrew turns to Ranerius, "Ah think ye'r jus' misrememberin' Ranerius, we sent off Victor, her Childe an he corroborated that story aboot is Sire meetin' ta' Final Deth.
Anyway, ah'm wit' ye all as well".
Savio turns to the three Lasombra, "I propose that I act as a representative of the Triumverate and attend to this matter with the Hunters. I shall assist Michele Querini in your name". All three Lasombra nod in agreement.
The Artiste smiles at Ranerius, "Certainly. I shall make my way to Padua until this dilemma resolves itself, as the Childe of the Sire of our Clans Justicar, I leave matters in your careful hands".
Vitaliano shrugs, "I shall assist in the endeavor as well Michele, we have vey many aligned goals". His Sire shrugs in agreement or perhaps disinterest, always hard to tell with Madmen.
Valerio speaks, "What of may charges!"
Valdemar responds, "Once matters are settled we shall have a formal inquiry into the destruction of Simon". The Nosferatu retorts, "Very well", clearly unhappy with the outcome.
Onfroi does not respond nor does the hooded figure, "I am of course with you Querini.
Hooded One, can we remain here to discus Querini's strategy in further detail?" The hooded Cainite nods his assent.
Lydia remains silent, Lorenzo having spoken for her.
Radek turns to Michele Querini, "Now that a way forward is settled, do you wish for me to contact Michael Santo? I believe there is a side room in which to do so here no?" The hooded figure nods yes to the question.
Xing approaches Alejandro, "Can we speak Elder?" Alejandro sighs, "Yes, yes we should".
Those who have not been asked to remain, begin to make their way out of the Mongoose.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - (NPCs) Lydia, Onfroi, Xing Shi & Andrew the Hardy
Michele motions and nods to each as they offer their support.
Michele turns the Radek. "Yes I believe that he may still hold pieces to this puzzle."
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
As the Elders leave and the groups split off, Bernardo and the Cainite you all believe to be Cristiano remain seated.
Geoffroi pairs off after Andrew who follows Xing as do Vitaliano and Alessandro.
Ranerius chooses to attend to Michele, Radek, Lorenzo, Lydia, and surprisingly Savio.
Each group sits in a separate alcove, rather more cramped than they would like, but beggars cannot be choosers.
She scowls, "You know in my land this curse would have me stick out like dead tree in the Emperor's Gardens".
Alejandro shakes his head, "I don't mean it that way my dear, I mean that you would be lost to the west, probably forever, why remain here?"
"How can I go if I do not know who may follow me? Better to stay here and fight the foe... the foe that the scrolls warned of!"
Alejandro's face darkens, "It is not the place to speak on such things. Is there not enough trouble already? Let it go, if you wish I can wipe your memory of all... wait, did you share this secret with the assembled? Foolishness!"
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose -
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - (NPCs) Lydia, Onfroi, Xing Shi, Andrew the Hardy, Vitaliano da Riva, and Savio Ingannatore
He looks to Michele at that, defering to the setite in this investigation but ready to use his own dark gifts if need be to learn more.