Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - All Together Now
"Tomorrow as soon as I can after dark I will head back to my family to assume control and convince them to stir their support up against the pope and his "men". While they go after them we will need to be ready to intervene and get to Dunstan. At the right moment I can summon him and hopefully ensnare him. Yes some of the men can follow him but perhaps we can funnel them down a smaller Via and cut them off from reinforcements?
What do you all think?"
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - All Together Now
"Tomorrow as soon as I can after dark I will head back to my family to assume control and convince them to stir their support up against the pope and his "men". While they go after them we will need to be ready to intervene and get to Dunstan. At the right moment I can summon him and hopefully ensnare him. Yes some of the men can follow him but perhaps we can funnel them down a smaller Via and cut them off from reinforcements?
What do you all think?"
"Ambitious, but I can think of no better plan. Is there some rumor you wish me to use my contacts, dwindled as they are, to spread? As an Innkeeper I may have a way to introduce such to the general public." He is not certain , mind you, but it MIGHT aid.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - All Together Now
"Your knowledge of such things, surely outweighs my own, Michele. I will follow your lead on this. In the meantime, I have questions I must ask of the ghoul, Moses, and if we are to fight, I must feed. My arts are rather blood-intensive."
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - All Together Now
"Agreed we should all feed to our fullest in anticipation of a fight."
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - All Together Now
Alessandro looks up from some brooding.
It's a good way to start... Who knows what adjustments will be made as we find out more?
I'm with you.
"I should head to my Inn then, and rejoin the rest of you for tomorrow's plan" He says. Trying to keep track of time.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Inside The Blue Mongoose - All Together Now
"Ah disagree Ranerius, we should stay altagether wit' tha' good Dr. Cramped it would be but ah believe they're lookin' ta' isolate us if'n they get tha' chance, ah'd no like ta' give it to em".
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The Toreador frowns. He clearly has something on his mind I have one more drink to grant a soon to be angry Lasombra. I have not seen my wife in far too long. And for what? Bion grants little despite our efforts to save a city. The elders who sit on their laurels do nothing but scramble for power. I'm starting to see why some sympathize with the Furiories.
"As you wish....for the sake of success in saving Venice."
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
The Streets of Venice to Dr. Cappelli's Residence
The Coteries takes to the cloak of shadows once more to arrive at Dr. Cappelli's residence. Great care is taken to circle his residence a few times to ensure no Hunters or anyone else follows the band.
Dr. Cappelli unlocks the door with his key and opens it slowly. Sitting in a reading chair by the fireplace with a small pile of books is Moses. He stands and greets you all, "Good fortune smiles upon me, you have all survived another night!"
The Coterie heads in quickly and Lydia shuts the door behind you all. None respond to Moses' good cheer, but this does not diminish the Ghouls smile.
"Daylight grows short Doctor, err we ta' retire ta' yer lab one and all?" asks Andrew.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
The Streets of Venice to Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Lorenzo nods in acknowledgement of Moses's greeting before turning his attention to Andrew's question.
"That is the plan, Andrew, one moment please." he says before uncovering and opening the entrance to the laboratory. "I know it is cramped, but please do your best to make yourselves comfortable. I will be down shortly."
As the others begin their descent, Lorenzo turns his attention back to Moses.
"Time is short, so I will be direct, my friend. While I knew you served Brexiano prior to our arrangement. The Lasombra Savio tells me you once served the Giovanni as well. Is there any truth to that?" he asks, studying the ghoul with his Auspex enhanced senses.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
The Streets of Venice to Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Moses appears ready to speak once the trap door closes and he pauses and cocks his head at the question, "Of course Doctor Cappelli. The Lasombra, the Giovanni, the Nosferatu, on occasion those who would travel to the city, if their requests did not run afoul of my local sources".
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
The Streets of Venice to Dr. Cappelli's Residence
"Please tell me about your time working with Pietro Giovanni, particularly as it pertains to the Volkovs. Perhaps it is paranoia creeping in from recent nights or the condition I have inflicted upon myself, but it seems too coincidental that my whole involvement in this world started with those two and not too long after that I would be spending a great deal of time at the Giovanni mausoleum."
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
The Streets of Venice to Dr. Cappelli's Residence
"That is the plan, Andrew, one moment please." he says before uncovering and opening the entrance to the laboratory. "I know it is cramped, but please do your best to make yourselves comfortable. I will be down shortly."
"We'd be poor guests to complain. I may go out hunting some tonight." He inclines his head and heads down.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Moses grins, "It would be difficult and tedious to speak of all of it Doctor Cappelli. Mainly I was utilized to locate those who reneged on debts to the House of Giovanni and most such characters were Mortals. Pietro was quite the ruthless lender.
I will speculate as to the rationale behind his asking me to locate Katriana Volkov as he gave me no reason to do so, only payment. Specifically he asked me to assist Michael Santo in finding her.
I presume that with his ghost allies, he came to find her valuable in some way, partially due to her brother being a Ghoul who also hunted Cainites and partially because there were those attending the meetings that wanted her. Otherwise, what value could there be to finding a missing woman? There was certainly no money in it and Pietro Giovanni is driven by money, and family. As she is not his family, then I suspect she had some value.
One item of note, Pietro specifically told me to Michael Santo that if he had any messages for Pietro Giovanni, he should send them to the Frolicking Pharoah. That was the last time that I spoke with Michael Santo, it was Tuesday March 11, the same night the Giovanni left the city via ship. Thereafter, I never saw him again, of course as I know now he is a Cainite.
If you remember, I did offer you the location of Katriana on March 30, of course, I did not mention that I knew this due to Pietro asking me to locate her as I did not think it relevant at the time. As I told Santo, I started at the beginning and found her there, I suspected with nowhere to go she would return to the familiar, the first place she stayed in the city and that was Greetings Inn. That is why you found me lurking near the Inn, I was still acting on old orders.
Of course, that Inn is now burned down and the Thesing family has moved into one of the houses owned by the daughter's betrothed, Christopher Dandolo.
More importantly Doctor Cappelli, I wished to provide you an update on the Mausoleum situation. The Knights do indeed still watch it from afar, I presume hoping for your return. They are more adept at hiding than I believed they could be, but not as adept as I am".
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Lorenzo unnecessarily takes a deep breath before continuing.
"Very well. Are there others you still find yourself in the employ of?" Lorenzo asks, attempting to ascertain the risks of continuing the "relationship" with Moses.
Before Moses can respond, Lorenzo holds up a hand. "That is less important at the moment, I suppose. How many watch the mausoleum? Is it just the rank and file or are the faith-wielders among them? Sir Dunstan?"
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
"Not currently, the Nosferatu sent me an overture as I believe they would like to make inroads on certain members the Prince's Ghouls, but they do not wish to move forward until the new Princeship is settled.
Brexiano is dead.
The Giovanni are fled.
Most of the transients have also fled or been slain.
At the moment, just you Doctor. Is it an issue if I were to have concurrent employment?
There are four. It is hard for me to know whether those present wield Faith or not. No, I did not see the Brujah among their number".
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
"As long as these...co-employments...do not conflict with my interests. Not that seems to be a significant risk, given my preference for isolation and study...not that I have been able to do much of that as of late." the doctor responds.
"Where are these four watching from? One location? Multiple? Do you have any ideas of where the Brujah may be hiding?"
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
"I make it a point to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest Doctor, a failure to do so could land me in the exact place I have been seeking to avoid for some time, a cold grave.
Multiple locations, they reset their watch every four hours. They are well disciplined that is for certain. Their numbers also include Teutons, not just merely the Knights of the west".
Moses sighs, "That I would have not the faintest idea of where to begin that is more the purview of Clan Nosferatu.
But I do have one thought, for at least some time each night he must be alone, after all, the Holy Knights would not abide by him drinking blood to satisfy his thirst".
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Alessandro observes and listens carefully to the exchange.
Fascinating.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Alessandro observes and listens carefully to the exchange.
Fascinating.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
"A good thought, Moses. I will have Onfroi reach out to his clanmates to see if we can isolate the traitor." Lorenzo agrees.
"During the daylight, I would have you scout out the whereabouts of those watching the mausoleum. Perhaps we can kill two birds with one stone tomorrow night. We all need to feed, and if we can feed on those who mean us harm all the better. I shall see you when the sun sets, my friend."
Lorenzo waits briefly for any response or questions from Moses before descending into the laboratory to hide from the daylight.
Venice by Night - Friday - April 4, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Moses nods, "It will be done Doctor".
Loreozno heads down to the lab while Moses covers the entrance from above.
[ooc]End of Night. All PCs receive 3 XP.]/ooc]
Venice by DAY - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
"...intrude upon the private property a Doctor Cappelli! I am the property caretaker..."
You hear the sound of a body hitting the floor and a whoosh the sound of a man getting the wind knocked out of him.
"Silence! Doctor Cappelli is not on some sort of trip, he is known to be dead. He is Vampyr and if you are one of his Unholy Servants we shall soon know the truth.
His siblings are also under his sway, they too shall be put to the question".
Another voice speaks, "This one is a Saracen, a clear connection to the Khadaji's".
The first voice responds, "Indeed, soon we shall petition the Doge for forces to invade that wretched hive of a villa".
A third voice, "Master Cladius is spending the day with the Dandolo's, once their Patrician is on board, the House of Querini shall fall".
The first voice once more, "Sir Dunstan was correct, they have gone to ground. We shall root out their, what did he call them? Ghouls? Once they are eliminated there shall be no more cover and God's light shall shine upon them".
Voices in unison cry out, "God Wills It!"
A muffled voice retorts.
The first voice, "Not to worry Saracen, you shall have your chance to speak.
Sir Havlan, place two men to watch this home, if the Vampyr returns, I will wish to know about it. If he does not return by tomorrow evening, raze the house to the ground".
A fourth voice, "My Lord, we must be more circumspect than this, if other houses burn..."
The first voice roars, "I don't care if this entire city burns! Were it up to me, I would evacuate the Humans by day and by God at night I would light a fire that the Devil would fear to destroy these creatures!!! Now, we take out leave".
A body is dragged then lifted as the floor creaks, a fifth voice, "Tis Saracen is not just a tall but a heavy bastard as well!"
The door to Doctor Cappelli's residence closes and all is silent.
The weight of the day settles upon you and once more, you sleep...
Venice by DAY - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Angry thoughts course through Lorenzo's languid form. They have Moses now...they dare harass my siblings, they are innocent of this...we are out of time these hunters must die tonight... before the deathly pull of slumber takes him again.
Fortunately for Lorenzo and his "coterie", all that was heard will be remembered and relayed once all are awake.
Venice by DAY - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Perception+Alertness DC 8 - 2 Successes
It would appear proper manners are lost in this once refined city. Trespassing? How gauche. he stirs, and reaches for his rapier.
[dice=Perception+Alertness DC 8 ]8d10
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
You all awaken at approximately the same time, with Michele Querini and Onfroi the last to rise.
Lydia stares at Lorenzo with something that could almost be considered, sympathy? An odd facial expression from that one.
Lorenzo appears to be fuming.
Xing speaks first, "Signore' Querini, while you are with your family, shall we remain here or is there some other objective that we can achieve? It appears clear to me that these Ancillae and Elders are just that because their fear of the end of their own existences makes cowards of them".
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Anger evident in his voice, Lorenzo speaks. "I do not know who besides me heard what occurred while we slept, but Moses has been taken, so any intelligence he was going to gather for us is lost to us."
Lorenzo then proceeds to relay what he heard during the day, courtesy of his eidetic memory.
Geoffroi frowns as Dr Cappelli relates what occurred while they slept. He shudders to think he was insensate during the invasion of their resting place.
he thinks to himself
“These are bad tidings indeed! And they further indicate why we must deal with these hunters before any of the other … political… matters can be addressed. We have been arguing how to arrange the furniture while the house burns down. “
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Dandolo... what do we know? Alessandro nears spits the name out.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
"I think it is best if I go alone. The Dandolo family and my family have been at odds for generations. This info will help me stir my family to do what we need them to do. Them having Moses certainly does not bode well for us. I should leave for my family now. Where should we stay tonight?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Anger evident in his voice, Lorenzo speaks. "I do not know who besides me heard what occurred while we slept, but Moses has been taken, so any intelligence he was going to gather for us is lost to us."
Lorenzo then proceeds to relay what he heard during the day, courtesy of his eidetic memory.
Ranerius Bernerius nods, "This what i observed..." And he shares his.
At the idea of where to stay He considers his inn "I do not wish to draw danger to my domain but at the sametime It COULD be an option."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Andrew nods at Geoffroi's statement.
Xing Shi smiles, "I remember that Dandolo, I struck one of his minions with a throwing star. They are Mortals with no powers of the Church, perhaps we should move against them directly".
Lydia turns to Ranerius, "Was Sir Dunstan aware of your Inn? If so, the Inquisition may have already struck..."
Onfroi speaks, "Was the Ghoul able to provide you anything of use before we bedded down for the evening Doctor?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
"Very little, but little is better than nothing. Previously I had asked Moses to provide me the status of the Mausoleum. His report indicated that there were four knights keeping a rotating watch on the Mausoleum, switching out every four hours. Sir Dunstan is not with them, or least he did not notice his presence."
"He did mention one thing as it pertains to the traitor though, these knights can not abide by our kind and what we must do to survive. By that logic, for at least some period of time each night, Dunstan must be alone. He suggested that those whereabouts might be something that members of your Clan might be able to tell us, Onfroi."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Alessandro is as agitated as you've ever seen him. The Dandolo are sheltering these zealots?
The threatened my manse, my people... Innocents.
They die. One by one or all at once, I care little.
What was the name they mentioned, Master Cladius? Do we know of him?
And is the Doge behind these hunters?
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Onfroi chuckles at Lorenzo's suggestion, "Perhaps you missed the tension just last night between Valerio and myself? The Nosferatu treat my Sire and I as pariahs. They are obsessed with the idea that we had something to do with the disappearance of their Sire and Mentor, Simon".
Vitaliano chimes in, "I have a cordial relationship with the Clan, I can assist in that investigation Doctor Cappelli".
Onfroi looks to Alessandro, "We worked together well in chasing that coach and rescuing Lydia my friend. I would enjoy the chance to work with you once more and strike at these Knights that threaten your home and hearth. Christian Soldier and Saracen working together!"
Andrew answers Alessandro's queries, "Based on wha' tha' Docterr stated, ah'm believin' tha' the Dandolo's're ta' be pawns tha' allow tha' Knights ta' strike at House Querini.
As far as Master Claudius, ah've met 'im. He is tha' head o' tha' Knight that're after us. He's a powerful warrior 'n ah reckon he's got tha' power o' tha' Lord behind him. Perhaps err most dangerous Mortal foe".
Xing looks to Michele Querini, "If you go on your own, how shall we know when to coordinate with you?
Many targets of possibility exist here. The Khadaji Manse, the Lair of the Cappadocians, the Basilica in Saint Mark's Square, the Teuton Keep, plus they no doubt still watch over Narses Elysium. Where would they have Doctor Cappelli's family? We know they are held against their will, we should rescue those innocents first no?"
Lydia shakes her head, "If Querini's plan works, the Mortals may just do that for us. Still, do we wish to be simply idle while Querini puts his plans in motion? If so, we should stay here, it is clesr they do not believe we were here last night else they would have torched the home".
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Andrew nods at Geoffroi's statement.
Lydia turns to Ranerius, "Was Sir Dunstan aware of your Inn? If so, the Inquisition may have already struck..."
A flash of memory, and...a look of concern "He knows I have one. Not which one. My wife is at risk." His eyes grow dangerous "And I can't even find out her current state." Realization, "Actually I can."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
As Michele Querini takes his leave, Ranerius takes a seat. His body goes rigid.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
As you arrive, you see that foot soldiers of the Doge guard the gates. Within the gates are Querini loyalists.
You sneak in the same way you snuck in the last time you were here, the night you committed Patricide.
Who do you wish to approach first?
"Wish me Good fortune." He says to no one in particular.
His body goes rigid, an irony in that Rigor Mortis might have set in years ago under 'normal' situations.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Then the thought of your wife rapidly transits you to La Serenata Notturna! You enter passing through the wall. Within, the Inn is bustling as always. Behind the bar are two men you do not recognize who move rapid pace to serve two and three guests deep at the bar. At the door is your wife seating guests to quite the packed house.
One of the patrons asks, "Where is Mr. Bernerius tonight Zuana?"
She giggles, "No doubt out doing some important business for the Doge!"
The man laughs heartily, "Ranerius has truly come into his own! I hear he was at the Doge's dinner of victory eh?"
Zuana clucks, "I was there as well! My husband though is the one who took the risks, bringing those traitors to justice, single handedly!"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
"Vitaliano, if you can assist in that investigation I would think that would be a benefit to all of us. Thank you." Lorenzo says, surprising himself. This being an oddly lucid conversation with a member of the Clan of the Moon.
"I have no idea where they would have taken my family, but our best option is to eliminate as many of these knights as we can, as fast as we can. Alessandro, Onfroi, if you are to engage these knights, following feeding, I would like Lydia and I to accompany you."
Indeed. And there are dangerous to getting lost. He knows the La Serenata Notturna, other areas would be harder, no doubt. Still, he will remember this new way of seeing, of experiencing.
It is a comfort in this time to see the inn thrives well, and an even greater one to see Zuana alive and unharmed. He still cares for her. Oh what a magnificent Toreador she might yet make.
She is a fine hostess. And he wonders if he knows these guests. They seem... very curious about him. And it is easy to be cautious when either might be an inquisitor, or an ally of same.
He gives her a moment to disengage from the conversation and will THEN try to contact her. This power she knows, it may startle her less, or so he hopes.
When he can, he sends a thought "Do not be alarmed, my love. I am safe. Are you?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Zuana runs to the infamous "back" of the Inn to grab something and then she hears a voice in her head.
She jumps, a bit startled, "My Love? Where are you? Are you invisible?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Dr. Cappelli's Residence
Vitaliano nods, "It shall be done, but the question of course becomes, where do we meet again?
The owner of the Mongoose seemed less than enthusiastic for us to return outside of our plan to return to meet with Alejandro and Radek, now in two nights from tonight.
This place appears, well, compromised.
Elysium is burned. The Inns we frequented are all raided.
I know the city well but not all of you do.
What about if we meet on the Lido? On the beach we can bury ourselves if we must, or find a suitable home to "borrow" for an evening".
Xing sighs, "I shall go with you. None of us should be alone, Querini did so out of necessity".