Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
Lorenzo turns to Lydia looking for confirmation, "If I am not mistaken, Narses Elysium can be accessed through the Shadowlands. Such access or protections were created in this building. Perhaps we can utilize the shades to scout out the Elysium ahead of time."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
I suppose the good part about being such a neophyte is... I'm surrounded by those more knowledgeable than I.
I was considering Narses' Elysium as the place they may least expect us to approach. With added intelligence, we have a better chance of success. Thus, Alessandro seconds Lorenzo's suggestion.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights - Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro, and Geoffroi - NPCs: Andrew, Onfroi, & Lydia
The Toreador says "That then seems to be our course."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Giovanni Haven -
Lorenzo leads the coterie into the abode of the Giovanni, ever so briefly the abode of the Cappadocians before these hunter troubles and into the basement. It is noticeably colder and damper in the underground lair. The coterie marvels at the craftsmanship and material utilized by the Giovanni in building this place. The finest wood accented by the finest marble, the Giovanni must indeed be quite wealthy.
Lorenzo brings the coterie to a small comfortable room with a few chairs. Along the side wall are black tapered candles.
Lydia sighs and smiles, "It's good to be home".
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Giovanni Cappadocian Haven -
Lorenzo silently nods in agreement with Lydia's statement as he goes through the chamber lighting the candles.
The former doctor moves to the center of the chamber and concentrates as he attempts to look across the veil.
"If we are ready, I shall begin the summoning." Lorenzo says. "There will a brief moment where the wraith will be here, but not under my command until a second ritual is completed."
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven - Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro, and Geoffroi - NPCs: Andrew, Onfroi, & Lydia
"Lovely craftsmanship." The Toreador admires. It is a bit more damp and cold than he likes and he could make suggestions to brighten up the place, but now is not the time.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
Lorenzo begins the summoning and after several moments, the room becomes yet colder than it even was.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
Lorenzo quietly says to the others, "There is one from beyond the veil here."
Now that he has located a spirit across the veil, the former doctor begins the ritual of summoning the spirit from the otherside.
Moments later a gaunt, spectral figure appears before the coterie.
"Welcome back to the lands of the living. I have a favor to ask of you. I could compel you but would greatly prefer this be a partnership rather than a domitor-thrall relationship."
Spend a blood;
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
He looks about the room and the Coterie members with contempt, but responds with a more reasonable tone. "What would ask of me dead one?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
"Based on your disdain for my kind, I trust that others have summoned you here before, perhaps Ambrogino?" Lorenzo begins.
"If that is the case, I suspect you have been sent to report on the activities taking place in the domain of one known as Narses. There were protections place upon that location that had a backdoor through the realm of the dead. I would ask you to travel to Narses's domain, have a look around and report back to me what you have seen. Once this is done I will gladly return you to the shadowlands, if that is your wish."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
The spirit chuckles, "That one and more.
Yes, I am familiar with this place. I will do this and when I return, you will release me..."
The spirit literally rises through the ceiling, presumably, towards "Narses" domain.
Onfroi speaks, "When last I visited the area, the Hunters were on the roofs overlooking Elysium. That is something we should be looking out for if we move in that direction".
Andrew chimes in, "Mah understandin' is tha' below err feet when we were in attendance there'r rooms what can only be reached through tha' shadow realms".
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
"All good information." Lorenzo admits. "My mastery of the necromantic arts is not sufficient grant us access to those rooms directly, thus having to rely on the spirits."
"Now it is a matter of waiting until the spirit returns with the last bit of intelligence, and then we can plot out next actions."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven - Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro, and Geoffroi - NPCs: Andrew, Onfroi, & Lydia
The Toreador crosses himself as a spirit is summoned. It may seem comical or at least ironic to some, but he does it just the same.
"I trust you to know your craft, Doctor."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
Alessandro knows when he is beyond his depth, it is a feeling he's become quite familiar with... in contrast to the period of his existence when he'd drawn breath.
A mere nod of acquiescence. When he could contribute, he would... he trusted the others knew this.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
Geoffroi, Michele, and Lydia remain silent as the time passes by.
Eventually, the spirit returns and "remanifests".
"I saw no one living on the grounds of the Elysium. Much of it has been burned and I was able to peer within though whatever mystical force is in effect preventing me from entering still holds. I see... something lurking within. I would not call it alive nor would I call it dead.
From my time prior in investigating this location I had previously seen glimpses of this thing. I do not know what it is as it does register as alive or dead".
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
"Interesting. Neither alive nor dead" Lorenzo repeats. "And my kind register to you as dead, correct?"
"Before you protest, my friend, I am just trying to get a better understanding of information you have brought us. I will still hold to our bargain and you shall be released."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
The spirit responds without complaint, "Correct. Your kind we can identify for what you are, as we can with the living. Whatever this is, its nature is not that of our world. I speculate as I have no actual knowledge of this thing Necromancer".
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
"Thank you for that." Lorenzo says to the spirit.
Turning to the other members of the coterie, he asks, "Any last questions for our friend before I complete our bargain?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven - Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro, and Geoffroi - NPCs: Andrew, Onfroi, & Lydia
Ranerius frowns in speculation. He wishes he had good questions to ask, but he is out of his depth.
Then a thought occurs, "I know it is unlikely, but was your friend able to find any other entrances that we could use, perhaps ones previously hidden? Ignore this is if it's a foolish question."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
No one living... our friend mentioned naught of the dead that walk the place. He shrugs.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
The spirit responds to Ranerius and then Alessandro in turn, "Access to the underground levels you mean? No, there are no physical means to enter. I am not sure how they are accessed by the quick.
The dead are unable to enter at this time, some sort of mystic force prevents us from entering in either the shadowlands or manifested here in the land of the quick. Remove whatever that impediment is and perhaps the dead could freely enter once more".
He pauses for more questions, if any.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
Alessandro gives a short bow of gratitude and... respect? He seems satisfied.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
As there are no further questions, Lorenzo releases his hold upon the spirit and it fades from view.
Onfroi shrugs, "Do we assault the Elysium? I'd wager they are still on roofs watching the canals for our entrance, that would allow us to pick some off there I suppose.
If not, do we stay here for the night? That seems risky to be sure, I'd hate to be taken again and this time, I do not think any rescue is forthcoming".
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
A brisk walk through the streets of Venice, avoiding groups at all costs, brings you back to the Doctors residence, the door is shut and you hear no sounds from within. Do you attempt to enter?
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
I'll always come for you, my friend. But, you're right about the dire straights we'd be in.
Is there any other strategic point for an assault that would make more sense? Or reduce our risk?
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
"We could set the buildings they hide on alight but unintended consequences could be much worse. To meet them in combat as we did earlier this night would be the only strategy I can think of, though I must admit what took place earlier was a surprising result. Their courage and training shocked me. I think we would have prevailed eventually but in that area, there will be many more witnesses and who knows how that would unfold if more Mortals become involved..."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Michele Querini:
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Michele Querini
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Michele Querini
Perception + Alertness Dif 6 to discern if Dr Capelli is in the structure.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
Andrew scowls at Onfroi's idea, "Mayhap if'n ah were Mortal an we're at war ah'd c'nsider tha' option. Here, ah culd no countenance it. Too much oh a chance ta' slay innocents".
Lydia cocks her head, "What are the lives of a few Mortals versus the existence of our kind Knight? If these Knights win here, if they can show the world we truly do exist, the bloodbath that would ensue would make such numbers pale by comparison to what the Elders across the west and east would do to save their own hides.
And quite rightly, we are eternal, we are the night".
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Michele Querini
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
"Agreed. Maintaining the Masquerade is of utmost importance." Lorenzo plainly states, nodding toward Lydia, following up with, "If for no other reason than if our existence was to be revealed to the masses, regardless of our power it is nothing compared to the numbers of humanity...especially given our helpless condition during the daylight hours."
Turning his attention back to Andrew, the former doctor says, "We should try to avoid the deaths of innocents if we can, granted, but as the cliche goes, one cannot make an omelet without breaking a few eggs."
"Staying either here or my mortal home provide a degree of risk, although this would be the safer of the two. The other option is to return to Lord Bion's chambers for the day."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
Geoffroi chimes in, "I prefer your chambers to Lord Bion's dank place. This place I agree is far, far too dangerous.
Perhaps Querini will also return there to find us. If so, we can ascertain what he has accomplished versus what we have accomplished. Unless we wish to strike out one more time tonight, I say we head back to your humble abode good Doctor".
At the talk of setting VENICE on fire comes up, the Toreador frowns at the very notion. But at the kind offer, Ranerius says "I too would prefer here since you're kind enough to offer, Doctor. But I do need to visit Lord Bion's again soon." He thinks of a certain slumbering Lasombra he hopes to fully bond.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
The Reclaimed Cappadocian Haven -
"if'n tha's tha' concensus ah say we vacate now afore tha' next shift o' Hunters arrives ta' keep an eye o' this dwelling. No tha' we could no win another fight but better ta' save err resources".
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Michele Querini
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Michele squirrels himself away to observe the Doctors abode, just as he is about to leave, he sees the door open and close, by itself... in the doorway, Ranerius briefly flashes and nods to you Michele.
The group, after a slow but uneventful trip through the city, enters the Doctors' residence after checking around to make sure no one is watching. Ranerius spots Querini, presumably Obfuscated in the shadows, but the Toreador's powerful second sight pierces Querini's mask.
Querini follows, and the group is united once more.
---
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
"Good to see you again, Michele." Lorenzo says, seeing the Setite has returned.
"Alright, down we go." he continues, lifting the trap door to his laboratory. "It will not be as secure without Moses above, not to mention no one above to cover the trap door after we have descended, but it is best we can do for the day."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Lab[b] -
Once the group is settled, albeit it, without the benefit of the rug overhead, Andrew speaks.
[b]"Err man o' tha' hour Alessandro parlayed wit' tha' Knights we had started a fight wit' at tha' ol Giovanni an now Cappadocian once more Haven.
It seems tha' tha' Knights arnt too keen on Claudius' use o' tha' Cappelli's as hostages. He an his ken reckon to break tha' prisoners free in exchange at we all feed from only tha' sinner and leave tha' saint ta' his life as it were. Essentially, these Knights asked us all ta' hunt as if'n we were Salubri.
O course, t'was easy fer me'n Geoffroi ta' agree as such. In fact, seems tha' only Onfroi objected, based on principal or some such".
Onfroi frowns, "I won't agree to something that I'll not abide by Andrew.
I won't go out to my way to kill just for the sake of killing, I think that is sufficient enough.
These Knights also informed us that they still watch the Haven of Narses closely even though a spirit sent by Lorenzo saw none on the island proper, there was something... there".
Lydia chimes in, "Perhaps most importantly, Sir Dunstan sleeps by day at the Basilica. Of course, most of us having barely escaped from there have little taste to go back".
Geoffroi frowns, "Finally, and maybe this matters to none but myself and Andrew, teh Teuton Sir Baldemar who we had thought would flee the city, instead rallied his men to join the Hunters. Their ranks are greater than even they were during the Hunt for us all".
Andrew raises his eyebrows but says nothing further on the subject of Sir Baldemar, "Ah' trust ye got somethin' o' value accomplished Querini?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now
Michele clears his throat. “ Yes, I believe I have and we have some decisions to make. I met Isaac Gabras, formerly the liaison to the Cainite Heresy's network of Mortal operatives. One of Narses former ghouls who was running out of time and needed sustenance which I gave him. He was made in the year 836 and was his eldest ghoul. There are 29 ghouls in total that he knows of that all are looking for patrons to keep them alive. Some may of perished as many are old and require their upkeep.” Michele pauses for a moment then continues.
“He recommended that I utilize his resources within the Doge's guardsmen to direct his men at the Knights. After all, are they not warriors who are beholden to the Pope who is at odds with our Doge? I consolidated my family power even more by sending a secret message to the Doge, blaming my Uncle and and cousin for the attempted coup. I disavowed them to allow the Querini's to come into the good graces of Venice. Then my Brother will meet with the Doge and organize the political machine at these Knights.
Also he was not entirely clear why the childer of Narses have not claimed all the former ghouls of their progenitor. He thought that perhaps they bicker over who should claim who, but in the meantime, the days count down wherein some of them may not be alive when the dust settles. As the days pass they will get more desperate. He also spoke of Terazzo, who was one of the ghouls, that died several weeks ago, that was found by you Doctor Cappelli. He made mention that I would need help to sustain as many of the ghouls as I could until at least a new prince was chosen.” Michele pauses again to see if there are questions and to let the information sink in.
“I am to meet him at my family home tomorrow night. Of course there council and inner knowledge of how Narses worked can be beneficial but there are also 29 of them- seems far to many. I would like to keep providing him and whomever else I can alive. What are your thoughts before we decide if and what we tell Lord Bion? I feel this is an opportunity that is to great not to talk advantage of.”
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Lab -
"Bringing as many of Narses's ghouls under our sway would seem to be prudent, although I do agree, that it is too many for our coterie to sustain under the current circumstances, and if I am being honest, I am far more concerned with retrieving Moses." Lorenzo says.
"As far as any further actions against these knights, I am reluctant to do much until my mortal family is safely returned...after that, well that is a different story."
Lorenzo ponders the situation a bit longer.
"Twenty-nine you say? Perhaps we can temporarily sustain them if a number of us were to feed to the fullest before hand. I do not like the idea of wanton slaughter of the mortals to slake our unholy thirst, but the potential of the value of the information gained is too great to not risk it."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now
"Regarding these many ghouls, do we have details on any of them? It's true, we can't take them all in, so knowing which to prioritize is best. Which gains us the most? Which have areas of expertise of use or interest to us? Can we find out without losing too much time? "
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Lab[b] -
And, for our troubles... do Narses' get claim these, when they upon their own eventual arrival?
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Lab -
"I suspect they will try, as that is their nature, but Lord Bion will have much to say about that I imagine." Lorenzo reasons.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now
"I will discern all I can from him tomorrow night on the balance of these ghouls so we can make a proper decision. until then perhaps we keep this to our circle. What is next then?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Lab -
Onfroi grins as Michele speaks, "Much as I want to slay these fools with my own hands, it is simple and brilliant. Use the city authorities to ban them".
Andrew grimaces, "Tha' only problem there is Ser Dunstan. We got ta' get a hold o' him. If'n they take him wit' them an present him ta' tha' church at large, it breaks tha' silence open. As o' now there's a handful o' Knights tha' want us dead.
If'n they can prove a conspiracy o' err kind in thaa' shadows, enemies may unite ta' destroy wha' they as tha' darkness witin..."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Lab -
So we must do both. What's the best way?