Venice by Night - Bloodlines - V20 Dark Ages (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Harry

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

"Can we use the ghouls to destroy Dunstan during the day? We would need to get the knights away from him so maybe some of the ghouls can provide the distraction or the city while the others destroy him?

Bumpity Bump

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

"I like that idea quite a bit, Michele. Solves multiple issues for us, Sir Dunstan, the knights, the overwhelming amount of ghouls to deal with that were formerly in the employ of Narses."

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Machination within machination, I've barely the wits to follow. I think I understand and will do my part.

How do we go about this?

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

"I agree Lorenzo. I have to meet Isaac at my family home tomorrow night and can relay our thoughts. He will most certainly ask how many of the ghouls we can feed until something permanent is done. It would behoove us to feed as many as we can. Perhaps he would know where the blood was procured to sustain them, and we can try to mirror that."

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Lydia speaks, "Tell me Querini, can we begin to use your home as a temporary haven? It seems much more secure, what with guards and likely more space than this cramped lab.

No offense meant Master, but this location without the rug and table pulled above us makes me feel unsafe".

Geoffroi nods, "A good point. Plus it may be helpful for all of us to meet with this Isaac so we can take his measure for ourselves and plan all together".

Onfroi turns to Alessandro, "For that matter, should you have your house evacuated until this danger blows over my friend? While you too have house guards, not as many as Querini's family does I would wager".

Andrew stays silent awaiting Michele and Alessandro's replies.

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

"No offense taken, Lydia. I share your concerns, particularly without Moses above us during the day."

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

"Yes I do not see why not. the first night may be cramped until proper arrangements are made."

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Alessandro's demeanor is grim. Is there any way to protect my household? I would abandon the manse if it were the cost.

Perhaps... I "die" with them.

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Onfroi turns to Michele, "Perhaps an evacuation to the Querini compound of Alessandro's servants and guards Querini?"

Andrew raises his eyebrows, "Fakin' yer own death is an interestin' 'dea Alessandro. Not sure how we'd pull tha' off. How's yer relations wit' yer family at tha' moment?

Though ye do remin' me tha; I was here as a Mortal on a mission o' sorts tha' seems ta' have been left in th' dust o' me own grave...""

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

At Onfroi's words, his eyes flash with hope.

But then he replies to Andrew, solemnly. No faking, I'll die beside them... in their defense. Taking down as many knights as I can.

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Ranerius listens and looks saddened as his question about the specifics of the ghouls passes by without much answer, but it looks as if many are to be sacrificed anyway

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Andrew shakes his head, "T'would be unnecessary if'n we move yer people a'fore they can launch a' attack".

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Turing to Onfroi, "Yes of course we can move them to my family compound." Looking back to Alessandro, "How many are we speaking of?

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Alessandro raises his gaze to meet Michele's, A dozen maybe, perhaps less all in. My father's forces have fled the city. Mostly, they watch over the manse and grounds, a handful of guards.

I would not know how or if I could ever repay the gesture. They know nothing of... me and my current state.

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

"Of course and same with my family. For your people it may make sense in all the unrest in the city to move to a safer place that has guards. Whatever you need to tell them so they can be reassured."

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Does the group want to head out now to accomplish these tasks or wait for the next night? I's not particularly late, maybe 1:45. Moving the Khadaji's to the Querini's could be accomplished tonight if you so desire.

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Michele would be ok with moving them tonight so that way when Isaac comes by tomorrow night that task is already done and the group and I can speak with him.

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Ranerius admits "I worry for my wife." A sigh "Haste is possibly best."

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Doctor Cappelli's Lab - All Together Now

Michele indicates he is willing to relocate the Khadaji household. Lydia shrugs, "Let us be about it then, daylight shall come for us soon enough and I would prefer to be behind the walls of the manse of the Querini Compound long before that".

Raneris, do you want to take a quick trip to her Astrally to check in?

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

The Streets of Venice

The Coterie once again heads out into the crisp April air, this time heading towards the Khadaji household. Alessandro leads the way even though most are familiar with its location.

As you near the area, proceeding with an abundance of caution...

I assume all of you are either protected by Donning the Shadows OR Obfuscate.

This is two separate checks.

Perception + Alertness, Auspex 2, DC 7: 3d10 + 2d10 ⇒ (10, 2, 10) + (8, 6) = 36

Perception + Alertness, Auspex 2, DC 9: 3d10 + 2d10 ⇒ (3, 5, 9) + (10, 7) = 34

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

The Streets of Venice

As the group moves towards his home, Alessandro notices out of place shadows...

Discreetly, he informs the others.

Do we take them at the same time or two by two? If the latter, we need to assure silence.

Heightened senses should take Dificulty level down by 5

Perception Plus Alertness, DC 7/2 5d10 ⇒ (8, 8, 9, 9, 7) = 41
Perception plus Alertness, DC 9/4 5d10 ⇒ (8, 1, 6, 7, 6) = 28

"I saw them as well, one set being far more well hidden than the other. They may not be together, though it appears likely. If we have to go two by two I'd suggest the roof first."

Perception (Discerning) + Alertness w/Heightened Senses - Auspex 3 Base Difficulty 7: 4d10 + 3d10 ⇒ (9, 7, 6, 5) + (1, 6, 6) = 40 1 success or 5 successes depending on if heighted senses apply

Perception (Discerning) + Alertness w/Heightened Senses - Auspex 3 Base Difficulty 9: 4d10 + 3d10 ⇒ (10, 9, 5, 3) + (1, 9, 4) = 41 2 successes, 3 if specialty applies

"Two figures in each location...I would think I would benefit us to strike both in concert, but I will certainly defer to the more martially inclined amongst us."

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

The Streets of Venice

Perception+Alertness DC 7 - 2 Successes: 3d10 + 3d10 ⇒ (5, 4, 8) + (3, 5, 6) = 31
Perception+Alertness DC 9 - 2 Successes: 3d10 + 3d10 ⇒ (2, 7, 3) + (9, 1, 10) = 32

"I do not see anyone in either area but agree we should strike in concert, but we need to break off without causing suspicion."

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

Note Michele that you are all under some level of cloaking. While they have ways to see you all, not all of the Knights have that power though it may well be wise to approach via Stealth anyway just in case they CAN see you!

What group wishes to strike those on the ground versus those on the roof? You may direct the NPCs any way you like. You have Onfroi, Lydia, Geoffroi, and Andrew (though he has a limp so roof might not be best for him) at your disposal.

BUMP!!!!

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

I'll take the high ground, who's with me? Alessandro starts to move towards the building with the knights upon its roof.

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

"I would be most effective on the ground."

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

Onfroi nods to Alessandro, "I'll assist".

Lydia looks to Lorenzo for guidance.

Geoffroi looks to Andrew and they both nod, Andrew speaks, "Tis the ground fer us, what wit' err armor, we'd make fer a tough climb o' a wall".

I'll give Lorenzo and Ranerius another day or so to pick high or low and move this encounter forward!

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

"Without excessive use of vitae, I am not the most nimble of creatures, I think I will stick to the ground with Geoffroi, Andrew, and Michele." Lorenzo says.

Turning his attention to Lydia, he says, "Of course I would like to have you by my side, but I ultimately leave that decision to you."

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

Looking to Lydia. We could use your help... and you can return quickly. Unless these are the same men we've already parleyed with, our encounter should be... rather brief.

"I'm no athlete, but will try to go where needed."

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

Lydia nods to Alessandro, "Agreed, three on two is in our favor. Our grounds forces have more than enough able swords for the two on the street".

To speed things along, I am going to assume that everyone stealths towards their targets out of paranoia I will also make the climb checks for our rooftop group. All my DMPC/PCs will auto make their stealth checks as well.

Unfortunately for these Holy Warriors, none with the ability to see Obfuscated foes are present.

The ground team literally surrounds the two mortals who are unaware of the danger! Ranerius, Lorenzo, and Michele get to act before Andrew & Geoffroi

With the exception of having to look for an extra handhold by Onfroi, the roof team slips into place behind the two Knights. Alessandro acts before Onfroi and Lydia.

Both sets of men stand stone faced merely watching the Khadaji Household.

This is a complete surprise round. Sorry for the delay, the baby was a little rough this week compared to last week.

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

Silently, Alessandro attacks without hesitation.

Dexterity + Melee, sword: 4d10 + 4d10 ⇒ (6, 1, 10, 6) + (3, 7, 10, 1) = 44

Damage, STR + 4, Potence 1: 3d10 + 4d10 ⇒ (4, 2, 9) + (6, 8, 1, 2) = 32

Alessandro just never quite gets the sweet attack rolls.

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Near the Khadaji Household

Spend 8 BP- 1 for Typhonic Maw reflexive and 7 for stats-
Strength and Stamina to 4 and Dex to 5

Michele’s jaw distends to his chest and fangs grow to the size of small daggers while his tongue forks at the tip and grows a meter long to atatck the nearest knight.

Attack: Diff 7
Dex + Brawl
5d10 + 0d10 ⇒ (10, 8, 5, 9, 9) + (-) = 41

Damage:

4d10 + 1d10 ⇒ (6, 5, 10, 3) + (1) = 25

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

The Toreador is still no warrior, even by his own estimation, but he has been forced to learn a bit more about the manly art of fencing to defend himself, and he has the blood in his veins to fuel his strength and speed his way.

1 Blood point to give a bonus to strength, another to help celerity for three actions with no penalty. I believe Rapier is DC 5 to attack and Str+1 damage.

Strike #1 Dex plus melee 5d10 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 1, 8) = 17
Well, that's just a flat out miss (Can you botch to hit rolls) so no dmg rolled

Strike #2 Dex plus melee 5d10 ⇒ (8, 1, 5, 1, 2) = 17
And, another miss. Thanks Dice.

Strike #3 Dex plus melee 5d10 ⇒ (8, 3, 4, 8, 10) = 33
FINALLY... 3 sux, so Str +1 PLUS 2 more dice for extra successes. Dmg is... 3d10 + 1d10 + 2d10 ⇒ (10, 4, 9) + (10) + (6, 8) = 47

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

Spending 6 blood, 3 to STR, 3 to DEX

Lorenzo commands the blood to strengthen his physical form and lashes out at the closest knight with a two-fisted slam.

Great Blow: 5d10 + 2d10 ⇒ (7, 7, 3, 1, 5) + (1, 7) = 31
Damage: 7d10 ⇒ (3, 6, 3, 5, 4, 4, 6) = 31

Well that was underwhelming...

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

Alessandro Deals 4 Damage - Michele Deals 2 Damage - Ranerius Misses 2x (I'll ignore the botch as it IS a surprise round) and hits for 5 damage - Lorenzo hits for 2 damage

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

The Assault begins!

=======================================

On the ground, one Knight falls to his knees! Battered and stabbed multiple times, he lives, but barely... His companion suddenly seeing he is surrounded from all sides cries for "AID!"

Round 1 - Michele, Lorenzo & Ranerius GO!

One Knight is completely unharmed, the other hovering over deaths door.

=======================================

But his companions on yon roof are in equal measure beset upon, one Knight simply falls, dead in a heap! His companion untouched drops his crossbow and draws his blade... he does not bother to scream as he hears the cry form below.

The Knight on the roof strikes at Lydia as her blow appeared the most formidable, but his blade is too slow to strike the nimble Vampiress!

Round 1 - Alessandro GO!

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

The Toreador winces as the call for Aid goes out and keeps going.

Strike #1 Dex plus melee 5d10 ⇒ (2, 6, 5, 7, 4) = 24
Dmg with two extra sux to hit: 5d10 ⇒ (8, 7, 3, 3, 7) = 28

Strike #2 Dex Plus melee 5d10 ⇒ (1, 9, 9, 7, 8) = 34
Dmg with two extra sux 5d10 ⇒ (4, 7, 10, 6, 1) = 28
Strike #3 Dex plus melee 5d10 ⇒ (4, 5, 2, 2, 7) = 20
Same: 5d10 ⇒ (4, 5, 3, 9, 6) = 27

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Near the Khadaji Household

If possible would like to attack knight #2.

Attack: Diff 7
Dex + Brawl
5d10 + 0d10 ⇒ (9, 1, 1, 1, 9) + (-) = 21

oh no

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

With one knight all but dead, Lorenzo turns his attention to the remaining knight, attacking with a similar two-fisted blow.

Great Blow: 5d10 + 2d10 ⇒ (8, 10, 4, 3, 3) + (4, 5) = 37
Damage: 7d10 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 4, 4, 6, 8) = 29

And more underwhelming results...

Round 2

Alessandro attacks once more!

Dexterity + Melee, sword: 4d10 + 4d10 ⇒ (6, 8, 1, 6) + (8, 7, 6, 8) = 50

Damage, STR + 4, Potence 1: 3d10 + 4d10 + 2d10 ⇒ (8, 1, 8) + (9, 6, 2, 8) + (2, 1) = 45 = 6 damage!

Round 1

=================

Ground Team

Ranerius - 3, 3, 2 damage. Michele MISS! Lorenzo 2 damage.

Ranerius brings down the crippled Knight.

His precision strikes, so rapid get past the defenses of the second Knight who called for aid, shutting his mouth to focus on the task at hand. But he isn't done yet!

Michele's tongue misses the mark, badly, impeding Andrew's blade! "Achhh", exclaims the Scottsman.

Lorenzo punches his foe in the back shoulder but his armor deflects.

Geoffroi's eyes alight, enraged, "Enough!" He brings down his blade in a two handed overhand stroke cutting the Knight, and his armor, in twain! blood spatters everywhere.

Everyone make a self control check with that gore splatter! DC 3.

=================

Roof Team

Alessandro's strike is much more on the ducat versus the second foe.

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

Both fights end much more abruptly than the fights earlier in the evening, with a decisive win....

Let's see how the Ground Team handles that self-control roll before I move forward.

Self Control, Diff 3: 3d10 ⇒ (2, 3, 8) = 13

Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309

Near the Khadaji Household

Self Control Diff 3: 5d10 ⇒ (6, 1, 3, 2, 6) = 18