ST -
ST - ** spoiler omitted **
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
All PCs except for Lorenzo, make an Intelligence+Occult roll DC 6 - 1 success.
[dice=Int+occult]4d10; 4d10
Geoffroi steps back
“Ware his fey mood! He could attack and feed from any who try to keep him from feeding!”
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven - (PC) Lorenzo, Ranerius, Michele, and Geoffroi (NPC) Lydia, Onfroi
Intelligence+Occult roll DC 6
Michele is going to back away from Lorenzo quickly
[dice=Int+occult]4d10; 4d10
Geoffroi steps back
“Ware his fey mood! He could attack and feed from any who try to keep him from feeding!”
Fortunately for Ranerius, Geoffroi shares his expertise and gives warning. He stays back "Thank you , a fair point. Damn."
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
The Coterie attempts to reason with Lorenzo, Geoffroi contemplates intervention directly. All quickly realize that Lorenzo's Beast has take him!
He falls upon the first figure and begins to FEED!
Amaranth was, an otherwordly experience in many ways. The blood so potent that filled your veins and made you, stronger. You knew that the soul you devoured was weak of will.
This... this is different. As the blood fills your mouth and rushes down your throat it... almost has its own sentience. The figures are intertwined not just physically but psychically as well! The Mortal Blood is not Mortal blood but something else, something laced with vitae but not vitae. Some of these souls are Cainites! And mixed within, the Blood of Talisman himself.... and another...
You sense a presence beginning to encroach on the edge of your own consciousness as you continue to drink.
[ooc]You have a massive Blood Pool but this conglomerate has an even larger pool. If you drink to 20 BP, you can make a Self-Control roll to regain your composure, DC 6 - 1 success. That should be accompanied by a Willpower roll DC 6 - 2 Successes.
If you drink to 30 BP, you can make a Self-Control roll to regain your composure, DC 4 - 1 success. That should be accompanied by a Willpower roll DC 8 - 2 Successes.
If you drink to 40 BP, you automatically regain your composure. That should be accompanied by a Willpower roll DC 10 - 2 Successes.
I should I think, very much enjoy a Botch... :-)
No matter WHAT you roll. You may now begin placing experience points into the Discipline known as Sanguinus.
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
the Humble Hovel of Xing Shi -
Xing shakes her head, "Your east is still my west Alessandro.
The Cainites of the west are not the same as our ancestor spirits...."
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Lorenzo ranenously descends upon the vile amalgamation of flesh, sinking his fangs deep into one of the pulsating arteries.
Gorging himself on the strange combination of vitae that resides within the creature, strange thoughts and feelings fill the mind of the normally stoic doctor.
Finally, after what oddly seemed like both an instant and an eternity, Lorenzo regains his mind and manage to pull himself away.
Huffing, somewhat bestially, Lorenzo says, "That was...odd to say the least. Not only the minds of the helpless souls that make up that...thing, but there were also minds of Cainites, including that of the Talisman...and another of great power. I felt their presence encroaching upon my own consciousness, but at least thus far have managed to fend them off."
"Apologies for my lack of decorum."
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
The vile thoughts filling Lorenzo's mind are pushed out as he manages to pull away from.. whatever the things is.
Despite the Doctor having pulled what seemed to be a tremendous amount of blood out of the thing, it still continues to pulse and tremble.
But no movement or reaction other than that takes place...
Onfroi eyes the incident with great interest, "Were you able to glean any thoughts from the things mind Doctor?
Ranerius, have you the ability to read minds?"
Lydia speaks, "Can this house of horrors get worse? No offense my Master, I thought the Cappadocians were twisted, at least their subjects are deceased!"
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
"Minds, Onfroi." Lorenzo corrects. "No discernable thoughts, just feelings." the doctor adds, searching his own thoughts for anything other than the rudimentary knowledge of the strange power the amalgamation possessed.
Lorenzo smirks, hearing Lydia's comment. "Sometimes knowledge requires less than savory practices, although I do agree that this goes beyond anything I would have thought of."
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
The Cainites were of quite potent blood, as potent as yours.
Of course Talisman's as well.
The final piece of the puzzle is another Cainite's vitae. Not quite as potent as Talisman, on your level.
The melding of minds was clearly the application of Auspex that only an Elder or Methuselah would possess. The same for the Vicissitude.
But to meld them together in such a manner seems more sophisticated than a practitioner of fleshcrafting could or would bother with, probably the Salubri power to heal is involved. Michele appears to have some idea of who this Sebastian was prior to whatever he has become now, perhaps he WAS a Salubri.
The experiment appears to be intended to allow for the sharing of thoughts and flesh and blood.
The Great Power you felt had an absolute alien presence to it. That is something you cannot quite discern.
Geoffroi shudders
“I have read of many blasphemous things, I have even seen a few with mine own eyes, but this …”
He trails off, looking at the abomination before him
Geoffroi shudders
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
"If it is psychically linked to Talisman, Sebastian, whatever his name is. We should leave it be. I do not wish to give him reason to return and further complicate the political situation here in the city", states Onfroi.
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven - (PC) Lorenzo, Ranerius, Michele, and Geoffroi (NPC) Lydia, Onfroi
"My Auspex is.. potent." At the mention of the ability to read minds. He was reluctant to have all his abilties laid out, but sometimes alliances require it "It sounds as if reading impressions might have consequences. I could try if someone feels it furthers our cause but I'm not sure it will have any benefits, and there maybe a cost."
A worried look to the Doctor, but at the apology he says "You were famished. Anyone of us would have likely done the same in such want."
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Lydia speaks, "I am not sure whether to hack it to pieces or sink my fangs in as well. Can such a mind even be read oh beautiful one?" She asks Ranerius, her eyelashes fluttering.
Lydia speaks, "I am not sure whether to hack it to pieces or sink my fangs in as well. Can such a mind even be read oh beautiful one?" She asks Ranerius, her eyelashes fluttering.
Geoffroi fingers his sword hilt
“I know my thoughts on the matter, but our comrade Onfroi is correct. Leave it be. There are forces at work here that dwarf our understanding. “
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
the Humble Hovel of Xing Shi -
Alessandro smiles. I suppose so. Let me know what we do, now.
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
the Humble Hovel of Xing Shi -
She raises an eyebrow, "We wait until Andrew returns to us tomorrow.
Then we find further allies here in the city. Perhaps with numbers we shall be safer against what appear to be many enemies lurking the canals of Venice.
If we are attacked by day, let us hope that you ability to fight by day is superior to mine.
Unless you have another idea".
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
the Humble Hovel of Xing Shi -
It just seems that time is of the essence and if there a few hours left... it would be good to accomplish something with them.
The sentiment falls short since, I've no idea what to do.
I suppose conserving our strength will pay off, eventually. He smiles, genuinely.
Grazie, bella.
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
the Humble Hovel of Xing Shi -
"Mortal and Immortal Hunters seek our death. Here, at least we are safe.
My enemy knows I am here, but he does not know you are here.
Your enemies do not know you are here.
To win a battle one must be aggressive.
To win a war one must be circumspect".
She grins, "Even as one of the dead, Men are like little boys who cannot sit still for wont of something to do!"
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven - (PC) Lorenzo, Ranerius, Michele, and Geoffroi (NPC) Lydia, Onfroi
"I recall my sire telling me that when Sebastian was initially embraced he was a Salubri."
Geoffroi starts
“Truly? I haven’t seen much evidence of Salubri traits, but I am new to my … condition “
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Onfroi responds, "Sebastian, Talisman, whatever his name, he committed Amaranth upon an Elder and a Methuselah as I understand it. No doubt, this act somehow warped his mind. Consider he was here initially posing as a Malkavian, quite believably.
I am sure that one who is older than we may be able to explain what happens once that act is committed, but I do not know. Based on evidence of his... eccentricities, the act imbalanced him. Then again, perhaps he was a Salubri unlike others I have met or heard of. The members of that Clan I met as a Ghoul always seemed well grounded.
If we do not plan on acting and our Toreador does not wish to read the mind of these or this thing... let's keep moving".
Geoffroi nods
“I would surmise that if he subsumed the life force of some ancient … Methuselah..”
Geoffroi says this word as if it is awkward in his mouth
“Perhaps its power was so great that the eater became the eaten. And if so, perhaps the powers inherited admixed within the blended creature and sparked the abilities to create this .. thing”
Geoffroi waves his hand and the fleshcrafted horror
“But all of this matters not. We have more immediate issues to deal with, not least of which is a mob of well-armed men seeking us. This should be our immediate focus. Trust me, I was a Templar in France. I do not wish to relive that scenario again “
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Lydia grins, "We can always return to this room later, if we still exist".
The Lamia heads back to the hall and chooses the door to the right this time, like every time before.
The door is forced and Querini shines the light in. This room is filled with coffins! All closed. Just enough room to walk around one in the center to reach all of the other coffins. The windows are heavily boarded being boarded over twice.
Geoffroi’s neck prickles. He senses danger near
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Geoffroi tenses and scans the room, he hears nothing and sense nothing, at least not here.
Now that he is down the hall, the breathing is louder, but it comes from the room across the hall, the remaining closed door....
Lydia moves to the center coffin and opens it, one hand spinning her blade in an opposite grip to stab downward. The coffin though is empty, only a few handfuls of soil dwell within. The coffin is finely lined with red velvet, quite expensive and looks rather comfortable.
Onfroi enters as well, opening another coffin, this one is full of dirt.
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven - (PC) Lorenzo, Ranerius, Michele, and Geoffroi (NPC) Lydia, Onfroi
Michele will enter the room and open the coffin closest to the one Onfroi opened.
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Michele opens a coffin revealing... more dirt.
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven - (PC) Lorenzo, Ranerius, Michele, and Geoffroi (NPC) Lydia, Onfroi
Intelligence+Hearth Wisdom DC 7
3d10
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Lorenzo regards the opened coffins and the differing soils within. "Hmmm...this would lend credence to Talisman being a Tzimisce or at very least being in league with them. Do they not require the soil of their homelands to sleep in? At least that is what I remember from the brief lessons provided by Simon before his disappearance."
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Lydia nods in response, "Correct Master".
She opens all of the caskets, all are empty but for different kinds of dirt.
"I am no expert on Amaranth but I've never heard of a Cainite committing it and suffering from the weakness of blood of their victim..."
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Lorenzo ponders the statement for a moment before posing his own question. "Given their talent for crafting flesh, is it not possible that this being we call the Talisman is actually a powerful Tzimisce? A physical disguise of that sort would be neigh impenetrable to even those gifted with a mastery of Auspex."
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Onfroi responds, "Well the rumor is that he did commit Amaranth upon a powerful Tzimisce.
Narses and Vykos both recognized his claim to be the ancient leader of Constantinople, returned to... unlife.
Did he deceive both Elders? I suppose it could be possible.
I have to say, if we dump this dirt, and lock that door, this is likely the safest room for us to all dwell within, coffins for each of us, if we dare".
Lydia grimaces, "I'll not stay a night here until we fully explore this mad house".
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven - (PC) Lorenzo, Ranerius, Michele, and Geoffroi (NPC) Lydia, Onfroi
"The mix of Toreador and Tzimisce humors would might be part of what causes this impulse for aristry in a morbid fashion."
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Lydia sighs, "One more room on this level, then to the attic?"
Onfroi nods, "Proceed".
The Lamia steps back into the hallway, the Setite right behind her, ready to shine a light within the room. As the door swings open, the sounds of breathing that was heard downstairs, is amplified. The light shines within and the far wall contains a sight of bizarre horror, the far wall is a mass of tentacles, writhing probing the room about halfway across. There is no discernable anatomy beyond the tentacles!
Trapped within the mass appears to be a body!
Lydia pauses at the threshold of the door as the tentacles become agitated at the sight of the light.
Geoffroi starts, an oath coming to his lips
“God’s Wounds! Beware those tentacles! They have mouths!”
He looks closer
“There is someone trapped within. I seem to know them..”
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven - (PC) Lorenzo, Ranerius, Michele, and Geoffroi (NPC) Lydia, Onfroi
Perception+Alertness DC 7
Perception+Awareness DC 8
"I can not make out anything."
Michele tries to shine the light more on the figure.
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven - (PC) Lorenzo, Ranerius, Michele, and Geoffroi (NPC) Lydia, Onfroi
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Ranerius stares into the horror of the room... is that... is that... your wife trapped within!
The shadows ... lie. And Ranerius falls prey to the weakness of his unbeating heart.
"Zuana? ZUANA!" He lunges to rescue his love and activates celerity
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Lorenzo stares into the mass of tentacles and sees a body within. Concentrating a bit more he recognizes the form as Lord Kestral of Clan Lasombra.
Reaching out to restrain Ranerius, Lorenzo pleads, "It is not your bride in there, but a Lasombra known as Kestral! Why he is in there, I know not.
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven -
Ranerius - ,
Lorenzo - ,
Onfroi - ,
Lydia - ,
Michele - ,
Geoffroi - .
The Writhing Mass .
Round 1 -
Lydia, Onfroi, Ranerius, Geoffroi.
The Writhing Mass
Michele, Lorenzo
-------
Lydia sees Lorenzo attempt to restrain Ranerius, but can already see the alacritous Toreador is too fast for her Master. She attempts to trip up the Toreador!
Lydia - Trip Attempt
Ranerius, make a Dexterity+Athletics check DC 6 - 4, or more, successes to avoid being tripped, and thus prevented from rushing headlong into danger.
The Nosferatu pauses and concentrates...
Onfroi - Charisma + Survival DC - 6
GEOFFROI & RANERIUS - GO!
Venice by Night - Thursday - April 3, 1309
Talisman's Haven - (PC) Lorenzo, Ranerius, Michele, and Geoffroi (NPC) Lydia, Onfroi