Charles hunts for a lone victim, the irony of him laying humans while trying to prevent other humans from slaying humans is an irony not lost upon him.
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Charles sends Trent back to Dragoslav letting him know that he will indeed attend the meeting at the docks. Charles needs to feed.
Charles steps within the warehouse, "Good evening my friends. While I've not made much progress I have recruited an agent who can operate by day to aid us in the search for these villains".
Charles nods to the cleric, "I am Brother Tacitus. I appreciate the help. These agents of evil must be stopped. In the meantime, I will see what I can do this evening and tomorrow to find out more information, I've companions who are also seeking answers. Together, we will succeed". Charles takes his leave and heads to the rendezvous point.
Charles pulls his cloak tight about himself and keeps to the shadows as much as he can when approaching Brother Antonias, "Brother? Lord Cadava bid me seek you out. There are murders, another one this night, I believe by those who revere the Prince of Darkness. The nature of the slayings, cult like. I was hoping perhaps that you could help identify any enemies of the Church locally. Also, a witness saw some of the men fleeing one of the scenes and I can provide you with descriptions if that would help..."
Charles looks at the organ curiously, "My word, that was a long dead corpse Elder the rot is substantial... At any rate, yes I was suggesting just that very thing earlier this evening to my compatriots. However, I am not entirely sure how many Ghouls they have at their disposal and my single trusted manservant cannot be expected to handle several bloodthirsty cultists. No sense in wasting a resource in such a manner. It does seem that an entirely new set of Ghouls may well have to be created... I just hope that our Cultists plans do not reach fruition before they are ready. Regardless, I shall speak with Brother Antonias. Thank you for your assistance Elder. I shall inform the Prince of your vital aid in getting to the bottom of this mystery once we have concluded the matter".
Charles inspects the organ to determine what caused the rot, Intelligence + Medicine "A Blooding eh? Similar to this Reconquista? Or more expansive?" As he refocuses on the reason he came, Charles asks, "The Church. My allies believe that speaking with a member of the Clergy may be able to aid us in identifying some of the foes of the Church in the area. After all, it was a Priest that was slain within one of their own Churches earlier this night. I was hoping that perhaps you had some contacts to aid in this matter? I have utilized the powers inherent in our Blood to identify the voices and faces of those Mortals that are committing these Ritual slaughters. All take place by day, making it obviously difficult for us to act against them".
"Indeed, it is the defining moment in the recent history of our clan. Do you know why it was needed? What could rouse an ancient from his meditations to summon all his childer and their progeny?" "My Sire explained it to me as thus, the Progenitor believed that the focus of the Clan had shifted away from that which was his intended goal. Those who were found wanting were left behind". Once more Charles' holds off on his own question as the line of questioning clearly had yet to play out.
Charles was about to ask a question when Essus posed one of his own, "The Feast of Folly, is that what you refer to Elder?" He tables his request as the conversation should not be redirected quite yet, it is clear that Essus has something of substance to say this night.
Charles nods to Alvaro, "Agreed. Perhaps we can also look to see if the locations mark the beginning of a pattern to mark the next location where these cultists will strike..." Charles takes his leave...
"Yes, tonight I will proceed. Last night was of course late and this evening quite early. I wonder if we are dealing with Ghouls or merely fanatical Mortals. If Ghouls, the Cainite behind this one must wonder what he or she has to gain... Perhaps an infernalist is in our midst? I should leave now to set things in motion, where shall we reconvene? " ST: Charles will head to his Elder to ask whether HE can arrange a meeting with the local Clergy.
Charles sighs and stands he relays what he has seen to his comrades, "It seems these killers are going to continue to strike until they get what they want. Perhaps there are other clues here that can aid us in tracking them down". Charles begins to search the Church for other clues.
Charles' responds to the guards, "But yet look we must to try and stop these fiends that would commit such heinous acts..." Charles heads in and goes straight to the body. Assuming there are no Mortals around eh will turn to his allies, "Please keep prying eyes away that I might see what no others can..." Charles once more performs his ritual; to see through the eyes of the dead. Blood into the eyes once more, he concentrates...
Charles scowls, "Our foes move swiftly. Trent, I may need you to explore this Cult by day. For now, remain, I shall meet with my peers to see what else has unfolded since the sun went down..." Charles quickly explains what took place to his trusted ghoul then moves out into the night to meet with his Comrades, starting with the slaying site, Perhaps they will congregate there first...
"I may be able to speak to a contact about access to Church records though I doubt I can arrange that for tonight".
"Interesting, I would suspect then that either the cult believes this area houses this creature or an item with a creature bound to t is somewhere in this area. Odd that a creature steeped in the lore of the east would be sought by cultists here in the west... Perhaps we should attempt to locate the Greeks first".
Charles begins to peruse the books though he is used to a more casual type of reading and thus his own ability to pull specific documentation with respect to focused research is not as on par as the abilities of most of his Clansmen.
Charles bows to Fredrico, "Thank you for sharing this with us, Fredrico. An excellent idea!"
"Unfortunately, my investigations did not allow me to uncover the identities of these cultists. However, I am quite sure that I could identify their voices should I hear them..."
"I have gotten everything I can from this, shall we find the others and begin to compare notes?"
Charles relays what he sees and hears to his comrades now that they are alone, "It seems that these cultists created a circle so they are using or at least believe they are using magic..."
DM: Playing in 20+ games and running 26 (soon to be 27) is time consuming. Outside of the boards I have a fairly busy work schedule and of course a life!
Often I find that if I fall behind in updates, I need to make time to simply update a Discussion Thread to inform the PCs of a particular game that I am either going to be posting later in the day or week or will be on a break form the boards for one reason or another. To save time updating so many damn threads I am going to open this thread and link all of my DM aliases (and PC aliases) to this thread to inform people as to my status. So if I am missing for a time, just go ahead and click on the link in my Avatar and you will be able to ascertain my board status. My sincerest apologies if this is a bit of an inconvenience where you are waiting on me for an action but posting "I will be away for the next 3 days" 47 times (or more) is just not working for me any longer. Thank you for your understanding!
Charles nods, "Of course". Once he arrives at the body Charles looks to the soldier, "LEAVE us. We shall let you know when you come back and retrieve us". Dominate - Command DC Target Current Willpower - Charles then begins to ritual to see through the dead man's eyes. He drops blood upon the dead man's eyes from his own wrists, then with his hand over the man's eyes he begins to concentrate...
Charles enters with his cowl pulled over his head, Let him think me a monk. "Thank you Commander for your hospitality. My Lord is upset at the events of the previous night and has asked myself and my companions to inspect the remains for signs of who may have committed such a heinous act. If I and my companions could be given time to inspect the remains it may help us catch these loathsome villains. We shan't tarry here long and will be on our way once we are done. Though we would also be interested to hear your thoughts on the matter if you would be so kind as to indulge us".
"Unless you would include Lord Cadava as a petty merchant, then you are correct".
Charles approaches the Guards as if he belongs there, which he does, "Good evening, we are here on Official Business and must be allowed entry".
Charles shrugs, "I am afraid I have no answers. If we are to spit our efforts, I will inspect the victim. Who wishes to accompany me?"
Charles too considers what was stated to ascertain if there was a Necromantic tilt to the ritual - Int+Occ
Charles replies to Fredrico, "Should we not contact the City Guard while the evening is still relatively young. An eyewitness account might be best for a description of the acts performed..."
"Excellent Theoclydes, is there a Mortal we should speak with at the City Guard or is that something that will be arranged for us?" Turning to the others, "I propose we tackle our investigations together, it is always better to have multiple minds solving a problem..."
Charles holds back on his follow up request until the latest question is answered.
"Is there any way to analyze the remains themselves?"
Charles grins as his name is announced, An opportunity! He drifts around the room to get a look at but not speak directly with the others chosen.
Charles' bows to the Seneschal, "Greetings Thiago Cadava, the pleasure is mine of course. My Sire is Lord Camden, Chamberlain of Mithras the Master of the Courts of Avalon. Yes, my Haven is indeed inside of the city's walls. Ah yes resources, in such a place an time as this a Prince cannot have too many. My time in the Courts of Avalon have yielded many varied abilities, I am sad to say that at the moment I am a jack of many trades and master of none. My greatest asset is the power of mine own Clan to cause rigidity the body of those who threaten my person. Should the opportunity arise, I am more than willing to strike out against the foes of the Prince, the greatest defense in war is offense is it not Seneschal Cadava?"
Charles bows to his Elder and says nothing further, retiring to his Haven until the next night. ----
Charles arrives a few minutes after the call for assembly. He scans the room for his Elder as well as any other members of his Clan that may be present. Satisfied of their presence or lack thereof, Charles approaches Tiago the Seneschal and awaits to be addressed as is proper.
Sounds good to me.
Charles nods at the proverb offered and responds, "Do you believe that the Giovanni methods are untoward in some way Master Essus? Wise words, indeed, that is part of why I am here. I wish to ensure that I flow with the current here. As a new arrival there is nothing more important than not making waves. Still, opportunity abounds in such a place where turmoil has turned over the prior order. The Saracens ruled here for many centuries and now they have gone, leaving new "structure" in their wake. I seek to be part of the new "structure" and with your advice want to know the best way to do so".
Young Camden eh? "I fear not Master Essus. Lord Camden and I did not leave on the best of terms to be frank. He and I began to have a difference of opinion on what my field of study should entail. Truth be told I believe that he was less than enthusiastic that I spent time with the Necromancer Lorenzo Giovanni. However, that particular field of study that his family pursues is quite interesting indeed. Tell me my Lord, what opportunities lie here with the Court of the Prince of Valencia?"
Charles nods and motions for Trent to attend to him. "Thank you, I am honored to be expected. Please lead on". The young Cappadocian enters the secret passage behind the ghoul interested to see what sort of reception he shall receive from his Elder.
Charles opens the letter from the Prince and has Trent read the letter to him a few times to ensure he has it right, "Perhaps there are many more new arrivals besides just myself Trent?" Come let us at least seek out the Elder of my Clan here before the next night. I should like to make his acquaintance as I believe him to be a contemporary of my Sire..." Charless steps out into the night with loyal Trent to seek out the location of Essus the Somber, his Elder here in the city.
Yup, slight oversight. Can't seem to edit it though..There is a limited window to edit posts, either 30 or 60 minutes I think. Yep, its 60.
I'll post tomorrow when I'm not completely brain dead like I am right now...
Thanks Browman. Glad to be here! |