Edwarde Ashedown's page

Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309

Hotel Danieli - Edwarde Ashedown

"Or something.

We are Clan Brujah, we do more with less. We adapt and overcome. You will do the same if you wish to continue to exist.

The next several nights of Council you will use to gain allies who will aid you in thwarting any such attacks. The Moor and his Sire, with whom you've a lucrative trading deal are the first you should cultivate.

Tonight, we shall get into a fight, a very public fight. You will vote for Helene of Clan Toreador after I give you leave to cast the vote. I will of course object that I wished to see Francois have my vote. After we argue, I shall storm out, disowning you. Be convincing, your existence depends on it.

Now, about those tidbits..."

"Is there not some way use our blood to strengthen mortals?"

"I am sure I can make a fight look convincing. Something about if you want to vote a specific way then you should do it yourself."

Edwarde acts as if his Sire isn't fishing for what he heard, he was learning that it wasn't wise to tell any other kindred everything. It was clear his Sire would discard him if the situation worked out in his sire's favour.

Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309

Hotel Danieli - Edwarde Ashedown

"Indeed I did, all Clans are sympathetic to the cause. Between ourselves, we try to share powers that make us, unpredictable to those who would see us bend the knee or greet the sun.

Powers that I shall one day teach to you.

Feel free to share those bits and pieces my Childe.

A few more nights at Court together for you and I and then, I must take my leave of this city. You though will remain. This city appears to be the center of power for our kind now and shall be I believe for some time. Myself and my allies need someone here to watch and listen".

"I will need guards or something. Your foes will likely try to strike at me while you are gone, I doubt my singular mortal guard will stop whoever they send."

Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309

Hotel Danieli - Edwarde Ashedown

Robin enters and closes the door behind him. He then pauses by the doorway and suddenly all is deathly silent, you hear nothing, nothing at all.

He approaches and as he gets close he speaks, all you can hear is his voice, "There, some privacy for us my Childe. You are so very right, the day brings little rest and we wake more hungry than before. You'll have to nibble, this time on the food provided by our host downstairs.

More importantly, I am curious, could you hear what Selina and Criatas were discussing as I came down the hall?"

"you just used a gift of some kind didn't you? I only heard bits and pieces of the end of the conversation."

Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309

Hotel Danieli - Edwarde Ashedown

As you crack open the door you see Robin grinning, "A good evening Lord and Lady". He announces with some volume, not quite a shout. Neither returns the acknowledgment.

He stops at your door and then sees it slightly ajar and grins even wider, he knocks as if you are not standing right there.

Thought I had replied, maybe the forum ate my post, it wouldn't be the first time

Edwarde moves away from the door so his voice won't come from directly by the door. This also buys him several seconds for a reasonable delay.

"Yes? One moment."

He throws on a cloak so he is somewhat clothed before walking back to the door.

"Ah Robin, it is night already? It feels like I slept for only moments."

Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309

Hotel Danieli - Edwarde Ashedown

Night arrives and you wake in the room provided to you by your Sire, he believes you are not quite ready to "return home" just yet.

In the hall you hear voices, "...by supporting me I will ensure that your foes will be stripped of any support by this August body. That is all you are after anyway is it not Selina?"

Selina responds, "One of the many things I seek Elder, why should I support you when I can win and wield such power myself?"

Criatas chuckles, "Do you believe that if you act so directly those on the Council will not act against you? Subtlety will win where raw power would simply be greeted with resistance. Regardless my dear, there is no way you will win. Your reputation precedes you..."

The conversation breaks off abruptly and you hear footsteps walking in opposite directions. At the moment, you do not know what interrupted them.

What do you do? Robin is not in this room with you.

Edwarde will cautiously move towards the door, cracking it open to take a look into the hallway.

Of all the times to not have my bodyguard with me. Robin seems determined to accidentally bring me harm though lack of care.

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

Prince Narses Court - Edwarde

Damn post monsters!

"You are a quick study I see.

Moreover, the very fact that he is ostracized for even a rumor of being involved with us will show those who believe the lies that the Elders spew are just that, lies.

Then, if by some miracle, he does gain a position of prestige, we will utilize our involvement with him, which is even greater than was revealed tonight, to blackmail him into performing or not performing certain acts.

Tomorrow, you will circulate a rumor early at Court that I intend to vote for him now that I know he is sympathetic to the cause.

Tonight, we shall feed together, drinking deep our victory this night. Have you further questions before we do so?"

"None that readily come to mind, I think I need to process some things."

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

Prince Narses Court - Edwarde

Robin grins, "See, you're getting the hang of it already!

Let's get some fresh air and chat, I am interested in your thoughts on what we witnessed tonight".

He walks with you to the exit and instead of approaching the docks and the Gondolas where the others who seem to be heading, those leaving anyway. He walks you around the back of the island where the shadows are the deepest and no one else is around.

"Alright, tell me something, tell me why I put the Ventrue up to exposing the Toreador's connections to the rebel factions, the ones referred to as Furores. See I know he's a Furore sympathizer if not an outright member cause I've been the one courting him for the past several decades..."

"the toreador was more useful as a pawn in a game he didn't understand than as as a contributor to our cause. By having the Ventrue expose him you hide your direc involvement while showing that anyone is a potential recruit to your cause. From what you have told me of the Ventrue, they will likely knee-jerk towards a more conservative candidate."

thought I posted earlier, it would seem the forum ate my post.

"I feel like I don't understand half of what happened here this night." Edwarde tells his sire, "But what I do understand gives me the feeling of being a sheep surrounded by wolves."

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

Prince Narses Court

Onfroi, Finn, Lorenzo, Edwarde, Veronica, Luca, Michele, Ranerius, Xing, & Vitaliano

edwarde approaches the Prince to cast his vote.

"My lord I may be new to this form of life, but it seems to me that like in mortal politics we are best served by one who is present and committed rather than a distant figure who cannot react with speed. Thus my vote is for Lady Jadviga Almanov."

Edwarde leans over towards robin, "What exactly just happened? It seems like it would be better to be elsewhere now."

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

Prince Narses Court

Onfroi, Finn, Lorenzo, Edwarde, Veronica, Luca, Michele, Ranerius, Xing, & Vitaliano

---

Brujah Table

As the Cloaked Figure and Narses stare at one another the female at the Tremere table strides over to the Brujah table as if at a Mortal wedding, breaking the eye contact between the Prince and this Cloaked Figure.

As she strides towards Lord Criatas nods to her Veronica, "It is not often I say this but I am impressed Fledgling..."

Robin whispers to Edwarde, ** spoiler omitted **

Edwarde whispers back "You mean we do not scrape, bow and dance at their every little whim."

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

Prince Narses Court

Brujah Table

A woman also at the table turns to you Edwarde, "No place is safe sweet Fledgling. No place..." she smiles wickedly.

Robin retorts, "Thank you for the words of Wisdom Dark Selina".

"Such was known to me before I joined this dark company, but not all places are equally dangerous. Often it is wise to relocate from certain places."

Edwarde whispers to Robin

"Is there something we should be doing or saying? Otherwise it seems safer to be elsewhere."

edwarde is too busy taking in all that is happening to say anything.

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

Outside Narses Elysium – Edwarde Ashedown & Veronica Acqua

Veronica, you see walking up behind the group that you just appeared in front of two more men, one of whom is dressed as a Merchant the other some sort of traveler.

Edwarde, Robin shrugs at your question, "Between ineptitude and hypocrisy it's a wonder these Elders still walk among us. Still, raw power is not to be trifled with which is why we must strike at them with our minds and our words, not our fists. One may stake a Vampire and leave him out for the sun but ideas and sun and fire proof and once they take root, cannot be easily eliminated".

Once you near the group, three figures appear to literally materialize from the shadows of the doorway, an older man and two young women one comely the other quite fair. Those that Robin informed you were Ventrue immediately question the newcomers, "Where is Brexiano?"

---

The elderly man speaks, "Lanzo, his whereabouts are his own concern. A gracious guest does not question his Host. Of course, you are no gracious guest so be thankful I am not the Seneschal of my Sire's City.

Momentarily, I shall open the doors of Elysium that we may begin proceedings". The man then turns and nods to the two ladies moving past them before once more vanishing into the darkness from whence he came.

The Ventrue once more turn to one another and speak amongst themselves ignoring both sets of newcomers.

Mistress Fanchon turns to Veronica, ** spoiler omitted **

Robin guides Edwarde around the Ventrue and towards Mistress Fanchon, "It seems we both have some news this night Mistress. Tell me, how is Meerlinda these days?"

Mistress returns Robin's question with an icy stare, "I believe that Mistress Meerlinda is quite well Furore, I find it quite brazen that you would seek out and Embrace when so many here believe there...

Edwarde thinks that it would be wise for him to say nothing at this stage.

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

Narses Elysium – Edwarde Ashedown & Lorenzo Cappelli

Lord Benne responds, "Your reputation for debate is well earned Robin. Your Childe is to be commended for his insight as well.

However, I believe that Dr. Cappelli's points are superior. Moreover, the most salient point, the Ventrue will only look to a leader that they respect else their rank and file shall not fall in line and the Camarilla will do battle with most Princes across Europe, that is not what we are seeking to do. The only two active Cainites among them who could possibly rally with respect, fear or some other sort of boons are Hardestadt and Mithras".

Robin grins, "Indeed, merit is not relevant. I appreciate you confirming that for me, Lord Benne". Robin glances at Edwarde, "Come, let us meet some of those Ventrue about which we speak".

I'll pause that here for PC responses before I move forward.

"They are Cappadocian? They do not understand the weakness in having a lackey fill a seat? A lackey is good for obfuscating control, but not good for maintaining control."

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

Narses Elysium – Edwarde Ashedown & Lorenzo Cappelli

"So your reasoning is that because she has been in near constant struggle with those around her domain, both Cainite and mortal, she is more qualified to sit on a council specifically designed to lessen, if not end the constant fighting among our kind? That hardly sounds logical." Lorenzo say in rebuttal.

"Please do not misunderstand, I have no personal feelings one way or another toward Lady Jadviga, and have come to my conclusion based on observation and my understanding of the intent of this council." Lorenzo says in an attempt to calm the spirits of Robin, remembering Simon's lessons about the Brujah and their infamous tempers.

"It seems to me that Lady Jadviga more strongly believes in the work being done here than other contenders. She has come here personally, rather than sending a representative. If the goal of council is to avoid conflict how will that help if several councillors need to wait days or weeks for direction from their master. A council is like a circle of iron, only as strong as its weakest point."

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

Narses Elysium – Edwarde Ashedown & Lorenzo Cappelli

Robin poses a question back to you, "You claim that Lady Jadviga is the least qualified but without evidence to support that position. I ask you, first, what proof have you that your conclusion is true and second, how do you quantify qualifications?"

Edwarde stands quietly to the side observing the kindred and listening carefully.

Edwarde is a young englishman in his Mid-20s. Just above average height with dark hair that is cut short. He is obviously in good shape, but also has a distant look in his eyes.

He is dressed in nice, clean clothes, but they are well worn and of a cut that never really goes out of style, but is also never the height of fashion.

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

A Gondola - Elysium – Edwarde Ashedown

You are able to circumvent the mobs and bring both yourself and tour Sire to a boatman unmolested. Robin nods, "Well done my Childe well done indeed".

It seems the citizenry is not outraged with their boatmen as they have not disturbed this one. By the look of him he is a bit bored. He perks up when you both get on board.

Robin tell him, "To the Secret Council". The men's eyes glaze over a bit and he begins to row as if by rote off in whatever direction Robin led him.

The ride on the gondola is one of the oddest you have had. Around you the city is involved in screaming matches some small fires are lit to buildings prompting a look of concern from Robin and a queasy feeling in your stomach as well even though it far and you are on the water.

You even witness a duel upon one bridge!

Soon enough the boatman heads to a section of the city you have never been to by boat, the ways are through areas most merchants and nobles would deem dangerous and not lucrative. Once you pass by a few run down buildings which appear empty, strange in the heart of the city like this... you see a small island as it were. A dock is attached one of the largest you have seen not on the lagoon near the sea proper. On the island is a mixture of ruined cobblestones, ill kempt grass and a building that appears in disrepair.

A few Gondolas and boatmen stand on the docks already and several people mill about in front of the doors to this building. In stark contrast to the run down building looming before them, they are all dressed in finery even from this distance you can see is worth a great deal.

Robin turns back to you, "The Ventrue have mostly arrived, I suppose I should not be surprised..."

last chance to talk to Robin out of earshot of other Cainites.

"Secret Council? Ventrue? It still seems like I will be like a child in a great court, knowing nothing and risking all."

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

Hotel Danieli – Edwarde Ashedown

Robin grins, "I know right! Do not worry my Childe, this is the best way. You are a man of fine pedigree and upbringing. Act as you would at any business meeting with a prospective hostile client and you will do well. You will learn much more through observation than you ever would through listening to me drone on about what to do..."

As you and Robin step outside, the streets are in Chaos. Robin turns to you, "This night just got more exciting eh?! Do you know where the nearest Gondola station may be?"

Edwarde make a Dexterity + Stealth (reflecting pure sneak) OR a Wits + Awareness roll (reflecting knowing the best way to travel to avoid crowds) DC 7 - 1 Success to reach the nearest Gondola dock unmolested by the restless citizenry.

"Hostile clients are a specialty of mine, how many merchants do you think believe they can cheat an ignorant Englishman who doesn't even speak Italian? It often pays to seem dumber than one is."

wits+awareness: 2d10 + 2d10 ⇒ (6, 2) + (7, 6) = 21

Venice by Night – Thursday March 27, 1309

Hotel Danieli – Edwarde Ashedown

You awake with a start wondering if the last night was a dream or something…. no it was no dream. Seated near you observing you is Robin. ”Evening Edwarde. Let’s pay another visit to the Khadaji residence shall we? I think we should get that contract of yours finalized with Alessandro and his Sire Alyssa. Thereafter, I shall introduce you to Cainite society. You are probably never ready yet but much like when you have a child, no one is ever ready, you just need to jump into it both feet first”.

"Is that wise, mortal children are normally half-way to adulthood before being introduced to an important court. I can't help but feel that this is similar, but with far greater risks."

I am good to go now.

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

the Streets of Venice - Edwarde Ashedown

Robin shrugs, "There are as many different ways to capture prey as there are prey. Some must be brought down like wild animals, others can be bargained with, others seduced. Of course, feeding off of those who would allow you to do so without objection is always useful.

Back at Khadaji's we experimented briefly with the powers of the Blood that come to you most naturally. You may use them to aid you.

At the moment there is one important caveat, you cannot kill the man. He must remain alive. Focus, do not lose control... Now have at him".

Edwarde will activate awe just after he starts speaking to the man.

"Excuse me, I seem to have lost my way. Can you provide me with some directions?" he will also start walking down a deserted side street as he talks.

awe: 3d10 + 1d10 ⇒ (7, 3, 10) + (5) = 25

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

the Streets of Venice - Edwarde Ashedown

"For now, let's say the rules don't apply, you get a pass for the first one.

Narses is not our Leader, he is trying to be but he is not. There has been a struggle for a long time now brewing, between the old and the young the haves and the have nots among our society.

In the Mortal world ones parents age and die. Here it never happens and the young have almost eternally been slaves to their "parents". Things have changed but often through bloody violence.

Narses seeks to change that by creating an organization in which the concerns of the young are aired out but never addressed or at least not in a meaningful way. That I cannot abode by and I sense in this a Kindred spirit in you.

How about that one?"

After a brief walk away from the Khadaji Household he points to a man who appears to be drunk and alone near a canal.

"Sounds good to me, how does this work."

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Edwarde Ashedown

Robin grins, "Well I did mention many of the drawbacks, this one must have slipped my mind.

There are ways to do so yes but they take time. The more active you are the more you will need to feed to sustain yourself. Even if you remain idle, day by day you will weaken and need to feed. There is no way to stop it entirely, well, no way that has been proven to be anything more than a Legend anyway.

Come, let us head out and find your first drink. Then we will introduce you to the creature of Night that rules this realm. Do you fancy a drink from a man or woman first?" Robin grins.

sorry I though I responded to this

"might as well be a man. Can you feed from anyone or are there restrictions? I am guessing it isn't just as simple as feeding on anyone you feel like. Also shouldn't I know something more before I am introduced to your, I guess that would be our leader?"

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Edwarde Ashedown

"Your body craves sustenance. The Hunger drives us but we must develop a strong will to resist ts call, the call of the Beast within.

We have considerable powers but we have weaknesses as well. Our fellow man, your fellow man, has now become prey. You will need their blood to sustain your own life and vitality. Without it you would fall into a sleep from which you will wake infrequently and too weak to act".

"that might have been good to mention before this all started. Is there a way to build up a tolerance to how frequently one needs to drink?"

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Edwarde Ashedown

You wake up and sit up still in the outside patio of the Khadaji household.

You blink as the lights, what little there are in the sky, seem SO bright. You feel cold, oddly cold. You also feel a bit wet, it seems you pissed yourself. You also feel somewhat, well, angry. You can;t say why, there is a seething in your gut that was just never there before. As you contemplate the whys you hear Robin's voice.

"Welcome back to the land of the living Edwarde. There is much to teach you and so little time to learn it all. Let's start with the powers that make us what we are, ask any questions you wish along the way... Thoigh do try not to damage our hosts' property overmuch".

He starts with a demo of all of the Clan powers ad you experiment with yourself to see what it is you can do!

Why am I so thirsty, it feels like I haven't had anything to drink in days. I'm so thirty it seems to be blurring into hunger."

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Luca Marano, Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

Robin looks at Alessandro, "Go on ahead and do give my proposal to your Sire. If you do not mind I will stay here with Edwarde and finalize our Pact".

"Lets get this over with, I doubt it is a pleasant process."

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Luca Marano, Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

"While still ruling indeed, not when they are "killed" or dethroned or ready to die from old age.

Indeed, I ask myself the same question. A chance to live on and complete the deeds that in life one could never finish no matter how long one lived it.

Is this a yes then, you will accept my Dark Gift and become a member of Clan Brujah?

If yes my friend, then spend a few minutes - eat and drink - for you shall no longer need such once you cross over. Alessandro, perhaps you have a concubine for Edwarde to rut with one last time?"

"As I said, who could truly refuse such an offer."

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Luca Marano, Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

Robin nods in thanks as Luca backs away from him. "You are quite right. The elitist among Mortals would certainly retain such secrets for themselves. Indeed some Kings and Popes are counted amongst our ranks. Not many Popes but quite a few Kings but I digress.

You are observant Edwarde, another trait I admire. You will never again know the sun except as searing pain. Fire though in injures you now will slay you as surely as the sun and your fear of it can be, unnatural. A shaft of wood through the heart will immobilize you.

The benefits though, the benefits balance those burdens. You shall be stronger, faster, more resilient than the greatest of man's champions. You will control the thoughts and emotions of those around you as a puppeteer controls a marionette. Only the weapons of others of our kind and our supernatural foes can hope to truly harm you. And that is only scratching the surface of what we can do.

I am afraid you must decide and decide quickly, Alessandro and I have a place to be and Luca will need to come with us".

"Surely someone would notice if a King could not be outside or in sunlight? But how could anyone turn down such a chance?"

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Luca Marano, Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

Luca leaps at Robin

** spoiler omitted **

and manages to wrap up Robin's left arm. As Alessandro asks for the fighting to stop.

Robin chuckles and steps backwards away from Edwarde with Luca hanging onto him. Before Edwarde's very eyes the wound he delivered to Robin heals itself!

"You have spirit Edwarde! No need for further hostilities, I simply wished to see how you would react to an attack. You are indeed worthy of the gift I wish to give to you. Intelligent, connected, fearless!

Fear not Alessandro, I do not wish to cause further violence in your home.

In exchange for meddling in your business affairs and you honoring the agreement I am offering to Khadaji on your behalf, I offer you Immortality".

"What do you mean by immortality? Surely if such a thing was possible Kings and Popes would know of such and live forever. What is the catch you aren't telling me?"

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Luca Marano, Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

Luca leaps at Robin

** spoiler omitted **

and manages to wrap up Robin's left arm. As Alessandro asks for the fighting to stop.

Robin chuckles and steps backwards away from Edwarde with Luca hanging onto him. Before Edwarde's very eyes the wound he delivered to Robin heals itself!

"You have spirit Edwarde! No need for further hostilities, I simply wished to see how you would react to an attack. You are indeed worthy of the gift I wish to give to you. Intelligent, connected, fearless!

Fear not Alessandro, I do not wish to cause further violence in your home.

In exchange for meddling in your business affairs and you honoring the agreement I am offering to Khadaji on your behalf, I offer you Immortality".

"IF ALL OF THIS IS SOME KIND OF GAME THEN I WILL HAVE YOU BURNED AS A WARLOCK." Edwarde practically shouts as the fight dies down. "Now what do you mean by immortality," he says as he begins to calm down.

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Luca Marano, Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

Edwards lashes out at Robin the two move simultaneously

** spoiler omitted **

Robin tries to Dodge around the blade but is cut across his ribs. Moving faster than Edwards ever thought possible, Robin shifts next to him and grasps the blade.

Edwarde make an opposed strength roll to prevent Robin from removing the blade from your grasp.

** spoiler omitted **

Alessandro, any action?

strength: 4d10 ⇒ (6, 3, 2, 6) = 17

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Luca Marano, Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

Robin grins as you stand Edwarde, "I am sorry to inform you Edwarde that you are now in too deep to leave. Draw your blade, fight me for your freedom. If you fail, you shall die..."

His grin becomes a demonic visage as his fangs elongate in his mouth and his eyes become red.

** spoiler omitted **

Edwarde go ahead and roll initiative! Alessandro and Marco you can as well if you wish to act, it seems that Robin is going to "bring Edwarde into the fold" right here before your eyes!

Edwarde springs up, slashing with his knife in the same motion he draws it in.

"I must make my apologies gentlemen, other pressing business calls me to make other stops this night. I will send word when I have details of when the materials will arrive."

Edwarde stands to leave after making his apologies.

I have no idea what half of the things these men are saying mean, but it seems prudent not to know too much of their other business.

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Luca Marano, Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

Thanks for the bot!

I've a... sudden, become popular. Lucky me. Whether the reason is business, assistance, favor bartering or merely insinuating oneself as a spy... It matters little.

My manner has not changed. You are welcome too help and to conduct business. Those who prove themselves enemies, will be handled with extreme prejudice.

Alessandro eyes Luca. Time gets away from us all. It's done.

Thank you for seeking me out and your offer of assistance. What would you require from me?

"Since you gentlemen seem to have other business, I will see myself out."

Sensing tension, Edwarde casually reaches back and prepares to draw his knife if things go wrong.

"It will take a few weeks for me to arrange to have the proper lumber shipped, I assume you are planning on building here?"

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

Robin smiles, "He is here to rebuild your ship Alessandro. The one that got burned in the harbor. His wood is sturdy or so he tells me right Edwarde?"

Robin then turns to Alessandro, "I came here to reveal truths to you that your Sire would never and will never tell you. From what I understand she has left for the evening and will not interrupt us. Are you interested in hearing my side of the story uninterrupted?"

"What is this Sire nonsense? Some Saracen title?"

"You don't build ships better than with good English timber. Though we are not that experienced with the galleys you seem to favor around here for many tasks."

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

** spoiler omitted **

Robin speaks, "Oh I am here to speak to you not your... Alyssa. This one is here for trade deals as he says, a lumber dealer yes Edwarde?"

"Mostly, though my family also supplies finished wood products in smaller quantities and has been known to act on behalf of others."

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

Galeel, this is Master Leland. He is an associate of the Lady Alyssa. With a practiced and discreet signal, Alessandro indicates to the valet, that everything is alright.

Gentleman, how may I be of assistance? Or is it the Lady Alyssa you are after?

"I received a message saying that you wished to speak with me about trade deals."

It would seem that someone is not telling the truth

Edwarde subtly checks that his long knife is where it should be and that it would easily be drawn.

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Edwarde Ashedown

Robin smiles back, "My friend is a bit of a firebrand even to your progressive thinking. I am not sure if you would have liked what he had to say. Let's hope soon that we are both able to form our own opinions of Master Khadaji".

As Robin finishes his sentence there is a man heading down the path towards both of you.

"Greeting". The man states in broken Italian. "What help you with I can?"

"I received an invitation to speak business with Master Khadaji, I am not sure about my friend here."

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Edwarde Ashedown

Aaron gives Robin a staredown as he begins to head away from the house.

Robin smirks at Aaronas he responds to you, "I doubt we are here for the same reason. I would call our meeting here serendipity.

My mute friend does not speak English I fear but his German and French are very good. At the moment he is elsewhere though he and I do have an event to attend later this evening.

Have you met Alessandro Khadaji before?"

** spoiler omitted **

Edwarde smiles knowingly when Robin says it is luck that they are both here.

"We should have spoken in French then, everyone would have been able to follow the conversation."

He pauses for a moment, "I have not had the pleasure of meeting him, though I have met some of his staff."

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Edwarde Ashedown

Soon enough you arrive at the Khadaji Household. The last rays of the sun were gone perhaps twenty minutes gone by. As you step to the wrought iron gate that blocks the path leading to the manse you hear a familiar voice.

"Well met Lord Ashedown", it is the voice of the countryman you met just the night before, Robin Leeland.

"Mr Leeland, why does it not surprise me to see you tied up in this. Where is your mute friend?"

"Aaron, I should be fine from here I am sure a member of the staff here will see that you have somewhere to rest while I meet with the family."

Venice by Day – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Edwarde Ashedown

In the morning your bodyguard, Aaron returns to your abode. ”Master Ashedown I followed the two you asked me to tail quite far into the city. At some point they spotted me and ducked down an alleyway. When I turned the corner they were gone! It was the damndest thing, I do not know how they got away!”

Later in the day you receive a missive from a House Khadaji, it seems they are interested in handling at least some of your shipping needs. In fact, they have a ship that is about to be under construction and offer to have you meet this very evening with the shipbuilder himself if you are interested.

You spend the rest of the day pursuing whatever business or leisure time you wish.

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Edwarde Ashedown

As the evening sets in your bodyguard Aaron knocks on your chamber door, ”Master Ashedown, do you wish me to accompany you anywhere this evening?”

"It is fine Aaron, you did well. It matters as much that they knew I had them followed as it would to find out where they stay. I won't be heading out during the day, make sure you get some rest."

during the day Edwarde goes over his family accounts personally.

He will also think if he knows anything about the House Khadaji. Politics+Int: 5d10 ⇒ (1, 3, 6, 1, 6) = 17

"Aaron we are going to visit a shipbuilder. I suspect that I will take a hour or so at our destination."

Perception+Alertness DC7: 4d10 ⇒ (9, 6, 9, 8) = 32

After hearing what the man said Edwarde indicates for his bodyguard to come over. in English "Follow those 2 men at a discrete distance, find out where they are going."

After that Edwarde will return to his rooms.

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309

Marcella's Trattoria - Edwarde Ashedown

Robin places his hand over his heart, "I have made an assumption about you and I apologize for that. Perhaps the Long Night has made my heart more jaded than I realized.

I do have one disagreement though with what you said, I believe that the purpose of the strong is to shepherd the weak not to ignore them. Help them become better not eave them behind.

For every man that had a father like yours, there are many who have fathers whose view and understanding of the world is limited at best.

So, what sort of business is it you conduct? I am aware of many businesses here in the city with even my only limited time here. I make it a habit of getting to know the business of my allies as well as my adversaries..."

Neither man has reached for those drinks yet...

In English"Nothing special, my family ships goods from England and ships silk and other Italian goods back. Is there a problem with the drinks you have?"

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309

Marcella's Trattoria - Edwarde Ashedown

His eyes raise in surprise, In English "I am pleasantly surprised that you agree with what I have said considering your own position here. What is it you agree and disagree with?

What I seek to affect will have an impact on all people's everywhere..."

The man seated with you appears to not understand what either of you are saying, if you had to place his heritage you would say he is from the Holy Roman Empire based on dress, not a pauper but not wealthy, much like this Robin you are engaging with.

in English "A man should be judged on his own merits, not that of his birth. Who one's father is has little bearing on the man himself. But a man who has little of merit should not be given the time of day or deserve representation. Do you think my father sent me here alone solely because I am his son? He had four to chose from and only 2 of us were sent from England. "

Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309

Marcella's Trattoria - Edwarde Ashedown

Robin shrugs, "I seek to represent everyman. Forces gather to crave up the carcass resulting from many wars over many years. I hope to prevent the most greedy from taking the prime cuts and leaving scraps for those with no voice. Though my road to do so seems bleak".

The man has an edge to him, he seems to be from Nobility or the Merchant class but the wear on his clothes seems to indicate he has fallen on hard times.

In english"So what brings you here then, it seems a long way from home to effect anything there. And as much as I agree with some of what you espouse, I am not in a position to assist you."