Franz Albert Capsali's page

Hu-hum...apologies for the slow part. Holidays did one thing, but I'm still deliberating as well. Apologies. I'll hurry up and do...something.

Well, either Alexander had a permit for his previous flock, or he did not care then.
He is siring them, so Franz does not exactly feel 'responsible'. But yeah, he would consider them a great asset.
So even if the new prince does not want them to reside here permanently, he would try and find a way to keep as many of them operational as possible.

(Of course, he could also try to drink a few of these choosen vessels dry to raise his own generation...) :D
(Not those in the house though...he brought his favorites for the maid training.)

Hey, can he turn my herd and I adopt them as my daughters?
As in, blood-bind them? That is not a generational restriction AFAIK.
I mean, no doubt one of them would eventually rise up and destroy me, but that means my next char would be Gen 5 - I am up for that :D

@Draining his vitae:
Yeah, that's gonna be a no from me.
Dude may be spent, but even with his base skills I could probably not even get a grip on him and trying to bite down I'd probably break my fangs on his passive Fortitude.
Thats before he pumps 10 blood points into his attributes and drinks me dry like a Capri Sun.
Or dominates me into a puppet.

Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309

The Lido - Franz Albert

As Alexander introduces himself, the first part about being a Prince in exile already gives Franz pause. When the introduction stops after Ventrue, he swallows. An empty gesture, but one his mind demanded at that point.

For but a moment, Franz sees the weak, hurt youth and considers what immense power his blood would grant him, then quickly realizes that even hurt as he was, this creature would swat him like a fly if he attempted anything.

"My apologies, Mylord - probably to keep your exile safe and secret, my own Sire did not see fit to inform me of your presence in Venice. I meant no disrespect."

Franz leads him into the living room, then listens to what Alexander has to tell. As he mentions rest and sustenance, Franz thinks quickly.

"Mylord, if the Inquisition knew where to find you, they may also know about this residence. I was only recently turned, and I do have some holdings in Venice they may not know about. You are free to rest here, but I could probably offer a few other locations that may be less comfortable, but safer, if you so wish. I understand our clan has a specific...dietary need. If you trust me with your needs, I would make sure to arrange for an ample supply of what you need to the best of my abilities."
AFAIK Alexanders was unmarried women in love? Seems hard to acquire, but not sure Franz's herd is an exact match. That, and Franz is reluctant to share his herd and afraid Alexander might damage them. He would not openly refuse him, but trying to redirect seems the correct course of action. (Flaw: Territorial(Orphanage(Domain/Herd)))

Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309

The Lido - Franz Albert

"I have learned enough to not judge you by your looks, but you are at an advantage. I am not disinclined to grant you hospitality, but I would first know who you are." Franz Albert focuses on the soft red glow of the boys eyes, then suddenly looks at whatever the boy drags:"And who - or hopefully what - is that?

Assuming the guest is willing to provide some response, Franz will let him enter, then swiftly close the door: "I would love to discuss the recent events, but it would seem I had no time to be briefed on the details before you decided to visit. So do take a seat, and share what you know. And especially how you ended up in that situation, and if you expect trouble to follow you."

Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309

The Lido - Franz Albert

While Franz was busy pondering the information he learned about the events of last night, and what business opportunities these new developments could bring, he was interrupted by knocking at the main door.

Thinking back to the feeding moments ago, he sighs, then accelerates his steps answering: "I will be right with you" - why could not everything be as simple...

Franz rushes down the stairs and comes to his servants aid, trying to understand what is going on as he approaches the scene.

Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309

The Lido - Franz Albert

Franz approaches the table, ignoring the girls for now and focusing on his Manservant: "It seems I was in an unnaturally deep sleep, indeed. For what reason did you try to rouse me? What happened?"

After the conversation with his manservant, Franz turns to the girls at the table:"Welcome to this household. You all know me, and you all are probably both excited for the chance given to you, and scared of the price that will be asked from you. I expect you to work hard and see to my personal needs, but in a few years, you will move on from here with proper education and a recommendation, if you earn it.
You will take turns. 3 days of work and training, and one day of rest and serving me directly. You will find the rotation plan on your door tomorrow, and you will learn to read and write your names. For now, Marie, join me in my room."

As the girl reluctantly curtsies and steps forward with a forced smile, Franz puts his hand on her back and gently pushes her towards his chambers. Once there, he will close the door, then direct her towards the bed:"There is no need to undress...not today. I have something else in mind, my dear child."
I think I should be at 13 BP/15 after rising, so recovering one to 14 BP

Venice by Night - Tuesday - April 1, 1309

The Lido - Franz Albert

Finding the room open, Franz tries to remember the early morning, when he went to rest.

Yeah.
Right. I'll just go snack on Narses then or something. EZ. Being able to advance by eating almost anybody at the same time implies that almost everybody is more powerful than me. (Nevermind that it also shuts down one of my primary clan disciplines).
So yeah, I see the potential for Amaranth-based self improvement. But the way there is not as rosy.

You long-term players and your tons of XP and low generations...

*grumbles incoherently*

Sleepyhead as I am, not sure yet on the XP expenditure. Can I wait until I wake up and see where I am?

Not locked in for now, just considering:

Presence 3 @ 10 XP
Willpower 6 @ 5 XP
Alertness 2 @ 2 XP
Etiquette 2 @ 2 XP
Carousing 2 @ 2 XP

for 21/21 spent.

Ah, i didn't catch that. But could be - a prolonged Joke :)

Not that I care, sleeping like a Baby, here...

Ah, good to know. I think that was what I wondered about most - +3 Stamina and +1 Fortitude seemed overkill if you only get 5 dice...

April Fools?

Nope, unless we don't use that rule? But I think GM did reference it at an earlier point.

Daytime Activity

...

A Kindred has trouble putting forth her full effort when the Beast’s instincts tell her to sleep. While a Kindred acts during the day — whether having remained active since the night before or having been awoken from slumber — dice pools for any task cannot exceed the character’s Humanity dots. For example, Solomon stays up well into the day to puzzle out a few clues to a threat against his Haven. Normally, Solomon’s Intelligence + Investigation dice pool is seven, but since his Humanity is only 4, only four dice can be used in the Investigation roll.

Found the reference.

@Onfroi: Before going on a Blood Spending Spree: Can you make use of it?
Remember that your dice pools during the day are limited, in your case I think by your path, or 5 dice.
I did not check if it still makes sense to boost, just figured I may remind you in case you forgot to cross-check.

At least he woke up.

I botched my 8 dice humanity roll against DC 6 for waking up :P
So clearly, this is a dice god ploy against the Ventrue...I suspect some Anarch Brujah to be behind this.

No issue, and I understand doing all the people in parallel would be a lot of effort - but maybe next time consider doing sets of two in spoiler tags?

We started with this set at May 31 - cutting time in half would have had quite a significant impact.
I understand there are pro's and con's, just putting that out there for consideration.

Aye, no pressure intended. Just wanted to give a sign of life now and then :)

Still around. Just randomly checking in (simply because I did so in all the games currently not moving too swiftly).

Humanity: 8d10 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 2, 5, 5, 1, 10) = 30 What an awesome roll. Can I spend a Willpower or is my arc over already?

Playing for the long run, here - Ventrue need to get to top dog position by the time we reach modern.
So no swapping. Franz's lineage will continue.
So yes, childer - beginning as mortal; so it would be prudent to up his generation before the embrace.

Out of curiosity, how do XP and the chronicle hop interact?

As currently there is the moratorium on spending them - are they lost if we don't spend them swiftly in the brief period between end of the lock and start of new chronicle?

Also, if we do a time hop, can there have been some blood hunt/sanctioned amaranth in the mean time? My childe would be generation 9 - so again below the power curve and lacking behind, heavily impairing certain disciplines.

Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309

Elysium - Franz

Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309

Elysium - Franz

Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309

Elysium - Franz, Lorenzo, Vitaliano

Franz waits his turn for a private inquiry with the prince, then approaches.

Monday, March 31, 1309

Elysium - Franz, Lorenzo, Vitaliano

"Your assumption is correct - the others decided to reconvene tomorrow. But your departure seemed to come with great urgency, and I doubt someone would interrupt you lightly while we are in session, lest they incur your righteous wrath. As such, until we know better, I had to assume something of a magnitude that may affect all of us had come up. The sensible decision, then, seemed to stay and await your return."

Monday, March 31, 1309
Elysium[/b] - Franz, Lorenzo, Vitaliano

"The matter of an official chronicler is hardly pressing at the moment - but for what it's worth, I'd nominate Durga Syn. No offense to Vitaliano or Radek, but one that does not partake in our politics seems best-suited to give an objective account of what took place.", Franz offers his opinion, clears his throat, then continues:"As to the success of this venture - we will succeed, or we will perish. Politics and religion have changed - I only studied history, while some of you may have been there to witness that change. These are modern times. If we stand alone, while normal humans unite and continue to evolve as a society, while we remain stagnant, we will have to fight for our very survival. I was only recently given this gift, and I want to enjoy it for many centuries to come. For our collective safety, this venture must succeed."

I will try and catch up tomorrow, but so far, this week was...straining.

Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309

Elysium - Franz, Lorenzo, Vitaliano

Franz takes the hand:"No apologies needed. Rivalry occurs when people aim to achieve the same thing with unequal success. A good way to compromise, then, is to allow potential rivals to focus their attention on topics of equal importance to them. Certainly, being Justicar qualifies, and Clan Ventrue stands united." He smiles friendly, then returns to waiting for the Princes return once Lord Benne takes his leave.

From the narrative, I am actually pretty certain they are Narses's.

Talisman was still stunned when they appeared, and Narses seemed unbothered by them, while they reinforced his demand to stop fighting with sudden pressure.

Just saying.

Also, the shadowy tentacles remind me of the Abyss Urutsukodoji known as Obtenebration 3 which is a Lasombra thing...

"Observe the plans within plans within plans."
Dune - Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, Book 1, Section 2

Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309

Elysium - Franz, Lorenzo, Vitaliano and Onfroi

"We must stay and learn more. While I do not pretend to understand what just happened, it worries me that all these events may have a connection. Some kindred went missing recently, some fail to make their appearance here, and the prince suddenly leaves. We can't just ignore all that, if we have a chance to find out more, at all."

Franz looks at Antoine, then Radek, finally Petradon: "Petradon, you and yours have the ability to move unseen among others. Was there anything unusual you learned in the past hours or days that would be worth sharing with the council? This may not be the time for petty politics - if an hidden enemy moves against us, we cannot allow them to pick us off one by one."

Clearly, the Ventrue intends to stay in session, at least until the Malkavian is done using his power, and - if possible - making good use of the time until then.

That said, I am here, but waiting for more reactions. Franz is probably utterly confused right now. He FEELS they should wait, if only because he wants to learn more about what took place, but at the asme time, has not understanding/cconcept idea of what just took place.
So he'll go with the majority there...

Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309

Elysium - Franz, Lorenzo, Vitaliano and Onfroi

Regarding the missing members:

"Regarding the Setites or Tzimisce - I was delayed myself - there is chaos on the streets and without prior arrangement, they may be unable to attend for reasons outside their control. It raises a valid point, though: If someone abstains from the meeting, how do we treat their vote? If we vote and they can act as tiebreaker, that gives those who abstain a great deal of leverage. We could also be sabotaged that way - if one of those choosen goes missing, for example - as such I believe any meeting called must be able to vote on matters in a conclusive manner, regardless of presence. As such, I suggest those abstaining from the meeting be allowed to vote on all matters discussed until such time as the meeting is concluded, and consider their votes forfeit if they fail to present themselves in time."

In response to Lord Criatas suggestion:

"Lord Criatas has a point. If such Blood Hunts were called for sinister purposes, to eliminate a princes personal or political opposition, then upholding them would be against the spirit of what we are trying to achieve here. At the same time, calling off those blood hunts for serious crimes until a Justiciar can look into the matter would be a disservice to our kindred. I suggest that we choose a number of offenses, such as amaranth, kinslaying or breaking the silence of blood, which are considered grave violations in all our eyes, and elect to uphold those blood hunts called for these reasons - while anulling all those called for minor infractions. Such Anullment could still be challenged by the princes, to be looked into by the Justiciars - but few princes would do so if they are unsure if they can convince the Justiciar of their case - and there will overall be less work for them, allowing for a reasonable time to respond to calls."

Aye, catching up now.

Franz Albert Capsali wrote:

Yay @ XP. Just to remind you - there's still a spending ban in effect if I remember correctly?(and unless I missed something)

Yes still in effect but does not mean you cannot GAIN XP :-)

Aye, but I remember one time you wondered why nobody was spending any XP despite several individuals having saved up a reasonable number - just figured I'll remind you that there's a reason :)

Yay @ XP. Just to remind you - there's still a spending ban in effect if I remember correctly?(and unless I missed something)

Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309

Elysium - Franz, Lorenzo, Vitaliano and Onfroi

After Franz - in a hurry - took his place at the Ventrue Table, he takes note of the silence still covering the rooms, then speaks up: "Interesting choice, Lord Benne - but we seem to be at odds here. Clan Ventrue nominates Mithras of Avalon as our Justicar as well. Do you have any other fall-backs in mind for Cappadocian Justicar? Lord Camden, maybe?"

Venice by Night - Monday, March 31, 1309

Entering Elysium - Franz

Franz bows to the Prince, then hurries to the Ventrue Table.
It was clear he arrived late, and it seemed he was not the only one.
As there was an ongoing nomination, speaking up would do little else than to interrupt the proceedings, and it was clear enough he did not arrive late by choice.
He intended to wait until he was called to voice something, or the next topic would be reached.

Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309

the Streets of Venice – Franz Albert

"A mutual hope, then. Your value is beyond doubt, but I do hope I will be able to proof mine.", he bows to Ferdinand, not surprised to find the Nosferatu gone by the time he raises.

Taking a seat, he faces the boatmen, trying to estimate how much longer it will take.

Back at home, everything went well.
We are still adjusting our daily routine and rituals to accomodate our newest family member, but things are calming down.

I expect to be more active again in games shortly, but posting will be spotty until I am caught up in all of them.

Just a heads-up(for all my games):
If everything works out according to plan, on this next Friday, my third daughter will be born.
I had to spend more time with the 2 I already had and help at home, as well as do some preparation work at home(moving and building furniture etc.) Simultaneously, I am taking 4 weeks of unpaid leave, and that has left work very...stressful. Trying to get every open topic done or handed over to someone that can and will take care of it has left me spending way longer in office than usually, further cutting into available time and leaving me exhausted.
Tomorrow will be my last workday before then - I'll try and make sure to update before Friday, but the first few days after, I may be MIA(with 2 kids at home, and 1 in the hospital). If the first two kids are an indication, I will have some time in the evenings to keep posting, so I expect to be back at latest after we are reunited at home(4-5 days after birth), and, paradoxically, less stressed than I feel right now(seriously, I feel burned out - and while those little joy bundles can be incredibly demanding, they never left me feeling as drained as work manages to do.).
Thanks for your patience. As said, I'll be here again before ;) Just figured some advance notification would be in order.

Should be well within the normally acceptable range for responses, but figured I'll let you know regardless.

Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309

the Streets of Venice – Franz Albert

"Oh, I do not want you to betray the prince at all. What I mean is that some details may be omitted because they are not important. Or something may have seemed differently than it actually was, from whatever angle you managed to look at it. You know, the direction you see from may decide who's blade you see first, who started something. Even if the situation was unclear, it may be minor facts that help form an opinion. No lies, just...a biased focus.", Franz smirks.
But I think we will find a compromise there - aside from the information provided to me, I am mostly asking that any reports you make are...as favorable for me as you can reasonably present them."
On the last part, Franz seems thoughtful: "Despite the fact that you came to me asking for something, I would consider such - because I hope for a long-time cooperation between our clans. Alas, as you certainly know, I am a fledgling myself. And, sadly, of way lower generation than many others here. I am aware of the discipline you speak of, but it is something I should first master myself, before considering teaching others. I offered you a chance to evaluate our relationship for a month to decide if it is worthy to teach me such an ability. I ask that you extend the same courtesy and give me time to master and understand my own abilities before considering such. I would certainly like to learn your ability in greater depth, so we can always re-evaluate our deal later, including the shifting political landscape - who knows what kind of influence I may have in a month or two, or how things work out with your representative. I may proof more useful than you hoped, or I may need other bargaining chips to convince you to uphold our deal.", he shrugs.

Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309

the Streets of Venice – Franz Albert

"You see, and therein lays the problem I see. I understand the value of information. But that value is directly related to the amount of people having access to it."
Looking around, he wonders about the weather for a moment, before checking the Gondola: "So if the information you offer would be exclusive, that would no doubt irritate Narses. If you give him the same information as me, then it's value diminishes as he can freely share it with others as part of a bargain to his advantage."
He turns back to Ferdinand, looking directly at the Nosferatu, trying to pierce the veil: "Now, then, what is equally valuable to information is the ability to deny others access to it. To control it. I would wish to learn what you report about me and mine, before you do, and be allowed to demand slight alterations of it where reasonably possible."
He thinks for a moment, then adds:"And if our deal works out the way you imagined, if I am a valued ally to you, and you wish to continue our cooperation after a month has passed, then I would like to learn to deny information to others, the way you do. To hide from mundane sight. What say you, Ferdinand of the Nosferatu?"

Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309

the Streets of Venice – Franz Albert

"If the local Nosferatu do work with the prince, and closely so, then certainly that would give you some leverage - no matter what he decides to believe about your circumstances or your representative.", he walks a few steps, letting the words sink in: "Unless, of course, you mean to suggest that Narses fails to see the full value of the service you provide to him, offering too little compensation in the way of support."
Franz looked around, trying to determine where they were going, and which route they would take.
"Of course, all of our kind are opportunistic, to some degree. May have to do with our need for sustenance. So I am intrigued - alas, there is also need for caution. Direct opposition has repercussions and showing one's hand gifts initiative to the other players. What is it that you would have me do if such an alliance were to be formed? And, perhaps even more importantly, what are you willing to offer to Clan Ventrue in return?"
Not pausing long enough for Ferdinand to begin speaking, Franz adds:"And let us not forget that based on political maneuvering, Narses may also deduce that something is going on between us - if he does understand the value of the information you bring him, that means I'll have to face his scrutiny, too - he may not like others meddling with something he considers his privilege."

Aye, I just want to be prepared for the golden age of piracy in a few centuries :)
That said, I do have a fleet already, so there's that. We'll just see where things go.(can't go Rothschild before ~1500)

Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309

the Streets of Venice – Franz Albert

"Greetings, then, Ferdinand of Clan Nosferatu.", Franz bows, "I would like to feel offended about being spied upon, but I would do exactly the same thing in his place, so that would be rather hypocritic of me.", he shrugs with his shoulders.
"Your ability to move unseen seems most useful for such a task, and certainly makes you valuable allies - no doubt not only the prince seeks you out for such favors. I had meant to get acquainted with a representative of your clan, in the near future - so the price you asked for passage is welcome. We can start moving at your leisure, and you can tell me what topic you meant to converse about."

Oh, and I eventually totally want to commission a privateer vessel full of Nosferatu and blood bound vessels that goes "Ghost Ship" attacking my enemies shipping and letting me raise the prices of the goods I stockpiled beforehand.

Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309

the Orphanage to Elysium – Franz Albert

Franz tenses up, his hand flashing to the Rapier under his cloak as he turns looking for the origin of the voice - then quickly relaxes again.
If the speaker had ill intent towards him, he could have acted without announcing their presence.

"Considering the circumstances, a talk on the way is a small price to pay for what you offer."
He pauses a moment, gathering his thoughts:"I assume you are not here by chance, but rather have been following me. You know who I am, and that places me at a social disadvantage I would like removed before agreeing to your offer - with whom do I have the pleasure?"

Venice by Night - Monday March 31, 1309

the Streets of Venice to the Orphanage – Franz Albert

"It is a horrible night to be out, indeed, mylady, so first you could help me by inviting me inside."
It was hardly his first nightly visit, and most of those working there knew him. Once inside, he hangs his Coat, then addresses the old female again: "I have business of some urgency with the Padre. If you would be so kind to wake him and tell him I am waiting in his office?"

Being the primary sponsor of the place gave him some liberties...in several ways. When the priest eventually arrived, Franz only took enough time for a courteous greeting before presenting the papers: "There have been some recent developments regarding my trading company that will...be beneficial. Among the first effects I will move from the living spaces above my office, to a Mansion at the Lido. This mansion will require extensive housekeeping, and has more living space than I alone need. As such, I will take on 4 of the girls as wards, and have my employees train them as proper maids. Here are the official Documents. My butler will come tomorrow, to pick up Maria, Tessina, Cara, and Imilia around noon. Please make sure they are ready and packed."

Franz would wait for questions etc...but if there are none or the business is concluded...:

"I would love to stay and check on one of them, but urgent business takes me elsewhere. I trust you will visit to check on their well-being shortly?"
With that, he stands, and heads to pick up his Coat. Writing the documents had taken longer than he had anticipated, and he definitely did not want to be late for the first proper meeting.

If some Lasombra died shortly after embracing a child, leaving their fledgling to either be "adopted" or killed, you could step up considering you would never be able to sire yourself.
You could still teach the fledling, and bind them by blood. It would technically not be your progeny in blood...but it would in spirit.