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Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 The Prince's Elysium Lorenzo notes Veronica's frown, but says nothing of it, preferring hear the what the landscape of the situation is rather actively engaging in the political mess, although his interest is piqued when Lord Bion mentions Lazarus, with this being the second time he has heard mention of that particular ancient recently...
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Lord Bion's Lair "If Alexander's words are to be believed, I suspect he plans to use Venice as a springboard to regain his seat of power in Paris. Whether or not he relinquishes power in Venice, should his plot succeed remains to be seen." Lorenzo posits. "Lord Bion, there is an additional complication to the political landscape in Venice - Augustus Giovanni, of our own clan and a number of his family members have returned to the city, and had designs on the city as well."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - "That would make a bit of sense." Lorenzo admits to Ranerius's suggestion. "I have a few other items I would like to discuss with Bion anyway."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - "We were all used as pawns by our Sires, that is simply why we were embraced in the first place."[b] Lorenzo says coldly to Xing's comment. [b]"As to who to support? Vitaliano's suggestion may have merit in terms of maintaining something less disruptive as at least that arrangement would have those who are of Venice controlling her fate. I do not trust Alexander in the least, particularly his claim to leave Venice after the situation has stabilized. Creatures like him do not willing relinquish power, he may leave Venice, but if he is take control of Venice he will never surrender it unless his unlife is forfeit." the doctor says, with equal part resentment and resignment, given his distaste for politics. "Lord Bion was here long before Narses, and although he is apolitical, he may well know the natures of the two contenders better than any of us. We should seek his guidance."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - At Uwe's comment, Lorenzo muses, "Left politics to pursue his work? Admirable." "Sir Geoffroi, what else did this letter say about this pair of Cainites?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory -
"Indeed, I know of Lazarus. He is of my clan and a Childe of our Progenitor. His last known whereabouts were Egypt. I am afraid I have not heard of this Angelique." Lorenzo says, matter-of-factly.
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - "This concept of a lasting, unified alliance between our kind is joke, and poor one at that." Lorenzo grumbles in response to Vitaliano as Michele and Ranerius arrive. "Good of you to join us." he says to the Setite and Toreador. "Now we just wait for one more..."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - "Now with this business with the knights done with, I just wonder how many of our Sires will try to return, or if they all will keep clear of this powder keg." Lorenzo muses. "As to who to support? I have few feelings on the matter. I admire Lord Bion as a scholar, but he obviously wants nothing to do with ruling this city. I am unsure of Augustus Giovanni's intentions as it pertains to Praxis, but it would be hard to bet against him, given the strength of his blood, his ambition, and his knowledge of the city as a whole." "Alessandro, I suspect you support Alexander, and that would make since given your Clan ties, but I question his motives and suspect he will bleed Venice dry in order to regain his true prize, Paris." "Uwe, I am fairly sure of your preference as well. Or do you support someone other than your Sire?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - Lorenzo nods. "I have had dealings with Radek and his Childe, Michael Santos. As far as known Nosferatu go, I suspect Ferdinand or one known as Danov are among their strongest." At the Malkavian's quip about the Giovanni exile, Lorenzo retorts, "Indeed, rather abrupt and rather short." Otherwise the doctor remains silent, turning his gaze toward the others present to see if they have anything of note to add to the list.
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - Following suit, Lorenzo drops the Cloak of Shadows, revealing he and Lydia. "Good evening, Uwe. It is good to see you again." "Prior to Narses's demise, there were a number of very powerful Cainites in our city. Many of those fled following the Prince's death and the assault by the knights instigated by Sir Dunstan. Perhaps we should do a small accounting of those we know of and those rumored to be on their way here. Supposedly, a Ventrue called Lantla is on her way here, and Alessandro has made mention of a Keminitri. From the name alone, I can only assume she a powerful Setite. Lord Bion still resides beneath the city, Alexander of Paris has made his play for Praxis, and I can confirm that Augustus Giovanni - along with others of his family - have returned to Venice as well." "Who else am I failing to mention?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - Approaching where he has heard the voices from, Lorenzo states from within the Cloak of Shadows, "Are we expecting more, and are we all going to remain cloaked for these discussions?" "It seems Venice attracts more than her fair share of powerful Cainites in recent nights."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - Storyteller Shadow:
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 TO Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - "I suspect that going under the cloak is largely unnecessary at this point, but a bit of caution when dealing with other Cainites is always valid." Lorenzo says, referring back to Lydia's point about the Giovanni, before casting the Donning the Mask of Shadows ritual again.
After casting the ritual, the former doctor says, "We should follow Alessandro." and begins heading in that direction.
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 Journey to Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - Lorenzo solemnly nods. "I agree with you. The Giovanni are devious and particularly dangerous. Rejoining Benne is something that I intend to do and we shall have unbeating heart to unbeating heart conversation then." "Thank you for your council, Lydia. All is not lost yet." Lorenzo says, beginning the journey from the docks to the glass factory.
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum to the Cappelli Residence to Murano Island Mazzega Glass Factory - "Yes, Isaac, get Christian and Giulia to help out. Giulia with her previous association with the Nosferatu may have some noval ideas about sealing up a subterranean lab." Lorenzo says to Isaac's request. "I will see you back at the Mausoleum." -----------------------------------------------
"I trust you and your experience, Lydia. I ask that you always speak freely with me, even if it is something you think that I do not want to hear."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - "Now that we are all sated for the time being, we will go to my home and decide what is to come and what can be left behind for the eventual sale. I will have to make arrangements to seal up the entrance to the lab as we can not have anyone finding that." Lorenzo begins. "Once that is done, Isaac and Moses shall return here with what is decided upon and Lydia and I shall take our leave from my home to our meeting on Murano Island."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - Lorenzo nods. "Understood as it pertains to Alexander et alia."
"When do you believe Ambrogino will return?" he asks, about his new prospective mentor. After the offer of vitae, Lorenzo responds. "The past few nights have left me for a significant need, brother. I thank you for the offer. I suspect Lydia would not refuse vitae either." Lorenzo then leaves the chamber and returns to the room that he slept in the day before. Seeing Moses, Isaac, and Lydia expectantly wanting information if not outright answers, Lorenzo says. "Claudius and I have come to an understanding. We shall be welcome here and this shall be my once and future home. After feeding, I would appreciate a bit of help gathering my remaining things from my house."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - A sick feeling filled Lorenzo's stomach as he realized just what he had agreed to. The ends justify the means... he thinks to himself. You have already paid a dear price to bring Constancia back, what is a bit more of your already damned soul... Contemplating the members of his coterie, he says, "Some may be easier to convince than others. It would seem a few of them have already thrown their lot in with Alexander...others are undecided." "How do you think Ambrogino will take the news that he has a new student?" Lorenzo asks almost rhetorically, knowing full and well what that answer would be. "For now, may take my leave to let my companions know that they are safe here and that we shall be staying?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - Lorenzo rises to his feet and extends his hand. "Indeed we do, Claudius."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - Lorenzo give Claudius an appreciative nod. "It is good to hear the existence my companions and I does not hinge upon this decision." Turning the attention back to Lord Bion, Lorenzo adds, "On top of his being a scholarly sort, he did express an admiration for my Grandsire...that could cause a complication for your plot." He thinks about the ramifications of his decision, he contemplates the inevitable political mess this would cause within his Clan and weighs it against what he stood to gain in his research to bring Constancia back from beyond the veil, not to mention the ability get revenge upon Benne for his betrayal. After considering the options, Lorenzo looks up and then to Claudius. "To achieve my goals, I suspect my blood needs to be even more potent than it is. I agree upon the condition of being granted a member of the forth generation to slake my thirst upon."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - Lorenzo contemplates the offer before asking, "And if I were to decline your offer?" seeking definition of what lies before him rather than asking for some forgone conclusion. It is clear that the offer of holding Benne's fate in his hands is intriguing to the former doctor. "And what of Lord Bion? Will you seek to slay him as well? With his age and focus on his work, there is much to be learned from him." Lorenzo asks, ever the scholar.
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - "The trust of Lord Benne? I am not so sure that is something that have. As to my Grandsire, I have never met him, so as you say any trust Japheth may have in me is purely based on Lord Benne." Lorenzo says, not overly confident in any trust that exists on the part of his Sire. Pausing briefly, Lorenzo admits, "A general loathing of the elders may bit overstated, as there are those that I respect...or respected in the case of Simon of the Nosferatu, but I will confess I have little use for the majority of the elders I have met." As the conversation turns to the tempting matter of advancing his work, the former doctor quips, "No doubt, your father is both a visionary in his field and powerful, but I am not sure the answer to studies lies within the power of Necromancy alone. My current theory involves fusing the power of Necromancy with the signature gifts of the Salubri. That being said, as much as I wish it were not so, the work requires resources...lord knows I sunk much of my wealth into my laboratory and specimens." Lorenzo does his best to suppress a grin as Claudius seems taken off guard by the mention of the pair he questions about. "Alexander, a Ventrue Methuselah and former Prince of Paris. Word has is there are others on their way to the city, one in particular called Lantla. As to Lord Bion, he is of our Clan and has been here for quiet some time. His arrival in Venice pre-dates the arrival of Narses, in fact it was he that granted Narses Praxis." he adds with a wry grin, "So that he could continue his work unbothered by politics and the mortal world...I suspect you would not care too much for him." Taking a more serious demeanor, he continues. "What do not know is if he has been here as long as or longer than your father."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - "Good to meet you, Lord Claudius." Lorenzo responded, opting for the normal honorific associated with the elders. The former doctor offers a wry grin at the mention of Ambrogino. "I assure you the feeling is mutual." "I will admit, deciding to listen to your offer or not was a point that was particularly vexing for me, your return was simply the tipping point for that decision." After listening to Claudius's pitch, Lorenzo responds. "It would seem I have more in common with those old scholars than your family, Lord Claudius. If given my druthers, I would continue my work rather than get involved with all of these political maneuverings, so much so that my brother and I sold our controlling interest in our family's warehouses."[b] [b]"By saying you can give me what Lord Benne can not, are you saying that you know the ways to bring one back across the veil of death? Permanently? Without terrible repercussions? If those who have done nothing but study can not, how is it your family can?" Lorenzo sits quietly a moment before continuing. "So your family's goal is one greater than taking control of Venice and entering a fray between Narses childer, Alexander of the Ventrue, and Lord Bion, who pre-dated Narses? Your goal is to usurp leadership of the Clan itself and taking the blood of my Grandsire and the Founder? Ambitious to be sure. Why me? What is it House Giovanni wants with a scholarly neonate, albeit a neonate of potent blood?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - "Well, thank you for that at least, Pietro." Lorenzo earnestly says. Turning to his companions, he briefly scans their faces for any signs of hesitancy, before turning back to Pietro and says, "Let us hope that your family will take your recommendations into account if this offer is something that I can not accept. If you believe Claudius is ready to speak with me, I am ready to speak with him."
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - "Well enough, I suppose, Pietro. Thank you for asking." Lorenzo says the opening question from Pietro. "I must admit, I am intrigued, but find it difficult to make an informed decision with how little you have allowed poor Isaac to divulge." "I have no love of elders, my own Sire in particular and would be interested in a scenario that those who have earned the right to rule do so rather than accident of age." "That being said, this all sounds like a scenario that if I listen to the offer I have little choice to accept or perish. Do I have the correct understanding?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - Seeing Lydia begin to stir, Lorenzo responds to the knock. "Just a moment." Turing his attention to Lydia, he says, "Rise and be at your ready, Lydia, it seems like it is time to discuss things with the Giovanni." Once the Lamia is up and mobile, Lorenzo opens the door. "Good evening." he says in greeting.
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - As the conversation goes quiet, Lorenzo sits up. "I have no intention of killing you, Isaac." the former doctor says coolly. "Likewise I have no intentions of letting Moses perish, nor experiencing the final death myself...there is still too much of my work left undone." "I have no doubt Augustus and his kin are dangerous, and that I find myself in an unfortunate predicament. Isaac, is there truly nothing else you can tell me to aid me in my decision?"
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - Lorenzo continues to lay deathly still, eavesdropping on the conversation between the two who were sustained by his blood.
Venice by Night - Tuesday April 8, 1309 the Mausoleum - Lorenzo's first thought is to rise, but then thinks better of it, taking note of Lydia's still sleeping for. He remains quiet and still while activating his heightened senses to discern what Moses and Isaac were discussing.
Looks like they ran into some issues and now the site will not be going down until Monday, November 10th.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Mausoleum - Lorenzo Lorenzo dispassionately regards Isaac. "We will discuss this more once the sun sets. For now, rest."
Have it, haven't sat down to play it yet.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Mausoleum - Lorenzo "Thank you for the hospitality, Pietro." Lorenzo says with a polite, but shallow bow. Turning his attention to Lydia he says, "It is alright, my dear. Go to your chambers, gather your things, rest and we will discuss more when evening comes." "If it would make you more comfortable, you may come to my chambers to rest." he adds understanding the Lamia's unease with the whole situation. "Moses, Isaac, come with me you shall stay in my chambers until nightfall." --------------------
Lorenzo directs Moses to the couch in the room. "Please rest. I will need to feed soon, but I will heal the remainder of your wounds soon, my friend." "Isaac, now is the time to come forward with anything that you may have said or done that would be of benefit to me in my conversation with Pietro tomorrow."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Mausoleum - Lorenzo "Return him to me then, I suppose." Lorenzo says of Isaac. "I suspect he may still be of some use in the nights ahead." Turning his focus to the ghoul, Lorenzo opens a vein on his wrist. "Drink." he says coldly, seeking to bring Isaac one step closer to being bound. With mention of his heart's desire, Lorenzo raises an eyebrow. "As I have just said, all of these maneuverings of the Elders has caused me to at least reconsider that offer. Consider me intrigued, particularly in light of what is likely to be a rather bloody fight for Praxis between Alexander, your Grandfather, and the trio of Lasombra that seek to earn their Sire's throne by impressing the Steward of the city that granted Narses his throne all those years ago." "I rather like the Steward...he does not seem to care for all of these political machinations and would like to be left to his work...I can appreciate that."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Mausoleum - Lorenzo Lorenzo nods to Moses, before quietly adding, "I will do more for you when I can, my friend." "Were you still hiding within the Mausoleum?" Lorenzo asks Yeti, somewhat confused and feeling mildly betrayed, all while trying to mask his concern about Augustus Giovanni himself being back in the city as well. "Hello again, Isaac." Lorenzo says coolly to the ghoul. "It would seem your loyalties change as often as the breeze. First to Narses, then the Giovanni, to Querini, then to me, and now back to the Giovanni. It almost makes me regret feeding you vitae to sustain you." Turning his attention back to Pietro, he says, "Forgive the intrusion, I was not aware you had returned. Lydia and I were here to see if my wayward Sire had returned, and if not, gather our belongings and take our leave as we suspected your return was imminent following the events of recent nights." After a brief but deliberate pause, he continues, "That being said, it is fortunate that I have run into you. Another player is on the board, Alexander of Paris has returned and is claiming Praxis. I know little of what your plan is that Isaac informed me of on your behalf, but given the continued games of the Elders and my growing distaste for these games distracting me from my work, I find my self more intrigued."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Mausoleum - Lorenzo Valeren (Healer) 3 - Healer's Touch:
The signature power of the Healers stems from the ability to apply the vampiric regenerative process to others. The third eye opens wide, shedding slick sanguine light. The target feels sweet, invigorating energies rushing into their wounds. System: This power works on any living or undead
Lorenzo calmly holds up a finger to both Yeti and Lydia, "At ease for now, Lydia. Yeti is a friend." requesting a moment before laying hands upon Moses to heal the worst of what the banshee's wail had done to him. "Good to see you again, Yeti." Lorenzo responds. "Ambrogino's Grandsire? Who might that be?"
"Pietro Giovanni has returned?" Lorenzo asks with a frown. "I suppose it was unavoidable after the death of Narses."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 To the Cappelli Residence and Back Again... to the Mausoleum
Lorenzo scowls and closes the door before seeing to his injured friend. "Some sort of banshee." he plainly states. "I would guess Lord Benne has returned...or perhaps more problematically, Ambrogino." he says to Lydia.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 Outside of Lord Bion's Lair "Determining how safe the Mausoleum is would be an appropriate act. We will meet up with Moses from there." Lorenzo responds to Lydia. As the pair move to leave the chamber, Lorenzo adds to his comment to Lydia, "Meet up with Moses back at my mortal home that is, given that, perhaps it would be wise to stop by my home first and gather Moses to help with our investigation of the mausoleum."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 Outside of Lord Bion's Lair
"Determining how safe the Mausoleum is would be an appropriate act. We will meet up with Moses from there." Lorenzo responds to Lydia.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 Lord Bion's Lair The report made to the Steward of Venice, Lorenzo turns to Lydia. "Do you suppose it is safe to return to the Mausoleum now that the hunter issue has been resolved? Or do believe we should retire to my mortal home."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 Lord Bion's Lair "Indeed, Lord Bion." Lorenzo begins. "Another rather dangerous player has made his claim of praxis known, Alexander of Paris. We were very recently brought before him where he made his claim known. Alexander would seek your support. Additionally, Lord Alexander claims to have news of your Sire if you would be willing to meet with him." Gesturing toward Uwe, the former doctor says, "Lord Bion, this is Uwe von Roth, Childe of Lord Leopold Valdemar, Grandchilde of Narses." "An additional complication, Lord Bion, is that Alessandro claims that another Ventrue ancient is bound for this city, one known and Lantla." Turning to the others gathered, "Have I missed anything, or is there anything any of you would like to add?"
Lamia refresher? Lorenzo's guardian, Lydia.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Lido Alexander's Haven "You are more than welcome, Michele. I suppose we should wait a moment or two, as it appears I have misunderstood how long Lord Alexander intends to keep Alessandro." the former doctor says with an appreciative nod toward Uwe.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Lido Alexander's Haven Lorenzo leaves with no resistance. Once outside, he turns to Lydia. "I think we need to return to Lord Bion and speak with him about this." Noticing the Salubri was lost in his own thoughts, Lorenzo offers, "You are welcome to join us if you like." Otherwise he waits for Ranerius to finish whatever he is doing with Franz. Glancing over toward Uwe, he asks, "I assume you will be making your way back to Lord Valdemar? If not, you are certainly welcome to come with us. I suspect we have lost Alessandro for the night."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Lido Alexander's Haven "Thank you for humoring my curiosity with the story of Bion as you have heard and seen it, Lord Alexander." Lorenzo says with a polite bow. "With the story admitting to Lord Bion's claim as steward, I trust you would be willing to work with my Clanmate to strengthen your claim of praxis?" "Tactical warrior may be a bit overstated, but it seems I learned my lessons in the necromantic arts well. Combine those effects with the knowledge of the body I gained as a mortal in Padua and I suppose it is an effective combination."[b] the former doctor says, downplaying his abilities in combat. [b]"The compliment is none-the-less appreciated, Onfroi." he adds in the direction of invisible Nosferatu. As the tale wraps up and turns to Lord Benne, Lorenzo admits, "Lord Alexander, I am not so sure that my association gets you the support of Lord Benne and vice versa. My Sire saw fit to abandon my Lamia guardian" he says gesturing toward Lydia, "and I when the hunters stormed the Mausoleum. Have you by chance heard of the whereabouts of my wayward Sire, Lord Alexander?"
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Lido Alexander's Haven "Lord Alexander, you had said my support would mean a great deal to you. Why is that? Purely for lineage? While I am a direct descendent of Japheth Cappadocius, I have never met him." Lorenzo asks. With a slight grin, he admits to his curiosity. "I would love to hear that tale that was told to you about Lord Bion if you found yourself willing at some later time."
Lorenzo has been becoming more and more apolitical as the game goes on. All he got out of his brief ambitions was abandoned by his Sire and sees the other elder as nothing better save perhaps Bion as he seems only interested in continuing his own pursuits. All that being said, if a reason is presented to him beyond "Join me or die", he may be amenable to that.
In my defense the game I'm currently running is using folks in the 10th-13th generation range, not the 5th-7th generation beast you are dealing with. ;)
7th is 30. 20 is for 8th. oops... Been a while since I've looked at the chart I guess
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Lido Alexander's Haven Lorenzo nods at the mention of his Grandsire's station, but otherwise remains quiet while Alessandro speaks. When the conversation turns to Lantla, he breaks his silence. "Venice is a beautiful city, but why are so many ancients interested in her? First you, Lord Alexander, now this Lantla, and before any of you, at least in Venice, Lord Bion - he who granted Narses praxis in the first place."
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