I need to decide what to do to these hunters. Sorry for delay. I have a friend who has medical problems and we're helping her this week out so I'm a bit unfocused.
Search Posts
At this, Ranerius is NOT amused, rather annoyed, "I see. I think you for telling me, now i must consider what to do to them or with them." Dryly, "Did they say how long they would be staying?"
"Do you have anything to report to me before I go to her?" He clearly means to do so but if some new discovery is made he should know. He will head to her if they answer in the negative.
"Good to be back. Where is my wife?" Ranerius says. He extends his senses searching for her.
Ranerius nods at some unspoken words and gives bow of thanks to Lord Bion. He still looks drained , not of blood, but of direction and passion despite the wise advice he just received.. "I need to get to my Inn. I shall try to take Shelter there. I think." The Toreador decides. "It's been too damn many nights and my soul needs to taste something besides futility."
Th Toreador's features grow ... not exactly resolved, but begrudging. Lord Bion: I thank you, Lord Bion. I am not comforted, but I need truth more than comfort. I find myself ...frustrated but whatever it takes for Venice to continue I suppose. If you have any last minute advise for me, or suggestions on who you would hope becomes Prince when Alexander is done with the city I would be grateful. I fear every effort I make to better my city is rendered wasted as soon as I achieve it, every goal I try for gaining favor ends up with no true gain. ANd my dreams of harmony in the sect grows bitter. You are not my father confessor, but as you are able now to tear the thoughts from my mind, I see no point in not seeking words of advice particularly if they can able me to have SOME effect on the world about me rather than just bathe in futility? The Toreador finds it ironic that the fact Bion does not want to be Prince might make him a far more agreeable one than some options.
Bion nods, in your mind you hear him state, "Proceed". Bion and Ranerius:
Lord Bion, Franz Albert assures me Alexander is not making an idle threat. Alexander appears quite willing slay each and every Caininte in Venice, then replace them to achieve his goals. Franz Albert asked me if I thought you were capable of stopping him if need be. I confessed that I did not know but if anyone could you have a fair chance. I spoke of your power, and of your willingness to work with us when other elders who now strut hid and did nothing. That that had earned my respect though I do not know what my respect would mean to you. Frankly I had originally thought YOU planned to be Prince, only now you seem to withdraw, but I think Alexander is not fond of me. He confuses my respect for you and my desire for harmony for PUSHING You to be Prince, which is a doubly ironic mistake on his part if you have truly lost interest in the role. He pushes another surge of thoughts forward, But Franz believes Alexander is encased in Megalomania And dangerous beyond words. I am further told Tassilo the Lasombra is sworn to the Prince of Constantinople who is an ally of Alexander's. Onfroi too will stand by Alexander. Much to MY vexation, Alexander who is not prince yet has already embraced four childer, mostly to feed upon them. He fancies himself Prince already and gives himself permission to turn who he wills. Franz does wish to plot against him but Alexander is dangerous in a way that he was certain was possible from anything but a wild animal that one believes is domesticated. I was advised that I should not share this with Alessandro yet, which is why I open my mind to you to pass this all on. I do intend to talk to my other companions in time. I confess they are more cunning than I. I have not sworn to you, but you were there when Venice was in Chaos. Tell me, Lord Bion, now that you know of this news, what does your wisdom and experience tell you should be done? I would be a fool not to hear it, even if I am an upstart with foolish dreams in the eyes of many elders.
I'll give a day or so if anyone else would like to chime in. Sorry, Ranerius is kind of in a Catch 22 with communication right now
"My Lord Bion, if you would not object, I have private messages for you," The Toreador says with an apologetic glance to his coterie, before returning to Bion and lowering his head and tapping it as if in invitation. A gamble to be sure, but then little would likely stop the elder from doing so anyway.
The Toreador joins them on the boat, looking quite thoughtful.
Storyteller/Franz: Ranerius feels ire build but contains it, "So, he embraces without a Prince's permission or wait until there was a prince to ask? Noted. Unless there is something else I should let you go before many grow suspicious. God speed to our mutual endeavors."
Ranerius awaits his answer but plans to go to Lord Bion as well.
Storyteller/Franz: Ranerius listens and does not bother to hide some of his concerns.
[I]You say Alexander has four new childer? Did he embrace them in Venice?[I] The Toreador knows Venice and might know who was embraced before their taking, and there are other matters in play that matter for this as well. The loss of Onfroi as an ally and even friend makes him sadder than he thought possible, however wretched Onfroi might seem to others. And now he is asked to war Alessandro. So much for harmony between Cainites even allies it seems.
"You make me sad" - King Arthur (Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail) :)
The Toreador reads the silent invitation, and accepts... Storyteller/Franz: Ranerius shares his thoughts with Franz, Ah, so that is what he meant by my heart. He thinks I am loyal to Bion . Ironic. I've said again and again my loyalty is to Venice and the Dream of a Sect where Cainites of ALL Generations and ages can strive for mutual respect and Harmony. I could scream it to the rooftops and elders would still not listen it seems. To answer your question, I do not know. I do know that if anyone can, Bion has a good chance. He is an elder of the Clan of Death and formidible. Bion is traditional and stubborn in many ways but at least he showed when the trouble was on and other elders cowered. For THAT He has my respect even if I disagree with him on key points. As for the Lasombra, they offer me what I feel is already mine, which is hardly alluring as they think. I no longer trust as easily as i used to, but one must trust SOMETIMES or one renders ones self inconsequential. My companions include members who are MUCH more cunning than I. I am not ashamed to admit that. I will consult them on this when I can and see what they advise. If you help us, even as an observer who keeps us informed, I will try to talk to them into helping ALL of us, including yourself, survive in whatever is to come.
Ranerius' heart lies with Ranerius? I'm definitely misreading something. EDIT: Oh, he thinks Ranerius supports Bion? Not...really. As far as Ranerius is concerned right now all the elder choices for Prince are disappointing and the best they offer is stuff he feels is already his. :) Bion is one of the less obnoxious of disappointments ;)
Okay. I am confused, unless he's talking about Ranerius wife?
At this, the Toreador's brow lifts in mild surprise, "This is news to me, great one but I am grateful for your forbearance." He will leave when directed to , of course. He's not rude.
"I thank you for your candor and generous consideration of my view points even if you do not agree with them. One thing I can assure you, and I think we have proven, I despise the idea of chaos in Venice, and also wish it safe and stable." The Toreador bows "My thanks again, Elder."
Ranerius has been so caught up in the majesty of the speaking elder that he had to yank himself out of it as what the man proposed settles in "You may not love Venice save as a stepping stone, but at least you show an interest in its betterment so thank you. To me, Venice is as dear as a lover, and I would adorn her well and lavishly. I have long preached harmony and unity for this budding sect Narses formed. And, recently, I have been told I am not of Venice at all, that we were never formerly released even with we stayed and triumphed where elders fled until we cleared the situation. I speak with arrogance beyond my years perhaps, but I disagree with that estimation. When Sires abandon their offspring, and the offspring serve the acting prince with success as we did, the elevation should be presumed. I would have your earnest thoughts on it?"
Probably could snuff us out like little black wax candles in a tornado. :)
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Lido Alexander's Haven
I apologize my brain has been a bit fried since labor day, very hectic times all about. I'm trying to catch up but am not at the top of my game.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 the Lido Uwe, Michele, Ranerius, Geoffroi, Alessandro, and Lorenzo "It's never simple, is it?" But he steps forward.
"Agreed." The Toreador says, sounding a bit glum.
Uwe, Michele, Ranerius, Geoffroi, Alessandro, and Lorenzo The Toreador stays silent as he looks beyond the speaker and sees if his auspex shows any Nosferatu attempting to hide but unaware he can see them.
Tomorrow afternoon I will be on the road to visit family for 3 nights and some change. I won't be posting much
[B]"You flatter us," Ranerius answers finally, "And it's my hope that we might yet salvage a chance of such bridges to greater and more just harmony."
Ranerius hears talk of Onfroi but keeps quiet for now, taking in all that is said and listening to the accusations fly.
"Business before pleasure my Lovely Rose", Lydia says to Ranerius.
"After this, I return to my inn." The Toreador says "I have done business, and business, and MORE business... of late. Pleasure is long over due. And ironically, my home is ALSO my business. Literally." Am I the only Cainite with an actual job? Ironic. --------
"Indeed, we mean to be good guests, if you'd honor us as such." Ranerius says. He still misses Onfroi, and not just for his power. The man was close to a friend.
The Toreador looks frustrated, "I Had hoped to go to my Inn tonight."
[ooc]Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo Uwe, Michele, Ranerius, Geoffroi, Alessandro, and Lorenzo I do not say this to offend you but to inform you. Through me, you shall be granted a pathway to citizenship for what it is you have done. Whether my Brother or Sister would do the same, I cannot say". Ranerius stiffens as he is told he is 'not' a citizen of Venice by some obscure Caininte law. He disagrees strongly but he appreciates Lord Valdemar laying it out on the tablbe as politely as possible. "An interesting take, and I thank you for your sharing your stance."
This he finds far more promissing. "If you would hold elders accountable for the treatment of their childer, then you have my attention, Lord. And keeping Venice strong.. yes, we definitely agree." That said, his coterie who know him better can tell that not all that was said sits well with the Toreador.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo Uwe, Michele, Ranerius, Geoffroi, Alessandro, and Lorenzo "We would be welcome in the city? Forgive me, Lord Valdemar, but I myself am a native, and the others here FOUGHT by my side for the city. Welcoming us to a city that is only safe for our kind because of our hard work in the first place, while I am sure it is well intended? There is little gained for us. I shared Narses dream of a Camarilla though to be fair, I've no doubt the dream varied. I was a voice in the veritable wilderness encouraging a vision of harmony and unity; a voice, even if it were quieter ones ,for even newly brought over. Few showed interest in that as an aspect for a new sect." The Toreador frowns, but continues to keep his tone polite, "That may have been what lead to Dunstan's plots, the elder machination which stirred trouble, and then the younger Cainites used as pawns and martyrs for the game. So Dunstan plotted back and nearly tore apart the city. A kettle heated but given no release for the steam will eventually sunder. How do you plan to prevent that from happening again? And what is YOUR dream for a Camarilla period if there is one? On perhaps the more selfish side, if you were hoping to enlist my support, then telling me I will be 'allowed' to stay in my own home hardly stirs me." The Toreador says "Rather I might ask what voice might and my coterie have? What rights under your rule? I am not working against you, but who ever I work 'for', I am not inspired to work hard to raise them up if I am told my reward will be the status quo. What are your dreams for Venice, for the Sect, and how will you rule? Tyrant, First Among Equals, or something in between? I do not mock you lord, but I earnestly wish to know before I support anyone."
Thank you for the updates! And you're right, things were coming fast and furious Post Narses.
Honestly I forget who all the contenders are and what Ranerius thought of them. I do know he is thinking of letting Kestrel go to influence the politics. I do know he might sell his vote for certain boons ;)
I woke my Childe, Uwe, to assist you in stopping the threat of the Mortal Hunters. Are you saying you have already neutralized this threat? What of the traitor, Sir Dunstan?" As no one else answers, Ranerius does, "The last of the hunters are being... discouraged and we believe within a week will be solved, at least that is my understanding?" He looks at the others, then back at Valdemar, "As for Dunstan? Sir Dunstan was a noble fool, but he made War on Venice. He was weighed, measured, and ultimately found wanting. no longer does walk under the moonlight."
"Signore Von Roth, pardon any rudeness on our part, it is not intended. We've had some most perilous nights with inquisitors and those who sought to yoke them alike."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Uwe, Michele, Ranerius, Geoffroi, Alessandro, and Lorenzo Ranerius garments mark him as a well to do gentleman, the tunic is embroidered, but tastefully so. Short breaches and chausses are of fine material. Alas, the clothes do look like they've had a bit of rough treatment the last night or so. The man himself is a good looking Italian of roughly thirty five winters with expressive dark eyes and aristocratic features. For those that can make it out in this dim, his flesh would appear to hold a most healthy flush compared to many Kindred. "Lord Valdemar, It is as the Doctor says. We've dealt with the threats to the city and our kind where others would not step forward. You're welcome." A bit dryly perhaps.
"Thank you... " The Toreador nods "He is gone, but no reason to let resources to to waste if we can utilize them." "As for me, I need to visit my Inn as soon as I can. It feels like I've been gone too long."
Ranerius closes his eyes, and says "While a citizen of Padua,Dunstan DID have a very small plot of land on mainland Italy which is within the Dominion of Venice. A fall back perhaps if we absolutely must. It maybe we should send an agent there to see it's current condition as well."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo Ranerius rose later than usual, but he comes in early enough to hear Michelle's commentary "We should meet with them as I agree the more information the better. As for Venice, for now, it is still my home." "Hear Hear." Ranerius says. The Toreador is in agreement "We did not fight for this city so hard that we should run now."
For a moment, the Toreador admires and is almost mesmerized. Not by any magic, but by the artistry.
God forgive me, but as he committed this crime himself, maybe it is just that he give for his cause in a way he did not expect. Your way was too abrupt, Dunstan. And short sighted. A crescendo leaped to in the bridge far too soon. And Ranerius bites down and starts to drink.
The act:
I think Ranerius is going to suck him down. Question, where can he do so discretely with minimum witnesses? :) I think he's shy about it.
He eyes Duncan, "Your pardon all. I am very tempted by ...well, justice, opportunity or monstrosity, call it what you will, but before I do. I need a moment. It should not take long." He departs looking thoughtful but is hurrying as he promised. GM: Ranerius seeks out the still impaled Kestral, and a bit of privacy. He has little blood to give, but it is time for the third and last dose.
Alright, done. WP 8, Fortitude 1. Six EXP Left.
If allowed I'll buy the Fortitude 1 and increase Ranerius already impressive WP with the exp I have left. The extra WP would definitely come in handy if he tries soul slupring. Since Dunstan did it, the Toreador has less guilt about considering it.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309 [Past Midnight] Lord Bion's Lair "We have taken steps to see to the Mortal Hunters being slain or at least rendered inconsequential in ways that will help protect our secrets." He looks to the others unsure if they want to go into more detail or no. At the news they might dispose of Dunstan anyway they wish. He sets his jaw and seems thoughtful Twice I've refused the ultimate crime, but now I have the option. I thought it just for my own power and thus selfish, but perhaps there is a lesson even for the elders here. I've been warned of his strength of will, but mine is not so weak. Mmm I cannot dally and keep all still though. I must make up my mine weigh the costs, the gains not just for myself but dreams of putting all on more equal footing without chaos.
Howdy again. Hello
Indeed Signore' Bernerius, while your Coterie has been in the streets and canals fighting for Venice, your Elders have been in the few salons that remain, politicking to be Successors to the Shadow Prince, Narses. The young have fought the wars of their Elders since mankind has organized, and what are Cainites but mankind evolved into something more? "Mortal elders do not grow in power with every passing year, but wither from it, thus they may send the young to war because they grow too weak to join in themselves. That cannot be said of we progeny of Cain, I do dare think. Give no room in the pipes for water to move, and a burst WILL happen in time." The Toreador says, "As for Dunstan's fate, I concur with my peers. His vengeance was beyond short sighted, and Venice is too precious a prize to risk so carelessly. I too would suggest final Death for Dunstan. "
If I need to try some social roll of some sort to NOT tick of Bion, let me know ;)
|