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, welcome to Dance by Twilight: Venice by Night

20:57, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Prologue

Posted by NarratorFor group 0
Narrator
GM, 9 posts
Sun 3 Dec 2017
at 01:32
  • msg #1

Prologue

Prologue - Scene 1: The Summons

The fateful night had come at long last, Emperor Haloise Giovanni has called out to gather his most trusted advisors, allies, retainers, and thralls all were being gatherd at the casino. From the onset the casino appears as any spectacular resort might but any Vampire worth their salt sees it for what it is, one part hunting reserve one part fortress, the place was a monument to just what the Giovanni could achieve and sat as one of the Emperors seats of power.

Ha has gathered the wide breath of his power base together and brought them to a hidden sub basement located under the casino, the place itself was bland and gray with sprawling rooms and corridors, the place was both labyrinth and command center, dozens of Vampires were in attendance some from within the city some from the expanse of the Empire. Suronding them were countless thralls and other Kindred servents.

The Emperor would announce his plan this night, he held the cards in his hand close to his chest all were anxious to see what he would command.
Narrator
GM, 10 posts
Tue 12 Dec 2017
at 20:29
  • msg #2

Prologue

As the Thralls, Retainers and other servitors kept busy making all manor of preparations for the nights of struggle to come. There was one conference room at the heart of the hidden chamber beneath the casino where the most influential members of the Empire gathered to discuss the final preparations.

Fernand Mondego - an Ancient  Ventrue and prince of Vienna was a political mastermind and long time ally of Emperor Haloise Giovanni, while the two have held something of a rivalry it has not interfered with the management of the Empire. Formally he holds the title of Chancellor and is effectively the Seneschal of the Empire.

Gerard de Villefort - an Ancient Nosferatu and another long time ally of Emperor Haloise Giovanni, he ensures that throughout all the struggles the Empire has faced that the Masquerade has been preserved and more recently has made a Haven in London in an effort to rout out any remaining Red Crown Rebels.

Alexander Constantine - an Elder Ventrue and long time protege of the Emperor, for many years he has served Haloise in a clandestine way doing what needed to be done to ensure his masters machinations came to fruition. Known for his philosophical perspective on justice and his dedication to the Traditions, recently he has been appointed to lead the Legion, the unsworn Soliders of the Empire who are the paid mercenaries willing to do what Knights cannot do because of the constraint of their oaths.

Nikolas Wolfe - an Elder Ventrue and King of the Kindred in Germany he is a fervent supporter of the Emperor and his cause making great sacrifices to save the Empire while it was lost in the grips of rebellion. Informally he speaks for the various Knighthoods who have sworn themselves to the Empire.

Romeo Acerbi - an Elder Daeva and Seneschal to Selene Giovanni, he has worked with many of the Empires most influential Kindred.

Ulbrecht von Brandt - an Elder Mekhet who served as a spy for the Emperor for many years and is now a prominent member of the Ordo Dracul and known for his fairly liberal perspective of the doctrine of the Ordo Dracul.
Narrator
GM, 11 posts
Tue 12 Dec 2017
at 20:33
  • msg #3

Prologue

As Selene came in to the room she saw the expected clicks, Fernand and Gerard conspiring with one another near the head of the long table, Nikolas and Romeo similarly conversing a few paces away eventually joined by Alexander, while Ulbrecht stood alone in the corner checking his phone from time to time.

Haloise was yet to make his appearance, of course he would be fashionably late to his own meeting, regardless it was a rare opportunity to have the Empires most prominent leaders gathered like this.
Narrator
GM, 12 posts
Tue 12 Dec 2017
at 20:42
  • msg #4

Prologue

At the insistence of Haloise, Xaver was asked to follow Selene for the evening something he preferred to do discreetly and his talent for Obfuscate proved helpful for that yet in this cramped room he knew it was only a matter of time for the discipline to fail. Regardless, Haloise arranged all of this and held little to worry.
Selene Giovanni
player, 1 post
Wed 13 Dec 2017
at 00:48
  • msg #5

Prologue

Selene took a moment in the frame to the isolated conference room, taking in the sight of those already waiting. Certainly they were all kindred she knew somewhat well at the least. But given that, she also knew it was rude to stare.

The Queen Giovanni walked casually into the room, trying not to draw attention as the weight of the Red Crown Edict ran through her mind. It had been a trying time to put it nicely and while she’d earn a new reputation from certain events that transpired during that time of chaos, it was still unsettling for her. But she smoothed the front of her cream colored waist pencil skirt to keep from fidgeting too much and then took her phone to check the time.

Of course Haloise would be late.
Xaver Furst
player, 1 post
Wed 13 Dec 2017
at 00:52
  • msg #6

Prologue

Deadly silence was no match for the skill that Xaver possessed, and any creature would be lucky to experience such a thing before being the victim to the master Khabit. He moved stealthily into the war room behind Selene, practically within her shadow, using her as a means to stay undetected for as long as possible. And even when he was discovered, he would simply play coy, as he was apt to do.
Ulbrecht Von Bradnt
NPC, 1 post
Wed 13 Dec 2017
at 01:49
  • msg #7

Prologue

In reply to Selene Giovanni (msg # 5):

"Greetings my queen." The lonely Mekhet was quick to give a slight bow to Selene. He had been one of Haloise's principal servents in France prior to her own ascension, after this he made Haven in the city Selene ruled and helped establish the Ordo Dracul there, following the Red Crown Rebellion he aided in soothing her relations with the Ordo even going so far as to get her acapted for what she is.

"How does the night treat you ? This meeting strikes me as an important one." His somber voice was quiet among the other conversations in the room.
Selene Giovanni
player, 2 posts
Wed 13 Dec 2017
at 03:15
  • msg #8

Prologue

“Hello Ulbrecht, I am... well. How do you fare this evening?” The Blood Rose answered and inquired, “Tonight, I believe, will be the base foundations for achieving his majesty’s ultimate rule.”

Selene could just about feel the tension of the night creep into every fiber of flesh as she wasn’t sure what entirely to expect and she worried about embarrassing Haloise in a way she wouldn’t be aware of until it was too late.
Ulbrecht Von Bradnt
NPC, 2 posts
Wed 13 Dec 2017
at 05:55
  • msg #9

Prologue

In reply to Selene Giovanni (msg # 8):

"I am well, and as always a pleasure to be whatever service I can be to you and his majesty." Ulbrecht spoke humbly and submissively as ever. "I understand the Emperor will be sending you on a diplomatic mission, have you put any consideration as to taking a retinue with you ?" He asked his intent remaind difficult to read although he was possibly angling to join Selene on her mission to Venice.
Narrator
GM, 13 posts
Wed 13 Dec 2017
at 06:04
  • msg #10

Prologue

A few minutes had gone by and Xaver seemed to be unnoticed by all in the room except one, Alexander Constantine was looking in the direction of the hidden Khaibit and paying little attention to the conversation he was a member to, it was possible he was trying to snoop on the conversation being had by Selene and Ulbrecht.
Xaver Furst
player, 2 posts
Fri 15 Dec 2017
at 00:34
  • msg #11

Prologue

Xaver made note of the kindred known best as the masked man. He didn't physically acknowledge him aside from possible brief eye contact, but the Khabit knew that Alexander was loyal to Haloise to an extreme. From what he had gathered, he was oftentimes sent to be Selene's unseen guardian, so his attention to her could be habitual.
Selene Giovanni
player, 3 posts
Fri 15 Dec 2017
at 00:38
  • msg #12

Prologue

"I've been... Considering people, but I need to be mindful that I leave this city and France in capable hands while I'm in Venice." She answered vaguely, not quite a lie, but not quite the truth.

The thought of who would accompany her had briefly crossed her thoughts, only when Haloise first told her of his decision, but that was really it. The Blood Rose was unnerved about traveling to Venice, especially after Haloise had divulged that it was home of their clan ancients- kindred that were feared by even her grand-sire Tiberius.

"Are you requesting a place in my convoy?"
Ulbrecht Von Bradnt
NPC, 3 posts
Fri 15 Dec 2017
at 01:44
  • msg #13

Prologue

"If my talents would be useful to you, I am yours to call upon. I do know the cities Academy might carry useful information as well as having a direct connection to Serena the Second." He spoke humbly as always.
Romeo Acerbi
NPC, 1 post
Fri 15 Dec 2017
at 01:53
  • msg #14

Prologue

So much as another thought could be fully processed Romeo had traversed the room to come to the side of his Prince. Leaving Nikolas with moth a envious and frustrated look to his face.

"My Prince, how is your evening, if would be my highest pleasure to serve you in whatever capacity you desire." Romeo spoke certainly knowing how to put emphasis on words.
Narrator
GM, 14 posts
Fri 15 Dec 2017
at 02:18
  • msg #15

Prologue

In reply to Xaver Furst (msg # 11):

The Ventrues gaze quickly shifted first to the rush of movement and then to his remaining companion Nikolas before returning to look at the commotion.
Selene Giovanni
player, 4 posts
Fri 15 Dec 2017
at 02:43
  • msg #16

Prologue

Selene was caught a bit off guard, and knew she’d need to continue to broach this topic with Ulbrecht later. For now however, she feigned a smile.

“Good evening Romeo, my night is going as well as business dictates it can.” She gestured to the scholarly Mekhet, “You’ve met Ulbrecht before, haven’t you?”
Xaver Furst
player, 3 posts
Fri 15 Dec 2017
at 02:45
  • msg #17

Prologue

Xaver shifted back a touch to garner a more advantageous defensive position. He could sense the Prince’s distress even though it was only but a sliver.
Romeo Acerbi
NPC, 2 posts
Fri 15 Dec 2017
at 05:14
  • msg #18

Prologue

In reply to Selene Giovanni (msg # 16):

"I know him well, me and Ulbrecht have been working closely together in facilitating the relationships between the cities Covenants." He gave a nod of acknowledgement to Ulbrecht. "I know you are going to Venice and I realize I will need to stay behind to watch over your domain but I would not be living up to my responsibility to you if I did not give you some information." His words were a mixture of seriousness and playfulness, the Daeva knew how to keep his intentions blurred.

"Like we have endeavored to achieve here, the Doge of Venice has an extensive network of relationships with the other creatures residing in the city, admittedly they are further along then us and granted their approach is different, the Foge apparently keeps Werewolves on retainer as mercenaries and routinely consults with Mages." Romeo spoke arming his Prince with the information he had collected thus far.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Fri 15 Dec 2017.
Ulbrecht Von Bradnt
NPC, 4 posts
Fri 15 Dec 2017
at 05:23
  • msg #19

Prologue

In reply to Romeo Acerbi (msg # 18):

"I have heard similar rumors as well." Ulbrecht noded in agreement "I understand that there are uncharted vaults of riches and other esoteric lore, this is what I suspect lured the Ordo Dracul to establish itself in the city, I also believe the Lancea et Sanctum monitors and polices known vaults and is likely in touch with the cities Mages." Ulbrecht elaborated on what he knew about the city.

His gaze shifted left and right as if unnerved by something before disregarding the feeling and returning to the conversation. "Selene I think the city will be a possible treasure trove for us and may even allow you to further explore the Mystery of Blood."
Xaver Furst
player, 4 posts
Mon 18 Dec 2017
at 03:41
  • msg #20

Prologue

The Khabit committed the information exchanged to memory as it was certain to be useful in a myriad of ways. He remained motionless otherwise, prepared to disappear into the stillness of the shadows behind him.
Selene Giovanni
player, 5 posts
Mon 18 Dec 2017
at 03:50
  • msg #21

Prologue

Selene nodded, feigning indifference at the intriguing news. She wanted to appear calm and collected particularly since she wasn’t enchanted by the idea of going to Venice, but the mention of advancing her signature mystery did make it easier for her to come to grips with.

“The more I hear of Venice, the more curious I become.” The Blood Rose mused, crossing her arms, “It seems as though there’l Be plenty to see in more than one venture.”
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