Topic: Chapter 2: Venetian Nights (Read 297721 times)

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #300 on:** March 19, 2017, 01:59:03 pm »

Steeple sets the man down, somewhere out of the way, and hops up onto a crate to keep watch, until his friends arrive.

As they enter he remarks, "It might be easier just to kill him and speak with his ghost. What do you think?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #301 on:** March 19, 2017, 02:44:57 pm »

Quote

Anton heads back up into the dying hunter's room through the window, scaling the side of the building using his supernatural strength. Joseph and Andreas wait for him in there along with John.

That was poorly handled. Letting your temper get the best of you. I suppose I can understand that.

Gauthier's involvement has set me on edge.

Quote

When he gets up he finds that Joseph and Andreas have already begun searching the room. Immediately they turn up a series of weapons that the "hunters" had kept in storage. Stakes, holy water (that appears to be harmless), garlic (that is definitely harmless), a series of daggers - clearly of spanish make, and what Anton recognizes from the description Steeple had given as Roland's sword belt, with his sword and dagger still attached.

On examining Roland's dagger, Anton notes something rather strange about it. Looking closer, he recognizes - with no small degree of surprise and even vehemence - that the weapon bears the markings of a Setite ritual dagger.

Oh my, what kind of dirty little dealings was Roland involved in?

Setites. Anton grimaces, clenching his teeth. Filthy Ventrue

He motions to Brother Joseph, showing him the symbols.

Drakilian · « **Reply #302 on:** March 19, 2017, 05:14:58 pm »

After turning the knife over in his hands for a bit, Joseph says, "I think we've got something to discuss with Aimery and Lanzo. Preferably Aimery, I don't think Lanzo would be particularly amicable given the circumstances. This... opens up a lot of possibilities."

Forge · « **Reply #303 on:** March 19, 2017, 07:40:36 pm »

Heldric sighs looking at the man "It might be the best option left to us so long as you can ensure gaining information. I believe Anton send Andreas can capture another one if you fail."

Not Aman · « **Reply #304 on:** March 19, 2017, 09:08:38 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on March 19, 2017, 05:14:58 pm

After turning the knife over in his hands for a bit, Joseph says, "I think we've got something to discuss with Aimery and Lanzo. Preferably Aimery, I don't think Lanzo would be particularly amicable given the circumstances. This... opens up a lot of possibilities."

Anton nods.
"Certainly."

Gabor, do you think you could track the Hunters? I have no interest in waiting for them to arrive.

"Andreas." Anton says, motioning to the brute to move in closer. "I need to inform Heldric and Steeple of what we discovered. Can you send a raven with the information?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #305 on:** March 19, 2017, 11:22:36 pm »

Gabor scoffs in Anton's head,

Through what black magic? I am a swordsman, not a mage; and there are no tracks they could have left behind in a city that would be obvious.

Andreas rumbles to Mr.Whitey - He could call a pidgeon or some other animal but Heldric likes to keep himself cloaked at all times. Can probably reach Steeple, however.

Andreas then calls out for a pidgeon and summarily sends it off to find Steeple with his directive.

---

It is not long after they arrive at the warehouse that Steeple and Heldric's discussion is interrupted by the crash and flutter of a pidgeon squeezing through an open window into the airhouse and diving at Steeple. It squawks wildly at the Malkavian.

Forge · « **Reply #306 on:** March 20, 2017, 12:29:36 am »

Heldric pauses for a moment then unoaks and calls the pigeon to him, forcing it to meet his eyes.

Daedalus · « **Reply #307 on:** March 20, 2017, 08:24:40 am »

"Great madman Steeple, enemy of pigeons." Saladin laughs. Then he will use his power to stop the flying poop machine, and hold it in place without hurting it.

Drakilian · « **Reply #308 on:** March 20, 2017, 09:48:36 am »

The pidgeon is locked in place by Saladin's spell, paralyzed.

Activating his animal speech, Heldric addresses the pidgeon, only to hear it squawk loudly at him - "Ahhhhhhhhh what the Fark let me go what is this ahh eeeh leave me aloooone I was just doing the big two-leg a favor!"

Forge · « **Reply #309 on:** March 20, 2017, 10:43:41 am »

"You can release it Salad in, It has somthing for us." He meets it's eyes again "What is the favourite you were sent to do?" He asks

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #310 on:** March 20, 2017, 10:56:32 am »

Steeple looks at the pigeon, greatly amused, and lightly clapping his hands.

"Ooh, Pigeons of the Night always have the most thrilling portents! Whatever does it want? Can I get it some seeds or something?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #311 on:** March 20, 2017, 10:58:33 am »

Quote

Gabor scoffs in Anton's head,

Through what black magic? I am a swordsman, not a mage; and there are no tracks they could have left behind in a city that would be obvious.

Andreas rumbles to Mr.Whitey - He could call a pidgeon or some other animal but Heldric likes to keep himself cloaked at all times. Can probably reach Steeple, however.

Andreas then calls out for a pidgeon and summarily sends it off to find Steeple with his directive.

Anton nods.

Tsk. Fine, we'll have to wait. We need to make sure they don't flee. We should wait outside the building.

Daedalus · « **Reply #312 on:** March 20, 2017, 07:48:12 pm »

Saladin stops. "What is it has for us?" He asks.

Forge · « **Reply #313 on:** March 20, 2017, 10:37:12 pm »

"I should know soon" he says before commanding the pigeon "What task were you asked to perform?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #314 on:** March 21, 2017, 12:38:17 am »

The pidgeon drops suddenly, fluttering to the ground, then - "Big leg ask for you, says found something important!" the pidgeon squawks

Forge · « **Reply #315 on:** March 21, 2017, 10:31:34 am »

"If that is all, thank you and you may go" he tells the pigeon then turns to the others "It Looks like they need one or all of us to return, Steeple, can you do the ritual with Just Saladin here to defend you?"

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #316 on:** March 21, 2017, 05:25:54 pm »

"Yeah, sure," Steeple agreed. "Should not be too hard, thanks."

As soon as Heldric leaves, Steeple will set out to cast illuminate the trail of the prey again, to confirm the tail leads back to the tavern rooms. He's content to leave the hunter hidden away and unconscious for now.

As a precaution however, Steeple also uses his vessel of transference to exchange two more doses of his blood with the man.

Drakilian · « **Reply #317 on:** March 21, 2017, 05:56:19 pm »

Heldric leaves the group early and heads back to the tavern unmolested. He notes the two ghouls still following him from a distance, as well as the telltale groans of the night's drunkards from alleyways and other assorted nooks and crannys within the city.

When he gets to the tavern he finds a hideous Anton and an even more hideous Andreas waiting for him, Joseph standing to the side holding a strange dagger - unusual, given the monk carried no weapons on his person.

It's like a rainbow, Octavius comments.

Of ugly, he then finishes.

---

Steeple's ritual goes through without issue and he confirms that the trail leads back in the general direction of the tavern. After securing his charge's health he is left free to follow the trail back to the tavern, should he wish.

"We should have insisted John come with us" Maurice begins.

We could have had Saladin and the others go away... devour him here... lead Gauthier to the warehouse...

He has to have ties to the hunters... we have bait..."

Forge · « **Reply #318 on:** March 21, 2017, 06:27:46 pm »

heldric ignores the comments and nods to the others "Steeple is interrogating the subject so I came, what is the urgent news?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #319 on:** March 21, 2017, 06:57:23 pm »

"We found Roland's blade." Anton says.

"The engravings are Setite. Idolators. The Ventrue was part of their cult. We need to remove the remaining Hunters and then find out if anyone knows of Setite presence here."

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #320 on:** March 21, 2017, 07:01:59 pm »

"So..." Steeple suggests to Saladin, "What say you embrace him for kicks?"

"We'll end up killing him anyway, unless he can prove useful of course. Go on, I know you want to. I won't tell anyone. It is in our nature to want to pass along that which is of our essence."

"I'd do it myself of course, but Malkavian essence is not something that should really be passed on haha!"

Daedalus · « **Reply #321 on:** March 22, 2017, 05:19:51 am »

"No." Saladin simply says. "And besides, we" He gests at himself "The assamites, do not embrace on a whim."

Which ofcourse was mostly true, he himself was the exception.

"Death would be preferable for him. He has no legs, he can never truly live again. And didnt you say you could talk with his spirits?"

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #322 on:** March 22, 2017, 05:39:19 pm »

"Ah, the hunter will be fine," Steeple relied, waving the legless man's plight off.

"Do me a boon honorable Saladin - and one I will owe back to you."

"In this, simply go back to join the others, but send John the to me. I require his proficiency in presence to help sway the spirit to our favor."

'You're logic is, as always, flawless my Prince,' Steeple thought inwardly to Maurice; 'I know that Vladivostok sent John here to see to my undoing. I'll show him and get the sweet taste of vengeance on the old miser, by offing his man first, haha!'

Tonight, the stage would be set for treacherous backstabery.

Presuming Saladin would play ball, Steeple would lie in wait to ambush poor John with Celerity, Strength of the Earth, boosted Dex, and the Thirsty Bone Sword. If lucky, John wouldn't even see it coming. Of course, that was what Obfuscate was for...

Daedalus · « **Reply #323 on:** March 22, 2017, 07:01:18 pm »

Saladin eyes Steeple suspiciously. "owe me one simply by fetching him?" He strokes his chin lightly.

"Very well. If you think you can manage by yourself untill he gets here." And with that, Saladin walks off without really waiting for a reply.

Forge · « **Reply #324 on:** March 23, 2017, 03:09:44 pm »

Quote from: Not Aman on March 21, 2017, 06:57:23 pm

"We found Roland's blade." Anton says.

"The engravings are Setite. Idolators. The Ventrue was part of their cult. We need to remove the remaining Hunters and then find out if anyone knows of Setite presence here."

Heldric sighs "This is more complicated now. We can use it as evidence later but for now do we wait to ambush the others?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #325 on:** March 23, 2017, 04:07:09 pm »

Quote from: Forge on March 23, 2017, 03:09:44 pm

Heldric sighs "This is more complicated now. We can use it as evidence later but for now do we wait to ambush the others?"

"Yes. They'll know that theyve been found, and theyll bring Gauthier into our investigation." Anton says.

"But waiting for them will take too long, we need to make use of the night."

Forge · « **Reply #326 on:** March 23, 2017, 04:32:11 pm »

"so do we split up again and turn in evidence or all go back to meet Steeple?" He asks

Not Aman · « **Reply #327 on:** March 25, 2017, 07:20:03 pm »

Quote from: Forge on March 23, 2017, 04:32:11 pm

"so do we split up again and turn in evidence or all go back to meet Steeple?" He asks

"Perhaps. We need to use this information, and need to remove the hunters."

Drakilian · « **Reply #328 on:** March 28, 2017, 12:21:41 pm »

As the conversation moves on Saladin arrives with a message from the thaumaturge - "Steeple said he needed some assistance from John with his ritual. I came back to find out what you wanted to... oh. That's a setite dagger." Saladin declares, recognizing the markings on the weapon.

"That's not good."

"No, no it's not" John says in agreement.

"I'll go get Steeple, I don't think we need to know much more about these hunters anyway."

With that, John takes off.

(Continued in: http://www.bountyheadbebop.com/forum/index.php?topic=2181.0)

Forge · « **Reply #329 on:** March 28, 2017, 07:51:06 pm »

"Andreas and I will stay and watch this place while you pass on the information." He indicates to Andreas to follow and swings back out to the rooftops, ensuring they are cloaked. He heads a couple of buildings away then settles in.

Daedalus · « **Reply #330 on:** March 31, 2017, 11:30:15 am »

"Very well." Saladin nods at Heldric to acknowledge his decision. Then, turning his icy gaze upon Anton. He didn't like being alone with the lasombra. Actually, he didn't like Anton himself.

"So..." Saladin begins awkvardly. "What now?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #331 on:** March 31, 2017, 12:41:33 pm »

Quote from: Daedalus on March 31, 2017, 11:30:15 am

"Very well." Saladin nods at Heldric to acknowledge his decision. Then, turning his icy gaze upon Anton. He didn't like being alone with the lasombra. Actually, he didn't like Anton himself.

"So..." Saladin begins awkvardly. "What now?"

"I meet with the Black Cross."

"Setites are bad news. They infect and linger and fester." Anton says, anger in his voice. "Filth of the Old World." Anton says.

He then looks at the Assamite.
"I don't trust you, assassin. There are too many puppeteers, for you to just be an admirer of Husayn."

"But this corruption is too dangerous. If youre goal is to strike Basilio, or the Church. Or Clan Lasombra as a whole..., there is no time for those petty games. Understand that. Put your plans on hold until the setites are gone."

"We need to work toghether. Yes?"

Daedalus · « **Reply #332 on:** April 01, 2017, 08:49:15 am »

"Not all assamites are assassins Anton. Most of us... eh nevermind. The less you know about my clan the better." He said with a heavy sigh.

"I'm sure i've already told you this, but i bear no ill will against your clan. Prince Kiril is also my friend. The one i don't like in our little party, if one could call it that, is you. But that is due to your abrasive personality, and your own 'Dark knight' theme you so lovingly embrace."

He takes a small breath, as to contemplate what to say next. Before continuing his rant.

"But as you say, this is more important And that you even feel the need to remind me, when we both know what is at stake here, is quite insulting." He stares angrily at Anton.

"I will go contact my own clan. I need to tell them about the Setite presence here."

Just as he's about to walk out of the door he adds coldly "You made powerful enemies when you told my clan about the nature of Husayn's death. Stop for a moment and think who holds them back."

And with that, Saladin walks away. He knew now what he should be looking for. First things first. If there are asssamite spies in the city, he will need to find them. That means contacting the Amr. He will need to go and find a safe spot to begin the ritual to contact him.

If he is already aware of any assamite spy presence he will go directly to them, no use contacting the Amr without having much information to go on.

Drakilian · « **Reply #333 on:** June 16, 2017, 07:39:37 pm »

Heldric finds Guilelmo at his usual spot welcoming newcomers to the city, bored as ever. The Prince's seneschal gives Heldric Aimery's location, along with a new escort of two ghouls and a comment along the lines of "try not to disappear again".

Sure.

On his way out of the castle, he sees (and hears) Steeple leap off the parapets of the castle into Saladin's loving telekinetic arms, and notes his two comrades speaking to each other right now. They seem ready to set off after something.

Forge · « **Reply #334 on:** June 17, 2017, 05:13:11 am »

"I cant decide whether to find it pleasently amusing or terrifying every time Steeple is present" He thinks as he watches before rapidly setting off after them.

"Steeple, Saladin!" He calls uncharicteristically loudly as he catches up

Daedalus · « **Reply #335 on:** June 17, 2017, 08:02:34 am »

Saladin swears silently in arabic, half expecting the man to also jump from a building. He, however stops to check whom it is. He's relieved to see that it's Heldric. One of the sane ones.

"Greetings Prince Heldric." He says with a bow.

Forge · « **Reply #336 on:** June 17, 2017, 09:28:37 am »

Heldric returns the bow quickly, giving one to Steeple too now that it became formal "Forgive my lack of formality but Setites are here and there will be an assassinstion very soon. We must reach Aimery before he is killed as he is our ticket to freedom here." He begins heading to the location he was told "He should be this way." he calls back

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #337 on:** June 17, 2017, 10:11:57 am »

"My half brother Heldric!" Steeple replied with a smile, glad to see his fellow Gutka-ite, "Just give me a moment to finish this spell. Maybe we are headed the same direction..."

Daedalus · « **Reply #338 on:** June 17, 2017, 12:29:20 pm »

"It can wait." He says to Steeple. Half brother? Huh

"Hardly surprising given the dagger we found, but they usually don't operate this far from Africa. Perhaps they have their own agenda regarding the crusade."

'And thats as much as i can tell you. I'm sorry for deceiving you like this' he thought to himself and hope it would be sufficent for the group.

Forge · « **Reply #339 on:** June 17, 2017, 07:18:09 pm »

Heldric pauses, Steeple being there would be a great help in the fight and making things less suspicious.

"They do but they also have their own little war with another group going on and that is why we are framed, we must take the assasin alive."

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #340 on:** June 17, 2017, 08:05:39 pm »

"Take an assassin alive?" Steeple relies, abandoning his spell; "Well that certainly sounds exhilarating!"

"Let's get to it then!"

Daedalus · « **Reply #341 on:** June 17, 2017, 09:15:53 pm »

"I see. It seems you've learned much i the short time we spent apart. I would very much like to know the details after this ordeal."

I wonder how much he knows. I've heard much about tje nosferatu and their spies, i guess they deserve some credit here

"But for now, lead the way."

Forge · « **Reply #342 on:** June 17, 2017, 09:32:03 pm »

Heldric nods in thanks then begins quickly leading the way with the cloaked mr. whitey following along too

Daedalus · « **Reply #343 on:** June 27, 2017, 06:33:27 pm »

.... saladin follows.

Drakilian · « **Reply #344 on:** December 07, 2018, 12:27:15 am »

Heldric and Anton lead the way to inn where Aimery has made his haven.

Heldric keeps an eye out for the assassin he knows is coming but cannot see anything of note. In fact, all things considered it is almost unnaturally quiet outside. Despite being just past midnight the group can't hear any sound coming from the tavern, which would normally be filled with or surrounded by drunks. He notes Andreas with Mr.Whitey slung over his shoulders, the two of them seemingly unsettled by their current circumstances.

Saladin frowns, and as the group approaches the tavern doors he understands what's bothering him - this unnatural quiet is somewhat reminiscent of the very first power that all Assamite assassins learn as a part of their training, the ability to enshroud an area in complete and absolute silence.

Anton, taking point for the group with Joseph, opens the door to the tavern, not noticing that anything was wrong. On entering he finds that he is unable to hear anything or see anyone. However, seeing as this does not differ very much from his normal senses and everyday experiences, it is only when Joseph pulls on his arm and starts trying to speak to him face to face without any words coming out of his mouth that he realizes a spell has been cast on the building.

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #345 on:** December 07, 2018, 05:48:50 pm »

Steeple Quickens his sight and instincts, then enters with his bonesword drawn - confident he will be more than ready for any ambush.

'Who are we after again?' Steeple thinks to Prince Maurice- 'I thought we were looking for Barabas...'.

Drakilian · « **Reply #346 on:** December 07, 2018, 05:56:28 pm »

"Well last I checked old chap we were going off to find him when Saladin joined us, then Heldric found the two of us and demanded we follow him, something about an assassin and a conspiracy and how we should hurry up before we're all killed tomorrow, trivial stuff really."

Entering the tavern hits the highly sensitive Steeple like a brick wall - his fine tuned hearing, used to picking up even the most minute of sounds is immediately cut off. He understands that in this tavern, sound is not just muted, but the concept of sound does not exist.

This just makes it all the more amazing that Prince Maurice is able to defy this magic and clearly produce sound that Steeple can hear without any sort of difficulty whatsoever. What a vastly talented individual.

Directing his attention to his other senses, the faint smell of blood becomes apparent, drifting down from upstairs. It is not the powerful, potent vitae of the elder dead but fragrance and youth of a human.

Forge · « **Reply #347 on:** December 07, 2018, 06:59:57 pm »

Heldric signals Andrea's and Mr. Whitey to guard the exterior and as the others enter and he notices he can't hear, he opts to scale the walls quickly to try and see in the window or reach the roof. He cloaks himself as he does so in case the assassin is up there also as he climbs he grows out his claws from his knuckles.

Drakilian · « **Reply #348 on:** December 07, 2018, 07:43:28 pm »

Growing claws using Protean, Heldric effortlessly scales the outer wall of the tavern. Octavius passes through to the other side and with a minor application of force opens the shutter for Heldric without him having to brute force it open. Octavius gives him the clear, there's no one else on the other side of the window.

What a mess. Doesn't seem like they got to put up much of a fight

Octavius merges back into Heldric so that Heldric can hear the ghost in the soundless building. Climbing in through the window he sees the corpses of two ghouls laying in the hallway, their throats cut open and their weapons still in their respective sheaths. Heldric actually recognizes one of them - he'd been one of Heldric's tails, Narses' man. These men must have been assigned to guard Aimery tonight.

Forge · « **Reply #349 on:** December 07, 2018, 07:53:28 pm »

Swearing aloud but making no sound Hendric immediately begins examining the room for clues, heightening his sight with auspex, to look for clues or any sign of a still hidden attacker before moving as silently as he could to Aimery's room.

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Author Topic: Chapter 2: Venetian Nights (Read 297721 times)