Topic: The Knight's Foul Deed - Anton (Read 280332 times)

Not Aman · « **Reply #200 on:** February 04, 2016, 03:59:38 am »

"I do not know if one who is not quite dead is alive, brother. There is more to life then death."

Drakilian · « **Reply #201 on:** February 06, 2016, 01:03:06 pm »

"Is there really? How much of our lives do we spend in fear of death, hiding from it, ignoring it, wanting it, giving it? I have never known anything that could dominate my being so much as its end."

Not Aman · « **Reply #202 on:** February 06, 2016, 01:13:14 pm »

"Truly?" Anton asks, earnestly.

"As a mortal, I never thought about my death. Never gave it more consideration then as simply the path to the Kingdom. Now, my passing has been what consumes me. Didn't think I'd go out like this." Anton says, barring his fangs.

Drakilian · « **Reply #203 on:** February 06, 2016, 01:27:14 pm »

"Thought you'd die with a blade in your hand furthering God's cause? Or in your bed, with your wife and your children by your side, a cross around your neck, a priest blessing your service?"

Jodeph has to give a tired smile at the stark contrast of his own words.

Not Aman · « **Reply #204 on:** February 06, 2016, 01:36:48 pm »

"Nothing so detailed, brother. I thought of my death in abstract, with knowing I did my best for the Lord, and that'd I'd be welcomed by Him."

"Arrogant thoughts." Anton says, shaking his head. "I was so sure of myself, brother. That I wouldnget personal attention for what I had done. For what I would do..."

This... Living death, is fitting for that, brother. I would never have repented for that. Never realize it." He says.

Drakilian · « **Reply #205 on:** February 06, 2016, 06:38:00 pm »

"But you are still a man of God aren't you Anton?"

Joseph takes a step toward the Hagia Sophia and holds his arms out toward the magnificent structure.

"As a man of God, or perhaps a tool, would you rush to the defense of the Hagia if you saw it burn?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #206 on:** February 06, 2016, 09:34:20 pm »

Anton looks at the building.
"I hope so, brother. I hope so."

Drakilian · « **Reply #207 on:** February 06, 2016, 09:37:52 pm »

"Kill the artist but save his work then?"

Joseph shakes his head a little, "A monster with a heart of gold, Anton."

The monk's smile lets Anton know he's joking.

Not Aman · « **Reply #208 on:** February 06, 2016, 09:41:27 pm »

Anton nods.
"I suppose so, brother." He says simply, and begins walking towards the Prince's haven.

Drakilian · « **Reply #209 on:** February 06, 2016, 10:00:20 pm »

Anton feels increasing amounts of shame and hatred and pain moving forward until he finds that he quite simply cannot come within 20 feet of the Haga Sophia. He literally cannot will his limbs to move any closer to the church, so holy is its atmosphere.

How the hell can Michael make his home here?

Not Aman · « **Reply #210 on:** February 06, 2016, 10:02:59 pm »

"I... I think we need to meet with the Betrayer first, brother Joseph." Anton says, quickly walking back away.

He'll head to the lasombra guy who Aman forgot his name. That guy prolly knows.

Drakilian · « **Reply #211 on:** February 06, 2016, 10:07:57 pm »

It takes some asking around for Anton to be told where the Bishop Magnus is.

"In the Haga Sophia", confused (and scared) passerby tell him, pointing out the building Anton is so close to.

"He lives in the basement with some of the other priests."

Not Aman · « **Reply #212 on:** February 06, 2016, 10:09:22 pm »

"Hmph." Anton mutters, before looking to Joseph.

"Are you stable enough to go there?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #213 on:** February 06, 2016, 10:10:34 pm »

Joseph looks at Anton, confused.

"What do you mean?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #214 on:** February 06, 2016, 10:22:17 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on February 06, 2016, 10:10:34 pm

Joseph looks at Anton, confused.

"What do you mean?"

"Go to the basement and arrange a meeting with the Bishop for me." Anton states.

Drakilian · « **Reply #215 on:** February 06, 2016, 10:43:35 pm »

A lingering look by Joseph before the ghoul goes off to do his given task.

Anton draws a good many looks as he waits outside from passerby, his Nosferatu-like attractiveness and evil abyssal aura would have probably gotten him burned at the stake if Joseph didn't come back so soon.

"The bishop says there's a side entrance through the sewers, he also says that what you're experiencing is perfectly normal and that none of the dead can enter the Hagia Sophia."

Anton cannot help but feel just the slightest bit disappointed. So he's not good enough... But that's to be expected isn't it?

Not Aman · « **Reply #216 on:** February 06, 2016, 10:50:46 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on February 06, 2016, 10:43:35 pm

A lingering look by Joseph before the ghoul goes off to do his given task.

Anton draws a good many looks as he waits outside from passerby, his Nosferatu-like attractiveness and evil abyssal aura would have probably gotten him burned at the stake if Joseph didn't come back so soon.

"The bishop says there's a side entrance through the sewers, he also says that what you're experiencing is perfectly normal and that none of the dead can enter the Hagia Sophia."

Anton cannot help but feel just the slightest bit disappointed. So he's not good enough... But that's to be expected isn't it?

Anton nods, and begins to walk.
"This reaffirms it." he says simply. "There are no exceptions, all are damned, brother."

Drakilian · « **Reply #217 on:** February 06, 2016, 10:58:19 pm »

"Well..."

Joseph pauses for a second,
"Ahh... Nevermind."

Not Aman · « **Reply #218 on:** February 06, 2016, 11:00:43 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on February 06, 2016, 10:58:19 pm

"Well..."

Joseph pauses for a second,
"Ahh... Nevermind."

Anton looks at the priest.
"Speak, monk. I do not keep you around to agree with me."

Drakilian · « **Reply #219 on:** February 06, 2016, 11:12:23 pm »

Joseph shrugs,

"Michael is said to be able to go in."

Not Aman · « **Reply #220 on:** February 06, 2016, 11:13:54 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on February 06, 2016, 11:12:23 pm

Joseph shrugs,

"Michael is said to be able to go in."

"Truly?" Anton asks.

"That is certainly something to look into."

Drakilian · « **Reply #221 on:** February 06, 2016, 11:32:11 pm »

Joseph leads Anton down what appeared to be a sewer but really is a simple ladder that leads down a wonderfully neutral smelling tunnel, which is also wonderfully dry. At no point does Anton encounter guards of any kind.

He eventually arrives at a heavy oak door, still having not encountered anyone or anything. He is about to raise his fist to knock when none other than Malachite materializes in front of him and says "What business do you have with the Patriarch, Anton?"

Of course the old Nosferatu probably already knows.

Not Aman · « **Reply #222 on:** February 06, 2016, 11:36:35 pm »

Anton looks at Heldric's sire.
"I am here to pay my respects to the Prince of this city, Lord Malachite." Anton says.

Drakilian · « **Reply #223 on:** February 06, 2016, 11:44:10 pm »

Malachite stands with his hands crossed behind his back, his posture straight, his chin high and his chest out. A hideous soldier with a frightening gaze and more than a touch of rictus.

"And that's all?" He says, his characteristic demeanour broken by a single raised, questioning eyebrow.

Not Aman · « **Reply #224 on:** February 07, 2016, 03:10:10 am »

"Well no. I will be asking for permission to stay and feed for a short time, as I have further buisness aside from simply dealing with the kindred who dared to try and kill my sire." Anton says. If the nosferatu knows, honesty will keep from him being upset. If not, well, Malachite is Basilio's ally as well, and would hopefully support him in a feud.

Drakilian · « **Reply #225 on:** February 08, 2016, 01:18:00 am »

Malachite examines his fingernails for a second before replying, "Your feud with Gabor is your own. The Patriarch accepts that since Gabor sent an agent to do the deed, Basilio may send one in turn. You are otherwise alone, and will receive no help from your side or his contacts. This is His judgement. You may go."

Not Aman · « **Reply #226 on:** February 08, 2016, 01:59:41 am »

"Please send my thanks to the Patriarch." Anton states.

"And, Lord Malachite, do you know if The Patriarch truly can enter the Hagiah Sophia?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #227 on:** February 13, 2016, 11:29:55 pm »

Malachite looks at Anton oddly before replying - "Of course. He is Michael, no holy place could refuse him."

Not Aman · « **Reply #228 on:** February 13, 2016, 11:33:13 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on February 13, 2016, 11:29:55 pm

Malachite looks at Anton oddly before replying - "Of course. He is Michael, no holy place could refuse him."

"How? Does he not feel the rejection like the rest of us?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #229 on:** February 13, 2016, 11:38:15 pm »

"Rejection? God could never reject his favourite son."

For a second Anton does not understand, and Malachite recognizes it in the young Lasombra.

"Anton, Michael is... he is more than many might think he is. Exceedingly powerful - yes. Ancient - Yes. But a mere vampire? He ascended long ago, with the making of Constantinople and the rise of the Dream. Michael... he is a fallen servant of god Anton, one of his favourite sons, and he repents on Earth with his work here."

Not Aman · « **Reply #230 on:** February 13, 2016, 11:46:12 pm »

"Yes, I gathered that, Lord Malachite. I do the same, it's our purpose." Anton says, forcefully. It's His purpose.

"But that... That doesn't allow us onto holy ground, or even close to it." He says, hiding his annoyance from his face.

Drakilian · « **Reply #231 on:** February 13, 2016, 11:51:39 pm »

Malachite smiles, "You don't understand Anton. He is not one of Us."

Not Aman · « **Reply #232 on:** February 13, 2016, 11:52:30 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on February 13, 2016, 11:51:39 pm

Malachite smiles, "You don't understand Anton. He is not one of Us."

"Is he not one of Caine?" Anton asks

Drakilian · « **Reply #233 on:** February 13, 2016, 11:55:10 pm »

Malachite shakes his head, "Not anymore."

Not Aman · « **Reply #234 on:** February 13, 2016, 11:56:52 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on February 13, 2016, 11:55:10 pm

Malachite shakes his head, "Not anymore."

Anton sighs.
"Lord Malachite. Stop speaking in riddles. What is he, then?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #235 on:** February 14, 2016, 02:02:24 pm »

Malachite sighs, with audible exasperation, "He is a servant of god of course! His most favoured son!"

Anton's extensive religious knowledge tries to sort through these words then - was Malachite suggesting Michael was Jesus? No, of course not, that was ridiculous. Lucifer then, God's favourite who fell for his pride and became Evil itself?

Joseph speaks up then - "You don't mean to say that Michael believes he is truly... truly Michael do you?"

Then the thought pops into his head - Michael the Archangel, the one who threw Lucifer down from the heavens and, if Abyssal lore was anything to judge by, sealed him within the Abyss with the other fallen angels. That Michael? Michael never fell, he was never a vampire, he was never a - Anton's doubts fade away as he remembers the hatred and disgust he felt for himself near the Haga Sophia.

Could it really be?

Not Aman · « **Reply #236 on:** February 14, 2016, 02:23:53 pm »

Anton frowns in confusion. It fits... It solves every questiom, but... That can't be right? Could it? Perhaps, but if it could... Then what would that even mean? Michael never fell, he fought against Lucifer and threw him down himself! It goes against all of the Church's teachings!

But that would solve the question. Solve why Anton couldnt go in. It'd reaffirm his conviction, that the Kindred are flawed. It'd save him from questioning his own beleifs entierly.

But that's not Anton's way. He doesnt accept to make his life easier. He could never.

"Lord Malachite, what do you even mean? Michael, the archangel, oversees the sun, the rays we all fear and hide from. Could the Patriarch ignore even the sun? Michael, the archangel, could never be brought down to this earth. Itd be an affront to everything!"

Drakilian · « **Reply #237 on:** February 14, 2016, 02:40:44 pm »

"It is not for us to question", and Anton finds himself agreeing almost implicitly.

He sees the same compliance in Joseph.

"If that is all -" and Anton feels as if it is, indeed, all, "I have other business to attend to, as do you."

Not Aman · « **Reply #238 on:** February 14, 2016, 02:44:26 pm »

Anton nods,
"Uh yes, that is all, Lord Malachite. Thank you for your time." Anton says, walking out in a daze. Michael is truly Michael? The implications are startiling.

Drakilian · « **Reply #239 on:** February 18, 2016, 11:02:45 pm »

Once outside, Joseph speaks up - though he does so in a low voice, and with careful examination of their surroundings.

"He has to be mad."

Not Aman · « **Reply #240 on:** February 19, 2016, 02:27:05 am »

"I suspect, that the further we look into this matter, the deeper it gets. We should not let it distract us." Anton says simply.

"I will need you to aquire me a building. Preferably abandoned and in the outskirts of this village."

Drakilian · « **Reply #241 on:** February 20, 2016, 04:22:52 pm »

"Village?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #242 on:** February 20, 2016, 04:24:38 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on February 20, 2016, 04:22:52 pm

"Village?"

"Perhaps a metropolis would be a better fit, yes."

Drakilian · « **Reply #243 on:** February 20, 2016, 04:26:10 pm »

"I doubt I will find any buildings abandoned save perhaps one in the poorer districts of Constantinople, will that suffice?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #244 on:** February 20, 2016, 04:27:01 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on February 20, 2016, 04:26:10 pm

"I doubt I will find any buildings abandoned save perhaps one in the poorer districts of Constantinople, will that suffice?"

Anton nods.

Drakilian · « **Reply #245 on:** February 20, 2016, 04:29:55 pm »

"Anything else before I leave?"

Assuming Anton says no, Joseph will go do his duty. Does the Lasombra have any plans now that his ghoul is gone?

Not Aman · « **Reply #246 on:** February 20, 2016, 04:35:13 pm »

"Meet me at the residence of Alfonso." Anton states to his departing ghoul, as he heads to the Priest.

Drakilian · « **Reply #247 on:** February 20, 2016, 04:42:43 pm »

Bishop Alfonso of Venice lives in the Latin quarter of Constantinople, a district of the city that Basilio informed Anton was primarily under the influence of the Lasombra families. He makes his Haven in a fine house in the protected enclave near the Gate of Saint John de Cornibus. Looking and feeling for all the world like an armed miscreant (and a particularly evil-minded one at that), Anton is immediately denied entrance to the protected area by the city guards - they use several words to tell him he is not allowed in the area, many of them hurtful.

Not Aman · « **Reply #248 on:** February 20, 2016, 04:54:31 pm »

Anton looks angrily at the city guards.
"Is this how you greet a Templar?!" Anton asks, inquitively. "I am here to speak to Priest Alfonso, on behalf of Basilio of Sofia. Inform him at once."

Should the guards look reluctant, Anton will glare at them impetuously.
"Or would you rather I inform the Knights of your ill bearings? I suspect it would be ill advised to keep me waiting."

Drakilian · « **Reply #249 on:** February 20, 2016, 04:57:09 pm »

The men of the watch seem to be cowed by Anton's fiercely intimidating nature - whatever loyalty drives them to the city does not appear to be enough to challenge the darkspawn's claims. He passes through relatively unmolested.

He is stopped again near the house that the Bishop claims at his own - though this time Anton suspects he is stopped by the bishop's own ghouls, far less likely to let him by as easily as the city watch had.

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Author Topic: The Knight's Foul Deed - Anton (Read 280332 times)