Topic: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising (Read 302191 times)

Forge · « **Reply #250 on:** January 31, 2015, 09:15:37 pm »

Heldric (presumably having follow) looks around for people reactions while moving closer to Andreas. "Be prepared" he says softly.

Not Aman · « **Reply #251 on:** January 31, 2015, 09:20:44 pm »

Quote from: BerkaZerka on January 31, 2015, 08:30:46 pm

"Huh... Must be a Malkavian," Steeple says, "Can't understand a word of what he just said..."

Anton looks at Steeple with confusion, but then looks to the other crazy man.

"Who rises, prophet?!" He demands.

Daedalus · « **Reply #252 on:** January 31, 2015, 09:53:25 pm »

"Interesting." Lucien said to himself.

Drakilian · « **Reply #253 on:** January 31, 2015, 09:53:41 pm »

The group makes their various demands of the walking anachronism, or asks their questions - but he just looks briefly confused, before staring off to the right.

Should they look that way, the many kindred and their servants will see a light approaching. Soon, that light reveals itself to be none other than a torch bearing mob.

Carinus quietly utters a suggestion to Kiril at the mob's approach - "I believe we should leave now. The madman has uttered his prophecy, it would be best to live to see it pass. "

“My Lord Havnor, Holy One, we are here! What is your will?” – a man in the mob asked in Hungarian as he supplicates himself.

Havnor? Anton, Kiril, Lucien and Steeple all recognize the name as that of the Magyar god of thunder and lightning. Anton in particular remembers that Havnor was also the god of prophecy.

Havnor looked to the cainites and points his spear toward them again as he chants, at first too quietly for any to hear. However his voice grows and Anton recognizes it as Latin. It is the Prayer for the Dead.

His voice continues rising in strength, booming across the hill. The sky darkens and lightning flashes.

Vassily begins to break out of his stupor - and is then stunned by the display presented before him. Recovering rapidly, he quickly urges the Cainites ahead.

"Hurry, to the castle!"

Forge · « **Reply #254 on:** January 31, 2015, 10:11:06 pm »

Heldric wastes no time, commanding his retune toward the castle with all haste. He is a survivor St heart and mobs are bad for that...

Sethaniel · « **Reply #255 on:** January 31, 2015, 10:18:00 pm »

Kiril nods to Carinus. They could certainly defeat a mob of random peasants, but why waste time? Better to be on time for their meeting.

Not Aman · « **Reply #256 on:** January 31, 2015, 10:51:38 pm »

They will have to be redeemed. But not now. Soon. Anton thinks to himself, moving onwards, thinking about the madmen' thoughts.

Drakilian · « **Reply #257 on:** February 01, 2015, 12:05:40 am »

The Cainites flee the mad god and his followers - and even as they run down the side street they hear him shouting in Hungarian, his voice thundering down the streets.

“Slay the agents of the evil one, for they will bring your ruin, my children!”

Fortunately, the mob does not catch up to the coterie. Vassily speaks up after a while.

"We've had issues here lately with the pagans, they've become much more unruly, especially worshippers of Havnor. Seems we now know why."

Eventually they make it to the castle district's outer wall, where a guard stands watch.

“Who goes there?” – The guard asked.

"Vassily Taltos, these men and women are all with me and have business in court."

“Very well, you may pass” – The Guard said, waving the cotterie on through - though he looks suspiciously at the plainly dressed Heldric and Andreas as the two Nosferatu pass by.

The six vampires and their mortal (and immortal) servitors step through the gate.

Even as they cross the threshold into the market square Steeple can't help but think that something was off.

He sees that Sylvian's servant Aldric feels it too, looking about, troubled.

Prince Maurice also comments on the situation.

"I do say old chap, I feel a tickling at the back of my spine. Like someone of unsavory character is staring at it."

Not Aman · « **Reply #258 on:** February 01, 2015, 12:10:54 am »

Anton, not noticing anything, simply countinues to walk ahead, and speaks to the Ravanos (though he doesn't know he's a ravanos, I think).

"Vassily. You need to remove the pagan presence from this city." Anton states.

Forge · « **Reply #259 on:** February 01, 2015, 01:08:45 am »

Heldric makes sure to keep Mr. Whitey and Andreas on either side of him as they walk

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #260 on:** February 01, 2015, 09:59:29 am »

"Yes," Steeple replies to Prince Maurice, still following Vassily to the Court - "Something is not right here. But then when you have gallivanting gods in your petunias, I do suppose it upsets the feng-shui a bit ..."

Daedalus · « **Reply #261 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:44:18 am »

"God of thunder eeh. Interesting." Lucien said to himself.

Drakilian · « **Reply #262 on:** February 01, 2015, 12:49:28 pm »

Aldric continues looking wildly back and forth, searching over everything in sight.

Then his eyes stop on a small, dark side alley. "What the hell?"

Then a look of realization dawns on his face.

He points his fingers at the alley.

"That shadow's a man!"

Should the others in the company look, they would see nothing but a patch of darkness - yet even as he pointed the shadows seemed to pale, revealing a tall, gangly man wearing robes of red and gold. Kiril recognized him at once - it was Roland. The vampiric nobleman was following them!

Sethaniel · « **Reply #263 on:** February 01, 2015, 01:37:11 pm »

Kiril immediately calls arms of the abyss to strike at Roland from the nearest shadows. If it helps, he burns will to increase his initiative.

Not Aman · « **Reply #264 on:** February 01, 2015, 03:24:08 pm »

Anton calmly follows suit, summoning tendrils from the darkness, and raising the abyss to greet the shadowy nobleman. It'd be best to remove the man.

Forge · « **Reply #265 on:** February 01, 2015, 03:41:14 pm »

Heldric prepares to vanish from the minds eye if the man makes any sudden moves, and move away and go the side whether the vanishing throws him off or not. "Andreas, this man uses dominate, do not meet eyes with him. Mr. Whitey, if he attacks me of Andreas, remove his arms." Andreas obviously does not meet his eyes either

Drakilian · « **Reply #266 on:** February 01, 2015, 04:46:53 pm »

Seeing that he's been spotted, the cowardly nobleman scowls and takes off, disappearing once more into the night before Kiril and Anton even get the chance to summon their tendrils.

Having shaken their pursuer, the group now continues in greater peace of mind. They pass by the meeting place they will need to come by later, and arrive at prince Vencel Rikard's castle. Guards greet them at the door - experienced, well armed men who stand aside and open the gates for Vassily.

The coterie is swept through the castle, their rather helpful guide bringing them to a long, richly decorated dining room.

"You should all wait here, the prince will be up shortly once he hears he has guests. Do be careful."

The Ravnos then leaves the cotterie to their own devices, disappearing into the castle walls to go fetch the prince. They have some short amount of time to talk amongst themselves before he should arrive.

Daedalus · « **Reply #267 on:** February 01, 2015, 04:52:49 pm »

"Nice place" Lucien said approvingly.

Forge · « **Reply #268 on:** February 01, 2015, 05:14:32 pm »

Heldric looks around then addresses his question and the poshest dressed cainites there. "What would be better, appearing in my true form, or showing this more pleasing form while in disguise?"

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #269 on:** February 01, 2015, 05:43:59 pm »

"You got a true form?" Steeple replies to Heldric.

Then to the others in general, Steeple asks "So, how was your chase in the slave square?"

Forge · « **Reply #270 on:** February 01, 2015, 05:53:06 pm »

"I am a nosferatu after-all" Heldric replies

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #271 on:** February 01, 2015, 05:56:55 pm »

"Oh," Steeple say to Heldric with a smile, "It's hardly noticeable."

Forge · « **Reply #272 on:** February 01, 2015, 06:00:09 pm »

Heldric shrugs and releases Obs to look like himself.

Drakilian · « **Reply #273 on:** February 01, 2015, 06:04:34 pm »

This also unfortunately releases the obfuscate over Andreas.

Both Nosferatu's appearances elicit a look of disgust (quickly hidden) by Sylvian, unrepentant horror form his ghoul Aldric, and Sherazhina's disquiet.

Steeple's driver Barabas only just stops himself from spitting at the ground near the Nosferatus' feet.

"Oh my" Prince Maurice says.

Forge · « **Reply #274 on:** February 01, 2015, 06:06:24 pm »

Heldric smiles at them "Well I did warn you before hand!"

BerkaZerka · « **Reply #275 on:** February 01, 2015, 06:36:11 pm »

"Wow," Steeple says, "Impressive, very impressive."

Daedalus · « **Reply #276 on:** February 01, 2015, 06:41:34 pm »

"Nothing i can fix unfortunately." Lucien said while looking at them. "a curse is a curse."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #277 on:** February 01, 2015, 07:16:28 pm »

Kiril pulls Sherazhina gently to his side, but nods politely towards Heldric.

Not Aman · « **Reply #278 on:** February 01, 2015, 07:45:16 pm »

"It is our purpose as the damned to hold our curse proudly." Anton states simply.

Not Aman · « **Reply #279 on:** February 01, 2015, 09:54:06 pm »

Anton then states, "We will need to remove the Pagans from this city, as well as punish that stalker. It will be difficult to find him, however."

Drakilian · « **Reply #280 on:** February 01, 2015, 10:01:13 pm »

There is a polite coughing from the entrance to the dining room.

Though of only medium stature and build, Vencel Rikard projects an image of greater height and power. His light brown hair is offset by pale blue eyes that currently crinkle with good humor. He wears finely made, though not ostentatious, clothing; his sole adornment is a jeweled ring worn on his right index finger.

"Good evening my fellow kindred, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Buda-Pest. Please, sit."

He motions for them to take seats at the dining table. As he steps into the room, servants follow him. They set down finely decorated goblets at each of the Cainites' seats, and then from large pitchers pour a dark, red, hot liquid into them - which every vampire here immediately identifies as blood. Andreas, though full on the blood of beasts, immediately drinks his - perhaps wanting to wash out the taste and dullness that it could engender with the sweeter, invigorating human blood. Ennius takes his fill as well. Sylvian takes a small sip first, as if testing the goblet - most like for any of the prince's blood - and then, apparently satisfied, drinks his own fill.

Lucien's Beast screams for him to finally sate itself. Anton and Kiril's, though not as strongly, also insist.

The servants set the not-yet-empty pitchers down on the table and then depart, while the prince takes a seat at the head of the table.

Food is then brought in for the mortal servitors.

The prince then asks of them - "What brings you all to my fine city?"

Soon after, Vassily also enters the room, talking a seat directly to the right of the prince.

Daedalus · « **Reply #281 on:** February 01, 2015, 10:30:09 pm »

First, Lucien sates his beast by drinking.

"Exquisite." He says, with a nod to the prince.

"Frankly, none of us are quite sure. We all got a metter from our respective sire's, telling us to go here and meet someone. Unfortunately, we have not yet met him. Though we are meeting him in a few hours, we thought it would be polite to introduce ourselfs to you my lord."

"I am Lucien Lupei, childer of Vovoid Sandor, of the bihor mountains."

Drakilian · « **Reply #282 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:14:49 pm »

"Oh? That sounds familiar. I believe another of your group has come here for that very purpose - arrived here some few months ago.

Vlad, go get Daniel Cebanu, tell him the rest of his group has arrived."

A male servant that had stopped and waited behind the prince leaves the room.

The Prince pauses to take a sip from one of the goblets.

"How long will you all be staying within the city then?"

Daniel Cebanu, monster
Domain of Vencel Rikard,
Prince of Buda-Pest

Daniel hears the tell-tale sign of an approaching servant.

Ever since arriving at Buda-Pest he has spent most of his time in the castle, not really having much to do in the large city. He chose to spend his time in the courtyard, where he is now currently resting his wings on an impressive oak.

Spreading them, he flies above and around the servant, unseen, settling himself briefly behind the ghoul.

The sounds of cracking bones and moving flesh turn the servant around, and a brief look of horror is replaced by calm respect once the vampire's form is presented.

His brothers are off sleeping or gambling or studying or whatever it is they do when he leaves them alone - he has not needed their services for the past few days.

"Good evening master Daniel. The prince requests your presence, it seems your companions have arrived."

Not Aman · « **Reply #283 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:16:35 pm »

"We know not, unfortunately." Anton replies to the prince, taking a drink from his goblet. "We have not been told much about our purpose, as of yet."

Prince · « **Reply #284 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:19:55 pm »

"That sounds nice." Daniel calmly says as he stares at the stars above the courtyard. He remains quiet for a moment and then answers, "Let's go then. Lead on, good man."

Drakilian · « **Reply #285 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:23:12 pm »

"Very well master Daniel. Should we retrieve your brothers now or at a later date?".

Daedalus · « **Reply #286 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:24:39 pm »

Lucien takes another zip of the goblet.

Prince · « **Reply #287 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:28:54 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on February 01, 2015, 11:23:12 pm

"Very well master Daniel. Should we retrieve your brothers now or at a later date?".

Daniel turns to the servant and smiles at him. For a moment, he contemplates what would happen if he changed him with Vicissitude... This funny little thought take place as he replies, "I appreciate you concern, sir. However, I believe that I can handle myself."

Then, Daniel asks, "Do you have a name, sir?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #288 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:29:54 pm »

The old man sighs.

"Yes master Daniel, my name is Vlad."

Daniel gets the feeling he has been told this particular servant's name before.

Prince · « **Reply #289 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:32:47 pm »

Daniel adopts a genuinely pitiable expression and responds with. "Thank you. I apologize if you've had to repeat yourself too many times before."

Returning to his originally happy face, he says, "Let's get to work."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #290 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:33:18 pm »

Kiril drinks without saying anything for now. If his goblet is empty, he'll refill it.

Drakilian · « **Reply #291 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:45:52 pm »

Cotterie

Quote from: Aman on February 01, 2015, 11:16:35 pm

"We know not, unfortunately." Anton replies to the prince, taking a drink from his goblet. "We have not been told much about our purpose, as of yet."

"Ah, what a shame. I do hope to enjoy your presence for longer - perhaps you could even share with me the details of your visit here once you are entirely aware of them", says the prince.

"Vassily tells me you had a rather exciting encounter on the way here?"

Before anyone has the chance to answer, there is an interruption - a gruff, animalistically handsome man walks into the room, led forward by Vlad.

"Ah, Daniel, good of you to come."

Daniel

The servant leads Daniel through the castle corridors to the dining room. There, the prince is seated - Vassily Taltos, his diplomatic advisor is at his right-hand side. At the table are many people, some obviously vampiric in nature, but regardless Daniel would recognize them by the goblets at their sides.

Two are Nosferatu - horribly ugly creatures the likes of which even a master fleshcrafter's creations would find difficult to rival.

Another is an extremely attractive, and very womanly looking man. Or is it manly looking woman?. Daniel is confused as to the sex of the delicate-featured person, at whose side sits an impressively handsome man wearing chainmail and carrying a greatsword.

Another undoubtedly inhuman creature sits on the left side of the table, a dark man in chainmail whose very presence inspires evil. Daniel feels as if dark things gather around the man, only just barely kept in check.

There is also a tall, white haired man who wears a prosthetic arm made of knight's armour.

Another is a dark-haired man at whose side is a beautiful woman and a man who appears to be engaging in idle conversation with some other ghouls.

Lastly is a fine-featured man with a rough-looking armoured servant and another, frail-looking man with piercing eyes.

Prince · « **Reply #292 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:53:47 pm »

Daniel looks at the Prince with question mark eyes and then turns his head towards the rest of the coterie with a cheery smile.

Without sitting down, he asks the room, "Hello, everyone. Are you all having an exceptional night?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #293 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:55:36 pm »

The Prince quickly clarifies - "These illustrious guests of mine appear to be here for the same reason as you, I thought you would like to introduce yourself to them, and they to you."

Not Aman · « **Reply #294 on:** February 01, 2015, 11:59:56 pm »

Anton nods to the prince.
"We shall see." He replies, noncommittally. "And yes, a strange kindred was following us."

Quote from: Drakilian on February 01, 2015, 11:55:36 pm

The Prince quickly clarifies - "These illustrious guests of mine appear to be here for the same reason as you, I thought you would like to introduce yourself to them, and they to you."

He then looks to Daniel.
"I am Anton Petrov Veranin, childer of Basillio the Elder, prince of Sofia." Anton states.

Prince · « **Reply #295 on:** February 02, 2015, 12:04:46 am »

"In that case, I'll keep this short in order to save everyone's time." Daniel approaches the table in a comfortable stride and stops at a chair without sitting.

"Just so that you're all aware, I am a gangrel; but I'm sure that won't hinder our relationship. I move with my ghouls but I can assure you that they won't slow any of you down."

Then, Daniel looks to Lucien and says, "I love what you've done with yourself. It works!" He flashes a grin that shows off his teeth to show he means it and then turns to the Prince. "May I sit, sir?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #296 on:** February 02, 2015, 12:09:19 am »

The prince nods his aquiescence.

"Of course Daniel."

To the ashen knight he replies - "Yes, that would be Roland, he serves in my court I assure you. What business you have with him is your own, and I trust you will keep it contained and acceptable. I trust I will not have to remind you all of the fifth tradition.

However, I was referring to the encounter you had with "Havnor", yes?"

Daedalus · « **Reply #297 on:** February 02, 2015, 12:10:19 am »

"I think the prince was refering to the angry mob pagan mob shouting prophecy nonsense." Lucien says to Anton

Then he refills his goblet.

Quote from: Prince on February 02, 2015, 12:04:46 am

"In that case, I'll begin to save everyone's time." Daniel approaches the table in a comfortable stride and stops at a chair without sitting.

"Just so that you're all aware, I am a gangrel; but I'm sure that won't hinder our relationship. I move with my ghouls but I can assure you that they won't slow any of you down."

Then, Daniel looks to Lucien and says, "I love what you've done with yourself. It works!" He flashes a grin that shows off his teeth to show he means it and then turns to the Prince. "May I sit, sir?"

"Thank you very much." Lucien replies with a smile.

"If you dont mind me asking, do you know Viccistude yourself, or did you find a tzimisce to do it for you?" He asked with a friendly tone, sincerely curious to the other man.

Prince · « **Reply #298 on:** February 02, 2015, 12:16:36 am »

Daniel respectfully thanks the Prince and pulls up a chair next to Lucien.

"One way or another, I faced a Tzimisce in my past. He owed me a boon and let me consume a portion of his blood so that I may begin my learning. We're no longer in touch." He chuckles after he says this and then whispers to Lucien very quietly, "... I'm sorry for asking but you are a man, correct?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #299 on:** February 02, 2015, 12:17:47 am »

Quote from: Drakilian on February 02, 2015, 12:09:19 am

The prince nods his aquiescence.

"Of course Daniel."

To the ashen knight he replies - "Yes, that would be Roland, he serves in my court I assure you. What business you have with him is your own, and I trust you will keep it contained and acceptable. I trust I will not have to remind you all of the fifth tradition.

However, I was referring to the encounter you had with "Havnor", yes?"

"Of course, Prince Rickard." Anton states, nodding. "The altercation shall, hopefully, be settled peacefully."

"Ah, the pagans and their silly 'god'. A tiny smudge upon your beautiful city, Prince. If there is any chance, I would assist in cleansing it of their filth. Pagans must be removed."

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Author Topic: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising (Read 302191 times)