Giovanni Chronicles IC

[Calenestel]

April 3 AD 1444

A roaring hearth fire banishes the night's chill and gloom from the spacious common room in the Red Lamb Inn in the Carpathian wilderness near the manse of Claudius Giovanni, the powerful venetian merchant you've all been invited by for a great feast.
At the moment the inn lies almost empty. Only the innkeeper, a maid, a young soldier sitting by the hearth, a monk in brown robes mumbling into his mug at a table in the centre of the room and an old beggar woman sitting at the door is present in a room easily spacious enough to accomodate two score patrons.

A quick explanation. Each one of you, regardless of social standing, have been invited by lord Claudius Giovanni, one of the most influential members of the Giovanni merhcant family to a party.

The Giovanni are, among the citizens and nobles of Venetia, said to be so powerful that even the Doge tread carefully among them. Darker rumors still have at times been whispered by the envious or foolish. That their power stems not only from their riches but from the Dark Arts as well.

Anyone coming from Italy know about the Giovanni. Anyone coming from Venice, or having spent more than a few days there, knows (or has at least heard) that the Doge himself listens to the family and that they are immensly rich.
Those who have had an ear to the ground in Venice might have picked up the last rumor. Always told in hushed voices and with constant looks over the speakers' shoulders. It is a dangerous rumor whether it is true or not.

Slavonir:
The last day's travel has seen a noticable drop in spirits wandering freely. It's not like they're everywhere to begin with but you've hardly seen any at all today and none of those have tried to make contact. In fact they've seen rather afraid of you. Disconcerting even if it might be nice to rest your ears for once.

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo

Tired, having travelled through wind and rain, dr Bernardo and his apprentice had on their horses galloped as fast as they could to reach the inn. Bernardo jumped off his horse and stormed inside, while his apprentice, Lucius, following shortly, carrying Bernardo's big bag of doctor equipment.

It was a miracle they were still on time, since they'd had to make an unexpected stop, treating a dying patient, just an hour ago.

Bernardo looked around. He was nervous. He'd heard about the Giovanni's years ago, when he was still a medicine student in Florence. They were very rich and powerful. Why would they invite a simple country doctor like me? Why? He didn't like it. He couldn't think of any good reason. Maybe it has to do something with something that happened back when I was studying in Italy years ago?

He looked around, straightened his hair and beard, his coat. He coughed. It hadn't done him well, travelling so late and fast at night. He was tired and didn't know what to expect.

Would there already be other people? He'd understood the inn to be the meeting place for all the guests of Giovanni. He could see the other people, the monk and the beggar. They didn't look like the type of people Giovanni would invite. Then again, he might not look like that type of people either.

He slowly walked to the innkeeper. Put off his hat and with a kind smile addressed him :smallamused:: "Good night, my dear sir. I'm dr. Bernardo Curat. I received an invitation from Lord Claudius Giovanni and was told to come to your fine inn, this evening. Could you tell me if there are already any other guests I could join or if there is a servant I should inform of my arrival?"

[Soras Teva Gee]

Sir Antonio

The party had arrived at in late afternoon. A dozen men leading horses and a few wagons. All hired hands, the sort of men that accompanied any passing merchant moving through the region. They did not escort any mere peddler of goods though, and nothing for sale was stored in the wagons. It was all for the two men riding at the head of the small column. No common horses conveyed these two but thickly muscled steeds that moved with dangerous grace. Fitting for the men that rode upon them, stiff backed and armed with shining armor and weapons. Upon each breast a tabard in black, each bearing the sign of the Cross rendered with eight sharp points like a star. Perhaps even here in this place would this sign be known. For the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes was perhaps the greatest order of chivalry in Chistendom.

In short order the party had descended upon the Red Lamb Inn. The knights had taken the best room of course, their chief servant a small attendant room next to it. The rest of the hired hands were bedding in the stable with the horses, the common men preferring to save their coin for drink and preferring hay to the three to a bed on a lumpy matress. Not so the knights who since arriving had kept to their room since as the sun faded and the night came on, having a meal brought up by their servant. Those that happened by the rooms this past hour though might have heard the angry voices of an argument. Eventually it was only one of the esteemed parties that entered the common room that evening.

Though two had entered the town it was only one esteemed knight that at last entered the common room that evening. His face was fair, with a certain youthfulness, despite dark black hair he showed no sign of stubble on his face. Hair was worn loose falling gracefully to his shoulders. The armor had been put away, exchanged for a simple black habit bearing the sign of the Knights of Rhodes. An arming sword hung by the man side. He scanned the inn briefly. The innkeeper was engaged with some patron. Sure though his presence had been noticed the knight saw no need to interrupt what business he'd engaged in and made his way over to the fire selecting the best looking seat.

Lord Giovanni sure has picked an isolated location, could we not meet in Venice. At least here none of the locals would look beyond clothing so we've no worries, not that their betters look with any more sense. Still perhaps Gregorio was right that I should have just ignored it. The knight thought to herself. Of course her companion was not the one that would suffer. Though a fief in their own right the Nascosta family was far below the Giovanni's in Italy. A personal invitation from the family was too great 'an honor' to ignore with a polite reply. If the mere Cavaliere Antonio blew off such a thing, even if Knights of Rhodes answered only to their own order and His Holiness it would still reflect badly on his sister the Baronessa Maria Bella'Ragazza Nascosta. Certainly she could not allow that, it might start uncomfortable questions. Enough of such things for now though.

Finding himself near what appeared to be a soldier the night nodded gracefully at the man while waiting on the innkeeper to bring him something to drink with quiet patience. Even the best room in the inn lacked a heath of its own, Gregorio was missing out even spring nights could be cold in this part of the world it seemed.

[daelrog]

Desiderio

The next man to arrive, was a man in his late-twenties. He had dark hair that fell loose around him, a look that seemed to suit him greatly. His blue eyes, with a hint of green, seemed to steal the spotlight in front of him. he wore a bright scarlet tunic, and deep grey trousers. The rain only seemed to add onto his guise.

He took a seat near the fireplace to warm him hands. He seemed to enjoy the act, as if warm his hands by the fire were an adventure within itself. Everything aobut the man shouted he was outgoing and jovial, and that he jsut brimming with excitement to talk to someone, though for some odd reason he was not taking the initiative.

He began to chuckle at a joke he was thinking about.

[Burnheart]

Slavonir

A lone knight wearing old and oft repaired armour comes riding up out of the night on a fine and well bred stallion, large and with the dangerous glint in his eyes that marks a trained warhorse. Turning into the yard of the Red Lamb Inn he stops his horse with a whispered word then dismounts and leads the beast into the stables, waving off the boy who jumps up when they enter with the words "I'll see to him, Blackhoof doesn't like strangers" Slavonir continues past the boy leading Blackhoof to an empty stall looks like i'm not the only knight here he thinks to himself as they pass a pair of warhorses already stabled I wonder if they're here to see the Count as well he thinks as he unsaddles Blackhoof and tenderly brushes him down with a handful of straw, when he has finished caring for Blackhoof Slavonir heads to the main building.

Stepping through the entryway into the comman room he notes the presences of the knight Hospitaller and gives a respectful nod before approaching the innkeeper "Greetings i am here to visit the Count Giovanni, do you have a room i may use for the night?"

[Tavor]

Andor

They arrive late, a young knight with his squire, riding on horseback with a third horse of larger and stronger breed - a proper warhorse - following unencumbered.
Two hounds run next to them, clearly tired from the days travel.

Dismounting from his horse Andor heads toward the Inn, briefly turning back to his squire:"Voyk, take good care of the horses, I will see toward warm food and a bed for the night."
He enters the Inn, patting one of his dogs on the head. "Comeon boys, it's time to get some well earned rest."

As soon as he enters his eyes wander around the room, followed by a short silent greeting towards noone in particular.
What am I getting myself into here, let's see if I can at least avoid conversation about my travels Andor sighs.

Signaling the maid he adresses the old beggar: "Have you had a good meal already fair lady?"
He stops her surprised response with a wave "Please, do me the honor and join me. You can repay me with a good story about these lands."
Insisting she joins him, he heads for a table.

[Calenestel]

All
The innkeep, Sigismund, as well as his daughter bustles around to take care of all your needs.
Yes: food, drink and lodgings had all been paid for in advance by Lord Claudius Giovanni's servants. The whole of the Red Lamb was at their disposal, even if he hadn't been forced to close his common room for other guests. Someone would be along later tonight and answer any questions. No, he didn't know any more about when Lord Claudius, or his men, would arrive. Sigismund is very polite but really has little time to talk to any of you, claiming that even more guests are to arrive shortly.
And soon enough new guests enter the inn. First are two fighting men. Obviously commoners they are quite dissimiliar: One is tall and strongly built, with strawberry blond hair and beard and dressed in sturdy brown and green clothes worn from both weapons and armour but well mended. He carries nothing beyond a dagger now, though. The other, similiarly armed for the time being, is short and slender and quick in his movements. He has black, curly hair and is swarthier in complexion. Both move with the confident of veterans of war but carry no symbols of any lords and might be mercenaries. The big one loudly proclaims them to be guests of "His Lordship" and deserving of the best service in a thick, german accent.

Sir Antonio & Desiderio
As you sit down you near the fire you notice the young soldier watching you, appearing more than casually interested, agitated even. He wears a small badge you recognize to be from the troops of Hunyady but even though he might be valorous in battle he is now clearly uncertain and hesitant to speak to you.

Andor
Her mouth widening into a scandalized, and gaptoothed, smile the old woman shakes her head when offered a place further in from the door and some food. "No thank you, milord," she says in the feeble voice of an old, weak woman, and she gestures towards a bowl of broth at her side. "Old Synovea has already been served by good old Sigismund. He never turns anyone away or lets a starving old woman leave hungry. Although he doesn't allow beggars like myself to blend with her betters." Her voice seems almost to hint that she wouldn't let him if he tried, like she knew her lowly place but took pride in it. She might or might not be slightly touched in the head. With a calculating, but friendly, grin and wink she then adds: "I would take a coin, though. From such a courteous gentleman."

[Soras Teva Gee]

Sir Antonio & Desiderio

The knight found himself ignoring the new arrival for the moment for it was the soldie'rs sigil caught the knight's eye. That badge marked the man as from the army of John Hunyadi. Gregorio could likely provide more detail, he'd eve had more of a mind for such things, but he wasn't needed to tell the knight the arms of one of the most famous generals of Christendom. In Rhodes his achievements against the Turk brought hope that the Muhammadans might could be thrown back. What had brought the man here though, he certainly seemed nervous enough. A deserter would surely have removed the badge. He seemed to want to talk but was afraid to begin the conversation. Proper discretion around a social better, but the knight had more respect for a fighting man then the highest lord on a throne that never held a bloodied sword.

"Excuse me goodman. You seem to wish to speak with me yes? You have the honor of speaking with Sir Antonio Nascosta of the Knights Hospitaller," Antonio said in a conversational tone, "You seem to wish to speak, please do so freely. I'm curious as to what a man at arms under so accomplished a lord is doing here. Are you another of Lord Giovanni's guests?"

[daelrog]

Sir Antonio, Desiderio

"Each man moves at his pace good sir knight. Some men enjoy to savor their meal before they eat it, and I believe our good friend is such a man." He dramatically rubbed his hands together by the fire one last time, as if that action was some way of getting the last bit of warmth he needed. It was deliberate, it was phony, yet he knew they knew the act was needless which made it seem more a joke than anything.

He turned to face both Sir Antonio and the soldier, a smile on his face, and a sparkle in his eye.

[Burnheart]

Slavonir, Bernardo

Glancing around the room Slavonir decideds to talk to the man carrying the medicine bag that marks him as a doctor "Greetings neighbour, i am Slavonir Widald are you also one of the Lord Giovanni's guests?"

[Tavor]

Andor

Slightly disappointed Andor nods "Alright Synovea, I will not get you into trouble. But my invitation stands should you find your courage." He hands her a few coins and steps further into the room, sitting down at one of the empty tables.

He leans his sword at the table and takes of his coat, handing it to the maid "Can you make sure my coat gets dried. And bring me and my squire two warm meals and some meat for my dogs."
Andor looks tired and he had not shaven in a few days which adds to his rugged look.

Please let that soldier not recognise me.

He ruffles his short brown hair and before the maid can leave again he adds "Oh, and prepare a hot tub of water for later. I need to clean myself."

[Ichneumon]

Slavonir, Bernardo

Bernardo smiles, somewhat surprised. "Yes, I am."

"My name is Bernardo, Bernardo Curat. I'm the doctor of this region, and yes, I was happily surprised to get an invite from Lord Giovanni as well. Would you have any idea what the occasion is for this feast?"

[Burnheart]

Slavonir, Bernardo

Giving Bernardo a somewhat forced smile Slavonir replies "I have no idea, i was hoping you could tell me" he sighs hopelessly before continuing "In truth i've not heard of this Lord before so receiving an invitation from him was something of a shock, tell me what do you know of our host?"

[Calenestel]

All

Soon after the two mercenaries, if that was what they were, another pair of guests enter the common room. This time it's a pair of aristocrats, a middle aged man with salt and pepper hair and matching clothes, armed with a slender (but well made and functional) longsword and what one may presume to be his wife, a much younger redhaired woman in green and gold. It must be getting crowded in the stable and it does not seem like all the Giovanni guests have arrived yet. Neither of their clothes, while finely made and expensive reflects the highest fashions, seeming slightly outdated and the man walks with a slight limp from an old wound. Directly on their heels comes a corpulent fransican monk in brown robes, a jovial looking fellow of about the same age as the man who may or may not be in the company of the nobles.

Andor
Synovea smiles almost matronly as Andor presses a few coins in her hand and with surprisingly deft hands she manages to give him a few wildflowers, one for each coin, before he can retracts his hand. After biting one of the coins, out of some strange habit surely since they're not gold, she quickly hides the coin away on her person.
Andor himself is quickly served, just like the others, and is also promised that a tub would be arranged later.

Sir Antonio, Desiderio
The young soldier, with some encouragement, gets up from his chair and walks over to sir Antonio's. You notice that he's limping badly.
"N-no, milord, he answers Antonios question with hesitation before continuing. "I should be so lucky as to be a guest to lord Giovanni. But... but I understand that you are?"
With the slightest confirmation the young man explains himself, only sitting down if directly allowed to do so. "You see... My name is Paul and I was wounded, badly, in the leg in the fighting last august, and the chirurgeons say I won't walk well ever again. I can't march now, milords, and thus I can't be a soldier, but I don't know any other craft. I've got some small coin saved yet but next winter I will starve. But... but I heard that lord Giovanni is recruiting a large number of men for his manor..."
Paul trails off, hesitating again. But to those with experience with soldiering it's rather clear where this is headed. Household defense is among the few things a crippled soldier like him can do well.

Bernardo & Slavonir
"Your host?" a coarse voice spurts as soon as Slavonir has closed his mouth and as you turn to look you notice that the middle aged monk who had been there since you came has stood up and is now approaching you. "Listen to me, brothers. An evil has entered Christendom from the lands to the south. An ill wind from the land of the heathen. Know ye the wind I mean?" Zeal shining in his eyes the monk does come of as maybe slightly unhinged.

[Burnheart]

Bernardo & Slavonir

Practically glaring at the monk Slavonir replies "I'm afraid i don't SIR" with as much scorn as he can pack into the word sir "Please tell me what gives you the right to interupt private conversations?"

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo & Slavonir

The words of the monk interest Bernardo and he is somewhat shocked by Slavonir's harsh and bold words.

"Now, now, gentlemen, please, I beg of you.". he says with calm friendly words, trying to prevent an angry discussion. "I am sure this kind man meant to insult. Did you, father?

"I am afraid I do not know of what evil you speak. But it does sound alarming. Please, enlighten me and tell me what we should do to serve God's will?"
Bernardo holds up his hand, ready to shake it, greeting the monk: "My name is dr. Bernardo Curat. It's an honour to meet you, mister...?"

[Soras Teva Gee]

Sir Antonio & Desiderio

"A fair point goodman," Antonio said after a quick moment assessing the newcomers social stature. A commoner by the lack of sigil, but with a certain confidence many lacked. And having met at least some success. Perhaps he was a minstrel of some kind? Troubadours often seemed to pick up some of the manner of the betters from whom they won their coin. " But many wisely hold their tongues when speaking to their betters. You clearly are not so hesitant but it is the sad truth that there are lords who would strike dead a lesser that spoke before being called, and ladies that would have the same locked in a dungeon by their guards. I wished to be clear I am not so cruel, there is a time and place for social standing but sharing a fire on a dreary night is not such a time. The high and the low both have need of warmth and good food."

Listening the young soldier Antonio felt no small sympathy. Any serious wound could leave a man marred for life. Worse still many healers we could barely stitch a wound closed, and were almost as bad as the enemy. The Knights Hospitaller existed to protect the doctors and chirurgeons, so Antonio knew several good ones. Even there though too many good men were left permanently broken, men with experience Christendom needed. A knight might retire to his family holdings, you needn't walk or ride well to be a lord so long as the mind was sound, but for the common man-at-arms it was bleak fate.

"So then you used to be a soldier until you took an arrow to the knee... Antonio said with a straight face, "...or something along those lines. You say the Lord Giovanni is hiring men though. I remember well as a boy the complaints from the staff in finding good men for the house guards. Those who've seen actual combat though cause far less trouble. If you can still ride well or have the coin for passage to Venice you might speak to my man Tomas, he could arrange for you to work for my sister or even in my train. But I suspect you wish to work for Lord Giovanni yes, it is no small task to travel. I would not mind putting in a good word for a one who soldiered against the Turkish horde."

[daelrog]

Sir Antonio and Desiderio

Desiderio listened attentively at Sir Antonio, even nodding twice. He reached behind and pulled a lute out from under the table. "Tell me of your deeds, Paul. I am in the modd for song, and wish to sing of your bravery and valor." He strummed once across the instrument so that all could hear. He looked intently at the former soldier. No doubt Desiderio would have to perform now, but would Paul assist him with a tale?

[Calenestel]

Bernardo & Slavonir

Talking to Bernardo, but shooting dark glares at Slavonir the monk answers the doctor's question: "I am Clement, my brother. Brother Clement as it were."
He takes a deep breath, as if about to dive from a great height, or launch himself into battle and answers your question with half an answer and a new question: "It's the wind of the Devil! Tell me. What know ye of your host?"
There's a fine line between zeal and madness. And honestly, you're not sure where to put brother Clement.

Sir Antonio & Desiderio

"It was a lance, milord," Paul answers solemnly. And suddenly his previously mournful face breaks up in a grateful smile. "And I thank you. The innkeeper, Sigismund, said that some senior servant of Lord Giovanni would be along later tonight to speak to you guests. If you could speak to him on my behalf, I'm sure he in turn could speak with the one who handles their recruiting. He might even be doing that himself."
Listening to Desiderio makes the soldier loose some of his newfound gusto, though. And much more hesitantly he answers, not wanting to offend his future benefactors: "I... I don't have much to tell, really, milord. It was mostly marching and waiting. I saw battle, sure enough, but I mostly just stood in line and stabbed with a spear. It's really not anything heroic."

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo & Slavonir

The old monk fascinated Bernardo. Most people would have been turned off by someone acting so strange and somewhat insane, but Bernardo had always believed that their is little difference between being mad and being a visionary. He had treated people with high fevers many times and they also had seem at times as if they were acting irrationally. When the body is in such an ill state, he often noticed that the patients started hallucinating, talking nonesense, talking gibberish, but also, on many occasions, showed great clarity, perspective and insight, as if the disease has lifted a veil from their eyes and they suddenly saw the word a little bit clearer.

It's like staring into the sun, Bernardo thought, you might get a better idea of the sacred and higher things, but your vision of the mundane, the profane, becomes blurred and distorted. Was it odd that a monk, whose focus would be on the higher, the true world, would talk in a manner that was strange to those who didn't have the great insight he had?

Bernardo was, to an extent, somewhat jealous of the monk, being able to speak in riddles and being an agent of some higher truth, being so close to God. The monk clearly had been in touch with a reality higher, more real, than the ordinary world of a country doctor. As a school boy Bernardo had read the work of the ancient philosophers (Aristotle, Plato, etc.) and he had always been inspired in his studies by their search for the, almost Divine, Truth and the unyielding loyalty the ancient philosphers showed to this ideal, submitting themselves to that muysterius, sacred blinding light. Was it odd that this monk reacted a bit... dazzed? Don't we all when we look into the sun?

Bernardo was determined to try to befriend Brother Clement and possible learn as much about faith and higher, more important things, from him as possible.

With a calm voice, showing complete focus and attention on Brother Clement, "It's very nice meeting you, Brother Clement. I have, until now, never had any contact with the Giovannis, but I studied in Florence and they were well known as being a rich and wealthy family. Fellow students from Venice used to say they have political power as well within Venic, even have connections to the Doge. There has always been an air of mystery around them though, that I find hard to explain. Tell me, Father, where do you come from? Were you also invited by Lord Giovanni?"

[daelrog]

Sir Antonio and Desiderio

Desiderio cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? I would ask you what you do find heroic, but I believe I know the answer. As our good Sir Knight will agree, bravery is not determine by how much steel your wear, and how many foes you slay. Take your own tale for example. You went off to fight for men you've never spoken to, nor ever will, and you lost it all. You lost your trade as you say."

Desiderio began to play his lute softly, yet he was still speaking, not singing. "Is the farmer who fends off a wolf with a scythe less brave than the King who travels to a distant land to gain prestige in the name of God? Is a woman forced into prostitution because her brave husband died in war any less heroic facing the lusts of men, than her husband was for fighting a more skilled foe? With noble's coin do we travellers and story tellers support a world to their liking, one where birth matters more than deeds. I will tell you now Paul, that should you win over your crippled leg and lead a long and prosperous life, you will overcome mroe than most could, and should you not... well, it will be a loss to the land, a tale to bring tears to eyes of good mothers and men."

He began to sing, spinning a tale of a village idiot and his ugly wife who fended off a great bear. He sung about their stumbling and clumsy attacks were heroic and brilliant strokes, and he told of their curses and pitiable cluelessness as if they were inspirational words to inspire an army.

Charisma (3) + Performance (3) = 6
[roll0]
Extra rolls for 10's
[roll1]

[Burnheart]

Bernardo & Slavonir

Matching Brother Clements glare with his own Slavonir is reminded of the Priest his father had perform an exorcism upon him when he was still a child.

when will you fools learn the truth, there is no god watching over us from on high, only the corrupt and broken creations of man haunting the night Slavonir shakes his head and a sneer forms on his face Brother Clement you are nothing more than a self-deluded fool, a child hiding from the true nature of this bleak world in which we live behind comforting lies of what awaits us after death

Now pointedly ignoring the monk Slavonir turns to Bernardo "Is that so, i confesses that i can not see a reason for our host to invite such a, variety let us say, of guests from so many different social backgrounds"

[Calenestel]

Bernardo & Slavonir
"Me? A guest of Claudius Giovanni?" the monk splutters. And on saying the name of your host, without giving any honorifics, brother Clement spits on the floor. Which draws a concerned, and somewhat irritated glance from Sigismund. "No, brother! But tomorrow ye enter into the abode of evil! Shun it! Reject it! Cast it out! Go ye not! Claudius Giovanni (spit) is the very Devil incarnate!" Taking the proverbial bit in his teeth the monk forgets to answer Bernardo's other question, eager to denounce the noble to everyone who seemed even in teh vicinity of being inclined to listen.

Sir Antonio and Desiderio
Seeming slightly abashed by the strange kind of praise Desiderio offers him, and more than somewhat disconcerted about the man's way of equalize nobles and prostitues, Paul still listens to the wandering entertainer's tale. And he is quickly won over by the performance, following the story intently.

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo & Slavonir

Bernardo was shocked hearing Brother Clement's view on Lord Giovanni and he was getting worried. What have I got myself into? Who was this Lord Giovanni that the monk compared him to the Devil on earth?

Stammering and with wide eyes, Bernardo desperately cried out: "Bebb-Brother Clement, ppplease, if you know anything important, tell us. As I see it now, I feel it would be unethical and even unreligious to refuse such a royal invitation from someone so wealthy and important, yet your words do frighten me. What dangers awaits us in that castle of his? You tell us to shun his invitation. You call him an incarnation of evil? Why? Please, make me understand."

Bernardo got this growing unnerving feeling, that only grew bigger and bigger because of the monk's strange behaviour, that it wouldn't be an ordinary party and that the events, what ever they might be, that would occur the following night, would have far reaching repercussions.

[Burnheart]

Bernardo & Slavonir

"I took you to be a learned man good doctor, not one to trouble himself with the foolishness of a man touched in the head" Slavonir says still ignoring Brother Clement "What use can there be in the opinion of a man who, by his own words, has avoided our host like the plague?"

[Soras Teva Gee]

Sir Antonio and Desiderio

Having made a simple promise to Paul the knight listened to the minstrel's song quietly.

Certainly she had her own challenges to the social order but had too much invested in the matter to speak against it. Truly this was a bold minstrel, talented enough for sure but if he wasn't wasn't careful he'd land himself in trouble. Then again such types infamous for finding trouble, if not in the bed of some unmarried daughter then setting flame to some puissant lord's foibles. None of this was truely Antonio's concern though, the knight merely hoped the didn't try any of this on Lord Giovanni. They had a reputation in Venice for wealth and influence, not kindness.

[Calenestel]

Bernardo & Slavonir
The monk, ignoring Slavonir and focusing completely on Bernardo, continues to rant, maybe even rave, about the evil that is Claudius Giovanni, spitting every time he speaks the name. He weaves a wild tale of diabolical sacrifices in the Giovanni manor, where the Devil is raised by a mockery of the Last Supper. He goes on about this for quite some time, if unchecked, and by the end it would be hard even for the devout to excuse his behaviour. Hard, but not impossible, of course. There's a fine line between zeal and madness.
In the end Sigismund finally steps in. With apologizing bows to Bernardo and Slavonir he talks quietly to the monk about keeping peace in the inn and not wanting any trouble from anyone, be it the church or the lawful lord of the land. He does so in a respectful, even fearful, way. Obviously he fears the wrath of both the Holy Church and lord Giovanni, but in the end he manages to quiet the monk down and return to his table with a promise of a bowl of stew.

All
During the time of the monk's raving three more guests arrive, making the total thirteen. There's three women: a middleaged woman in a simple grey and red dress, with black hair with streaks of grey and a clear, intelligent gaze, curiously she wears the hat of a doctor; a young woman, hardly more than a girl, maybe sixteen or seventeen, dressed in what seems like finery for a country woman of middling means, with shoulderlong, loosely kept hair of dark brown and a pretty but sturdy and tanned face she is cute but not really beautiful; unlike the last, another noblewoman by the looks of it. This one a great beauty of maybe twenty years with perfect skin and a very well balanced, oval face framed by wavy black hair, she is dressed in the highest venetian fashion, albeit cut as to be just barely decent.
After these three there's no more arrivals and things are starting to quiet down with everyone enjoying their meals and listening to Desiderio if he continues to perform.

Right, just gonna give Ich some time to be really freaked out by Clement (or to promise the "inspired" monk that he won't go to Giovanni's place) and then we will advance the scene further.

Also, do note that the hat the woman wears is the sign of a doctor as in a person of higher learning (which was completely unheard of women having) and not a physician (which would probably be downright blasphemous. :smallwink:

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo & Slavonir

Bernardo watched and listened the monk go wild and when Sigismund intervened, he became so haunted by the images that the monk had potrayed, that maybe, one could say, that madness, could be seen even in his own eyes. The thanked the monk, and defended him somewhat, telling Sigismund that he'd been no trouble at all.

He was at the same time relieved and disappointed that his encounter with the monk was over. Now his mind was vexed though. He was tired and the monk had completely destabilized him. What should I do? Should I listen to the monk? Should I take my horse and ran off again, as fast as I can? When one looked at Bernardo, one could see that he had lost his tranquil demeanor, he moved nervously about in the room, not really paying attention to the other guests, mostly being occupied by his own thoughts. Surely, Giovanni would leave me alone, he'd just see me as an uncivilized country doctor, thinking nothing of it. But what if he invited me, because of my job? What if, Bernardo, he invited you, because he has a sick family member? If he has a patient, I can not leave. A small nervous giggle. He quickly looked around, making sure no one saw it. By God, what if he wants my help with the unholy diabolical things he does? I'm a doctor, a learned man, maybe he needs my knowledge for something? But, Bernardo, have you considered he might just want to sacrifice YOU? No, that's insane... More insane than a Italian aristocrat being involved in the dark arts? No, there he had a point. I could not expect anything. In his old, deeply troubled mind, he started talking to himself, discussing what what best to do.

[Calenestel]

When the assembled guests are beginning to finish what food they've ordered and the moon has risen the door opens yet again, letting a gust of cold into the common room. This time two armed men wearing the crest of your host, the same as on the seal on his invitation, enter, taking up position by the door. They are quickly followed by two more men: One is a slightly built, well dressed man whose aristocratic features are marred by a deep scar that runs down the right side of his face from his hairline to his chin. The other is a tall, ruddy-faced young man wearing the sturdy leathers of a choach-man and a large, wooden cross on a leather cord around his neck.
The latter closes the door behind them as the former steps forward and bows slightly to the assembly. "Good evening, esteemed guests," he says in a smooth, almost too smooth voice. "I am sir Lothar, steward to Lord Giovanni."

[daelrog]

Desiderio

As more people listened to Desiderio's music, he turned to more tradional songs, in Italian, to suit the atmosphere. When the three women entered, he made his next song about a love story, about a prince and a princess. However, the princess was interested in hunting and dancing while his passion was for reading and fine vintage. In the end the two, though had a mutual respect, decided to pursue another, despite the audience wishing for happily ever after.

His eyes looked at all the audience, though they lingered a bit on the noble woman in the venetian fashion. His eyes tried to tell her you are beautiful, but what else?

Expression (2) + Charisma (3)= 5
[roll0]

He did not make any other hint or clue at the young woman. He stopped playing when the two men entered. When he heard Lothar speak, a glimmer entered Desiderio's eyes.

He looked over the steward as he spoke, looking for anything symbolic to steal. There were two reasons Desiderio believed he had been summoned. The first, and less likely, as that some of his more eccentric tunes had caught Claudius Giovanni's interest. More likely the man cared not for subtle hints at anarchy, but was interested in Desiderio's other talent.

Desiderio was a master thief, his lute and his voice a cover. Most of the time an object had been stolen even before he started playing. He was feeling bold this night, and felt like sharpening his skills, and giving a demonstration to his new employer. If it did turn out Claudius was only interested in a song or two, he could always return the item or not at his own leisure.

Perception (2) + Etiquette (2) = 4
Figure I'd go with etiquette considering he's looking for something symbolic as opposed to something of great monetary value.
[roll1]

[Soras Teva Gee]

Sir Antonio

As Sir Lothar introduced himself Antonio rose to his feet. A representative of their host must be properly greeted. The knight had settled for merely observing the others. An eclectic collection if ever there was one. One woman might be from near home it seemed, just on the edge of acceptable dress. Not a bad look actually, fashion was much too stuffy on such matters. Another seemed to be, a doctor; how unusual. Most seemed of noble blood, but not without exception. That was interesting, perhaps significant though for what reason the knight could not grasp. It seemed the initial assumption this was a Venetian matter of some sort did not hold up to the full party. Curious, and worth discussing with Gregorio and Tomas. Nor was it the only matter.

"I'll not forget you Paul," he said to the soldier, "But it may take a few minutes to find an opening. Do not be afraid to approach me if you feel you see an opening."

Moving from by the hearth Antonio made his way to where the Giovanni's retainer was. Casually watching the other apparent guests of the party. Many certainly stood above the young soldier so it could be impolite to raise the matter of a common soldier's employment before they had the chance to be introduced. The knight took the promise seriously but it would have to wait a touch. Taking a final surreptitious look around to rank those around him the knight waited until the appropriate timing to make his introduction.

"Good evening Sir Lothar, it is good to speak with a close representative of our esteemed host. I am Sir Antonio Nascosta of the Knights Hospitaller. I am here on your Lord invitation accompanied by my fellow knight Sir Gregorio Bell'uomo who was traveling with me on business for my order who is resting at present. I look forward to meeting your Lord. Might you share with us the plans for this affair?


First off rolling Perception plus Etiquette in an attempt to gauge the social standing of the other guests. Most pertinently if any of the other NPC guests solidly outrank Antonio and should be introduced first and letting them go before speaking to Lothar.

[roll0]

General reminder I have the Crusader merit so as member of a powerful order of knights I should have a bit of status over regular knights.

[Tavor]

Andor

As Lothar enters the Inn, Andor keeps eating his meal. He hadn't spoken a word in quite a while, not even when Voyk joined him after completing his duties. And Voyk knew better than to start a conversation when his Knight was in such a broody mood.

Just look at them, like flies circling a huge pile of cow dung. That little man with no accomplishments of his own except for his masters status; someone should probably finish that piece of work on his face.
A small smile appears on Andors face before he continues to finish his meal, no intention to rise and greet the new arrival. He knows he had to deal with it sooner or later, but he prefers later.

Andor looks at the italian Knight Hospitaler, who was so eager to meet the steward, wondering if he had seen a real fight or was another one of those couteous jesters who had never spilled blood or fought for his life.

On rank: Andor is a Knight and a nobleman, as one of Hunyadi's knights probably outranking everyone(except maybe Antonio) through military status (please correct me if I am wrong, not that great with titles and rank of that time). I did not buy the crusader trait for Andor because I don't think that a year of crusading qualifies. Nor does he go around and claim it anyway.

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir & Bernardo

Watching the others get up and cluster around this nobleman servant to the Lord Giovanni Slavonir sighs quietly to himself and so the dance of aristocratic society begins again he thinks i already miss the simple courtesies of the traveller but one must always keep up appearances "Lest we become the monsters we hunt young Widald" Slavonir smiles slightly as he remembers his old master Alain De'Fleurs lecturing He was a narrow minded fool, but an honest one he continues to reminisce while he waits for the other knights and nobles to introduce themselves.

When Slavonir observes that it is almost time for his own introduction he gets up well i suppose i should go and speak to the man he muses before glancing down at Doctor Bernardo "Coming doctor? Its about time for us to make our introductions to Sir Lothar over there" he inclines his head toward Sir Lothar.

When Bernardo finishes replying Slavonir turns and walks over to Lothar "Sir Lothar, a pleasure to meet you i am Sir Slavonir Widald, a simple Hedge knight who was kindly invited by your master to dine with him this night" he says giving the man a slight bow.

[Calenestel]

As several of you move to greet lord Giovanni's steward he in turn start moving around the room, welcoming the guests one by one. He starts with the well-to-do farmer's daughter and seem to just make his way through the room counter-clockwise with no real concern for rank. Each is greeted with the same words: "Welcome to Lord Giovanni's holdings. I am pleased you have graced us with your company. I hope your stay is an agreeable and memorable one."
But for every time he clasps the person's hand too long for comfort or what is completely appropriate, even lifting their hands to his nose and breathing in, as if sniffing for something. In a few cases -the farmer's daughter, the venetian noblewoman, Desiderio and sir Antonio- he even licks the palm or back of the hand. But there is an aura about him that makes it almost impossible to resist, and a strength to his hands that is even worse. Questions about the plans for the feast to come is met with short comments about things being explained at the mansion tomorrow.

Desiderio
Two objects seem to be of more exceptional importance: the heavy gold chain around the steward's neck, a symbol for sir Lothar's knighthood, and a beautiful dagger at his belt, with a sheath in silver with some kind of blue stones and pearls and a hilt wrapped with twisted silver thread or twine and another blue stone in the pommel. The latter is clearly easier to nick.

Slavonir
Just as sir Lothar starts making his way through the room you see the spirit of a woman, a spectre of one who died from cold or drowning, you think, comes stumbling in through the door to the kitchen. But one look at sir Lothar makes her scream a horrible, piercing shriek that only you hear and disappear on the spot.

[Ichneumon]

Sir Slavonir & Bernardo

It took a while before Bernardo "registered" the current events and the arrival of Sir Lothar. He just kept starring at him. Thinking. Maybe he wants to kill me? Maybe he knows of something. Do I have something to hide? No, not really. But maybe he thinks he knows something about me that I'm not, but that's reason for him to want to kill me? Surely, what other reason could a wealthy man from Venice have to invite an insignificant country doctor?

He heard Slavonir say something to him. He didn't hear what.

Yo! Bernardo! Pull yourself together, man! This is getting ridiculous! You're obviously just tired. If people would know what you were thinking now... this is nothing like you. Yeah, you.. eh. I am right of course. People always said I had a large imagination. I'm just letting those words of the monk get under my skin.

He smiled and answered the knight: "Yes, of course, I'm coming!"

He follows Slavonir, secretly looking around, making sure no one noticed any change in his demeanor. He humbly added to Slavonirs words to Lothar: "Sir Lothar. I am Dr Bernardo Curat and also received an invitation. It's an honor to be able to serve you and Lord Giovanni in any way."

When he noticed Sir Lothar's odd behaviour, he almost saw the humour in this situation. From one crazy man to the next?, he thought. It was odd and it would have unnerved him more, if Slothar hadn't had such a magical aura around him. The upper class often had a way about them, a style, an aura, a presence, this was different though. This man, you had to be impressed by him. His slightly weird behaviour, though... why would he do that? It triggered a kind of scientific social interest in him. Bernardo had always been interested not only in how the human body works, but also in the workings of the social body and the human mind and this Lothar, with his weird behaviour, started to fascinate him, just like the monk had fascinated him. It gave his mind some rest, since he could study it from a save distance.

[daelrog]

Desiderio

Desiderio was no fool to the trade. He was not a magician. There were ways to get off the heavy chain, but such required patience and preparation. When Lothar went for his hand, it was disturbing, but Desiderio's other hand went for the knife.

Dexterity (2) + Legedermain (5) = 7
[roll0]

However, succeed or not, a moment later he showed the knife back to Lothar. "Forgive a bold but caring soul. I saw your knife starting to slip out of its holder and thought to catch it before such exquisite work fell to the ground. And must I say this is fine craftsmanship good steward."

The trick now would be stealing it a second time. For what fool would think a man would take a knife clear to see if he meant to steal it truly?

[Soras Teva Gee]

Sir Antonio

Antonio fought to keep a his face even. Was this Lothar touched in the head? The knight was not a roast to be sampled. Lothar could not move along quickly enough. At least Antonio was not alone in his treatment. Flex her hand unconsciously where Lothar had touched.

"Does he always greet people so rudely," The knight said, forgetting etiquette enough to voice distaste. "Truely disturbing,"

Though the knight should be too far from Lothar at the moment to be heard Antonio had forgotten the ruddy coachman with the wooden cross who was more then close enough to over hear.

[Calenestel]

Sir Lothar seems surprised that his dagger had been slipping, but he doesn't question Desiderio's explanation. In fact he mumbles a few curt words of thanks and moves on, not giving the minstrel another shot immediately. Maybe later.
Meanwhile the coachman has obviously noticed sir Antonio's mumbling, but from the wooden face and the slight and almost imperceptible glimmer in his eye, he seem more to agree with the knight than about to tell his superior about it.

When lord Giovanni's steward has greeted the last of the guests he turns to adress the whole gathering again: "Good guests. Shortly I'll return to my lord and master to prepare for your arrival tomorrow. If you have any questions, now would be the time to ask them."
He is immediately beset by the noble pair in slightly outdated finery but he waves at them as if dismissing their question outright.
This leads to Paul shooting sir Antonio a pleading look.

Andor
That gesture on his side makes you remember. You had had a nagging feeling that you'd seen sir Lothar before, and now you remember where: He had visited the army camp in which you bivouaced during the last campaign. He was even asking for you, well before you got your invitation. Curious.

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir & Bernardo

Flinching from the spirits scream Now that its a very odd thing, i've never seen a spirit flee in terror like that before, not from a mortal man at any rate

Slavonir observes Sir Lothars strange actions through narrowed eyes "It seems the mad monk may have had been right about things after all" he mutters to Bernardo before shrugging his shoulders "Not that it matters as i do wish to meet this Lord Giovanni" he continues I expect he's responsible for the lack of free roaming spirits in this area and that is something i wish to learn about he thinks to himself.

[daelrog]

Desiderio

He'll return shortly? No good, no good at all. Nothing to be done about it. Desiderio made his move. While Lothar started to wave off the noble pair. He went to the left of Lothar, Desiderio's closer hand running through his own hair, while his far hand went for the knife again, though he angle himself that most of the onlooker would think himself adjusting his trousers.

Dexterity (2) + Legedermain (5) = 7... again!

[roll0]

And in case of 10's...

[roll1]



OOC: What would have happened if Desiderio had been successful.
He walked to the coachman over by the door. "Tell me good sir, why does the Lord Giovanni's other servant stand so quietly?" Desiderio walked up close to the man, whispering in his ear. "Tell me my good man, do you know the names of the other guests? Do you know anything of the siren who's stolen my heart?" He gestured over to where the Venetian noblewoman stood.

[Calenestel]

Pride goeth before fall. And in this case Desiderio decides to help pride on the way by adding a strange angle to work from and a lack of time to work in. The end result is that sir Lothar notices the attempt immediately, fixing the would be thief with a cold gaze. "Is my dagger slipping again, 'honoured' guest?"
His voice is now cold, hard and brimming with suspicion, it will take a glib tongue and a quick mind to escape this.

And that would make this a WITS+subterfuge roll. :smallamused:

[daelrog]

Desiderio stepped closer, his hand clasping Lothar's shoulder. "Not you dagger, my own heart. Tell me, who is the name of the other honored guest. The angel in Venetian wear who you... uh... tasted."

And this is why I take my time.

Desiderio did not go for the knife again. It would have been fruitless, his work before was undone.

Wits (3) + Subterfuge (4)
[roll0]

[Soras Teva Gee]

Remember promises made the knight caught Sit Lothar's attention before he left. On sight now it made Antonio doubt whether the young soldier was making a wise choice. There was something ill about this man. Yet a promise was a promise.

"A moment, Sir Lothar" Antonio said, "I am given to understand that Lord Giovanni is hiring a great number of men-at-arms. I would like to draw your attention to that soldier over there. He is a veteran of the Lord Hunyadi's campaign against the turks. Though he has sadly been injured I believe that his experience at the front lines would make him a valuable addition to your house...."

Antonio went on to extol the virtues of men with front-line experience, that the judgement they had gained for surviving far outweighed any injury they took, and how it was men like Paul that kept the all the lands of their betters safe from the Turkish horde. It was no great speech and doubtful that the entire room could hear it but Antonio put what quiet elegance she possessed behind it.

By the by I'm not intentionally bailing Desidero out here. Or maybe I do help bail him out by distracting Lothar. Whatever works for you.

Anyways to convince Lothar by extoling Paul's virtures I will make a Cha+Leadership roll for my speech:

[roll0]

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir & Bernardo

"Excuse me sir" Slavonir says, gently guiding Doctor Bernardo with him as he approaches Lothar "My companion and I were besieged by a mad monk before your arrival, the man was ranting and raving about your master being in league with the devil and consorting with dark arts, that sort of thing" Slavonir utters a dismissive snort before giving Sir Lothar a smile "Exaggerated nonsense of course but such rumours always seem to have a grain or two of truth to them, so i'm somewhat curious as to what those grains might be in this case" he continues before turning to Bernardo "The good doctor here was equally shocked to hear such stories but as a man of learning his curiousity was also piqued"

I wonder what, if anything, you'll tell us in so public a place but i do need to make my interest plain if i am to learn anything of use to me Slavonir thinks to himself as his gaze wonders across Lothar and towards Bernardo the doctor is as curious as I, though he has yet to discard his faith in the churches claims to divinity which only shackles his mind and corrupts its natural leanings towards higher thought, perhaps this trip will illuminate those shackles and give him the drive to break them

[Ichneumon]

Sir Slavonir & Bernardo

Bernardo raise an eyebrow and looked at Sir Slavonir. He didn't expect this at all. The knight was direct, very direct. :smallconfused:

What was he doing? Doesn't he realise he's taking unnecessary risks?

At first, Bernardo wanted to deny everything, he would have acted much and much more careful, but he quickly changed his mind. Things couldn't go any better, really. Now he'd get some answers, with Slavonir taking all the risks. If things go wrong, terribly wrong, they'd first try to get to him, before they'd get to me.

He nodded in agreement to Slavonir. He decided to remain quiet, it was better to let Slavonir be the primary focus of this conversation. A lot more save, that way.

My impression is that my new friend Sir Slavonir has a very rash personality, making things unpredictable. Yet, I feel it might turn out to be to my advantage to stay near him. Like now, he might actually help me find out what's going on, and next to his boldness, I might go almost unnoticed.

[Tavor]

Andor

I remember that Lothar... if I just knew where from.
Andor stares at Lothar leaving for the next person after he greeted him. He was talking with two other guests right now, but Andor could not clearly understand their conversation.
Then it dawns on him Our last night before the ambush by the turks. He was there, asking for me. And now it turns out he is the steward to the Lord inviting me? Who is that Lord and who are these other people? What am I getting into here?
His appetite vanishs with those questions and Andor looks more closely at the other guests in the room, deciding whether or not he should talk to them and find out what they knew about their host.

[Calenestel]

Surprisingly Desiderio manages to divert the attention of the steward despite not really answering sir Lothar's question OR explaining the attempt to put his hands on the man's dagger. A crooked smile on his lips he studies the woman of Desiderio's attention and with mysterious and unpleasant mirth he chuckles: "You're speaking of lady Simona Solari, yes? An interesting member of the fairer sex. Be careful around that one, like so man of you she's both more and less than you can tell at first glance."

Then turning to sir Antonio with an odd gleam to his eyes, like he's saying "speaking of which" to himself sir Lothar makes a small bow and listen to Paul's tale. Rather impatiently. "Yes, yes... he can join me as I return to my lord's manse." He tries to sound unimpressed, but in fact he seems to have been ever so slightly moved by the Hospitaler's glowing recomendation and he also immediately gestures for one of the two soldiers accompanying him to join the hopeful Paul who, beaming with gratitude, lets the unknown armsman lead him away.
Sir Lothar looks again to Antonio, but whatever he's about to say is interrupted by sir Slavonir interjecting himself into the conversation. "Yes, sir Slavonir. I'm well aware of brother Clement's lunatic efforts to rouse the masses against my master. He is tolerated out of respect for his holy order, but sometimes it's only barely." His tone is cold and hard and the look he shoots the monk is one that should be able to kill an ox from fifty paces.

Brother Clement, on the other hand... when sir Lothar emerged he grew suddenly very quiet and very still. As the presentation dragged on he started to grow restless and agitated, slightly shivering at his place with barely constrained anger. Now, with the glance from the steward the monk has obviously has had enough. Rising so quickly that the chair falls to the floor with a clatter he points straight at sir Lothar bellowing: "Evil! EVIL INCARNATE! Lothar is but a bootlick and a toady to the Devil Claudius Giovanni!" He spits again at the mentioning of the latter's name before continuing: "I warn you all, good people! Your very souls are in danger! Flee this accursed place!"
The steward glares back at the monk, straightening to gather every inch he can muster as he meets the monk's gaze. "Get. Out!" he scowls, putting heavy emphasis on both words. But he isn't obliged.
"Your Hell-born wizardry cannot compel a man of God!" Clement shouts back. "I expose your evil to all the world!"
Lothar then snorts derisively and mutters: "I need no 'Hell-born wizardry', fool." And motioning to the remaining guard, the burly armsman moves to grab the monk. He doesn't draw any weapon, however.

[daelrog]

Desiderio used the time to make a quick retreat, and move to where Lady Solari was. He took Lothar's words to heart though. It most likely meant she was indeed a woman to spend time with, or someone to stay far clear of. He intended to find out.

"Can I offer you a wine on behalf of our gracious host?"

[Soras Teva Gee]

Antonio happiness at success with Lothar was marred quickly as Brother Clement began his outburst.

One thing then another it seemed. Antonio had not paid much mind to the friar before. Now though the monk had forced himself to front line waving his standard like a madman. The knight let out an inward sigh, it was not a deep faith that motivated Antonio despite the order's religous purpose. Such a life though attracted men like this monk the way a horse drew flies on a summer day. Some were truely inspired by a deep and abiding faith, but as many simply blind in delusions of their own importance.

Yet it was as true to the Hospitallers purpose to care for those suffering the diseases of the mind then it was to protect the faithful. Though no physician Antonio had seen her share of the ill of body and mind. Perhaps something could be done to convince the monk to set step down his claim. Antonio studied the man, while moving closer to. The guards were treading a careful line laying hands on those in service to God. Faith was not entirely lost on Antonio, and there were lines one did not cross in the presence of a knight.

Let's try something interesting. I've got a dot in Medicine, let see if I form an informed opinion on Brother Clements insanity... or lack there of. Perception+Medicine:

[roll0]

Edit: Looks like 2 success

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo looked in horror when the guards try to capture the monk. Bernardo had always been quite a religious man, reading the bible and going to church. He could not help but feel sorry for the man and started to fear he might be right.

It's too easy to just brush off Brother Clement's words as insane. Aren't we all insane and irrational in some ways? What if he would be speaking the truth? If I'd seen the truth he speaks off, I might as well become insane.

What if he was right? If he is right, all of tus are in grave danger, yet I can't leave. First of all, it would be very impolite to leave, at least without any more prove of these accusations, and he considered it unethical to leave, if he did think it was dangerous to stay, without the other guests. Bernardo was already old and although he had no intention of dying, he didn't value his own life that much that he'd not try to help others survive as well. He cared more for the soul of others than for his own. No, he had to stay.

He had to do something. He ran and quickly tried to step between Brother Clement and the guard, saying to both the guard and Lothar.

"Please, kind sir. I see no need to become violent. The good monk means no harm, just serve God in his best ability, just like we all try to do, even if he is confused."

Bernardo wanted nothing more than to get out of there as soon as possible, but by doing so he'd leave all the others.... Even though he didn't know them, he couldn't just let the other gets face some ill fate.

Bernardo tries to whisper in Brother Clement's ear: "I believe you, Father. I am afraid to leave though and leave the others at his hands. Please try to stay and help me protect the souls of the others too."

[Calenestel]

As another soldier enters the common room to help the single guard already grabbing the monk sir Lothar turns towards the good doctor Bernardo, scowling fiercly: "Do not concern you with this, fool! This is nowhere near of your affairs and it will only cost you your gracious invitation should you be so stupid as to pry into business you have nothing to do with!"
With the help of the second soldier the monk is now being dragged screaming and spitting from the common room, making it impossible to whisper anything to him.

Desiderio
Simona, not very concerned for the crazy monk apparently, smiles mischievously at you and coos: "Rather quick to spend another man's money, aren't you?" Giggling softly she then adds, with even increasing mischief in her voice: "I do like that in a man."

[daelrog]

Desiderio flashed a smile, and motioned to the innkeeper for the drinks. "I am curious to learn what else you like in a man, dear Simona." He pauses for a moment, but then speaks again to let his question linger in the air. "This is an odd night, is it not? A steward who licks hands, a monk crying demons, it makes for an interesting tale. I also cannot help but consider what kind of man he is to extend his home to such intriguing guests."

Desiderio is trying to see what he can about her just through observation. Using perception (2) + empathy (1) = 3

[roll0]

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir & Bernardo

Slavonir just stands back and watches while the mad monk confronts Sir lothar Fools like you never learn he thinks to himself with a shake of his head You don't speak for god, the almighty simply doesn't care about us lowly mortals he narrows his eyes whilst continuing to gaze at Brother Clement It is only a mark of mankinds ridiculous vanity and delusions of grandeur that fools like you truely believe that god whispers inside your skulls

When Bernardo rushes forward to aid the monk Slavnoir looks suprised Oh doctor are you really so blind to the truth? he thinks sadly while Lothar threatens the doctor "Good Doctor" he says stepping forward to stand by Bernardo "You cannot help this monk there is simply nothing you can do for him at this time, step away now lest you bring only harm to yourself and your apprentice"

[Soras Teva Gee]

Sir Antonio

Further observation shocked Antonio. The monk wasn't simply raving. He was clearly full of zeal to the point of being unwise, but his raving showed no small signs of simple delusion. He had reason to believe his claims. It was impossible, yet something motivated the poor brother. But put together with Sir Lothar's obviously heavy handed response...

Gregorio was right, I should not have come.

Two Knights of Rhodes had ridden into this small town this afternoon, but only one was now present. Gregorio Bell'uomo went everywhere with his fellow knight and the two were rarely seen apart. And the pairing was effective, a seamless duo that complimented each other well. Their superiors had seen this and made sure they always were assigned together. Yet this night the two had argued, divided over this very event. Gregorio had insisted that they ignore the invitation, that it was too suspicious for such a random summons and they'd had best ignore it. Claim the messenger had never found them, return to Rhodes and let them call a knight a liar in the center of the Hospitaller's power.

Gregorio was not a Venetian though. Younger son of a minor Florentine house his family was simply beneath notice to the Giovanni's and what little they had almost untouchable for a Venetian family. If Sir Antonio Nascosta refused an invitation from so imminent a family of his homelad then it would be the Baronessa Maria Nascosta and her holdings that would feel their wrath. Holdings that supported them both. Worse still it might draw questions as to just where exactly Baronessa Maria was. And Antonio was all too aware of how hard those questions would be to answer for the servants there.

Now though, now Antonio was trapped. Trapped by her own deceptions. An ignored invitation was one thing, one could always claim it never reached you and who would take the word of a servant over a noble? Or simply politely decline it, assert the independence of the Knights Hospitaller from any authority but the Lord above and His Holiness the Vicar of Christ. This simple truth had saved more then a few knights in tight spots.

They could even have ended the charade, even for a knight the road was dangerous. She and Gregorio could have gone to Venice, while Sir Antonio suffered a tragic accident on the road. Cease aping her long fallen brother and become Maria once more. She and Gregorio had discussed it, and agreed the time was drawing near. But then the siege so recently ended had interrupted any plans.

Yet having answered the invitation, it would be a much greater insult to spit on it now. Yet Maria Bella'Ragazza Nascosta felt that she may have stepped into a greater pit then she could climb out of. Had God chosen this as some punishment for her sins, for her putting her brother's honor before her own and picking up where he had fallen. Would either of her names survive this. If Giovanni truely trafficked with the Devil... who knew what the Devil might know. Had her sins left her truely bereft of the Lord's grace?

Keeping her face carefully emotionless Sir Antonio did nothing as the monk was dragged away. Inside though Maria said a silent prayer, for herself, for her secret husband, and that maybe just maybe she was wrong and the Brother was mad.

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo decided to let it go. He realised that if he wasn't careful he'd be kicked out as well. He stepped back.

What have I done? Have I been to hasty? Have I ruined everything?

No, I don't think I have. Sir Lothar will give me another chance. But with the disappearance of the monk, it becomes even more important that I stay.

Although he feared what would happen if he'd stay, and feared the words of the monk, Bernardo suddenly didn't feel so afraid of dying anymore, thinking back to a few hours ago, when he, before arriving here, had visited a small dying girl. She had been so brave, when he told her there was nothing he could do. He had admired her courage, didn't think he could be so brave when facing certain death, but now, somehow he could understand it. The words he had said to comfort her, resonated again in his mind, as if he suddenly heard them again for the first time, as if they were said not by him, but by somebody else and if he finally understood their deeper meening:

All of our lives we actively search for a way to be saved, liberated from ignorance and illusion, we all try to find a way to save our soul… Yet in the end, liberation is not something to actively strive for at all... that's what all of them finally figure out, moments before they die. Liberation is something passive instead. Mere acceptance of the truth, that’s all there is to it, seeing the simple truth as it is with all of its consequences, and just fundamentally being ‘okay’ with it.

He sighed and a kind of tranquility fell over him that hadn't been with him ever since he had first talked to the monk. His mind felt "clear". The truth was that as a faithful Christian, he had to stay and not abandon the other guests, whatever else would follow, so be it. He knew what he had to do and it was 'okay'. He had to stay where he was and do what had to be done. If death would inevitably follow, he'd not be afraid of it. The aim of mortal life, shouldn't be on the profane, the ordinary. Everything we do should be done, aimed not at the profane and temporally, but at the sacred and eternal. I'm staying, whatever evil awaits me. I'll face it, and try to save the souls of all the other guests, as well as mine. That's what God would want me to do.

He looked at sir Lothar and at Sir Slavonir and humbly answered: "Forgive me, gentlemen, I forgot my place."

[Calenestel]

Desiderio
After giving the steward a glance of both disgust and... maybe fear the lady Solari leans forward somewhat, smiling warmly and breathing: "Oh, I'm sure we can have all sorts of fun finding out what else I like, don't you think? Tell me... what do you think have brought our host's interest in you? Fame? Fortune?"

She hides something, you realize. What that is you have no idea of. A tedious marriage, maybe. It would probably fit her appearance. Aside form that there's not much to tell. She is dressed in the absolute highest fashions and actually within the borders of decency, even if she skirts it close.

All
With noone offering any further objections, not even the other monk in the room, brother Clement is quickly dragged, screamin, out of the common room. Meanwhile sir Lothar waves a hand dismissively in acceptance of Bernardo's apology and turns to the whole gathering. "I drink to all of you!" he says loudly, snatching up a glass offered by the innkeep. "Some of the finest specimens it has ever been my pleasure to find. To your robust good health!"
After draining the wine he adds: "Be ready for the coaches tomorrow afternoon. Roderigo here and his men will transport you. If you need anything, inform him."
Roderigo would then be the coachman with the wooden cross who's the only one in sir Lothars company to stay as the stewards leave.

And that's scene 1. If you need anything specific that would take further answers from me (like questions for Roderigo), just put it in a spoiler in your last post for the scene and I'll answer it in the beginning of the first post of the next scene.

daelrog, not sure where Desiderio would like to go from here. But Simona has proven... receptive of his advances. So if it's his wish I guess Desiderio will have some company for the night. You dog you. :smallwink:

[daelrog]

Desiderio

Desiderio can tell she is no ordinary woman of class. Few would be so bold in such a public place as this. Between all the strange happenings, his mind was spinning, or perhaps her beauty had just gotten the best of him. He didn't care though. She reminded him of himself, and Desiderio did enjoy his own company... for the most part. "Envy." No doubt this Claudius Giovanni envied something, coveted that which did not belond to him. That's why he asked for a thief. At least, that's what seemed the most likely reason.

As two glasses of wine were placed on the table. He picked his own up, delicately tapping it to her own glass. "To us."

So we have four characters scared of what they've gotten themselves into while Desiderio's playing around under the bedsheets. Looks like none of our soon-to-be kindred will be getting much sleep.:smallwink:

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir & Bernardo

"Good doctor would you object to my joining you and your apprentice for dinner? I would enjoy an evening of discourse with a learned man such as yourself"

Assuming Bernardo does not object Slavonir will spend the rest of the night chatting to him about various topics, just getting to know each other a bit better before retiring to bed.

In the morning Slavonir will rise early, grabbing a quick breakfast from the kitchens before checking on Blackhoof, giving the fine steed a through grooming and taking him out for a ride though the surrounding area to keep him well exercised. Slavonir will return shortly after noon to await the coaches and have lunch.

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo smiled."I would certainly not object and I'd enjoy that very much", he replied to Slavonir. He signed to Lucius, his apprentice, and told him to go put the bags away in their rooms, after which he could join Slavonir and himself for dinner.

He was honest in what he said, he'd like to get to know Slavonir better. He was somewhat fascinated by his character and wanted to get to know more about his tortured soul. The entire evening he'd freely discuss almost any subject with him, except the most personal one's, preferring abstract philosophical, religious or political topics and often leading topics in such a direction, mostly because those are the ones that interest him the most. He'd friendly debate subjects and argue about certain topics, usually taking a rather traditional stance (when it concerns politics or religion), but would do so without sounding appealing to tradition, showing instead he has thought his position through and knows his subject matter.

He'd go to bed late, but rise early too, like Slavonir. He'd use him time to read the Bible and search for any information about dealings with the unholy. He wouldn't discuss any of his concerns with Lucius, prefering to keep him ignorant for a while.

[Calenestel]

You all spend the night in... various kinds of rest and recreation, rising to a new day feeling refreshed, but slightly nervous and disturbed. There's almost a weird feeling to the very air. Maybe it's the aforementioned nervousness about seeing one of the most powerful men in Venice, Europe and the known world. Maybe it's the ravings of brother Clement. But something simply feels... off.

You spend your days in preparation for the evening to come, some by themselves, rehearsing what they will say, studying, relaxing, even praying. Some spend their time with their servants and horses, making sure they're well accomodate for until their masters return. And some, like the two mercenaries, spend the day in the common room gambling drinking and singing.

Then the evening comes and the sun starts to drop low and you can hear the rumble of three coaches pulling up in front of the inn. They are ornate, with gilded trim, but the expensive look is marred by heavy shutters fastened over the windows. "For protection, in case of brigand attacks," one of the assistant coachmen explains, as he unbolts and forces open the shutters to let in light and air.

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo is somewhat surprised by the heavy shutters. "Really? It's very nice of Lord Giovanni to care about our safety, of course, but do we really need to fear being attacked? As far as I'm aware, those things happen very rarely, if at all." , he asks the coachman.

I don't belief them,he thinks. I've lived in this area for years and in the past 30 years, I've not heard of a single coach being robbed or attacked by robbers. What are they moving that's so secret or unholy that it can not bare the light of day?

"Doctor, I have a bad feeling about this" Lucius, his assistant whispers to him.

So he does share my bad feelings? Interesting. Maybe he noticed something? I wonder if he suspects things as well. Never mind, there is nothing I can do about it. The next time I'm alone with him, I'll share my thoughts with him. The boy has some great insight as well. Now, I need to comfort him though.

With a smile Bernardo take a big step and confidently goes inside the first coach, followed by Lucius. "Don't worry, my lad. Stay close and I am sure things will turn out okay", he lied.

Now, how many people will go into one coach? Let's try to get a coach together with Sir Slavonir. Although it became clear yesterday during our discussions that he doesn't share my thoughts about the stories of Brother Clement, that doesn't rule out that he has noticed some weird things as well, like these shutters. I need to converse with him.

"Slavonir? Will you join us?", he shouts to Sir Slavonir.

[Tavor]

He had slept surprisingly well.
Thoughts about their host were still troubling his mind, but the warm bath and comfortable bed had scattered them pretty well.

Now as the coaches arrive Andor wears his best clothing, nothing remarkable compared to some of the other guests however.
Odd coaches. And what is this talk about brigands? There were no brigands in this area last I heard. Maybe the monk has more radical friends? Hm, we probably would have heard about that by now, so why the heavy shutters?

He turned around: "Voyk, fetch my sword. I've decided I'll take it with me."
Waiting for his squire to return he watches the other guests entering the coaches.

[Soras Teva Gee]

Maria, The Previous Evening

One long taper still burned when Antonio returned to the room. This was the best room in the inn, stocked with well made if plain furnishings. There was a table, cabinets, an attached room for a servant, a privy, and a large canopied bed. The only downside was it lacked a hearth of its own, but what could one expect at a country in. The single lump indicated Gregorio had already gone to bed.

Antonio likewise began to ready for bed. Pulling off habit and the rest of her heavy clothes revealed the curves and form of a woman. Maria always considered this a waste. She considered herself quite beautiful, and what delicate pudgy flower of a noble daughter had her physical conditioning. The world did not expect such things those, they wished nothing but for women to sit and smile and say pithy bits of nothing. Until they rolled out ten or so children and grew into fat matrons. Disgusting, could she not run and fight as well as any man. All her adult life Maria had been hiding from the world. They were alone though, and with Gregorio if no one else Maria could be herself.

And he had been right to to tell her not to come. Maria owed Gregorio something for dragging him here. Approaching the bed Maria stipped off the last of her under clothes and climbed in. Gregorio stirred and came awake at the sensation.

"I'm sorry for fighting with you my love," he said upon seeing her,

"No my love, you were right. We should not of come, but we are trapped now," she said pulling close to him. "I'll tell you everything in the morning for now though... Now let me make it up to you. I've something special in mind I've been saving..."

Sir Antonio

The two knights had kept to their room throughout the day. Their serving man had brought up a large breakfast but no sign was seen of the Hospitallers until midday. As the sun rode high in the sky Sir Gregorio exited to the stables and taking his horse rode away from the inn for points unknown. Still it was not as if he had an obligation to attend the evening's affairs. Of the second knight Antonio there was no sign.

As the coaches pulled up and everyone gathered at last Sir Antonio appeared The knight was dressed in tabard and mail and carrying a sword upon the hip.

"Hail good coachmen!" Antonio greeted the Lord Giovanni's servants, "And of course fair companions as well. I hope you do not mind if I display the full finery of my order."

Antonio's face was all business but under the knight courtly manner Maria was smiling with glee. The demands of social order compelled her attendance, but here she could turn that to her advantage. If she had to appear at least she could be fully prepared for trouble. It was a shame she could not justify her shield, but it would do. Let these servants though tell her she was ill dressed.

[Calenestel]

All

In the bustle around the coaches several cases arise about nobles trying to bring their servants along, Bernardo is the only commoner who has similiar notions and Simona is the only one not to try. All who try are equally rebuked, if respectfully so. "I'm sorry, good doctor," one of the coach assistants says, bowing slightly. "We were told to only bring the thirteen guests. No more. Lord Giovanni said so personally."
There's a slight tremor of fear to the man's voice when he mentions his master, obviously frightened by the thought of disobeying. "Your manservant will have room and board for one day longer than the festivities, to make up for any delays..." he then adds in an effort to soothe any ill feelings from a man who by the simple fact of being invited by his lord is one to fear.

In the same way there's several instances of people wearing weapons. Fewer, since none of the women try to and the two mercenaries seem to know their places and wear nothing more than daggers. But in this case the assistants only glance at Roderigo who shrug helplessly and they let it pass. When sir Antonio challenges the coachmen to try and stop him from wearing not only a sword but mail too Roderigo, who happened to be the closest answers: "Actually, milord. I think my lord will find it amusing. Now, if you'd care to step up and take a place milord?"

When you all finally has found your places Roderigo raises his voice in order to be heard by all and says: "I will take great pains to ensure that the journey will be as comfortable as possible!" He then gestures to his assistants and they close the doors to the coaches and take their places, just as he does with the foremost wagon. And then you're all off to the mysterious dinnerparty.

Sir Antonio
You may, if you want to, roll Perception+Empathy for your very brief conversation with Roderigo.

All
During the journey you may make a Wits+Alertness roll, should you so desire. :smallwink:

[Ichneumon]

Although he didn't show it, he didn't like it one bit, that he had to leave Lucius behind. At least he'll be safe, but had I known he'd stay behind, I might have told him about some of my fears.

Berdarno doesn't say much to Lucius, just: "Stay here until you hear from me again. If there is a medical emergency, leave, but leave a note and return as soon as you're able. "

He stepped in the coach and remained quiet, remaining vigilant and on the look out. I don't trust this at all.

"Have you slept well, Slavonir? Looking forward to meeting Giovanni?"

Wits (4) + Alertness (0) = 4 dice -> [roll0]

[Calenestel]

After a three hour journey you suddenly hear the sounds of wheels against dirt roads change into them hitting paving stones. As you look out through the windows you see a massive, craggy manor house with an overgrown garden to the right and a graveyard to the left, all bathed in the very last reddish rays of daylight as the sun starts to slip below the horizon. This is the mansion of Claudius Giovanni.
The house looks well fortified, with a single stout door and very few narrow windows on the lower floor. All windows, including those higher up, are protected by heavy shutters. Four lightly armed sentries stand guard on the parapets, waving to the coachmen as they pull up in front of the door.
Another soldier opens the massive oaken door and Roderigo lets you all out of your coaches, leading you into the forbidding manor.

You enter a long, narrow hallway, lit by tapers encased in strong, iron, cagelike housings. The candles provide only very dim light and cast long, flickering shadows upon walls and faces. The soldier remains at his post inside and slams the door shut, closing out the last sunlight and leaving you and the head coachman in the gloom.

As you move down the darkened hall you can all see that both walls are fitted with arrow slots to catch invaders in a deadly crossfire. Evil gargoyle faces line the walls, leering stone-faced at you and even appearing to twitch ever so slightly in the flickering candle light. At the end of the long hallway you find yourselves facing another stout door. Roderigo pauses at the door, then raps loudly on it, but at first noone answers.

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir & Bernardo

"I did indeed good sir" Slavonir replies before launching into a pleasent, if somewhat tense, idle conversation that takes up the rest of the coach ride.

Everyone

This is certanly a grim and foreboding place Slavonir thinks to himself as everyone takes in the view Built more as a fortress than a monor house, just who is this lord that he feels the need for such protect? he muses before following Roderigo inside Delightful taste in decour this Giovanni has, it makes one wonder just what we shall be dinning upon tonight he thinks to himself before coming to a stop with the others in front of the large locked door.

"I am eager to met our mysterious host after all this" Slavonir says quietly, his voice sounding uncomfortably loud in the silent corridor.

[Soras Teva Gee]

Everyone

Stay safe my love. And pray I stay safe Maria prayed silently as Antonio exited the carriage entered the home. To take the mind from her concerns Antonio evaluated the mansion's fortifications. It seemed strangely excessive. Was their host expecting to hold off an army in this place? Surely not, though it look foreboding enough it seemed more at war with the sun then anything else.

Then again all this for an estate so far outside their center was a shocking testament to Giovanni wealth and reach. The Nascosta seat was larger, and neither was a patch on the Palace of the Grandmaster that hosted the Knights in the city of Rhodes. But this was in the middle of nowhere, by every definition a minor holding. That was perhaps more disturbing then anything else.

Despite rationalizing it the knight could not escape a feeling of deep unease. Certainly the decor did no favors toward denying the suspicions that Brother Clement had stirred.

"I trust it should not be overly long good sir" Antonio said to Slavonir, "It would depend upon the plans for the evening I suppose,"

[Ichneumon]

Everyone

Bernardo quietly follows the rest, staying on his guard, while thinking deeply. The windows are protected by shutters as well, just like the coaches. What are they afraid of? Maybe Lord Giovanni is afraid someone might want to attack him, a bit paranoid maybe? Its not uncommon for people who've gathered a lot of wealth to start to see others conspiring against them. Sad, but true.

These guards... Although it means we'll be protected well, it also means it will be difficult to escape.

Gargoyles, monsters. What kind of a man chooses to live in such a way, in a fortress, living in the dark, behind closed windows?

Bernardo started to forget his fear and his interest started to grow in what kind of person the powerful Lord Giovanni was and what he had planned.

"Can't say I'm not curious as well," Bernardo says with a smile. :smallamused: "I'd Like to know his plans for the evening as well. Everything seems so well thought-through. It would be nice to know what purpose he has in mind with all of this. "

[Calenestel]

Finally, after a few minutes that surely felt like hours, the door creaks open as it is unlocked by a second soldier, accompanied by sir Lothar, standing with his fists on his hips and holding a riding crop.
The two men are standing in a large reception hall, more brightly lit only comparable to the gloomy hallway. Again by tapers in small cages, but these have mirrors behind them to enhance the lighting further than the candles themselves. Unlike the tallow ones in the hallway, these are made out of beeswax and give the air a faint, and pleasant, hint of honey to the otherwise slightly stale air. Also, the furnishing is oddly delicate compared to the hallway's grim gargoyles.

Still, sir Lothar is blocking your way, glaring at Roderigo. Without greeting any of you he growls: "You are early."
In response Roderigo doffs his hat, saying: "A thousand pardons, Steward Lothar-"
But he gets no chance to explain himself, for the steward strikes him across the face with the riding crop, hard enough to draw a line of blood which Roderigo wipes from his face.
"Bear keenly in mind the source of that blood," sir Lothar snaps.

[daelrog]

As Lothar struck Roderigo in face, Desiderio took the moment to lean over to Simona to speak. After the previous night's revelry, Desiderio and Lady Solari had gone about their own business, sharing a mutual smile the couple of times they crossed paths. On the outside, they had been lovers for but one night, with the possibility of a second, if it suited them.

However, within Desiderio was shaken. For the first time in a long, long time, he had pleasant dreams. Every single night since he had fled Lisbon had been full of monsters, betrayals, and sorrow. Desiderio felt he should have been happy at the respite, but the nightmares had become very much a part of him, and for a woman like Simona to control that part of him was deeply troubling him. He did not want to give anyone an inch, let alone someone as as untrstworthy as himself, but he felt he wanted to give her miles upon miles.

"I believe our host means to start a war. Knights, mercenaries, the wealthy, a doctor, and those of us with more subtle professions. Men don't invite such guests for a simple meal." He leaned in slightly closer, and Simona could tell the difference in the touch of his hand to her side, one of affection more than playful attraction. "The trick to winning is knowing when not to play. I am feeling this may be such a game."

He casually stepped away and proceeded towards the front of the group.

[Ichneumon]

Looking at Lothar hitting Roderigo, not understanding any of it, Bernardo decides NOT to intervene. It hadn't helped last time and it might be better to stay passive, untile he had a better idea what was happening. He looked around, searching for a place to sit (since he was tired). If some kind of furniture isn't too far away from where the group stands in the room, he'd go sit on it, if not, he'd stand.

Thinking about the servants: Obviously, things are getting tense. So whatever they're planning, it's very important. If getting exactly on time is so important, I don't think they're planning just an informal party. There has to be more to it.

[Calenestel]

Roderigo does nothing to challenge sir Lothar, instead he bows stiffly. Contented by the coachman's submission the steward then motions you all into the room saying: "Now, enter."

Simona leans over to Desiderio and, unfaced by the violent reception, answers calmly, but approvingly and with a warm smile on her lips. "I think you're right..." she murmurs. "This definetly has the feeling of a meeting place for conspirators, doesn't it?"
She doesn't seem too disturbed by the possibility. Wary yet intrigued more like.

Once you're all in the room the guard Lothar stops Roderigo again. "As punishment, you will not partake of tonight's bounty," he says, a hint of malicious satisfaction to his tone. "You will eat nothing but scraps. Now go." With his blooded riding crop he gestures for the door you all came from and Roderigo bows, turns and leaves without a word. As soon as he clears the door you came from the guard shuts and locks it.
Sir Lothar, meanwhile, turns to you with a slight, almost impercetible, apologetic smile, bows ever so slightly and says: "Welcome to Lord Giovanni's manse. I'm afraid I have preparations to finish. Wait here, I shall be back shortly."
And with another bow, this one a hair deeper, he leaves you through another door. The soldier remains, left hand on the hilt of his short sword, not in a gesture of drawing the weapon at a second's notice, but more looking to rest his hand and arm..

Around you is a finely decorated room. There's not many places to sit, only a few chairs along the walls. There's one door in the center of each wall and above you see a balcony with no immediate access from your location.

Perception+Alertness (Diff 6, 1 success):
On the balcony you can spot two more soldiers. These are armed not only with short swords but with readied crossbows.

Intelligence+Ettiquette (Diff 6, 2 successes) or simply being from Italy:
Remember that you get a penalty for using Ettiquette untrained, still made it?
The furniture is made in italian fashions. Not surprising considering who's your host.

3 successes (or 2 successes and being from Italy):
Not only that, they're of the very highest fashions of Venice. The host must have gone to GREAT expense to move so much furniture all the way here, it hasn't beeen in vogue that long.
What? I didn't claim all rolls would be of earth-shattering importance. It's fun to roll the dice, though, yes? :smallbiggrin:

[Soras Teva Gee]

Antonio had kept carefully neutral through the altercation between Lothar and Roderigo. It was not her place to interfere with the running of another's house, though in ordinary circumstances she would have tried a more subtle intervention. This night though called for being as unnoticeable as riding alone deep in Anatolia. The Turks could be all around at any time.

If nothing else certainly this Lothar was as loathsome a retainer as could be found. And one of the easiest ways to judge a lord was by the caliber of his servants. Either Claudius Giovanni was a blind fool, or approved of such conduct. And few called any Giovanni a fool.

Speaking of Turks all around Maria thought to herself as she spotted the soldiers on the balcony. Doing the best not to let on that they'd been discover Antonio positioned himself under the balcony. That should make it difficult to use those crossbows if this turned into some elaborate ambush. The knight felt rather like a sheep being herded. Well this at least belonged to a group that favored black. Now how to warn the others? There wasn't one, they'd have to notice on her own. Hopefully at least some of the fighting men would see more then Lord Giovanni's fabulously fashionable furnishings. OOC: Don't hurt me!

There was no way to warn the other without destroying the charade, a risk Antonio could ill afford as yet. However if any of the knight's traveling companions did happen to look over at the knight they would be greeted by a significant look up at the balcony above. The soldiers above shouldn't see that.

[Calenestel]

About five minutes later sir Lothar returns, smiling broadly. "Come with me, I shall introduce you to your hosts," he announces before opening the door he came from, on the right side of the room from the entrance, wide.

He then leads you and the other guests through the house. You pass through several rooms and corridors, each one more elegantly, even lavishly, furnished than the last but staffed with soldiers. After a while you can hear music ahead and then you reach an ornate set of double doors. With another big smile the steward throws the doors open and walks in, leaving you to follow him. Especially among some of the nobles in your group there's an immediate rush to join the party.
It's a great feast hall of some sort, a great table easily accomodating double your numbers in the center but with plenty of room to spare. It's more brightly lit than any other room you've seen so far, with the ensconced tapers supplemented by two small, but beautiful, chandeliers. There's about 20 to 25 persons scattered through the room. There's five servants standing motionless against the far wall and a quintet of musicians -including a harpsichord- sitting on a raised platform on your left playing a slow intavolatura. But more importantly there's about your number of people standing scattered around the table, chatting and obviously waiting for you.

The other guests, or maybe they're all your "hosts" mentioned by sir Lothar, are a strange collection of men and women: well-dressed and slovenly, highly attractive and appalingly ugly, foreigners and... well, not locals maybe but europeans at least, alike.
Sir Lothar gives you little time to study them, however, before doffing his hat and bowing deeply, saying:"My Lord Giovanni, lords and ladies. It is with surpassing pride that I present to you the fruits of my long search. Here are thirteen of the purest samples in Europa!"
Among the other group a short, paunchy and rather unimpressive, but finely dressed man, moves towards you. It's rather obvious that this is the Lord Claudius Giovanni and your host: his clothes are elegantly tailored in black velvets and his manners seem exquisite as he throws his arms out wide and greets you: "Dear friends, welcome to house Giovanni! You are my guests, and while you are here my home is your home. Come, come! Join us!"
As he come closer you can see that he wears a silver pendant in the shape of a human skull, of all things.

[daelrog]

Samples? Is that why the doctor was amongst them? An odd choice of words. An odd, and dangerous man. Still, if there was one word Desiderio had to describe Lothar it would be pride, and such made him useful.

He smiled amiably at Lothar. His voice was low, kept out of the ears of those but whom were close. "Steward Lothar, your words are curious, and your heart contemptable. I wager you one favor that I shall hold your dagger in my hand yet again by the end of this night."

[Ichneumon]

The words of Sir Lothar resonated in Bernardo's mind... My Lord Giovanni, lords and ladies. It is with surpassing pride that I present to you the fruits of my long search. Here are thirteen of the purest samples in Europa!"

So he, like the others, was chosen? For what?

It terrified him. He felt like things were going one, that were bigger then him. He didn't like the idea he was used as a pawn in somebody else's game.

For a moment, Bernardo just stood there, befuddled. What was the proper reaction? What was the right thing to do here? Wasn't it an insult, calling someone a 'sample'?

No, I have no time to think about this. So there he was, Lord Claudius Giovanni.

He walked to him, and bowed.

"Humbly, I stand before you, good Sir. Thank you for the invitation. I am deeply, deeply honoured."

[Calenestel]

As you step forward, either to introduce yourselves or to simply getting out of the way of others coming up from behind you to introduce themselves, the servants hurry to meet you, dispensing beautifully wrought venetian glasses with red wine. One in slightly better looking livery hands lord Claudius a glass before retreating without serving you, one could assume that he holds a higher station and only serves his lord or those lord Claudius expressly indicates.

Sir Lothar glares fumingly at Desiderio, but stays silent. His master is about to speak after all:
"Let us toast the most memorable meal of your lives!" your host says loudly as the last ones in your group is served, raising his own glass. "Here's to the finer things in life!"

After sipping his wine your host then proceeds to introduce the other guests, they're in fact twelve, one less than you:

Off to the side from the rest are two women: Matron Violetta, a bent woman in a leper's cloak and hood and a face mask of cloth with ragged eyeholes where you can see leprous scabs around her eyes should you come close enough, and Lady Theophana, a tall and slender young woman -probably some fifteen summers or so- in a torn and soiled silken gown, waist-length blonde hair and a wreath of wilted flowers on her head.

On the other side of the room are two men and a woman: Brother Mieczyslav, a handsome young man wearing a simple black monk's robe with white surplice, Lord Bajazet al-Nasir, a dark-skinned man with angular, chiseled features in fine, silk turkish robes, and Lady Dimitra, a tall and sinewy woman wearing a travel-stained cloak and man's breeches.

Just by the table, where lord Claudius had stood before, are another group of three: Lord Casmir, a portly man witha large white beard and dressed in black robes with silver trim fitting a well-to-do scholar, Lady Jadviga Almanov, a heavyset woman with dark red hair and dressed completey in black, and Lord Leopold Valdemar, a bald middle-aged man dressed like a very prosperous merchant in simply cut but elegant brocaded velvet.

The last group is a group of four: Marchettus the Bold, a tall broad-shouldered man with a thick red beard and a battered but well-oiled suit of boiled leather armour of all things, Sire Wenceslas, a stern-faced old man dressed in a royal purple tunic, leggings and a feathered cap and lots of elegant, expensive jewelry, Lady Amisa, a swarthy, heartachingly beautifuly woman draped in silks of foreign design and an elaborate golde headpiece, and Lord Gabrin, a short young man dressed in a coarse tunic and leggings but with some expensive, yet less elegant, jewelry.

After a brief introduction these does move slightly towards you as if to strike up new conversations.

[Soras Teva Gee]

Lord Giovanni had certainly gathered an... eclectic number of guests. Antonio had thought the guests at the inn had been a strange collection, but this went well beyond that. The gaggle of lords and ladies was only to be expected of course. A brother of the Church was by no means unusual and one of the lords seemed dressed more like a peasant, perhaps an upjumped merchant? But the rest. That one young lady seemed barely able to dress herself, dead flowers was she touched in the head? And was that a leper, the knight had pity for those so afflicted but that did not extend to keeping polite company. It was unsafe.

Worst of all a damned Saracen. Antonio could not supress a frown as Al Nasher was introduced. Only the clothes seemed to be Turkish, but it made little difference. All the Mahometan were enemies of Christianity. Antonio had only been sent to the region to bury one of their fallen brothers at arms. Slain by the Sultan of Egypt not month's past. The knight had personally lost much too the damn paynim to not feel emotion in facing one. Maybe that was Giovanni's scheme here, invite one sure to anger her and hope it would end badly so he could take vengeance onn of the Nascosta name in Venice. If he would be sadly denied. If pleasantries demanded she break bread with the enemy then that's what would happen.

Antonio maneuvered to avoid all the disreputable guests as they began to mingle, or at least as well as could be done without being obvious about things. Sipping on wine the knight made polite introductions to those encountered. Name, position as a Knight, the usual pleasantries. More concerned with avoiding the disreputables Antonio had no particular party in mind, but attempted to gravitate towards the lords and ladies.

[daelrog]

Desiderio waved off Lothar's stare. "Just a jest, good Steward. I only wish my services satisfy his you esteemed Lord, no?" Desiderio moved away and towards the hosts, his arms extended wide as if he wished to hug all thirteen of them at once. "Yes, to the finer things!" He pulled his lute from behind his back, strumming on the chords. "A tale of the meeting of cultures near and far!"

Yes, this was a conspiracy as Lady Solari had said. Perhaps this night would prove fruitful, but already in his mind he had thoughts of fleeing Italy. With the hosts arrayed in front of him though, he wondered where he could flee too if he denied Claudius.

He sung of a Christian Spaniard, a Muslim Saracen, and a man from the heart of Africa who believed in animal spirits all trying to win over the same woman, a girl from the far East.

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo was flabbergasted. He looked at all the guests and they surprised him.

His attention went first to Violetta, the leper. What a dreadful decease it was. He had tried treating it a few times, without much succes. He was surprised to see a leper being invited. Although he wasn't against it. True, there was a risk of contamination, but lepers were still human and that's how they should be treated. "If we lose our humanity in our attempt to save humanity. What's the point?"

His eyes also gazed for a moment at Lady Theophana. She was beautiful and the way she looked, reminded him somewhat of his old wife, who passed away so long ago.

During the dinner he'd try to stay close and keep an eye on Brother Mieczyslav, to figure out his position and what his connection is to Lord Giovanni and whether he unveils some of the same opinions as Brother Clement. Of course, without revealing his own thoughts on the matter.

[Calenestel]

All

At first there's a short silence from the other group as they listen to Desiderio's performance, he even draws some more or less heartfelt applause from the other group of guests as he's interrupted by your host:
"We would know you better," Lord Giovanni explains as the two groups of guests starts mingling. "Conversation is like fine wine, it enhances the appetite. Let us converse while we anticipate our dinner."
And with that the slightly pudgy nobleman moves to strike up a conversation with the farmer's daughter in your group with a surprising intensity to his motions.

At first there's a general mingling, more akin to a social mêlée than anything else. But soon enough, by chance or design on either part, new pairings starts to crystalize. And these private conversations starts to move out of the room as well, different groups of guests going each and every way. Only a handful stay behind, for a while at least.

Sir Slavonir
After a short discussion with the married english pair of nobles who arrived alongside you, started by them and mostly concerned with your host's reason to invite such a strange set of guests and his own interest in the farmer's daughter, you are simultaneously beset by three from the other group of guests: Sire Wencelas and the ladies Jadviga Almanov and Dimitra. They seem rather straightforwardly intent on just the three of you and you suddenly find yourself alone with the woman in breeches: lady Dimitra, as the Margraves are whisked away.

"I'm rather... interested in learning a bit about you, sir knight," she says in a friendly, but straightforward tone. "Have you travelled Europa a lot? I assume you, like most noblemen, enjoy hunting..."
Unlike most she doesn't seem inclined to immedaitely leave the room.

Dr Bernardo
Try as you might, you couldn't get close to brother Mieczyslav. He had already set his sights on sir Antonio of your own group of guests and quickly dragged the hospitaler off. Instead you suddenly find Lady Theophana standing beside you, twirling a lock of hair around her fingers as she studies you. "Doctore... Bernardo, was it? Would you walk with me?" Giving a pleasant smile, too pleasant and with a... slightly off twinge to it. She wraps her arms around your right one, guiding you towards one of the side doors. "I do so enjoy talking with men of learning..."

Sir Antonio
As soon as lord Giovanni has finished his little speach the handsome young man in the monk's habit, probably a dominican, whom lord Claudius had referred to as "brother Mieczyslav" walks up to you. He's among the first to mingle with your group of guests, but he cuts straight towards you and doesn't even acknowledge the greetings of the fat monk in your own company.
"When I heard that there would be a true soldier of Christ among the guests tonight I was delighted, brother. Please, come with me. I insist"
There's no sense of urgency to his voice, but he takes a vice-like hold of your forearm and starts to lead you off to the side, and to a side door, before you have any chance to protest, so obviously he must have something on his mind.

Sir Andor
You speak first with lord Bajazet, the saracen, and Jeanne Beaumont, the female scholar who arrived with you. You even followed them out of the main room and into a sitting room to the side. But suddenly he moved off to speak with the two mercenaries while she was spirited away by Lord Leopold. So suddenly you find yourself alone in the room. No... not alone. There's one more there. Matron Violetta, the leper, stands between you and the one door back to the festivities. "All these lovely people with their lovely perfumes and lovely clothes," she growls, bitterness and contempt thick in her voice. "They are hateful to me. Their prettiness is wretched, shallow and ugly in my eyes. Wouldn't you agree?"

Desiderio
You quickly got separated from Simona. Even before sir Lothar backed out of the room bowing, and glaring at you of course, she was approached by Lady Amisa and with a mischievous wink towards you she let herself be led off through one of the connecting doors. Not that you were left alone for long. Gabrin, the richely jeweled and poorly dressed lord, puts an arm around your shoulders with a friendly smile, saying: "I did thoroughly enjoy that little show you put on when you arrived, my good man. Very nicely done. Walk with me, if you please."
Well, he sure has the commanding ways of a nobleman, that's for sure, even if he's charming and friendly about it. He leads you towards the servants' door.

[Ichneumon]

Dr Bernardo

At first, Bernardo was annoyed by the fact that his efforts to get close to brother Mieczyslav, who seemed more interested in sir Antonio, didn't pay off. Is it just bad luck on my part or is he actively avoiding me?

If he would avoid me, Bernardo reasoned, that'd mean he's hiding something and either doesn't want me to know he's hiding something or he's afraid that others might figure out what he's hiding if he associates with me.

This would mean that he knows what Lord Giovanni is up to, or at least is suspicious just like me, and knows I suspect those things as well!

But wait, why go to Antonio? Surely there are easier ways to avoid someone, especially in such a gathering, then by searching the company of sir Antonio specifically? Maybe he's just a pawn as well? Manipulated by Giovanni himself? Either way, I won't let this go by, he thought. I wish to speak to him, and it might draw attention if I force myself into their company, Antonio's and Brother Mieczyslav's, and maybe the monk doesn't want to speak to me, but if I want to speak to a monk because I think it will help me make sense of this situation, I will speak to the monk! No matter what!

A confident smile appears on his face :smallamused: and he whispers to himself: "Fortes fortuna adiuvat" (Latin for: Fortune favors the bold).

That proverb, Maria (his wife) used to use it a lot. He remembered vividly. How much he longed back to those days they'd play a game of chess, outside, late in the evening when the sun began to set. She always had a very bold, aggressive style of play. You can't win without taking risks, she'd say. You had to be bold: know what you want and go for it, accepting losses on your way, that's the only way you can win. Maria was right. Fortune does favor the bold. Right. That's what I'm going to do. Just, straight to my goal. How much he missed her, still, after all those years.

Right when he wanted to "charge" at sir Antonio and the monk and interrupt their conversation, he suddenly found Lady Theophana standing beside him, twirling a lock of hair around her fingers, studying him, and addressing him:


"Doctore... Bernardo, was it? Would you walk with me?"

At that moment, his entire focus was gone. Something about her, reminded him about his Maria, maybe it was the general shape of her head, face and hair, maybe the way she looked or moved her hands or even maybe just the fact that he'd just been thinking about Maria seconds ago, whatever it was (because, to be honest, she didn't look THAT much like her), it made it impossible for him to refuse her question.

At first, he only nodded to her, unable to get his stream of thoughts together quickly enough to say something coherent.


Giving a pleasant smile, too pleasant and with a... slightly off twinge to it. She wraps her arms around [his] right one, guiding [him] towards one of the side doors. "I do so enjoy talking with men of learning..."


Then, he quickly realised he was staring at her, so long that it was almost becoming rude, he really hoped she hadn't noticed it. Bernardo! What are you doing? Are you insane? He started to blush, when hearing the compliment. You're an old man! She's young enough to be your granddaughter! Although he hadn't really thought of anything indecent, he was somewhat taken back by the warm friendly smile of the young lady, her long hair with the flowers in it and was somewhat embarrassed by the fact that she'd so enthusiastically had taken him by the arm and walking away with him. Basically, he didn't know how to behave in her company. Except for very young patients, he didn't really talk to young people that often, as an old man, he felt somewhat out of place near such a young beautiful girl.

"Ye..yes, of course." He clumsily replied to her question a few moments ago.

"Dr Bernardo Curat. It's a pleasure to meet you, miss Theophana"

"I'm flattered, but", he added with a laugh, "like Socrates once said: the only thing I really know for certain is that, fundamentally, I really know almost nothing of true importance."

At this point, he didn't pay much attention to the way she was dressed or anything like that.

[daelrog]

Desiderio walked with Gabrin towards the servants' door. It brought back memories of his childhood. "Normally I would reserve such a song for commoners, but it seemed to fit Lord Giovanni's diverse tastes in friends." His smile lasted until they were trhough the door, and servants around or not, his face became deathly serious.

"As much as I enjoy games, I think I would know what I have become involved in now. Even a village fool can see this is no normal gathering, and I have not been invited for my satire. What part in Claudius's conspiracy does he intend me to play?"

Conspiracy, the word that Simona had used. It seemed to fit, though perhaps an understatement. Desiderio knew no word to describe what he had seen back in the main room. The song he had just sung was made for sailors who just might see such a diverse gathering in a lifetime, and certainly not in such an intimate setting.

The only thing he could possibly think of that could be responsible was the crusades. Somehow though, God seemed to have little part in this.

[Soras Teva Gee]

Sir Antonio

"You give me too much honor Brother. I am but a humble servant of God and but one of many." the knight said making polite conversation as he following along with the friar. This encounter suited her plan well actually. The brother might be able to provide her with some answers, one man of the church had already raised suspicions that had Maria on guard and Gregorio out seeking answers. She prayed he would find success, while the behavior at this manner was abominable such an accusation would mean nothing. But if Brother Mieczyslav disposed to respect the knights he could be another ally in her investigation to Brother Clement's accusations. Perhaps it was related to what the friar wished to discuss so strongly.

Of course he could be a part of whatever was going on. The knight knew all to well that a religious affiliation alone was no guarantee of true piety or strict adherence. His name was something Eastern European perhaps Gregorio could identify it he knew many things, but Maria could only guess that perhaps he was native to this area. He seemed young, not fitting with the image of friars but then hardly terribly unusual. The man's grip was strong, he didn't seem bothered at all by grabbing the mail of her current outfit and to feel that grip through it said much for Brother Mieczyslav's strength. Interesting details but not overly meaningful. Still of all Lord Giovanni's guests here was a preferable start. Still caution must be called for

"If you would be so kind, Brother Mieczyslav I'm curious as to what brings you here this evening. Lord Giovanni seems to have quite varied tastes in guests does he not?" Antonio said with careful casualness.

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir

After making polite conversation with Margraves Slavonir is relieved when they are whisked away leaving him alone with the lady Dimitra

Good lord that was tedious, it looks like an interesting conversation is about to begin though he thinks while studying Dimitra's clothing "On occasion i do, my late master Sir Alain was far more fond of such things than i, he had a questionable choice of prey though" Slavonir smiles before continuing "and yes i have travelled a fair amount, i am a hedge knight after all, though i've mostly stayed away from large towns and cities so much of the wonders of Europa have passed me by"

[Calenestel]

Dr Bernardo
Leading you into a side room, a elegantly furnished sitting room, lady Theophana laughs at your comment about Socrates as if it were a great witticism. She has a beautiful laugh. "That's clever, doctor! Very clever! Are you a clever one then?"
She pauses briefly to close the doors behind you, but when she turns towards you there's a slight change in her tone, she seems... older now. She doesn't look older but she sounds it. And maybe colder. "You're a fraud, aren't you, my friend? No, not as a doctor. But you are an utterly false, blackhearted villain. I can see how you counterfeit to appear true of heart, how you feign normalcy. But you don't fool me." As she talks, the girl's voice grows increasingly harder, and her eyes, slightly bugeyed, bores straight into you.

Sir Antonio
"It's a more diverse group than is readily apparent, really," brother Mieczaslav answers with a knowing, and unrevealing, smile. Aside from that he says little while he leads you away from the dining hall. He guides you through the kitchens and down a set of spiral stairs that takes you to a wine cellar, there, with only the light from a single torch he stops and looks at you with cold, gauging eyes. "Now, before we go further. Tell me, how do you believe your enemies should be treated?"

Desiderio
"Ah, yes. The song, that too." Gabrin says with a mischievous smile, and opens the a door that leads out to a small courtyard. "As for what Claudius has in mind. I'm afraid you'll have to wait for that a bit longer. Don't fret, you'll be told about your part in it soon enough."
On three sides there's the walls of the manse itself, on the fourth, across the yard, is a stone wall with a small gate, presumably leading outside. Lord Gabrin closes the door behind you and, after drawing a heavy breath and looking up to the rising moon he says: "You know. I'm actually happy you don't call me 'Lord Gabrin'. I do not need titles to give my life meaning. Unlike those pompous asses inside. Do you think titles give life meaning?"
From somewhere he has drawn a slender dagger that he casually flips between his hands as he talks glibly with you.

Sir Slavonir
A big smile splits Dimitra's face as you confirm that you enjoy travelling. She talks with a soft but powerful voice about the joys of the rugged, outdoor life, as she seem to wait for the others to leave the room. Then, as only Lady Jadviga and lord Margrave remains (and doesn't seem to be moving away any time soon) she breaks off midsentence and winks at you. "These narrow walls and cramped ceilings are poor surroundings after the endless expanse of the wilds. What say you we climb the roof of this place and howl at the moon?"
Oddly enough, she doesn't seem unhinged. Merely... wild and untamed. And with a wicked sense of humour.

[daelrog]

"You would be the first Gypsy in history to be considered a Lord if I had said as such Gabrin." Desiderio was not happy how the conversation had steered away. Still, he'd play along a little if he had to. "Titles give as much meaning as we make them. I hold little faith in them, but I must respect that the two men holding crossbows outside, keeping anyone from entering... or leaving, do place value in Lord Giovanni's status. Or is it something else entirely that earns their loyalty I wonder?"

He was at a disadvantage to Gabrin. He was in the dark, and did not wish to play this game of wits the gypsy seemed intent on.

"Tell me, Gabrin, what kind of gypsy entreats with those he despises, those who do care about titles? What talent do you posess to make them want you so, and how did they convince you to leave your world and enter theirs?"

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo was caught off guard. What did she just say?

He had felt a bit uncomfortable about her comment about his cleverness. True, it had been a bit of an arrogant joke, trying to show off to the young girl. A bad move on his part. Was it irony or maybe sarcasm in her voice?

He didn't know what to answer. A villain? Me? A fraud? Where does she get all this? What does she know of me? What do I need to answer? Who is this girl? Does she know what I'm doing, what I'm after? Maybe, maybe not. Do I even know exactly what it is I'm after, or what I'm up against? No, I don't.

A smile appeared on his face. This situation is absurd. This evening is absurd. The only logical thing I can do is just jump right in.

"It seems... you've caught me.":smallamused: "What are you going to do now?"

[Soras Teva Gee]

Sir Antonio

That strange knowing smile, a sign of hiding something if ever the knight had seen one. Either this monk was a bad liar or not bothering to conceal he had some secret. As one with no small share of secrets it was clear to her. Just what was the friar hinting at? And this location why had he dragged her down to this musty old cellar, this was no place for guests certainly. It seemed he was not to be trusted after all though.

The Brother's question gave her pause, and Antonio let the puzzlement show. A strange question. Best to keep neutral.

"I hope you don't find it strange if I've never considered the question in any particular depth," the knight said after a bit of thought. "Battle you see lends itself to an easy conclusion. When the paynim out of Egypt put siege to Rhodes I manned the wall beside my brothers. One does not stop to consider 'how to handle' enemies climbing ones own walls, you pull sword or fall on theirs. That though is mere defense, even the basest serf will beat off wolves at the door."

While speaking the knight kept his tone carefully jovial and neutral as if they making polite talk were still in some hall not alone in a cellar. Did the brother mean to try some act of violence down hear away from the witnesses. If so he'd find no easy meet in a Knight of Rhodes. Perhaps he hoped for something else. There were always rumors around that certain men veiled certain perversions in the robes of the faithful. If the monk hoped for such he'd be doubtless be disappointed even in the unlikely event he could subdue a knight with sword and mail. Flight now though was well past a good option. It might be sailing the Bosporus on a new moon but there was no choice but to hold the course now.

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir

What a strange lady this Dimitra is, and one of many strange companions to the lord Giovanni hmm, what plot shall bare ripe friut this night? Slavonir wonders to himself before answering the ladys question "It would be a pleasure to escape this house for a time, the lord Giovanni has a fondness for oppressive architecture it seems" he says with a hint of a smile.

[Calenestel]

Sir Antonio
"Ah," the priest smiles, actually seeming pleased with the answer but far from satisfied yet. "But what if you have your enemy at your mercy? What do you believe should be done with him then?"

Desiderio
Laughing softly the gypsy "lord" seems pleased with your reply. But hardly satisfied. "So you say that might makes right? That titles only matter if their holders have the force to back it all up?" He doesn't answer your question. Instead, suddenly, faster than should be humanly possible (or is that just a trick of the mind?) Gabrin suddenly lashes out with his dagger, knicking your cheekbone. A burning sensation tells you that he's drawn blood even before you can feel a wetness. "And what do you think of the mysterious substance dribbling down your chin, my friend? Do you think of it as your most intimate, most sacred possession? Do you?"
Just as quick as he struck with his dagger he then touches your blooded cheek with his left hand, wiping some of the blood off and rubbing it between his fingers back and forth until they are wet and sticky with the substance.
"We Gypsies, don't believe any mortal can own anything. We... humans... merely borrow from the Earth's bounty. Noone has superior claim over anything. Do you feel you need your blood? Well, what if I feel that I need your blood? What if we all have a need of you're life's fluid?"

Sir Slavonir
"Excellent!" lady Dimitra exclaims as you accept her proposition. She quickly leads you through a side door, up a flight of stairs, back a ways (and across the balcony you waited below earlier, with the guards still standing there) and up a second flight of stairs until she reaches a hatch in the ceiling. Opening it and hoisting herself up she then helps you up as well.
You emerge on the flat roof of the manor. But there's no guards around here. Your company breathes deeply of the chilly but fresh night's air, so different from the almost stagnant air filled with the soot of candles from the dining hall. "Better. Much better," she purrs and turns towards you. "Now, let's have a game. Run and I'll try and catch you. Evade me long enough and you might get to chase me."

Dr Bernardo
Your answer makes Theophana looks more disappointed than anything else. Almost mournfully she shakes her head, but when she looks you in the eyes there's a fire of rage behind hers and her voice is tight with anger as she answers your question: "You still just. Don't. Get it. But I'll show you, my sweet. Yes... I'll peel back the covers over your eyes and make you see.
There's a strange sense of weight between the last word, like it meant more than everything else she'd said so far combined. Like it carried... power. And suddenly... there's darkness around you. No, not darkness. But Darkness. And through it you see lights, movement. Nightmarish shapes move just beyond your sight but coming ever closer. One moment blood laps you up to halfway up your thighs, the next you're being buried alive, and after that you're being beset from all sides by walking skeletons, sharp fingers seeking your flesh. It just goes on and on and on. And on. It never stops and you cannot. Get. Out.

Yeah... so you've been hit by a discipline (I think you can hazard a guess which) and you're being "unconscious and has nightmares of blood, death and an eternal agonizing afterlife". Suffice to say it's not pleasant or pretty and you're out of the game until the other's are done. Gratz on being the first, now you have to wait. :smalltongue:
(On the other hand, you can still get one last post in for your last thoughts before being swallowed up by nightmares. So make the best of it. :smallbiggrin:)

[daelrog]

Desiderio

"Then I will piss into a bucket and let you have your share." Desiderio reached up to touch where he had been cut. "I think I will see Claudius Giovanni now. We can continue this conversation later this evening.: Desiderio wanted to get away from this madman. It was becoming clear more and more that Gabrin did not think like other men did. In fact, neither did Lothar. Was this a satanic cult?

Desiderio turned his back on Gabrin, and took a single step in the other direction, back towards where they had come from.

Not that this will probably work, but just in case. Desiderio's trying to conceal the fact he does not intend to continue this conversation, ever.
Manipulation + Subterfuge = 8
[roll0]

In case of 10s

[roll1]

[Calenestel]

Desiderio

Even as you start turning you hear the gypsy, if that is what he is, snicker, and you catch a glimps of a smirk on his face. He's not buying it. But even if that would make you worried normally, it pales with what you find as you turn to leave. The door is locked! You pull the latch and nothing happens. On top of that, all the windows within reach are too narrow to climb through. Nowhere out aside from the large, and obviously shut gate. You're trapped!
And then you hear a howl, no a chorus of howls from outside. As you turn and raise your gaze you see wolves prowling the top of the walls, eyeing you hungrily. Then you hear screeches of birds of prey, hawks and eagles, cirkling above. And after that hisses by your feet as snakes slither out of cracks in the walls and out of holes in the ground. Mammals, birds and ophidians all cirkle you and there's no sign of Gabrin.

[daelrog]

Desiderio

This is a dream. To Desiderio, dream and nightmare were one and the same. Did he poison me? Did he stab me in the back? Something was wrong though. Why was he thinking so clearly? Why could he feel the breeze on his skin?

"Are they truly demons, and this Hell?" The monk's ranting from the night before echoed in his mind. He stepped back, his back pushed against the door. He pulled a pin from his person and tried to pick at the lock, if any lock existed, not letting his eyes off the beasts that were closing in.

Assuming there is a lock to pick...
Dexterity+ Legedermain = 7
[roll0]

In case of 10s
[roll1]

With his other hand he brushed his hand against where Gabrin had cut him, looking at the red blood. Red blood. His blood was always black in his nightmares, black like his heart, black for what he had done...

His mind went to Simona, thinking about how they both thought it would be such a grand game they would play this night."Pity for us both, I think."

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir

What an odd woman Slavonir muse when Dimitra suggests her game but a refreashing change from most he smiles at Dimitra while saying "A fine idea, may i remove this" he indicates his heavy armour "Before we begin? I shall not be able to run nearly as well as you while wearing it"

[Calenestel]

Desiderio
Fumbling slightly from budding panic you produce your lockpicks and try to work the lock open, for there is a lock. But you have barely begun feeling the lock out, searching for the tumblers, when the animals fall on you. The first stinging in your calves from a snake bite quickly starts to burn from whatever venom the serpent transmitted with the bite, first two hawks swoop down, clawing for your eyes but you manage to sweep them aside, but they're replaced by an eagle and you can barely keep that one out of your eyes at all, and it manages to claw your face. And then you can hear the wolves approaching. Nipping at your legs, your hamstrings and achilles tendons. Then a great roar can be heard as well and despite it all you glance up to the top of the walls. Lions? There's LIONS climbing the walls now? You can see a male and two females prowling the battlements and roaring with what you can only guess is hunger for your flesh.

Sir Slavonir
"Oh, I'd have it no other way," lady Dimitra purrs and moves closer. "Here, let me help you..."
Not caring one whit if you object she moves expertly about helping you strip off your armour. There's some obvious... caressing added to it, though. Not the way a woman usually caresses a man though (well, mostly not...), but more like a rider patting a horse to feel it's muscles work and make sure the horse is in good condition, or a dog handler doing the same for a hunting dog before a fox hunt. When you're finally rid of the armour she smiles mischievously, maybe even wickedly, at you and gestures out over the roofs, not all of them flat. "Now... run!"

I want three Dex+Athletics checks for this. One for the running and two for times when you pass roofs that aren't flat. And then we'll see if she catches up to you easily or not. :smallamused:

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir

Feeling very uncomfortable with the way lady Dimitra pats him down Slavonir none the less feels an urge to impress her so when she says run he sprints off as fast as he can.

Running Dex (4) plus Athletics (2) plus 1 point of willpower for an automatic success [roll0]

First roof test [roll1]

Second roof test [roll2]

[daelrog]

Desiderio

Desiderio started to laugh, as he desperately tried to fend off his attackers. This must be a dream! How could it not be?! Finally the walls of sanity had collapsed all around him, and he could not tell when he slept and when he was awake.

"To hell with this Giovanni and his den of fools and mad men! To hell with all of you! To hell with me!"

He was no warrior, and he could not stave off even raptors forever let alone lions of all animals, beasts he had only heard of, though could not be mistaken for anything else by the stories.

[Calenestel]

Sir Slavonir
You sprint off across the roofs, easily but not always entirely gracefully avoiding falling. Across the pointed roofs the chase naturally goes slower, but for both parts. Howling like a wolf and laughing with joy that almost sounds to come close to extacy Dimitra chases you and while she gets close enough to cuff you over the head once and to smack your bottom once you narrowly avoids actually being captured both times. It might be from her letting you run on but she doesn't look much better off on the roofs than you. And by the end you actually manage to put some space between of you. Laughing happily, like a lady after a fast and difficult dance well performed Dimitra eventually stops waving for you to wait. "Well done, boy." She says, not even breathing hard but looking rather impressed. "Yes, very well done. I think you've earned to-"
What you've earned must obviously wait for at that time she's interrupted by a hatch opening up and a servant emerging from below. Without even a glance to say that he thought the situation strange he simply announces: "Dinner is to be served momentarily, esteemed guests. Please follow me."

With a disappointed shrug Dimitra then looks to you saying: "I guess it'll have to wait. Too bad. Well, let's head down to the 'civilized' folk. And don't you worry about your armour. I'm certain a servant has already taken care of it for you."
Nodding to the servant she heads for the hatch and nimbly jumps down. No using the ladder for that one.
The servant in turn leads you through a narrow corridor and down a flight of stairs that takes you to the indoors balcony from before and from there on you recognize the way back to the banquet hall.

As you arrive most have already seated and the others seem to be arriving about the same time as you. Some of the guests you arrived with seem to be unconcious and are seated at high backed chairs with their heads resting face down on the table. The others are mostly looking rather distraught. The other set of guests though are laughing heartily and chatting pleasantly with each other and, to some degree, sometimes with the newer guests. Dimitra leads you to a pair of empty chairs and motions you to take the left while she sits down herself on the right one.

Desiderio
There really is no escape. Pondering whatever regrets you have for your life you see the lions jump down onto the courtyard and the wolves spring at you, dragging you to the ground. A particularly large wolf lunges for your throat and everything goes black and cold. Black as death.
Until you wake up, face down on the table in the dining hall. Gabrin sits smirking on your right hand side.

Dr. Bernardo
Ages pass. Eons. Eternities. And finally the everything seem to still. It's no consolation. It has done so before only for the horrors to return ten fold. But slowly, painfully slow, you start to realize that your senses are returning normal, until you finally awaken, face down on the dining table of the banquet hall. Theophana sits at your right, studying you intently, and strangely innocently. Like a small girl studying a bird on the windowsill

All
As you look about you see that all the guests have gathered for that promised dinner. There's no food to be seen but there's dark, high backed wooden chairs around the table now, in which you are seated with one of the other group of guests at each side so that the two parties of visitors are seated on every other chair. At the head of the table the peasant girl sits alone, the chair of your host still vacant. She looks queasy but collected.
The strawberry blonde, bearded mercenary sits next to Marchettus the Bold, the redbearded giant in leather armour (himself looking most like a mercenary), and laughing happily while he toasts the man. He seems to be one of the few in good spirits though.
The fat monk sits next to Lord Casmir, the old man in the silvertrimmed robes in black, he's white in his face and shaking, as is the Margrave pair sitting next to Sire Wencelas and Lady Jadviga. But the young wife seems to be the worst off of the two, shaking like an aspen leave in comparison to her older husband who merely looks dogged, his jaw set, except for his eyes who are looking rather wild. Especially as he glances at Jadviga at his side.
The other mercenary, the small greek has a look of mixed smugness and worry about him, glancing often to the turk at his side as if unsure about something, while the scholar woman in your party, Jeanne, sits by Lord Leopold the "prosperous merchant", as pale as lady Margrave but a bit more collected with her hands resting in her lap. Sir Andor, sitting by the leprous matron Violetta and sir Antonio, by the monk brother Mieczyslav's side both look haggard and downright fearful of their respective company. And Simona, finally, is looking horrified. Downright horrified. On top of that she's covered in dirt. The more perceptive of you, and seated reasonably close, will notice a few specks of blood on her face, but no wound. Not where you can see them at any rate.

As Bernardo and Desiderio come to lord Claudius finally arrive, to the applause of the other party of guests and to a small fanfare played by the musicians. Looking rather pleased with himself the nobleman walks towards his own chair.

[Ichneumon]

Everyone

Bernardo woke up, his heart bouncing in his throat, sweat dripping from his forehead. He was familiar with the phenomenon of 'night terrors', medically called “pavor nocturnus” or dread of the night. He had experienced those a lot during his childhood and in his early adulthood. Always he’d wake up in the middle of the night, dreaded in fear and sweating heavily, having dreams of ghosts and demons sitting on top of his chest, making breathing difficult and paralyzing him, shadows looking at him with big red eyes, just gazing at him from the other side of the room, gnawing at his soul. He still suffered from these nightmares on occasions, and his grandmother had always told him long ago that it were fairies, wraiths or vampires visiting him those nights, but he'd quickly dismissed it as just folklore. These things were illusions, dreams, nothing more, although it didn't make the dreams less scary. This time though, the dread had been much, much worse than anything he'd every experienced before and it all had seemed so real and different. The most unnerving thing though, was that couldn't understand how he'd fallen asleep.

He remembered talking to Lady Theophana and then suddenly... darkness. Had he fainted? Maybe, it had been such a strange few days, he could understand it had been too much for him. In his mind though, he was divided: a part of him wanted to get back to the way things were, a simple life as a country doctor, nothing too difficult or out of the ordinary, all just simple down to earth business. Yet, another part of him enjoyed the thrill of these unusual events.

"This is all just insane. That's what it is. How long have I been asleep? Did Theophana carry me to my seat? I wish I was home.", he thought.

He looked at Theophana, confused and hoping she'd explain. The thought that she'd been behind all this, had come up in his mind, but he found it to terrifying to seriously consider it for more than just a second.

[Burnheart]

Everyone

Taking his seat next to the lady Dimitra and nodding to the good doctor Bernardo after he awakes, Slavonir looks around the table at everyone What a stragne gathering and why do some of the other seems afraid a glance at the woman seated next to him Milady Dimitra is an odd woman but not a frightening one he muses before the lord Giovanni makes his appearance and takes his place at the head of the table.

[daelrog]

Desiderio looked about, his eyes resting on Simona for only a moment longer than the others. He had seen enough. There was too much he did not understand, but it was clear that he was in a situation far beyond his control.

"I wish to live tonight Gabrin. Tell me how to make it so."

[Calenestel]

Everyone
As you look about, even talk softly in some cases, the Giovanni takes his seat. Servants, led by sir Lothar, start bringing in food, three small carts laden with suckling pigs, roast duck, haunches of beef and legs of lamb; all kinds of dishes, all sending of a mouthwatering aroma that keenly reminds you that it is getting rather long since your last meals. Gabrin looks to Desiderio and with a crooked smile he mumbles: "Oh, I think it's rather late to ask me that now... but if you want my advice? Stay silent and still no matter what."
Lady Dimitra in turn looks to sir Slavonir and after a brief moment of hesitation, where she glances about she too councels caution in a low voice. "A word of warning. Stay silent. Don't do anything rash. And maybe I can get you out of this. Maybe." Obviously not wanting to say anything more she then turns away, looking to your host.
Lady Theophana only glances thoughtfully at doctor Bernardo, saying nothing.

At that moment the stern lady Jadviga stands, raising her goblet and saying: "A toast! A toast to the brilliant one who brought us together for such a delightful evening! A toast to the leader who knew how to add flavour to our dining! A toast to the one clever enough to attack his own kin for our benefit! To Claudius Giovanni, and to the destruction of Japheth, son of Cappadocius!"
A great cheer rises from the other group of guests calling for a speech while most of your own party only looks around in confusing, not recognising the name of the victim of this apparent conspiracy.

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir

Going very quiet and still Slavonir thinks to himself Just what is this vipers nest i find myself in? a cold feeling of dread forms within him as he follows Lady Dimitra's advice, just waiting for this to be over.

[daelrog]

Desiderio allowed himself a cheap smile. He was right about one thing, it was a war. However, he had a feeling he had little to play. Whether Gabrin was being truthful, or just trying to silence him, it mattered little at this point. It was sound advice either way.

He looked around at the different hosts, trying to find anything that seemed of value to them. He doubted he would have a chance, but opportunities could always present themselves.

If Simona looked his way at all, he would put his finger to his lips, and pass Gabrin's advice along to her.

Perception (2) + Investigation (2) = 4
Desiderio is going to observe the hosts, try to pick out anything of value, just as he did with Lothar at the inn. He pays particular attention to Gabrin, Claudius, and Lady Amisa.

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo said nothing. Staying quiet, trying to make it look like nothing special had happened. Meanwhile though, his eyes were fixed on Lady Theophana. Who was she? He wanted to be alone with her again, he wanted answers and he wanted them now. Although he'd dismissed the thought of her being being all of this before, now his anger and frustration were all focused on her.

Although he tried to hide it, the angry determination in his eyes was clear to anyone who'd pay attention to him. He didn't like being used, manipulated, and whoever Lady Theophana was, she had some explaining to do.

Lady Jadviga's words trouble him. "Cappadocius? Who was that? Why did he deserve destruction?"

Bernardo had learned his lesson though. He wasn't going to intervene until he knew exactly what was going on.

[Calenestel]

Claudius Giovanni rises and motions for silence. The festive crowd takes its time in quieting, but soon the roar subsides.
"Welcome, welcome, my true friends," he begins. "Another year has passed and the Conspiracy of Isaac now stands on the threshold of victory. Your unflagging devotion to our cause has brought us to the brink of seizing Cappadocian power and wealth! I am in awe. Tonight I intend to reward that fidelity. Which brings us to our guests."
He gestures toward each of you and the others in your group. "Welcome, you who are new to our ranks. Let us talk about sustenance. Let us talk about the draught of life that sustains us.
"The smell of fine food entices and excites the palate, and makes the consumption all the more gratifying. Can you smell it? Does not the growing anticipation make the meal more and more desireable? This is the difference between the boorish peasant who devours his barley like a beast and the refined palate requiring cultivated sustenance. Anticipation. The circumstances of the meal are as important as the food itself. Consumption is a holy act, and each drop should be memorable.
"Only the finest food should be selected. The food should be tenderized. Prepared. The eater must have a relationship with his meal. Then, when you bit a shred of flesh from your food, it's worth the blood you shed. Wouldn't our guests agree?"

Lord Claudius looks pointedly to each of the group of the newer guests, letting them answer if they want before looking to the next. There is a mix of mumbled, almost sycophantic, assent, stunned silence, stuttered exclamations of not quite understanding and nervous laughter from those before and after you.
Then Lothar looks to the kitchen and Lothar ushers in two servants dragging a large, bleating sheep to the table by a silken leash.
"He has spirit," lord Giovanni notes. "How unlike his breed. Well, my new guests. Here is your dinner."

Taking a large axe from a servant, Giovanni holds it out to you all asking: "Who among you shall have the honour of the kill?"
The german mercenary stirs, but a look from his greek friend silences him. Noone else among your group seem interested in doing the deed.

[Ichneumon]

Bernardo tried to make eye-contact with Slavonir. He wanted to know how he was doing, if he understood anything of this.*

When the sheep arrived, Bernardo almost lost it in nervous laughter. The Bible clearly tells men is master over all animals and Aristotle argued convincingly that the function of animals was to be raised, protected and eventually slaughtered by men. But there was something strangely savage about doing it like this, in the open, at a feast, as if the slaughter, the killing of an animal wasn't just an unpleasent necessity, but something great in and of itself, to celebrate and do in the open. He didn't step forward. He didn't know what to make of it. Was it really a kind of honour? He felt confused and intimidated by Giovanni. His behaviour and attitude towards death and bloodshed were quite unusual and unsettling.

[daelrog]

"A knife." Desiderio's voice cut through the silence. "You are indeed correct Lord Giovanni, too many of us eat our meals forgetting the death it took. I'll kill your sheep if it suits you, my Lord, but I have no talent with an axe. I'm afraid I'd miss it entirely and hit one of our gracious hosts instead. I think I would be better suited with a knife." He laughed at this, even if no one else did. "Perhaps the good Sir Lothar's dagger? I think it is sharp enough to do the deed."

If Giovanni was mad, he would play along. Best kill the already damned sheep and earn this man's favor then sit here and wait the noose to tighten around his neck.

[Burnheart]

Sir Slavonir

Slavonir continues to sit silently, dread creeping up his spine as he tries not to draw the attention of the mad lord who now holds Slavonirs life in his hands. As Desiderio speaks Slavonir thinks Fool you may well have doom yourself with those words