Earlier: Sorrin woke from under the bed of his room and took a few bags of blood to feed his hunger, taking the news that they had work as well as anyone without their coffee does. He does make an effort to groom himself and dress in his imperial attire however, as they are headed for vampire society.
Entering the Prince's estate, Sorrin kept his mouth shut, making sure to follow the etiquette applied to their society. Sitting comfortable in his seat, Sorrin placed his hands together and listened intently to what the Prince spoke of. At first he felt a sense of connection to their similar pasts, but that quickly faded at the time gap was made clear, and his attention came on to the mission and what it pertained. Sorrin pondered to think what the devil would even look like when Victor spoke up. He chose to remain silent for the time being, waiting to see what occurred from his words.
"I have one question. Are these factions going to offer their assistance to us once we tell them about the Angellis Ater and the danger their ritual poses or will they require convincing?"
"It depends on the faction, to be honest. There are some who oppose the Angellis Ater. They will not require convincing and will offer assistance." Prince Williams explains. "You will be strangers in a strange land - I am certain that once you arrive in Sevilla you will be detected as Kindred, and approached by them both - each one wondering your intentions. The ones who oppose Angellis Ater will definitely be curious about you and offer their services given the circumstances. You must be on guard as far as the factions opposed. I can assure you it is possible that getting help from one faction will earn the ire of another one."
"Thank you for this information. I have no further questions for you at this time." Victor backs up and allows the rest his companions to ask the Prince a question.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Alana listens intently to the Prince, sitting comfortably but elegantly in her seat, legs crossed slightly. Once he has finished speaking she nods in understanding and looks to the rest of the group for any other questions.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
"I have no doubt."Prince Williams nodded. "The legends tell stories of your kind. Could they perhaps be true? Mighty warriors from another place - soldiers bound by honor, and duty? How magnificent to have been part of that time."
"A time long past, my Preence."Misha looked away briefly with her eyes, then back at him. For a moment, Misha could have sworn one of the statues moved.
"So you say."The Prince replied. "I shall pay for your tickets and lodging in Sevilla. Only the best for my Cerberus."
Misha stood and genuflected. "You are most generous, Preence." She looked to the others when she stood to make sure no one else had any other questions.
Sorrin politely inquired, "If I may my Prince, might we know more about Sultan Gerushah bint Yoav, so that we may better navigate the politics of her court? Would she have had the honor of meeting your sire in the past?"
With a glance, a large HD TV off to the side displays a picture caught of a middle aged woman of regal bearing. From what you can make out, she has no great beauty, but her features are striking and you can literally feel the sheer force of her personality just by looking at the image. She is dressed in rich black silks and jewels - but not ones you would find in the States. The picture is very fuzzy, as if someone was running extremely fast while taking her picture - but she is the only one exhibiting this visual distortion. Her clothes are black, her hair is black, and she leaves a thick mist of deep shadow trailing behind her.
"Gerushah bint Yoav is a Lasombra. This is the best image we have of her. She is the Childe of the Guide - my personal friend. The Guide believes she might be up to something sinister with the theft of the Chalice and the coming eclipse. This, however, is speculation and we are not convinced she is responsible. Why? Because Gerushah is not a member of the Angellis Ater, but the Ashirra - a faction of Islamic kindred who believe that Muhammad promised redemption for Cainites who are true followers of Allah. Their members are mostly Lasombra. Their main objective is to spread their faith and destroy the enemies of Islam - to drive back the Christian invaders and retake the lands that have been conquered. They are not Satan worshipers."
Victor was silent as he took in all of this information. To be honest, Victor was never much of a religious man in life but he loves to pray if you know what I'm saying and from what he knew of the American Kindred, they weren't the religious type either. He didn't know about the religious practices of Kindred outside of the states, but no one ever said that Victor was one to focus on the larger vampire world.
And at that, Victor's mind turned towards packing, since they were going to be traveling to Spain.
"So, let's see."Misha pondered as they packed their bags. "Here we are going to Spain. We have one faction of Lasombra Vampires called the Angellis Ater who hef stolen an eemportant religious artifact thet they are going to use for some reetual during the upcoming solar eclipse. The Angellis Ater are satan worshippers. Ok. Then, we have Sultan Gerushah, Preence of Sevilla, who herself ees not an Angellis Ater, she is part of faction called Ashirra - a religious sect of Islamic vampires who worship Muhammad. I wonder eef she will be opposed or against us. Either way, we must introduce ourselves to her once we arrive. Or perheps..rules of Traditions do not apply?"
"As would I."Misha nodded to Veector. "Not only because I firmly believe in laws, but that we are strangers in a strange land. I hef never heard of thees Lasombra factions before. We will be performing a covert operation on their land to retrieve the Chalice. Who knows how they weel respond to our acteeveety. One theeng ees certain, this..Ordonio..ees our primary target. We weel hef to find heem as soon as possible."
"Indeed. But first we have to get to Spain. The Prince was kind enough to get a plane for us, although I do hope that the in-flight entertainment is good."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Alana calmly packs her things, choosing the ideal clothing to help herself blend in easier when they arrive at Spain. "No point completely standing out. It will only make investigating harder. I agree we should introduce ourselves to the ruler. I assume they'll sense our presence when we arrive regardless. It's easier to play nice and not draw TOO much attention to ourselves immediately. As for the plane, I'm sure the prince took our tastes into account. Regardless, we will not be staying on it for TOO long. I'm sure we can entertain ourselves. Now... Do any of you happen to speak spanish?" She looks at the others curiously.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Alessandra’s bags were already packed and ready by the time she returned to the mansion, courtesy of Harold of course. They both would help if requested, otherwise she would be looking through her phone at what there was to do in Spain. She idly listened to the conversation, only piping in when Alana asked if anyone knew Spanish. “I’ve dabbled into learning it, but I’m not fluent by any means. However, the most important word you need to understand is ‘puta’. That’s when you punch them in the gut.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Iberia First Class was a fancy trip - about a 9 hour flight. The seats reclined, meals were served, entertainment was plentiful, and drinks were had - thankfully we all arrived before dawn. Our first impress of Spain upon walking through customs and leaving the airport was that this was definitely a Muslin country. If there was any evidence of Spanish occupation, it was rapidly fading away. Islamic writing was prominent. We could already feel eyes on us as we made our way to our hotel - The Hotel Alfonso XIII on Calle San Fernando. It was indeed very fancy. Accomodations were all paid for, so we were able to rent any combination of rooms we wanted - with whatever pleasurables we desired. Luckily, no one asked questions.
We were quickly identified and approached. Auspex was indeed a powerful discipline, used by many Princes to identify our kind and discern intentions. Gerushah, the Sultan of Sevilla, has a lavish, richly appointed villa haven hidden in the heart of the city's Muslin quarter. Guarded by mortal retainers, it was indeed quiet secure. It was a massively large open home - it was as if we were transported to the Middle East in another place and time. All of the staff and vampires we encountered as we were led to the Sultan was dressed in black and watched us with curiosity, with interest. We were definitely been studied and observed. What was curious is that as we entered the more private, open areas of the villa, no one cast shadows..including us. We were led further down into the sub levels of the villa where it became darker and darker. Soon, it reached a point where we could barely see, but we knew we were in the private office of someone very powerful.
"<Welcome to Spain, kindred of the western world.>" Gerushah proclaimed from the darkness. She was indeed similar in appearance to the photo Prince Williams displayed. "<I appreciate the opportunity to meet you, and I am glad you took the time to properly introduce yourself while in my domain. Are you staying long? Vacation? Or perhaps..for another reason?>"
Victor had dressed in one of the formal suits that Alana had gifted him for Christmas. Might as well put your best foot forward when meeting the Sultan. His eyes squinted, trying to find her in this vast darkness.
"Thank you for welcoming the five of us to your domain. Our Prince, Edward Williams, sent us here on a mission, you might know of him, he was friends with your sire. We've been told that a Kindred named Ordonio stole a relic called the Valencian Chalice so that a cult named the Angellis Ater could use it to summon a demon during the eclipse. We've come to help put a stop to this."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Earlier: Sorrin woke from under the bed of his room and took a few bags of blood to feed his hunger, taking the news that they had work as well as anyone without their coffee does. He does make an effort to groom himself and dress in his imperial attire however, as they are headed for vampire society.
Entering the Prince's estate, Sorrin kept his mouth shut, making sure to follow the etiquette applied to their society. Sitting comfortable in his seat, Sorrin placed his hands together and listened intently to what the Prince spoke of. At first he felt a sense of connection to their similar pasts, but that quickly faded at the time gap was made clear, and his attention came on to the mission and what it pertained. Sorrin pondered to think what the devil would even look like when Victor spoke up. He chose to remain silent for the time being, waiting to see what occurred from his words.
"I have one question. Are these factions going to offer their assistance to us once we tell them about the Angellis Ater and the danger their ritual poses or will they require convincing?"
"It depends on the faction, to be honest. There are some who oppose the Angellis Ater. They will not require convincing and will offer assistance." Prince Williams explains. "You will be strangers in a strange land - I am certain that once you arrive in Sevilla you will be detected as Kindred, and approached by them both - each one wondering your intentions. The ones who oppose Angellis Ater will definitely be curious about you and offer their services given the circumstances. You must be on guard as far as the factions opposed. I can assure you it is possible that getting help from one faction will earn the ire of another one."
"Thank you for this information. I have no further questions for you at this time." Victor backs up and allows the rest his companions to ask the Prince a question.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Alana listens intently to the Prince, sitting comfortably but elegantly in her seat, legs crossed slightly. Once he has finished speaking she nods in understanding and looks to the rest of the group for any other questions.
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Willow Twilight|Swiftstride Shifter|Blood Hunter|Ebberon|Retired
Meephylia Polliwog|Grung|Dragon Sorcerer|Descent To Avernus|Retired
Ashryn Rairs|Changeling|Hexblade Warlock|Out Of The Abyss|Dead
"We weel do as you request, Prince." Misha stated.
"I have no doubt." Prince Williams nodded. "The legends tell stories of your kind. Could they perhaps be true? Mighty warriors from another place - soldiers bound by honor, and duty? How magnificent to have been part of that time."
"A time long past, my Preence." Misha looked away briefly with her eyes, then back at him. For a moment, Misha could have sworn one of the statues moved.
"So you say." The Prince replied. "I shall pay for your tickets and lodging in Sevilla. Only the best for my Cerberus."
Misha stood and genuflected. "You are most generous, Preence." She looked to the others when she stood to make sure no one else had any other questions.
Sorrin politely inquired, "If I may my Prince, might we know more about Sultan Gerushah bint Yoav, so that we may better navigate the politics of her court? Would she have had the honor of meeting your sire in the past?"
With a glance, a large HD TV off to the side displays a picture caught of a middle aged woman of regal bearing. From what you can make out, she has no great beauty, but her features are striking and you can literally feel the sheer force of her personality just by looking at the image. She is dressed in rich black silks and jewels - but not ones you would find in the States. The picture is very fuzzy, as if someone was running extremely fast while taking her picture - but she is the only one exhibiting this visual distortion. Her clothes are black, her hair is black, and she leaves a thick mist of deep shadow trailing behind her.
"Gerushah bint Yoav is a Lasombra. This is the best image we have of her. She is the Childe of the Guide - my personal friend. The Guide believes she might be up to something sinister with the theft of the Chalice and the coming eclipse. This, however, is speculation and we are not convinced she is responsible. Why? Because Gerushah is not a member of the Angellis Ater, but the Ashirra - a faction of Islamic kindred who believe that Muhammad promised redemption for Cainites who are true followers of Allah. Their members are mostly Lasombra. Their main objective is to spread their faith and destroy the enemies of Islam - to drive back the Christian invaders and retake the lands that have been conquered. They are not Satan worshipers."
Victor was silent as he took in all of this information. To be honest, Victor was never much of a religious man in life
but he loves to pray if you know what I'm sayingand from what he knew of the American Kindred, they weren't the religious type either. He didn't know about the religious practices of Kindred outside of the states, but no one ever said that Victor was one to focus on the larger vampire world.And at that, Victor's mind turned towards packing, since they were going to be traveling to Spain.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
"So, let's see." Misha pondered as they packed their bags. "Here we are going to Spain. We have one faction of Lasombra Vampires called the Angellis Ater who hef stolen an eemportant religious artifact thet they are going to use for some reetual during the upcoming solar eclipse. The Angellis Ater are satan worshippers. Ok. Then, we have Sultan Gerushah, Preence of Sevilla, who herself ees not an Angellis Ater, she is part of faction called Ashirra - a religious sect of Islamic vampires who worship Muhammad. I wonder eef she will be opposed or against us. Either way, we must introduce ourselves to her once we arrive. Or perheps..rules of Traditions do not apply?"
"Personally, I would err on the safe side and introduce ourselves, since we're going to be on a new continent. Might as well play nice."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
"As would I." Misha nodded to Veector. "Not only because I firmly believe in laws, but that we are strangers in a strange land. I hef never heard of thees Lasombra factions before. We will be performing a covert operation on their land to retrieve the Chalice. Who knows how they weel respond to our acteeveety. One theeng ees certain, this..Ordonio..ees our primary target. We weel hef to find heem as soon as possible."
"Indeed. But first we have to get to Spain. The Prince was kind enough to get a plane for us, although I do hope that the in-flight entertainment is good."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Alana calmly packs her things, choosing the ideal clothing to help herself blend in easier when they arrive at Spain. "No point completely standing out. It will only make investigating harder. I agree we should introduce ourselves to the ruler. I assume they'll sense our presence when we arrive regardless. It's easier to play nice and not draw TOO much attention to ourselves immediately. As for the plane, I'm sure the prince took our tastes into account. Regardless, we will not be staying on it for TOO long. I'm sure we can entertain ourselves. Now... Do any of you happen to speak spanish?" She looks at the others curiously.
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Willow Twilight|Swiftstride Shifter|Blood Hunter|Ebberon|Retired
Meephylia Polliwog|Grung|Dragon Sorcerer|Descent To Avernus|Retired
Ashryn Rairs|Changeling|Hexblade Warlock|Out Of The Abyss|Dead
"I can speak Spanish well enough."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
(A great question, but for purposes of game simplicity, we will just say that everyone we interact with in Islamic Spain speaks English.)
Alessandra’s bags were already packed and ready by the time she returned to the mansion, courtesy of Harold of course. They both would help if requested, otherwise she would be looking through her phone at what there was to do in Spain. She idly listened to the conversation, only piping in when Alana asked if anyone knew Spanish. “I’ve dabbled into learning it, but I’m not fluent by any means. However, the most important word you need to understand is ‘puta’. That’s when you punch them in the gut.”
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Victor chuckles at Alessandra's answer. "Well that is important. Don't let anyone use the language barrier as an excuse to insult you."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
INTERLUDE
THE PLANE RIDE
ARRIVAL
Iberia First Class was a fancy trip - about a 9 hour flight. The seats reclined, meals were served, entertainment was plentiful, and drinks were had - thankfully we all arrived before dawn. Our first impress of Spain upon walking through customs and leaving the airport was that this was definitely a Muslin country. If there was any evidence of Spanish occupation, it was rapidly fading away. Islamic writing was prominent. We could already feel eyes on us as we made our way to our hotel - The Hotel Alfonso XIII on Calle San Fernando. It was indeed very fancy. Accomodations were all paid for, so we were able to rent any combination of rooms we wanted - with whatever pleasurables we desired. Luckily, no one asked questions.
We went to our rooms and discussed our plans.
SCENE ONE
GERUSHAH, SULTAN OF SEVILLA
We were quickly identified and approached. Auspex was indeed a powerful discipline, used by many Princes to identify our kind and discern intentions. Gerushah, the Sultan of Sevilla, has a lavish, richly appointed villa haven hidden in the heart of the city's Muslin quarter. Guarded by mortal retainers, it was indeed quiet secure. It was a massively large open home - it was as if we were transported to the Middle East in another place and time. All of the staff and vampires we encountered as we were led to the Sultan was dressed in black and watched us with curiosity, with interest. We were definitely been studied and observed. What was curious is that as we entered the more private, open areas of the villa, no one cast shadows..including us. We were led further down into the sub levels of the villa where it became darker and darker. Soon, it reached a point where we could barely see, but we knew we were in the private office of someone very powerful.
"<Welcome to Spain, kindred of the western world.>" Gerushah proclaimed from the darkness. She was indeed similar in appearance to the photo Prince Williams displayed. "<I appreciate the opportunity to meet you, and I am glad you took the time to properly introduce yourself while in my domain. Are you staying long? Vacation? Or perhaps..for another reason?>"
Victor had dressed in one of the formal suits that Alana had gifted him for Christmas. Might as well put your best foot forward when meeting the Sultan. His eyes squinted, trying to find her in this vast darkness.
"Thank you for welcoming the five of us to your domain. Our Prince, Edward Williams, sent us here on a mission, you might know of him, he was friends with your sire. We've been told that a Kindred named Ordonio stole a relic called the Valencian Chalice so that a cult named the Angellis Ater could use it to summon a demon during the eclipse. We've come to help put a stop to this."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More