Dark_RP

Under The Black Cross I
Shadows At Court I




And so the vampires of the Itinerant Company took to exploring the Voivode Among Voivode's castle.
Volund and Dragovich wandered off down the torch lit stone corridors, passing chambers and halls from which numerous sounds of men both taking their ease and those conducting the buisness of the castle emanated. At last they came upon a small hall where there was a company of off duty Vlaszy knights drinking ale from tankards and talking among themselves around a table. After they had introduced themselves, the Vlaszy being pleased to welcome both a guest of their Lord and one of the esteemed Basarab, they sat themselves down and spent the night amongst them, Volund even recounting the tale of the siege of Toth, and how he had fought against other Vlaszy Knights who served Voivode Koban. Far from reacting with anger the Vlaszy present were pleased to hear a tale of the cousins unflinching bravery and loyalty to their lord.
Brother Mortius and Gregoire likewise wandered through the halls and corridors of Castle Rustovich, in the end though they to found a small hall in the bowels of the keep in which sat three Boyars loyal to rustovich. In the darkened ember-lit chamber Gregoire sat himself down and introduced himself, as he was a guest of Rustovich the Boyars welcomed him and poured him a still-warm goblet of Vitae. Mortius however stayed hovering in the darkness of the doorway, listening, while Gregoire whiled away the hours talking with the Tzimisce.
Maelduin wandered for a time, but soon retired to the chamber set aside for him and lay down to rest.
The next day the Company awoke and spent the early half of the evening taking their ease and talking among themselves before one of Rustovich's mortal seneschals came to summon them for the blood-feast that was to be held for a few select guests in the Great Hall.
The Cainites of the Itinerant Company put on the finest garments that they owned and made themselves ready before descending to sit with the Viovode Among Voivodes and his guests.
The Great hall was more brightly lit than when last they entered it, the huge hearth at the far end heaped with glowing embers and burning torches set high in the walls. Vladimir Rustovich sat upon his seat of bone and metal, appearing much as they had seen him before, though with perhaps more polish, and around the oaken table sat many Cainites and Revenants finely adorned in the dress of the period and region.
At Rustovich's right hand sat his favoured childe, Lady Kara Vlaszy-Lupescu, Raven-haired and beautiful, as proud in bearing as her sire and clad in black court finery, though with a well-used sword hanging by her side.
The Boyar Bodor Toth, tall and stoic, and clad in his great black bear skin cloak and long moustachios.
Basilio The Elder, Lasombra Prince of Venice, who was robed and adorned in much the same red and gold finery that they had seen him in the previous night.
Arianne of Clan Toreador, beautiful and dressed in a mixture of lighter pastel colours and blood-red, with her long blond hair intricately piled upon her head.
High Priest Adrojai, a childe of Malkav from the northern pagan Kingdom of Lithuania, another land beset by the Teutonic Knights under Lord Jurgen's thrall. He was a tall and slender fellow dressed in strange finery and headgear of green and brown.
Mitru The Hunter of the Clan of Gangrel, who claimed Cluj Napoca and the surrounding forests as his domain. His features were twisted by past frenzys into a wolfish mask and his long brown hair came to past his waist, he was dressed worn clothing of leather and heavy fabrics of earthtone colours.
Prince Radu of Bistritz, an esteemed colleague and clansmen of Rustovich, Prince Radu was tall but slight of built at first sight, he was dressed similarly to the other Boyars, though with more of an understated elegance and perhaps slightly more western styles.
As well as the Cainites sat prominent representatives of the various Revenant families. The bestial Bratovich, the elegant Grimaldi, the seductive Szantovich, the Knightly Vlaszy, the richly adorned though strangely wolf-like Danislav, and Dragovich's kin, the noble Basarab. Indeed only three of the Revenant Houses were not represented, the Byzantine Obertus, the mistrusted Krevcheski, and the mysterious Khavi.
Rustovich introduced the Company to all present and vice versa, beginning with his childe, Lady Kara Vlaszy-Lupescu, whom he said they would meet again, and that they should show no more surprise than necessary when they do...
Bodor Toth greeted the Company as friends, and all sat down to feast. A banquet was laid out for the mortal Revenants, and goblets of vitae were set down for the Cainitres while comely Szantovich ladies moved between them providing a wrist or a throat for those with fresher tastes.
Much conversation was had and questions asked as the hours passed, and Rustovich once again explained what he wished from them at Magdeberg.
For them to attend as guests of Jurgen's Grand Court, and as emissarys of Prince Basilio of Sophia, bearing with them tidings of Basilio's friendship for Jurgen. Once there they are to observe events and the factions at Jurgen's court, as it is believed that Jurgen will make some sort of announcement at the gathering. They are also to ingratiate themselves to Jurgen in any way that may present itself, all the better to gain his trust, but they are to be subtle, as Jurgen will undoubtedly have eyes and ears among his guests.
The gathering drew to a close and many of the guests either left for home or retired to other pasts of the castle, and the Itinerant company did likewise, now bearing Jugen's invitation to Basilio, and a rudimentary knowledge of the city of Sophia, relayed to Maelduin by the Lasombra Prince.
After another comfortable day in the opulent chambers Rustovich had provided for them they awoke and packed their wagons with provisions provided by the castle for the journey that would take them north-west across the mountains and then the Kingdom of Hungary, before they passed the Borders of the holy Roman Empire and entered the Kingdom of Bohemia. They would then continue up through Bohemia till they entered the Margravate of Brandenburg and came to the fortified city of Magdeberg, built on the banks of the river Elbe, the body of water that divided German from Slav.
The journey took some two months of hard travel on largely terrible roads and through deep forest and treacherous mountain passes before they saw the tall grey stone walls of Magdeberg, and the large castle that guarded it.
They reached the city to find the walls and gates guarded by Knights of the Teutonic Order, all armoured and wearing the white tabards with black drosses of their Order. They inspected the wagons but let the Company pass through.
They enter through the heavy gates and the normally still and quiet streets of a medieval city seem, for some reason, especially thick with tension and dread. Doors are bolted tight, lights are dimmed or out, and all the shutters are closed. Almost giving the city an appearance of one that has been abandoned by its citizens. Most houses are of stone and they streets are all paved and cobbled, while above them, from the towers of the walls and the castle flew the Black Cross banners of the Teutonic Order.
After they had led their horses through the empty streets for a time a rider began to slowly approach them, raising his hand in salute as he did so.
When he approached further they could see that he was a small thin man, dressed in plain tunic and breaches and a weather beaten cloak. His skin seemed extremely pale, to the point where blue veins could almost be seen below its surface. He greeted them and introduced himself as Albin of the Catiff, servant of Lord Jurgen. He asked who they were and they produced Basilio's invitation relaying their names and that they were the emissarys of Sophia.
Albin accepted and told them to follow as he led the way to Magdeberg Castle. They did so and soon came to the impressive and newly constructed and heavily guarded fortifications. The castle was fully manned by knights of the Black Cross, but none hampered there way as Albin led them through the gates and into the courtyard where their steeds and wagons were left, along side many other fine stallions and richly adorned coaches.
Albin led them to a series of windowless sweets that would serve as their quarters in the castle. There they were allowed to wash and change before they were led down toward Lord Jurgen The Sword Bearer's Grand Hall.
A herald escorts them down and announces them to the court. A number of Cainite dignitaries are already present, talking and observing the Company with interest. Ghouls and unreleased childer attending those who dress and act as nobles and lords. The sevant that brought them takes his leave just as other heralds arrive escorting other coteries and representatives to the hall.
Although the room is dimly lit, the Grand Hall is a vast open space. The indiscernible vaulted ceiling was well over 20 feet high, disappearing into a veil of shadows. Four stone pillars demarcate the edges of the hall, and old painting and richly textured Ventrue banners adorn the walls. Against the furthest of which was an elevated throne befitting the wealthiest of sovereigns, with an intricate insignia carved into the the seat. Behind it, a gargantuan Ventrue symbol hung from the wall, subtely containing the mark of the methuselah Hardestadt. A lush ruby blanket is draped over the chair, while a series of luxurious carpets of similar hue conceal the stone floor. To the left of Jurgen's throne is a stage, and a set of crimson curtains that conceal whatever lies behind. Facing both the stage and Jurgen's seat is a regal table covered with gifts, dried floral arrangements , and scrolls. Throughout the hall stood Teutonic Knights clad in armoured mail and helms, all stood rigidly to attention. No doubt awaiting her lord, Lucretia Von Hartz stood behind and to the left of the throne, equally if not more impressive. Lady Lucretia was powerfully built though with a lithe figure, dressed in a fine and regal courtly dress of deep blue hue and with her long hair plaited down her back, though much like Lady Kara, she was girt with a sword by her side.
Lord Jurgen enters the room and a wave of restrained applause fills the chamber. Jurgen is dressed formally though not ostentatiously. The most distinguishable garment is his long crimson cloak. He is a well built man with a square cut face and short blond hair, tall, and exuding an aura of confidence and control. Following Jurgen is a woman of irreproachable beauty, Rosemund of Islington, a pale figure of pure elegance dressed as a queen and with a long train following in her wake. She stood to Jurgen's right and attendants bring out another high-baked seat for her and place it next to his own.
He raises his hands and the chamber falls silent. The Ventrue Lord makes a small speech thanking all attendees. He looks to Rosemund and thanks her for participating. Al eyes were on Rosemund and the chamber erupts into applause one again. Another Cainite possessed of a sinister beauty, one of Rosemund's male attendants, holds a velvety deep blue case and moves behind Rosemund . Jurgen and Rosemund take their seats, and a musician makes his appearance on the stage and begins to play his flute, creating a pleasant and melodious sound that filled the hall.
After more chatter and gossip among the guests, the various envoys present themselves to lord Jurgen, approaching the Patrician with words of friendship or fealty.
Several Iberian Lasombra make their presentations, and offer Lord Jurgen various historical tomes from great antiquity.
Jervais, one of the Tremere representing Ceoris, and accompanied by two other warlocks, makes their presentation and offers a gift of a sceptre of friendship. The chamber surges slightly as the Tremere makes his presentation, some envoys whispering that the treacherous Tremere are only there to try and forge a disparate alliance . Others include a member of clan Nosferatu who is wrapped like a mummy and shrouded in darkness, Myca Vykos, whom the Company already knew, emissary of the Byzantine Obertus Tzimisce, who it is whispered is the favourite of a methuselah my the name of The Dracon.
Among the other Cainites and Ventrue lords who approach the throne are a brightly clad troupe of Ravnos, lead by a Cainite name Silas, and a lone Malkavian by the name of Kalvin.
The music continues to play and everyone in the room appears to be eyeing everyone else, indeed several of the Company overhear poeple inquiring about them Who are the strangers?
Indeed in their mingling they both overhear and are told various thing by those present.
In regards to Lord Jurgen:
"He is nothing but a catspaw for Lord Hardestadt you know, though he is the most dangerous warrior the Patricians have."
In regards to Jervais and the Tremere:
"He is a diabolist like the rest of his clan, they are only here to enchant Lord Jurgen because they are desperate"
In regards to Rosemund:
"She is a childe of Queen Isouda de Blaise, one of the French Toreador of the Courts of Love, though they say she has allies among the most wretched of sorts, Charlatans and Serpents they say."
Baron Von Achern, childe of Jurgen and vampiric Crusader:
" They say Andrew of Hungary was his ghoul, and that he was Bulscu Arpad's bum-boy in his breathing days"
The Hungarian [Arpad] Ventrue:
"They had so much potential once upon a time. Jurgen thinks he's going to cow them but he'd better be careful, the Arpads are degenerates but not fools."

The Crowds attention waxes and wanes with the various presentations, for Sophia Brother Anthony made the presentation of e bejewelled golden goblet from Basilio, graciously received by Lord Jurgen. Shortly afterwards the huge double doors at the back of the Grand Hall swing open and the the crowd snaps to attention as the Tzimisce contingent strides through them. Tall and stunningly, inhumanly beautiful, Lady Kara strides toward Jurgen flanked by two vlaszy Revenant Knights in armour.
"I am Lady Kara Vlasvy-Lupescu, Childe and envoy of Vladimir Rustovich Voivode of Voivodes, daughter of Ezbeth of Vlaszy, childe of Radu.
My Lord asks that I convey his thanks for your invitation, and recognizes your domain over this city and its surrounding hinterlands."
Lord Jurgen's features betrayed nothing, his thanks nothing more than a terse nod - an obvious slight.
"The Voivode" Kara continues " does wonder though, what concern of his are the claims of a petty German warlord". Venom dripping from her words.
"If you cannot tell him," comes the voice of Baron Von Achern, the barrel chested childe of Jurgen as he stepped forward, "I must wonder what your mother taught you. After all, I have heard that the Whore of Bistritz knew all the tricks to extract secrets from our Arpad kin. Regardless I'm sure the truth will become clear soon enough..."
The attendees watch the exchange with a forced stoicism, especially Rosemund and Vykos, though some appeared to be enjoying the verbal duelling taking place. Lucretia von Hartz has her hand on the hilt of her sword, and Kara's knights do so as well. The Teutonic Knights around the chamber also apear to have moved into a state of readiness, including one group behind the Company.
Lord Jugen breaks the silence by calling for Von Achern to continue.
"Milord, as you surely know, Andras, mortal King of Hungary, is convinced that the pagan Cumans on his eastern border pose a threat to his realm. In order to defend his lands, he has called up the aid of the Order of The German Hospital of St Mary [Teutonic Knights].
For myself I bear with me letters of state from Lord Bulscu Arpad and his vassals, Lady Nova Arpad and Prince Vencel of Buda and Pest, inviting you to claim domain in the region under the auspice of the Hospita. The agree that you can and should, stand against the Fiends who infest those dark lands.
Both surprise and anger flash briefly across Kara's face.
"Those land are niether theirs to grant nor yours to claim, Patrician. The Founder made covenant with the very earth there . No letters of state or mortal catspaw can come before that."
"We shall see about that, whore's-daughter", replied Von Achern.
The Vlaszy Knights draw their sward and Kara bears terrible fangs as the insult hits home. The hall rings with steel as Lucretia and her Teutonic Knights do the same.
One of the Knights behind the company flies into action, pushing past the Company and lunging for Kara with his sword.
The childe of Rustovich turned toward him and struck him hard as he approached, the signs of frenzy barely restrained upon her face, and cracking his skull and breaking his neck with a crack as his limp body slid to Von Achern's feet from the powerfull blow.
At this Mortius also surprised them by leaping forward to strike at Lady Kara with his bare hands, but like wise he was struck with lightening speed and sent sprawling to the floor, though unharmed.
Reigning both herself and her knights in, Lady Kara storms from the chamber without another word, the crown parting for them as they left.
While the room was still reeling from the stand-off between Von Achern and Lady Kara, Rosemund of Islington rises from her seat. Throughout the ceremony she has offered nothing more than the slight curve of her lips, yet as she stood the eyes and ears of every Cainite in the room were on her, removing the need to request silence.
Her aide moves beside her, opening the precious case to reveal a shining gilded sword.
"I come to offer a great symbol of favour of the Courst of Love," she says majestically. she poetically described the the crafting of the sword. Each gem, she claimed, is among the finest of its kind, while the metals - of pristine quality - was forged by Europe's finest smiths.
Rosemund raises the shining broadsword inlaid with precious gems and covered with decorative crests.
Jurgen thanked Rosemund for her gift and then faced the guests.
"I am heartened, that so many have graced Magdeberg with their presence this night. And I greet the kind words of our Hungarian kin and our Artisan peers with equal cheer. Baron Von Achern, Lady Rosemund, you have this night given me the tools with which to right many wrongs.
I have set my court upon the River Elbe for a reason. For too long, the Eastern Marches have been held wild and untamed, ruled by a collection of depraved Lords of the Tzimisce and other forces darker still. Our clanmates and allies in Hungary and Bohemia have suffered at their hands for too long. The Fiends twisted legions have plagued every just plan to defend our domains against Saracen and Pagan, even raiding into Zara during the Crusade of 1202. It is time for this to end."
Jurge raises the sword that he has just received. "We can no longer stand idly by and wait for the next inevitable assault. With the acord of the noble Arpads my vassals undertake the construction of strongholds in Krondstadt and Transylvania. This domain shall serve as a bulwark against the aggressive Tzimisce , and I pledge myself and my sword to defending it."
For a solid minute, the assemblage remained in stunned silence. The implications of claiming domain in the Tzimisce heartland sinking in. Until several of the vampires present burst out into loud cheers and applause. Soon others, including the Company, join the chorus. Though many of the dignitaries immediately break into discussion. War had been declared, and Volund caught the scent of wolves in the air.
At lord Jurgen's command, music and dance erupt in the chamber. A group of Toreador envoys including Rosemund herself begin the dance, inviting others to join them, and many do, including Gregoire.
Lord Jurgen who has maintained a cool demeanour throughout now sits back in visible satisfaction.
While the dance is underway and Toreador envoys slowly entice others to join them, a thunderous crash spoils the scene and a gust of wind blows the stage curtains aside. The musicians stumbled backwards and on to the stone floor.
The crowd fell silent as three towering figures emerged from the crimson curtains, all dressed in furs. The central figures, a woman, stands considerably taller than the others. All three are particularly imposing, the two slightest of the savages, still immense compared to most of the attendees, possessed blatantly animalistic features, tusks, glowing eyes, and fur. The third and largest Gangrel, though ferocious in appearance, seemed collected and calm.
Reacting with lightening speed a ghoul knight leaps on to the stage brandishing his sword in a vast sweeping arc. But the intruders are faster still. Two of them move forward swiping at and savaging the knight. The brash Teuton's mangled head rolls on to the floor where the guests past in horror.
Lucretia is ready, sword in hand, yet Lord Jurgen raised his hand in restraint.
For the first time in the evening Jurgen reveals his true physical presence . The Ventrue Lord rises from his throne and commands attention without even making a sound. His presence is so powerfull that he virtually radiates authority.
"Ho dare you disrupt this ceremony ?" Asked Lord Jurgen.
The Gangrel Turn their attention to the Ventrue Lord. "Speak your mind!" He orders them.
The tallest Gangrel, the female with grey fur, growls her response.
She identifies herself as Morow, childe of Arnulf, and declares Jurgens ceremony to be a mockery.
She delared that she knows that Jurgen has sent a force of knights to Hungary, and she states that the land there is only Rusotivh's bacause he pays tribute to her. And she has no interest in revising that agreement .
She demanded that Jurgen rescind his attempts to establish his authority there. She will view anything less as a direct challenge.
After giving her warning Morroe and her Gangrel leave as they arrived, like a gust of raging wind.
Lucretia and the Teutonic Knights move to secure the keep, while Jurge and many others continue, as if nothing had happened.
Lord Jurgen then called for his entertainers just as the dance was ending, the first artist was the Makavian named Kalvin, who skilfully interprets a serries of poems, some of his own devising and containing hidden meanings.
Next come the Ravnos, acrobats and jugglers with impressive skills, flinging and passing sharp daggers to each other with impressive speed, all the mores so when the daggers seem to bust into flames as they preform, some of the watching crowd even backing away for fear that the Beast may rear its ugly head at the display.
Upon finishing they and the other performers bow before Jurgen and kiss his blade in a clearly rehearsed fashion, before bowing to the crowd.
And so the evening of the Grand Court continued, with none knowing what surprises may yet be in store for the attendant Cainites in Magdeburg Castle...







Castle Magdeberg


The Ventrue arms of Lord Jurgen The Sword Bearer