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Under The Black Cross VI
Ashes of Outremer III
Master Washid, Toreador Scribe and Herald to Prince Etienne, had told them of the Midnight Tournament the day before, and the Company had all accepted the invitation, Brother Anthony and Gregoire to to spectate, and Maelduin, Volund, and Baradeus to participate.
It was the end of October 1217 AD, and the lowering clouds and cold winds that blew in from the mountains mirrored the brooding moods of the Crusaders.
Food was still short for the mortals, both within Acre and the Crusading host, and there has been no word either of a fleet coming to take them to Egypt or of a march on Jerusalem.
And ill omens continue to haunt the faithful of Acre.
The Company prepared themselves for the night's coming events, Mortius and Gregoire in their finest robes and tunics, and Volund, Maelduin, and Baradeus with their best polished armour and sharpest blades.
They arrived at the large cleared desert field, it was perhaps 100 yards on a side, and near to the crumbling pillared silhouette of the old Roman ruins, though still within sight of Acre's high walls.
As the Company entered the area they saw among the many coloured tents the blue and gold arms of Von Achern, and approached to help dress him for battle, as they where there technical as part of the Barons retinue.
As they overcame the distaste of serving the proud Germanic Ventrue his over confidence became all to aparent, perhaps misplaced as two of his greatest rivals had also entered the event, Count Dieter Von Karlach and Lady Kara Vlaszy-Lupescu.
On one side of the pitch where raised and covered wood tiers, at the centre of which sat Prince Etienne on a high-backed wooden chair with Aram by his side and other Cainite guests seated around him, on the other side gathered many of the other spectators, retainers and Cainites that did not wish to be by the Prince's side, standing on the ground among the tents and contenders.
Mortius and Gregoire went up to the wooden tiers and took seats up there Adam, Ephraim, Alexia of Nicosia, Washid, and others. While Volund, Maelduin, and Baradeus prepared themselves for the events.
The Midnight Tournament began with Etienne standing and addressing the crowd, welcoming his guests, though nervous with Aram at his side.
He explained that there was to be three events, the Javelin Hurl, formal single combats, and a general melee.
Many of the Franj in attendance, including Von Achern, scoff at the lack of mounted combat, yet Etienne is still Prince and his rules hold.
First came the Javelin Hurl, and all Cainite participants, including the three contending members of the Company, entered themselves in the event.
The barriers were cleared at the far end of the torchlit pitch and in the far distance a straw-filled dummy in Arab dress could be seen illuminated by a single flickering torch, good sight was needed to even see the target properly for it was too far for even the mightiest mortal javelin-throw to reach, though some of the stronger and bolder Ghouls and Revenants had also decided to enter.
Only one of the mortals managed to hit the target, a burly Vlaszy Knight-Sargent in the service of Kara, no others came close.
The Cainite entrants, aside from the Itinerant three, where Von Achern, Von Karlach, Lady Kara, Leofry of Provence, Hakkon, Don Alfonso De Castille, and Sir Guy d'Montois.
Von Achern's throw was mighty, and indeed passed the target, though his aim was off and much to his chagrin the javelin struck the ground near the dummy.
The other Cainites failed or succeeded to various extents, the spectators cheering good shots and commiserating losers.
All had throw when Washid stepped forward on to the pitch and announced lady Kara Vlaszy-Lupescu. Lady Kara takes the javelin, and then comments to the crown that a stationary target is no challenge to a warrior. At her signal two of her Vlaszy Knights bring forth a blind folded mortal in Arab dress, they unbind him give him a shove toward the open far end of the field. He pauses crouched in both surprise and fear, before he runs with terror, realizing what was to come. Lady kara and the crowd silently watch him run, ha almost reached as far as the straw dummy when Lady Kara trots a few paces forward and hurls the spear with all her might. An instant later the fleeing Arab falls to the ground, pinned by the javelin through the heart. To the irritation of some at the affront, most of the crowd, including Mortius, breaks into applause as Kara takes a bow and leaves the field.
There was a short intermission, Volund and the others congratulated themselves on their efforts so far, as Mortius engaged in political and metaphorical conversation with Adam, Aram, and Etienne, and Gregoire talked with Maria D'Agostino down among the tents, ascertaining each others political feeling regards the city.
As Volund went to enter the tiers he was stopped by Alexia of Nicosia, the studious Tremere Adept from Magdeberg. She briefly talked to the Einhejar saying that their plans at Magdeberg had been foolish and soley of Jervais' devising, despite how she took the fall for the affair. She offered the hand of friendship of the Tremere if Volund or others of the Company would speak to Von Achern or Jurgen on her behalf, saying that they could still aid the Ventrue in their war.
Volund merely said to her that they wouldn't be listened to in any case, and continued on his way.
The second even was the Single Combats to first blood, fought with bladed weapons and using only Cain's gifts of the blood, Vampiric Disciplines and other powers being expressely forbidden. All the previous entrants competed once more, save Lady Kara. This time Dragovich also entered the fray, and was drawn to fight Volund, and Count Dieter to fight Von Achern. The rest of the contenders including Maelduin and Baradeus where likewise paired up.
Volund took the field first against Dragovich. The fight was short, shorter than many would of expected. Volund prepared to strike a mighty blow that doubtless would of knocked Dragovich off his feet, but the Basarab had more years of swordsmanship under his belt than any other in the Company, and his wits where quick. Before Volund could reach Dragovich lunged forward with a quick but strong cut, and drew Blood from Volund's bare chest.
The surprised crowd applauded and Volund conceded to his old friend, who was as surprised as anyone.
Many other bouts where fought between the attendants, some fast as lightning, others long and gruelling.
Last to fight where the Count and the Baron, rivals of the same clan, and each as prideful as the other.
Although the fight is to first blood they fight with the savagery of real battle, each fighting with such strength that sparks flew as they swung and parried. At last Von Achern strikes a mighty hit, lunging past the Count's guard and tearing through his armour. The pain from the strike sent Von Karlach into frenzy as the Count's fangs extended and he made to grapple the Baron. It come to an end quickly however as Von Achern quikly strikes another blow that completely incapacitates the Count.
To the cheers for von Achern, Count Dieter is dragged from the field, muttering of revenge.
Some time latter and after more conversation as the more attentive members of the Company moved among the guests learning the fault lines where and making themselves known, the entrants where divided randomly into two groups for the General Melee to finish the Tournament. The same rules applied, yet all those plresent, seasoned to a man by war, fought hard against each other, at last one side prevailing.
But just as inured Cainites lay moaning on the ground, and attendants moved to help their masters, a piercing scream cuts through the night.
Everyone stops.
It is Etienne, and he stared toward Acre with a look of profound Horror upon his face. It's gone...
Some deduce, and others sense, The Aura had fallen. As if it never existed.
For the first time in a thousand years, Acre was an open city...
Under The Black Cross VII
Ashes of Outremer IV
The Caintes at the Midnight Tournament rapidly begin to coalesce and disperse, the city was open.
The Company quickly convined with Von Achern and his childer and Knights in his tent. The Baron still armoured for war.
Von Achern orders them into the city to stake havens for themselves, for their actions will help stake Jurgen's claim to the city, should Etienne fall...
The fate of whatever relic was behind the Aura is a secondary goal, only to be pursued if it falls into Lupescu's hands.
With that they left, but dawn was near and they retreated to there chambers beneath the caravanisary for the day.
The next night after awakening they learned that the Kings Jhon and Andras of Jerusalem and Hungary, and Duke Leopold of Austria, have marched into Galilee on an extended raid for food and holy relics. The mood around them is one of both anxiety and activity, as the caravanisary empties.
The Company entered Acre through the Gate of Maupas, the same route the Leper Jerome took.
They pass through the thick old gates and are greeted by a city awake and bustling at night, relaxed now that most of the armies have moved on.
Torches burn in the crowded market place and the entrances to businesses , ocaisionally they spot another of their kind, moving among the towns people in search of havens.
They decide to split up in their search for likely locations, each taking a different direction through Acre.
Maelduin made for the harbour and seafront, finding there many taverns, warehouses, and moored vessels. However looking with the arts of Auspex he saw that the Halo of a madman on a pile of ropes by the water was in fact pale. A Cainite.
Maelduin approached to speak to the ragged bearded man, the fellow merely gibered at him while pointing out to a tower rising directly out of the water in the harbour. Maelduin again tried to question him, asking his name, but the madman turned and jumped into the water, swimming for the tower.
Maelduin thought for a while, before stealing a rowing boat and making for the tower himself. He came up along side the slimy wall of the tower and puled himself up through the entrance, calling out for the madman. The madman came, screaming for Maelduin to leave his home. A scuffle ensued, and Maelduin was affected by the arts of Malkav, losing all will to think or act. The madmad merely pushed him out, down into the waters to sink to the bay floor, without quite knowing why...
Gregoire and Dragovich set off to see about ghouling a matron and acquiring a whore house, when as they turned down an alley, a girl ran round the corner, blood streaking from her neck down her white dress, she looked to them with pleading in her eyes, as a fanged woman, dressed as a noblewoman turned the corner, obviously in the grip of frenzy. They recognised her as the unreleased childe of Leofry of Provence. Help me!, cried the bloodied girl. The cow is mine!, spat the Cainite, but Gregoire moved quickly, using the arts of confusion on the errant Ventrue.
Upon turning to her the girl told them That the Chevaliers at the Monastery of the Apostle where right. Monsters in the Crusade...
They learn that her name is Eloise, a lay sister in the Hospital of St John, near the Templar's Monastery of the Apostles. The Chgilde of Leofry is left to wander the city in her confused state, while the mortal nurse is also subjected to the art to riddle her memory, before they return her to near her Hospital, before moving on again to the whore house...
RUNS OUT OF TIME AND ENERGY FINISHING THE UPDATE: Will do better next time. The following is in brief.
Mortius and Maelduin, while wandering the city notice the pattern of holy shrine and churches converges at an unassuming building they later learn is the monastery of the apostles.
Gregoire ghouls the matron of the whore house.
Volund slowly gholuls a whole family before moving in with them.
Maelduin eventaly comes round and drags himself from the water.
The characters speak to every single NPC but Don Alfonso to gauge their position on Acre and Prince Ettiene at the request of Von Achern, needless to say opinion was divided. Gregoire obtained an invite for the Company from Maria D'Agostino to a "meeting" she will be hosting for like-minded Cainites in the night to come.
Having been told to keep an eye on the Vlaszy in the Accursed Tower, Volund goes in the form of a raven for advice on how to act from their true patrons. Kara tells him that she cares little for Acre, only that Von Achern be crippled, far gaining the city would do Jurgen little good in his war with Rustovich, while losing one of his most able childer and commanders would be a powerful blow. She also telly them that she has noticed unusual activity around the Monastery fo The Apostles, she suspects that it may have something to do with the relic that caused The Aura, and telly Volund that The Company should investigate without the Knowledge of Von Achern, as such knowledge may give them an edge.
Shortly after The Company gathered together and set off into the night of Acre for The Monastery of The Apostles to see what might be found if they gained entry somehow...
I've probably forgotten a couple of things so feel free to comment with them if you think of any...
Try to be on-time. Start playing at 9
Ashes of Outremer III
Master Washid, Toreador Scribe and Herald to Prince Etienne, had told them of the Midnight Tournament the day before, and the Company had all accepted the invitation, Brother Anthony and Gregoire to to spectate, and Maelduin, Volund, and Baradeus to participate.
It was the end of October 1217 AD, and the lowering clouds and cold winds that blew in from the mountains mirrored the brooding moods of the Crusaders.
Food was still short for the mortals, both within Acre and the Crusading host, and there has been no word either of a fleet coming to take them to Egypt or of a march on Jerusalem.
And ill omens continue to haunt the faithful of Acre.
The Company prepared themselves for the night's coming events, Mortius and Gregoire in their finest robes and tunics, and Volund, Maelduin, and Baradeus with their best polished armour and sharpest blades.
They arrived at the large cleared desert field, it was perhaps 100 yards on a side, and near to the crumbling pillared silhouette of the old Roman ruins, though still within sight of Acre's high walls.
As the Company entered the area they saw among the many coloured tents the blue and gold arms of Von Achern, and approached to help dress him for battle, as they where there technical as part of the Barons retinue.
As they overcame the distaste of serving the proud Germanic Ventrue his over confidence became all to aparent, perhaps misplaced as two of his greatest rivals had also entered the event, Count Dieter Von Karlach and Lady Kara Vlaszy-Lupescu.
On one side of the pitch where raised and covered wood tiers, at the centre of which sat Prince Etienne on a high-backed wooden chair with Aram by his side and other Cainite guests seated around him, on the other side gathered many of the other spectators, retainers and Cainites that did not wish to be by the Prince's side, standing on the ground among the tents and contenders.
Mortius and Gregoire went up to the wooden tiers and took seats up there Adam, Ephraim, Alexia of Nicosia, Washid, and others. While Volund, Maelduin, and Baradeus prepared themselves for the events.
The Midnight Tournament began with Etienne standing and addressing the crowd, welcoming his guests, though nervous with Aram at his side.
He explained that there was to be three events, the Javelin Hurl, formal single combats, and a general melee.
Many of the Franj in attendance, including Von Achern, scoff at the lack of mounted combat, yet Etienne is still Prince and his rules hold.
First came the Javelin Hurl, and all Cainite participants, including the three contending members of the Company, entered themselves in the event.
The barriers were cleared at the far end of the torchlit pitch and in the far distance a straw-filled dummy in Arab dress could be seen illuminated by a single flickering torch, good sight was needed to even see the target properly for it was too far for even the mightiest mortal javelin-throw to reach, though some of the stronger and bolder Ghouls and Revenants had also decided to enter.
Only one of the mortals managed to hit the target, a burly Vlaszy Knight-Sargent in the service of Kara, no others came close.
The Cainite entrants, aside from the Itinerant three, where Von Achern, Von Karlach, Lady Kara, Leofry of Provence, Hakkon, Don Alfonso De Castille, and Sir Guy d'Montois.
Von Achern's throw was mighty, and indeed passed the target, though his aim was off and much to his chagrin the javelin struck the ground near the dummy.
The other Cainites failed or succeeded to various extents, the spectators cheering good shots and commiserating losers.
All had throw when Washid stepped forward on to the pitch and announced lady Kara Vlaszy-Lupescu. Lady Kara takes the javelin, and then comments to the crown that a stationary target is no challenge to a warrior. At her signal two of her Vlaszy Knights bring forth a blind folded mortal in Arab dress, they unbind him give him a shove toward the open far end of the field. He pauses crouched in both surprise and fear, before he runs with terror, realizing what was to come. Lady kara and the crowd silently watch him run, ha almost reached as far as the straw dummy when Lady Kara trots a few paces forward and hurls the spear with all her might. An instant later the fleeing Arab falls to the ground, pinned by the javelin through the heart. To the irritation of some at the affront, most of the crowd, including Mortius, breaks into applause as Kara takes a bow and leaves the field.
There was a short intermission, Volund and the others congratulated themselves on their efforts so far, as Mortius engaged in political and metaphorical conversation with Adam, Aram, and Etienne, and Gregoire talked with Maria D'Agostino down among the tents, ascertaining each others political feeling regards the city.
As Volund went to enter the tiers he was stopped by Alexia of Nicosia, the studious Tremere Adept from Magdeberg. She briefly talked to the Einhejar saying that their plans at Magdeberg had been foolish and soley of Jervais' devising, despite how she took the fall for the affair. She offered the hand of friendship of the Tremere if Volund or others of the Company would speak to Von Achern or Jurgen on her behalf, saying that they could still aid the Ventrue in their war.
Volund merely said to her that they wouldn't be listened to in any case, and continued on his way.
The second even was the Single Combats to first blood, fought with bladed weapons and using only Cain's gifts of the blood, Vampiric Disciplines and other powers being expressely forbidden. All the previous entrants competed once more, save Lady Kara. This time Dragovich also entered the fray, and was drawn to fight Volund, and Count Dieter to fight Von Achern. The rest of the contenders including Maelduin and Baradeus where likewise paired up.
Volund took the field first against Dragovich. The fight was short, shorter than many would of expected. Volund prepared to strike a mighty blow that doubtless would of knocked Dragovich off his feet, but the Basarab had more years of swordsmanship under his belt than any other in the Company, and his wits where quick. Before Volund could reach Dragovich lunged forward with a quick but strong cut, and drew Blood from Volund's bare chest.
The surprised crowd applauded and Volund conceded to his old friend, who was as surprised as anyone.
Many other bouts where fought between the attendants, some fast as lightning, others long and gruelling.
Last to fight where the Count and the Baron, rivals of the same clan, and each as prideful as the other.
Although the fight is to first blood they fight with the savagery of real battle, each fighting with such strength that sparks flew as they swung and parried. At last Von Achern strikes a mighty hit, lunging past the Count's guard and tearing through his armour. The pain from the strike sent Von Karlach into frenzy as the Count's fangs extended and he made to grapple the Baron. It come to an end quickly however as Von Achern quikly strikes another blow that completely incapacitates the Count.
To the cheers for von Achern, Count Dieter is dragged from the field, muttering of revenge.
Some time latter and after more conversation as the more attentive members of the Company moved among the guests learning the fault lines where and making themselves known, the entrants where divided randomly into two groups for the General Melee to finish the Tournament. The same rules applied, yet all those plresent, seasoned to a man by war, fought hard against each other, at last one side prevailing.
But just as inured Cainites lay moaning on the ground, and attendants moved to help their masters, a piercing scream cuts through the night.
Everyone stops.
It is Etienne, and he stared toward Acre with a look of profound Horror upon his face. It's gone...
Some deduce, and others sense, The Aura had fallen. As if it never existed.
For the first time in a thousand years, Acre was an open city...
Under The Black Cross VII
Ashes of Outremer IV
The Caintes at the Midnight Tournament rapidly begin to coalesce and disperse, the city was open.
The Company quickly convined with Von Achern and his childer and Knights in his tent. The Baron still armoured for war.
Von Achern orders them into the city to stake havens for themselves, for their actions will help stake Jurgen's claim to the city, should Etienne fall...
The fate of whatever relic was behind the Aura is a secondary goal, only to be pursued if it falls into Lupescu's hands.
With that they left, but dawn was near and they retreated to there chambers beneath the caravanisary for the day.
The next night after awakening they learned that the Kings Jhon and Andras of Jerusalem and Hungary, and Duke Leopold of Austria, have marched into Galilee on an extended raid for food and holy relics. The mood around them is one of both anxiety and activity, as the caravanisary empties.
The Company entered Acre through the Gate of Maupas, the same route the Leper Jerome took.
They pass through the thick old gates and are greeted by a city awake and bustling at night, relaxed now that most of the armies have moved on.
Torches burn in the crowded market place and the entrances to businesses , ocaisionally they spot another of their kind, moving among the towns people in search of havens.
They decide to split up in their search for likely locations, each taking a different direction through Acre.
Maelduin made for the harbour and seafront, finding there many taverns, warehouses, and moored vessels. However looking with the arts of Auspex he saw that the Halo of a madman on a pile of ropes by the water was in fact pale. A Cainite.
Maelduin approached to speak to the ragged bearded man, the fellow merely gibered at him while pointing out to a tower rising directly out of the water in the harbour. Maelduin again tried to question him, asking his name, but the madman turned and jumped into the water, swimming for the tower.
Maelduin thought for a while, before stealing a rowing boat and making for the tower himself. He came up along side the slimy wall of the tower and puled himself up through the entrance, calling out for the madman. The madman came, screaming for Maelduin to leave his home. A scuffle ensued, and Maelduin was affected by the arts of Malkav, losing all will to think or act. The madmad merely pushed him out, down into the waters to sink to the bay floor, without quite knowing why...
Gregoire and Dragovich set off to see about ghouling a matron and acquiring a whore house, when as they turned down an alley, a girl ran round the corner, blood streaking from her neck down her white dress, she looked to them with pleading in her eyes, as a fanged woman, dressed as a noblewoman turned the corner, obviously in the grip of frenzy. They recognised her as the unreleased childe of Leofry of Provence. Help me!, cried the bloodied girl. The cow is mine!, spat the Cainite, but Gregoire moved quickly, using the arts of confusion on the errant Ventrue.
Upon turning to her the girl told them That the Chevaliers at the Monastery of the Apostle where right. Monsters in the Crusade...
They learn that her name is Eloise, a lay sister in the Hospital of St John, near the Templar's Monastery of the Apostles. The Chgilde of Leofry is left to wander the city in her confused state, while the mortal nurse is also subjected to the art to riddle her memory, before they return her to near her Hospital, before moving on again to the whore house...
RUNS OUT OF TIME AND ENERGY FINISHING THE UPDATE: Will do better next time. The following is in brief.
Mortius and Maelduin, while wandering the city notice the pattern of holy shrine and churches converges at an unassuming building they later learn is the monastery of the apostles.
Gregoire ghouls the matron of the whore house.
Volund slowly gholuls a whole family before moving in with them.
Maelduin eventaly comes round and drags himself from the water.
The characters speak to every single NPC but Don Alfonso to gauge their position on Acre and Prince Ettiene at the request of Von Achern, needless to say opinion was divided. Gregoire obtained an invite for the Company from Maria D'Agostino to a "meeting" she will be hosting for like-minded Cainites in the night to come.
Having been told to keep an eye on the Vlaszy in the Accursed Tower, Volund goes in the form of a raven for advice on how to act from their true patrons. Kara tells him that she cares little for Acre, only that Von Achern be crippled, far gaining the city would do Jurgen little good in his war with Rustovich, while losing one of his most able childer and commanders would be a powerful blow. She also telly them that she has noticed unusual activity around the Monastery fo The Apostles, she suspects that it may have something to do with the relic that caused The Aura, and telly Volund that The Company should investigate without the Knowledge of Von Achern, as such knowledge may give them an edge.
Shortly after The Company gathered together and set off into the night of Acre for The Monastery of The Apostles to see what might be found if they gained entry somehow...
I've probably forgotten a couple of things so feel free to comment with them if you think of any...
Try to be on-time. Start playing at 9
