|
Post by Storyteller on Jan 16, 2022 2:41:39 GMT
On the night of 20 June 1217, a large pilgrimage of Orthodox priests sets out from Constantinople for Rome. They are to travel overland, visiting many holy sites along the way. With them, they bring three great relics from Constantinople, to place in Rome, an token of mutual esteem with the Catholic ecclesiastics, for the great emperor, Michael IV, is facilitating the reunification talks of the Church.
Along with this band, travels a sizable entourage (including a few undead), but they are to meet with a band of Teutonic Knights in Sofia, Bulgaria, for these knights are to protect them as they travel farther west.
On 7 July 1217, the Orthodox pilgrimage reaches Sofia, Bulgaria, and the Kindred with them are not only free to leave the uncomfortable presence of the relics, but are indeed obliged to present themselves to the Prince of the City, whoever that might be.
The Teutonic Knights are not here to meet the pilgrimage, and the news in the city of Sofia is that the Teutonic Knights met with an unexpected battle on their journey south. They were victorious, but they are delayed.
This gives the pilgrimage time to rest in Sofia--and the Kindred time to explore the city.
A large, sturdy stone castle, overlooks the city, and it is there that the Prince holds his Elysium.
As for where to stay in the city, that it is entirely up to the Kindred themselves, including simply hunkering down with the pilgrimage, awaiting the Teutonic Knights.
But the presentation to the Prince, that is necessary.
So on 7 July 1217, you all find yourselves at the Sofia Castle, for so the Prince has named it. It is not as opulent or rich as the Byzantine Courts, but it is a place where you see several Kindred, chatting and sipping from goblets.
Most Kindred here are Slavic in appearance, and the Prince himself is seated on a dais, receiving petitions and introductions. He is quite strikingly pale, with thick, glossy black hair and piercing black eyes.
(Anyone who wishes may roll Perc+Etiquette)
A slim, dark young man approaches you all.
"What names?" he asks. "What names shall I give to Prince Bela?"
|
|
Aida
Aida Group
In search of knowledge
Posts: 874
|
Post by Aida on Jan 16, 2022 4:31:22 GMT
{three successes on the Perc+Etiquette}
|
|
|
Post by Diocles on Jan 16, 2022 6:52:25 GMT
Three successes...
"I am Diocles, childe of Belisarius of Constantinople. I rule as Prince over Arcadius, the most ancient part of the Golden City."
|
|
|
Post by Storyteller on Jan 16, 2022 8:35:18 GMT
"Welcome to Sofia, Prince Diocles," says Prince Bela, "to my Court, the Court of Prince Bela Rusenko, childe of Amalia of Thrace. How long do you intend to stay?"
(Perc+Etiquette--just for Diocles)
|
|
|
Post by Diocles on Jan 16, 2022 8:48:48 GMT
(three successes... But I already know he's just some hick punk)
|
|
|
Post by Storyteller on Jan 16, 2022 9:27:27 GMT
The Prince Bela lifts a brow, looking toward the visiting dignitary, awaiting a response.
|
|
|
Post by Diocles on Jan 16, 2022 23:31:35 GMT
I bow. "Prince Bela, I assure you I will be in Sofia for only two weeks, after which time I will have met with my associates and will then be moving on."
|
|
|
Post by Storyteller on Jan 16, 2022 23:48:37 GMT
"You are most welcome to Sofia," he says. "My Seneschal will assign you and your entourage temporary feeding grounds."
He gestures to a tall, Slavic-looking man who approaches with a courtly bow.
"Prince Diocles," he says. "I am Seneschal Lyudmil. I have heard much of you, and I look forward to seeing you in our city over the next fortnight."
He shows you on a map a large area, set aside for you and all the Kindred you have brought with you. "This is where you may feed for the duration of your visit."
|
|
|
Post by Diocles on Jan 16, 2022 23:56:44 GMT
Since I have a prey exclusion, and since it is known I am Ventrue, it is no secret to anyone of my Clan's drawback. I ponder the map. "Tell me, Seneschal, do Sofia's neighborhoods have a certain... diversity in blood vintage?"
|
|
|
Post by Storyteller on Jan 17, 2022 0:31:27 GMT
The Seneschal gives it a moment's thought. "The most diverse of our neighborhoods are here." He makes a small adjustment to the original sector assigned to you. "Perhaps you might find something to your taste at the House of the Eagle?"
He taps an inn marked on the map. "They gather many sorts there, for many who come to Sofia go there to visit."
He does not know your prey exclusion, nor is he so gauche as to hint after it, simply giving you the best chance at finding what you need in the most diverse neighborhood.
|
|
|
Post by Diocles on Jan 17, 2022 0:33:28 GMT
I thank the Seneschal and move off. (I will open a private thread now.)
To my companions, I say, "I will be about town. If you need me for anything, just send word."
|
|
Aida
Aida Group
In search of knowledge
Posts: 874
|
Post by Aida on Jan 17, 2022 2:35:26 GMT
I bow my head to Prince Bela. "I am Aida, childe of Ezana, Sheriff of Prince Alexia's Byzantium, part of the Golden City."
|
|
|
Post by Storyteller on Jan 17, 2022 2:41:12 GMT
"You are welcome here, Sheriff Aida," says the Prince. "You are the Sheriff to Prince Alexia of Clan Cappadocius?"
|
|
Aida
Aida Group
In search of knowledge
Posts: 874
|
Post by Aida on Jan 17, 2022 3:06:59 GMT
"I thank Your Grace, and yes, Your Grace has been well informed."
|
|
|
Post by Storyteller on Jan 17, 2022 3:12:16 GMT
"The name of Lady Alexia, childe of Byzar, is well known indeed," he says.
|
|