Alfonso, Nunzio, Severus, Symeon plotting - 1200

[Symeon of Jerusalem]

*Pauses and thinks a moment*

It seems that those who have spoken are in agreement that this is something that we are willing to fight for. Nunzio would do well serving as Duke, his name will carry the most weight right now. Next year we go on crusade, which will benift us all because it will allow time for things to settle.

*goes quiet in thought looking at the assembled group*

My past is something that I have chosen to keep hidden from our society here, not because it is inherently bad but because I do not wish the stigma that many attach to my clan. My site Khay'tall is somewhat of a rogue when it comes to the Followers. I mean no offense as I say this to you all, there is no lack of corruption amongst you. There is freedom in corruption, that which is pure is held in stasis it is akin to slavery. Corruption is what gives us freedom.

*pauses*

I am a Follower of Set, it is a secret I wish to keep. I have travelled in the shadows since I left Constantinople.

[severus]

The bird nods to everything Nunzio and Symeon says, looking rather rediculous like a pigeon. Being unable to talk.

[Symeon of Jerusalem]

*looks at the bird* Would you like to share your past as well?

[Alfonso Valencia]

Alfonso cocks an eyebrow. "Come now Severus, trust requires that we hold no secrets from each other. Everyone must hold dirt over everyone else if this is to work. We have all been forthcoming, now is your turn."

[Nunzio]

Nunzio relaxs his posture slightly. Opening his arms toward the men before him.

"From what little I know of the Followers of Set, stigma and rumor included, your philosophies do not differ deeply from my own.

I follow the path of Cathari, our means align, if not our ends. Alfonzo is bound by honor alone, and had proven if such loyalties are held, an unshakable ally.

I offer you my fair word in oath until further oaths are in line to be public.

I shall gaurd your secrets, support your agendas, and your bodies, raise you beside me toward glory, and the growth and betterment of all.

In turn I would expect the same oath fullfilled.

If my command is fit, I would see it followed. If my command is faulty, I would see it informed and advised.

Do you accept this exchange of oaths before what forces may guide you?"

Nunzio pauses to take in the gatherings responses.

"If so, I have a plan..."

[Nunzio]

(ooc i will not be available again until sunday)

[Alfonso Valencia]

Alfonso nods. "I do, your Grace."

[severus]

At this point Severus will finally arrive. With a gesture, he sends the bird off to scout.

I apologize for my lateness, I thought it wise to be more cautious in light of being recently assaulted.

It seams there are many secrets here, so I will reveal my darkest, so long as you keep in mind that I am a devoted follower of Christ, and god.

I was born in Damascus, not in Alexandria. My family fled that infernal city, when certain traits appeared in my mother. When I was perhaps a hundred, I received the embrace by a Koldun sorcerer experimenting with the spirits of the Holy lands of the southern Levant. I have been mentored in some of the secrets of Sutekh as a discipline to purge the corruption of my flesh. I was coerced to the barn because the secret of my maternal grandmother's rape by the Dhabi would be revealed if I did not attend. The attacker, I suspect, was the author of the message.

Is that sufficiently sordid a secret for your oath Sir?

[Symeon of Jerusalem]

*nods to Severus listening then looks to Nunzio*

We have and accord my Liege.

*bows his head respectfully*

What is your plan?

[Nunzio]

Nunzio Bows. "I accept you as brothers in oath.

I will start with our initial objectives, these of course, are long term. We will then break them down into individual steps. How we achieve these goals and steps will be up to you. I trust you all in your competency and motives. Keep me informed, hower."

nunzio produces velum and quill and ink. He begins to speak while writing

"Objectives...

-rally support against Rietus from the other dutchies

-render Rietus inert

-take our rightful claim to
Tridentine & Trento

-Ensure the survival and saftey of all of us

-Extend our influence to control the mortal affairs of Trento

-Unite the Duchies, and claim Princdom"

Nunzio looks up from his writing.
"I want you to add each of your own objectives, so we may devise togeather thier execution. Also Gather your ideas as to what steps you would advise

I shall then prioritize them, and work with you to execute them. Any questions thus far?"

[Symeon of Jerusalem]

I think one of our most pressing matters will be protecting Alfonso until the Crusade, as well as yourself. If Raetus conspired to sacrifice Alfonso he would most likely want to tie up any loose ends that could contradict his story. I think it would be advantageous for all of us to go on the crusade, it will leave Trento exposed and perhaps another city will do the dirty work for us. I have never met Morrigan, but could she be a source of weakness for Raetus?

Logically who benifetted from the death of the Malkavian? Reastus owed him a blood boon because of the attack upon the free city, we could try and spin it that he was the one behind the attack. Nunzio, do you possess the ability to replace memories? If so we could find some mortals and place the memories of a "dragon flying in the night." And try and tie the duke directly to the attack.

What do you all think?

[Nunzio]

"The attack WAS Rietus's command. we can give the Ard rhi the details. We can give the other dukes that information. We need only survive to the crusade. The crusade will forgive us these so called sins. Rietus will not go on crusade. He will not be forgiven.

I can change memories if we need it done. However I do not think it necisary. The truth can be applied.

The other Dutchies have suffered at Rietus' orders and actions. They will turn on him easily.

Alfonso and I must lay low until we go on crusade.

The others are new enough to evade suspicion. Made newly free agents.

Bend the ears of our would be allies in the other dutchies. Prepare thier hearts for the missives I will send them, and the Ard Rhi as we return from crusade. "

[Alfonso Valencia]

Alfonso nods. "I was just about to suggest that. The Crusades offer us all significant status as well as reprieve from the dangers of Gaul. Once we return, official judgements against us for previous crimes become an impossibility. We must still fear the hidden knife, as the danger surrounding myself can attest to."

"Unfortunately, Kindred witnesses may contradict any story we plant in the minds of mortals. I believe that if we stabilize Trent, neutralize the former Duke's influence, and present a united front the Ard Rhi will hesitate to confront us openly. If we provide him with a sacrificial lamb that is, someone he can publicly punish to save face. I was of a mind to sire one of my warriors, teach him the ways of the blood, then spend a long while dominating a history and the events of that evening into his mind. Once this Crusade is won, Elder Narses of my clan will owe me a significant favor, one that might be leveraged to our cause."

"His sister is a weak point. Severus, do you possess the necessary magicks to look at someone from a distance, or would you be able to acquire them soon? If we can find Raetus I can take us to him through the Abyss, he would not have time to react. If we capture Morrigan, we could force Raetus to do almost anything to secure her safety."

"And hell, if he refuses I'll devour her soul and eat her corpse in front of him." Alfonso shrugs.

[Symeon of Jerusalem]

Since Severus and myself have been released from our oath it would be reasonable for us to speak to the other cities. To see if we would maybe find someplace else more to our liking. It would be also possible to let it slip about him ordering the attacks, and using his powers to hide your identities.

We could say that it has been troubling to us that he would take that action to avoid having to pay a boon.

[Nunzio]

"I would not prefer the information be delivered as of yet. Merely advise that Rietus has been moving against them. That details of how, and why are available, but that those who know more are soon to deliver them."

Nunzio looks ponderous

"Just make friendly to Klagenfurd and Laibach, garnern what you know. Try to trace the sources threatening Alfonzo. And further your personal agendas. the time this information is delivered will be key."