<@Dreol> [London, January 22nd 1262, 12:30 AM] <@Dreol> [Earlier in the evening, Moriel had received a note from a random passerby informing him that he was to arrive at one of the warehouses on the docks to discuss official clan business. When he arrives, Demetria is nowhere to be seen, but there are three other Malkavians (presumably). The warehouse is almost completely empty save for the stacks of barrels that line the walls. One of the Malkavians is an older man. He looks to be in his mid-forties and is seated on a barrel, and dressed in a finely made blue tunic and red breeches. He motions for Moriel to come over and join them. There is also a young man and woman who look very similar. They have short, blonde hair and are dressed in less ornate clothing: simply wearing brown cloth tunics and black trousers. The male of the pair speaks up. "You are Moriel, yes? Demetria sends her regards, but she is... occupied at the moment... we are--" And the girl finishes. "Pleased that you were able to join us on such short notice. I am Gwendolin, and this is my twin brother--" The boy jumps in, "Godwin." The older gentleman speaks up and simply says. "Hann." before the young man continues. "We need to discuss where we, as a clan, stand with regards to our alliance's efforts in the war."] <@Dreol> [Begin.] 06* Moriel walks up as beckoned and nods at all of them. "I am." 06* Moriel tilts his head, thinking, but after a moment he simply asks, "What do each of you think?" <@Dreol> [Godwin speaks up first. "Our clan has been the primary source of information in the war to the north. Many of our kind are out there now and I think that--" Gwendolin interrupts "they have been left there too long without support. We need to end this war and reduce the danger to our clan. The only way to do that is to strike Carthage with as many-- " Godwin jumps in, "resources as possible." Hann shrugs. "That does seem the course of action that would be best for our clan." He says in a low, monotone voice, as if he felt that their decision ultimately wouldn't matter.] 06* Moriel glances at Hann, but doesn't comment. On that, at least. He speaks slowly, as if he doesn't really want to be saying what he's saying. "I would like to see Carthage ended as quickly as possible. Sending greater force north would help. It would also help to reduce their own force. If some way could be found to break the enchantment binding the lupines to their service...they would be weakened and our allies strengthened at the same time." Eliana Casale implied it was possible, with sufficient information. Frankly, I think it dangerous for *any* Kindred to possess the knowledge of such an enchantment, but...under present circumstances, better that we know it and can break it. <@Dreol> [Hann shakes his head. "How can we hope to break a spell that strong without being killed by the enemy before we succeed?" Gwendolin shakes her head. "I think Moriel has a point. The control over the Lupines is one of Carthages biggest advantages. If we can find a way to break that--" Godwin continues, "then we will make our victory much more likely. And it's not as if--" Gwendolin jumps in. <@Dreol> "We haven't been able to sneak behind enemy lines before."] Yes. It would be difficult, but worth the risk if successful. 06* Moriel pauses, then continues. "I am also worried about the ritual Moloch meant to attempt. We have no knowledge of his activites for the past five centuries. I think...it would be wise to try to learn of his actions, lest we discover their fruits too late." <@Dreol> [Gwendolin nods. "I know that it is a concern, but--"... "I do not believe it is where we should be concentrating our efforts," says Godwin, who continues. "Or if we are to concentrate our efforts on investigating that ritual--" Gwendolin interrupts, "Perhaps Mithras should reallocate our spy network to Italy, rather than leave them gathering information on a battlefield with little to no support."] 06* Moriel considers more. "Prince Mithras' information-gathering resources are not limited to our clan alone, useful as we may have been. The Tremere likely have their own methods. They are...resourceful. And they likely have the best chance of discovering the workings of the enchantment on the lupines, anyway." If they could be turned to that...other resources, including our clan, could be turned to other areas of inquiry. What those should be... 06* Moriel spreads his hands. "If the enchantment on the lupines could be broken relatively quickly, then we might gain enough advantage in the north for our clan to withdraw and seek Moloch. If not...perhaps others could be put to that task." <@Dreol> [Gwendolin shrugs. "That seems like a perfectly fine idea." Hann nods and sighs, "I suppose we should let our spies know to try to gather information on the Lupine enslavement, then."] 06* Moriel nods. "And see what methods the Tremere may be able to bring to bear on the problem, as well." [Godwin nods thoughtfully... "Perhaps we should take some time to question..." Gwendolin finishes "The Tremere on what they know of these kinds of charms." Hann sighs "Always more delays..."] It may enable us to know better what to look for, however. Greater knowledge is ultimately greater aid to us. [Gwendolin tilts her head. "Have you had a lot of contact with the Tremere, Moriel?"] 06* Moriel stills for a moment. "The Tremere in general, no. One Tremere in particular, yes. But I do not know how representative she is of her clan. Would you like me to make inquiries with her of what our clan ought to look for in investigating this enchantment?" [Godwin nods. "That might be a good course of action. In the meantime, Gwendolin and I-" Gwendolin jumps in "will send word to our forces in the north to focus their information gathering on the lupine charm." Hann shrugs. "I will talk to the rest of the clan about this." He sighs "I suppose we should go to our tasks and meet again... maybe in two weeks."] 06* Moriel nods. "Until then, then. Shall we meet again here?" [Godwin nods. "That-" Gwendolin finishes "would be fine." Hann shrugs. "I suppose."] 06* Moriel nods again, in goodbye this time. "Good evening," he says courteously, and then he heads out. [End]