[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Moritani Funeral Event- Part 1



The following is a log the Moritani Funeral Event, the majority of which was
logged by Yheffen.  However, the portion which continues after he leaves the
mausoleum was logged by Iohannes.  Hope you have a good read and thanks to our
two loggers for helping to immortalize this truly...memorable event. :)
------------------------


Ulricke appears to be waiting for something or someone as she paces 
around. 

A Ginaz Limosine pulls in and comes to a smooth stop. 

Yheffen nods to the lady then his guards, and moves along. 

You walk along the Imperial Boulevard. 

You are followed by two bodyguards. 

Saudir I Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain) 
The avenue loops about a large fountain, which is fed from the mouth of 
a golden lion statue at the center. The pavement is a smooth black 
material. The avenue branches off in three different directions, 
providing access to other areas of the city. 
Exits: 
Mall <E> leads to Butler Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain) 
Mall <W> leads to Congressional Circle -- Central District (Kaitain) 
Imperial Boulevard  leads to City Center -- Central District 
(Kaitain) 

You pass the Mall. 

You are followed by two bodyguards. 

Butler Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain) 
At the center of the plaza is a pillar with the statue of Jehanne Butler 
sitting upon her steed. Around the pillar are smaller statues of 
faceless figures of other heros of the Jihad. On the other side of a 
wide roadway, surrounding the pillar, are large buildings, each with its 
own decorative front. Cast iron benches are set about in front of some 
of the buildings. 
Exits: 
Vaulted Arch <E> leads to Vestibule -- Imperial Cathedral (Kaitain) 
Marble Steps  leads to Lobby -- Imperial Theater (Kaitain) 
Marbled Steps <N> leads to Main Hall -- Imperial Museum (Kaitain) 
Mall <W> leads to Saudir I Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain) 

You walk through the Vaulted Arch. 

You are followed by two bodyguards. 

Vestibule -- Imperial Cathedral (Kaitain) 
A small area caught between two doorways. Each door is made of a 
wood-like material. A small table is set up on one side. The floor is 
covered with a grey carpet. 
Players: 
Aidan                              Bryton 
Iohannes                           Niccolo 
Cesare 
Exits: 
Vaulted Arch <W> leads to Butler Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain) 
Wooden Arch <E> leads to Main Chambers -- Imperial Cathedral (Kaitain) 

Niccolo says, "Yheffen, welcome" 

Bryton bows to Cesare as he speaks, nodding his head, "Our pleasure, 
Lord Cesare. Hopefully m'lord Praxton will arrive shortly." 

Cesare gives a grin to the Rastanyev delegate. "Thank you for coming. We 
appreciate your attendance." 
Cesare nods in acknowledgement to Bryton. 

Aidan stands behind and to the right of Bryton. 

Yheffen bows silently and slowly to Cesare. His bodyguards follow the 
example. 

Niccolo takes up position behind and slightly to the side of Cesare 

Yheffen looks over his shoulder and the guards back away into the 
shadows. The old man half-bows to Niccolo, "Such a sad occasion to be 
seeing you, sir." 

Bryton just looked at you. 

Niccolo nods to Melchiorre 

Yheffen takes a step towards Cesare, but keeps a dignified distance, "I 
offer the condolances of the House Rastanyev, Count Cesare. All we can 
do his be here to share your pain on this day. The Empire and Landsraad 
lost a great man when your father left us." 

Niccolo bows his head at the mention of Galeazzo 

Cesare starts to speak to the Rastanyev representative when he turns at 
the sound of footsteps and nods to his cousin, abruptly cutting off 
anything he was going to say to Yheffen. 

Melchiorre nods quickly to Cesare, making a small hand gesture and 
taking his proper place. 

Arturios walks in from Butler Plaza through the Vaulted Arch. 

Crayn walks in from Butler Plaza through the Vaulted Arch. 

Niccolo welcomes Arturios and Crayn 

Yheffen glances about trying to weigh the situation. After a moment's 
hesitation, he bows and silence and moves on into the main chamber. 

You walk through the Wooden Arch. 

Main Chambers -- Imperial Cathedral (Kaitain) 
A long runway divides the room into two even section. Nearly 30 aisles 
line up from back to front on each side. At the back of the building is 
the entrance, a wide wooden archway with a smaller set of doors outline 
in the middle. High above this archway is a balcony where may golden 
tubes of varying length extend upwards towards the roof. At the front of 
the room, a wooden banister framed a platform. Upon the platform are 
another 6 rows of pews and a pedestal. Off to either side of the 
platform are alcoves. Running the length of the walls on either side are 
floor to ceiling stained glass windows. Several stories above, the 
ceiling can be seen with its painted golden leaf drawings. 
Exits: 
Open Arch <SE> leads to Vestry -- Imperial Cathedral (Kaitain) 
Dwarfed Arch <NE> leads to Slype -- Imperial Cathedral (Kaitain) 
Wooden Arch <W> leads to Vestibule -- Imperial Cathedral (Kaitain) 

A closer inspection of the platform reveals: 
Set at the front of the room, the platform is isolated from the rest of 
the room with a simple wooden banister that is open on either side to 
allow for access. A velvet runner extends across the front. Upon the 
platform are several pews reserved for special guests. Various images of 
heros of the Butlerian Jihad are framed within the carved wood of the 
walls around the platform. 
No one is currently joined. 

A closer inspection of the aisles reveals: 
Nearly 30 rows of pews have been set to allow the general public area to 
sit in. 
No one is currently joined. 

You move towards the main seating. 

Crayn walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Bryton walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Crayn moves to take a seat. 

Bryton moves to take a seat. 

Iohannes walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Yheffen turns stiffly to look at the others. He turns back to the front 
of the cavernous room. 

Iohannes moves to take a seat. 

Iohannes bobs politely to those he moves past as he finds a seat. 

Boris walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Arturios walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Cesare walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Niccolo walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Melchiorre walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Niccolo moves to take a seat. 

Morgen walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Ulricke walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Yheffen turns. His eyes follow the Moritani Siridar. 

Iason walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Niccolo moves to the first row, center aisle, and sits, alone. 

Iason moves to take a seat. 

Cesare walks up to the platform and seats himself, peering out at the 
assemblage. 
Cesare steps up onto the platform. 

Iason makes his way over to the Atreides delegation, appropriately 
sombre. 

Boris marches down the aisle, his servitors clearing a path through the 
hoi polloi. 

Arturios moves to take a seat. 

From the general seating area, Arturios grins to the Boris. "Good eve 
Baron.." 

Yheffen curiously watches the Baron Venhei. 

Ulricke follows Boris, her chin lifted to view the people gathered here. 

Iason finds a seat, as he bows to his betters who are seatingt 
hemselves. 

Morgen genuflects slowly and raises painfully before entering a aisle 
and kneeling. 

Morgen moves to take a seat. 

Boris moves to take a seat. 

Four Moritani servants liveried in blue and red enter, carrying a casket 
on their shoulders. They proceed slowly with it up the central aisle as 
somber organ music plays. 

Melchiorre moves to take a seat. 

Yheffen stands as the casket enters. 

Niccolo snaps to attention on his feet and stares straight ahead. 

Cesare bows his head as the casket is brought in, his face low and his 
expression hidden. 

Iohannes rises upon seeing the casket. 

Aidan walks in from Vestibule through the Wooden Arch. 

Ulricke moves to take a seat. 

Iason straightens and comes to attention as the casket arrives. 

Aidan moves to take a seat. 

Once at the front, the servants deposit the casket amidst a bed of 
lilies in front of the altar. 

Niccolo wipes a stray tear from his cheek. 

The Count looks up, his eyes red but dry 

Cesare steps down from the platform. 
Cesare steps up to the pedestal. 

Count Cesare ascends the pedestal, placing several pages of notes upon 
it as he straightens his robes and clears his voice. He looks out to the 
crowd, waiting for their attention. 

Cesare looks briefly down at his notes, then back out at the 
congregation as he speaks in a clear, loud tenor voice which 
reverberates throughout the sanctuary. "Friends, honoured Siridari,
welcome guests, I thank you for comingi this evening to the funeral
for my dear departed father, the late Count Galeazzo V. I stand here,
the son of this truly great man, in the hopes that my words can to
justice to the colossus that was my father." 

Cesare leans forward, resting his hands on the podium. His piercing eyes 
sweep across the assemblage. "My father was the greatest man I have ever 
known. Yet he did have his faults. He was victim to the infamous 
Moritani Temper. There were times when his anger would get away from him 
and he would do something rash. More often than not, he would simply 
kill a slave or a small group of commoners, and therefore committed no 
great atrocity in the deaths of those who lived only to serve him 
anyways. Yet there were times when his anger brought about grave 
consequences. This was most evident in our kanly with the Ginaz." 

Morgen striaghtens just a bit. 

Cesare continues, "My father had been brought up, from a very young age, 
to hate, loath, and despise the Ginaz. This legacy of hatred and 
suspicion has plagued our family for generations, and my father was but 
another victim of it. He blamed them for the death of his father, and 
promised himself at a young age to make them pay dearly for it. Yet in 
the end it was he who paid for it...with his own life." 

Boris nods to Arturios. 

From the general seating area, Yheffen can't help but glance Morgen's 
direction. 

Iason listens silently, as he sits down. 

Boris raises a bushy brow and regards Morgen and the Ginaz contingent. 

Niccolo glances around to observe the reactions of the contingents 

From the general seating area, Melchiorre looks over at the elderly 
Ginaz seated beside him and nods to himself. 

From the general seating area, Arturios turns away from the Baron 
somewhat dismayed. 

Cesare blinks his eyes rapidly, obviously trying to hold back tears. "My 
father, whatever else is said about him, was a family man. No matter his 
faults, he more than made up for them with the love he showed us, and to 
his close friends as well as the Baron Boris Harkonnen, his dearest 
friend and my godfather, can attest to. My father was devoted to wife 
and children, yet this was not his greatest devotion. That belonged to 
one man and one man alone..." 

Iohannes swallows, but otherwise shows no emotion. 

Cesare waits a few seconds, gauging the reaction of the crowd. "His 
Sublime Majesty, the Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe. My father 
was willing to sacrifice his life, those of his family, and House 
Moritani itself, in order to preserve and protect his Emperor. He 
brought me up to do the same, and I can only aspire to show the level of 
servitude which my father displayed in all that he did. One of my most 
vivid childhood memories is of my father, first thing upon waking, 
kneeling down beside his bed and praying for the health of the Emperor. 
Such love superceeded even that which he had for his family, a love 
which knew no bounds or limitations. Such was the heart of my father." 

Ulricke watches Cesare, her eyes unreadable. She runs her index finger 
over her lower lip in thought. 

From the general seating area, Morgen arhces a concerned eyebrowe at the 
implication. 

Niccolo looks around for a representative of The Emperor 

The Count's eyes well up with tears, and he no longer attempts to hold 
them restrained. He cries out, "My father was brutally murdered six 
months ago. It was not until he lay on his deathbed that he realized his 
mistakes and repented for his sins and his hatred towards the Ginaz. 
With his last breath he told me, "My son, in whatever you do, make sure 
you accomplish two things. Serve your Emperor with all that you are, and 
make peace with the Ginaz. My hatred caused my service to His Majesty to 
be less than acceptable, limited by my lust for blood. It also blinded 
me to the truth about the Ginaz. House Moritani has fought for too long 
already. Too many innocents have died. Let me be the last, for the sake 
of both our Houses." I am tired of this kanly, and declare before all 
the Known Universe that House Moritani desires, no...we DEMAND an end to 
this conflict." 

Niccolo smiles at the announcement. 

From the general seating area, Yheffen shifts his seat and looks around 
as the room erupts in hushed whispers. 

Boris shifts in his seat, clenching his hands into fists. 

Ulricke purses her lips and looks at Boris. 

Niccolo tenses up, ready in case of danger. 

Iohannes eyes widen slightly in surprise. 

From the general seating area, Melchiorre frowns slightly, glancing over 
in the direction of the Harkonnen party. 

Boris looks back at Ulricke, his face coloring. 

Iason glances over at the Harkonnens, silently gauging their responses. 

Niccolo glances at the Harkonnen and then the Ginaz, attempting to gague 
their responses. 

Morgen slouches noticably as if a great weight had been taken from off 
his shoulders, his mouth moves muttering a silent prayer. 

Cesare stands sobbing for several seconds, his emotions raging for all 
to see. Finally, his lamentation subsides and he says with a cracking 
voice, "My father would have wanted this day to be one not of sadness, 
but of joy. I therefore invite you all to the Moritani Embassy to hear 
some eulogies given by respected Siridari and some light refreshment. I 
have an important announcement to make, and urge you all to come and 
enjoy yourselves. Let us try to be happy during this time when there 
should be sorrow. It is what Galeazzo would have wanted and in doing so, 
we cause his legacy to live on. For in our happiness and joy his spirit 
dwells, and a little bit of Galeazzo thus lives on in all of us." 

Cesare announces as he gathers his notes, "Please make your way to the 
Moritani Embassy, and gather in the Reception Hall if you will. Thank 
you for coming this evening. It is a testament to my father that in 
death he has made friends even of his enemies." He quickly descends the 
podium, grasping the right front side of his father's casket. Three 
pallbearers grab the other handles and they hoist him up on their 
shoulders, proceeding somberly and slowly out of the sanctuary. 
Cesare steps down from the pedestal. 

Iohannes genuflects slowly toward the casket. 

The organ music starts once more and from the choir loft voices are 
heard singing. The angelic song fills the cathedral and echoes off its 
butresses and rafters as the casket slowly winds down the aisle. 

Niccolo crosses himself while staring at the casket. 
Niccolo departs from the general seating. 

Iason silently rises, as the service ends. 

Boris rises and raps on the casket as it passes. "Sleep well, old 
snake." he says, dabbing at his eye. 

Niccolo awaits his Lord 

Cesare gives a kindly smile to Boris as he passes him. 

Niccolo falls in behind Cesare 

Boris walks to the west and passes through the Wooden Arch. 

Bryton slowly comes to his feet along with the others around him. 

The casket makes its way out of the sanctuary 

Cesare walks to the west and passes through the Wooden Arch. 

Niccolo walks to the west and passes through the Wooden Arch. 

Iason departs from the general seating. 

Aidan departs from the general seating. 

Bryton departs from the general seating. 

Iason goes to walk past the casket, offering his silent respects,. 

Yheffen stands up and looks to the back for his guards. 

Melchiorre stands and walks quickly out of the chamber. 
Melchiorre walks to the west and passes through the Wooden Arch. 

You depart from the general seating area. 

Arturios walks to the west and passes through the Wooden Arch. 

Iohannes makes his way from the aisles slowly, his face sombre. 

You walk through the Wooden Arch. 

You are followed by two bodyguards. 

Vestibule -- Imperial Cathedral (Kaitain) 
A small area caught between two doorways. Each door is made of a 
wood-like material. A small table is set up on one side. The floor is 
covered with a grey carpet. 
Players: 
Niccolo                             Cesare 
Melchiorre                          Boris 
Exits: 
Vaulted Arch <W> leads to Butler Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain) 
Wooden Arch <E> leads to Main Chambers -- Imperial Cathedral (Kaitain) 

Boris walks to the west and passes through the Vaulted Arch. 

Melchiorre walks to the west and passes through the Vaulted Arch. 

Iohannes walks in from Main Chambers through the Wooden Arch. 

Niccolo walks to the west and passes through the Vaulted Arch. 

The casket is taken outside, into the sunlight. 

Yheffen bows as he walks. 

Cesare walks to the west and passes through the Vaulted Arch. 

You walk through the Vaulted Arch. 

You are followed by two bodyguards. 

Butler Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain) 
At the center of the plaza is a pillar with the statue of Jehanne Butler 
sitting upon her steed. Around the pillar are smaller statues of 
faceless figures of other heros of the Jihad. On the other side of a 
wide roadway, surrounding the pillar, are large buildings, each with its 
own decorative front. Cast iron benches are set about in front of some 
of the buildings. 
Players: 
Boris                               Niccolo 
Cesare                              Yheffen 
Melchiorre 
Exits: 
Vaulted Arch <E> leads to Vestibule -- Imperial Cathedral (Kaitain) 
Marble Steps  leads to Lobby -- Imperial Theater (Kaitain) 
Marbled Steps <N> leads to Main Hall -- Imperial Museum (Kaitain) 
Mall <W> leads to Saudir I Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain) 

Boris passes the Mall. 

Niccolo passes the Mall. 

Melchiorre passes the Mall. 

Arturios descends the Marbled Steps. 

Iohannes walks in from Vestibule through the Vaulted Arch. 

The procession winds ever westward. 

You pass the Mall. 

You are followed by two bodyguards. 

Saudir I Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain) 
The avenue loops about a large fountain, which is fed from the mouth of 
a golden lion statue at the center. The pavement is a smooth black 
material. The avenue branches off in three different directions, 
providing access to other areas of the city. 
Players: 
Boris 
Exits: 
Mall <E> leads to Butler Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain) 
Mall <W> leads to Congressional Circle -- Central District (Kaitain) 
Imperial Boulevard  leads to City Center -- Central District 
(Kaitain) 

Cesare comes from the Butler Plaza. 

Arturios comes from the Butler Plaza. 

You must turn your communicator on first. 

Iohannes comes from the Butler Plaza. 

You walk along the Imperial Boulevard. 

You are followed by two bodyguards. 

City Center -- Central District (Kaitain) 
A 200-meter tall statue of a lion dominates the City Center. The lion, 
rearing up on its hind legs and roaring toward the north, appears to be 
made of polished gold. A narrow road passes under the statue and 
directly through the small park surrounding the lion's feet. Around that 
is a multi-lane traffic circle, with wide tree-lined avenues leading to 
the four corners of the city... and the Universe. 
Players: 
Melchiorre                      Yheffen 
Niccolo 
Objects: 
Alvstad Staffcar Moritani Limosine 
Moritani Limosine 
Exits: 
Stairway <D> leads to Subway Station -- Central District (Kaitain) 
Via Astra <E> leads to Circle of Stars -- Central District (Kaitain) 
Imperial Boulevard <N> leads to Saudir I Plaza -- Central District 
(Kaitain) 
Lion's Tail Road  leads to Einrike Plaza -- Central District 
(Kaitain) 
Via Pecunia <W> leads to Circle of Fortune -- Central District (Kaitain) 

Arturios walks in from Saudir I Plaza along the Imperial Boulevard. 

You request a limo over your communicator. 

Melchiorre chuckles to Niccolo, "Let's share, shall we?" 

Niccolo enters the Moritani Limosine. 

Arturios speaks into his communicator. 

A Rastanyev Limosine pulls up near Yheffen. 

Melchiorre enters the Moritani Limosine. 

A Venhei Limosine pulls up near Arturios. 

Niccolo exits the Moritani Limosine. 

You are followed by two bodyguards. 

Rastanyev Limosine 
The vehicle has been appointed with every luxury that can be installed 
and still provide seating for six with room to spare. Two sets of three 
seats face each other across a small, solid mohagony table. The sides of 
the table have recessed handles for access to the compartments within. A 
circular light over the table baths the inside of the limousine in a 
soft light. 

The driver nods. 

There is a sense of acceleration as the limousine picks up speed. 

Numerous vehicles can be seen darting through the avenues. 

The driver nods, "Message sent." 
The driver turns to the passenger area, "Clearance has been granted." 

Lights from the numerous buildings and walkways outline the roadway. 

The surroundings darken for a moment while going through a tunnel. 

The limousine decelerates steadily and comes to a smooth stop. 

You are followed by two bodyguards. 

Ornithopter Pad -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)(#594RVntJ) 
This is the public ornithopter pad and groundcar dropoff for the use of 
those coming and going from the Moritanian Embassy. The pad, indicative 
of Moritani wealth, is of solid gold and statues of the Emperor and the 
Siridar-Count surround it. Arrows point eastward, towards the embassy 
proper. 
Players: 
Melchiorre                          Yheffen 
Niccolo 
Objects: 
Rastanyev Limosine                  Venhei Limosine 
Exits: 
East <E> leads to Reception Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain) 

Melchiorre stands at attention beside the swordmaster. 
Melchiorre bows to the Rastanyev party. 

Niccolo bows to Yheffen, and motions toward the Reception Hall 

The Rastanyev Limosine departs the area. 

A Ginaz Staffcar pulls in and comes to a smooth stop. 
A Moritani Limosine pulls in and comes to a smooth stop. 

Yheffen and his men bow and move along. The guards remain outside. 

You walk inside to the Reception Hall. 

Reception Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain) 
Before you stretches a huge, cavernous, colonnaded hall. Immense crystal 
chandeliers hang from the ceiling and the walls are of the finest 
marble, part of the Moritani cache which they have preserved from the 
days of ancient Terra and their Medici ancestors. The ceiling is an 
immense fresco, depicting Lady Fortune and the pleasures of wealth and 
power which the Moritani have enjoyed for millenia. Jewel-encrusted 
seats are gathered around a desk at the far end of the hall, at which 
sits a secretary who handles all of appointments for the embassy. Behind 
her stand two massive bronze doors, which look as though they could 
withstand a lasgun blast....and for good reason, too. For behind those 
doors lies the heart of the Moritani embassy, and the offices of the 
Siridar-Count himself. 
Players: 
Cesare                          Yheffen 
Niccolo 
Exits: 
Jeweled Gates <N> leads to Sheuset Square -- Embassy District (Kaitain) 
Platinum Doors <E> leads to Banquet Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain) 
West <W> leads to Ornithopter Pad -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain) 
Bronze Doors  leads to Conference Room -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain) 

Using Highspeak, Niccolo says, "... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..." 

Morgen enters from the Ornithopter Pad. 

Cesare stands in the Reception Hall, devoid of casket. 

Cesare says something into his communicator. 

Iohannes enters from the Ornithopter Pad. 
Iohannes bows. 

Yheffen bows to Cesare again then moves about the room, taking in the 
decor. 

Cesare pulls out a handkerchief and dabs the tears from his eyes. 

Niccolo offers his extra handkerchief to his Lord Count 
Niccolo says, "My Lord Count, do not despair. You have made your father 
proud, and this long day is almost over." 

Cesare declines the offer, "No, thank you Amitrescu. I already have one 
of my own." 

Yheffen watches Cesare out the corner of his eye, carefully looking the 
obviously distrought man. 

Arturios enters from the Ornithopter Pad. 

Cesare blows his nose into the kerchief, continuing to sob slightly. 

Ulricke enters from the Ornithopter Pad. 

Niccolo looks around, unsure. 

Ulricke strides into the room as if she had a purpose. 

Arturios pats Cesare in the back. "Now now, don't dwell on it.." 

Iason enters from the Ornithopter Pad. 

Ulricke looks at Niccolo and shrugs, whispering something. 

Mintor walks in from Sheuset Square through the Jeweled Gates. 

Yheffen stares at the display of familiarity put on by the Venhei 
Siridar. 

Cesare turns and blinks with puffy eyes as he dashes away the last of 
the tears, "Welcome, na-Duke Mintor." 

Arturios just looked at you. 

Cesare stiffens as Arturios pats him, his face becoming tight and 
strained. "Thank you, Baron Venhei." 

Iason bows to the others, as he follows the na-Duke in, offering his 
greetings to Cesare. "Our condolences, Count Moritani." 

Boris enters from the Ornithopter Pad. 

Melchiorre enters from the Ornithopter Pad. 

Mintor bows to his host and offers sad faced sympathy "My condolences, 
Count Moritani. To you and to your House." 

Arturios nods and sighs. "I know how you feel good Count, I recently 
lost my nephew also the late..Baron Venhei..as you might have heard...or 
not.." 

Melchiorre walks in alongside the Baron Harkonnen. 

Boris makes his ways to where his daughter stands. 

Cesare holds up his hands to gain the attention of everyone as he walks 
over to a wall. "Attention, all! What you are about to witness no one 
save the Siridars Moritani have ever seen alive." 

Niccolo nods to Lady Ulricke 

Ulricke had turned as if to approach Cesare, but she pauses now. 

Cesare pulls a wall sconce. 

Melchiorre frowns slightly, glancing over at Boris, then back at Cesare. 

The bravos behind Arturios begin to mutter amongst themselves. 

Yheffen pushes closer. 

Cesare a low, mechanical whine is heard emanating from the floor. 
Suddenly, one of the massive marble slabs rises and turns on end, 
revealing a stone staircase leading down. 

Niccolo turns backward at stares at the assemblage 

Arturios gives Yheffen a peculiar look. 

A low, mechanical whine is heard emanating from the floor. Suddenly, one 
of the massive marble slabs rises and turns on end, revealing a stone 
staircase leading down. 

Mintor's eyebrows rise with the slab. 

Cesare grins, his face now completely free of sorrow, "Please, follow 
me." He then walks over to the passageway and descends the steps. 

Iason looks over as the slab... rises. He looks over it with but an 
arched brow, looking around to check the other responses 

Boris makes a low whistle in appreciation of the secrecy and 
underhandedness displayed, 

Arturios turns fromt eh Rastanyev to look at the rising slab with far 
more interest. 

Cesare goes through the trapdoor.