Consortium Agent

Daisuke's page

72 posts. Alias of grahamd.


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"Thank you, Madame Curator, your hospitality is most appreciated, but that will not be necessary, I have lodgings in the city, and further affairs I must tend to before I can rest."

He bows to her and to the princess as he steps out of the room. "I bid you good evening."

Collecting his things from the hall, he leaves the palace in a state of confusion. He had long regarded himself as a excellent judge of emotion, able to read people, gain their trust, and direct them in support of his mission. These gaijin were different.

In many ways he had failed tonight. Profoundly so.

The jawbone necklace pressed against his chest, and it felt heavy suddenly. A relief -- its weight reassuring.

He had also succeeded brilliantly.


Huh. Didn't see that one coming.


Azami Ito wrote:
Oh, I'm seeing that. Between Daisuke/Dare Mo and Imuri, this should be interesting.

I had considered retiring the Daisuke identity last night and switching to one more amenable to Azami and Kyras, but ultimately decided against it. He regards Azami as the greatest obstacle to the success of his mission, and doesn't think he has any identity that she would find persuasive.


Heh. I know. I am a professional manipulator though. ;)


After Azami had left the room, Daisuke addresses Kyras and Tokine.

"My mission is the safe retrieval of Bethany Erodal. Do either of you see any connection between these ancient legends and her current whereabouts? I was told to escort Kyras to her last dig site, but Azami has forbidden it. Any connection would have been there, but it is too late to explore that option, and any information there is lost to us, as is the possibility of retrieving her from the Shoto dungeons using diplomacy, now that Imuri has been put on the defensive."

"Kyras, as we speak, skilled Shoto torturers are attempting to extract from her the information we could have discovered at the dig site. If we have no leads here, I must begin seeking new ones immediately. There is no time for rest."


Daisuke reaches for his sword as the laughter echoes through the temple, relaxing as it subsides.

"What must happen to the stone, Madame Curator?"

More evil magic. This mission was supposed to be about retrieving a missing girl, and Kyras was being led on a leash by an intractable gaijin guardswoman who had them examining magic rocks. Perhaps he should leave Azami to lead Kyras in circles and find the girl on his own... or was there a connection here?

"Do either of you trust the Sera clan? Do you know why the sisters gave you this stone?"


When Daisuke returns to the temple, he carries a traveling pack and is adorned in plain leather armor.

He drops his pack outside the meeting room and removes his armor and sandals.

He bows to the temple before entering, then quickly to the others. Removing his swords and placing them to his left, he sits down. "Azami-san, Kyras, Madame Curator. Have I missed anything?"


Following the others on the way out, Daisuke silently observes the interaction between Azami and Imuri.

It was unwise of her to call Imuri out, especially if he really did have the girl, but Daisuke betrays no hint of frustration in his expression. Stepping into a spider's web was dangerous enough without alerting him beforehand. Still, the girl would be found, wherever she was-- no web can trap a shadow.


Daisuke thanks the adviser for his magic. One who hides in plain site generally does not cover himself with bloody remains and seek to cause a panic.

"Yes," he replies to Azami, "I'm eager to leave. I've had more pleasant visits to the palace, and after battling the Five Headed Death, the safety of the temple will be a welcome change."


That's one reason I haven't shown anyone the erinyes' jawbone necklace yet.

The other being that everyone would kill me for having stolen it. =)


Daisuke hands the ring to Azami without hesitation and kneels to examine the pine cone once again.

What did the syndicate want with the Hoshi clan?


Daisuke holds the ring out for Azami and Kyras to examine.

"In addition to this strange pine cone, I discovered this ring on the corpse of Wong Tsai the priest."

Daisuke holds the ring for examination in his left hand, turning it to reveal the plum blossom stone.

"Note the plum blossom symbol. The five-headed demon seems to to prefer this symbol."

Sleight of Hand 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Kyras: Perception DC26:
Daisuke removes the moving object from your pocket and conceals it in his sleeve.

Knowledge (Local) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Do I know anything about the plum blossom symbol? Are there any local legends that might give it special relevance?


Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Daisuke removes a ring from the mess that used to the be cleric and examines it momentarily.

Palming the ring, he rises from the corpse.

"Interesting. This creature wears a crude approximation of the vestments of Nethys, he must have been using magic to give the illusion of quality. Other than looking like Wong Tsai, he seemed very much like a Hoshi noble when I spoke to him moments ago."

He looks across the room, toward an object on the floor, and approaches it, gesturing for Kyras to follow, "Kyras, come take a look at this."


Daisuke immediately disregards Zhongyi as she walks away.

He returns to the messy corpse of the "Hoshi cleric". He searches the body for any evidence, taking a quick glance toward Zhongyi and Azami before returning to the investigation.

perception (Sera Zhongyi) 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
perception (Search) 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

DM only:
Kyras has the jawbone. I planted it on him before they questioned Wong Tsai.


Daisuke nods as Kyras speaks, displaying none of the Warbanian's humor, "I'm glad that's your decision. I believe we should hunt down the remaining demons immediately."


sense motive 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Daisuke bows respectfully, "I am Daisuke, Sera-sama. It is true that the Hoshi do not normally recruit ronin, but they saw benefit in assisting the gaijin Kyras, I am a skilled investigator, and they had..." he getures toward the blood stained remnants of the clerical vestments in the other room, "issues of trust within their house."

bluff 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19

Spoiler:
His statement is almost entirely made up on the spot.


sense motive 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

"There were two creatures here who also appeared to be Wong Tsai," Daisuke informs the captain. He doesn't need to point out the bloody mess which covers him head to toe.

He turns back to Zhongyi, "I had not determined that. There may yet be more to do tonight."


HP 33/33 (5 CON damage)

"Thank you for your assistance, Curator," Daisuke says with a quick bow, "The blessings of Shelyn are most appreciated."

Though weakened by the blood reavers, he moves confidently after Azami toward the dining hall. A ninja endures.


Daisuke rolls through the gore around the group, rising opposite Imuri next to the blood reaver.

Attack (flanking) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Damage 1d8 + 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + (1, 1, 6, 6) + 1 = 16

His clumsy strike is easily avoided by the dextrous foe.


AC14 HP 7/33

Daisuke attempts to stand up. Does the BR have an AOO left? If he does, he hits me on a roll of 2 or higher and drops me, negating any potential actions on my part.


Stabilize 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (15) - 5 = 10 Success!


Round 3 Initiative 8
AC 14 Touch 14 Flat footed 10
HP 9/40

Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Confirm 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Confirm confirm 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Daisuke, clearly weakened and growing pail from the thick rivulets of blood that continue to pour from his face, flows with the momentum of the flail strike, turning to follow the blood reaver's attack with his own, cleanly decapitating it with a single strike.

As he's moving to flick the foul blood from his blade, the creature's slumping body explodes in a shower of gore, splattering the room with blood and stringy hunks of flesh.

Spoke with DRA and he confirmed that on 3 20s, it can just die.

Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16


Round 2 Initiative 8
AC 12 Touch 12 Flat-footed 8
HP 28/47 (Forgot last round that 1 CON damage doesn't lower my HP)

Charge attack (flanking) 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 BONZAI!
Confirm 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 Weak

Damage 1d8 + 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + (3, 2, 1, 3) + 1 = 14

After spitting another torrent of blood from his mouth, Daisuke charges the devil engaged with Azami and Chu, moving to flank it opposite Azami and delivering a fierce cut with his katana, but leaving himself open for a counter attack.


Round 1, Initiative 8
AC 18, touch 18, flat-footed 10, 21/40HP
Total defense

Daisuke staggers, blood dripping from every facial orifice, and awkwardly draws his katana, and enters a defensive stance.


Daisuke stops, placing his hand on the hilt of his katana.

Back against the wall, he moves up quickly and silently to the edge of the corridor, peering into the main room.

Stealth 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24
Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17


Daisuke nods and silently follows Azami back to the main hall.


Daisuke stood calmly in the grim, lifeless garden. His left hand rested on the scabbards of his swords where they met his belt, his right just away from the hilt of his katana. He turned slowly, surveying the grisly scene.

It has begun?

The Black Dragonflight was finished with subtlety apparently. So be it.

Every shadow will be turned against them. They will learn to fear the darkness.


I was assuming I heard Tokine from straight ahead, but if there was no obvious way to go that way, I will follow Chu.


So there was another thief. Curiouser and curiouser.

perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

What were those strange growls? He was told to meet this Wong Tsai, and perhaps he had, but defending the palace from thieves was not his mandate. Though he was uniquely capable of catching the intruder, it would be out of character.

Still, if he was to assist Kyras the trust of his associates was necessary, and the lamentations of treacherous creatures would have to wait for another day.

Is the door to the room with Wong Tsai open? Can I see him?

Daisuke takes a quick look back toward the horrid sobs perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19, before running straight ahead toward the garden.


Will 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

"Of course, I understand," he says, accepting the scroll and tucking it safely into his kimono.

Bluff 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

Spoiler:
These orders, and the man giving them, are suspicious.

Dare Mo's orders did not dictate that he run errands for a Hoshi lord, and he still wasn't sure this man was a Hoshi lord. A moment ago he seemed truly shocked and offended by the revelation of his duplicate, and now he's giving out strange orders. Curious.

Was this cleric an unwitting pawn of some unseen master, or a clever charlatan?

He would have to consider picking up this package.

With a quick bow, he backs away from the cleric and looks to see if he can find Kyras.


"I did not know that man would be here. Nor was I aware of you specifically before I walked into this room," Daisuke whispers calmly.

Bluff 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20

Sense Motive DC20:
Obviously he was ordered to find Wong Tsai, and thus new that he would be here.

"My associate was interested in that man regarding some sort of altercation from this morning, and when I saw he wore the same face as my esteemed employer, you can understand how it would peak my curiosity. I meant no offense. It is no crime to resemble another man, and I certainly didn't intend to imply any hypothetical wrong doing on _your_ part."

DM:
That part is true. He was not intending to make implications, merely bringing up the topic to judge the cleric's reaction.

"I have found our conversation enlightening, Honorable Hoshi-san, but I regret that have taken up too much of your time," he says aloud.

He waits, allowing the noble the opportunity to dismiss him.

Something was happening here, and this Hoshi cleric was involved somehow, though he didn't appear to know it.


"That is what I am curious about, Hoshi-san."

Daisuke tilts his head slightly, to draw the cleric's attention to the center of the room, and to Wong Tsai, without turning that direction himself.

"Do you not agree that is a most surprising likeness?"

He addresses the two performers, "One on stage in the role of an iconic character would work a lifetime for the skills to create a likeness half so accurate. Interesting, don't you think?"


perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
sense motive 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Daisuke nods at Kyras's suggestion, then follows the two of them toward Wong Tsai.

As they approach, he taps Kyras on the shoulder and subtly gestures toward the Hoshi cleric in conversation in the corner of the room.

"Strange, yes?"

Without waiting for a reply, he continues past Wong Tsai to the corner of the room, waiting momentarily for a pause in the conversation.

"Please forgive my interruption," he says with a respectful bow, "I am Daisuke, currently holding the honor of serving your noble house, Hoshi-san."

"I am quite fond of the performances of house Oda," he says, addressing the dancers, also with a bow, "One playing the role of another can teach us much about ourselves, and dance requires the most supreme grace."

He turns back to the Hoshi cleric, "I do not wish to take up too much of your time, but I am curious about your twin."


"If you know what information Imuri wants from the girl, then I suggest you bargain with him for her release. It will be difficult to retrieve her by force," Daisuke whispers as they approach Kyras and Imuri.

Sleight of hand 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
Another hero point for +4

Perception DC32:
Daisuke drops the jawbone necklace into Kyras's pocket.


Daisuke brings a hand up, rubbing his temples in frustration, "I grow weary of these word games between us. If you have a better plan, I would hear it."

DM only:
Dare Mo, after rubbing his temples, brings his hand back behind his head, unclasping the jawbone necklace and concealing it in his sleeve.

Bluff 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Sleight of hand 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Sense Motive DC 25:
Daisuke's apparent frustration is feigned.

Perception DC 31:
Daisuke reached for something, perhaps a chain, about his neck and shifted its position.


Daisuke follows Azami, walking calmly, keeping an eye on Imuri and Kyras, "We explore the dig site, Azami. We find out what she learned that caused the Dragonflight to want her, and whether they were trying to extract that information from her, or keep her from revealing it to the Emperor."

He pauses as pass close by a group of others, not sure who might want to listen in, then continues when they find a wider gap in the crowd.

"This information will prove invaluable, both in understanding the true intentions of the Black Dragonflight, and as currency to procure the girl from the Shoto clan."


"That is compelling, but is not proof, Azami. Let us assume that Imuri does have the girl. How would you proceed? We cannot simply storm into his home, demand he release the girl, and expect him to comply."

"Knowing why she was taken gives us a clearer picture of the scenario that is playing out before us, and what value he sees in keeping her."

"But your charge is to guard Kyras, mine is to see that he is reunited with his sister. A guard can be other than a protector, and the Court likely has many secrets to be kept from an inquisitive gaijin. Is that not so?"


He should have perceived earlier that these gaijin would not be swayed by Daisuke, but Daisuke was only a tool, the one he happened to have in hand, and thus the tool that must be made to work.

"I believe we will learn why they have taken her, which will likely prove to be as important as that they took her in the first place. I was told only that it was the surest path to find her. I suspect that I was not told more because, given the circumstances, it would be best that we see for ourselves."

"I apologize for creating animosity. My earlier admonition on trust was not meant to imply we should be enemies, Azami, only that it was prudent, when surrounded by intrigue, to be wary..."

He pauses momentarily to observe Kyras and Imuri.

Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

"Clearly you are concerned for Kyras, and it was wise-- necessary, to come to the palace."

"You and Kyras believe that Imuri has the girl. I'm not so sure, but if that is so then he wishes to use her for political leverage and she is safe in his custody, and a day will not change that. If that is incorrect, then we have no leads but mine, and the why of it becomes increasingly important if we are to discover her."

"I can promise you that I have no fear of spiders, and I will see the girl freed, whatever her current situation."


"The Hoshi insist that we must visit the dig site to do so," he replies calmly, "But I cannot force you, and obviously you have surer leads. I will speak no more of it."

Azami's insistence that they avoid direct answers in favor of Imuri's shadowy political maneuvering was becoming problematic. He derived no more enjoyment from politics and feigned diplomacy than did the gaijin, and it was slowing them down, perhaps fatally.

But lamenting his troubles was not Dare Mo's way. He needed a solution, and quickly.

These unpredictable gaijin were proving far more challenging as allies than any devil was as an enemy.


"I was attacked. I saw nothing," he says, a very slight hint of agitation in his voice, "One who could take me unaware, and silently, would likely have the skill to steal from such a creature as that... but there is another possibility..."

He turns away from the Erinyes and lowers his voice and leans in, such that only Azami can hear, "One of my contacts provided me with new information. Someone may have been trying to prevent me from sharing it. You recall the location I spoke of earlier? It is imperative that we be there by sundown tomorrow, or what answers it holds will be lost to us."

Bluff 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Sense Motive DC25:
Daisuke knows more about the attack than he is letting on, probably much more, but he is sincere about needing to reach the dig site.


Daisuke dismisses the servant with a wave of his hand, passing into the main hall in search of Azami.

He looks over the chastened watch captain, the suppressed rage of the devil, and the stares of the gathered crowd, and, upon seeing Azami, approaches her.

"What in the nine hells is going on out here?"


"Thank you," Daisuke says, taking stock of the others in the room, "I will speak with her. Is the girl alright? She was assisting me when I was attacked."

He gropes at his pockets and examines his swords, making a show of examining his possessions for theft.

is anything missing? No one ever said there must be only one thief in the palace.


perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Daisuke coughs and wheezes momentarily, before regaining his composure,

"It's perfectly all right, of course... What's going on? Who attacked us? Did the guards find them?"


Daisuke quickly hoists the servant up over his shoulder and carries her to a small side chamber, quietly locking the door behind him.

Continued...


dm only:
I may have misunderstood what you meant by prep area. :)

Is there a room nearby I can drag her into?


As the servant turns her back, Daisuke quickly and silently strikes several pressure points designed to render her unconscious.

Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Damage (nonlethal) 1d3 + 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + (5, 6, 2, 1) + 1 = 16
Yeesh. Hero point to reroll.
Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
stealth 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25


He rarely allowed himself a joke, and that was enough foolishness. His smile faded quickly.

His tea having cooled slightly, he secretly spilled some onto his kimono, and then drew the attention of a passing servant.

"Excuse me," he whispered, gesturing toward the wet spot on his shirt, "I don't wish to make a scene, but another guest clumsily bumped me, and I spilled my tea. Please escort me to a private area where I might dry myself so as not to appear uncivilized in front of the Emperor's foreign guests, then fetch me a towel."

sleight of hand 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
bluff 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18


Daisuke collects a beautifully painted porcelain cup, steam rising from its bitter, green contents, from a passing servant and then turns back to watch the foreign visitors.

The shadow was not this creature's thrall. It knows nothing.

He smiles, a response to a humorous anecdote, and takes a sip of tea.

The Fury's charms are visible to him, with its luxurious black hair and its patient, graceful stance.

The crowd is possessed by its terrible beauty, but he reads the lie written upon its face: It is a warrior, a deceiver, an infiltrator and a killer. It is a terrible dream, and its weapon is mortal dread.

A peer.

The smile is not entirely forced now, as he takes another small sip of tea.


While the others sit down to dinner, Daisuke maneuvers through the crowd gathered in the main hall. He circles the group, watching the figures at the center of attention.

While he moves, he subtly directs the crowd to move around him, playing against their natural instincts to heard them out of or into his path as it suits him. As jokes are told, he mimes laughter. As stories are told, he nods in understanding along with the others.

DM only:

I'm attempting to discern where the erinyes is holding the jawbone. Are there any servants passing through this area, serving drinks or whatever?

Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23


As the gong chimes, Daisuke turns with surprising speed to watch the crowd begin filtering into the dining area.

"No, Curator. I did not. You must convince Kyras to be prepared to leave the palace if anything goes... wrong."

He nods toward Imuri, "I am sworn to aid Kyras in his endeavor. I must turn him toward his goal, and to do so I require a harmless object carried on the person of an enemy of the Empire.

"You have what you asked for. May it please you."

Without waiting for a response, he vanishes into the crowd.

Bluff 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18

Sense Motive DC18:
Daisuke is telling the truth, but he is clearly leaving something out.

Disguise 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25

Perception DC25:
As Daisuke steps into the crowd, his posture and the cadence of his walk begin to shift.

Stealth 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31

Spending a ki point for +4.

Perception DC31:
Though he is dodging adeptly between figures in the crowd, you never quite lose him. He is heading toward the erinyes.

DM only:
Is the erinyes or its entourage watching this way or are they heading into the dining area?

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