Giving chase within the building, Rain saw the assassin just ahead of her and it appeared within reach of her magical pike.
She continued her pursuit, but was not heedless in her efforts to follow/hunt him down.
Rain - 2
Variel - 3
Seijiro - 3
Adular - 4
Rain, you have the opportunity to trip him with your pike or attack him, or just try and get closer.
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Variel, you hear shouts from several floors above you and spot a ladder that ascends to the roof, you can take that to get closer to the action or enter the door that is at the far end of the building at the ground floor.
Strength check to force the locked door open, or climb check to quickly ascend the ladder.
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Seijiro, same thing for you ladder or door.
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Adular, there is a ground level door that you can force open near you as well or you can go left or right around the building.
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seijiro hurries up the ladder and onto the roof... listens for sounds of pursuit beneath him, and tries to stay right above the movement below him...
They wanted to capture the assassin to interrogate him, so her efforts were to either slow him down, keep him within sight and catch up to him as he ran through the building or corner him with her companions. She kept her eyes on the man, hoping not to lose him inside the dark passages of the building.
As she gave chase (with haste), and within her sights and range, Rain thrust her pike forward with both hands - her target: to pierce the flesh at the back of his right leg with the metal tip/hook. She wanted a more precise hit even with the motion of both her target and her pursuit.
The pike strikes true and hits the man, gouging a chunk out of his calf, but he keeps on running. Turning a corner he runs down to the next level, drops of blood from his leg spattering the stairs and walls.
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Rain, you will have to retract the pike to make it around the corner and down the stairs. You are close enough that you could leap from the top of the stairs and try and tackle the assassin, in which case I need an acrobatics roll dc 15 and then a CMB roll dc 20. If successful on both checks then you tackle him to the ground.
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Seijiro and Variel, you hear people yelling in the building as Rain and the Assassin run through it. Perception check dc 15 to hear that they went down the stairs to the second floor.
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Adular, you have made it to the building that they are at and spot an open window on the second floor with a drain pipe next to it, you see a flash of black clothing as the assassin passes by the window. Do you continue around the building or go up the drainpipe? Clime DC 20 for the drainpipe and window.
...
Seijiro keeps running down the roof til he gets to the end of the building...
Rain, you will have to retract the pike to make it around the corner and down the stairs. You are close enough that you could leap from the top of the stairs and try and tackle the assassin, in which case I need an acrobatics roll dc 15 and then a CMB roll dc 20. If successful on both checks then you tackle him to the ground.
Seeing the corner ahead of her, Rain swiftly retracted her pike to its normal 8ft length .
Once at the top of the stairs and noting the narrow stairwell and knowing she could not fly lest she tear her wings through, Rain wound them tightly against her body and then attempted to leap down the stairs to attempt to tackle the assassin to the ground.
Amen-set rummages through the house belonging to the dead tengu, though with less enthusiasm than Horatio seems to have.
”My hatey-a', if you will permit me… Why did we not go to aid the others in their hunt?” she says slowly as Horatio’s eyes narrow as he picks up a book and studies it intently.
”We have an Elf who is casting magic and tearing through the buildings and is meanwhile the Captain-General of an up-and-coming ship in The Shackles, recently recognized by the Pirate King. We have the Pilot-Major flying through the same streets - flying with large wings - who is also hunting the same target and that doesn’t count the padre, nor does it count the quartermaster, who is a kitsune by the way, a race which is somewhat uncommon in these parts,” he says, his attention clearly distracted.
”That said; wow many people saw them hunting the killer? How many people will spread the tale? Maybe us remaining behind doesn't matter, but do we really need to make the party more conspicuous?” he says with a grunt.
”We may have been able to aid them, though,” she says as he tears open a desk and searches its contents.
”It’s one man with a crossbow; I have a hunch any of them could take care of the killer alone. That said, with all of them hunting the killer I doubt they will need us, too. Besides, we have other business.”
She looks him from a shelf she is studying.
”What other business is that?” she presses.
He sighs and looks up at her.
”The person killed was a notorious smuggler, right? So what we’re looking for is either gear he’s collected during his life – be it rare or unique items that he picked up in his journeys. Or, more hopefully, a logbook.”
She pauses and stares at him and he sees the look and sighs.
”Smugglers bring goods illegally to certain people. Those people likely have certain places that they meet clandestinely to avoid authorities. So, for example, if we find a logbook it might say something like – Jon Doe to accept one-hundred items; delivered to a hidden location, and dropped off on the second Friday of each month; will pay three times the value for each item… – or something like that.”
He continues his search and Amen-set continues to help him, but she seems less eager than he is.
”What if we do not find anything like that? No rare valuables he may have recovered from his travels? No logbook with a list of contacts, drop points and the list of what will paid for certain cargo?” she asks him, her eyes straying to the corpse on the floor.
He stops in his search and looks up at her for a few moments.
”Then I guess we’ve wasted our time doing all of this,” he says with a tight voice, then he sighs and shakes head and continues to search.
”But we haven’t finished searching yet; so come on, try to show a little optimism,” he says, trying to inspire some enthusiasm as they worked.
Rain the man is thrashing underneath you and attempts to stab you with an arrow.
Assume you all, including Adular, found your way to Rain and helped to restrain the assassin.
Flynn you don't find any log books but you do find a series of antique figurines made from porcelain, emerald, ruby, and onyx that you would guess would be abut 2000 gp if sold.
Flynn you don't find any log books but you do find a series of antique figurines made from porcelain, emerald, ruby, and onyx that you would guess would be abut 2000 gp if sold.
Horatio seems a bit frustrated at the lack of any ledgers or journals that might be in this place. Even so, he will take the figurines. Then he collapses into a chair and lights up a smoke while Amen-set tends to the body of the dead smuggler.
Seijiro will help bind the fellow...
Rain kept her body pressed down hard on the assassin to continue pinning him face down on the floor as her companions worked at restraining him. Her wings were tightly pressed upon her back so they would not be injured by the action/scuffle.
"Hurry, please," she said to her companions. "I want to get off this assassin, sooner rather than later."
With your companions help, you are able to get the man pinned and tied up. He glares at you all for a moment before looking at Rain and saying Now darling if you had wanted to go for a tumble in the hay you could have just asked. I'd make you feel real good.
Seijiro kicks the man in the kidneys just hard enough to hurt really bad. "No need to be rude... she is promised to another and deserving of more respect than you are giving." Then he blushes slightly and backs off a bit.
Rain was about to give a retort when Jiro saved her from having to do so - quite nicely in fact.
Instead she laughed. "My friend here saved you from an even greater beating. My betrothed does not like other men speaking to me in such a manner. I did not give you leave to speak to me in any way. You're fortunate I only aimed for your leg when I struck you last. Now be quiet until you're asked to speak."
Turning to Variel, Rain asked, "We taking him back to the ship with us? Or to Corlan's house? I believe that's where we'll find Flynn and Amen-set."
Adular nods as the fellow gets told to keep his yap shut. Seeing no one needs healing, he says, "Y'know... I don't have any spells on me that'll force a truth out of a fellow...currently. But if ye like, Rain, I can sure ask for them."
"Adular, I think that is a good idea. I would rather truthful answers to our questions - it'll save us some time. Thank you."
"Most welcome," The priest nods his head, thinking of spells that will aid in just that.
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Finally bursting through the door Variel skids to a stop in time to see Jiro kick the man in the kidneys. Glancing up at Rain he gets the nonverbal cue that it was deserved and hears the response from both Jiro and his betrothed. Getting the gist of the conversation Variel pulls one of his daggers and points it between the man's legs. Careful what you say to the lady. I am not opposed to start cutting things off of you and keep Adular around to heal you enough to prolong your agony.
Sheathing the el turns to the others, Yes, let's get back to the others and then escort this man to the ship. We can hold him there until tomorrow when we are better prepared to deal with him.
"Isn't there magic to speak with the dead? Maybe we should bring the body of the unfortunate smuggler with us as well?"
Amen-set has moved to tend to the body as Horatio has asked.
She moves it inside the door and then shuts the door and makes sure the windows are closed. She then drapes a sheet over the body as Horatio takes a long draw from his smoke.
She looks around the place and begins to tidy up the room that they had just ransacked in an almost absent fashion, as if she is on edge and is trying to keep busy.
Horatio swings his feet up and blows a large smoke ring and watches her work through narrowed eyes.
"You're a good person, Amen-set," he says to her finally and she pauses in her work and looks at him in some surprise.
Horatio looks away and leans forward and taps the ash of his smoke onto a small clay plate and she goes back to cleaning up the mess with a small smile on her lips.
The man lapses into a sullen silence after the kick and threats.
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Assuming you strip him of his gear, you find:
Studded Leather Armor (Magical)
Potions x2
Heavy Crossbow with Bayonet (Both Magical)
Backpack
Climber's kit (Masterwork)
Spyglass
50' of silk rope with grappling hook
"Alright, then. We collect Corlan's body and get Flynn and Amen and return to the ship with this one. Come along now, be a good boy", she said to the tied and sullen assassin. "Or my young friend, here, may kick you, again." Rain kept the assassin between her and the others in case he attempted to make a run for it. She exited the apartment with the others and headed down the streets, back to the Tengu's apartment. When they arrived outside Corlan's apartment, Rain called out/through the door, "It's us and we have the assassin. Let us in so we can collect the body in there and then we all return to the ship. Let's do so quickly lest we draw any attention."
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On the way to Corlan's Variel gives Rain's arm a squeeze. Excellent work tracking him down and subduing him.
At Corlan's Variel doesn't spend much time to talk other than to ask Flynn if he secured the house and is ready to head out. If Flynn gives the affirmative then Variel will make ready to leave with the others tot he ship and conduct the interrogation there. As for the items Variel ignores them till there is a better time to identify them.
If Flynn gives the affirmative then Variel will make ready to leave with the others tot he ship and conduct the interrogation there. As for the items Variel ignores them till there is a better time to identify them.
Horatio will agree to return to the ship to do the investigation. Doing it in the house would be foolish; after all, there may be other assassin's out there.
If there is any trouble from this action, far better to be on a ship that can repel any possible threat with some ease, or simply sail away if real trouble starts.
Seeing the crossbow with the bayonet on it gives him pause, though.
Bayonets were mostly used on firearms - specifically muskets - and from what he has seen most people didn't use firearms.
It could be a coincidence, but it might also be a clue as to where this man came from. In other words, he may have come from a city where firearms were more common...
However, those questions could wait until they returned to the ship. For now he will do what he can to assist the others and move the villain quickly and quietly back to their vessel, as well as (if others wish it) the body of the dead smuggler.
Naturally Amen-set will aid in any way she can, but when she sees the assassin her eyes harden and it looks like she is eager to see this man face justice.
"Good suggestion, Jiro," Adular says, "I think I'll be doing a lot o praying soon."
You all get back to the ship without incident. Dhaavan comes above deck for the first time in a while when you do and asks if you need any help with the prisoner. Ana is nowhere to be found at the moment. If you ask the deck watch, they saw her dive into the water about half an hour ago and hasn't returned.
Seijiro peers over the side of the ship... "I hope she's okay. She's seemed so down since... well, you know." He sighs softly, realizing he hasn't been as much of a comfort to her as he could have... He'd said so little to her since her companion's demise.
He helps stow the corpse someplace safe and secure, letting Variel and Flynn decide on where to stow the living prisoner.
On the way to Corlan's Variel gives Rain's arm a squeeze. Excellent work tracking him down and subduing him.
"Your haste spell certainly made the task easier, A'maelamin. I am happy he did not get away." The words were spoken quietly. Rain levelled a soft look on her betrothed as she could do no more with the prisoner in hand and walking the streets of Hell Harbour.
"I know what you mean, Jiro. She needs time to grieve I think," Adular says
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Thank you, I had hoped that hasting you along would aid your efforts. You did well. this man may hold many answers that we need, not only about what is going on to report back but it also may have implications on more personal matters as well. If he knows anything about Shanxia I plan on finding out what he knows. Variel looks resolute and fierce but softens as he turns his eyes upon Rain. Would you be willing to join me in questioning him on the ship once Adular has prayed for the right blessings to determine the truth of his words? You are more observant than I am and a better judge of character as well. You might pick up on things I would miss. And I would appreciate your presence as well depending on what we learn.
At the ship Variel insists that 4 men stand guard over the assassin at all times. I don't care what else is going on around you or what you hear on board the ship. You are to always maintain your guard on this man and never let him escape or commit harm to himself. No one is to visit him unless accompanied by myself Rain and Adular. All 3 of us must be present together.
At the ship Variel insists that 4 men stand guard over the assassin at all times. I don't care what else is going on around you or what you hear on board the ship. You are to always maintain your guard on this man and never let him escape or commit harm to himself. No one is to visit him unless accompanied by myself Rain and Adular. All 3 of us must be present
Horatio turns a confused gaze to the Variel.
"Hang on a second," he says.
"I can understand you wanting the padre around - he's got certain magic which may pry some stuff out of this guy. But do you got any specific reason for telling the rest of us, well, the rest of us but you three," he says with a nod to Rain "that we're not allowed to go in there?"
"Putting aside the fact that I have a few tricks to get people to talk, I'm curious - why are you cutting out the First Officer? He's pretty good at diplomacy, he could probably get some really useful stuff from the guy. And if you don't want him, why not Amen-set, she's pretty good at convincing people, too."
"Meantime - while I'm thinking about it - why not our good quarter-master, Jiro-san? Is there any reason you don't want him around for the talking?"
He looks at Variel for a while.
"I'm thinking that I'm maybe just confused here and I'm hoping you can explain why you just made that call," he asks him.
Horatio is speaking with a relaxed voice and is very calm.
He seems genuinely confused why Variel would decide to only allow the priest and Rain in the room and not the rest of them. While his tone seems to suggest he has some personal concerns at this choice, he's clearly doing his best to push those thoughts aside and hoping that Variel will help him understand why it is that he decided to say what he just did.
Seijiro sighs.. and points out "He didn't say we couldn't be there, he said no one should be there unless he, Rain and Adular are ALSO there... which makes sense, since some folks are wont to take unwarranted actions without some restraint. I figured we'd all be there when it came time to question him, as we might think of things he doesn't."
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Taking Horatio a bit away from the others he explains himself more clearly but so that others can't hear. Horatio, it is not that I don't want you there, rather I want to make sure that the 3 I mentioned are there. By insisting that we 3 need to be together before they allow anyone in makes it that much more difficult for anyone to try and sneak in to rescue him. This may be our only chance at retrieving some very important information and I am not taking any chances.
Now Adular said that he is not ready to interrogate the man as he does not have the proper spells prepared. That means we must wait till tomorrow. By all means at that time I will gladly have you and all the rest present as he is being questioned. It is not a matter of cutting you or anyone else out of the loop. I admit that Dhaavan and Amen-set may be the ones to extract the information we need but that does not mean that we need to rush this till Adular is prepared and ready in the morning.
Taking Horatio a bit away from the others he explains himself more clearly but so that others can't hear.
Horatio's expression lightens appreciably, and he seems genuinely relieved when he responds to Variel -
"Well, I got to say - that's a relief," he says.
"I wasn't sure about what was up there, so I appreciate the response," he adds.
He looks at the captive and rubs his chin a little.
"Now, I know you're waiting on the padre to refresh his spells, but for now I have a few suggestions on how to deal with the prisoner..." he says slowly.
"First thing I'd do outright is strip him naked. It's an old tactic one of my instructors taught me when I was younger."
"Stripping a man naked generally makes him feel uncomfortable and powerless - it throws him off his game - it makes him feel a little more helpless, which could be good if you want to lean on him."
"Meantime, it makes sure he's got no hidden gear on him; a hidden knife in his belt, some kind of blade in his sleeve, that sort of thing."
"Also, if this guy is more than a run-of-the-mill assassin, you know, maybe connected to those thugs that got that Shanxia thing, then that means he might be a little more... zealous... in his work."
"We know he's used poisons; if you push him hard on finding out details on a "big boss" he may decide to swallow some hidden poison so he won't have to be "persuaded" to talk and spill information on whoever those basterds are. Stripping him of all his clothes prevents him from having anything up his sleeve, you know?"
"Another thing - if your hunch is right and he's really part of some big assassin thing then maybe he's got some mark on him; a hidden tattoo of a guild symbol, maybe? And speaking of tattoo's - Dhaavan uses tattoos to do magic, right? If this guy's got them, we may want to check them out, just to be sure."
"I know that's a lot of stuff that probably won't matter. Hell, if this guy is just some normal contract killer than searching for a tattoo connected to some secret assassin guild, or making sure he's not got a poison pill to prevent him from talking seems like overkill... But if this guy is really connected to the same gang that did your Shanxia thing than he's probably a little more serious. That said, I'd check every possibility, just to be sure."
He rubs his chin a moment.
"I know enough about anatomy and poisons on my own; if you'd like, I could work him over a little tonight to soften him up before you and everyone else talk to him nicely tomorrow, if you'd like," he adds, clearly having no issue with torturing the man if it could help his friend.
As he waits for Variel to consider this, he turns a glance at Rain.
"Just a suggestion for you; I know we all got a reputation and that other people have heard about us, but if you really got a bounty on your head you may not want to advertise so openly who you care for. A good assassin who wants to hurt you may decide to move against people you care for... just saying, no harm in being careful in public," he adds, then shrugs.
After sharing his response he seems to relax, then suddenly snaps his fingers, as if remembering something.
"Hey - that reminds me; I got a little favor I'd like to ask you."
"Can you maybe talk to Jiro-san and try to explain to him that I get he's got personal issues with me, but if he doesn't mind keeping his issues with me to himself, then that would be great?
Horatio keeps his voice level and calm, but his eyes are not happy as he continues.
"It was one thing when we were all on The Grave and he refused to come down and help us when we were all getting our asses nearly dead... Hell, I'm still thinking he chose to hide instead of fight so that the enemy could kill us and he'd have clean hands, but I could be wrong. Between you and me, I was pretty upset about that, but my girl Amen-set convinced me it was probably a misunderstanding and I shouldn't take it so personal."
"After that I've done my best, but since then... Well, all his little side comments; from the critiques on my grammar and comments on my language and his little expressions and eye-rolling and sighs about any of my questions or my and actions - that's getting a little stale, you know?" he says with a frown.
"I'm going to say that it got bad enough that I did some praying and I'm thinking the gods have basically told me if it keeps happening they got no problem with me dealing with it the hard way, you know?" he adds with flat eyes.
"But I'd rather it not come to that, so I'm asking you for some help here."
"I've bought him gifts for his monkey, and for him, and I always use terms of respect for him, but he just keeps pushing it and I don't have any notion on why it won't stop."
"So, being that as he seems to respect you and do what you say, I'm hoping you could make it clear to him that if he doesn't lighten up it's just going to cause some serious issues on the ship and none of us want that; we're here to misbehave and have some fun doing it, you know?" he says with a small smile.
"Anyhow, sorry for bringing it up, but like I said - he's kind of wearing me out and I'm not looking for trouble. As you're the Captain-General I hoped you could maybe talk to him in a way that he'll understand."
He stretches his shoulders a little.
"Oh yeah; I found some loot at the smuggler's house. Some figurines I took, they'll fetch a good price - maybe 2,000 gold pieces. So maybe some good came out of all this, I guess..." he says with wry grin.
"Well, I guess that's it. Thanks for listening," he says as he tips his forelock to Variel.
She returned his soft look and replied discreetly, "Aye, I will be there when questions are asked. I believe he finds me appealing, although I believe Jiro kicked that notion right out of him back at the apartment. Mayhap we will get more from him with a little nicety and flirtation rather than heavy-handedness - the earlier kick and threats silenced him quick smart."
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She had heard Flynn question something Variel had said to the guard and then Jiro quelling Flynn's misunderstanding.
"Aye. We question prisoners together, as is our way, unless a certain tactic will reap greater benefit. Variel did not order you or any other to stay away, Flynn. We wait for Adular to prepare the required spells and then we can act promptly to gain the answers we seek."
Looking to the others, she agreed that Dhaavan would be the best interrogator for he possessed a certain talent for extracting information from people. Amen could assist, as the girl's cunning and charm were a fine complement to the sorcerer's.
"Aye. We question prisoners together, as is our way, unless a certain tactic will reap greater benefit..."
Horatio hears Rain's words and turns a glance to Variel -
"Like I said earlier, I got no problem with "certain tactics". If you think they'd help, then just let me know."
"We got plenty of time to do certain stuff before the dawn, if you think it would help, that is," he adds, then pulls out a smoke and lights it.
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Variel listens with respect to his comments and concerns and tries to answer them accordingly. I am glad you understand my reasoning. thank you for that. I will speak to Jiro as well and see if there is anything troubling him or if he has any direct issues that need dealing with.
That being the case I would ask that you not visit our friend downstairs just yet for some of your more unique skills. I will let Dhaavan and Amen-set try their honeyed words first and see where that brings us. If that does not work then we can try more unsavory methods. How does that sound?
Variel gets a harder look on his face than perhaps he should. I don't think I approve of you using your flirtatious means on him. Amen-set I am fine with. You, I might not appreciate his responses and act without thinking. I trust you and love you more than anything but I can't help myself when men like that leer at you. It makes my blood boil.
Fynn
Horatio shrugs.
"Well, like I said, it's all the same to me. Like as not he probably has little to do with your Shanxia thing, but hey, you never know."
"Point is - if you needed a hand in "convincing" him to talk, I'm willing to do what I can to help you."
"As for Amen-set? Well, I figure she'll probably go along with whatever Dhaavan's got planned, seeing as how she's kind of sweet on him for some reason."
He scratches his beard a moment and thinks, his eyes flicking around.
"One thing worth doing tonight, if possible - maybe make sure he's not alone. I mean, if he's got a partner or something than that partner might be looking for him even now. Like I said earlier, we aren't the most inconspicuous bunch out there - it would be pretty easy for someone to figure out who nabbed him and where we took him."
He lights a smoke and offers one to Variel, in case the Elf was interested.
"Meantime, thanks for handling our trusty quarter-master. I appreciate that," he adds sincerely.