Sunny leans to Gabriel. "You mentioned ships in port. What flags would they bear - the Wa and Kozakura? We should start out search nearby those ships perhaps?"
She leads the large dog through the busy hustle of the Dock Ward, ever wary of travelers, especially those close by plying Chewy's keen senses to stay alert with another bone as they peruse the docks.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gabriel thinks about the ships "That's a good question, I guess they might be national flags, or maybe their navy flies different colours? Let me think..."
Sylvio tags along keeping his eyes open as he watches for danger but not sure where to begin. Who are they supposed to approach to ask about numbers and strange rituals. Sylvio still doesn’t understand what their purpose is here but would rather stick with the group (and his alibi) than risk being caught alone.
Focusing his mind into histories and on the memories of the more than few times he visited the harbor, Gabriel immediately remembers the distinguishing characteristics of the trading vessels from Wa and Kozakura. Virtually indistinguishable between one another, these ships where extremely easy to differentiate from their western counterparts. They were shorter, their decks smaller, stern and bow ending in a more angular form. Their wood was clearer and unpainted, some kind of pine or cedar, generally adorned by engravings in both starboard and portside.
With that in mind he scans the harbor’s horizon and almost immediately find one such vessel. From it a group of shorter men wearing loose shirts tied by sashes at their waist unloaded wooden boxes. Despite the effects of the sun over their skin the men were visibly paler than your usual Faerunian, their hair and eyes raven black. Approaching them, the adventurers could notice that they spoke in a language different from Common, but it was not Deep Speech, Dwarvish or Giant. It was not Undercommon, Primordial, Celestial, Infernal or Draconic. Neither it was Aquan, Elvish or Sylvan. Not a single member of the group could understand what they were saying. At least not until one of the sailors tuned to them.
“Need some help, friends?” Asked an older man. His voice was almost gentle, his eyes narrow and he was no more than eight inches taller than five feet. He used a longer attire than the rest of the crew, a dark gray piece of cloth that resembled a tunic, but open at the front, loose, tied to his waist by a sash. Over his shoulders an orange mantle and a beige scarf, both worn by exposition to sea and sun. He had his hair tied in a knot and disheveled by the wind. A scruffy beard covered his face, and more than a few scars covered his skin. Maybe he had his days as a warrior or maybe he sailed long enough to have his share of experience with pirates. There was even the possibility the man had simply been unlucky and got hurt in his travels. After all, everyone knows there is no shortage of danger in the ocean. “Omaera shigoto o tsuzukero!” He shouted to the crew in a harsher tone.
Notes: For brevity's sake I have considered the group already approached the oriental ship (Gabriel is certain that the vessel is either from Wa or Kozakura, but cannot be sure from which country). For visual reference, the ship would look more or less like that: https://www.asianstudies.org/wp-content/uploads/replica.jpg and this the older man that spoke to you: https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f2/4d/e0/f24de0e3c71c5c737cded7fe16b42004.jpg. In case of curiosity, "omeara shigoto o tsuzukero" means "you keep working" in Japanese, but said in a particularly rude form. The equivalent expression in English (although not the literal translation) would be "keep moving, you bastards". As always, in case of any question feel free to ask in the OOC chat.
Gabriel approaches the older man and nods graciously. "Yes please my friend, we are looking for information that might be best sought from a son or daughter of Kara-Tur. We recently witnessed the aftermath of rituals which were associated with the number four; would you know of any groups in the city, maybe nefarious ones, who may follow such practices?"
(Gabriel is going for honesty; even if they spook the real killers then they may pick up a lead)
“Are you one of those bootlicking bards trying to sell a performance?” The man asks Gabriel with a look of distrust. “Because let me be frank with you, no one here likes this flourished language of yours or is interested in hiring you. Speak like a normal person or get one of those friends of yours to speak in your place.” With your keen eyes, Sunny and Amadi, you gather the man looks disgusted at Gabriel’s words as if they remember him of something or someone he would rather forget. It is not hard to imagine that at some point he was tricked by someone in the city, probably a bard. He is, after all, a stranger in what for him can only be described as a strange land. “Actually, hold on.” He speaks rising his hand. The closest crew members seem to stop their work. “Omae ja nai! Shigoto ni modore!” He shouts as the sailors return to their respective activities. “You.” He turns to the aasimar. “You are asking questions without first telling your name?” The question sounds like a critic. “Maybe you never spoke with someone from Kozakura, but for us it’s a matter of basic courtesy. You introduce yourself at the start of anything but the most basic conversation, before asking a long question.”
It is not hard to gather that this man is experienced when it comes to Faerûn. He does speaks Common without even a hint of an accent. Yet he is taking the opportunity to pick in Bryte’s behavior.
“We do know more than a few nefarious things about the number four, but we are merchants.” He concludes opening his arms, almost theatrical. Cleric and ranger notice a blade previously hidden by his orange mantle. “You want anything from us, you have to pay a fair price.” The man closes his arms and take a glance at the whole of the group. “Tell me, how much do you think this kind of information is worth? Tell me honestly, because all of you will need to pay.”
Notes: Amadi and Sunny have noticed the mentioned details because of their passive perception and Insight. Anyone wanting to notice the same may roll a Insight (DC 10) and a Perception (DC 12) check. A title of curiosity "omae ja nai! Shigoto ni modore" means "not you, get back to work".
"I am Sunny, a Healer. I carry little coin but in some areas the people consider me a doctor. Show me your injured, if you have any, and without Magic I can ease some of the damage or normal injury for at least a half dozen. Provided it is in plain view out here as I am somewhat...claustrophobic." She smiles with her offer and with a gentle bow of courtesy, "Or do you deal strictly in coin?" She adds glancing clearly, but briefly at the blade revealed by the movement of the Orange Mantle keeping her focus on the speaker as some cultures would consider it rude for her to do otherwise.
Chewy is under no such obligation.
Sunny insight25 to watch for any behavior to indicate their intentions to be other than what they are saying ongoing. (Passive insight is 16)
Amadi stands near the back of the others as he watches the exchange. He narrows his eyes for a moment and with a whisper casts Detect Thoughts on the man.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gabriel's tone shifts in response to the slight: "It is never wise to carry yesterday's argument into today - especially with a stranger who might offer you fair compensation for an easy moment's work. If my style offends you then that is my fault, and that of my teachers. But if you mean to sour a good trade because of it then I will find another salty sailor to do business with"
Persuasion 11 (unless I can use Performance and add another 3??
You notice, as the man spoke, that he seemed to open to Sunny’s proposition. But then Gabriel spoke. Choosing to not take the easy way out of the verbal conflict, apologizing if even if without fault, and adapting his language to the older man, he came across unacceptably impolite for the oriental standards and you can see as much in the ship captain’s face. Fortunately this caught the men’s attention, making him totally unable to notice Amadi’s casting of the Detect Thoughts spell. He then manages to hears words in a language he does not understand, probably the same one used to shout at the other sailors. In spite of that the cleric manages to understand the general idea of what is being thought - at first irritation and insults towards a figure called Thaumas, then satisfaction towards the ranger’s proposition and finally ire against Bryte.
A moment of tension and silence takes hold of the air. The keener eye could see the man was studying either to attack the aasimar or not. In the end he decided the confrontation would bring more negative attention from the City Watch that the quintet of strangers was worth.
“It is never wise to talk back to someone that have something you want, even less if that someone is a stranger with over ten men under his command, close by and no with no sympathy for you.” His voice was cold and devoid of patience, leaving clear that further discussion with the man could result in a fight. “Your teachers made a really poor job if they didn’t teach you at least that much.” Then he snapped his fingers. Six men entered your field of view, all atop of the ship. “Now get out of here before I call the guards or sour your good face.”
Notes: As Gabriel failed to uphold Kozakura's courtesy after being informed of it, the NPC was genuinely insulted and adding to this his previous antipathy towards the Warlock/Sorcerer, it is no longer possible to attempt a social answer (Persuasion or Deception, Intimidation was not really an option given the presence of the man's crew). With that being said I won't be using the NPC's backstory it is clear the NPC will call the guards if the group does not go away.
On a curiosity note, it is indeed considered basic courtesy to tell your name before starting but the briefest conversations in Japan, country that inspires Kozakura. And it is considerably offensive to not uphold this social convention.
Sylvio speaks up and joins into the discussion. “Please-a forgive my friend-a. We have-a had a difficult day. My name is-a Sylvio and we are-a all members of the local guilds-a.”
He frowns a moment before continuing, “We have-a had some serious-a problems today and-a are looking for some information and help-a. This-a morning we were-a summoned by the city guard and asked to investigate a some recent deaths-a with local noble children-a. To-a cut the story-a short, we have encountered undying creatures-a, magical beasts, and-a noble house that seems-a bent on evil rituals and-a summoning a. We are-a merely trying to save-a the children from more of-a these deaths and felt-a that you might-a be able to provide-a us some guidance.”
He stops… feeling that honesty was likely the best course here. “Please-a, is there-a anything you can-a tell us that might help us-a solve this mystery… we would be-a grateful. If it is compensation you require, we don’t have-a much but will give what-a we can.”
Amadi had no desire to pry deeper into the man's thoughts. He didn't notice the casting of the spell and while he would have no reason to know the spell was cast upon him, if he pried deeper then the man would. He was offended and no amount of soft words were going to placate the man at this juncture. They would need to find another.
Resting a hand on Gabriel's arm Amadi spoke into his mind using his telepathy. My friend, it seems we have out stayed our welcome. Perhaps you and I move off a ways and see if the others can patch this up. He seemed open to Sunny's proposal but with you here I do not think it will happen. Lets you and I go.
He gives a gentle pull to his arm, just enough to indicate to move away but by no means anything more. If Gabriel resists he lets his hand fall and steps back. If Gabriel moves with him he will move back and turn to walk up the docks a short way, no more than 30 feet.
Meanwhile he maintains concentration on the Detect Thought's spell and the man's surface thoughts.
Concentrated in reading the thoughts of the man, Amadi noticed an immediate shift his attitude when Sylvio mentions children dying. Two names take hold of his mind, Asahi and Kaito, and words in that strange language that spoke to the cleric of love, of missing someone and then of a pure, unrestrained rage. Shadeflame understands immediately that this man has children of his own and that the very thought of a kid being killed fill him with ire.
“I don’t care who you are or to whom you are working for, but if you are hunting a children-killer then you my help and the only thing you need to do is promise that you will give this son a whore what he deserves for touching the little ones.” With your keen eyes, Sunny and Shadeflame, you notice that the air around the man changed completely. Now his face carries a serious expression, and he barely registers Gabriel. “I am Sadao and you mentioned the killings were associated with the number four, right?” Sadao asks rhetorically before taking a moment to think. “In our language many words have two different pronunciations. One such word is the number four - you can speak it as ‘yon’ or ‘shi’. The latter is the same pronunciation, the only pronunciation, to the word for ‘death’. It is considered a number of bad luck, an ill omen in anything.I mean, back home and in Wa we don’t build anything in fourth floors, we never serve food in four portions or four pieces and folk who deal with the divine speak the number is used in all sort of curses and dark rituals.” Amadi reads in his mind that Sadao is speaking exactly what he is thinking. “Ghost histories are a popular hobby where I come from so I and the boys have heard something about curses directed at nobility, but without knowing what happened to the kids I can’t say something specific comes to mind.”
Notes: In this post the mention of "keen eyes" are instances in where the characters notice something because of their passive Insight. In keeping with the oriental theme, the mentioned significance of the number four is also an actual part of Japanese culture. The same can be say about the popularity of ghost histories as a hobby.
Sunny hesitates a moment at the harsh words directed at her new friend. Playing the conversation back in her head a little trying to find something of a neutral ground.
As Sylvio begins to speak, Sunny's hesitation moves to concern briefly with the information being provided. She watches as Sadao's posture changes quickly at the Elf's comments to one of anger but notices it timed evenly with the mention of the children maybe having some of his own? Parents often respond stronger to children in danger she's found.
Looking around at the passersby, "Sadao, Sir, our conversation has indeed not been what we'd hoped. Might we speak a little more privately?" She asks gesturing cautiously at the open dock. "Wherever you prefer. Please?" Then smiling, "My claustrophobia comes and goes..." with a gentle shrug seeming to imply that she may have exaggerated a little. Hoping the admission might placate him some more.
If I'm interpreting her read of him correctly, he's likely not part of any of the rituals himself and is unaware of whom is doing so. Should she feel otherwise, I need to amend my post. We had considered initially that people of this culture might actually be a part of the rituals or at least that's how I was reading it.
Sylvio nods gratefully Sadao. “Well met-a Saadi. We have-a more we could share but my friend is-a right. Perhaps it would-a be best to speak in a private? If-a we are to find these-a monsters and-a end this nightmare, we will-a need whatever you can tell us.”
Sadao gives consideration to Sunny’s proposition and listens to Sylvio before giving any answer. You, Amadi, hear the thoughts of the oriental echoing in that language that for you is unknown, but understand a meaning of sympathy. At the eyes of the sailor Sylvio was a fellow foreigner and even though they were clearly not from the same land they still more than likely had to deal similar challenges. He snaps his finger two times and the man get back to work.
“Of course.” He says to the tortle and elf, remembering that the latter had mentioned nobility. Be it in Kozakura or in the west, anyone who messes with nobility is dangerous, to say the very least. As much as Sadao doubted there would be any uninvited ear in that place, no cautionary action would be too much. “Follow me.”
He then turns into the direction of the ship. He guides you all to the deck and then below it, where you can see a mostly empty space. By the wooden walls and the beans holding the upper deck you can identify hammocks rolled up.
“You can stay closer to the way up, this way you may not feel your claustrophobia as much.” Sadao says leaning towards the closest beam and crossing his arms. “Now tell me about kids. When where they found? How far from one another? What seems to be the cause of their death? Any wounds or uncommon marks?” He asks methodically, in a manner that very much resembles captain Ironwood. Maybe this man had his own experience working as a soldier. “You also didn’t mention how the number four relates to the deaths.”
Notes: For brevity's sake I have considered the group followed through. Any questions, as always, feel free to ask in the OOC chat.
Sweeps follows the others onboard the ship, letting his eyes adjust to dim light below decks. “I am called Sweeps, thank you for sharing what you know with us. Nobility or not, the children should not be the ones suffering this curse. They were found 4 days apart, with no internal organs, but no obvious signs of magic. The one body we investigated was guarded by a glyph of warding.” Sweeps shakes his head at the memory “And do your ghost stories make mention of a giant, dark crow that cannot be killed?”
Gabriel accepts Amadi's guidance and nods solemnly: "I seem to have a lot to learn about social conventions. The seers at the temple taught me much about pleasing the gods, but nothing of mortals"
Seeing Sylvio's success with the sailor, the healer lets out a sigh of relief and says "Thank you my friend, it would have been a tragedy if my blundering had led to more deaths"
Sadao hears what Sweeps have to say with attention and those with keened eyes notice a hint of recognition in his face. Recognition and apprehension. Still concentrating in his spell, Amadi notices the thoughts of the man being taking by a few words. Yatagarasu, Ikigimo, Jorougumo, Koujutsu, Inugami. Then Gabriel speaks, apologizing for what the oriental took as an offensive conduct, despite the fact that the hostilities were started by none other than the sailor.
“Apology accepted, although you are still being rude by not saying your name. My suggestion is to avoid flowering language when talking with people other than nobility. Many folk will take it as mockery and more often than not only two kinds speak like that - poets and con artists. You don't want to be associated with either, most of times. At best you won’t be taken seriously, at worse… Well, just try to speak simply and directly with anyone but nobility, avoid giving uncalled advice and think a little better before calling someone a salty sailor.” The he turned to both the genasi and the killings, his face visibly darker when he did. “I know of legends about giant animals and a spiritual beast in the form of a crow, but I cannot see how this is related to these deaths.” In Sadao’s thoughts Amadi could read genuine confusion. At that point the cleric notices that the adventurers had not mention to him how they were attacked by the giant crow. “Now, what do you mean ‘no internal organs’? Did they miss heart and lungs? Liver? Their entire viscera?”
You gather by his question that there are more than a few ghost histories about unpleasant deaths and a little bit more of detail would be necessary for the sailor to funnel the possibilities. Before you could answer, though, he speaks again.
“The number ‘four’, if not a coincidence, is a pretty strong indication that the culprit is either from Wa or Kozakura or at least familiar the culture of the countries.” Sadao says putting a hand over his chin, trying to think about someone who could do something like that. No one came to his mind. “You see, in our language, when you use ‘shi’ instead of ‘yon’ to say ‘day four’ you say ‘shi no hi’ which sounds the same as ‘day of death’. One death at each four days, one death in the day four, one victim on the day of death. Your culprit is either a maniac trying to show his talent in poetry or someone that is using the significance of the number to enhance some spell or curse.”
Notes: The word play mentioned by Sadao is real in Japanese and all of the mentioned monster names are names of monsters of the actual Japanese folklore (most of them with some kind of incarnation in ADND). In order to avoid a notes session longer that on game post, I will end the curiosities here for this post. In the case of any doubt, as always, feel free to ask in the OOC chat.
Sunny leans to Gabriel. "You mentioned ships in port. What flags would they bear - the Wa and Kozakura? We should start out search nearby those ships perhaps?"
She leads the large dog through the busy hustle of the Dock Ward, ever wary of travelers, especially those close by plying Chewy's keen senses to stay alert with another bone as they peruse the docks.
Gabriel thinks about the ships "That's a good question, I guess they might be national flags, or maybe their navy flies different colours? Let me think..."
History check 14 plus 1 for Guidance
Perception check (with advantage as permitted OOC) 23
Sylvio tags along keeping his eyes open as he watches for danger but not sure where to begin. Who are they supposed to approach to ask about numbers and strange rituals. Sylvio still doesn’t understand what their purpose is here but would rather stick with the group (and his alibi) than risk being caught alone.
Noob
Focusing his mind into histories and on the memories of the more than few times he visited the harbor, Gabriel immediately remembers the distinguishing characteristics of the trading vessels from Wa and Kozakura. Virtually indistinguishable between one another, these ships where extremely easy to differentiate from their western counterparts. They were shorter, their decks smaller, stern and bow ending in a more angular form. Their wood was clearer and unpainted, some kind of pine or cedar, generally adorned by engravings in both starboard and portside.
With that in mind he scans the harbor’s horizon and almost immediately find one such vessel. From it a group of shorter men wearing loose shirts tied by sashes at their waist unloaded wooden boxes. Despite the effects of the sun over their skin the men were visibly paler than your usual Faerunian, their hair and eyes raven black. Approaching them, the adventurers could notice that they spoke in a language different from Common, but it was not Deep Speech, Dwarvish or Giant. It was not Undercommon, Primordial, Celestial, Infernal or Draconic. Neither it was Aquan, Elvish or Sylvan. Not a single member of the group could understand what they were saying. At least not until one of the sailors tuned to them.
“Need some help, friends?” Asked an older man. His voice was almost gentle, his eyes narrow and he was no more than eight inches taller than five feet. He used a longer attire than the rest of the crew, a dark gray piece of cloth that resembled a tunic, but open at the front, loose, tied to his waist by a sash. Over his shoulders an orange mantle and a beige scarf, both worn by exposition to sea and sun. He had his hair tied in a knot and disheveled by the wind. A scruffy beard covered his face, and more than a few scars covered his skin. Maybe he had his days as a warrior or maybe he sailed long enough to have his share of experience with pirates. There was even the possibility the man had simply been unlucky and got hurt in his travels. After all, everyone knows there is no shortage of danger in the ocean. “Omaera shigoto o tsuzukero!” He shouted to the crew in a harsher tone.
Notes: For brevity's sake I have considered the group already approached the oriental ship (Gabriel is certain that the vessel is either from Wa or Kozakura, but cannot be sure from which country). For visual reference, the ship would look more or less like that: https://www.asianstudies.org/wp-content/uploads/replica.jpg and this the older man that spoke to you: https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f2/4d/e0/f24de0e3c71c5c737cded7fe16b42004.jpg. In case of curiosity, "omeara shigoto o tsuzukero" means "you keep working" in Japanese, but said in a particularly rude form. The equivalent expression in English (although not the literal translation) would be "keep moving, you bastards". As always, in case of any question feel free to ask in the OOC chat.
Gabriel approaches the older man and nods graciously. "Yes please my friend, we are looking for information that might be best sought from a son or daughter of Kara-Tur. We recently witnessed the aftermath of rituals which were associated with the number four; would you know of any groups in the city, maybe nefarious ones, who may follow such practices?"
(Gabriel is going for honesty; even if they spook the real killers then they may pick up a lead)
“Are you one of those bootlicking bards trying to sell a performance?” The man asks Gabriel with a look of distrust. “Because let me be frank with you, no one here likes this flourished language of yours or is interested in hiring you. Speak like a normal person or get one of those friends of yours to speak in your place.” With your keen eyes, Sunny and Amadi, you gather the man looks disgusted at Gabriel’s words as if they remember him of something or someone he would rather forget. It is not hard to imagine that at some point he was tricked by someone in the city, probably a bard. He is, after all, a stranger in what for him can only be described as a strange land. “Actually, hold on.” He speaks rising his hand. The closest crew members seem to stop their work. “Omae ja nai! Shigoto ni modore!” He shouts as the sailors return to their respective activities. “You.” He turns to the aasimar. “You are asking questions without first telling your name?” The question sounds like a critic. “Maybe you never spoke with someone from Kozakura, but for us it’s a matter of basic courtesy. You introduce yourself at the start of anything but the most basic conversation, before asking a long question.”
It is not hard to gather that this man is experienced when it comes to Faerûn. He does speaks Common without even a hint of an accent. Yet he is taking the opportunity to pick in Bryte’s behavior.
“We do know more than a few nefarious things about the number four, but we are merchants.” He concludes opening his arms, almost theatrical. Cleric and ranger notice a blade previously hidden by his orange mantle. “You want anything from us, you have to pay a fair price.” The man closes his arms and take a glance at the whole of the group. “Tell me, how much do you think this kind of information is worth? Tell me honestly, because all of you will need to pay.”
Notes: Amadi and Sunny have noticed the mentioned details because of their passive perception and Insight. Anyone wanting to notice the same may roll a Insight (DC 10) and a Perception (DC 12) check. A title of curiosity "omae ja nai! Shigoto ni modore" means "not you, get back to work".
"I am Sunny, a Healer. I carry little coin but in some areas the people consider me a doctor. Show me your injured, if you have any, and without Magic I can ease some of the damage or normal injury for at least a half dozen. Provided it is in plain view out here as I am somewhat...claustrophobic." She smiles with her offer and with a gentle bow of courtesy, "Or do you deal strictly in coin?" She adds glancing clearly, but briefly at the blade revealed by the movement of the Orange Mantle keeping her focus on the speaker as some cultures would consider it rude for her to do otherwise.
Chewy is under no such obligation.
Sunny insight 25 to watch for any behavior to indicate their intentions to be other than what they are saying ongoing. (Passive insight is 16)
Amadi stands near the back of the others as he watches the exchange. He narrows his eyes for a moment and with a whisper casts Detect Thoughts on the man.
Gabriel's tone shifts in response to the slight: "It is never wise to carry yesterday's argument into today - especially with a stranger who might offer you fair compensation for an easy moment's work. If my style offends you then that is my fault, and that of my teachers. But if you mean to sour a good trade because of it then I will find another salty sailor to do business with"
Persuasion 11 (unless I can use Performance and add another 3??
You notice, as the man spoke, that he seemed to open to Sunny’s proposition. But then Gabriel spoke. Choosing to not take the easy way out of the verbal conflict, apologizing if even if without fault, and adapting his language to the older man, he came across unacceptably impolite for the oriental standards and you can see as much in the ship captain’s face. Fortunately this caught the men’s attention, making him totally unable to notice Amadi’s casting of the Detect Thoughts spell. He then manages to hears words in a language he does not understand, probably the same one used to shout at the other sailors. In spite of that the cleric manages to understand the general idea of what is being thought - at first irritation and insults towards a figure called Thaumas, then satisfaction towards the ranger’s proposition and finally ire against Bryte.
A moment of tension and silence takes hold of the air. The keener eye could see the man was studying either to attack the aasimar or not. In the end he decided the confrontation would bring more negative attention from the City Watch that the quintet of strangers was worth.
“It is never wise to talk back to someone that have something you want, even less if that someone is a stranger with over ten men under his command, close by and no with no sympathy for you.” His voice was cold and devoid of patience, leaving clear that further discussion with the man could result in a fight. “Your teachers made a really poor job if they didn’t teach you at least that much.” Then he snapped his fingers. Six men entered your field of view, all atop of the ship. “Now get out of here before I call the guards or sour your good face.”
Notes: As Gabriel failed to uphold Kozakura's courtesy after being informed of it, the NPC was genuinely insulted and adding to this his previous antipathy towards the Warlock/Sorcerer, it is no longer possible to attempt a social answer (Persuasion or Deception, Intimidation was not really an option given the presence of the man's crew). With that being said
I won't be using the NPC's backstoryit is clear the NPC will call the guards if the group does not go away.On a curiosity note, it is indeed considered basic courtesy to tell your name before starting but the briefest conversations in Japan, country that inspires Kozakura. And it is considerably offensive to not uphold this social convention.
Sylvio speaks up and joins into the discussion. “Please-a forgive my friend-a. We have-a had a difficult day. My name is-a Sylvio and we are-a all members of the local guilds-a.”
He frowns a moment before continuing, “We have-a had some serious-a problems today and-a are looking for some information and help-a. This-a morning we were-a summoned by the city guard and asked to investigate a some recent deaths-a with local noble children-a. To-a cut the story-a short, we have encountered undying creatures-a, magical beasts, and-a noble house that seems-a bent on evil rituals and-a summoning a. We are-a merely trying to save-a the children from more of-a these deaths and felt-a that you might-a be able to provide-a us some guidance.”
He stops… feeling that honesty was likely the best course here. “Please-a, is there-a anything you can-a tell us that might help us-a solve this mystery… we would be-a grateful. If it is compensation you require, we don’t have-a much but will give what-a we can.”
Noob
Amadi had no desire to pry deeper into the man's thoughts. He didn't notice the casting of the spell and while he would have no reason to know the spell was cast upon him, if he pried deeper then the man would. He was offended and no amount of soft words were going to placate the man at this juncture. They would need to find another.
Resting a hand on Gabriel's arm Amadi spoke into his mind using his telepathy. My friend, it seems we have out stayed our welcome. Perhaps you and I move off a ways and see if the others can patch this up. He seemed open to Sunny's proposal but with you here I do not think it will happen. Lets you and I go.
He gives a gentle pull to his arm, just enough to indicate to move away but by no means anything more. If Gabriel resists he lets his hand fall and steps back. If Gabriel moves with him he will move back and turn to walk up the docks a short way, no more than 30 feet.
Meanwhile he maintains concentration on the Detect Thought's spell and the man's surface thoughts.
Concentrated in reading the thoughts of the man, Amadi noticed an immediate shift his attitude when Sylvio mentions children dying. Two names take hold of his mind, Asahi and Kaito, and words in that strange language that spoke to the cleric of love, of missing someone and then of a pure, unrestrained rage. Shadeflame understands immediately that this man has children of his own and that the very thought of a kid being killed fill him with ire.
“I don’t care who you are or to whom you are working for, but if you are hunting a children-killer then you my help and the only thing you need to do is promise that you will give this son a whore what he deserves for touching the little ones.” With your keen eyes, Sunny and Shadeflame, you notice that the air around the man changed completely. Now his face carries a serious expression, and he barely registers Gabriel. “I am Sadao and you mentioned the killings were associated with the number four, right?” Sadao asks rhetorically before taking a moment to think. “In our language many words have two different pronunciations. One such word is the number four - you can speak it as ‘yon’ or ‘shi’. The latter is the same pronunciation, the only pronunciation, to the word for ‘death’. It is considered a number of bad luck, an ill omen in anything. I mean, back home and in Wa we don’t build anything in fourth floors, we never serve food in four portions or four pieces and folk who deal with the divine speak the number is used in all sort of curses and dark rituals.” Amadi reads in his mind that Sadao is speaking exactly what he is thinking. “Ghost histories are a popular hobby where I come from so I and the boys have heard something about curses directed at nobility, but without knowing what happened to the kids I can’t say something specific comes to mind.”
Notes: In this post the mention of "keen eyes" are instances in where the characters notice something because of their passive Insight. In keeping with the oriental theme, the mentioned significance of the number four is also an actual part of Japanese culture. The same can be say about the popularity of ghost histories as a hobby.
Sunny hesitates a moment at the harsh words directed at her new friend. Playing the conversation back in her head a little trying to find something of a neutral ground.
As Sylvio begins to speak, Sunny's hesitation moves to concern briefly with the information being provided. She watches as Sadao's posture changes quickly at the Elf's comments to one of anger but notices it timed evenly with the mention of the children maybe having some of his own? Parents often respond stronger to children in danger she's found.
Looking around at the passersby, "Sadao, Sir, our conversation has indeed not been what we'd hoped. Might we speak a little more privately?" She asks gesturing cautiously at the open dock. "Wherever you prefer. Please?" Then smiling, "My claustrophobia comes and goes..." with a gentle shrug seeming to imply that she may have exaggerated a little. Hoping the admission might placate him some more.
If I'm interpreting her read of him correctly, he's likely not part of any of the rituals himself and is unaware of whom is doing so. Should she feel otherwise, I need to amend my post. We had considered initially that people of this culture might actually be a part of the rituals or at least that's how I was reading it.
Sylvio nods gratefully Sadao. “Well met-a Saadi. We have-a more we could share but my friend is-a right. Perhaps it would-a be best to speak in a private? If-a we are to find these-a monsters and-a end this nightmare, we will-a need whatever you can tell us.”
Noob
Sadao gives consideration to Sunny’s proposition and listens to Sylvio before giving any answer. You, Amadi, hear the thoughts of the oriental echoing in that language that for you is unknown, but understand a meaning of sympathy. At the eyes of the sailor Sylvio was a fellow foreigner and even though they were clearly not from the same land they still more than likely had to deal similar challenges. He snaps his finger two times and the man get back to work.
“Of course.” He says to the tortle and elf, remembering that the latter had mentioned nobility. Be it in Kozakura or in the west, anyone who messes with nobility is dangerous, to say the very least. As much as Sadao doubted there would be any uninvited ear in that place, no cautionary action would be too much. “Follow me.”
He then turns into the direction of the ship. He guides you all to the deck and then below it, where you can see a mostly empty space. By the wooden walls and the beans holding the upper deck you can identify hammocks rolled up.
“You can stay closer to the way up, this way you may not feel your claustrophobia as much.” Sadao says leaning towards the closest beam and crossing his arms. “Now tell me about kids. When where they found? How far from one another? What seems to be the cause of their death? Any wounds or uncommon marks?” He asks methodically, in a manner that very much resembles captain Ironwood. Maybe this man had his own experience working as a soldier. “You also didn’t mention how the number four relates to the deaths.”
Notes: For brevity's sake I have considered the group followed through. Any questions, as always, feel free to ask in the OOC chat.
Sweeps follows the others onboard the ship, letting his eyes adjust to dim light below decks. “I am called Sweeps, thank you for sharing what you know with us. Nobility or not, the children should not be the ones suffering this curse. They were found 4 days apart, with no internal organs, but no obvious signs of magic. The one body we investigated was guarded by a glyph of warding.” Sweeps shakes his head at the memory “And do your ghost stories make mention of a giant, dark crow that cannot be killed?”
Gabriel accepts Amadi's guidance and nods solemnly: "I seem to have a lot to learn about social conventions. The seers at the temple taught me much about pleasing the gods, but nothing of mortals"
Seeing Sylvio's success with the sailor, the healer lets out a sigh of relief and says "Thank you my friend, it would have been a tragedy if my blundering had led to more deaths"
Sadao hears what Sweeps have to say with attention and those with keened eyes notice a hint of recognition in his face. Recognition and apprehension. Still concentrating in his spell, Amadi notices the thoughts of the man being taking by a few words. Yatagarasu, Ikigimo, Jorougumo, Koujutsu, Inugami. Then Gabriel speaks, apologizing for what the oriental took as an offensive conduct, despite the fact that the hostilities were started by none other than the sailor.
“Apology accepted, although you are still being rude by not saying your name. My suggestion is to avoid flowering language when talking with people other than nobility. Many folk will take it as mockery and more often than not only two kinds speak like that - poets and con artists. You don't want to be associated with either, most of times. At best you won’t be taken seriously, at worse… Well, just try to speak simply and directly with anyone but nobility, avoid giving uncalled advice and think a little better before calling someone a salty sailor.” The he turned to both the genasi and the killings, his face visibly darker when he did. “I know of legends about giant animals and a spiritual beast in the form of a crow, but I cannot see how this is related to these deaths.” In Sadao’s thoughts Amadi could read genuine confusion. At that point the cleric notices that the adventurers had not mention to him how they were attacked by the giant crow. “Now, what do you mean ‘no internal organs’? Did they miss heart and lungs? Liver? Their entire viscera?”
You gather by his question that there are more than a few ghost histories about unpleasant deaths and a little bit more of detail would be necessary for the sailor to funnel the possibilities. Before you could answer, though, he speaks again.
“The number ‘four’, if not a coincidence, is a pretty strong indication that the culprit is either from Wa or Kozakura or at least familiar the culture of the countries.” Sadao says putting a hand over his chin, trying to think about someone who could do something like that. No one came to his mind. “You see, in our language, when you use ‘shi’ instead of ‘yon’ to say ‘day four’ you say ‘shi no hi’ which sounds the same as ‘day of death’. One death at each four days, one death in the day four, one victim on the day of death. Your culprit is either a maniac trying to show his talent in poetry or someone that is using the significance of the number to enhance some spell or curse.”
Notes: The word play mentioned by Sadao is real in Japanese and all of the mentioned monster names are names of monsters of the actual Japanese folklore (most of them with some kind of incarnation in ADND). In order to avoid a notes session longer that on game post, I will end the curiosities here for this post. In the case of any doubt, as always, feel free to ask in the OOC chat.