Colin gave a cheery smile to the police officer. This man was not on the level. No one beside Hunters, monsters and soldiers were this calm around dead bodies. Colin also thought it odd that he was prime suspect. Obviously he had not gutted the poor bastard with a knife the length of the palm of a hand. Not enough leverage, not enough blade. "Aye, I'll put her away. When I do, ya have ta tell me what yer name and precinct are. It just surprises me ya don't seem to concerned about the man there."

Colin peered up at the sky, letting a few rain drops hit him. He looked back at the police officer and smiled again. His knife was twirling and twisting in flashes. The street lamps made it seem like a flame in Colin's hand as he made it vanish. Of course the blade was just in his sleeve, ready to go at a moment's notice. It was a trick he learned long ago from the newsies. Hide a blade to secure a corner. No punk messed with you if he didn't know where your knife was. Same went for coppers. If they thought you were unarmed, they cooperated more.

In reply to Lily (msg # 37):

"Was in tha room when I noticed a pool a blood on tha floor." John explained as he stood, taking a handkerchief from his coat to wipe the blood off his hands. "Heard her callin fer help and Ah went ta investigate. The blood was concentrated here and tha bricks were loose. Pulled em out with ma knife and out came this feller."

Lily looks at the mess of a body and mutters something in a different language under her breath. You could swear it was a prayer, but she says it too quickly to really tell. Yes. I just spoke to him. I was supposed to bring Grant here to be debriefed by him. Come with me, we'll tell him together. She says firmly. We should find someone to clean this up too. Bury the poor soul. She turns to John. Well, what do you think of your first fifteen minutes here? If you rode as fast as you could out of New York right now no one would blame you. Obviously we can't guarantee your safety when our own men are being murdered and stuffed into walls. She sounds bitter.

Colin: The cop regards you with a frown, eying your blade as it disappears. Oh I can assure you that I will look into the matter. Don't judge my reactions by my calmness. When you are a policeman in New York, you see a lot of things. And honestly, this is not the first body like this I have come across. Now, what do you know? Did you see anyone in the area? My name is George Smith and I am in the West Precinct. He adds, almost as an afterthought. What happened to your hand anyway? He nods towards your wound.

"Ah ain't afraid of death, not anymore. And Ah'm more than a bit curious to what this all about." John replied. "Kent get rid o me tha easy."

Colin raised an eyebrow at the police officer. Not the first body he has seen? That thought made Colin especially wary since the police might be involved in it. He instead gave a slight nod and pointed towards where he found the dismembered hand. "Found a woman's hand after it was dropped by this man in a coat. Tall, shaded from light. Couldna get a good look. Came around the corner and found tha man there. As for me hand? Just a slip of the knife in the rain."
He moved a little closer to the cop, squeezing his hand so that the blood ran freely again. Maybe the bastard would stop hiding. Maybe the copper would drop a disguise and come at him. Colin began to realize just how lone he was tonight without Lee next to him.

John and Kimi:

Lily looks at John with an unreadable expression for a long silent moment. Then she gives a nod of what appears to be approval, a slight smile on her lips. Alright then. Let's see how true that is. She arches an eyebrow. Then she leads you both down the hallway with purpose, walking quickly. It appears that Westbrook has taken to his study again, which leads Kimi to believe he must be done with the new recruits. He is alone and after Lily knocks he opens the door quickly. He looks surprised to see Kimi there, but recovers and ushers you in. Ah, the tardy Mr Grant I presume? He gives a smile. He is an older gentleman, very distinguished, if a tad overweight. Lily here has been telling me about you. I'm sure you would like specifics of your involvement? Obviously the man has no idea about what has transpired in the hall with the body.

Colin: I see. Was it cut or bitten off? He demands, his eyes are wary and he still looks on edge. And tell me, what is a man such as yourself doing out at this hour on such an unpleasant night? He muses. Before you answer though, his eyes flick to your hand. You are bleeding again sir. Perhaps you should see a doctor. You would not want it to become infected. His eyes do not leave your hand for a long moment.

Grant nodded his head to the man in respect. "Tha would be me sir. And I would but we got other business ta tend to first. Tha lady here and me found a pool of blood in front of some loose bricks, there was a dead man in thar. I'm told he was one o yers."

Colin moved his hand slowly and removed a bandage from his pocket. He let the rain wash the blood of his hand freely before turning back towards the cop. He balled the handkerchief and sopped some of the blood up, looking at the action while he spoke. "I think it's time ta stop playing games,boyo. Ye know as well as I do this ain't gonna sit pretty at tha end. Itsa crummy evening and neither me self or you want to be here," he said in a calm, cold tone. He tossed the blood soaked rag at the cop. "You do you and I'll do me. We'll see who is standin' at the end." While he had been speaking, he moved the knife from his sleeve to pocket. He was rolling the second sleeve up to his elbow.

His arms were covered in tattoos of various designs and age. Most prominent were a set of crosses that marked each forearm. They were ornate and detailed. Each one was surrounded by set of rosary beads worked in ink. Dimly seen in the streetlights, on fingers between the hand and first knuckle, were the words 'hold fast'.

Lily quickly recounts the name and the man curses under his breath. That is wretched news. He shakes his head. Lily, go have someone take care of it please. He dismisses her with a slight wave and she hurries off with a quick glance back at John, as though afraid to leave him alone. Lily said she filled you in on the basics. As you can see, we have a traitor in our midst. Possibly more. Hence I am hiring from the outside so to speak. I will not only be asking for your help with the cult's activities, but also in pursuing this interloper. Be warned, you may not come out of this alive. I hate to be so blunt, but I don't believe in sending men to die without warning them at least. At that he turns and arches an eyebrow at Kimi. Greetings Miss Noriko. I did not expect to speak with you until tomorrow.

Colin: The man starts to laugh but it is an unfriendly, harsh sound. You hunters are all the same. Overconfident. And delicious. He grins and there is suddenly an alarming array of sharp teeth. You get the impression he could be some kind of variation of a vampire, though the lack of blood loss from the victims is confusing. What kind of vampire eats the flesh like that? Well, no time to think about that now. His club is out and he steps forward menacingly. Your move 'boyo' He says the word mockingly. This should be entertaining.

ooc: Let the battle commence! He is giving you the first move, so feel free to go for it :D

Colin gave a sly grin and then moved like a flash of lightning. His knife was out in the space of three paces and almost just a silver streak in his hand. The lithe Irishman moved nearly likely a professional dancer, his body never staying in one spot too long. The knife made a quick jabbing motion at the copper's throat, only to curve at the last second and go for the eyes. Colin knew that fighting dirty was the only way he could win. When you were a Hunter, there was no such thing as a fair fight. He also knew that he was in single combat, so far. Colin could focus his energy into quick movements that would buy him time to get past the monster's defenses and kill it for good.

Move:Close to melee range[Draw knife as part of action]
Attack:Knife hits vs Defense 20, deals 4 from knife and 2 from streetfighting, for 6.

Declare monster as Dodge target. Defense rises to 20 vs monster


22:26, Today: Colin Browne rolled 2 using 1d4. Streetfighting dmg.
22:26, Today: Colin Browne rolled 4 using 1d4+1. Knife damage.
22:17, Today: Colin Browne rolled 20 using 1d20+8. attack vs monster.

Kimi bows slightly, "Mr Brook, if you will allow, I had a late visitor, a visitor that brought to me a concern about Ian and strange unravellings." She straightens. "I was on my way to speak with you, when it became apparent there was a stain of blood upon the floor.  I did then call and Mr Grant assisted me."

Colin:
The man, or rather creature, lunges back as you slice with your knife. You still slice him across the face, but it is by no means a killing wound. He gives a snarl of rage, clearly underestimating you. He swings with his club, attempting to knock you off balance in order to grab at you with his other hand. Fortunately you are too quick and manage to evade. The street is still deserted. The rain picks up. Blood is running down his face and his teeth gleam in the streetlights, giving him a rather horrific appearance. The fight continues.

ooc: Okie dokie, just to move things along, I often have fights rolled in rounds of 3. So go ahead and post 3 attack and damage rolls (whether applicable or not) as well as your intentions and reactions. I shall do the same. When the time comes, I also appreciate if you would post your current hit points so I know what I'm dealing with here. It helps me keep track of your damage.

Kimi and John:

Westbrook frowns in thought as he listens. Ian? What about Ian? Tell me everything Kimi. Who brought the concern to you? He demands. He is also looking John up and down during all this. After all, he has not had the chance to properly scrutinize his newest addition.

Kimi bowed again slightly.  She made sure the door to the room was shut, then continued. "Neekolus came to my room, he spoke that he had witnessed someone enter the stores.  It was there, that two people were talking about a ritual.  He then recounted that a man stole things from the stores and that he overheard the words "this should be enough to get everything ready for the hand." He then claims he saw Ian Shaw." She showed no emotion as she related her story.

"Since then we have found Mr. Netts dead in the wall.  It would seem that Mr. Shaw was the person to inform our cadre that Mr. Netts was gone on a mission."  Kimi bowed again to show she was done with her synopsis.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:30, Sun 10 Nov 2013.

In reply to John Westbrook (msg # 48):

"Frankly sir, fear of death is for people with something to lose. If I ken help stop somethin awful from happenin it don't matter what happens ta me. I'm in for both jobs." He saluted the man quickly before he returned his attention back to the slight woman he'd discovered the body with.

Kimi looked at John, assessing him. "Admirable, if not for misguided reasons respected sir." Her dark eyes showed a small amount of humor.

As the creature came at him, Colin dodged past the outstretched hand and jabbed at the armpit before leaping backwards out of reach. He came in full bore, his knife darting in and out. His goal was not to kill in one swift stroke, but rather bleed the monster dry. Then he could at least have the time to examine it. Every time the monster would come close to grabbing him, Colin planned on counter attacking and rushing in to begin his offense anew.

---

Agile Reposte allows me an AOA against my Dodge Feat target once per round, if the target misses with a melee or touch attack.

18:37, Today: Colin Browne rolled 4 using 1d4. Agile Reposte Streetfighting.
18:37, Today: Colin Browne rolled 2 using 1d4+1. Agile Reposte Dmg Knife.
18:36, Today: Colin Browne rolled 23 using 1d20+8. Agile Reposte AOA.
18:35, Today: Colin Browne rolled 3 using 1d4. Streetfighting Dmg 3.
18:35, Today: Colin Browne rolled 3 using 1d4. Streetfighting Dmg 2.
18:35, Today: Colin Browne rolled 3 using 1d4. Streetfighting Dmg 1.
18:35, Today: Colin Browne rolled 5 using 1d4+1. Knife Dmg 3.
18:34, Today: Colin Browne rolled 3 using 1d4+1. Knife Dmg 2.
18:34, Today: Colin Browne rolled 3 using 1d4+1. Knife dmg 1.
18:34, Today: Colin Browne rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Attack 3.
18:34, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24 using 1d20+8. Attack 2.
18:33, Today: Colin Browne rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Attack 1.

In reply to Kimi-Yuka Noriko (msg # 56):

"With all due respect ma'am, once a man has lost everything he has little left to fear." He replied to the Asian woman as he adjusted his hat. Misguided or not his reasons were his own and he would hold on to them till he saw his family again.

Westbrook listens to Kimi with a frown. These are serious accusations made against Mr. Shaw. As implicating as they are, I cannot believe them so readily. He was one of my first recruits. Perhaps I am just sentimental, but I want first hand evidence before I condemn the man, though I cannot say that I am too hopeful by all that you've said. He is staying at an inn tonight to be near the new recruits. He will be off with them in the morning. I want you to tail him. Take Mr Grant here and Lily with you. See if you come up with anything on your own. The tailor supposedly has a back entrance to his shop. I would investigate there as well. Now you are looking for anything involving Mr. Bently OR Ian Shaw. If he is at all involved with the hand there should be some evidence. I will have his room searched tonight since he is conveniently away. Well, you have your orders. Tomorrow I want you tailing him on the double. Do not be seen Kimi. You may want to dress in a more....Westernly fashion than usual to blend in. If you need to get close, send Mr. Grant in. He should be an unknown at the moment. He pauses, turning to John in particular. I have a room prepared for you here if you are interested. You can get some rest and then be ready to start in the morning. Sound acceptable?

ooc: Holy flippin flaming crap! I can't believe my rotten dice roller luck! Three rolls and they all sucked! I suppose it's a good thing if one's GM has bad luck at rolling against you.

Colin: The creature slashes at you with one hand, you can't help but notice he suddenly has alarmingly fierce looking claws. The other hand still wields the baton and he fortunately misses you, though he is incredibly frustrated by your dodging. Two of your attempts manages to strike him, one in the arm and the other across the ear, however that does not seem to slow him down. You obviously don't know what I am hunter. He laughs. That will be your fatal mistake.

ooc: Next three rolls please :D

Kimi realized that she had insulted Mr John, and her eyes grew wide. "Oh most respected sir! Please! This unrighteous person would NEVER think to know your true heart! Please forgive my mistep! This being only meant to tell the noble gunfighter, that there is always reason to continue in life." She bowed to him, her eyes downcast.

Colin moved towards the monster like water, flowing around him and striking when ever the opportunity. He laughed at the monster as it tried to mock him. "Aye, that may be, but ye'll bleed dry before you get to me." He struck again, quick, efficient and deadly. He tried to see how many wounds he could cause and make bleed before he was himself wounded.

---

20:33, Yesterday: Colin Browne rolled 2,1,3,1,4,1 using 1d4,1d4,1d4,1d4,1d4,1d4. Streetfighting dmg.
20:32, Yesterday: Colin Browne rolled 2,3,2,2,5,5 using 1d4+1,1d4+1,1d4+1,1d4+1,1d4+1,1d4+1. Knife damage AOA, then Normal.
20:31, Yesterday: Colin Browne rolled 11,11,24 using 1d20+8,1d20+8,1d20+8. Normal Attacks vs Monster.
20:30, Yesterday: Colin Browne rolled 13,17,23 using 1d20+8,1d20+8,1d20+8. Agile Reposte vs monster.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Fri 15 Nov 2013.

In reply to Kimi-Yuka Noriko (msg # 61):

John looked down as the woman bowed. "Think nuthin of it ma'am, but I do have a reason ta live. Ta kill as many of tha monsters that took everything from me. And this jobs fulfillin tha purpose." He turned back to his new employer. "Thas fine sir. I'll stay here and get started in tha mornin."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:59, Fri 15 Nov 2013.