I'm writing a story from the point of view of an assassin. I'm comfortable with writing the parts about killing and all of that other stuff, but I have no idea how to go about this assassin's main job: tracking. How can he track down a person (in a world where there isn't technology to help)? Surely, him going around and interrogating people would be too obvious? Should he just hang around until he's able to find the victim and where he lives, and then study his schedule to wait for a time he can get the man alone?
I tried doing a Google search, but I can find are Assassin's Creed things. I'll continue to search, but if you have any input, please let me hear it?
I ran a search for detective work without technology and got mixed results!
http://www.google.com/search?q=detective+work+before+technology&oq=detective+work+before+technology&aqs=chrome..69i57.6775j0j7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=119&ie=UTF-8
So I re-searched, using detective work not technology, and the results are better:
https://www.google.com/#q=detective+work+not+technology
Read, read, read ...
http://www.google.com/#q=detective+work+not+technology <~~hot link
...Well that would've made more sense for me to search. Thank you!
Well, I guess assassins track people down, by interrogating people. (Trust me. It wouldn't be obvious. Assassins are smart.)
You're welcome!
One thing I had forgotten when I ran that first search is the power of the word "not" in a search string. It's one of several boolean operators that we need to remember to use in order to come up with more focused search results!
http://www.csa.com/help/Search_Tools/boolean_operators.html
Tracking someone in a world without advanced technology can be a challenging task for an assassin. However, there are several methods your assassin character can use to track down a target without relying solely on interrogation or waiting for the perfect opportunity. Here are a few strategies to consider:
1. Observation: Instead of directly interrogating people, your assassin can discreetly observe their surroundings, interactions, and routines. By keenly observing the target and the people around them, the assassin can gather valuable information about their habits, daily routines, and potential vulnerabilities.
2. Network of Informants: Your assassin can build a network of informants who can provide valuable information about the target's whereabouts. These informants could be individuals who have access to different parts of society, such as street vendors, innkeepers, bartenders, or even beggars. The assassin can gather information from them discreetly, either through coded messages or secret meetings.
3. Tracking Techniques: Your assassin could learn various tracking techniques such as analyzing footprints, scents, or signs left by the target. This skill could help your character follow the target's trail even when they are not physically present, allowing the assassin to anticipate their movements.
4. Disguises and Forgeries: Your assassin could use disguises or forged identities to gain access to places where the target frequents. By assuming different personas, they can infiltrate social circles or organizations, gaining proximity to the target and gathering important information about their habits and weaknesses.
5. Manipulation and Deception: Rather than openly interrogating individuals, your assassin could manipulate or deceive people close to the target. By carefully selecting and manipulating key individuals, the assassin can obtain information indirectly without raising suspicion.
6. Strategic Alliances: Your assassin could form temporary alliances or partnerships with individuals or groups who have a grudge or vendetta against the target. This collaboration can provide additional resources, information, and assistance in tracking down the target.
Remember, when creating a story, it's important to strike a balance between realism and narrative convenience. Incorporate elements that align with your story's setting and the skills and abilities of your assassin character.