Big_Game_EU

I have a fun, and simple idea that might help generate further publicity for our situation.

I'm sure there is quite a few people in the community that have costumes based on one of their characters. I think it would great if some of these individuals would suit up, make a sign saying nothing more than "Save our City", and head out into busy shopping centres, national monuments, tourist spots, etc. and just get seen. Sure some will get laughed at, met with stares of WTF, or labled as a nutter, but I guarantee they will get noticed.

Why do this? Well I figured people being the social animals they are won't be able to resist telling someone else. they'll want to tell their friends and workmates, take pictures, and naturally share their experience across social media. Not only that the vague "Save our City" slogan will pique the curiosity of many who will feel the need to atleast do a quick internet search to see what's going on. Get enough people doing it in diverse locations across the globe, and you got a possibility of it going viral!

Maybe someone could Tweet UK TV presenterJonathan Ross (Sorry no account myself, and I still struggle with Facebook). He's a rabid comic book junkie and often tweets comic book related stuff to his followers (over 2 million by all accounts).

I have to admit I have not been playing for a while, but have always held CoH close to my heart, and often find myself returning even if only for a few months at a time. If there is any chance of saving the game I want to do my bit. I'll keep an eye out to chip in once crowdsourcing starts.

I also disagree with Trainers being Tailors. It may be convenient, but it discourages zone exploration. A far more useful, and theme fitting change, would be to able to respec at ANY trainer.

Things I would pay for (although some should be just added to the game anyway) include...

* Access vault & auction house storage directly from invention tables.
* The right to use a name you already have on a server multiple times on the same server to make different AT versions of the same character.
* Carnie masks & Sashes.
* Longbow tactical webbing options (with leg pouches!).
* Butt capes
* Add normal AR customization options to Soldier of Arachnos weapons.
* Non-leather trench coat.
* Nemesis gatling gun custom weapon skin.
* Backpacks & quivers.
* Pattern able t-shirts, vests, and tank tops.
* Cowboy boots that are not so freakin' huge.
* Cigarette, tobacco pipe, piece of straw, mouth accessory options.
* Sky Raider Porter pack cossie piece & temp power.
* Sky Raider Machete.
* Street Fighting/Dirty Fighting Power Pool (cooler animations than Fighting Pool).
* IDF Heavy Trooper Backpack.
* Nightstick/Tonfa power pool (Different animations than war mace, and weapon held by side handle).
* 5th Column/Council grenade launcher temp power & weapon skin.
* Zone Event Zombies for use in mission architect.
* Knives of Artemis costume set.
* Skull bone mask.
* Customization of Mastermind Pets.
* New Mastermind pet sets ie Nemesis, IDF, 5th/Council, PPD, Red Cap, etc

...and so on

Ol'Mama Fedele's place, Brooklyn, New York..

Big Game's stay at home had been a frustrating experience. He fully expected once he'd shown his face around the neighborhood whoever had been bumping off his old lovers and associates would make their move. However despite all his efforts to practically present him self on a platter had been in vain, and he started to wonder if the murderer's original intent was merely to keep him out of the way for awhile.

Nah that don't make sense. Killing them people like that was far too much effort just to get me outta the way. Somebody planned to try claim my head, but some thing has scuppered their plans. A rival bounty hunter maybe? The question is do I hang about to keep an eye on Mama, or do I head back to the Isles?...

"Oh! Oh no! It's horrible. Antonio come see."

Big Game broke his train of thought and looked over to his Mother who was watching the television with a look of horror on her face.

"Mama what's up?" 'Game asked as he sat himself down next to the little Italian woman.

"It's that Paragon City again on the news. A giant robot just attacked a school. I can't understand how in a city overrun with superheroes that things like that can still happen."

Big Game looked at the TV, and was genuinely surprised to see the custom Kronos Titan emblazoned with Bathory's livery.

"Maybe it's because them superheroes just don't have it in them to finish a job properly."

Ol'Mama Fedele talked without turning away from the screen.

"Society is too soft on it's monsters. It's all about rehabilitation and protecting civil rights rather than punishment these days. Personally If I was standing in front of whoever controls that robot I'd given them the hiding of their life, and make sure they feel every bit of hurt those poor children suffered."

Big Game quickly dismissed the image of his Mother wielding a frying pan, and battering Elizabeth Bathory into a bloody pulp out of his mind.

"Maybe you're right Mama. Problem is all those with the guts to deal with problems properly are too selfish or wrapped up in their own affairs."

Ol'Mama Fedele sighed. "That's why the truly evil people in the world will continue to run amok, and trample on everybody be they righteous or self absorbed."

Big Game thought about his Mother's words, and he could clearly see her point. Bathory's Open Season had not discriminated against the morally abundant like Pious and his Nighthunters, or the morally bankrupt like himself. Pious and the Nighthunters had been actively battling Bathory's goons yet didn't seem to have the killer instinct to deal with the situation permanently. Meanwhile 'Game, and other like minded people such as the Corporation unfettered by hesitation to finish the job properly were just staying low, looking out for themselves, or putting all their efforts into making a fast buck.

As for himself he really wanted to end Bathory's Bounty. He'd even already devised a plan of attack, and started to assemble the equipment needed yet found himself lacking the motivation to just go do it. Perhaps he was expecting too much in waiting for his friends in the Corporation to commit to dealing with Bathory. He looked down at his beloved Mother and thought hard about all those who'd already died because of Bathory's bounty.

Screw it. Looks like my hunter has given up or is dead already. Mama should be safe. I oughta head back, and try give Aquis and the Corp a push. If they don't want to join the party... well I'm sure them Nighthunters will soak up a whole load of hurt for me.

Big Game got up, walked over to his room, and started to pack...

Meanwhile in Brooklyn, New York...

Big Game's journey home had been an ordeal he didn't want to repeat soon. Things had started out bad when his smuggler of choice, Little Pete of the Wife's Envy, had been discovered murdered on his own vessel. Whether the young smuggler's death had been another in a string of murders designed to lure out Big Game wasn't certain, but it did force him to seek alternative transportation to New York. Deciding his own vessel to be too unreliable for the journey Big Game contracted another smuggler to get him into the US. However that too didn't exactly go to plan, and in the end Big Game found himself sailing the smuggler vessel while the corpses of the boat's traitorous crew floated in the water feeding the sharks.

Casually dressed, and Carrying a large military style kit bag, Big Game walked through the streets of the neighborhood he grew up in. Normally Brooklyn felt safe, a haven away from his life as Big Game, but now felt as imposing as the Isles thanks to Bathory's bounty, and a mystery hunter who knew far too much about his personal life. Giving the occasional nervous glance about him, he climbed a few concrete steps to a weather worn orange painted door. After giving a few loud knocks on the door itself Big Game waited a moment or two before the door creaked open...

"ANTONIO! My beautiful bambino! It'sa been far too long. I'ma so glad my son has managed to drag himself away from the Nature Reserve to visit his poor Ol'Mama."

Big Game looked down at the excited small dumpy Italian woman who'd answered the door and hoisted her up into his arms giving her a warm hug.

"I'm sorry Mama, but somebody has to protect the animals." Big Game hated lying to his mother but knew if she ever knew the truth about his hedonistic, violent criminal lifestyle it would devastate her. "Let's not worry about that now let's go inside, catch up, and maybe even have some of your fantastic home cooking."

"Ahhh! Antonio misses his Mama's cooking. Don't worry about a thing I'l get straight into the kitchen."

Big Game gave a warm smile and stepped into his house behind his Mother. As he pushed the door closed he scanned the neighborhood. Somewhere out there was a killer who'd already demonstrated they'd have no problem murdering anybody close to him to get his attention. Seeing as they'd already killed people that were normally secret parts of his life he had no doubt they knew about his mother. He only hoped that by delivering himself he could draw out the killer, and save his beloved Mother...

One of Techbot Alpha’s Hidden Storehouses...

For Shop time hiding out with Big Game in Techbot’s storehouse was great. Ever since he managed to make his way to the Isles, and hook up with his still oblivious father Shop had little opportunity to spend quality time with the man. The pair being forced to stay low had at least given Shop plenty of time around his father, and the pair had actually spent a lot of that time talking. Only things spoiling it were Big Game’s frequent ill advised trips outside to relieve his boredom, and of course the ever present threat of death due to Bathory’s bounty.

Shop looked over at his father, and smiled. Big Game was tinkering with a metal ball like object. One of the many things the pair had in common was a talent for repairing, and modifying junk. For Shop this was the one thing he was really good at, something he’d inherited from his father, and something that had supported him when he first got to the Isles. For Big Game it was one of those skills he’d mostly forget, occasionally surfacing when he couldn’t just shoot something, or had to fix something he’d broken. Shop wasn’t exactly sure what ‘Game was working on but apparently it was some sort of surprise for Bathory once he’d talked the Corporation around into making a move against her. Whatever it was he’d been toying with it since his meeting with Pious Hunter, and the discovery that bounty hunters were now targeting Big Game’s former lovers in an effort to flush him out.

Shop turned away from his father, and powered up the laptop Kimi had brought for him when she dropped off a message from Hailey several days earlier. For Shop the laptop provided him an escape from the storehouse while his father was otherwise engaged, and he used it to catch up with friends back home in Brooklyn. After a few minutes chatting online he suddenly spoke out loud...

“No way! Never thought something like that could happen back home.”

Big Game looked up from his work. Having come from a part of Brooklyn not far from where he’d lived was one of the reasons he’d took Shop on as his apprentice, so any mentions of home would also pique his curiosity.

“What’s up kid? Dodgers loose a season?”

Shop turned around to face Big Game. “Nope. Some sicko crucified some Mother Superior on the steeple of St. Joseph’s Children’s Home. There’s pictures on the Net , and everything.”
Big Game leapt up from the crate he was sitting on. Both the ball like item and the tool kit he’d been using crashed to the floor as he hurried over to the laptop. Snatching it out of Shop’s hand Big Game started to scroll through the pictures. His face contorted with a mixture of pain, and anger.

“It’s my fault... I’ve put them all in danger.”

Shop looked up confused. Meanwhile Big Game tossed the laptop back into Shop’s lap and started gathering his things.

“Da...I mean um... What’s going on?”

Big Game was too occupied to notice Shop’s slip of the tongue. “I’m going back to Brooklyn kid. Somebody has been trying to get my attention, and now they’ve got it.”

“Wait up; I’ll get my stuff too.”

“Forget it kid. Things are gonna get nasty. Stay here where it’s safe. Besides I need you to get hold of Aquis. Bathory’s bounty has gone on long enough. Once I get back from Brooklyn I’m gonna end Bathory’s ‘Open Season’ once and for all, with or without the Corp’s help.”

“But...”

Shop’s words were wasted as Big Game had already stormed out of the storehouse door...

Very nice research there Ammon. I really love the way you've focused on details from Big Game's earlier adventures, and turned them into plot hooks. You're one evil [Insert Expletive Here]!

Will post up reations just as soon as I can.

/Buzz Killington Mode...

Hmm, gotta admit I'm not too keen idea, purely because I don't think an AE arc is flexible or robust enough to do justice to the event, or the characters involved. Personally I think AE arcs work better where plots are easily railroaded, or have limited potential outcomes.

As it stands Bunny already wrote one Open Season AE arc (Patrolling Talos) which focused on one of Open Season's character sub-plots (Sasha Bayne). Im also putting together another (A Culling in Croatoa) for the Corporation which will deal with the Jackals, Eso-Tech, and a couple of other characters already mentioned earlier in the Open Season storyline. However it's because these arcs only deal with a small part of the overall plot that I think they work (or will work once I finished mine).

The Assault on Castle Bathory is meant to be an epic event and I imagine participants will have all kinds of creative stuff they want to bring to the show. Stuff I really don't see an AE arc coping with.

Seems like Pious Hunter ain't as well informed as he'd like to think. He obviously doesn't realise me an' the kid the only Hyenas left, he ain't gonna get much help there. As for the Corp, I'm guessing he's going by my past association with them. There's no reason to think he knows about Aquis and my deal, Hell! Maybe he doesn't even know the Corp are publically 'sposed to be with Bathory on this one?

"Whoah! settle down there, there's some mighty big holes in what you got in mind." Big Game walked across the cabin and lean't against a cupboard.

"First off Bathory ain't gonna respond to standard diplomacy. You want to get her attention you got to do it in such away that she can't ignore you. By all means do the smart thing and get people inside her castle, but you gotta back that up with a real hard spanking. Personally I say we get people on the inside by having someone she trusts deliver something she wants. Once they're inside we follow up by having somebody kick her door in. That way you're not only making a surgical strike with your insiders, but your noisey approach sends a very powerful message too. If all goes to plan we can force her to withdraw her bounty while at the same time cripple her influence in the Isles. Best of all leaving her in power lessens the chance of some other upstart setting up shop, and getting delusions of grandeur."

Big Game downed the rest of his bottle , and wiped his mouth with a dirty sleeve before speaking again.

"Next up my old girlfriends... Staking 'em out ain't gonna work. We got numbers working against us." He said with a smile obviously proud of his accomplishments. "Best bet is to concentrate on a few likely targets. Girls I seen recently, or somebody who'd draw a lot of attention. I got a couple of names in mind so we'd better concentrate on them. as for cuffing the killer..." Big Game gave a sinister look "We'll see."

"As for your Circle problem I ain't sure what we can do there. The Hyenas have been wittled down to just me an' my apprentice. Everyone else is either dead, or long retired. And if the retirees ain't surfaced already during all this mess they're unlikely to later."

"You also mentioned the Corp. Well there's two problems there... One the Corp ain't just gonna help repel the Circle without good reason. They're out for profit. Somehow it's gotta be worth their time." Big Game pondered for a moment if he should reveal what he knew about the Corporation but instead decided to continue keeping their position secret for the moment. "Second, and what must be news to you, the Corp has decided the bounties are a lucretive business opportunity. They're selling info, and taking contracts. I don't think we can count of much help from them."

Big Game studied the Reverand's face for a reaction.

"So what d'ya reckon now?"

Big Game had fully expected Pious Hunter to try guilt him into helping out, but he wasn't prepared for the news that even women he'd known were now being targeted. He paced around the small cabin remembering various faces.

Aww Freakin' heck! This ain't fair. Most of them girls probably suffered enough just being involved in with me in the first place. Even I can't just let them be picked off one by one... Can I?"

An obviously uncomfortable Big Game looked back at Pious Hunter. "Fine! I'l hear you out, but don't get any ideas about saving my soul or trying to talk me into sorting my life out."

Darwin’s Landing, Mercy Island...

Returning to the Jelly Fish Dream was hardly a smart move, but hiding out was boring business, and the boat housed a number of things that would ease Big Game’s suffering. Being cautious enough not to just jump aboard he watched the barely seaworthy vessel a few minutes before making the decision to board. Leaping onto the deck and then walking across to the cabin door he started to remove the mask he’d been wearing as part of his Wraps disguise. Then just as he took off the mask he opened the cabin door...

“What the..?” He shouted dropping his mask and drawing the .38 he had in his holster. “What the freakin’ hell are you doing here?” Asked a very surprised Big Game...

One of Techbot Alpha’s Storehouses...

Ever since Aquis freed them from the Corporation cell they’d accidently teleported into several days earlier Big Game and Shop had been hiding out in Techbot’s storehouse.

Thankfully Aquis had managed to secure some small items like sleeping bags, a sun lounger, a TV, and beer to make things a little more bearable, but Big Game was rapidly going stir crazy.

“Damn it! Stupid state TV. I’m sick to death about hearing about the glory of Recluse and Arachnos. Why’d the hell can’t you cobble together a satellite receiver or something so we can watch something decent?”

Shop looked up from the pile of junk he was working on to a positively irate Big Game.

“I suppose I could root around Techbot’s stuff , and see if he’s got anything I can use. Although I gotta admit most of what I’ve seen in here is munitions so I can’t guarantee anything.”

Big Game switched off the TV and started pacing.

“This is stupid. I can’t live like this. I gotta get outta this dump. Geez! I was less bored in the freakin’ Zig. I dunno why Aquis is still dragging her heels for. We need to get out there and put that freakin’ leech ***** in her place, and soon.”

Big Game grabbed a new rifle, and a pile of rags from on top of one of the crates in the storehouse. He then started walking towards the doors that lead outside.

“Hey! Where you going?” Asked Shop worried.

“Out! I need some freakin’ air.”

“But Aquis said we needed to stay low unti...”

“I don’t give a damn!” Big Game interrupted. I can’t stand being cooped up like this.”

“But It ain’t sa...”

“Don’t waste your breath Kid I’m still going. Besides I’m taking precautions”

From amongst the rags he pulled out the Tusken Raider mask he used in his Wraps disguise and waved it at Shop before leaving the storehouse.

Even with Sword bursting into the room Shop continued with his work. By time he fixed the last piece making the porter functional Kimi had just said something about getting out of there. Not needing to be told twice he leapt up amongst 'Game, Kimi, and Hailey and pushed a loose wire down onto an electrical contact...

Yup, just answered it.

Negotiating like this wasn’t good for Big Game. During their talks he’d spent as much time looking back at the door as he had Kimi. This constant wavering of attention making it difficult for him to get the upper hand. Kimi on the other hand seemed to thrive on the chaos, and seemed confident that between her defences and Big Game’s own guardian angel Techbot Alpha the pair would remain undisturbed.

Big Game paused for a moment as another message came through his ear piece from Techbot Alpha.

Yeah, wrote the previous post while others were posting. Took me bloody ages(crap typist!) so figured I'd post up anyway even though things are now sorting themselves out. :s

Ok guys let's try a few woosahs here before things get out of hand.

I can fully understand Techbot Alpha's frustration here, as the Sword scenario bothered me too. However being more chilled than most (extra woosahs for breakfast) I let more slide.

The biggest problem with the Sword scenario is it's very apparent it's going in a certain direction no matter what. For myself I first tried softly to influence the event (ie bluffing about the multi-phasic ammo), and then when that had no effect went for a more physical approach (ie when 'Game went to club Sword with his rifle butt). Sword's response was to turn and slice 'Game's rifle in half (something I didn't actually ok, but went with as it wasn't a plot breaker). At that point both Bunny and myself figured we wasn't going to influence events through the usual means and Bunny had her character just 'port us to safety (something I personally think she felt she had to do). So at a new location the story gets moving again, but with Terminator like persistance Sword turns up again.

Now Blade Racer I understand you have your own story to tell but please be more conscious about how you go about getting it out. As it stands it looks very much like Kimi and the others will never be able to escape, whatever defenses, moves, or plans they have will always be countered, and your actions will continue unchecked (Apologies if I'm wrong here, but that is My opinion).

Going back to Techbot Alpha... He's actually in a fantastic position to know whats going on, and spot potential trouble. It's already been established that Big Game is under the quiet protection of the Corporation, and that 'Game has come to an accord with Aquis. with that in mind it's very plausible that Techbot is working as 'Game's guardian angel and actively searching for potential problems for the hunter. Couple that with the fact that 'Game's escort hailey is also under observation by the Corp, Techbot's presence is perfectly justified, and if we are being fair in a good position to possiblt detect a stealthed presence. Additionally Big Game is currently carrying an electronic key card given to him by another Corper (Perplexite in previous RP), and a comm bead given to him by Techbot himself. With this in mind Techbot is more than capable of tracking 'Games location even after Kimi's teleportation, and if need be justified in charging in to save the day if needed.

So what I'm basically saying is I can understand Techbot's gripe here, and while I don't think /rant is the best way of dealing with the situation here (extra woosah for you Al! ) I do believe individuals should put more consideration into how they go about pushing their story forward. Play fair and give R Ps a chance!

"Wha?.. Huh?.. No, no! It's nothing like that. It' just... y'know... It don't matter. Just all this business about people wanting our heads, Kimi capturing me, that sword freak guy and stuff just messing with my head." Blurted out Shop, embarrissed that Hailey had noticed him looking back. He then realised his wavering attention had obviously hit a nerve with Hailey.

"I, um... I'm sure they can work stuff out. Um... Didn't you say Kimi had a TV or something we can watch?"