Big_Game_EU

Big Game lowered the muzzle of his rifle, it was obvious that despite openly stating his allegiance to the Court the armoured goon had no real interest in him, or his apprentice Shop. Not only that it was fairly obvious that whatever relationship existed between Hailey and Kimi, it was currently going through some sort of crisis and she wasn't likely to be too bothered what happened to Kimi.

By all accounts 'Game should of just left the armoured maniac to it, and got himself and Shop out of the building. Should of...

She did look after the kid... Didn't Aquis say she was her cousin?... Why the hell is Shop looking at me like some expectant puppy dog?... Man I'm gonna regret this...

Still holding the down turned rifle, but opening his other hand and stepping back in a way to convey to Sword he wasn't going to interfere, Big Game let Sword walk past him. Just as Sword passed Big game went into a blur of motion as he threw up his rifle and swung it back around in a large arc right towards the small of Sword's back...

To answer your question, yes people can st ill join rejoin. While new sub-plots have since developed the main 'bounty against hunters' is still live so there is ample opportunity to get involved. Also the ressurected 'Bar of the Damned' is another good place to ge involved as it's currently a hub of rumour and even conflict related to the main plot.

"I don't freakin' believe this!"

Big Game turned to face the armoured new comer and brought his rifle into the ready position.

Great! By the way them laser pointers are defracting I gotta assume this goon has got the sorta protection that'll just laugh off standard armour piercing rounds. Still he doesn't know what im packing. Time to put on my best poker face.

"Look buddy you chose the wrong party to crash. Do yourself a favour and beat it before my trigger finger slips... Oh and before you get all cocky an' stuff 'cause you're all wrapped up in that fancy armour of yours take some friendly advice. Multi-phasic ammunition will just slip straight through that armour , re-materialise and bounce around on the inside like a drunk chick at a frat party. So let me ask you something... 'Do you feel lucky punk?'"

Somewhere in St. Martial...

With the conversation dominated by Hailey's almost non-stop teen rants, their journey to Kimi's hideout had been a fairly annoying affair for Big Game. Aquis had specifically chosen Hailey to go with him, and Big Game was certain that choice had more to do with the Corporation's concerns over her loyalties* than the fact she knew where Kimi was. Still whatever information Aquis thought Big Game might of stumbled on wasn't forthcoming as he'd made a concerted effort to block out the deluge of ramblings as they walked.

Finding the boarding house where Kimi was holding Shop the pair decided to sneak in and make their way to her room. A few minutes of negotiating the halls the pair found themselves standing outside her door.

"You sure we're gonna be able to get her to hand over Shop without any trouble?" Big Game asked.

"Sure... well probably. Kimi's kinda... y'know unpredictable, but I'm sure it'll be ok." Hailey replied somewhat unconvincingly for 'Game's taste.

"No... no... NOOOOO!!!" Came a scream from the other side of the door that Big Game instantly recognised as being Shop."

"She must be torturing him!" 'Game barked as he kicked the wooden door inwards. As both Hailey and Big Game piled into the room the pair was shocked to see both Kimi and Shop looking back at them whilst they sat on a tatty sofa each clutching a game controller in their hand. In front of them was a game console, and a TV which had some fighting game displayed on the screen. Based on the victory pose displayed by the character on Kimi's side of the screen it was fairly obvious Shop's scream had more to do the thrashing he'd received in game rather than any actual mistreatment by Kimi.

Big Game then looked about the room and was annoyed to see the place was littered with empty snack packets and soda cans. I been roughing it in warehouses and eating cold beans while the kid has been on a freakin' sleepover! He thought to himself somewhat jealous the kid seemed to have landed on his feet during this whole Open Season mess.

"Kid! Me an you need to have words."

Meanwhile both Hailey and Kimi looked between the two similar looking males obviously thinking the same thing...


((* Relalated to another plot!))

One of Techbot Alpha's hidden storehouses, somewhere in the Rogue Isles...

There was a loud rhythmic clipping' sound as Aquis walked across the open expanse of the warehouse towards Big Game who was sat eating beans straight from the can amongst a variety of crates and covered boxes.

"I'd have thought being hunted the way you are you'd have made an effort to set up a more secure perimeter." Aquis remarked gently, a mote of surprise and perhaps a little disappointment in her tone at being able to just walk straight in to Big Game's current hideaway.

A messy haired, unshaven Big Game looked up from his beans and pointed at several places throughout the warehouse. As Aquis looked at each location she could see a Claymore mine outfitted with a radio receiver. Big Game then picked up a transmitter that was sat by his side and waved it slightly for show.

"I also got one of these..." He said as he pulled a tarpaulin away from the tripod mounted mini gun that was covered next to him. "Found it among Al's stuff. Pity he didn't have any food lying about though. Kinda getting sick of beans."

"It seems I stand corrected. Who'd have thought you were more than just a pretty face."

Big Game grinned at her comment.

Meanwhile Aquis looked Big Game up and down, a soft glow to her eyes flickering as she took in the details of the man sat before her. By his unkempt appearance, and bloodshot eyes she could tell being on the run was taking a heavy toll on the normally happy go lucky hunter.

Big Game stood up from his crate and wiped his hands down his already grubby vest before offering his hand to Aquis. "Big Game, pleased to meetcha!"

"Aquis, likewise." She responded shaking his hand.

"Here. Take a seat." Big Game said gesturing towards another crate.

"Thank you. I never realised the infamous Big Game was such a gentleman." Aquis said with a hint of a smile on her face.

"Well I save it for the pretty ones. Looks like you must fall into that category" He said with a wink.

Aquis smiled. Exactly what I was told to expect she thought to herself.

"So I understand you wanted to speak with me about the Corporation and its stance on the open bounty placed by Countess Bathory on hunters such as yourself."

"Uh huh. I been hearing stuff. Things like the Corp throwing in with Bathory and the Court. Surprised me too, seeing as the Corp and the Court rarely see eye to eye. Made me real wary about making contact. Anyway I thought I'd do some digging, and crashed the Mercenaries Ball. I heard about 'Gator striking my name off Bathory's list posted there. I then hooked up with Al who let me hang out here, but I never actually got a straight answer on where the Corp stands in this mess."

"The Corporation is a business. Bathory's Open Season is potentially very lucrative for us. That said, we don't forget our friends and certainly not our past grievances. For the moment however we are content with playing both sides, selling information of little consequence, and gaining Bathory's trust."

"That was the kinda vibe I was getting off of Al, but thought it best I hear it from the top. You realise that's only a temporary solution though. I mean at some point the Corp is gonna have to deliver something useful to Bathory or she's gonna get suspicious."

A smile curled Aquis’ lips and she reached out, placing a hand over one of Big Game’s in a sign of support "Don't worry so much, we know what we’re doing. At this moment I have Kurze tracking down some rivals of yours."

"Huh?" Big Game asked surprised.

"The Jackals, Eso-Tech's original replacement for your team. They're on Bathory's list, and seeing that the Corporation already clashed with them that time we rescued you during that Zombie outbreak in Cap Au Diable we decided they were a viable target. Delivering them would go a long way to establishing our credibility with Bathory."

"So where do I stand in all of this?" Asked Big Game.

Aquis gave him another warm smile. "You're quietly under our protection."

"But not in the clear, and certainly not off limits to anybody not associated with the Corp right?"

Her smile dropped. "I'm afraid not. You're too much of a high profile bounty. Bathory is especially keen for that head of yours, she's very unlikely to back down."

"That's just freakin' great! So I'm just 'sposed to hang out in Al's storehouse under the Corps 'quiet protection' until all this blows over?.Not to sound ungrateful but that ain't gonna work for me. I need to get Bathory to call off this stupid bounty and put the bloodsucking b!tch back in her place. I could really use the Corp's help with this one."

Aquis exhaled quietly. "As much as The Corporation dislike Countess Bathory, I have to look out for our best interests. Going to war with the Court just doesn't profit the Corporation at the moment."

"You're kidding me right?!" Big Game exclaimed both surprised and annoyed. People like me help keep Bathory and her goons in check. The longer her 'Open season' goes on the more her power and influence grows. Each day more and more creeps flock to Paragon and the Isles. Y'know some of them are gonna end up staying in the Court. Not only that I'm betting more than a few of them are gonna start trying to carve out territory of their own. You telling me putting the creeps into place before they get too big for their boots isn't going to be in the Corporation's best interests?"

"Don't think we have not envisioned that scenario ourselves Big Game. The Corporation is strong, we'll deal with that threat when we need to. For me to start thinking of hitting Bathory outside of our own timetable I'd need to be assured some tangible reward for the Corporation."

"I know you're having issues with Humanity First. I used to run with them for a while. I can be a useful source of intelligence for the Corp."

"Seeing as Corporation members are already looking out for your interests I would have thought you'd volunteer that information anyway."

Big Game started to pace the floor thinking. He then stopped, looked a little hesitant, and then started to speak. "How about I cut the Corp into the Hyenas action? Y'know pay a percentage of the profits as payment for your aid."

Aquis laughed softly, an amused sound that oddly lacked the mockery it could have easily held. "Profits? You know as well as I that The Hyenas are far from profitable. Between mismanagement, poor contracts negotiation, equipment costs, medical bills, embezzlement by Father Harrigan for his charities, repayments to Don Morretti, and your own lavish spending habits the Hyenas barely break even. Taking a percentage of the Hyenas profits would leave us with very little or nothing at all."

The look of annoyance on Big Game's face was very evident. He was peeved that everything she said was true, and especially narked that his own suspicions about Father Harrigan's activities before his death were pretty much confirmed.

She watched him pace, the gentle smile not leaving her lips as she stood to better make eyecontact with the agitated hunter. She held his gaze for a moment before speaking again "However your idea isn't without merit."

Big Game looked at her waiting for an explanation.

"With proficient management, and better support it wouldn't take much to turn the Hyenas operation around. Also taking in consideration the number of monster hunters already claimed by Bathory's bounty the competition has been drastically reduced."

Big Game looked a little hopeful. "So what you saying? Some sort of partnership?"

Aquis gave another airy laugh, and placed her hand against his arm. "You're as funny as you are handsome!"

Big Game raised his eyebrow trying to decide if the comment made by Aquis was a compliment or a put down.

"No, what I was thinking is that you sign both the rights and physical assets of the Hyenas over to the Corporation in its entirety. We'd then run the operation as a subsidiary company, and sub-department in our Arcane Section. I'd even be willing to retain your services and restore your own position within the Corporation."

"What?! You want to pull my company out from beneath me? after everything I put into making it a success."

Aquis gave a half smile. "My dear, we both know it isn’t successful at all right now. Look at it this way. Your company is already suffering greatly. Without help the Hyenas, or rather what's left of them, will be wiped out by Bathory's hunters. Even if you were to survive, the Corporation could decide to start its own hunting for profit operation and you'd soon be squeezed out. Signing over the Hyenas gives us an established brand to work with while at the same time giving you the proper management, support, supplies and the health care you so desperately need in your profession. Not only that, being a subsidiary company of the Corporation means we'd have a vested interest in fully protecting its employees, and ending Bathory's bounty..." She trailed off with another smile, silently asking him for his opinion on her words.

Big Game scratched head head then looked her in the eyes. "I get dental right?..."

The Mercenaries Ball, Sharkhead Isle...

It was late by time Big Game made it to the Mercenaries Ball, but people were still there. Most of the planned events had already finished, and those who remained were mostly socialising and brokering deals. Jackpot! He thought to himself as he spotted his old friend Techbot Alpha lean't against the bar. Being a Corporation director Al should know what's going on. It's just a case of getting him to spill. Big Game moved up to the bar and planted himself next to Techbot Alpha before ordering himself a drink.

"Whoah! How it going Optimus?" Asked Techbot Alpha on hearing Big Game's distorted voice.

Feigning ignorance Big Game turned and spoke directly to him. "Sorry, you're mistaken. My name is Wraps, I'm here for Bathory's hunt. Thought I'd swing by the Ball and try score some information.

Big Game then spent some time trying to wheedle out of Techbot what the Corporation's stance on Bathory's open Season was. Techbot had been annoyingly vague on the subject but did let slip that Countess Bathory was far from trusted by the Corporation. On the other hand 'Game slipped himself almost calling Techbot by his name. This small stumble had been sufficient to raise Techbot's suspicions.

Deciding that getting the information out of Techbot was proving to be as difficult as pulling teeth, he cranked it up a notch by stating he planned to go after Big Game himself. To his surprise one of the other Ball attendees, a Third Degree Byrne piped up stating that the Corporation's Iron Alligator had crossed out 'Game's name from a copy of Bathory's list posted in the Monkey Bar. However this probably had more to him being Big Game's friend rather than the possibility he'd already claimed him.

"A hollow gesture by Gator then. Bathory's bounty still stands." Big Game replied hoping for a reaction. To his joy Techbot bit and lean't in to whisper to him.

"Let's go somewhere more private and talk." Techbot Alpha had said gesturing for the disguised Big Game to follow. Pleased he'd hit some sort chord with Techbot he followed hoping he'd now be able to get a proper rundown of the action. However unaware to Big Game, Techbot had already deduced, and had confirmed by a stealthed CX1237, his real identity. After a brief conversation a still disguised Big Game left the Mercenaries Ball escorted by the Corporation's Techbot Alpha...

A bar in St. Martial...

Having spent the last few hours searching for clues to the whereabouts of his missing sidekick Big Game was starting to feel tired. Still disguised as the bounty hunter Wraps he decided it would be safe enough to hit a bar for a little refreshment. Finding a small shabby establishment that didn't seem overly bothered who'd they served he decided to head in and get a few drinks.

"Here for the Mercenaries Ball?" asked the barman as he passed Big Game a whisky with a straw in it.

"The Mercenaries Ball? I thought that died with the Imorality League." Replied a surprised Big Game.

"Nah! The Corporation have took it over. It's on tonight over at Morretti's Monkey Bar in Sharkhead.. looking like you do I thought you might be a merc who is planning to attend"

Big Game slurped his whisky thinking. Be a great opportunity to try and find out the Corp's stance on Bathory's bounty first hand. Wouldn't have to try to hard to explain my presence either in this get up. They'd just think I was another Merc checking out the Ball.

Big Game slurped the remainder of his whisky and tossed some coins on the bar. "Thanks for the drink and the heads up. I think I might just check out that Mercenaries Ball after all."



"Na

Back on the streets...

As Big Game, still disguised as the bounty hunter Wraps, walked the streets he contemplated what he'd learned from his visit to the Bar of the Damned. Firstly this business about Bathory's bounty was a lot bigger than he first imagined. The copy of Bathory's list posted in the bar had almost everybody 'Game had ever heard of who'd ever fired a silver bullet, wielded a stake, etc. In addition there was a whole heap of other names he was unfamiliar with. The sheer number of available bounties, as well as the impressive pay off for each had drawn in headhunter scum from across the globe, each eager for a piece of Bathory's action.

Second, the fact that his young apprentice Shop didn't ppear amongst the claimed bounties filled Big Game with hope the kid had got to safety. Too many Hyenas had already died on Big Game's watch, and he was loathe to have another on his conscience. Especially one who was still learning the ropes.

Third, and perhaps the most disturbing to Big Game, was the possibility the Corporation had thrown in with Bathory. Having been a former Corper himself he was well aware the Corporation's primary goal was making money, however he didn't realise the sort of depth's the Corporation would plunge in pursuit of that goal. He sincerely hoped that the rumours he heard were totally untrue.

Big Game came out of a rundown commercial area and into the docks. Looking across the docks he could see a ferry opening its doors ready to load up.

But what to do? Big Game was well aware that as long as Bathory's bounty stood he'd basically be living his life on the run. Admittedly he'd already been doing that for years anyway, but law enforcement didn't pursue people with the same sort of zeal as a manical monster bounty hunter. If Big Game ever wanted his life to get back to any semblance of normality he'd have to find some way of getting Bathory to call of her bounty. That mean't killing her wasn't enough, he'd have to find some way of forcing her to back down. Unfortunately he didn't think that wassomething he could accomplish alone.

Ta P! Now if I could only apply that skill to RL I wouldn't need to play this stinkin' game!

...Just kidding I love it really

As Big Game walked away from Emerald he couldn't help but smile inwardly to himself. It wasn't often he did a genuinely good deed but when he did it did make him feel good inside... Of course he'd never let anyone else know that.

Taking a brief moment to return what he suspected was a salute to the tall man wearing ruby glasses he continued weaving his way between the other patrons towards the exit. Before he'd even made it halfway an incredibly brave/stupid cowboy burst into the bar shooting his mouth off. Although Big Game didn't recognise the man he did recognise the fact he was either going to be a great distraction or a whole heap of trouble. Either way Big Game's interests would be better served if he got some distance between himself and the bar. Wasting no more time he continued on to the exit.

Big Game wasn't stupid. By the wrinkling of her nose he could tell just his being around her at the moment was unpleasant, but then she'd rather put up with him than deal with the strange Parasite Knight who was obviously interested in her. Leaning backwards to the bar Big Game ordered a round of drinks. The same as Emerald had already drinking, and a strangely sickening cocktail loaded with vanilla which might disperse some of Big Game's rather foul smell.

"Hi my name is..." He suddenly realised he never picked a name to use before he came in. "...um Wraps." He said using the name of a Humanity First medic he'd known a few years earlier. Somehow he thought it fit the Tusken Raider mask and the ragged clothing he was wearing.

Somewhere in St. Martial...

As far as being a prisoner goes this isn’t too bad. Shop thought to himself as he munched on the sandwich Kimi had brought him.

After leaving the Flea Pit Kimi had brought him to a rundown boarding house not too far away. It was obvious her original intent was to use him as bait to capture Big Game, but the longer he spent with her the more he realised how easily distracted from her original goals. Sure she had made Shop call ‘Game several times on his cell number, but there was never an answer... Of course Kimi didn’t know the number they’d been trying, the one publically displayed on Hyenas advertisements, belonged to the cell phone that got smashed during Big Game’s fight with Claret. Lucky enough Shop had left his own phone behind at the Flea Pit or she might have discovered Big Game’s new number. Still despite this set back Kimi remained in good humour and instead occupied her time chatting, playing around with Shop’s spider pack, random flirting, or angling for confirmation that Shop was indeed actually related to Big Game. In fact if it wasn’t for Kimi patting her side arms in a playful yet threatening manner every time he walked too near a door or window he could easily believe he was just hanging out a real hot friend.

If there was anything difficult about his captivity it had to be Kimi’s attractiveness, and flirtatious moods. As he spent time with Kimi he couldn’t help but check her out from time to time. Whether it was something he inherited from his father, or just the fact she didn’t particularly wear much it happened, and worse still Kimi usually noticed. It was at those points his captivity became anywhere near uncomfortable as she took great delight in teasing Shop with exaggerated poses, invasion of personal space, and rather un-ladylike remarks. Had he been his father he’d of been lapping it up, but not having the sort of confidence of Big Game these moments were quite torturous for the somewhat shy teen. Still he hadn’t been handed over to Bathory and that was something to be thankful for. The question was for how long?...

Big Game was about to launch into one of his routines when the realization hit him that he was wearing a Tusken Raider mask modifed with an Optimus Prime voice changer, smelt like a badger's behind, and sat smack bang in the middle of a bar where almost all the patrons, if they knew who he really was, would likely dogpile him for the chance of delivering his head to the Blood Countess.

What the hell am I thinking. I ain't got time for this!

Big Game was about to make his excuses and leave but then a twinge of guilt got him.

If I was ready to pounce on this girl cause I thought she was vulnerable. God knows what the rest of these sick creeps might do to her.

For some unknown reason he glanced at the man in the cassock.

Yup, sicko!

"Sorry Miss. I didn't mean to disturb you. I'm in the Isles for the huntin'. You know, im a predator. Well I saw you sat there all blue like... and well a moment of weakness got me."

Big Game leant closer and whispered as best he could considering his voice changer. "Im guessing most of the guys drinking here wouldn't think twice. I'd feel a lot better if you let me buy you a drink, and maybe bring a smile to your face.... All in the interest of protecting you from further unwanted attention of course."

Lizzy? Oh great this goon actually knows Bathory personally.

Big Game looked at Jack and then again to Emerald Esoterica. In the end Big Game's usual instict won out...

"How you doing?" Came 'Game's distorted voice as he sat down in the seat opposite Emerald Esoterica.

Big Game's attention was caught when he overheard something about 'tiger stripes'. His curiosity piqued he turned and was pleasantly pleased to see the gorgeously exotic form of Emerald Esoterica. Catching the last bit of the phone conversation his keen hearing caught the bit about a 'cousin in the Corp' , and realised the ebony skinned woman might be a far better prospect for information gathering than the rest of the bar's denizens. Given the choice of speaking to toothless old men, half cut bikers, creepy clergymen, and beautiful tall ebon skinned fairy chicks? Beautiful tall ebon skinned fairy chicks won every time...

...Besides this particular fairy chick was was obviously feeling blue, making her vulnerable and ripe for the picking.

Tossing some coins onto the bar Big Game gestured to Jack Wulfe. "Whatever my friend here wants." Big Game said through the voice changer. He then turned to Jack Wulfe. "Sorry bud I don't mean to rude, I'd love to chew the fat, but I spy another huntin' opportunity."

Big Game picked up his drink and started to move around the bar, picking up snippets of conversation as he went...

“...at’s what I said a Freakshow Vampire! Call’s himself Steel Tooth. He already claimed the bounty on the Knightwatchman, but when he went after Witch Hunt who was recovering in hospital he was stopped by Cabal Witches. You gotta wonder what the connection is there?..”

“...really surprised Claret didn’t get Big Game. From what I heard when they left that bar he was all over her like a rash, and totally oblivious that she was a Vampire...”

“...eave a foul taste in her mouth. It’s not every day her castle is besieged, and her prisoners set free...”

“...ou sure? I didn’t think the Corporation and the Blood Countess were on particularly good terms. Then again with the sorta money the Countess is throwing about I suppose it’s possible they want a piece of the action...”

Each conversation caught Big Game’s interest to varying degrees, but the possibility the Corporation had thrown in with Bathory really bothered him. Especially since so many Corpers were amongst his good friends.

I guess it’s true you just can’t trust any... His train of thought was interrupted by his spying a copy of Bathory’s bounty on one of the Bar’s walls. The bounty listed pretty much anybody who’d ever hunted supernatural creatures or close associates of those hunters. Several names had already been crossed out including Big Game’s fellow Hyenas Super Sized Sally, and Father Jack Harrigan. One thing he was thankful of was his young apprentice Shop was still listed as being at large. That gave him hope he was still alive.

“Thinking of taking a shot at one of ‘em?”

Big Game turned to face the voice. Standing there was a grizzled, wild haired, toothless old man with a disturbingly friendly grin on his face.

“Figured I’d have a go at Big Game. I know he’s second on the list but he seems more of a prestigious kill than the Priest. I mean at least ‘Game has got the savvy to charge for what he kills. The Priest does his huntin’ for free. That makes the Priest an amateur in my books.”

The old man gave Big Game a slightly befuddled look, but soon shrugged it off. “Maybe it’s one them Vampire versus the Church things. Anyway happy huntin’ son.”

Big Game saluted the old man with his drink and started to work his way towards the exit...

A still disguised Big Game lifted his head in acknowledgement, and then put his masked face in one of his armpits.

"Don't smell nothing!" He chuckled through the Optimus Prime voice changer. Turning away from Jack Wulfe he poked the straw into a hole in his mask and slurped his whisky.

Depending on events in Open Season I will try and bring Big Game along. If that's not possible I'l see what other character I can dust off for the Ball.

Because I always wanted the Bar of the Damned to play a part in this plot I decided to make Big Game pay the place a visit, and tie it into the main plot. While im quite happy to have people note their characters are in the bar on the main Open Season thread, I think any actual forum rp in the bar should be contained in the Bar of the Damned thread. Use the thread to brag about kills, drop rumours, or give your IC reactions to events so far.