Big_Game_EU

((Thread Resurrection! I always thought this thread had a lot more unexploited potential. So in an effort to help restore it's prominence in the Unionverse I decided to have it crossover with Open Season.))

The Bar of the Damned during Open Season...

A heavily disguised Big Game walked into the smokey bar. Unlike previous visits the place was positively heaving. It seemed that the bounty placed on monster hunters by the Blood Countess had drawn all manner of creeps into the Isles, and this bar served as their ale house of choice. As Big Game made his way to the bar he caught various snippets of conversation. While most seemed to be talking about Bathory's bounty, one or two did make a whispered comment about Big Game's disguise and it's similarity to a movie creature they'd seen. Once Big Game got to the bar he quickly got the Barkeep's attention and ordered himself a whisky with a straw. The Barkeep unfazed by Big Game's disguise or the sound of his voice being changed by an Optimus Prime voice changer quickly got his drink. Tossing over a few coins Big Game turned around, leaning on the bar and surveyed the faces of the other patrons...

The Jelly Fish Dream, Darwin's Landing...

After an uneventful trip back from St. Martial, Big Game was equally pleased the same could be said for the arrival at his floating home. The two unidentified blue Amazons seemed to have abandoned their stakeout, and Big Game entered his boat unmolested. Without further delay he went over to the corner of the cabin where his dressing up box was kept. Then grabbing hold of the heavy wooden crate he dragged it into the middle of the cabin. Dropping to his knees he opened the box and started to root through the contents inside...

Ahhh, I remember that one. The ball gown and roller boots I wore as part of my Carnie Illusionist disguise. Oh and there's my Ice Cream Vendor disguise from when I took out the Big Lick. No way! My Frankenfurter outfit! No wait... Big Game held up the black basque and suspenders. Too small. Hehe! Must of been left behind by one of the girls... Ahhh! Good times.

Big Game continued to root through the box occasionally stopping to relive some past moment a costume reminded him of, as well as sometimes putting some small item for his latest disguise. Then his eyes lit up...

Perfect! My Tusken Raider mask and the voice changer from my Optimus Prime mask. Add these to that Highwayman's cloak and that breast plate, and I think I got the makings of a decent bounty hunter disguise...

Sometime later just outside the drinking establishment known as the Bar of the Damned...

Standing outside the entrance dressed up in his makeshift bounty hunter disguise was an anxious Big Game.

Better test the voice box... "Watch your step. This place can be a little rough." Pleased with the effect Big Game stepped into the Bar of the Damned...

The streets of St.Martial a short distance from the Store...

Although Big Game's tour of the Store was cut short due to a visit by another customer, he was more than happy with what he accomplished with Tomb in the short time he was there. As well as securing enough supplies to keep him fighting fit in the short term, he actually brokered a nice little suppy contract for himself that greatly helped reduce the impact of Eso-Tech and the Peddler cutting him off again. Not only that he was certain that Tomb had both the skills and materials needed to construct a special surprise for Bathory once Big Game was ready to make his move against her. For now though he needed to take stock of the situation.

Hmm still no word from the kid. I wonder if somebody picked up the bounty on him... He thought to himself whilst pacing the street. Then he stopped dead. his eyes lit up with inspiration. Geez I been stupid. Bathory's goons ain't just hunting us for the cash they're hunting us for glory too. That means there's gonna be all kinds of braggarts out there harping on about their kills. Best place to do that is a bar, and I think know exactly which bar that's gonna be. Hopefully them blue amazons have abandoned their stakeout of the Jelly Fish Dream 'cause I need some stuff from my [url=http://union.virtueverse.com/index.php/Big_Game#Something_Different]dressing up box[/ur]...

Despite being used to the smorgasboard of ammunition Eso-Tech normally had on offer Big Game was suitably impressed with the variety that could be supplied by the store. As Tomb waffled on about features and benefits he picked up and eyeballed several rounds to determine quality and craftsmanship. Satisfied the Store's goods wasn't going to explode in the rifle chamber or something, he started to make a mental shopping list of all he needed.

Dealing with a lot of real life stuff at the moment so im flitting in and out as I can. However I see the plot is rocketing on without me so it's not a big issue.

Somewhere in St Martial...

Big Game ducked amongst the cars, and doorways as he moved. The deaths of fellow Hyenas Super Sized Sally and Father Harrigan, his missing apprentice Shop, multiple attempts on his own life, and near exhaustion of his ammunition had forced him to take a very low profile as he crept about the Isles. At one point he risked a return to the Flea Pit to re-arm, but that plan was scuppered when more bounty hunters appeared on the scene. "At least the kid managed to get out." He had said to himself unconvinced. However there had been something about the mess Shop left in the workshop, as well as some unfamiliar tracks, and a faint scent in the air that had undermined his words. Big Game, having not had a chance to re-equip decided that discretion was the better part of valour, and made good his escape unharmed, but also empty handed. Now he slowly made his way to where he hoped he'd be able to gather the resources he needed to put himself back in the fight.

There it is. He thought as he approached the squat brick building described to him by the man at the bar who had vetted him before giving him the location of the Store. Taking another look to ensure the coast was clear, Big Game dived into the Store's doorway. Checking the handle the door clicked open. Obviously expecting me.

Now this is my kind of store! Big Game thought to himself as he scanned about the interior. Where as the outside had been a fairly uninspiring somewhat drab affair that blended in with the rest of the decaying neighborhood, the interior was a brightly lit, boutique style armory. On the walls and in cabinets was all manner of of conventional and esoteric weaponry. Big Game knew if he could strike a deal he'd easily find all kinds of goodies to start sending some payback Bathory's way.

Leaning on the counter and pushing his hat upwards he waited for the proprietor to make their entrance...

The Gallows, Port Oakes...

Stupid kid, must of let his battery go flat or something. I hope he left the Flea Pit before any of Bathory's goons showed up.

Big Game tucked the disposable cell phone that Shop had given him into one of the pockets in his tiger-striped pants. He then started to check through his ammunition pouches.

Great! A couple of silver rounds and a clip of hollowpoints, that's really gonna get me far. I can't believe the Peddler scr*wed me over again. Hopefully the trusty Gallows will point me in the direction of an aternative supplier.

Big Game started to scan through the various notices posted on the Gallows. Of all the notes offering weapon sales there was only one that seemed to promise something more than conventional arms and ammunition. A place simply known as the Store.

Big Game ripped the advertisment off the Gallows and shoved it into his pocket.

Let's go see if I can arrange myself a line of credit?...

Harrigan, the Vultures, and Shop have all been claimed by other players. Expect something soonish.

Ok I actually found a chance to put up a wiki page for the plot. Obviously it's far from complete, but im hoping if everybody mucks in (ie put their characters in the appropriate section of the score sheet etc) we will soon have a fairly comprehensive reference.

I have also indicated in the main thread that the Vultures (Bonecaster, Vegas, and Salvo) have been killed. Should anyone wish to claim them PM me and let me know.

Eso-Tech's Nerva Archipelago headquarters the Foundry...

The white haired Peddler stepped into her cluttered office where a battered and disheveled Big Game was waiting for her.

"You look a state Tony. I sincerely hope that you haven't dripped blood or filth over any of my furnishings."

Big Game looked over at the Peddler. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face covered with a few days worth of stubble. His clothing told reams about the various trials he'd undergone in the last few days, and were mostly torn or covered in dry blood. In fact the only thing clean on him was an obviously newly applied bandage wrapped around his ribs.

"Don't worry anything still oozing is nicely wrapped."

"Unpleasant journey I take it?"

"Yeah. Stupid Ghoul got a couple of lucky hits on me on my way over from St. Martial. Mind you if you answered my calls I wouldn't of had to come all this way."

"Perhaps you're right. Maybe you wouldn't of had a wasted journey."

Big Game looked a little shocked. "What? I ain't even asked anything yet. Besides I figured you might actually appreciate a warning about the Blood Countess' Li..."

"List of Bounties. Yes I already know. I also know both the Vultures and the Jackals are on that list." Said the Peddler, interrupting him.

"Right. Well I figured that we co..."

"Forget it Tony. I can't help you. I have already taken measures to protect Eso-Tech from any fallout connected with Bathory's Bounty."

"Fine. Then how about extending me a line of credit and letting me tool up so I can go after Bathory's goons?" Big Game asked angrily.

"No!... As of this moment your account with Eso-Tech is frozen. Until Bathory's Open Season is resolved neither my company or myself will do business with you."

Big Game was astounded. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You're not gonna help me out? You do realise they're gonna come after your own precious hunters as well?"

"I do... In fact Bonecaster and the other Vultures have already fallen victim to Bathory's hunters. I can't imagine the Jackals own demise wont be much further behind."

Big Game was genuinely shocked both at the news of the Vulture's death, and the Peddler's own sense of detachment about the whole situation. "You do remember that you too was once a Hyena? Chances are your name is on that list too. Are you certain you can really afford to send me away?"

The Peddler gave an almost uninterested sigh. "I do what's needed to protect both the company and myself. I'm more than happy with my current arrangements."

A look of disgust came over Big Game's face. "Tell me something. Did you just let it happen, or did you actively sell them out?"

The Peddler barely raised an eyebrow. At that moment a squad of armed Eso-Tech Keepers walked into the office.

"Thank you for dropping by Tony, but I do think it's time for you to go."

Big Game spat on the office floor as he let the Keepers escort him out of the office...

RL interfering with my posting, so I get in when I can.

The death of Father Harrigan is open. If anybody wants to claim him, and write up the scene pm me, and I will offer assistance with details as well as announce he's been claimed.

Likewise, pretty much the same goes with Shop. So if you want to take a stab at him then let me know.

Kings Row, Paragon City...

"Whoa! Did you see that? That Freak just lopped of the Knightwatchman's head."

"When an eight foot tall Freakshow Tank Swiper decapitates a sword slinging skull masked Cape barely thirty foot in front of you, YOU TEND TO NOTICE!"

"So what we gonna do boss? I mean I know the Knightwatchman caused us grief from time to time but this is Skull turf. Are we gonna take out the Freakshow?"

The gigantic Tank Swiper impaled the Knightwatchman's still masked head on the end of one of his scythe-like blades, and stomped his way towards the group of Skulls. As he barged his way through them they noticed his unnatural (even for a Freak) pale skin, and blood red eyes. Then with a fearsome snarl he bared his steel plated fangs. The Skulls all cowered and let him past unmolested.

As the vampiric Freak |Steel Tooth stomped off one of the Skull's finally felt brave enough to break the silence...

"Let's just pretend we didn't see him."

The Hyenas Lodge, The Flea Pit, St. Martial...

Shop was busy at work. In front of him, half disassembled, was the battered old Disruptor Bot Big Game affectionately referred to as Charlotte. On Shop's back was his salvaged Crab-Spider pack sporting not it's usual armament, but rather a selection of welders and power tools to assist him in his tinkering.

I know Da... 'Game said with Sal's murder at the Wayward Wench, Father Harrigan's at the Church, and them two blue amazons still waiting for him at the Jelly Fish Dream* our usual haunts wouldn't be safe but I really don't want to go to ground without a little extra firepower. It shouldn't take to long to get Charlotte up and running aga...

Shop's train of thought was stopped dead as the light went out. Without a sound he felt around the worktable desperately looking for his goggles...

((*Big Game was unaware Mechano had sent him bodyguards and mistook them for potential enemies.))

Meanwhile at the St.Rita of Cascia Roman Catholic Church. St.Martial...

Big Game stood over looking the headless corpse of Father Jack Harrigan who'd been pulled through the mesh screen of a confessional booth where he'd been brutally murdered.

"Aww man! I never thought you'd go out like this. Bullet in the back whilst I was cleaning my rifle or something, but never like this."

*Cough!* "Had I of got to him first he'd of suffered far worse."

Big Game turned behind him and swiftly kicked the bound Vampire squirming on the floor straight in the ribs. As 'Game's boot connected the vampire brought his knees up into his suited chest.

"Gimme a break. You call yourself Tally right? Sounds like the name of a bean counter. Considering the way you fight and the fruity suit of yours I can quite easily believe it too. You really made a miscalculation deciding to get involved with all this."

The Vampire coughed again and pushed himself up from the floor dropping his spectacles off his nose in the process.

"You might of got the best of me Big Game, but you, much like your friend there, will soon be held to account."

"Do the math you freakin' sorry excuse for a leech. You're the one hogtied and squirming on the floor like a puppy with worms. You going going to be holding to account for nothing."

Tally watched as Big Game paced about him.

"So what are you going to do with me?"

Gig Game looked down at the Vampire and stroked his chin.

"Hmmm. The way I see it you're having a bit of a bad night."

Tally looked up confused.

"Sooo you're bored with counting coins for your Leech overlord and figure you'd take a crack at one of them bounties Big B*tch Bathory posted. Think to yourself I'll whack that Priest who works with the Hyenas... Shouldn't be too hard right? Of course once you turn up and actually grow a pair so you can force yourself inside you find somebody already beat you to him. Ah well better luck next time, but no 'cause you run straight into me. Smarter Vamp would of run but no you see a big fat paycheck in front of you. You go for the gold but instead I hand you your sorry butt. Like I said you're having a bad night."

Tally was even more confused.

"So you're letting me go?..."

Big Game laughed. "Who said the undead had no sense of humour... Nah I'm not letting you go. I dunno. Maybe it's being here in God's house or just wanting to do something to honour the memory of the good father over there."

Tally looked worried.

"I'm gonna save your soul."

"What?!" Asked a totally bewildered Tally.

"Save your soul..."

Big Game hauled the Vampire up from the floor.

"Let's start with a baptism."

Big Game started to drag Tally. Panic set in as the terrified Vampire realised they were heading to the church font.

"No. Wait! Not that please. No... NO... NOOOOOOO!!!!"

Big Game hauled Tally up over the font.

"Prepare to receive my blessing SUCKER!..."

A short distance from St. Rita's...

A small group of the Wailer Demons that infest St. Martial silenced their own cacophony as a horrific scream cut through St. Martial. Taking a moment to study the pitch they then joined in with Tally's unholy chorus...

Taking a moment to drop work and look at the post myself I'm a little conflicted. Firstly the post does an excellent job of summing up Open Season so far so I really like the idea of keeping it to help hold the plot together....

However I can see a couple of elements that some players might put down to possible metagaming so feel that those particular points should be addressed. On the positive side seeing as Damsel has graciously agreed to make edits I do not see any reason for this not to resolved in a civil manner. Therefore if anyone has issues with said post/news report I suggest they pm Damsel with the information they would like edited.

An example would be Alpha's character Leon. It's fairly simple to make him an as yet un-identified player. Besides even if he was ID'd by "On-the-battleground face recognition software-carriers, sound mics, Dark Astoria ID gates, energy signature trackers, magic investigators, computer-hacking jounalists..." etc. It's conceivable MAGI might keep that info to themselves to avaoid embarrissment, etc., and still keep Alpha's character Leon's anonymity.

Remember this is about having fun and showcasing creativity. If anybody has concerns please pm those concerns to the appropriate player. Im certain most issues can be resolved without any conflict between players.

Meanwhile in the Rogue Isles...

“RAAARR! Missing me is the biggest mistake you ever made. You’ll never manage to outrun me now. “

Lungs near bursting, Big Game sprinted through the streets of Port Oakes . A little distance behind him, and closing rapidly, was the mercenary Werewolf War Dog. Big Game took his flight into one of the more rundown neighbourhoods, and ducked into an alleyway and out of War Dog’s field of vision.

“RAAAGH! You won’t lose me that easily. I still have your scent.”

War Dog ducked into the alleyway and caught sight of Big Game’s rear up ahead of him. Letting out a fearsome roar War Dog pushed himself harder and started to close the gap even further.

“I’m coming fo...”

War Dog stopped mid-taunt. Something was very wrong. All of a sudden he noticed Big Game’s scent was behind him. Then he noticed the Big Game in front of him actually looked different.

“You tricked me!” War Dog roared. As he spun around to face the actual direction Big Game was standing he was enveloped in a mess of impervium monofilament wire that immediately started to constrict. Within seconds War Dog was tightly balled up in a cocoon of monofilament wire. Standing in a doorway War Dog had missed was Big Game still breathing hard and holding an unfamiliar cannon-like device.

“Use your silver bullet and get it over with.” War Dog snarled in defiance.

“You’ll get your bullet soon enough...”

Big Game dropped the web-cannon and bent down to pick up something else on the floor in the doorway. War Dog’s eyes widened in a fear he was totally unaccustomed to.

Meanwhile Big Game walked over to the tightly bound war Dog and started emptying the gasoline can over the helpless Werewolf.

“... but first I want to hear you howl until my ears bleed.”

Some distance away...

Shop, still disguised as Big Game, came to a halt. Bent over, hands planted on his knees stopping him from toppling over, he frantically took a series of painful breaths.

’Game must of got him... I hope so anyway. I can’t ru...

Shop’s train of thought was cut short by the bloodcurdlingly horrific howl that cut through Port Oakes.

Yeah he got him...

Early Afternoon, A little distance from the Jelly Fish Dream, Darwin’s Landing...

The young Hyena known as Shop pressed himself against an upturned row boat as he watched the upper deck of Big Game’s boat through a battered telescope. With the news of Super Sized Sally’s death and rumours of an open bounty against monster hunters the apprentice huntsman was taking no chances. Had Big Game been anybody else Shop wouldn’t have even risked making the trip to Darwin’s Landing, but considering he was his father (a fact Big Game was still oblivious to) he couldn’t just take a chance he was still alright.

Maybe I’ll give his cell one more try. He could of been asleep or something.
Shop pulled a badly scratched cell phone from a bulging pocket of junk and hit the speed dial for Big Game.

Aaagh! Still no answer. I better go and check things out.

After slapping a fresh magazine into his sub-machine gun, and glancing up to make sure the weaponry he put back onto his salvaged crab-spider pack was actually still there he slowly made his way across the dock to the Jelly Fish Dream...

Inside the Jelly Fish Dream...

Despite the attempt on his life the night before Big Game had no problem at all getting to sleep. In fact if it wasn’t for the fact he needed a drink he’d probably be sleeping now. He stumbled out of bed, scratched his head and other areas of his body before picking his way across the still messy room to where a half drunken bottle of beer sat. With a grimace he started to knock back the flat warm beer as he whilst walking towards the door to upper deck. Just as he was about to open the door he felt the tell tale rock of someone climbing aboard his boat. He was about to grab his rifle from the end of the bed when the door opened...

“Geez kid! You trying to give a guy a freakin’ heart attack? Don’t let me catch you sneaking about my boat again.”

“Sorry ‘Game. Was just being cautious... Anyway I wouldn’t need to sneak about if you answered your cell.”

Shop looked around at the mess and broken furniture in the cabin.
“What happened here anyway?”

Big Game finished the rest of his beer before answering.

“Stupid Vampire tried to whack me. Trashed the place good before I got to dust it. That's also the reason you couldn't get me on my cell seeing that it got smashed during the fight.”

“Looks like the rumours are true then.”

“Huh? What are you on about kid?”

“Apparently the Blood Countess has put up an open bounty on monster hunters... ALL OF THEM! They already got Sally.”

Big Game stood up from the bed looking at Shop, genuinely shocked.

“What? Super Sized Sally is dead?”

“Yeah. Apparently a Werewolf toting a machinegun tore up the Wayward Wench, shot her to pieces, and walked off with her head.”

“It’s not just us though. The Priest and his cronies, former Hyenas, the Jackals , Vultures, and every other independent who’s ever whittled a stake or fired a silver bullet is supposed to be on the hit list. The Countess has declared Open Season on us.”

“What about Father Harrigan? Does he know what’s going on?” Big Game asked as he started to gather his clothing and equipment.”

“He’s heading over to his church to take confession, but he’s aware of the situation. He was packing steel when he left.”

“Good I’d hate for someone to get the drop on the old coot before I got a chance to shoot him myself.”

“So what’s the plan boss?”

Big Game started loading a magazine with silver bullets.

“When things go bump in the night you bump back... HARDER!!!”

Late night, the Jelly Fish Dream, Darwin's Landing...

"C'mere tiger. I have been waiting for this all night."

"Who am I to disappoint." Replied a beaming Big Game as he walked over to the pretty crimson haired woman sat on his bed.

The gorgeous woman wearing nothing but a red lace chemise licked her lips as she pulled Big Game closer by his tiger striped pants.

"Now let Claret here show you a night you'll never forget."

After first undoing his pants she pushed them down around his ankles. The with a little giggle and strength almost out of place considering her slender frame she threw him down on the bed. Pleasantly surprised Big Game lay there practically inviting Claret to take charge. Wasting no time she started to kiss and nibble him as she slowly worked her way up his chest towards his neck. Letting out a satisfied sigh Big Game stretched his arms out and head back. Then he noticed...

"OH CRUD!" he shouted as he noticed his reflection and only his reflection in the chrome rim of the rarely used alarm clock beside his bed...

At that time on the neighboring boat...

"Wow look at 'Game's boat rock. He must have a real live wire in there tonight."

"I dunno how he does it. Twice a week and I'm a wreck."

"Ah shaddup! You're married you're lucky if you get it twice a month."

"Bite m... Did that just sound like smashing furniture to you?"

"Yeah. Looks like 'Game found himself one who likes it rough."

"Oh great now the screaming and moaning has started. Let's get inside, reminds me too much of the wife."

*Chuckle* "Whatever!.."

Back inside the Jelly Fish Dream...

Sat amongst the wreckage that was the interior of the boat was a sweating and panting Big Game, still with his pants around his ankles. In his hand was a jagged piece of wood that had moments ago been one of the legs of a bar stool. Covering most of the wrecked furniture was a thick layer of grey ash. After tossing the piece of wood aside Big Game climbed up from the floor and pulled his pants up. He then walked over to where his combat gear was stashed and pulled out a battered handheld vacuum. Looking down at the ash he thought to himself...

You might of been a cr@p date, but at least you'll be a decent paycheck. One order of Vampire ash for the black market coming up!...

Late evening, A small rustic house in Salamanca...

Damn Fir Bolg. That's another cloak I've ruined fighting them. Wouldn't be so much of an issue if it wasn't so damp around here all the time. Witch Hunt thought to herself as she tossed the torn and singed cloak onto the kitchen table with the weaponry she had removed just moments earlier.

She flipped a switch on an electric kettle, and started to remove her heavy metal cuirass.[ i]Hmmm... Cup of cocoa will warm me up.[/i]

Tossing the cuirass onto the table, she walked over to the wooden cupboard on the wall that housed all her mugs.

"WAAAAAHHH!!!" screamed the diminutive Red Cap as it leap out from the cupboard onto Witch Hunt's face. Completely taken by surprise Witch Hunt crashed to the floor with the Red Cap still sitting on her. Before she could even catch her breath the Red Cap slashed both of his hooked daggers across her face , right across the eyes. Witch Hunt screamed out in pain as her sight was taken from her. Blood pouring from her face, and in ubelievable pain she screamed out a seeming unintelligeble couple of words as she thrashed outwards at the Red Cap with her hand. The spell cast, her hand soon covered with dark energy which sent a chill colder than death through the Red Cap's body as she swiped him. with a yelp he leapt back from her.

"Don't hit me with again that deathly cold,
I only hunt to claim some gold."

Witch Hunt pulled her self up from the ground, her face a bloody mess, and her sight probably gone forever. Only thing in her favour was this was her home and even without sight she still had a pretty good idea where everything was, including her weapons. Stubling over to the table she reached out to grab one of her custom volley pistols.

"No, no, no. We can't have that,
You'll use that gun on poor old Scrat."

Scrat the Red Cap leapt onto Witch Hunt's back. Holding onto her with his legs he went into a frenzy of stabbing . Screaming and weeping Witch Hunt crashed against the table barely managing to grab one of the pistols. clutching the weapon with what little strength she had left she pushed herself backwards onto the floor, landing on top of Scrat. With Scrat momentarily stunned she rolled across the floor and pointed her volley pistol at him with a shaky grip.

"Lucky I don't have to be accurate with this thing."

Scrat looked up just as the hail of iron core steel jacket bullets tore him to pieces...