Big_Game_EU

The remains of the Wayward Wench, Port Oakes...

Captain Ronald Grouse of the Rogue Isles Police picked his way through the dead bodies and shot up furniture that now littered the Wayward Wench Inn.

"They really did a number on this place. Any idea what actually happened?"

A twentysomething RIP officer who was kneeling over a tarpaulin covered body stood up and turned to face his Captain.

"Witnesses reckon a Wolfman with a machine gun just kicked in the door and started to tear the place a part with indiscriminate fire. The bar owner a Super Sized Sally retaliated with a shotgun she had hidden under the bar, but the Wolfman just shrugged off everything she hit it with. The Wolfman then focussed it's weapon fire on her."

"I take it she's dead too?" Asked the Captain.

"And then some!" replied the officer as he reached down to grab a corner of the tarpaulin. Then, in one swift motion he yanked back the tarpaulin to reveal the headless bullet ridden corpse of a very large woman.

"Where is the head?"

"We don't know. The Wolfman took a cleaver to her after he shot her up. Im guessing a trophy or something?"

"Any idea of a motive?"

"Possibly. It seems Super Sized Sally acted as a contracts negotiator for that team of monster hunters for hire the Hyenas. It's most likely she died because of her association with them."

"Hmmm... Ok get a clean up crew in here and file the case under 'Destined One misadventure'."

The young officer turned to his Captain looking shocked...

"What? We are not going to follow it up?"

"Nope. I don't get paid enough, and we don't have the resources to go off chasing Werewolves and stuff. Let Super Sized Sally's monster hunter pals deal with this one."

"You don't think putting this down to 'Destined One misadventure' a cop out?"

"Sure I do, but seeing as im in charge, just shut up and do it!..."

The following evening, Port Oakes...

The mercenary Werewolf known as the War Dog had come to the Gallows eager to discover what lucretive opportunities might be out there. Just as he was about to scan the various open contracts, bounties, and advertisments nailed to the Gallows he immediately noticed one page that stuck out liked a sore thumb. The posted notice itself was a rather unispiring and underpaid job to clear out a Snake infestation. However what was of interest was directly over the top of that job was another contract written with ultraviolet ink. Most of the mercs, bounty hunters, and assassins who frequent the Gallows would of missed it but creatures like himself who had the gift of sight in the ultraviolet light spectrum would see it immediately. He read the list and snarled a little.

Now this is interesting... I bet most will go straight for the big money kills. Me?... well im more practical. Now what will be the easiest hit?

War Dog scanned through the names and then he found it...

Super Sized Sally, contracts negotiator for the Hyenas. I remember her. She runs a bar right here in Port Oakes. It doesn't get much easier than that...

As you mave have already noticed a RP thread called Open Season has been started.

Originally Open Season was meant to be a Hyenas plot where they were hired by Marshall Brass to cull the Vampire numbers in Cap Au Diable, and as a consequence come into conflict with the Court of the Blood Countess.

I then thought about expanding the idea to encompass the community by changing it to an open bounty posted by Brass which would of lead to a Nighthunters/Big Game team upagainst the Court.

My latest rethink had me totally switch the focus of the plot into what is now about to unfold...

Basically the Council of X (A sort of Vampire Illuminati) calls it's annual meeting. At that meeting the Council raises it's concern over the alarming increase of monster/vampire hunters active in the Rogue Isles and Eastern US, as well as their dissapointment at Bathory for not having dealt with this problem on her doorstep. In order to save face with the Council Bathory is forced to take decisive action. She (along with the Council's support) posts open bounties on a list of known monster hunters (Essentially declaring Open Season on the hunters).

Plot participants should ideally be Unionverse characters either of a monster hunting background Or supernatural creatures such as Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, etc who have decided to try collect one of the bounties posted by Bathory.

This list itself will not actually be posted on the forums so people can easily say their character is on that list. Also as stated the amount of the bounty that can be claimed depends on the reputation of the hunter. Again actual dollar amounts will not be posted but be assured the bounty pay outs are incredibly generous.

As for the mechanics of the plot im looking at multi-tier RP that will give participants a chance no matter what their preference of RP style. The main story will be made up of IC story pieces, however people can easily get involved via free-form forum RP (I suggest the Bar of the Damned as one suitable venue. Also ingame RP (ideally backed up with recaps) and possibly even pvp. Where possible participants should find and contact their own targets(if monsters), or make it known here in this thread that they're willing to be involved in some way (ie people who want to be on Bathory's list). Additionally I personally have a stable of established pcs/npcs im putting forward as targets on Bathory's list (pm me if you want to use one!)

Im also planning a wiki page which will collate stories, recaps, etc as well as a sort of score sheet so people can easily see who's fallen afoul of Open Season.

As with any RP plot I ask participants to be fair, respectful of others, do not God-Mod etc.

Any further discussion should be added to this thread...

Humanity First's HQ the Print Works, Steel Canyon...

Humanity First's leader and founder Partisan sat behind a solid oak desk. His metal prosthetic arm resting on the table surface while he stared at Catwalk through the eye holes of his metallic mask.

"It seems congratulations are in order. Everything went exactly to plan."

"Actually I think things went even better than you originally planned boss. Sure Mechano sent his monster and Soap Box ran straight into my sights like you said would happen, but you can't of known some idiot in a Longbow uniform would put himself into the frame, or that one of our own would disobey orders to be there and actually witness Soap Box's death."

Partisan pondered under his mask. There had indeed been some fortunate turns of events. The uniformed man's actions at the scene had inded been suspicious enough to ensure some blamed or at least thought he had something to do with Soap Box's murder. While Blackshirt Hailey 'Hella Hardcore's unexpected appearance would ensure that word of the treachery against the defenseless Soap Box would spread through the ranks making the unfortunate Soap Box the martyr Partisan originally desired. On top of that news of his hated enemy Britanic falling was a greatly enjoyed bonus.

Partisan stood up and walked out from around the table.

"You underestimate me Catwalk... Now that microwave cannon... I assume you disposed of it in an appropriate manner? I don't need to tell you how much damage could be done if any of our own discovers what we' have done."

"Now you underestimate me boss. Our secret is safe."

"Good! I have things to attend to. You are dismissed."

Catwalk gave a sloppy salute, turned and walked out of the room. Partisan sat himself back down.

"What do you think Snoop? Do I trust her?"

The air in front of the table shimmered as a masked Blackshirt de-cloaked in front of it.

"She didn't even hestitate in blasting Soapbox. I'd say she was either completely loyal or one of the most evil b*tches I'd ever set sight on."

"Still keep an eye on her. What about our curious Blackshirt? I don't need to remind you how delicate the situation is there considering her previous affiliations."

"I believe we have little to worry about there. There wasn't a hint of disloyalty at the rally. I think Alphaea has done a fantastic job of grooming her for the cause. If our little cage fighter is anything to go by I'd say we can expect from Alphaea at the the Rogue Isles Institute."

Partisan smiled under his mask. Humanity First was quickly becoming a far nastier monster than anything maniacs like Mechano could ever cobble together...


((Ties things up nicely... for now!))

((Because I hate loose ends...))

Sometime after the chaos at Crowne Memorial Hall has subsided...

"Just typical! The Capes figured the assassin would be long gone so why bother try looking. Just leave it to the PPD to follow up... like always!" Grumbled an annoyed PPD Officer."

"Shut up Burrows. Crowne Memorial Hall was a mess, people were injured, and they had to make sure Mechano's goons withdrew withought causing any more trouble. Like it or not it is
our job to follow things up."

Burrows turned to face the cybernetically enhanced police officer who'd just berated him.

"sorry CO... I mean Sarge." He quickly corrected himself. "I didn't mean nothing by it, I just wanted to be part of the action rather than the clean up detail."

COP sympathised with Burrows. He had wanted to be at the rally too, but because of his own history with Humanity First Captain Lewis completely vetoed the idea. Maybe had he been there he might of been able to save his old friend Britanic. Still Britanic wasn't actually dead. Apparently he was in some sort of coma, which meant there was still hope. Best bet was to get on with the job at hand.

"OK Officer this is room 7b. Any luck this is the one you want so you can hurry up and get out of my motel. I can't afford to have you guys hanging around scaring away all my business."

COP eyeballed the grubby motel manager smiling under his mask, pleased their presence had made the motel a no go area for the local hookers... well for at least as long as they were there anyway. The motel manager turned away from Cop and unlocked the door to the room. as soon as the manager removed his key COP walked past and into the room.

"Jackpot! Looks like we got our crime scene."

Burrows and some other officers piled into the room and all stood looking at the far wall. Graffitied in red spray next to an open window was the words "Suck it up Bigot, our kind is here to stay!"...

/em pulls out pointy stick and prods!

There is still unresolved stuff in this story. A couple of you have even received pms concerning these details. Any chance this can get cleared up?

"Hey Sandra you see that over there?"

"What?"

"Big Game. He's talking to Starjet. Looks like he's gonna make a move on her too."

"Don't be stupid Trace. A classy girl like that wouldn't give a loser like him a second look."

"Oh yeah? Then why is she giving him her number then?"

"Wow who'd of thought Starjet likes to slum it?"

----

Conversation overheard in Pocket D by resident gossips Sandra and Tracey.

With more and more people rolling multiple versions of the same character (different archetypes), and players no doubt wanting Praetorian versions with Going Rogue I wanted to suggest that we should be able to use any character names already on our account multiple times.

Seing as it took me over 2 years to get my first 50 you can tell im not bothered by rewards (Although good rewards are considered a bonus). I love the MA, there is so much in there that is superior to Dev written arcs unfortunately most of it is buried under apile of cr*p. I personally use it to play against villain groups I love, find arcs that fit my character concepts, play out interesting stories, and to simply enjoy other's creativity.

Also im thinking there is still action to be had inside the hall. You know Chimera, a Shivan, mad scientist assistants toting guns that spew acid, apparently dead heroes etc.

Sorry I didn't get to post earlier but I had to dissapear to work.

Anyway the confusion over the mortal remains of Soap Box. It's true he isn't actually in a single piece, and no I didn't actually write he exploded. instead I wrote...

Soap Box reached out for the unknown Blackshirt's hand. Their fingers almost touched when their was an odd green flash that impacted Soap Box from behind. Soap Box crashed to the ground bucking and writhing on the floor obviously in agony. His face contorted and twisted and large blisters seem to bubble up on his skin. The air started to fill with the unmistakable smell of burning flesh and smoke started to seep from his mouth nose and eyes. Soap Box was litterally cooking from inside out, and by the way his flesh started to bulge and redden it was ovious what was about to happen...

Soap Box turned to face the shout and was relieved to see a Blackshirt uniform. He took a quick look at her unmasked face but didn't recognise her as someone he had recruited. Still she had a more combat savvy look about her than the other Humanity First activists at the rally so he was more than happy to hve her as his ally.

"Seeing as you're on your own Im guessing you wasn't actually sent here to protect me. It doesn't matter though I'm just glad to see a friendly face."

As Soap Box hit the alley he crashed into some garbage cans. Brushing off his clothing as he picked himself up he looked from left to right trying to decide which way to run.

Ok I think this rally has done more than enough to help our cause even if it didn't go to my plan or whatever Partisan might of had planned for me. I better make myself scarce before I become somebody elses target of opportunity.

Soap Box heard the shout and desperately wanted to look behind him but he realised whatever happened might provide further distraction to aid his escape. Taking full advantage he ran to a fire door partially obscured by a stack of chairs in the corner of the hall, and lanched himself through it into the alleyway beyond.

Britanic's battle with Chimera was taking it's toll. Despite his hyper-regeneration and incredible stamina recovery every punch he landed against Chimera's electrically charged hide sapped more of of his strength. It wasn't long before he started to stagger. Then it happened...

Britanic landed in front of Chimera, fully aware he was probably now in the way of some of those planning to try stop it. He didn't really care that was the whole idea. The way he saw it he had one of the most powerful regenerative metabolisms on the planet. If anybody couls soak up some of the damage Chimera was planning to release it made sense it should be him. Not only that. seeing as he barely recognized any of the other heroes present it made sense to him that he was probably the highest profile hero there. Couple that fact with his own previous conflicts with Mechano it was a good bet Chimera would see him as a suitable distraction, and give the others time to evacuate innocent civilians from harms way.

Of course it wasn't enough just to be a tempting target, he needed to really get Chimera's attention. Quickly drawing more negative energy into himself he then unleashed a flurry of charged punches at the creature...

Meanwhile

The Cape had told him to bolt which he had planned to do anyway, but now there was some freak lizard guy who wanted a piece of him. Quickly glancing back to Chimera, and then again to the lizard guy Soap Box realised he was between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Being totally unarmed he'd shamefully have to rely on the Cape who told him to bolt to now save his bacon. as luck would have it the Cape seemed true to wanting to let him live and fired upon the lizard guy. As Soap Box ran past he heard the lizard protesting that he wasn't going to do anything anyway. Funny enough Soap Box didn't stick around to see if he was telling the truth.

Typical bloody Mechano. I knew he'd bloody do something stupid like this. I better get in there and give Mechano's lot a more tempting target.

The air around Britanic seemed to warp for the briefest of moments, and then wispy dark tendrils seemed to form around him. His already glowing eyes seemed to take on a new intensity and he launched himself into the air morphing his tastefully tailored suit into his red white and blue battle costume. Taking a moment to assess the combatants already engaging the Chimera he then launched himself into the fray...

Soap Box watched in horror as chaos broke out in the Crowne Memorial Hall. The appearance of Mechano's goons had thrown most of the attendees into panic. Those members of the PPD not already trampled by fleeing citizens battled to get the people out quickly and safely while a number of heroes and Humanity First supporters engaged Mechano's goons.

Meanwhile Soap Box peered out across the screaming crowd and soon found his eyes fixed upon the blue behemoth known as Chimera. Almost as if she sensed him watching she fixed upon his gaze. With a gulp Soapbox realised she was coming straight for him.

B*****d! Partisan had this planned all along. This rally had nothing to do with trying to gain popular support for our cause by sharing information about Chimera. Partisan counted on Mechano being insane enough to actually attack whilst we were surrounded by Cops and Capes. That's the real reason I didn't get proper Blackshirt back-up is because he wanted martyrs!...

7.30pm, Crowne Memorial Hall.

As Soap Box continued to scan the crowd he couldn't help but inwardly smile. Of the hero types assembled half had come equipped and costumed almost like some silent protest of their own. Meanwhile the other half had donned clever disguises, left obvious weaponry behind, or otherwise down played their presence in some other way in the hope they might get the drop on any trouble through the element of surprise of surprise. Still however they came Soap Box thought it was ironic that they, along with the PPD would provide him protection from any potential threat from Mechano.

Taking a deep breath, and flashing his most charming smile he started to address the assembly...

"I want to take a moment to thank you all for coming. It brings me great joy to see that so many of you have the wisdom and the courage to be here today and hear my words. I especially want to thank those amongst you who have attended even though your views differ from mine and Humanity First. Perhaps what I have to say might enlighten you."

A cheer and some clapping went out from some of Humanity First's more overt supporters.

Again Soap Box smiled, and then poured himself back into his speech. For some time Soap Box spoke of times past. He theorized that the legendary Gods in ancient Greece and Rome were nothing more than unscrupulous Supers who used their fantastic abilities to manipulate and scare the ancients into thinking they were divine. He then continued to speak about other historical events and highlighting how they too might be related to manipulative metas, or the irresponsibility of powered beings.

He then started to speak of modern times and events familiar to many gathered in the hall, but even those had a slightly different spin to the original tale. Many of his theories seemed highly plausible, and only those who experienced the events first hand could honestly say otherwise. Ignoring any attempts of heckling or engagement by non-supporters he then started to speak about current and local issues such as the irresponsible heroing by reckless crime fighters like Captain Hollywood, as well as the shenanigans of the diabolical Doctor Mechano and his walking bio-weapon Chimera.

Not long before 7.30pm, Crowne Memorial Hall, Kings Row.

About two thirds of the way back from the podium and along the side wall stood a Brioni suited Britanic quietly surveying the gathered crowd. He inwardly wondered if his coming here might not be a mistake. After all he'd been practically inactive since his return from the Netherworld and it wasn't like there was no one else here who'd jump in if things turned nasty. However unlike most of the foes Britanic ever battled his conflict with Humanity First was extremely personal. That alone would probably been enough to guarantee his presence, but with a very real threat by Doctor Mechano, another enemy of Britanic, he felt duty bound to be here.

I must be bloody mad. I bet Suzi would of talked me out of coming here... That is if I'd let her... Britanic quickly dismissed the thought about his increasingly estranged wife and continued to watch the crowd.

Not long before 7.30pm, Crowne Memorial Hall, Kings Row.

As Soap Box looked out across the hall from the podium he was filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand he was immensely pleased that the hall was almost filled to capacity, but at the same time annoyed that he could never draw a crowd like this when he was a theatre actor. Directly in front of him sat dozens of recently recruited Humanity First supporters, each wearing a black t-shirt emblazoned with the Humanity First logo. Behind them was the curious, opposed, the press and even the occasional obvious and not so obvious meta. Spread out amongst all them was a sizable contingent of PPD officers, there to keep the peace.

As Soap Box scanned the crowd he did his best to pick out notable attendees, as well as any potential threats...

May 7th, Early Morning, Somewhere in the Rikti War Zone

"Ok, What the hell are you doing now?"

The Blackshirt Kitbasher known as Crash Test turned to face his curious colleague Spanners. "I figured I could get more power out of that microwave cannon we swiped from Mechano's factory if I added some modified circuit boards." He then held out the circuit board he'd been working on for Spanners to check over. "What do you think?"

"I think one of these days im going to be collecting your corpse with a mop and bucket. You can't possibly think Mechano's weapon's engineering isn't up to scratch?"

"Oh it ain't bad, but definitely could do with improvement. take a look yourself."

Spanners started walking around Crash Test's makeshift workshop. "Where is it?"

"Over on that other workbench."

Spanners walked over to the other workbench and sighed when it wasn't there...

"No it isn't."

Crash Test turned away from his work. "Wha... but I swear... Oh man! I swear if one of your boys has used it to help shore up one of the ceilings in this dump im gonna be mighty peeved!..."