Big_Game_EU

I think the use of a fictional location is by far the wisest idea, and one that comic books often employ for many of the same sort of reasons pointed out in earlier posts. If you need some sort of inspiration look to Marvel Comics and some of the fictional countries they have created, ie Latveria, Wakanda, Genosia, Symkaria, Madripoor, etc.

When you are ready it is a case of deciding on a concept for infrastructure and culture, as well as a suitable geographic location You can then tailor the country to the needs of your plot and pretty much have a free hand in what you do to it.

Ok some of my thoughts on roleplaying villains.

I think one reason it is very hard to roleplay villains in this game is the lack of consequence. Essentially no matter what you do you can not force any permanent changes on the game world or it's inhabitants. A big part of villainy is making changes to sort that individuals own goals.

I think this quote which I have adopted for Big Game after his infamous Rikti Monkey hunt is very apt and sums up CoX nicely...

"The Monkeys aint kilt, theys de-feat-ed!"

Basically if you want lasting consequence you have to sacrifice characters of your own or get some sort of consensus on results, which as we all know isnt always easy.

It's because of this reason why the truly evil villains in CoX only really get to shine in fiction or forum RP where there are less boundries.

Blowing my own trumpet, I consider my Partisan, and Humanity First one of the most truly villainous outfits out there. In game there is no effective way of showing this but in the realms of writing they are out there engaged in all manner of terrorist activity, scaremongering, and deception.

Another example would be the villainous version of my main Britanic I created for an alternate universe thread we have on the Militia forums(Dont worry, I got no intention of making him ever come to the Union Universe). In this 'Mirrorverse' thread he plans to encourage crime and destabilise Paragon to the point where he can essentially buy up the city for next to nothing, and redevelop it for massive profit and power. In order to do this he actively floods the streets with Dyne at low prices, as well as encouraging intergang violence.

Of course I couldnt really do this ingame because I have no way of buying up the city, or enforcing that the reason that two gangs were fighting was because of my character's actions.

Basically without in game consequence the only way you can have a truly villainous character is if others are willing to go along with your story, and accept that character is truly capable of such deeds.

Which brings me to the LoRDs...

Thanks to the wonderful writing and characterisation people can see the LoRDs as being believable villains, and therefore (IMO) have taken it upon themselves to elevate them to true 'Supervillain' status. Why do I say that? How many people are out there thinking I wouldn't mind taking a pop at these guys? At the end of the day if it was Villain X in Pocket D spouting on about what they were capable of, most would either totally ignore them, or dismiss them as a nutter, or a braggart. Once that hasw happened you are not really a villain you are just pathetic! Thanks to the LoRDs thread we have a group of believable bad guys.

{10/01/08, 10.22am a supposedly abandoned warehouse in Kings Row}

The metal masked Partisan stood on a gallery overlooking the Kings Row warehouse Humanity First had made as their Paragon City base of operations. At his side stood the bio-chemist turned Blackshirt commander Quick Fix. Reading from a clipboard she held, Quick Fix was running through all the developments and intelligence concerning Humanity First’s latest plot to destabilise human/mutant relations, as well as its attempt to draw out Ebon Sun.

”...onsibility for yesterday’s arson attacks on the Bronze Way PPD Precinct House in Steel Canyon, as well as TV Evangelist Reverend Geddings Founders Falls town house. That’s eight terrorist actions this week alone where Ebon Sun has claimed direct responsibility.”

Partisan continued to look down towards the warehouse floor where half a dozen new Blackshirt recruits were undergoing hand to hand training with the Humanity First Officer Street. He began to smile under his mask, pleased at how Ebon Sun’s brutal terrorist campaign had inspired dozens to seek out Humanity First in order to join it’s ranks to fight back against the growing mutant menace that so far the authorities were having little success in combatting. He then turned away from the gallery, standing instead to face Quick Fix as he talked.

”It does seem that they are eager to prove a point. I must confess I had expected them to use a little finesse with their operations, but instead they show a total disregard for Humanity or it’s opinion of them. They are doing a far better job of fuelling hatred towards their kind than I would of ever imagined.”

”Perhaps now it is time that we threw down the gauntlet ourselves, maybe a few retaliatory strikes against mutants?”

”Patience Quick Fix, I already have something in mind that will allow us to enter the fight. Warden McClane, my agent at Freedom Corps, informs me that the Governor is having a secret meeting with representatives from Longbow and the PPD at the Hotel Imperial in Atlas Park to discuss the current mutant situation..”

Quick Fix raised her eyebrows in realization of the potential significance of the Governors visit. ”He’d be a very tempting Target for Ebon Sun.”

”Indeed, and McClane informs me that one of his own mutant officers is actually an Ebon Sun sympathiser. We will be using him to attract Ebon Sun’s attention.”

”What if Ebon Sun don’t take the bait? After all the Governor is bound to have some pretty heavy Longbow protection, they may decide the risk is too great.”

Partisan once again smiled under his mask. ”That is why we are going to present them with a softer target.”

Quick Fix looked at Partisan obviously confused. ”I don’t understand.”

”Ebon Sun wont be the only ones interested in the Governors visit. I believe our good friend Charles Porter would be unable to pass up the opportunity to have his voice heard by such a prestigious individual as the Governor. All we need do is make sure he becomes aware of the visit, and organises some sort of rally outside the hotel.”

Quick Fix started to smile. ”...and when Ebon Sun strike we save his @ss in front of all the media he's bound to attract to the scene.”

Partisan once again started to smile under his mask.”Possibly... Although it isn’t actually necessary that we save his life, just that we are seen to make an effort. Of course this single act isn’t going to undue all our negative press and win us the hearts of Paragon’s citizenry, but it will certainly highlight to them who the real enemy is.”

Quick Fix pondered that thought for a moment before speaking again. ”This will of course bring us into direct conflict with Ebon Sun.”

”I know, however our Rogue Isles operations seem to be doing little to help us find Ebon Sun’s headquarters so instead we will try a more direct approach.”

[i]”What about Antipode?”[/b]

”Once we have a solid lead on Ebon Sun she is then expendable. Im certain some sort of payback for the indignities you and your men have had to suffer while protecting her can be arranged...”

((Righty, apologies for not being about much at the moment, it appears that the extra two weeks Christmas Holiday I got because of an almighty admin **** up has now lumbered me with the annoying problem of working my backside off to catch up again.

Anyway on the subject of magic users within the Hyenas at the moment it is as ShadowGhost said pretty much limited to the Peddler who generally avoids getting involved with the operational side of the team.

As it stands Big Game has a major dislike of traditional practicioners of magic he believes them for the most part are boring, arrogant, manipulative, overly ambitious, and usually consider themselves to be superior to everyone else. This opinion he has formed through his clashes with Mu and the CoT, more specific dealings with an Edric Thorne, as well as being influenced by TV.

However Game's own dislike of them doesnt necessarily rule out a magic practicioners entry into the group it just means such an applicant may need to try and avoid stereotypical images to attract Game's attention.

Actually I already got it in my head the sort of magic type I want to sign up, and believe me it is not the stroky beard, bathrobe wearing, staff wielding type either!))

((Excerpt from the Hyenas thread))

Informer 09/01/2008

[ QUOTE ]
Story by the ‘Snitch’.

Monster hunting maniacs, the Hyenas, were once again making a name for themselves as they battled the electrically charged Deathsurge on the streets of Cap Au Diable. Deathsurge, a creature seemingly composed of nothing but pure electrical energy, has long been a persistent annoyance to the denizens of Cap Au Diable, as well the source of repeated attacks against the Power Transfer System. In a somewhat short yet visually spectacular battle, the Hyenas managed to totally dissipate the electrical fury saving a number of Cap Au Diable’s beleaguered citizen’s in the process.


We at the Informer had a chance to speak to an eyewitness who made the following comments about the battle...


“Them Hyenas must be crazy! It seems they were doing everything they could to **ss Deathsurge off, and getting it to let loose with everything it had. Still it must of been part of their plan because the harder Deathsurge fought the more it seemed to falter. I saw some sort of metal ball floating about that was literally sucking Deathsurge’s electrical discharge into itself. I guess whatever that little ball thing was it was weakening the creature, because Deathsurge was definitely trying to get away from it. Made no difference in the end though because them Hyenas were circling Deathsurge, much like their animal namesakes would do in the wild, cutting off it’s escape route.”


Despite the fact the Hyenas victory over Deathsurge is unlikely be a permanent solution to the Cap Au Diable menace, nobody has anything but praise for the motley looking adventurers. In the past when Arachnos and their ‘Chosen’ goons have defeated Deathsurge it has always managed to reform itself sometime later. In all likelihood that will happen again, but people are hoping that the Hyenas might be on hand to continue inflicting humiliating defeats until it finally gets the message and decides to move on from Cap Au Diable.


With impressive victories over two of the Etoile Isles greatest menaces, as well as a string of others against the Isles smaller, yet more prolific... Cont Pg.2

[/ QUOTE ]

{09/01/2008, Early morning, The Board Room of Esoteric Technologies, Nerva Archipelago}

The Peddler stood in her usual position as she made her report about the Hyenas successful take down of the Demon Deathsurge to the shadow enshrouded Eso-Tech board. The four board members listened intently as the Peddler relayed the chain of events starting from Pot Luck literally stumbling onto the creature, to Big Game’s kitbashing of his portable force field generator, to the battle with Deathsurge itself, and finally Laura Craft’s ingenious containment device for the demonic puesdo-electric energy.

As was often the case with these meetings the man with the gravelly sounding voice was first to speak.

”Another impressive job by the Hyenas. More so because the equipment that we intended to supply for the operation wasn’t even ready yet.”

”Indeed, the R & D boys are especially upset that someone they consider to be practically a moron managed to coble something together using little more than a salvaged Longbow force field generator, duct tape, chewing gum, and spare parts available from an average Radio Shack store.” Said the softly spoken woman.

The Peddler held back a smile. She could only imagine the sort of embarrassment the R & D department were feeling. It would probably be ten times worse if it came out that Big Game got the idea for his ingenious energy collector from some Sci-Fi TV show he had seen.

The gravelly voiced man spoke again.”However despite the success the Hyenas are currently having, we still have some concerns.”

”Concerns? I don’t understand sir.”

”Well the team is starting to attract perhaps a little too much media attention now. Have you seen this...”

A copy of today’s Informer was tossed over to the Peddler by the gravelly voiced man. As she caught the paper she took a moment to quickly scan the page...

[ QUOTE ]
Story by the ‘Snitch’.

Monster hunting maniacs, the Hyenas, were once again making a name for themselves as they battled the electrically charged Deathsurge on the streets of Cap Au Diable. Deathsurge, a creature seemingly composed of nothing but pure electrical energy, has long been a persistent annoyance to the denizens of Cap Au Diable, as well the source of repeated attacks against the Power Transfer System. In a somewhat short yet visually spectacular battle, the Hyenas managed to totally dissipate the electrical fury saving a number of Cap Au Diable’s beleaguered citizen’s in the process.


We at the Informer had a chance to speak to an eyewitness who made the following comments about the battle...


“Them Hyenas must be crazy! It seems they were doing everything they could to **ss Deathsurge off, and getting it to let loose with everything it had. Still it must of been part of their plan because the harder Deathsurge fought the more it seemed to falter. I saw some sort of metal ball floating about that was literally sucking Deathsurge’s electrical discharge into itself. I guess whatever that little ball thing was it was weakening the creature, because Deathsurge was definitely trying to get away from it. Made no difference in the end though because them Hyenas were circling Deathsurge, much like their animal namesakes would do in the wild, cutting off it’s escape route.”


Despite the fact the Hyenas victory over Deathsurge is unlikely be a permanent solution to the Cap Au Diable menace, nobody has anything but praise for the motley looking adventurers. In the past when Arachnos and their ‘Chosen’ goons have defeated Deathsurge it has always managed to reform itself sometime later. In all likelihood that will happen again, but people are hoping that the Hyenas might be on hand to continue inflicting humiliating defeats until it finally gets the message and decides to move on from Cap Au Diable.


With impressive victories over two of the Etoile Isles greatest menaces, as well as a string of others against the Isles smaller, yet more prolific... Cont Pg.2

[/ QUOTE ]

The weasely sounding man suddenly spoke up.”While we have deliberately allowed the Hyenas to operate outside our direct control to help minimise possible physical security issues, we still need to ensure that the increasing media attention on the Hyenas does not compromise any other aspects of our security.”

”I can assure you that the world at large has no idea of Eso-Tech’s level of involvement with the Hyenas. However as I have said before this sort of publicity does wonders for attracting further business, but more importantly could potentially open up further opportunities for Eso-Tech.”

”Explain. What sort of opportunities?” asked the soft spoken woman.

”Well for example, before coming to Nerva I received a call from Cap Au Diable’s Marshall Brass. It would seem he wishes to contract the Hyenas for a very specific hunt. As you can imagine, considering the sort of military resources he can call on of his own that calling in the Hyenas would imply the task he has is of great importance. That being the case he should prove to be exceptionally grateful once the task is performed, and having a high ranking Arachnos Officer in our debt is nothing to sneer at. He could prove to be an invaluable future contact.”

”Indeed, you have an excellent point. Do you actually know exactly what it is Marshall Brass wants?” The gravelly voiced man asked.

”Not as yet, I plan to go to his offices after this meeting.”

”Very well it appears the Peddler has an important appointment to keep. I think we should call this meeting to an end and allow her to get on with it.”

The other members of the board all murmured in agreement.

”You’re free to leave Peddler. Please ensure you keep us informed of any further developments”

”Yes Sir.” She replied before spinning on her heels and leaving the room...

((With @Coile’s departure from the game he made the decision to kill off the character Coile which IC happened Christmas eve. However it wasn’t appropriate to just kill him off and forget about him. This obituary was written and printed in the Paragon City Post both to inform the community at large, as well as a tribute to one of the game’s favourite roleplaying celebrities.))

Paragon City Post 01/01/2008 Front Page.

Paragon City Post 01/01/2008 Page 2.

((And the story in text format...))

[ QUOTE ]

A TIME TO REMEMBER

Story by Katie Norton.


As we start the new year, it’s traditionally a time for putting the past behind us, and moving on. However we at the Paragon City Post feel that before wiping the slate clean we should take the time to remember those we leave behind, including a man who perhaps wasn’t in as many person’s thoughts as he should have been.


Andre Kraft, also known as the sometimes controversial mutant hero Coile, born 02/08/1986 in Andros County, North Dakota, passed away 24/12/2007 at a yet undisclosed location. He was 21 years old at the time of his death.


Despite being plagued by a series of scandalous, yet unproven allegations of a debauched lifestyle, Andre Kraft proved himself time and time again to be one of Paragon’s greatest heroes. Though only being a licensed hero since 28/05/2006 Andre Kraft had managed to earn a number of prestigious accolades such as being made a member of the Freedom Phalanx Reserve, as well as being commissioned in the Vanguard. He was also a key player in notable actions such as the Battle for Sirens Call where he defeated Wu-Long Shin, and the fierce Battle for Croatoa during the 2006 Council War. More recently he made his mark fighting in the second Rikti Invasion both as leader of the Silent Tempest and as a leading figure in the Pocket-D Council of War.


Andre Kraft’s death is said to be the result of brain damage from a series of head injuries, as well as a build up of damaged neural tissue caused by the over-extension of his own mutant abilities while he was still an empowered meta-human. His death certificate was signed by Freedom Corps Physician Dr. Spencer Blackbeard.


Andre Kraft is survived by his father Zirgei Kraft, mother Nadia Rozanova Draganova, and his son Andreas Kraft. It was Andre Kraft’s last will that his fiancé Diana Bright become legal guardian for the young Andreas.


He is also survived by his teammates in the Silent Tempest, the super group he originally formed with his sister Andreas Kraft aka Coila (Deceased), Kitia (Deceased), and Subaiku who was last seen fighting the Rikti in the devastated White Plains several months back.


At the time of writing there are no confirmed dates for a funeral, although it is suspected Andre Kraft will be interred with his late wife Melanie Kraft in Astoria. It is also likely the service itself will be a private affair attended by select invited family, friends, and close associates.


THE SILENT TEMPEST AND THE FUTURE?


Story by George Stantz.

Andre Kraft in his guise as Coile has lead the Silent Tempest for much of his heroic career so many people are likely to ask ‘Will the Tempest continue?’ and ‘Who will actually lead it?’ However although Coile will be long remembered as the team’s most iconic commander others have in the past stepped in to bear the mantle of leadership. With this in mind it is suspected that a statement revealing who will be the new Silent Tempest leader, as well as the team’s determination to continue Coile’s legacy, will be released shortly after his funeral.


Amongst the possible candidates for the leadership of the Silent Tempest are long... Cont. Pg 5

[/ QUOTE ]

Goodbye Kelv, had some fun moments with 'Game and Soren talking about fashion, bushes, and threats to his way of life. As well as winding up Van Der <Insert anthing except actual name here as long as its amusing or annoying>. I hope wherever you end up you have fun.

Who knows, if you ever come back they might have a new cossie piece category called accessories, and you can get a 'swag bag' to go with that costume of Soren's.

Awww man, bad stick of Ram! I was convinced it was an infestation of Gremlins. I had a team prepped with shotguns, chainsaws, baseball bats, and enough C4 to level a multi-story carpark. Guess il save them for the next time I DC.

Joking aside, good to know you're back again Z.

Posted on behalf of Coile.

****

The last update of the year is upon us! Well, you, to be exact.

Before you go out to blast those crackers and rockets skyhigh why not drop by the Union Handbook and browse the two newly-chosen, mint crisp fresh featured characters?

The Hero of the week is Luminous Phoenix from the explosion loving Fletched Alliance!

The Villain of the week is Lucky Day from the artifact scavenging Rosetta Foundation!

Something to think of while getting ludicrously intoxicated: What if The Hyenas (the next litter) was after a giant monster in the same place that the Rosetta Foundation was scavenging for valuable old relics and the place was at the same time being raided by the Fletched Alliance? And how high would the mushroom cloud climb?

Have yourselves a fragtastic New Year with plenty of heroic and/or villainous deeds!

{27/12/07, Early morning, Kings Row}

Raymond Jackson was a regular guy, who was sick of being pushed around. At school he was teased about not having the right clothes, later at work he was forced to endure the disrespect shown by his boss because he needed the money too much to protest. More recently he was badly injured and forced to spend the last couple of weeks including his Christmas day in hospital thanks to a mutant terrorist attack on the Central Mall, Founders Falls. However he wouldn’t put up with it anymore, because today, if they’d have him, he planned to sign up with Humanity First.

Of course his sudden decision to join Humanity First was just on a whim, he had been in fact been looking into the group since the Tempest Virus scare earlier that year. During the height of the panic Humanity First was out in the Row helping protect it’s citizen’s from the plague carrying Lost, as well as trying to blow the whistle on a massive conspiracy by the authorities to hide the severity of the crisis from the good citizens of Paragon city. It was because of Humanity First’s desire to look out for the regular joe, that he had long been tempted to join the group itself.

Of course how Raymond saw Humanity First was very different to the general public's view of them thanks to the careful manipulation of the media by the authorities. Luckily in this day and age if you wanted to find out the truth about something then there was the internet. Thanks to the information super highway, and Humanity First’s own website he was able to learn much about what really happened concerning the Tempest Virus scare as well as a number of other incidents involving Humanity First.

Official, and media sources would have you believe that most of the Tempest Virus scare, as well as the violence in the Row was the result of Humanity First manipulation, however the truth was decidedly different. The virus was indeed very real, and the original reports had come from official medical sources. In fact, several medical officials were actually reprimanded for the way they handled information about the virus during the crisis. As for the rumours concerning the Lost, the threat was real enough that the government decided to bomb a Lost community rather than risk an epidemic. Except once again that’s not what most people heard, instead it was an insidious bomb plot to ruin the reputation of Paragon’s heroes. Strange that out of all the assembled members of the Militia, Paragon City Protectors, and Silent Tempest that were present that the two heroes who were killed were also both soldiers. Also, despite being probably the most competent at explosive ordinance disposal out of all the heroes there at the time, their’s was the bomb that still exploded. Coincidence? Raymond didn’t think so.

The world may of painted Humanity First as villains, but Raymond knew that if you looked a little deeper a different picture presented itself. The way he saw things, it was only a matter of time before they would rise to help combat the recent rise in mutant terrorist threats, much like the one that had hospitalised him. When they did, Raymond planned to be on the front lines fighting with them....

((Taken from the Hyenas thread, but relevant))

The Informer 26/12/2007

{26/12/2007, Early morning, The Board Room of Esoteric Technologies, Nerva Archipelago}

The Peddler once again found herself standing silently in front of the five shadow shrouded chairs of the Eso-Tech board. Although the Peddler could not actually make out any of the board, she could tell that the late Chairman Gehrhart’s chair still remained empty.

The man with the gravelly voice spoke first. ”It would seem that congratulations are in order.”

”Indeed, I must say we were all dubious at your choosing of Big Game to lead this operation, but he has certainly come through. We also didn’t figure on the local underground newspaper, giving the Hyenas such a glowing review.” The softly spoken woman added.

Stifling a satisfied smile, the Peddler started to recall what she had read herself in today’s copy of the Informer...

[ QUOTE ]


Story by the ‘Snitch’.

Mercy Island was the scene of an epic battle Christmas Eve when the Rogue Isles newest monster hunting sensations ‘the Hyenas’ led by the colourful, and controversial ‘Big Game’ decided to take down one of the giant ‘Winter Lords’ that has been terrorising the Rogue Isles of late. Locals watched in amazement as the incredibly motley looking band of hunters chased the giant snowman through the streets of Mercy, pouring hundreds, if not thousands of automatic weapon rounds, laser blasts, and who knows what from the empowered members of the team.


The Winter Lord thought by many as being a mindless beast obviously had some level of intelligence, as it tried everything to escape the Hyenas onslaught. However despite squeezing it’s way through alleys, laying down a series of ice traps, and climbing the buildings in a manner reminiscent of a scene from ‘King Kong’, the giant snowman could not shake the Hyenas pursuit.


The Hyenas victory over the rampaging beast certainly backed up a boast by Big Game to prospective recruits at the ‘Wayward Wench’ inn, Port Oakes that “If it is ugly enough we got a bullet with it’s name on it!”.


In an ironic turn of events when you consider the somewhat chequered past of the individuals who make up the Hyenas, the team is being hailed as “True Heroes” by Mercy Island locals. After all when the beast was tearing up the neighbourhood... Cont Pg.2

[/ QUOTE ]

”The newspaper was Big Game’s doing. Apparently he knows a friend of a friend who works on the paper. He felt that the story would be great publicity for the business. It is quite strange, despite his frequent bouts of laziness, moronic behaviour, and general unorthodoxness he actually does have some solid business instincts. He even managed to secure a cooperation agreement with the Rosetta Foundation all on his own. I must say im quite pleased how he is developing.”

The man with the gravelly voice spoke again. “It would also seem he has far more charisma and leadership skills than we gave him credit for. He certainly seems to bring out the best in his team.”

”Perhaps the result of some inherent probability altering field that he himself is unaware of?” The man with the weasely voice chipped in.

The Peddler almost chuckled out loud. ”While I have no doubt that there is a large element of luck in all of ‘Game’s actions, I very much doubt he’s empowered in anyway. I think it is more likely that subconsciously the others do not wish to be outdone by him, and unknowingly redouble their efforts.”

The four members of the board started to chuckle.

”Well no matter how he does it, he’s certainly getting results. It bodes well for the future.” Said the soft spoken woman as she finished chuckling.

”Does that mean the threat S.C.R.Y. picked up has passed?” Asked the Peddler.

The gravelly voiced man spoke once again, this time his voice sounding very serious. ”No it has not. The Winter Lord hunt was merely a test. The Hyenas still have far greater, and more dangerous challenges to face yet...”

Posted on behalf of Coile. (Being missed already. *snif, snif*)

****

<voice from beyond the veil of cancelation>

Out with the old, in with the new! This week's featured characters have been showcased and await curious passersby to learn more of them.

Hero: Feral Rein
Villain: O.R.A.C.L.E.

I also added a new character category: Inactive character. This should be used in cases where the character in question is out of play and probably the player as well. I have tagged Coile and Winter Heart with this, for example. As it can happen that people who drift away from the game do not update their own entries it'd fall on their friends or other knowledgeable to add this category to appropriate characters. I hope this proves to be useful.

One more update coming from me, next week. Then it's up to someone else to carry on.

<the voice goes silent>

((Shock!!! Im very sorry to see you guys go. The comunity will sorely miss you both. Although our RP interaction has surprisingly been on a limited scale I have always seen you (especially Coile) as a major influence onb how I have done things. Sky Goddess protect you, and wherever you end up have fun.))


((P.S. Il quite happily take that virus off your hands, you never know when something like that will come in handy. ))

{16/12/2007, Early evening, Atlas Park}

Amy slowly sneaked her way through the darkened kitchen careful not to make any noise that might attract the attention of her Father who was watching the big game in the lounge. As she reached the back door she slowly started to turn the handle...

CLICK!!! The kitchen light turned on, and Amy spun around to see her father standing next to the kitchen light switch.

”Let me guess, you’re sneaking off to do homework around your friends, and you didn’t want to disturb me while I was watching the game to tell me.”

Amy hung her head low. The fact she was wearing her Pin Pointer costume and had her compound bow on her back would of completely blew any excuse she had straight out of the water.

”Why do you keep defying me Amy? Can’t you see I only have your best interests at heart?”

Amy looked up at her Father. ”I know Daddy, but that doesn’t mean you are always right. As much as you don’t like it being Pin Pointer is important to me... important to others too.”

Amy’s Father started to look angry. ”By others I take it you mean Flashfyre?”

”His name is Sean! You used to call him that before you discovered he was a mutant. He is still the same person Daddy.” Amy replied angrily.

”Flas... Sean is trouble, this Pin Pointer business is trouble, you might get hurt again. You got so much to look forward to, you can accomplish so much. Your school grades are picking up, you won that sports scholarship, and you’re probably the most promising target archer on the East Coast. You got all the makings of a real Olympic athlete, you could be an inspiration to young American’s everywhere.”

Amy purposely walked over to her Father, lifting her head to look him directly in the eyes. ”That was your dream Daddy, not mine! I know having to raise me on your own after Mom died cut short your own Olympic career, but as much as I love you I can’t do it instead.”

”Amy, I didn’t mean to...” Amy’s Father said before she cut him short.

”Daddy, you got to let me make my own decisions. Im sixteen now, you can’t wrapping me in cotton wool, and telling me how to live my life. You still see me, and treat me like a little girl, but I have grown up more in the months that I have been Pin Pointer, than in all the years since Mom died.”

Amy paused to let her words sink in before speaking again. ”Support me or fight me? The choice is yours, but I am not giving up on being Pin Pointer.”

Amy turned her back on her Father and walked towards the door. As she turned the handle he started to speak in an almost defeated tone. ”Where you going Amy?”

”Sean is still out there somewhere, and needs my help. My friend Trace and I was gonna check some leads in Skyway.”

As Amy stepped out of the door her Father sighed, and headed back into the lounge. The game had finished, and the news was now showing on the TV.

”...tral Shopping Mall, Founders Falls into a war zone yesterday afternoon while mutant powerhouses battled each other, amongst terrified Christmas shoppers. Once the PPD reac...”

Amy’s Father started to rub his temples with worry. My little girl is out there with monsters like that, and she expects me to be happy about it. Im sorry Amy, but as grown up as you may think you are, you’re just a kid. I just wish you’d give up on the likes of Flashfyre, and go back to being a normal, decent kid again...

At the same time in Cap Au Diable...

”This is really starting to hack me off now. I can’t believe Partisan is still making us play Guardian Angel to that mutant freak Antipode.”

”Can it Sea Four, and make like a good soldier. If the boss wants Antipode protected then we protect her.” Quick Fix snapped back as she bandaged her arm.

”You know me im not one for questioning Partisan, but I resent the fact im endangering my own life to look out for someone we’d quite happily do away with ourselves. I mean c’mon that’s the fourth bounty hunter we just dealt with. It’s only gonna take one of them to get lucky, and one of us is going to get iced.”

Quick Fix tied off her bandage, and flexed her arm with a wince to check it was secure, before turning back towards the griping Humanity First soldier. ”Partisan feels the best way to draw out Ebon Sun is to keep Antipode alive, so quit your whining and get back on surveillance.”

Sea Four mumbled an obscenity as he picked up his assault rifle, and headed back to his vantage point so he could continue his vigil over Antipode. In the meantime Quick Fix barked orders at a couple of Blackshirt’s to remove the body of the bounty hunter they had just despatched.

As the corpse was dragged off Quick Fix started to think to herself...Sea Four maybe little more than a thug, but he’s got a point. I resent that one of us could possibly get killed looking out for te mutant cow myself. I swear If Ebon Sun don’t hurry up and make a move, im going to end up killing the b!tch myself!...

Group Name:The Hyenas

Server/Game:Union CoV

Theme:Monster Hunters for hire.

Webpage:Hyenas Forum and Hyenas Wiki

Contacts: @Britanic

Usual Activities: IC Missions, GM hunts, social RP, plot RP, and forum RP.

Other Activities: Dunno, depends on what events are going on at the time.

Background & Structure: The original Hyenas were a group of scavenger hunters tasked with the capture, and extermination of supernatural, mythical, and genetically engineered monsters in order to provide raw materials for the techno-magical products made by Eso-Tech.

After the original's deaths, a second group was formed by the Peddler, who placed mercenary huntsman Big Game publically in charge. Although the new group provides the same service to Eso-Tech, they are no longer under direct control of the company, and are provided with the freedom to pursue outside contracts so long as it does not interfere with the Hyenas own obligations to Eso-Tech.

Admission Notes/Requirements: IC admission can be as easy wearing tigerstriped thigh high boots, chilling Big Game's beer, or cooking him roast duck (These are all reasons Big Game has taken people on so far ).

OOC it really does boil down to an arbitrary decision by myself. If I feel your character won't fit, or at the very least provide some interesting RP for the group then you wont be getting in. Also if I believe as a player there could be conflict then you won't be getting in.

One thing I will say is that im happy to take in new roleplayers. Everybody has to start somewhere, and with the right encouragement and support great roleplayers can develop. Just check the globals listed on the personnel section of the Hyenas forum, and you will see there is already some real class act's to help you along.

Sounds like fun. Always love opportunities to play with the cossie editor for ingame events, so you can count me in.

((Ta! I pinched elements from all over the place. ))

{15/12/07, Early Morning, The Wayward Wench, Port Oakes}

The Peddler read through the recruitment notice that her new work colleague Big Game had written up with a look of shocked disbelief.

”Maybe I ought to get a professional notice printed up?”

Big Game snatched the notice out of her hand. ”Waste of money. Trust me, the sort of people we want will respond to this. After all we’re offering Dental!!!”

The Peddler again looked at Big Game unconvinced. ”You really think that is going to make the difference?”

”Are you kidding? I’d bet my pants on it babe!”

The Peddler looked down at Big Game’s tiger-striped pants, and decided that this was one bet she would quite happily loose...

((Game’s recruitment notice can be found pasted up in numerous Rogue Isles drinking establishments, around the Clocktower in Mercy, as well as popular merc hangouts like the Gallows. With this im ready to start recruiting. Best bet is to PM, or catch me in game on my global of @Britanic, and we can sort out individual details of interviews etc. For those who are interested, the bare bones of a Hyenas forum can be found at www.thehyenas.freeforums.org))

((Actually I'd be more than happy to take Gator into the Hyenas. He has the perfect personality match, shares the secret about the destruction of their old SG's base (Would be a good way for Game to make sure Gator keeps his trap shut), and seeing as the group will likely be made up of mostly new alts, he will more likely be in the level range of most of the others.))

{14/12/07, Early Morning, The Gallows, Port Oakes}

The mercenary Big Game was really in it up to his neck this time. He had a week to raise two and a half million American dollars to pay off Family mobster Morretti, or else he was going to start spending quality time with the fishes. He couldn’t even just go into hiding, as Morretti had made it perfectly to him, that if he was a no show with the money then he’d get it from an alternative source. That source being the huge bounty on the head of Big Game’s friend, and teammate Antipode. Despite Games normally selfish nature, he couldn’t bring himself to let that happen to her. So despite being what he thought was probably a futile effort, he decided he’d best try working his tiger-striped butt off.

In an effort to rustle up some fast high paying jobs, Big Game had decided to visit the infamous mercenary noticeboard ‘The Gallows’, in Port Oakes. As Game started to scan the various notices, he began to become disheartened. Although there was easily more than enough money up for grabs through the various bounties, contracts, and requests on the Gallows, there was no way that Game could possibly do enough of them in the time frame Morretti had given him. Best he could hope for was to raise what he could, and hope Morretti had calmed down enough to grant him extra time. That was assuming he didn’t get killed on one of the jobs first. What he really needed was a miracle...

HOOOONNNNNNNKKKK!!!, HOOOONNNNNNNKKKK!!!

Big Game turned around to look at the jet black semi truck honking it’s horn, on the road, up from the steps not far from the Gallows. After deciding it was nothing to be interested about he turned back to the notices.

HOOOONNNNNNNKKKK!!!, HOOOONNNNNNNKKKK!!!, HOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNKKKK!!!

Game spun around to look up at the truck again, just as the cab was opening. Stepping out from the truck was a slim, pale skinned, white haired woman with unusual bronze coloured decorative markings on her black leather clothing, and running up the side of what looked like an armoured arm sleeve.

”Mr. Fedele! If I can have a moment of your time, I have a proposition for you.” she shouted as she exited the truck.

Big Game started to smile. Hmm, still got it! Mind you I really ain’t got time for this. Still she’s one hell of a looker...Maybe if im quick? He thought as he walked over to the woman by the truck

As he got nearer to her, he could see she wasn’t your average lady trucker...Well if ever there was such a thing! The bronze markings over her clothing, and armoured arm looked like some sort of arcane symbols. Around her left eye was a black starlike tattoo, stranger still though was her actual eyes which were milky white, pupil less orbs. Still Game was used to unusual people, and didn’t hesitate to speak to her.

”Proposition huh? Kinda forward, but hey im a liberated guy, I can deal with that.”

Even though her Psi-abilities were not focussed enough to read minds without phenomenal effort, she didn’t need to be a mind reader to know exactly what Big Game was thinking.

”Please Mr. Fedele. You don’t truly believe that by ‘proposition’ I meant anything sexual do you?”

Big Game did his best to put an indignant look on his face. ”Oh!..Oh no, of course not...I was just messin’ with ya!”

”Good. Fact of the matter is im here to discuss your future. If you would like to follow me into the back of the trailer we can get started.”

”Hey I like climbing into the back of a truck trailer with a hot chick as much as the next guy, but I don’t even know your name.”

The woman looked back behind her as she walked to the back of the truck. ”You may call me the Peddler...”


About an hour later...

The Peddler was sat at a small desk, in what could be described as a junk shop situated inthe back of her truck trailer. Big Game had already left, and she was now speaking to her superiors on a hand held communicator.

”You have your pack leader. Now it is just a simple matter of filling out the pack itself.”

”Excellent work Peddler. I take it Big Game has accepted all the terms of his employment, including the repayment of his debt to us?” asked a softly spoken woman’s voice.

”He has, although I did agree that he could keep a higher percentage of the profits from non Eso-Tech contracts than we originally planned. However I believe that will help provide him with extra incentive to make this venture successful.”

”Very good Peddler. We suggest you and Big Game start recruiting the other Hyenas immediately. S.C.R.Y. has been displaying some unusual readings of late, It is very possible we are on the verge of an event where we might utilise the Hyenas unique talents.”

”Understood. Big Game, and myself will start assembling the team at once. I will be sure to keep you all informed of our progress. Peddler out!...”

((Ok, one more IC post to follow then the actual sign ups can commence. Im hoping to put the SG together early part of next week seeing as the Winter Lord should be available for a whupping!))

{13/12/07, Early morning, The Board Room of Esoteric Technologies, Nerva Archipelago}

The white haired, half Fae woman known as the [/b]Peddler[/b] stood before the five chairs shrouded in darkness in the Eso-Tech boardroom. The central chair that once belonged to Chairman Gehrhart was still empty, but in the other four each sat one of the secretive remaining board members.

From the shadows came a gravelly sounding male voice. ”We have read your reports about this Big Game you have selected to lead the Hyenas, but despite his surprisingly impressive abilities, we have some concerns.”

The Peddler expected the board to have issues with Big Game, despite being highly skilled, and inventive, he had several rather glaring personality flaws. However she believed she was more than capable of keeping the wild huntsman under control, as well as exploiting his flaws for the good of the company.

”If I may Sir?” Not waiting for an answer she continued. ”McKnight, and his team were far from stable before their unfortunate demise .The fact of the matter is normal well balanced individuals rarely take up activities as dangerous as the hunting of monsters. I believe Big Game’s eccentricities will actually afford him some level of protection against the insanity several past members of the Hyenas developed.”

”...on the grounds he is probably mad already?”

”Exactly Sir.”

”What makes you think you can actually talk him around into taking the post anyway? In your own report it shows him to be lazy, and unambitious. In fact I’d say he seems quite content to be little more than a hired goon.”

”That is true Sir. However I believe his lack of personal ambition will make him far more easy to manipulate, and less likely to be overly concerned with the internal politics of his benefactors.” She paused a moment to let that statement sink in before carrying on. As for motivating him to sign up, I have already made some arrangements that will force the issue.”

”Would that have something to do with the 2.5 million dollar expense request you put in for?” Asked a softly spoken woman from the shadows.

”I’d prefer not to think of that as an expense, but rather as an investment.”

”An investment? Do you really believe this Big Game is worth that?”

”Of course not, however I fully intend for Big Game to work off that debt.”

”...and you believe he will agree to that?”

”Considering the alternatives he faces, he will have little choice.”

”Alternatives?” asked the man with the gravelly voice.

”Yes alternatives. In fact I believe the Family boss Morretti is discussing some of those alternatives with Big Game as we speak..."


Meanwhile in Morretti’s mansion...

Big Game slowly regained consciousness. Luckily he was still bound to the chair, otherwise he would likely just collapse on the floor. Morretti’s goons had been none too gentle when they invited him to the mansion, and even less so when they offered him a seat. As Big Game’s vision cleared he noticed Morretti himself was sat in a chair in front of him, hand resting on top of the ‘Weeping Virgin’, the obscure but valuable painting ‘Game had stole from him months earlier.

”Heyyy, Mr Morretti you got your painting back.”

”Can it Fedele, or do I call you Jackpot now?”

Big Game started to wince. ”Ah, so you know about that?”

”Yes I know everything. It seems that despite the leniency, mercy, and later even favour I showed you in the past you continue to disrespect me. While I am grateful to you for saving my life during the height of the Rikti Invasion, I will not allow you to continue to make a mockery out of me”

”So this time you are going to kill me?”

”No, despite everything I still like you Fedele, you got real moxy, and sometimes you are damn useful. So instead im going to give you a chance to redeem yourself.”

Game looked genuinely shocked, as Morretti continued to speak. ”I give you a week to compensate me for the loss of my painting, as well as the advances I foolishly gave you to track it, and it’s thief down.”

Big Game looked over to the painting. ”Hey, but you already got it back!”

Morretti started to look deathly serious ”Nonetheless you WILL compensate me! You have one week to return to my mansion with 2.5 million American dollars, if not then we will be reenacting one of those old gangster movie cliches involving concrete overcoats, and large bodies of water.

”TWO POINT FIVE MIL!!! How am I freakin’ ‘sposed to raise that sort of money in one week?”

”Not my problem Fedele. Those are my terms... but I hear the Spiders have a 2 million bounty on your lady friend Antipode.”

”That ain’t even funny Mr. Morretti.”

”Well it is nice to see you have some integrity Fedele. Still you have a week, try to disappear then I will seek recompense another way... Like I said Antipode is worth 2 million alone. Do you understand?”

”Ok, I got’cha. Any chance you can let me loose, and help me find the rest of my teeth so I can get to work?”

”Certainly Mr. Fedele.Oh don’t look so worried. You have the luck of the Devil. Im confident you will pay me in time, and we can go back to being friends again.”

Big Game looked at Morretti unconviced. ”Yeah sure, but when we do make up no kissing ok?!...”

((Ok things are moving along, this piece puts Game into a position where he has got to start thinking about the future, so it won't be long before he's onboard and the recruiting can start. As for other SG stuff Im currentl working to set up a forum for once the SG goes live.))

[ QUOTE ]
Perhaps I should dust off the Great Britanic... Hmmmm...


[/ QUOTE ]

((No don't! Game would hate him with a passion too!))

((As for activities, I realise a lot of prospective members will have commitments elswhere, so the VG will have a fairly adhoc set up. However there will be planned events, plots, etc and where possible these will be arranged to allow for maximum attendence. One thing I will try to avoid is a set RP day, Id prefer people to log in and play their Hunters when it suits them. Luckily, so far from the response here, and through PMs it looks like the group will have a respectable number of players, and fingers crossed be nicely active.))

[ QUOTE ]
There's nothing to say they would only be hunting demons and evil monsters. Benevolent dragons, unicorns, fae, angels etc. etc. There are good 'monsters' that I'm ((sure are just as, if not more, valuable

[/ QUOTE ]

Hit the nail on the nose there Synth From Eso-Tech's point of view they are looking to a steady flow of raw materials to use in their products, and hybrid machinery. With this in mind, prey can be anything from Pixies to Giants. I can already see some great Tom, and Jerry stylee antics when the team are paid to capture fairies or something. ))