Big_Game_EU

If we are looking at Saturday, 8pm or later is better for me too.

The image pretty much sums what an MMB is. For a little more background the following was the story I wrote about Big Game capturing the raw materials needed for the MMBs...

The raw materials.

Altered the Paragon City Post page to a similar format to Nightsparrows Scrapbook, using links rather than embedded images to help cut page loading times.

[ QUOTE ]
I added the Walkie-Toaster as an item.

Can you (Doctor Mechano) please check it, correct it or approve of it?

[/ QUOTE ]

Im still amazed at what was meant to be an offhanded insult to Mechano's bots turned into what is now an established part of Union history.

Im going to be more careful when I open my mouth in future.

(Great Walkie-Toaster pic by the way! )

Britanic practically slammed down into the leather seat in his office. The last few days had been a nightmare.

Workmen were down in Militia HQ packing everything up, and when asked why, they could only reply because "...they tells us to pack it up, we pack it up. I dunno what's going on."

Britanic had been constantly trying to get through to the Minister, or any other member of the board, but found himself blocked at every turn.

To make matters worse the recent Kara Trent article, had given Britanic no end of public relations grief, and he was struggling to sort that also.

Britanic looked down to the pile of mail on his desk, and spotted an evelope with the names Sutton, Hadley, and Staines, who'd obviously sent the letter. Britanic recognised them as being a Founders Fall's based company specialising in stripping assets, and breaking down companies to sell on for profit. A letter from them wasn't likely to be anything good.

Britanic opened the envelope, and read the letter.

<***tards! No wonder they have been avoiding me. Pretty bloody shoddy treatment from the board that. I better go put this on the notice board for every one to see..>

Just as Britanic was going to post the letter onto the notice board he caught sight of todays newspaper
, amongst the letters...

newspaper

<Bloody great, now the whole sodding world knows. Im going to get to speak to one of the board if it kills me!>

Britanic left the room, and posted both the letter, and the newspaper to the Militia notice board...

((Thanks to Dante for knocking up the official letter.))

I just posted up Polymorphic Fibre Weave using the new items template, saving me five minutes of typing everytime someone goes "Polymorphic what?", and im especially proud of putting up IC Rumour footnote Sandra, and Tracey in the NP Character section!

"Oh my God! Sandra look over there."

"Um...Trace, aint that Big Game?"

"Yep, except he aint wearing them tiger striped pants."

"Trace, he isnt wearing any pants!!!"

*Grins* "I know. Cute little black boxers with the red love hearts though..."

---

Conversation between Pocket D regulars Sandra, and Tracey. 21/08/07.

((An open letter sent to Kara Trent, and various Paragon City, News Media.))

To the Citizenry of Paragon City,

I feel that as current Commander of the Militia that I should address some of the concerns that you may have concerning my team, especially those related to those highlighted in the newspaper editorial written by Kara Trent.

I will like to publically state that the Militia in no way endorses thuggish, or loutish behaviour in any form. The Militia is deeply concerned that one of our members has allegedly been involved in some sort of brawling incident, and are committed to investigating the matter further.

In the mean time Militia operative Scorche, one of the persons allegedly at the center of the incident mentioned in Kara Trent’s article, has been suspended from the ranks of the Militia, until we can complete our investigation.

A second Militia operative, Silver Eagle, was also mentioned in the article, as well as his current legal status. It is true that Silver Eagle is currently under investigation for suspected use of excessive vigilante methods, by ourselves alongside the PPD. However he is currently bailed, and being monitored by the MYRS project using one of their Behavior, Reinforcement, Modifier Chips. This has been done with the full blessing of the PPD, in accordance with a policy agreed during the Pocket D Rikti War Council, allowing certain normally incarcerated individuals to operate in defence of the city from the Rikti threat.

Please be assured the Militia will investigate if Silver Eagle’s terms of bail has been breached in anyway.

It greatly pains myself, and the Militia that such alleged incidents might tarnish the reputation of an organisation that has fought, and sacrificed much in the defence of this city.

Britanic.
Board Tactician, and Commander.
The Militia.

Actually Rikti will spawn where people are, as some of us Militia found out one night, when we were on one of those obscure Talos islands!

In fact we deliberately went as far away from the city as we could for that reason, as it really helped to cut down the lag.

"Hey I heard that Family boss Morretti got burgled Wednesday night. Apparently a real valuable painting got robbed. The guy who did it left some sort of calling card too, calling himself Jackpot."

"I bet Morretti is totally steamed."

"Yeah. I heard he's got that merc Big Game hunting the guy down."

"Big Game? I heard Morretti, and his boys kidnapped Game a little while ago."

"Maybe Game got that Stockholm sybdrone or something?..."

---

Conversation between a couple of Family goons.

{07/08/07, Trafalgar Square, London}

He'd been back in Britain for just over an hour, and already Britanic had to help fight off a Rikti attack. Though the Rikti forces that attacked London were nowhere as near as large as those back in Paragon, London's fewer metahuman defenders were hard pressed for their victories, and even a single pair of hands made all the difference. As the last of the Rikti attackers ported out, Britanic breathed heavily as he surveyed the carnage that had been wrought across Trafalgar Square.

*Clap, clap, clap!* "Nice work Eric. I see you finally come to terms with your powers...About bloody time too!"

Britanic spun around to face where the voice, and clapping originated. Standing in front of him was the blond haired, red, and white garbed heroine Lady London. He looked annoyed for the briefest of moments and then smiled.

"Good to see you too Jane. Sorry I missed you during the battle."

"That was probably for the best Eric, I know how distractable you are."

Britanic laughed. "Excuse me Jane but im happily almost married. Besides these days I have my priorities right. Slap the Rikti first, everything else later."

"Still trying to make up for the past huh?"

Britanic frowned, Lady London realised she overstepped the mark. "Im sorry Eric. Look if it makes you feel any better I think you have more than made up for the past. You have become a great hero, and a real inspiration. I can see why the Dawn Patrol are so keen to try get you to come home, and recruit you to the ranks."

Britanic looked confused "Recruit me? Im here for the defence conference."

"Sure you are., but they figured might as well kill two birds with one stone so while you are home they are going to try talk you into staying."

"I think they are going to be disappointed Jane."

"Don't be so hasty Eric. You went to Paragon to make your fortune, and you did that. Your company is practically run by your personal assistant, the PCP has outgrown it's need of you, and its only a matter of time before Crimson Archer returns to the Militia to take up his command again. Perhaps coming home isn't a bad idea after all."

Britanic rubbed the back of his neck. He knew on some level she was probably right.

"Been checking up on me I see."

"The Dawn Patrol takes a special interest in all the UK's expatriate heroes. You could do a lot of good over here. The Dawn Patrol would love to have you aboard…I'd like to have you come home too."

For a moment he remembered back to a time not long after the first Rikti War, the short period when he was active as Britanic on home soil, his meeting with Lady London, and their short lived relationship before returning to Paragon City.

"If you have been keeping tabs on me you must know about Suzi, Rachel, and Cassidy. You know I have them to consider too."

Lady London's face dropped a little. "White Vampyr, occasional Hyperion Watchman, and former professional singer. Thinks with her heart rather than he brain...Im surprised you two are still together. ..Oh and of course your adopted teen daughters, Miltia heroines Vigilante Storm, and Bay State Ranger. I suppose there is no reason they couldn't relocate with you."

"True, but Paragon is their home…Saying that I suppose it's mine now too. Im sorry Jane but I wont be accepting any offers from the Dawn Patrol. Im heading back to Paragon at the end of the week. You are right, the PCP does not need me anymore, and once Crimson Archer is back maybe the Militia wont need me either, but one thing I am sure of though is Paragon will still need me. So no matter who I end up with, im still going to be in Paragon City."

Lady London gave Britanic a half smile."Ok Eric, have it your way. Who knows by the end of the week you might change your mind, assuming the tabloids don't run another exclusive story about you, and that Tweedy woman, making you run off again."

Britanic rolled his eyes. "Bloody hell you have to always bring that up. I told you a million times I have never even met her, the story was a total fabrication."

Lady London laughed. "Eric, you are blushing again. Don't worry she married a professional footballer, and no before you ask he didn't play for Oxford United! I said professional!"

"Ouch Jane! You certainly know where to kick a bloke."

Lady London giggled, and rolled her eyes. "Come on Eric, il fly with you to Dawn Patrol HQ. I can make you a decent cuppa before the conference kicks off…"

{02/08/07, Morning, Kings Row}

The cybernetic PPD officer known simply as COP had been run ragged since the Rikti invaded again. Paragon was a city in a state of emergency, every able officer was working a minimum of double shifts to help maintain order, and to protect the citizenry in these troubled times. Although COP numbered among Paragon's heroes, he was also a dedicated member of the PPD, and doing his part.

As he raced across Kings Row, COP noticed a very familiar pair of orange, and black tigerstriped pants out of the corner of his eye. Skidding to a halt, he turned to see notorious mercenary Big Game surrounded by several Rikti, who were barely kept at bay by Game's wild swinging of his baseball bat. Though Big Game may have been a crack shot with a rifle, it was obvious by the way he had his eyes closed tight, that melee wasn't exactly his forte'.

Thanks to the recent Pocket D Council of War truce brokered by mercenary leader Big Lunk, and COP's former PCP commander Britanic, Big Game was to be considered an ally for the moment. As distasteful as he found it COP figured he'd best save the cretin from a gruesome death.

COP charged his way past two Rikti warriors, and slammed into Game sending the merc flying, just in time to save him being split in two by a Rikti sword. A dazed Big Game lifted himself off the floor to see COP with his fists surrounded in glowing red orbs of energy pounding on Rikti warriors.

"Hey COP, I know you don't particularly like me, but can you be a little more gentle on the save next time. That freakin' metal chassis you call a body hurts like being hit by a car."

COP slammed down hard on a Rikti's skull before responding. "Sorry Game but considering one of them Rikti was about to split you from your head to your crotch, you ought to be kissing my backside, rather than moaning at me."

COP didn't quite get the reaction he expected. Instead of some lame retort Big Game's eyes widened just before he turned, and bolted. COP turned around to see a large squad of Rikti coming to reinforce their comrades. Following Big Game's example COP ran after him.

Although COP was much faster, Big Game's head start meant that both men rounded the corner of what should have been an open ended alleyway at the same time. Both skidded to a halt in front of a pile of rubble that had once been the side of an apartment block which now blocked their escape. COP turned back around to see the Rikti were already advancing to block them in.

"Looks like we will have to fight our way ba…" COP stopped as he noticed Big Game pulling the mangled remains of a gas barbeque from the rubble.

"what the hell are you doing?"

Big Game didn't answer. Instead he disconnected the BBQ from the gas supply, and then started to duct tape an emergency flare from his utility belt to the side of the gas cylinder. He then sparked the cap of the flare, and dragged it in front of COP.

"Shut up, and throw the freakin' thing at the Rikti."

COP didn't need telling twice, and after grabbing the cylinder by the handle he hurled the cylinder towards the Rikti. Just as it left COP's hand, Big Game reached forward and pulled COP's service revolver from his belt. COP turned, ready to protest, just as Game started to take aim with the pistol.

"Hasta la vista baby!" Game said in a totally awful Arnold Swarzenegger accent, just as he squeezed the trigger, firing the round.

COP put his hands on his hips, and stared at Big Game. "You missed." He said calmly.

Without dropping the arm still holding the pistol Big Game winced. "Look im a rifleman, not a pistolier!"

He opened his eyes, stared directly at COP, then started to grin. "Im also a fan of big dramatic finishes."

Without looking to aim he squeezed the trigger again. The bullet soared, then ruptured the cylinder, and the flare ignited the gas. Thanks to the delay between Game's first shot, and his second the Rikti had just advanced past the cylinder, so the explosion caught them all unaware, and from behind. Big Game smiled with satisfaction.

"NOW we fight our way back!" Big Game shouted back as he charged towards the devastated Rikti ranks.

<Great as if he wasn't bad enough before. He is going to be insufferable now.>

“Looks like the ladies are going to be safe for a while from that no good Big Game.”

“Whys’ that then?”

“Looks like someone from the Family ran him down with a car before, waving a suit or something in his face, and throwing him in the back of the car.”

“They ran him over, waved a suit in his face, then kidnapped him?”

“Yeah, crazy huh. I wonder if it’s got something to do with that business of Consigliere Morretti’s son’s burial suit being stolen?”


—

Conversation between a streetwise vendor, and a street thug.

Britanic looked to Lunk puzzled at His "Monkey..Mind..Bombs" remark, still atleast EVIL have not got their hands onto a tactical nuke or something...or atleast he hoped they have not.

"Something else that came out of the sewer sweep is the possibility of the Rikti flanking..."

His Personal Data Device vibrated on his wrist, he looked down as data scrolled across it.

"Ahem...Sorry. as i was saying the possibility of flanking us in Paragon, via Baumton. The abandoned sewer network links to Baumton, and it is possible have sent troops to hole up there. There has already been one recon there by the Chess Club, but I feel its prudent to run recon patrols through on a regular basis, as a precaution. To that end I have already tasked several members of the Militia to do random sweeps through the zone."

Britanic started to gather his paperwork.

"I must apologise a pressing matter has come up requiring my personal attention, im afraid I will need to leave this meeting early."

Britanic looked down to Juniper who was keeping the minutes.

"Make sure I get a detailed copy of those minutes Juni."

He then got up from his seat, nodding several goodbyes as he left.

((Sorry, going away for a week. Didn't want to bog proceedings down, by having people waiting for replys from me.))

At the mention of a traitor bartering secrets of the council, Britanic spoke again.

"Concerning that matter I have some news it seems that Pistol of the New Mafia thought she could save her own skin by selling us out. A team lead by one of my Militia co-commanders, Mer'de, was despatched to deal with her. Pistol escaped, and is still at large...Mer'de perished, a casualty of that same mission. I believe the Rikti that tried to cut off our escape from the abandoned sewer network had been tipped off by her."

Although Britanic had important points of his own to raise, Dr. Helios' mention of a new weapon needed further explanation.

"A new weapon? Any chance you'd care to tell us more about this, and is it something that is going to be made available to the entire council membership?"

"Damn Rikti beamed right inside the building tearing the place apart. Lucky enough there was three of those Militia here at the time. they gave them Rikti a proper whupping."

"Yeah, any idea which ones?"

"Lemme think. I recognised Britanic, the new PPD/Militia liason Wavekite, and a guy called Silver Eagle or something."

"So how come they were there in the first place?"

"It seems that Brit, and Wavekite were hauling Silver in. Something about suspected unnaceptable vigilante activity. Still after the battle there was a lot of talking, I heard something about a BRMC and MYRS, and then they all left together."

---

conversation between two PPD officers.

Britanic briefly looked at Helios as if to ask where is Lunk, but judging by the way Dr Helios was looking about, he guessed he was probably thinking the same thing.

"Ok people lets get started, late comers will have to catch up."

Partisan spoke out from his corner of the room. "Indeed Britanic, war waits for no man...or anything else for that matter."

Britanic didn't give Partisan the satisfaction of looking at him, or any inkling the masked terrorist's sarcasm had any effect.

"Ok unless there is any objections id like for Zortel to report our findings from our sewer sweep she commanded."

{Wednesday 31st of July, Pocket D}

Britanic looked around at those gathered for this meeting. most looked as tired as he did, several sporting injuries of battle, and a few faces were even absent. Britanic hoped that this meeting might provide some concrete answers for dealing with the Rikti threat.

Britanic's Personal Data Device started to vibrate on his wrist, and his face dropped as data started scrolling across it's screen. as soon as it finished he stood up to address the assembly.

"Ladies, and gentleman it looks like we will have to adjourn this meeting early. Im getting reports of Rikti assaulting Kings Row, Founders Falls, Talos Island, Port Oakes, Sharkhead Isle, and St.Martial at this very moment. I think we'd best deal with those threats. Unless there is any objection I suggest we reconvene Wednesday 31st, where we can also get details from the sewer sweep Zortel is leading. Should anything especially pressing happen in the meantime, I suggest messages be left here at Pocket D, and im sure everybody will find a way to get them."

Without waiting for anybody to voice any objections Britanic spoke again.

"lets go people, the war won't wait for ever you know."

((I was getting concerned the continuity of the thread was getting blurred, the sewer sweep hadn't happened at the time of this meeting, and some characters were unavailable IC. By closing this meeting and opening another things can get back on track again.))

"Man things must be bad."

"Its war, what do you expect?"

"Yeah I know that, but im talking about how some of them heroes are playing nice with the bad guys so they can take on them Rikti."

"Well I suppose it makes sense. Its not like the Rikti are gonna care if you are a good guy or a bad guy."

"Yeah but it gets worse, they're even talking about decorating some of bad ones, just check this in the newspaper...

---

Conversation between two train passengers en route to Atlas Park.

Britanic rubbed the back of his neck with one hand, and looked a little uncomfortable.

"Unfortunately,...I..I wasn't active in the last war. My intelligence on what actually happened regarding closing the portal is sketchy at best. Also my knowledge of dimensional portal technology isn't great."

"Perhaps the Rikti could have opened a portal back, or breached whatever defense Omega Team had set up disrupting Rikti portal travel long before now. Maybe, like Dr. Helios said this new invasion is the result of politics on the Rikti homeworld, rather than a continuation of their last campaign?"

"Problem is how to strike a decisive blow. Last time Hero 1, and his Omega team got through, and managed to close or destroy their main portal. Since then the Rikti have either managed to repair or build a new one. Sure we can try doing that again but is that just going to buy us another five years?"

Actually as Mechano said Humanity First are a villain group I created (inspired by those Vanguard posters), who are anti-pretty much anything not baseline human.(Partisan their leader is an equal opportunities bigot )

While Humanity First dont just inflict their brand of terror, and racism against mutants, many bear the brunt of Humanity First's activity. After all many mutants would try to continue living normal lives, and not go into heroing, or villainy making them easier targets for Humanity First.

Also the name mutant is easily used as a negative label to describe anyone different. Just labelling something as a mutant seems to add an extra level of threat ie. "the mutant criminal leader Frostfire yadda, yadda, yadda!"
Frostfire is not just a mere criminal hes a mutant criminal.

Partisan being adept at psychological warfare often preys on the fear of the normal populace, and will readily use such labels as mutant to stir up trouble.

I think in CoX I think people's opinions on metas, and mutants in particular would be heavily influenced by events in the media. If dangerous mutant criminal pops up a lot then people will start thinking all mutants are dangerous. etc.

As for Humanity First in game I tend to only use them for story pieces such as Riot in the Row during the Tempest Virus scare, or in Big Game's Burning Bridges. Problem is when I tried to run it as a proper SG it was very difficult to find people willing to stay within the theme.

Anyway il leave you with an early Humanity First propaganda flier, as well as the thought that although mutants may not necessarily be universally hated they are perhaps an easy group to be targetted for bad press.


http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r.../vitruvian.jpg

((Sorry, about half a dozen places I would of liked to reply, but have to work in evil DIY shop during the day.))

Britanic fought to contain his anger over Tyger, and especially Twilight's outbursts. In the short time he had been acting field commander of the Militia, Britanic had worked hard to look after, and encourage both it's members, and associates, while trying promote a positive image for the group.

In one short swoop, Twilight had managed to publically associate himself with the Militia, thus totally compromising his usefullness as an intelligence operative in the Isles. At the same time Britanic had no doubt Twilight had damaged the Militia's standing with this council.

As for Tyger, the fact he was even there at all had obviously not been appreciated by some members of the council. Worse still, his own contribution to the discussion, though with the best intentions, had done little to placate the situation.

It seemed evident to Brit that with the Militia commanders Mer'de MIA, Crimson Archer, and Force Commander currently unavailable that Brit would have to take more direct, and heavy handed control of the Milita.

Britanic looked over to Partisan who was no doubt sniggering under his mask before addressing the council.

"First off I'd like to apologise for the disruption to this meeting. Please be assured that I will personally be dealing with the elements, that I can influence to ensure any further meetings are affected."

"Also I'd like to apologise for my own language in this meeting. Though I meant those who were using the war as a smokescreen to continue their own criminal activities, I realise that the word "scum" was innapropriate, and those engaged in criminal activity before the outbreak of hostilities may have thought I was referring to them. I'd like to say that anybody who is part of this council, and abides by its rules are deserving of equal respect from myself, be they normally hero, or a so called villain."

"If we can get back to war business. Before we can effectively start planning decisive strike against the Rikti. We must establish our current standing, resources, and contingencies."

"As Coile has pointed out, the war is taking it's toll and we are taking injuries, and even deaths. the emergency teleport network has been disrupted or stretched to its limit, and more of us are having to rely on more conventional medical treatment. No doubt some of us will end up fighting in unfamiliar territory at some point. Should there be injuries id like for those who are part of this council to agree to provide medical aid, and shelter to other council members irrespective of their normal base of origin.Meaning should I get taken down in Port Oakes, I want to know I got somewhere I can hole up, same for Lunk if he was in the Row, etc"