The Bounty Hunter an Oddworld RPG
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Now, I know what you're all probably thinking. Another new guy and another poorly thought out roleplay. Well, I've already taken a gander at the ol' rules and whilst I'm fully aware of my lack of 'RP License', I am both well accustomed with Oddworld and the act of roleplaying, so I'd like to submit this thread not only as a new roleplay, but a sort of 'application' for my license. Should the moderators deem this thread unfit, I apologise in advance and you are more than welcome to subject it to deletion.
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So lets start by laying some ground rules:- This RP can be joined at anytime simply by posting both your character's profile and a body of text in which incorporates your character into the storyline wherever an opening is seen. Idealy this RP should not exceed ten or so players, but you're more than welcome to join after this limit is exceeded if you can find a way to appropriately and smoothly work your character into the storyline. One or two characters per person only please, however there can be an infinite amount of 'NPC' characters which can be controlled and/or destroyed by any player.
- Posts should contain a decent amount of body to them in either 'storytelling' or 'script' format, although storytelling is preferable. I would love to see some meaty dialogue or description in these posts rather than one-liners and for this reason I would also appreciate it if you have had previous experience in RPing before joining this thread.
- I encourage the use of 'split scenes' where applicable (the telling of one story from two different perspectives during the same point in time) - don't feel it necessary for your character to join up with the rest of the group if such RPing techniques could be utilized more effectively. However, this is not to say that we should have every character going off on their own solo adventure. Just have common sense.
- Character profiles should contain any or all of the following information; name, species, age, weapon/equipment, description, personality and/or brief biography. All Oddworldian races are available, however I would prefer to refraim from the use of made up species and absurd powers outside the realm of Oddworld.
- All characters must be original. No Abe, Munch, Molluck etc.
- Low level power playing is acceptable if permission is granted to do so. Do not God-Mode. For further information please refer to the Oddworld RPG Rules.
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NAME: Darvek
SPECIES: Slig (worker class)
AGE: 32 Slig Years
EQUIPMENT: Cartel Standard BPK-R (BlitzPacker), Retractable V-Blade, Night Vision Headgear Attachment, Model 36CRI Pantwear (for maximum mobility)
DESCRIPTION: A renegade Slig bounty hunter. An enourmous scar stretches across from the corner of his eye down to his neck. Slightly larger build than your average Slig with darker, more abresive skin. High ranking equipment, earned years earlier during training in the SligBarracks, including a steel component attached to the left arm containing a retractable 'V-Blade' developed in Vykker Labs. Metallic headgear and pants show considerable signs of aging, rusted and tarnished.
PERSONALITY: Speaking with a rather gruff, raspy voice, Darvek shows little signs of emotion or compassion for others. Being neither for or against the natives/industrials, Darvek lives alone - and prefers it that way - doing only what's necessary to ensure his own survival. Tries to refraim from becoming emotionally attached to others and despises industrial life, hoping never to return to his assigned post in FeeCo Depot.
BIOGRAPHY: Originally leased to vice-president Aslik of the FeeCo Depot, Darvek's attitude toward industrial life, poor work ethic and general unwillingness to cooperate with the industry ultimately resulted in his banishment from the SligBarracks and eventual release of duty from the Depot. Despite his unmatched level of expertise in combat, Darvek was deemed uncontrollable and unfit for duty, the Magog Cartel sentencing him to a hearing with Queen Skillya in order to decide his fate. Prior to this hearing, however, Darvek managed to overthrow and escape his industrial captors to begin his new life on the run as a renegade bounty hunter. Although still heavily sought after to this day by the Magog Cartel, it is not uncommon for members within the Cartel to seek out Darvek's services in secrecy.
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Prelude:
On the continent of Mudos, residing southwest of the great fortress, there sits a small tribal village known to the natives as Norg. Although primarily a Mudokon based community, Norg is a heavily multicultural society, providing home to various other Oddworldian races. Being situated on the outskirts of the Lhakeem Woodlands, residents of Norg are extremely in touch with their natural surroundings, worshiping the land and learning to respect and coexist alongside the local Paramite population. The Lhakeem region is surrounded by dangerous mountainous peaks, the people of Norg finding themselves isolated from outside world events and industrial corruption. They are a simple and peace-loving people, relying only on one another as a society to pull through whatever challenges they may face. It is a private sanctuary, completely devoid of industrial destruction; a rare oddity, as the surrounding forest of Lhakeem is a well hidden goldmine of industry potential, providing fine quality resources that would no doubt have been exploited long ago by the Magog Cartel, had they of known such a place existed.
There is one, however, whose presence threatens the entire Lhakeem region and Norgian way of life. A renegade Slig bounty hunter has found his way into the forests of Lhakeem. A Slig the Cartel would go to great lengths in order to capture. Dead or alive. Will this newcomers trouble with the industrials lead to the downfall of this peaceful village and lush, surrounding woodlands?
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And so it begins:
OOC: As previously mentioned, you may join this RP at any time as it does not require a set amount of players to begin. I shall leave many openings in both this first post and posts to follow for you to find a way to weave your own characters into the storyline. Happy roleplaying.
As the sun sets over all of Mudos, the natives of Norg begin preperation for a night of song and dance by firelight in celebration of the annual Spooce Festival - a sacred Norgian ritual entailing the sending of thanks to the great god of Shrykull for bestowing their people with vast quantities of Spooce Shrub growing within the woodlands of Lhakeem. Spirits are high, Gabbits and Grubbs bouncing about excitedly whilst the Mudokons join hands in spiritual chant, longing for the night. Finally that moment comes, the sky turning a brilliant orange before sunlight dissapears from the world once more; and in its place a Mudokon paw shines brightly, the enourmous moon of Mudos revealed overhead. The natives let out joyful cheers, for the festival has begun.
But it was short lived.
The ground below them shakes as a thunderous roar drowns out the sounds of cheerful banter, becoming louder and louder as the source of the noise draws nearer. Ratz scatter in all directions, retreating to the woods in futile attempt to escape the sound whilst natives remain still, searching the skies for a source of all the commotion. They huddle together, anxious and confused when they see it. On the horizon, silhouetted by the moon, a swarm of creatures approach at great speed: Flying Sligs.
Within seconds they've reached Norg, darting about erratically, scanning every last square inch of land, the combined sound of their propellers letting out an almighty roar. A much larger Slig seperates itself from the group to inspect the natives, looking each of them up and down carefully. It pauses for a moment before turning its back to them, speaking into an electronic device attached to its arm with a menacing tone.
'
No sign of 'im, boss' he mumbles, '
Nothin' here but a bunch of filthy natives,'
'
He's down there somewhere, damnit!' a voice screeches back, '
Prepare space for landing. We're coming down.'
'
Roger that!'
A military-esque hand gesture is given. The platoon of Slig, recognising this signal immediately, swarm above ground once more before releasing a series of grenades. Dirt and soil flies about all over the place whilst the natives race around in terror, a chain reaction of explosions tearing through the village.
'
Landing space clear!' the Flying Slig barks back, '
Awaiting your arrival, boss.'
An enourmous disc shaped object emerges overhead, its shadow casting Norg into eternal darkness. Although most too naive to realise it, the vessel is trademark Vykker technology - an extensive mobile laboratory. A small chute located on the underbelly of the lab promptly opens. Light shines brilliantly from within for a brief moment before releasing a large metallic pod which comes hurtling down toward the ground below. Sligs maneuver themselves out of the objects path, the odd one or two getting caught beneath it as it smashes forcefully into the ground, knocking Mudokon's off of their feet.
The pod lays motionless for a moment or two, Gabbit's curiously inspecting the device from behind nearby rubble. Large amounts of exhaust fumes are expelled as retractable [almost] leg-like devices are released from either side, firmly planting themselves on Norg soil. The pod, now resembling somewhat of an Earth spider or crab, hovers an inch or two above ground, supported by the large beam like structures protruding out of its sides. A steel door toward the front of the vessel shoots open, and from it emerges a particularly hideous Vykker accompanied by three Glukkons and Slig ground troops.
The Vykker edges forward, examining locals from behind deformed facial tissue, surgical scars covering the vast majority of its face causing skin to hang loosely and overlap in odd regions. Cold, lifeless eyes dart left and right.
'
This place is a freakin' goldmine!' exclaims a Glukkon, admiring the local landscape amongst his comrades.
'
We gotta' get the Cartel out here, pronto!' another adds. '
I smell profit!'
The Vykker turns toward Slig troops, shrieking orders. '
Arright, listen up! That rat bastard must be somewhere in these woods and we're losing light fast, damnit! I want every one of your asses in there searching and not another word spoken until Darvek is standing right here in front of me!'
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Elsewhere, in the depths of Lhakeem...
Moonlight can be seen through the thick foliage overhead, rays of light cutting through darkness and illuminating all they touch. On the forest floor there sits a lone Slig huddled over campfire, a large scar stretching across his eye and down the neck covered by shadows. Firelight dances across the Slig's dark, abbressive skin, emphasizing muscular arms; the left equip with a rusted metalic device. His relatively standard-issue robotic legwear seemed to match, quite obviously old and tarnished.
Darvek
Paramites who had onced watched cautiously from afar begin to draw in closer to the newcomer, carefully observing its movement. Moving as pack from all angles they prepare for an easy meal, Sligs being uncommon visitors to this region if ever at all. They titter excitedly, eagerly anticipating the hunt.
But it was short lived.
A thunderous roar from afar causes the ground to tremble. Darvek quickly snaps to attention, leaping to his feet whilst terrified Paramites scatter east. Ratz, too, scurry past his feet in the same direction. Slinging his BlitzPacker over one shoulder, Darvek hastily begins to cover the campfire with soil. He knew it'd only be a matter of time before he'd have to deal with these guys again, but he hadn't anticipated just how quickly they would find him.
Movement! In the shrubbery up ahead. The sound of footsteps against damp soil, approaching with great speed. Springing into action, Darvek cocks his gun in the direction of the sound and prepares himself for the worst...
OOC: Heh. Big first entry, I know, but I was trying to set the scene and events up as best I could whilst trying not to rush things too much. Just a few notes, this RP may seem to be very focused around my character, Darvek, but it will be moreso concerned with the destruction and exploitation of Norg. Darvek is merely the trigger in this series of events. Feel free to add yourself in wherever you see fit, I've left sufficient openings. However please do not claim the Vykker as he is my second (and last) character whom I'll introduce more thoroughly later on. Enjoy.
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The Story So Far... (Last Updated: 23/01/06)
Upon landing in Norg in search of the Cartel outlaw, Darvek, a particularly hideous, money hungry Vykker known as Vernon released Slig ground troops into the surrounding woodlands of Lhakeem to search for the industry rebel.
Vernon's three Glukkon companions - involved in the search for Darvek by supplying the necessary firepower and troops - soon became aware of the industry potential for the village and its surrounding natural habitat, calling in more industry leaders of the Cartel to examine the area.
Seeing further profit in the Glukkon's need for such resources, Vernon quickly seized ownership rights to the region of Lhakeem and began selling out to the Glukkon's for outrageous prices by enslaving Norgian villagers, destroying wildlife and turning the area into a barren wasteland.
Meanwhile, far off in the middle of the woodlands, the renegade bounty hunter Darvek had set up a small camp, expecting to be rid of Vernon's troops for quite some time.
Darvek was soon joined by a battleworn Steef named Flaxis whom had snuck away amongst the comotion of the landing party in Norg. Flaxis offered Darvek partnership against the Industrialists which Darvek reluctantly accepted.
Almost as quickly as they had met, another wandering traveler of the Steef variety named Calvarr found his way into Darvek's camp. Suspecting a trap or a pair of industry assassins, it took Darvek some time to put his trust in the two.
Vernon's Slig ground troops were closing in on their possition fast, however one soldier by the name of Frex had decided to use this opportunity to escape his lease to the Vykker. Creating a distraction with a common variety hand grenade, Frex made a run for it and ultimately lead the vast majority of Slig off of the path to Darvek, Flaxis and Calvarr's possition.
A small group of Slig soon discovered their whereabouts and after a short battle in which it was revealed Calvarr was a dealer of deadly poisons, it was decided they needed to retreat to a safer place. Knowing of such a place in the woods, Flaxis lead the three to a series of caverns.
Frex, still on the run from troops he had previously abandoned, managed to find his way into the caves. After a most awkward introduction, it was revealed that Darvek and Frex knew each other, both having been posted at the FeeCo Deepot earlier in life.
Calvarr, whom had wandered outside the caves, haunted by his past life experiences soon found they were under attack by an enourmous, mutated Big Bro Slig. Flaxis, whom had left Darvek and Frex to get reacquainted found Calvarr in trouble and let off a flare to alert the other two of danger.
Back in Norg, Vernon was continuing to reel in cash from the exploitation of Lhakeem, almost entirely forgetting his reasoning for being within the area in the first place. Flaxis' flare seen far in the distance, over treetops, soon alerted him of Darvek's possition and it was ordered a full force attack squad search the area.
Amongst all the comotion, a Mudokon villager by the name of Sal was accidentally released from slavery, his somewhat poor grasp of reality leading him to follow after the ambushing Slig, believing it to be some form of race.
After defeating the Big Bro Slig attacker at the cave entrance, in which it was revealed Calvarr possessed some form of supernatural abilities, a fight had broken out amongst the four companions when Darvek had finally had enough of so many near death experiences.
Demanding an explanation for all the recent events within their once peaceful home, Darvek and Frex explained to Flaxis and Calvarr how Darvek had escaped the Cartel years ago and was now hunted for the enourmous bounty over his head.
Not knowing of the villages destruction and the exploitation of Lhakeem's resources back in Norg, it was assumed by Flaxis, Calvarr and Frex that handing in Darvek would prevent any further onslaught and make the Industrial's leave this place once and for all.
Sensing the others would turn against him, Darvek made a hefty retreat back into the caverns, followed closely by Frex. It was soon revealed that these tunnels were actually Paramite nesting grounds after the discovery of an enourmous egg chamber infested by enraged Paramite.
Back at the entrance, Flaxis had been slowed down after Calvarr had gone into yet another of his comatose-esque flashback states, followed shortly after bumping into Sal, whom had outrun the Slig troops. The Slig merely ran directly past the Steef and entered the caves after Darvek.
Although he no longer desired to protect Darvek, Flaxis too, entered the caves in hopes of saving Sal, whom had once again followed after the Slig due to his happy-go-lucky 'dementia'.
Thinking fast, Frex released a grenade into the chamber, causing a cave in which destroyed many Paramite and Slig, as well as divided the entire room by a stone wall.
Whilst Darvek had immediately taken this opportunity to escape into one of the hundreds of tunnels in this complex network of caverns, Frex was caught in the middle of a massacre as Paramite from all over swarmed the room and attacked the surviving ground troops.
From the other side of the room, Flaxis and Sal hastily began moving rocks about alongside Paramite in hopes of getting Frex out of there. They were successful in saving Frex from almost certain death, as well as a few Slig troops who swore themselves forever in debt to Flaxis and Sal.
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