Rifts: The Outlander

It is a dark night in the massive metropolis of Chi'Town. The huge tower of Chi'Town, home to the Imperial Family and Central Government officials towers over the night sky. But all is not so glorious everywhere...

Deep within in the infamous Chi'Town Burbs', exists a raunchy tavern known as Zaelek's. A popular despot for bounty hunters, mercenaries, and criminals, Zaelek's blends just the right mixture of liquor and crime to create a potent mixture of hospitility. Inside the rusty doors, about 15 people sit at various booths and tables, drinking and socializing. Behind the counter, a very old, tired human tends to the customers, cleaning cups at the moment.

At a booth in the corner, two bounty hunters sit together. Known by few as Kyros and Graylock, they are both lethal Bounty Hunters, master's in the art of death. Just recently, they formed a loose alliance based on what they saw on that small TV at the bar...

"This is Kayla Dakaroa, from the Imperial News Network, reporting live from the Burbs'. We have an urgent news story. Recently, we have received news that the Burbs' has become home to a new danger, one more dangerous than the usual. A mysterious man has appeared at various bars throughout the town, apparently very beautiful, clad in pure silk robes of exotic origin. He carries with him two long, slender swords, the likes of which the Authorities have never seen. He was disregarded at first reports, but now, 11 deaths have appeared, all caused by a vicious decapatation. Due to this, an anonymous bounty has been placed, of 1,000,000 on his head. All Hunter's are advised to proceed with extreme caution, as this man is extremely dangerous."

"I'm just curious how many of those eleven were hunters like us," Graylock says to no one in particular, sipping whatever passes for water in these parts. Setting down the dirty glass, he looks around the room. Must be a work night. He thinks to himself, not sure why the place is so empty for such a usually happening place. "A million big ones though. I could certainly use some of that."

He looks over at Kyros, the man he met recently. David knew he was using 'man' in the relative term. It was obvious from the way Kyros looked that he was a D-Bee. Looked like one of them Alpha Humans that he had heard rumors about. They had decided together that for the time being, having a joint pact between them would help them survive the rigors of bounty hunting, at least until they could do half the jobs on their own. Kyros had a look about him, like he could peer right through your soul. A psychic most likely. David was too, but only in some areas. He preferred the more tangible power of his Tech.

"What do you think Kyros? Probably end up being number thirteen with my luck."

Kyros - True Atlantean [Mind Melter]

Listening intently to the news broadcast he nearly misses when Graylock begins speaking. A slight smile brushes his face as he contemplates his companions words. "Probably the majority. Out here people will try and kill you for a meal, much less if the think you either have something worthwhile, or are worth something yourself." Taking another drink before setting it down quickly in disgust. They call this water? "But I agree for a million credit bounty there will be no limit of people to try. Even if someone takes him they have to make the guantlet to collect."

Despite the dangers of traveling and working this close to the Coalition' heart, the work was just to good to pass up. He again eyed the man who sat beside him. "Personally I think you are correct a half a million credits each would do nicely. Even better I like to know what predators are swimming in the same waters as me. So I guess it is time to start locating his hunting ground." With that Kyros starts a mental inventory of his equipment. I don't plan for either of dying on this one.

Graylock nods. "Agreed. The sooner we know what we're up against, the faster we can plan for it." He mutters under his breath..Not that it'll do us any good.

Kyros - True Atlantean [Mind Melter]

shadowbloodmoon said:

Graylock nods. "Agreed. The sooner we know what we're up against, the faster we can plan for it." He mutters under his breath..Not that it'll do us any good.

Click to expand...

Nodding his head in return while a smile once again plays across his face. "Well our next decision I believe is do we want to start at the site of his first attack and work forward or his last and go back? A lot of the downsiders are territorial so if anyone witnessed anything useful they are probably still close to that area. What do you think? Or do you have a different idea?"

"If anyone else is looking for him, the first site is more than likely already picked clean of anything useful in the way of clues. The last place is probably crawling with hunters." Graylock paused for a moment, considering the options.

"Perhaps a look at the sequence of locations would be in order. Perhaps there is a method to this killer's madness. Or not. "

Kyros - True Atlantean [Mind Melter]

Watching the surrounding tables for anyone paying a little too mucg attention Kyros leans slightly to his partner for more privacy. "Exactly if we see where he has traveled we might have a better chance of discovering where he is going and why. Plus for physical clues I would agree that they are probably trampled in the dirt, but the street people see all and know everything that happens in their home strip. It is just a matter of getting them to share that information. Unlike most Hunters though we will try a little diplomacy and maybe a bribe or ten. Physical force only get you so far with the street people." Stopping as he contemplates the possibilities Kyros begins to formulate a rough plan of action.

"Well, we aren't going to get anywhere sitting here, are we?" Standing, Graylock adjusts his clothing and looks for the first person that looks 'streetwise'.

Kyros - True Atlantean [Mind Melter]

Raising up and stretching Kyros quickly surveys the tavern one last time before gathering his gear and turning his head to meet Graylocks gaze. "I agree the trail grows colder as we speak. And the better chance someone will will meet their end tonight." With that Kyros turns and makes for the door.

Following Kyros out, Graylock mentally prepares himself. He knew that marks usually had a habit of knowing when a hunter was looking for them. Whether they did anything about it was another story. "It seems as though this guy wants to be caught," he says, pulling thoughts from the air. "I mean think about it. No matter where he goes, he leaves bodies and clues, as if he wants someone to follow him."