Chapter : The Bounty Hunter Association
In the bustling decopunk world of the early 20th century, where technological marvels and arcane forces intertwined, the need for a specialized force to maintain order became increasingly apparent. It was in this climate that the Bounty Hunters' Association was born, funded by a consortium of wealthy industrialists and influential aristocrats who recognized the threats looming on the horizon.
At the turn of the century, the world had narrowly avoided the catastrophic conflict of the First World War, thanks to the intervention of daring mercenaries and diplomats. However, this fragile peace came at a cost – the rise of powerful criminal syndicates and occult organizations that sought to exploit the power vacuum left in the wake of the averted war.
These nefarious entities, driven by greed and a lust for power, posed a significant threat to the established order. They trafficked in illicit goods, engaged in extortion, and dabbled in dark rituals that threatened to unleash unspeakable horrors upon the world. Traditional law enforcement agencies, ill-equipped to handle such supernatural and unconventional threats, found themselves outmatched and overwhelmed.
It was in this climate of uncertainty that a visionary group of industrialists and aristocrats came together, recognizing the need for a specialized force capable of combating these emerging threats. Led by the enigmatic Lord Erasmus Vanburen, a scion of one of the oldest and wealthiest families in the realm, they pooled their vast resources and influence to establish the Bounty Hunters' Association.
The Association was envisioned as a private organization, operating outside the constraints of traditional law enforcement agencies, yet still upholding the principles of justice and order. Its members were carefully selected from a diverse pool of individuals, each possessing unique skills and talents – former military personnel, skilled marksmen, arcane practitioners, and even those with a shadowy past in the criminal underworld.
The funding for the Association came from a diverse array of sources. Wealthy industrialists, eager to protect their business interests and maintain stability, contributed substantial sums. Aristocrats, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to preserve the established order, offered their patronage and influence. Even some governments, recognizing the Association's potential to serve as a bulwark against threats they could not openly confront, provided covert support and resources.
The Bounty Hunters' Association quickly established itself as a formidable force, employing cutting-edge decopunk technology and harnessing arcane knowledge to combat the supernatural threats that plagued the world. Its members, bound by a strict code of honor and unwavering dedication, became legendary figures, their exploits whispered in the smoky backrooms of speakeasies and the opulent drawing-rooms of high society.
As the Association's reputation grew, so did its influence and reach. It became a beacon of hope for those who sought justice and protection from the forces of darkness that lurked in the shadows of this decopunk world. Its members were revered as heroes, their actions serving as a constant reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, the pursuit of justice and the preservation of order could prevail. They pretty much serve as the in between the police and the military.