The Bounty Hunters' Guild

[Vrun Ryssic]

ALL ABOUT US​

So, you want to become a Bounty Hunter? Simple. Sign up. Join the group, get involved. I recommend you read the Bounty Hunter Code, then introduce yourself to the rest of us. There's a long description of how the job works, which can be found below (in the spoiler), or you can accept my too long, didn't read the quote:

• An acquisition (target) does something illegal an originator (client) doesn't like. Law doesn't care. Originator contacts a bounty office, our Guild gets a copy of the contract, and our members do as described (dead or alive, special requirements, etc). Finish the job, deliver the acquisition (target), and get the reward (bounty).

And now the long version...

Spoiler: Long Version

Someone commits a crime. A local government, a corporation, or an individual issues a notification to the Bounty Hunters' Guild, offering a reward for the capture or execution of the criminal. The entity that issues the notification is known as the originator (or client). The criminal who is the subject of the notification is called the acquisition (or target). The reward, of course, is the bounty.

The originator usually issues a bounty notification because the local or regional law-enforcement services are unable or unwilling to take steps to resolve a situation. After the notification arrives at a Bounty Hunters' Guild office, two methods occur: either a Guild contractor determines which Hunter will track down and apprehend the acquisition, or a Hunter claims the bounty because he/she can fulfil it at the time. One rule remains, though, that the hunter cannot refuse an assignment from the Guild contractor or after it's been claimed.

The Hunter must capture and deliver the acquisition - or, at the very least, the remains or other evidence of the acquisition's death - to a designated person, corporation, or location, known as the receiver. The bounty is typically paid in credits, either hard cash or a direct transfer to the Bounty Hunters' Guild, the Guild takes its small commission, and the rest is forward to the Hunter who completed the contract.

When it comes to being in the Guild, and representing us, it's real simple. Here's the short version, again:

• We only deal in legal contracts, it's how we stay in business
• You do what the contract says unless you have no choice (don't screw around and get lazy - I'll know)
• You make sure to follow the law in any Government's sector, and avoid civilian or collateral damage as much as possible
• You never back out of a contract or accept another counter-offer - we have a reputation to keep, don't ruin it
• Feel free to do freelance work, but you make damned clear you aren't representing us - we're not mercs and we don't bring mud inside from other jobs
• If you break the law in your own time, it better not splash on us, or I'll be ticked off (and you won't like me then)
• If you break the Bounty Hunter Code, you get one warning - after that, you're out (and maybe hunted yourself)
• Guild takes 5% of a bounty, to cover costs and contracting fees (the benefits outweigh the credit loss - keep your blasters cooled)
• When in doubt, ask, don't be that member

Here are some longer and more detailed questions with answers:

Spoiler: Long Version II

• Do Bounty Hunters kill for money? Yes, but not indiscriminately, and not merely for personal gain. Members of the Bounty Hunters' Guild accept rewards for killing criminals, but only when a lawfully issued bounty notification requires the acquisition dead. Same with contracts for alive, dead bounties net a commission to the Guild as well.
• Are Bounty Hunter's murderers? No. Murderers kill unlawfully.
• Are bounty hunters assassins? No. Assassins typically target specific individuals for political, religious or personal reasons, and do not necessarily profit from the killing. Most so-called professional assassins have no compunction about accepting money to kill innocent people, which we don't do (see next point). All of our contracts must have a legal basis before being accepted.
• Do bounty hunters kill innocent people? Never intentionally, and not without consequence. Members of the Bounty Hunters' Guild make every effort to ensure the safety of innocent life forms and prevent collateral damage. When accidents occur, the Guild's legal and insurance departments work with other authorities to compensate innocents and their relatives for any specified loss, damage, illness, and death. The Guild is in the business of stopping criminals, not harming innocents. The Guild is not responsible, however, for injuries, deaths, or damage caused by acquisitions during a hunt.
• Are bounty hunters mercenaries? Absolutely not. Mercenaries are freelance soldiers hired to serve in foreign armies. Bounty hunters have little regard for anyone whose allegiance is for sale. When we accept a contract, the agreement is binding until it is complete. No negotiations, no counter-offers, no breaking a contract.
• Are all Bounty Hunters members of the Bounty Hunters' Guild? No. Unfortunately for them, some hunters prefer to work independently. They don't last long. And usually end up getting into trouble with the law, because they ignore our guidelines.
• Do Bounty Hunters compete with each other? Not if they're members of the Bounty Hunters' Guild or an affiliate guild. Because Guild Contractors assign Guild Hunters to pursue specific bounties, or update contract statuses when one is claimed, it's rare for Guild Hunters to cross paths; but when they do, they respect each other as allies. As for non-Guild Hunters, if they interfere with an authorized Guild hunt, you are permitted to defend your claim and personal safety, and the Guild will make sure they never see a contract update again.
• Do bounty hunters do freelance work? Guild Hunters are allowed to pursue any sanctioned bounties, outside of the Guild itself, with the provision that their work for the Guild comes first and that the Guild receives a percentage of their non-Guild earnings. But remember that "freelance" is not an excuse for bad behaviour. You are not a hired gun. You are a bounty hunter, a licensed law enforcement officer, and don't let anyone tell you differently. You are not a wage slave, and you cannot be bought.
• What if my freelance work lands me in trouble? Sadly, if you're caught up in a legal mess while operating outside of the Guild's purview, we can only do so much. We'll try and help you out of a jam, but that would incur a cost, especially if we need to smooth things over for damages or injuries. The best way to think about it is this: When you're not on a contract for the Guild, you're like an off-duty CorSec officer - you still need to make good decisions, and obey laws. Otherwise, those mistakes come back to bite you, and the Guild's hands are mostly tied.

And of course, if something isn't answered just ask below.