The Bounty Board
“Your problem is someone else’s payday.”
The Bounty Board is not a single, physical place, but a decentralized network of data-terminals and physical posting boards found in every major city-state and most way-stations. It is the primary gig-economy hub for mercenaries, technicians, and adventurers.
Description
In its most common form, a Bounty Board is a rugged, weatherproof data-terminal with a large, high-contrast screen, usually located in a public space like a market square or the entrance to a tavern. The screen displays a constantly updating list of open contracts, or “bounties.” These can range from simple delivery jobs to high-risk Daemon hunts.
The network is maintained by a loose coalition of information brokers who take a small percentage of each transaction. There is no central authority, and the Board’s motto is “Caveat Emptor”—let the buyer beware.
What Makes it Unique
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Smart Contracts: When a bounty is posted, the client must place the reward into an encrypted escrow account. The contract’s terms are encoded into a “smart contract”—a piece of self-executing code. For a simple delivery, the funds might be released automatically when the recipient’s data-signature confirms receipt. For a Daemon hunt, the contract might require the hunter to upload a verified “kill-signature,” a unique string of data captured from the moment of the Daemon’s destruction. This system removes the need for trust, but also makes the contracts rigid and unforgiving.
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Reputation Score: Every user on the network has a reputation score, a complex algorithm that tracks their completed jobs, client satisfaction, and any disputes. A high reputation score grants access to more lucrative and dangerous contracts. A low score might get you blacklisted from the system entirely. This score is more valuable than any currency.
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Dead Man’s Switch: For the most dangerous jobs—exploring uncharted ruins, hunting legendary Daemons, or spying on a major faction—a client can enable a “Dead Man’s Switch.” If the bounty hunter does not send a secure “check-in” signal every 24 hours, the full details of the contract, including the client’s identity and all gathered intel, are automatically released onto the public network. This is a powerful insurance policy against betrayal.