World of CYBERBUN: Harlequin
To many in Pasturage City, Harlequin is purely the successful manager of the metropolis’ premier casino which carries his name. He is as close to a celebrity as you can be in Pasturage City, and one that is universally loved. He has achieved that publicly through high-profile philanthropy: funding welfare programs for young mothers and abandoned kits; supporting partners of Leporidae Army military personnel; and paying for medical treatment for injured soldiers, all seemingly from the profits of his gambling palace. He has publicly condemned gang violence and offered legitimate employment for youngsters who may have fallen into organized crime. Without mentioning The Inhibits by name, he has also said that terrorist activity has no place in civilized society, whilst also funding organizations tasked with preserving the most ancient parts of Greensward Forest, in support of the prevention of expansion of the city, the principle thing that the Inhibits fight for.
On the face of it, he has remained neutral to all sides. The truth is, he has ‘ins’ with all sides.
Harlequin - casino owner, philanthropist, and master manipulator.
He knew Dyce when they were both young kits in Greensward Forest (being of a similar age, their paths crossed on several occasions) and although they were not especially close, they have always maintained a respectful distance as they have watched one another climb to their respective positions of influence. The Governor knows the casino owner has forged connections with the gangs he’d rather see dismantled, but has chosen to turn a blind eye in favour of his own goals. Dyce knows how quickly the mafia can turn on their allies so assumes Harlequin may be the architect of his own eventual downfall. Similarly, Harlequin has watched with horror at the lengths Dyce has gone to, to achieve his own personal goals and assumes his brutal dictatorship will push even his closest military allies to breaking point.
More than once Harlequin subtly suggests making plans for transitions of power to the mafia bosses should Dyce become indisposed; such bold and blasé threats of insurrection excite the gang leaders, as they are often too exposed to the Army’s watchful eye to make those sort of suggestions themselves. In every way, Harlequin has pinned his chance of immunity on being allied with anyone who dare challenge any threat made to him by the Governor or the Leporidae Army.
Harlequin relaxing with Senna, a dancer at his casino.
That alliance may come from the Emeraldi, to whom Harlequin provides funding to ensure his own contraband can be carried into the city limits by the trade vehicles that gang manages. It could possibly come from the Thyst to whom he loans out cheap safe houses that they use to move around, out of sight and reach of the police. As unlikely as it would appear, it may come from the Inhibits, who would give him asylum in return for his ongoing clandestine support to their cause and resistance to Dyce’s expansion plans; most likely though, it may come from the public, to whom he seemingly throws most of his money at and remains in good standing with. His flamboyant charm is a welcome distraction from the Army propaganda and uneasy presence of foot squads.
Ultimately, he would prefer a peaceful existence, but with all the trimmings he’s attained; he often reminisces fondly about a simpler time growing up in Greensward Forest as a kit, free of responsibility and the trappings of the city life. He sympathises with the Inhibits and sees no need for any further expansion into the dense woodland either; but he knows to outright challenge Dyce to change course would be, at best, a career-ending exclamation.
Harlequin knows his path to a quiet life is increasingly untenable and fraught with danger - with each new acquaintance seeking his support comes another risk. Hiding in plain sight is the safest option, he’s determined, so he’ll continue to enjoy the finer things in life that those with the most power and influence can offer. Conversely, he’ll continue welcoming and allowing those with the right vices to bring themselves down – and just be there to catch any money they drop on the way. It’s that that often determines which way Harlequin will make a decision, after asking himself: ‘how does this work best for me?’
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