The Great Hunt
Tag(s): @Open
Before...
Word spread quick, and ideas quicker. Tucked away, in this small corner of the galaxy, in this smaller corner of the forest, the small group of Mandalorians were able to fulfill something they all craved. They have
lived, and though it was not to their fullest, it was far better than the alternatives the galaxy had presented them. Until now. The Raid on Contruum had been successful in spreading the message, and this was among the first glimpses of that ripple effect.
Upon landing, they were greeted by a small patrol of what looked to be the tales of old brought to life. Mandalorians bearing the standardized armor akin to that of the original Neo-Crusaders, modernized for the perilous times they lived in - very slight individualistic tweaks, adding the new with an emphasis on the old. Bidding them to follow, they had been lead to that same ancient camp that had been a holdout for Mandalorians time, and time again.
A few battle circles littered parts of the encampment, full of sparring recruits and veterans who wished to hone their skills and earn honor through combat. Another day, another age, they would have been fierce warriors. On the forefront of battle, laying waste to anything afore them in the name of glory and conquest. Alas, this had been denied to them. As the newcomers arrived, there were some veiled looks of intrigue from the old-fashioned helms, bearing a natural wariness and distaste. But all of that was quickly cast aside when the brief meeting had turned into a proposal.
Tap, tap, tap. The sound of a metal staff made itself apparent. Emerging from the shadows of the small compound, one bearing crimson armor marked by white emerged. In hand, what can only be described as a poleaxe served as his weapon. The de-facto leader of this small group of traditionalists had bid his time in the hopes of such an opportunity. Many such claims had come, and passed, with many doing no better than the last. This time, there was the spark of something old, and he would have brought shame upon all who were true Mando’ade to not try to seize the chance.
His left arm splayed wide, the shoulder-cape flowing with the movement,
“Vode, I bid you welcome to Dxun. Here Mandalore the Indomitable fell, and the Ultimate took his place. This is the birthplace of our culture’s finest age. An ancestral home, for some of our number, and a beating heart of Mandalorian culture for all.”
Hand pressed to his chest,
“I am Carduul Akahl, the Rally Master among us,” Before gesturing forth towards the small group gathered in front of himself,
“And I have invited you all here to see your convictions, and re-acquaint the willing with their roots.” With the decree of the helmeted man, he stepped down onto the grass and dirt below.
And so the brief discussion gave way to the proposal of the Beast-Master. The Great
Oya’karir, hosted as it was meant to be - a trial of skill, of honor, and of character. Though Carduul’s knowledge of the greater galaxy was limited, he knew enough. This age-long tradition had been taken from Mandalorians, turned into a mere sport by common thugs. No longer. The proof of their resolve will be shown by actions. A fitting way to see their resolve for himself.
With their preparations set, and eager souls ready to venture into the thick brush, he gave parting words to his newfound acquaintances.
“The Jungles are rife with danger, and opportunity. In them, may you find honor, glory and knowledge of yourself in battle. We as Mando’ade have strayed from the ways that have brought us glory - in participating in this trial, we shall honor our forebears, and affirm our determination in returning us to the path.”
With the raise of his weapon into the air, there was a shout;
“OYA!”
And it was followed in a cacophony of cries around the camp.
Now...
The Rally Master had inhabited the jungle moon as a base of operation for quite some time now. Those that were smart may have attempted to tail him. That knowledge of the land was the only advantage he held, for he had opted to go with nothing more than a heavy blaster pistol, his trusted vibro-weapon, and several small tools for survival. There was no shame in pairing up with the other contestants, t’was true; but he felt it would diminish the newcomer’s view if those who so ardently purported the Old Ways sought aid so readily. No, it was better to set an example.
The constant stormy conditions of Dxun were of no help. Rain battered down upon his armor, droplets pouring down his visor in the misty haze. Carduul deftly navigated the jungle towards a common spot. Many animals could get in his way -
Cannoks,
Bomas, perhaps even a fearsome
Zakkeg. Curiously, they had chosen the most fearsome predator on the moon as a target, the Drexl. If it was to prove their commitment, he would certainly admit he would be impressed - if their hunt showed their worth, that is.
The sound of bone and flesh being ripped apart made itself apparent. Crouched in the brush, he slowly pushed aside the foliage to reveal his target. A feeding Drexl, adolescent. The subject of what he was here for.
The vibro-weapon was hefted, and he slowly emerged from the brush. A few steps, like a Nexu stalking their prey, moving in - before he made his move, steps rushed forward to drive the weapon into their hide.
A mistake, on his part.
Crrunch; its keen senses had caught those whisper-quiet movements, and with a single motion, it ripped out it’s next bite, whirled about with its large tail, and batted him aside. His weapon embedded itself for a moment into the leathery skin, but to little avail as he was sent tumbling back. A terrible shriek emitted, as it’s large wings spread, and it took flight.
A
huff left himself as he swiftly came to his feet - momentarily dazed, but far from finished. His moment of surprise was now over. Now the true hunt began.
Carduul Akahl
, a Mandalorian Rally Master, stationed on the nearby moon of Dxun. Carduul leads a group of zealous preservers dedicated to the ancient ways and history of the Mandalorians. The Crusaders answer his call, boarding a dozen shuttles and heading to Dxun, where Carduul and his men await them at an ancient Mandalorian outpost nestled in the moon's impenetrable jungles.
Ninurta Slaabur'r
, the Mandalorians' Beastmaster, has an idea. To celebrate their first raid, he proposes reviving a long-lost Mandalorian tradition: the Great Hunt.
