Public Hunt of the Weik

[Rhuth O'ti]

The Madlands


Hellsgate was the entrance to the Madlands, and it was there that Rhuth stood with a few of her Clan, overlooking the canyons and outcroppings for movement. It was time for another hunt. The Dust Stalker was their prey. The reptilian creature was known to be vicious and quick to violence, yet it could be said that the Mandalorians on Weik were the same when provoked. It is through hunting Dust Stalkers that the Mandalorians were judged. Successfully killing one brought the Clans much honour, as well as food and plating for armour and shields. Nothing was ever wasted. Failure in defeating a Dust Stalker usually resulted in death or injury. To kill a Dust Stalker was a team effort and not for an individual to take on.

"You all know the drill. We've got until sundown. Successful or not, we leave before the stars appear." Sundown brought the worst out of the Dust Stalkers of the Madlands. Without the sunlight to restrict their vision, they could hunt and attack much easier. And the Dust Stalkers loved to eat humans. Their sense of smell and sense of hearing were heightened enough as it is during the day. Night time made them next to impossible to kill. So it was always better to retreat out of the Madlands and regroup for another hunt later on.

Rhuth kept her shield at the ready, and her axe on hand as she stepped forward through the stone arch. The visor of her helmet restricted her vision somewhat, but she was well used to knowing just how to turn her head to give her all the vision that she required. The others with her did their part, each of them keeping an eye on the other angles so that they couldn't be taken by surprise. A light wind blew through, kicking up some dust on the ground and giving them an indication of it's direction. The Mandalorians were downwind from where the Dust Stalkers were known to frequent, but that was no reason to be put at ease. Now was time for quiet, lest the hunters become the hunted.​

 

[Rhuth O'ti]

Each of them stepped carefully, being mindful of their surroundings. The further that they trekked into Hellsgate, the more unease they felt. Dust Stalkers had a habit of popping out from anywhere. The rock outcroppings and canyon walls provided ample hiding spots for the creatures to ambush them from. It was best just to not give them that chance.

Rhuth paused as she spotted some telltale tracks in the dirt up ahead. She gestured for Om'ri, one of their most seasoned trackers to check it out.

The middle-aged man, armed with his favourite crossbow that was already locked and loaded took to the front to scope out the tracks. He knelt down before them, tracing one of them with a gloved hand for a few moments before returning to his feet. Using hand signals that was a common form of sign language among them, he gave his fellow Clansmen and Mand'alor the results of his findings; two humans were chased into the canyon by one Dust Stalker as recent as yesterday.

Now they had two things to look out for. Unknown humans, plus a Dust Stalker close by. Just which one survived the encounter remained to be seen.

Rhuth gestured for them to continue, with Om'ri now taking up the lead.
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