The Hunt: Second Blood

[Spartan 999]

((First, please read up on the original Hunt thread here. It will tell you all you need to know about the ba'knwa's abilities and what's expected of the hunters.))

Templar's Rest
Ascended Obelisk Amphitheater
2547, Human Reckoning

As the sunlight died, seven brightly glowing orbs could be seen up above in the heavens. They were surrounded by a sea of stars, each glowing dimly next to the moons. For the first time in many years, the amphitheater was once more packed full of a myriad of Covenant species. All were attending except the Yanme'e, Lekgolo, and Huragok, as they saw no point to the tradition.

The Magistrate, ringed by Honor Guards and flanked by the Huntsmaster, stared out at the gathered crowd with sunken eyes. The gathering was larger than it had been the last time, as seemed to occur every Great Hunt. Now, roughly a third of the structure's seating was filled, due to its utter vastness. Still, she knew her voice would be carried and amplified by the architectural designs.

The thundering drumbeats reached a climax, then ceased a moment later. She cleared her throat and straightened in her gravity throne. Time to give the same speech she gave during every Great Hunt...

"Warriors of the Covenant, we are met tonight in celebration of an event that is holy to the Forerunners, and therefore sanctified. We have so gathered here for the sake of pursuing ba’knwa--the beast that dwells in the holiest of places. Long ago, during the first Ages of the Covenant, both Prophets and Sangheili found this verdant world, bathed in the light of this golden sun.

“And on this world, they found structures--temples--of the Forerunners. So here they stayed, and grew hale and hearty. But upon exploration of these temples, we Prophets found that they were inhabited."

The Magistrate paused, letting the echoes die out. "A fast, cunning creature dwelt in the temples. Lizard-like bodies, four legs, long tails ending in spikes, and rending beaks. Not only that, but they can swim to the temples, where killing them is forbidden. Thus, they were named ba'knwa, which means 'Moonbeast' in the old Sangheili tongue.

"And the ba’knwa, by the work of the gods, could be eaten--and not only could it be eaten, but it tasted superior to any meat less holy. So the first peoples of the Covenant hunted, and hunted, until the ba’knwa began to grow few. It was too easy to kill them from afar, but it took skill to kill them up close. So the Prophets of that Age decreed they could only be hunted with spear and blade, club and net, as was honorable."

Several Sangheili thumped their chests loudly in pride.

"Yet still that was not enough. The peoples of the Covenant were hunters too clever, chasers too quick! So it was decreed that only when the other seven moons of the planet Oasis, around which this world orbits, could be seen in the sky, and the ba’knwa were most plentiful, could they be hunted! And so, since that night, we have hunted the ba’knwa only when all seven moons could be seen in the sky!

"We hunt the old way. With spears and blades, clubs and nets… With fang and claw!"

The gathered crowd bellowed on cue after her words, "And tooth and talon!"

The Magistrate repeated this seven more times, the crowd answering in kind. After this, she lifted both hands.

"Go! Out of this theater, out of the city, and climb your way down to the lake and its environs. Hunt as many of the beasts as you can. There are knives and blades to be purchased in the city, if you have not brought your own. And as tradition demands, whosoever brings down the most beasts shall be personally commended as Great Hunter!"

The crowd rose as one and started bustling to the exits, loud murmurs almost drowned out her next words.

"Onward to the Sanctified Hunt!"

***

Sorsa 'Xirsasai, once more clad in the traditional armor of his clan-- though it was tougher and more ornate than his last set--stood in the back of the amphitheater impassively as the Magistrate spoke. It had been too long since he had come to Templar's Rest. Besides the Hunt, the planet--technically a moon--was magnificent to behold. It was very different from the frozen Xirsas lands, but that made it all the more intriguing to Sorsa.

Though he was a Zealot now, he didn't advertise the fact. He was sure that to the Magistrate, he was still the wayward Special Operator who caused the derailment of the Hunt, and he didn't really care. The place veritably hummed with the roar of the crowd, the vibration pulsing up through his boots and seemingly resonating inside his mind. He had to admit, it was intoxicating, and just like last time, he refrained from joining in.

He finally shifted when the female San 'Shyuum dismissed them, officially beginning the Great Hunt. His mandibles parted in a wide grin behind his mouth guard, crimson eyes staring out of the wide eye slit.

It was time.


Objectives:
~Hunt Ba'knwa
~Survive


((Note: You may not utilize plasma, needle, beam, etc. weaponry while on the hunt. Only primitive swords, curveblades, and the like. Also, for ranged weapons, you may only utilize those that require your own strength alone to propel the projectiles, not any that are aided by mechanical design such as crossbows. Regular bows, atlatls, thrown spears, slingshots, etc. are allowed.))



Guide to Moonbeast Variants:
~Juvenile: The least deadly kind of Moonbeast. On average, they are 3.5-4 feet tall at the shoulder, and 6.5-7 feet long excluding the tail, which doubles their overall length. Their spikes, claws, beak, and teeth are all less developed and deadly. They almost always gather in small groups lead by an Adult or two for their own safety.

~Adult: Standard kind of Moonbeast. On average, they're 4.5-5 feet tall at the shoulder, and 7-8 feet long excluding the tail. They have fully developed natural weaponry which is easily capable of cutting into the toughest flesh and scarring the strongest armor. They are almost as strong as a Sangheili, and are usually found paired with another Adult, leading a small group of Juveniles, or in an Alpha's pack.

~Alpha: The absolute meanest common variation of the Moonbeast. On average, they are 6-7 feet tall at the shoulder, and 9-10 feet long excluding the tail. In addition to the standard natural Moonbeast weaponry--which are wickedly sharp and capable of rending armor severely--they have a series of poisoned quills running down their backs. They can launch the quills with deadly accuracy, and the poison has different effects on non-native Sangheili and other species, but it is almost always fatal if not stopped. They are generally stronger than Sangheili, approaching the strength of a Jiralhanae. They are always found leading packs of Adults, sometimes with another Alpha or two by their side, or guarding Matriarchs.

~Matriarch (Queen): Leaders of entire regions of Moonbeasts, the Matriarchs are highly deadly, even to large groups of skilled hunters. Unlike other Moonbeasts, they usually stand upright, but go down on all fours to increase speed if necessary. On average, they stand 16-18 feet tall when standing upright. Their strength approaches that of Mgalekgolo their size, and have been known to simply pick up and tear apart Sangheili or Jiralhanae with their prehensile front paws. Like Alphas, they have quills adorning their backs, but they are too large to be launched and are mainly for defense. Instead of having spikes on the end of their tails, a Matriarch's tail instead splits off into three sections, not unlike a human cat o' nine tails or bolas. These three end sections of the tail are electrified, and can severely shock or electrocute anything they come into contact with. "Lightning" can be discharged from the ends to a target a short distance away from them, most often arcing to an enemy after the tail has been snapped like a whip. Matriarchs are always found inside a Moonbeast lair, guarded by several packs lead by Alphas, unless angered by the deaths of too many of their offspring and/or favored mates.

More to come...

[Huka]

Great Hunter Til Je'at Ra'ha 'Muramai
Ascended Obelisk Amphitheater

 Standing in the shadows of the balcony with the Magistrate and her guard was a dark-armored figure, a bident in his right hand and green orb staring out of the lower right of four carved in the avian helm. Til remained silent in the glorious speech, his hearts drumming in anxious excitement...and fear. Excitement to hunt one of the most respected-and hated-set of prey; ba'knwa. He've hunted many beasts but the ba'knwa was one of the few to come close to kill him. Their mistress have nearly killed him and left him heavily scarred. Lost half of his sight and greviously damaged his lungs, he would still require more surgery from his personal Huragok healers to return the bliss of breathing. Today was his opportunity to kill as many as possible. No ballistic firepower, no plasma, no energy shields, no tanks, no snipers, just...fangs and claw, tooth and talon!

 Inhaling the moon's air, ignoring the dull pain and couching under the roar of the hunters, Til thumped his spear on the floor before straightening up. He denied his main respirator on this event, his neck bracer will do fine. When the speech was over, the Magistrate turned on her gravity throne and hovered towards him. 

 "Do you request anything before leaving, Great Hunter?" She asked with a favored grin. Til simply shook his head, stepping forward into the light, clad in blood-violet armor that was sleek and could easily melt into the darkness if it wasn't for the light. His head covered by a avian-like helm with a dark crest and four eyes-his own staring out of the bottom pair-the Zealot's guarded mandibles clicked once. The guards cautiously looked at the spear in his hand, easily nearly ten-and-a half feet tall ended with bone-like serrated heads, but there was other weapons on his person; his pair of hook-blades, a collapsed curveblade and another seemed longer than the others, its hilt covered by shining green scales of a ba'knwa and its blade made of jagged bone. Til and the Huntsmaster both knew that was once belonged to the previous Hunt's Queen.

 Nodding, the old woman started to hover away, "Be sure not to be detour the Hunt early again, my Hunter." She advised and the Sangheili restrained himself from making a comment but replied with a rasped voice, "As you command..." When his good eye made contact with the Huntsmaster, they greeted each other with a bow of their head in respect.

 When the balcony was clear, Til hissed in his damaged throat for that cruel joke before spinning on a heel and walked without a sound to the grounds below. He'll meet with his brother and perhaps potential hunters below, wondering if any members of their attached sect would be here.

  The walk was quick and he moved into the plaza, nothing seemed changed to the point it was funny. He recognized merchants rotations ago, selling their worthy array of hunting equipment to the hunters; Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Kig-yar, and even Unggoy (the pack-centric hunters were quite capable to his experience).  His mind was inevitably distract to wonder where Sorsa was, the two veterans were practically inseparable since the Heretic Uprising.

[BetaWülf]

Dakek, Unggoy Major

He would win, he would be the greatest hunter this year. He trained hard before arriving, everyday for a month before the ship he was on left and everyday until it arrived at the Hunting World. He marched through the plaza looking for a weapon designed with his species in mind, little knives and spears, bah! He didn't need to be treated like a child, give him a real weapon! He skimmed several booths before finding his first weapon. It was a pair of spiked gauntlets that were designed to fit over an Unggoy's chitinous arms. He threw down his clans money for the deadly arm guards then continued his search.

Next he found some cheap hook ended ropes and a utility belt to put them on. He still lacked a primary Melee weapon which frustrated him greatly, he searched awhile longer before finding a sword that fit his needs and desires.



He picked up the stout blade and spun it in his hand, the balance was nice and it was heavy enough to do some real damage, he bought it then began to mingle with the other hunters, possibly looking for other hunters to join with in the Hunt.

[Spartan 999]

Sorsa 'Xirsasai
Heading towards the forest

While walking amongst the crowd, Sorsa checked his weapons and armor. The latter was all in shape, and he had all of his weapons. The arm blades, twin swords sheathed at his hips, a rope knife, an atlatl with a quiver of darts, several spears, throwing chakrams, and backup daggers sheathed in his boots; most of the weapons were telescopic, retractable, extendable, or some other form of compartmentalization, save for the swords and backup daggers. Confident he was fully armed and armored, he set about looking for Til. As Legra would not be able to participate in the Hunt, they were the only two left of the original trio sixteen years ago.

Sure enough, he found the slightly shorter Muram Swordsman in under a minute. He came up from behind, but he didn't catch Til fully by surprise, as he turned and noticed Sorsa as well; evidently, he'd been looking for his half-brother as well.

"Seeing as we have a good memory of this area, where do you suggest we head next?" Sorsa inquired.

[Huka]

Til 'Muramai
Merchants' Plaza

Watching the hunters gather weapons and many joining into groups; some being friends or family, others necessities in a common goal. He watch a Jiralhanae pack talk amongst themselves as they held blades and maces to maim and beat their prey, their senses and hides will give them a good advantage until the Alphas shoot them down...then the hunter's eyes went to  the Kig-yar. While he still quite furious about the pirates, he knew not all were like them. He've met honorable and even religious Kig-yar before, but most had the admirable traits of cunning, stealth, and quick senses. 

 When he went to observe the few Unggoy groups, he felt a familiar presence and turned in time to meet Sorsa's eyes, "Ah, Brother. I knew you would find me." He said greeted with a bow of his head. Hearing the former operative's question, the Zealot had a Sangheilian form of a grin, a concept not as familiar as to a human and their lips, "Hmmm good question, brother."

 Scanning his eyes over the plaza and outwards to the mountainous forests, "Hmm perhaps take a path towards the mountain, I've heard from the locals of a beast worthy of our caliber." He said in Muram to keep the conversation between them, glancing up to the seven moons kin to Templar's Rest and their gazing gas giant. 

 "Perhaps we can try there. Better than walking around blind like last time..." With that in mind, Til let out a hearty laugh to himself.

[BetaWülf]

Garatus, getting ready to hunt

He strode into the plaza with confidence, he had never participated in the hunt before but was glad to have the chance. He browsed the booths and stalls before finding something of interest, a short heavy cleaver with a sharp edge, he bought it then continued on, then he found the weapon of his dreams.

It was a massive hammer much like the ones wielded by Chieftains, it even had the blade running along the back of it. He seized the weapon and threw down his currency then walked away to mingle and find fellow hunters to join with. He saw many hunters of nearly all species, Two Sangheili speaking in their own tongue away from the rest, a group of Kig-yar pirates comparing weapons, Unggoy telling jokes and bragging in there little huddles, other Jiralhanae barking and fighting over who gets what weapon, he was unsure of where to go or who to approach. He stood to the side and hoped he'd find someone to Hunt with soon before everyone else had partnered up and left.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, Merchant and hesitant Hunter.
Manning his stall and considering what he has signed up for.

The money, money, think of the money. Trophies will sell well to those Sangheili who couldn't make it or weren't skilled enough to take any. No matter how many times he played it over in his head in the days leading up to the hunt he  knew that it wouldn't alleviate his worries - besides that wasn't the real reason why he had agreed to this. He had heard more and more mummers on his ship that the crew were starting to think he wasn't cut out for captain, he should just go back to the Engine room, or into a airlock.

Shuddering a little he quickly composed himself and smiled at a Unggoy as he sold him some armored punching gauntlets before his mind returned to the Hunt and his ship. Let Noq lead, he had heard, or Tel; they knew what was needed to lead a ship and get more loot like they were meant to do. The supply scrounging was beneath them when they could just raid and take it. One of the reason he allowed so much of his crew to take part in the hunt themselves to try and ease their bloodlust. He could never convince them why he didn't want to raid...he would just have to convince them that he wasn't worthless...that's what he hoped to show over the next few days on the hunt.

Looking up as a large Jiralhanae came over he almost fell over as the coin bag was hurled into his chest and the hulking pile of fur walked off proudly with the unpowered hammer. At least they are selling fast...dam Hunt why did I agree to this stupid thing. Taking a good few breaths he pushed the speech he had heard from outside out of his mind, the tradition was nice but trying to focus on not dying was better. He had no choice though, the opportunity was too good to pass up.

By now most of the assembled Hunters had retrieved or purchased their weapons so Nek left his stall, leaving it in Gus's claws if anyone else wanted something, before heading over to Kex and his three security team members, Nek being the fifth member of the team. The basic outfit used by the Kig-Yar would be a thick knee length coat that was specially treated to help hide their scents, the thickness muffling their movement. They wore no boots or armored shoes but their pants and shirts held pockets and small armored inserts. Though being Kig-Yar their main strategy would be to not get hit as the small inserts would do nothing on a direct hit. One of the reasons Nek had on a semi flexible breastplate in addition, but the crew could wear whatever additional armor they deemed appropriate.

Each of them also had a two handed weapon across their back, the sling around their chests helping to hold the coat on tightly - Nek had chosen a two handed Saber, similar in style to what the front line boarders of his ancestry would swing from ships to ship with. He also had his human combat knife fastened to toe back of his belt under his coat. When they got under way he would also grab a balanced spear and a decent sized net - all of these weapons Kex had been helping him learn in the weeks leading up to this.

Nodding to some Sangheili who seemed like they were just made of weapons he skirted around them and met up with Kex, who seemed very eager to get going while Nek just looked a good bit out of place and unsure of himself. "Guessing you're ready, you sure look it." Money...money...money and no mutiny.

(Hope the outfit/armament were alright.)

[BetaWülf]

Kex, exited to get a trophy on his wall

Kex pulled at his collar and grumbled as he shifted in his thick coat, he hated it very much but knew it could be of use so he kept it on. He was ready to get the head of a Moon beast for his wall as he had dreamed of for quite some time, he decided doing a check of his weapons would be a good idea. His cutlass was on his left hip and his dagger on the right, as it should be he thought. His three pronged axe-like trident was strapped across his back and his net flung over his left shoulder, check, and of course his armor was in place, he grumbled under his breath.

He checked his teams weapons just to be certain they wouldn't get killed due to faulty weapons, everything seemed to be fine. He looked up to see Nek approach.

"Guessing you're ready, you sure look it." Nek said as he walked up to Kex.

"I cant wait to get a Moon beast head for my wall on the Speed Streak" Keex said with glee, he frowned when he noticed Nek nervous.

"You'll do fine, stick with me and I'll see you through this." Kex said placing a hand on Nek's shoulder. He took Nek's spear and set a target up in an alley near the stall.

"You want to get it balanced in-between your finger and your first thumb, like this" Kex said sliding the spear in his digits until it stayed level.

"Then you put your foot opposite your spear hand out and facing your target, like this" Kex said putting his left foot forward towards the target.

"Then you bring your arm back, and remember it's all in the wrist, you just flick it forward as you throw, like so" Kex said, he then threw his arm forward flicking his wrist at the last moment, sending the spear hurling into the center of the target. He ripped it out and handed it back to Nek.

"You remember this and you should do alright, and try to have some fun" Kex said with a grin.

(The outfit/armament is fine, also if you ever need to throw a spear you know how to now.)

[Dufflepud]

R'ha Ze'ta Je'at Katolai
Perusing the marketplace

R'ha strode down the marketplace as if with purpose, making his way around the various tables covered in glittering knives and blades of a thousand different varieties. Outwardly, he attempted to project an aura of calm, his back stiff and head held high. The massive Sangheili drew some stares, but mostly vendors focused on hawking their wares to the myriad prospective hunters strewn about the plaza. Despite what his body language would suggest, however, great field marshal was, of all things, nervous about the coming hunt. Not because he was worried about being killed - the Ba'knwa were dangerous adversaries, but he was confident in his combat skills. No, he was worried that he might not live up to his uncle Nyla's legacy. Nyla, the current Kaidon of the Vale, had been the last Katol clansman to enter in the great hunt. A fantastic warrior, it had been a tale he had impressed upon the young R'ha for years. Now, it was R'ha's turn and he couldn't help but feel that his mentor and teacher would be disappointed if he was not victorious, or at least one of the top few hunters. With the competition as it was, he couldn't help but get the feeling that others might outshine him.

Suddenly, a particular glint caught his eye, and he shifted his course. Although already incredibly well armed with his enormous steel greatsword, formidable folding battle glaive, his massive, ornately carved recurve bow, and one of the mid sized but versatile curveblade short swords he always carried. Nyla had told him that the smiths of Templar's rest nearly rivaled those of the Vale, and that the purchase of a new piece of equipment was certainly warranted. As he approached the stall, the item came fully into view. It was a set of beautifully carved, torpedo shaped steel spikes, each about eighteen inches long. The tips were pronged, and scenes of forests and strange beasts covered them in intricate detail. They came in a leather bandolier, and in all there were ten of them.

“How do these work?” asked R’ha of the shopkeeper, looking up from his admiration of the weapons to face the grizzled, ancient Sangheili.

“Watch,” replied the native, sliding one of the blades from the bandolier. He turned to face a set of round, medium sized targets that had been positioned a good forty feet from the stall. Cocking his arm, he snapped it forwards, and the whistling dart spun end over end through the air, before burying itself half way into the solid wood. Before R’ha could ask for another demonstration, the elderly shopkeeper grabbed another blade and shifted his aim to the next target over, this one covered in a layer of steel chainmail. The second blade connected with an audible ring, and small metal links were flung outward at the point of impact.

“They will pierce Moon Beast hide like paper,” stated the shopkeeper with a grin as he turned his focus back to R’ha. "However, what you may not notice is this," he said, pointing at a small metal ring welded onto the center of the piece, "In combination with the barbed ends, you can loop some metal cord in here and use it to hold down the moon beast. Additionally, you may use these to set wire traps." R’ha couldn’t help but grin back. The thrown blades were truly impressive in their simple lethality.

“How much?” he asked, reaching for the currency he had brought to the planet surface.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, Merchant and hesitant Hunter.
Glad someone knows what they are doing.

Grunting as Kex set a hand on his shoulder and tried to comfort him he patted the hand and managed a smile. "Thanks, but It's kind of my job to worry so we don't get ambushed while flying about with all the supplies so we don't get snuck up on...more than can be helped." He freely gave up the spear as Kex reached for it and moved to the side to better watch what he was doing. He carefully took mental notes on the way Kex was holding it, glad that all the sub species of his kind had the same hand structure, and how he stood before he threw it. Nodding a little as it thunked into the target Nek took it back and did his best to stand the same was Kex did and hold it, a practice throw didn't hurt. But just as he was about to throw he felt a itch in his vocal sac, but dismissed it as he leant back and started to throw.

Unfortunately the itch soon turned into a bout of coughing, the spear going wide of the target as Nek nearly keeled over, holding his throat as he coughed and coughed. Eventually it stopped as he spit out a bit of...something on the ground and looked up to see where the spear had landed, guessing that because there were no screams he thankfully didn't hit anyone. He sucked in his breath as he could see the still slightly quivering haft of the spear as it stuck in the wall dangerously right near the two Sangheili who seemed to be made of those bone weapons.

"I think we should head out...soon, real soon. I'll get a new spear on the way out." He quickly said in the Kig-Yar tongue to Kex and his team as he watched the two Sangheili.

[Huka]

Q'ai 'Muramee
Preparation for the Hunt

Hearing stories of Grand Hunter Til's ventures and humble deformity from this world have always intrigued Q'ai and when he came here, the Borderland clansman can currently say the story of this planet was accurate when it came to its natural sublime. Staring out to the seven moons that stood in the star-lit night skies, Q'ai found it easy to breath and move on this lively planet. He could just feel the life baring onto his scales and it made him shudder. Dressed in the Nakhlu clan huntwear of a thick jacket lined with um'kasa fur to help in warmth, a sleeveless padded shirt underneath, flexible leather trousers and lightly-plated boots, Q'ai felt homely compared to the standard combat harness. To complete this feeling, he managed to craft a fine bow of his clan's designs; a recurve bow with composition materials of fu'wha wood as a core, ghas'ku horn for its belly, and sinew of the same wild goring animal on the back. All held together by the prime fish glue, plucked from the far-reaching Omorii River. 

 Looking at the fine craftsmanship he put into the bow, he purred to himself, keeping true to his clan's tradition for the Hunt but he knew of the Rest's environment, so he made a thin cover for the bow to protect it from the moisture better and used Cjilar flesh from the Shal'tor jungle for his string. Running his talon carefully along it, Q'ai smirked. It was good to have a bow in his hands again, shame he didn't have his precious steed to enjoy it with him. When I get the permission, I will revisit my home and see my runt...he thought affectionately.

 Then his thoughts were interrupted by the approach of his file officers; Labus and Jhao. The prior was dressed in the local garbs of a jade green harness of scales and shaped bone with his bodysuit underneath, armed with a thick-bladed falchion with a seemingly jaded core, two short spears, and a curveblade. The other, standing tall and somewhat lithe, was bare-chested with noticeable scars from previous hunts, painted with white symbols. Jhao wore a mantle of wildly stripped fur with its arms drooped over his chest and a loincloth of similar material, the only civil clothes he wore with his garbs was wrapped boots and had a bundle of javelins in one hand with a battle axe in the other, made from wrapped bone and its jagged head from crystalline origin. 

 "We are ready, Commander." Labus said with barely-contained excitement to join in his home colony's event, his powerful muscles bulging abit before relaxing. Jhao remained calm and twitched his lower mandibles just slightly before speaking with his native accent, "What of you, Honorable Commander?"

 Q'ai stood up tall, as tall as he could be anyway, making his quiver of 70 arrows and clan-sword's belt tighten around him abit, "Of course." 

[Spartan 999]

Sorsa 'Xirsasai
Now heading towards the "Mount Doom" of Templar's Rest with Til

"Yes," Sorsa said in the Muram tongue, jerking his head to indicate that they should move, and making his way to the path leading up to the mountain. "I have heard of such rumors as well. Tales speak of...unusual Moonbeasts in the more mountainous regions, to say the least. Some say they breathe fire, others believe the creatures fly, among other things. I look forward to seeing if those are mere myths, or the storytellers speak truth."

Part of the forest loomed ahead, obscuring most of the path leading up the mountain. Darkness reigned there, and he had the feeling something deep in there was watching. Waiting. Ready for the foolish hunters to approach. And the thing was, he wagered there actually was a couple pairs of eyes or more staring at the gathered warriors. The ba'knwa may not have been sentient--at least, not that they'd found out--but they were still unusually intelligent. Maybe their proximity to Forerunner technology changed them somehow...

He blinked and turned to Til again as they were passing by a majority of the equipment vending stalls. "Seeing as we already have all the items we require, do you think we should find others to join with? If worse come to worse, they could be used as bait for the Moonbeasts." Sorsa chuckled darkly.

[BetaWülf]

Dakek the Destroyer!

He stretched and flexed off to the side of the gathered Hunters, he didn't want a cramp while in the forest where the vicious beasts were, he sipped from his water canister to stay hydrated. He didn't see too many other Unggoy around and he was disappointed by it, he'd show them all that they could be mighty hunters too.

With the Hammer and the spear and the Iron fist of the Unggoy he would see it done, his clan would tell stories about him long after his death, be it in battle or of old age he knew not. He shuffled towards the crowd and looked around with a glaring frown before speaking.

"Who would take into there Hunting party? I'm brave and strong! I wont fail." he said to anyone who would listen, if anyone even heard him.


Kex, Pirate of delusional grandeur

Kex cringed as the spear landed near the Sangheili, Nek was coughing horribly then he coughed up.... something disgusting to the point of well.... disgustingness. Nek looked over to where the two Sangheili stood and his eyes widened slightly.
 
 I think we should head out...soon, real soon. I'll get a new spear on the way out." Nek said in their native tongue, Kex was in total agreement. He stooped down and helped Nek to his feet and grabbed a new spear from the stall before gathering the team, Kex bobbed his head and warbled to the others as they grabbed everything they were taking.

 "Lets get hunting, we should stick to the pine forests near the foot of the mountain I think." Kex said to Nek as they walked towards the hunting grounds.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, Merchant and hesitant Hunter.
Quickly getting under way so as not to anger their Sangheili hosts.

Taking a good few deep breaths Nek rubbed his vocal sac a bit as he frowned. Dam human smoke sticks how can they manage those disgusting things...Nodding as Kex agreed with him he stooped down to retrieve his net and grabbed the new spear as it was offered, quickly following his fellows out of the market and meeting square and into the wilderness. Tucking the spear under his arm he pulled up his coat sleeves to let his arm feathers poof out a bit as he walked with his team. Glad he had decided to leave his TacPad back in his ships quarters, that would just be painfully obvious and probably not allowed anyway. Taking his spear back out he finally got to take a nice long look around the forest area around the keep they had landed at.

It was quiet pretty, and would likely be a nice place to just sit down and relax or take a vacation on if not for all the deadly creatures in it. And those back at the keep now that he thought about it - but quickly pushed that from his mind, there only way off this planet was back in the keep past all those hunters and Covenant military members, best not to think about them turning on us all. Looking over at Kex he raised a eye ridge as he spoke.

"Why that area? Are we looking for any and all beasts here or just like small ones? Either way we may as well start heading over there."

Following in the middle of the pack his mind returned to something he said earlier to his security chief - that it was my job to worry. What if those Covenant members found out they had traded with humans before? They likely wouldn't be too pleased and would turn all those fancy bone weapons and machetes onto him and his crew. He would need to start thinking of a plan if the worst should happen. He trusted that Kex would be on watch for him as he absentmindedly followed along; retracing their steps from the landing zone to the large meeting area as he thought of alternate ways to get back, just in case.

(Hopefully not too soon, but he's a bit paranoid. I'll edit if too soon.)

[Huka]

Til ‘Muramai
Destination Set and wonders who will carry who in the end…

Til easily caught the gesture and walked with his half-brother towards the Earthbridge, the place that separate the city from the rest of the fierce world of Templar’s Rest, some overly-eager groups and hunters were walking along now, none aware of the creatures lurking in its shadows.

Hearing the similar rumors that he’ve heard himself, Til actually shuddered at the thought like a novice on his first hunt. “Same here, if they are…then we can cut out the liars’ tongues.” He said as if it was natural thing…then again it is Muram lands.

Looking at the forest ahead, the Zealot gripped at his chest, and practiced his meditative breathing exercises to keep from exciting his heart and lungs too much. He could feel the Hunt calling him and he vividly recalled the Queen and her vicious sting. While Humans were dangerous and respectable prey, the ba’knwa was…something else. They were primal, intelligent, and a good example of dangerous game.

Then he felt like he was being watched, Til looked to his brother and chuckled just as dark to his suggestion, before turning his sight to the stalls. His gleaming eye stopped when he saw a spear thunk near him. Relatively calm, the Zealot clicked his mandibles and watched a Kig-yar retrieve it. “I think we found our first…choice.” He said with a tone that is often affiliated with a poor soul being thrown as a living bomb.

Continuing his scanning around, he blinked when saw R’ha amongst the crowd. Not too hard to find a warrior of his stature, and jerked his head towards the Field Marshal’s direction for Sorsa to see. While his attention returned to find potential party member, he did see a solitary Unggoy looking for a group. “Seems we have a good pool to pluck from, Brother.” He said before noticing Q’ai ‘Muramai and his soldiers.

“I’ll get the Kig-yar and the Unggoy, see if our fearless leader and Major Q’ai wish to join us.” He insisted before moving to recruit the avian soldiers.

[Spartan 999]

Sorsa 'Xirsasai
Recruiting others to go to "Mount Doom"

"Just what we need, more Muram clansmen." Sorsa replied drily, nevertheless walking off. He thought it would be best to speak with R'ha first, in case he didn't get another opportunity. "Field Marshal," he said, voice pitched so it would cut through the background noise and reach the other Zealot. "Til and I are putting together a hunting party, and it would honor us if you joined." His tone was somewhat sardonic, but not overtly so.

The two of them may have had a somewhat...strained relationship outside of combat to say the least, but it wouldn't do to disrespect his superior to the point of irritation or anger. That being said, they worked efficiently on the field, and R'ha was one of the best warriors Sorsa knew besides himself and Til.

[Huka]

Til 'Muramai
Getting Recruits for the Hunt

Catching Sorsa's remark but didn't comment, Til's eye locked onto the slowly disappearing Kig-yar pair. Following after them through the crowds, the large Sangheili gently brushed or slid by the hunters and festival-goers with a few polite words when he instinctively pushed a person aside. His footsteps quiet and calculated, honed from hunting since a young age and even was more than eligible to be a Special Operative if he wanted during his youth. In a way, he is. Leading and assassinations. It fit him quiet fine infact, despite his limitations. 

 Grabbing a Jiralhanae, his long arm's muscles flexed strong and moved the hairy ape aside before glancing down at the wondering Unggoy again, "You. Follow me." He ordered in a low voice to keep his stalking incognito for now. Continuing his moving, Til narrowed his eye abit when he found the game tiresome. Then he crouched down and suddenly flipped high through the air, the planet's gravity not too tidious for his infamous jumps. Flipping his body, he landed gracefully infront of the two Kig-yar.

 "Greetings..." He simply said, crouched low enough to be at eye-height of either before slowly standing up straight, looking down at them as if they were condemned for judgement...but being a true Zealot, this might be a instinctive look.

[BetaWülf]

Dakek the Destroyer! Not yet Destroying

When the Passing Sangheili looked at him and gave the command Dakek shrugged and scuttled behind him as he bared down on whatever it was he was after. Dakek started to quicken his pace to keep up with the Sangheili, he was right on his heels when suddenly the warrior jumped into the air, the Unggoy fell onto his back and watched as he landed in front of two Kig-yar.


Kex

Kex and Nek walked along together towards the earth bridge, he paused momentarily when he glimpsed eyes in the forest ahead, he looked back to Nek to answer his question.

"We'll try and distract the smaller ones while we focus are fire on the grown ones, and it will be far easier to avoid chase in the trees than in the mountains." Kex said gesturing towards the forest then the mountain, he began to speak again but something blocked the light overhead.

Kex jumped back and sqwacked when a Sangheili landed in front of him and Nek, the Sangheili crouched before there startled selves and simply said "Greetings..."

Kex frowned in confusion and looked towards Nek speechless, the Sangheili stood up straight and gave an unnerving stare.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, Merchant and hesitant Hunter.
About to have a near heart attack before the hunt even starts.

Following along with Kex Nek went over the path again in his mind. If they went around the back of the amphitheater, down past the stalls, over the dividing wall and across the square they could get back tot he star port without having to go through the most dangerous part the amphitheater. It was still a long shot, so Nek hoped that it wouldn't come to that, but always better to be prepared. Looking back at Kex as he explained their game plan and why they were starting in the forest he nodded.

"Good plan, the trees may be a good place to jump to if we get over run. I'll be sure to pull you up as I remember you having trouble back on the ship getting up into the eng*Thump* WHAT THE HELL!?" Stumbling backwards the human expletive slipped right out of his mouth as the Sangheili flipped right in front of them. Falling flat on his butt he quickly looked up at the Sangheili to see the very serious expression he had. Wow that fast?...I knew this was a bad idea. Thumping his chest a bit he took a few deep breaths and quickly got back on his feet. The stare they were getting was all sorts of badness to Nek, but if he ran now that would just confirm his guilt...maybe he wasn't here for that? He sure hoped so as he dusted off his long coat and tried to smile back at the Sangheili, but his heart was still hammering a bit so the smile would seem weak.

"Greetings Sangheili," he stated in their language, "what brings a hunter like yourself over to us?" He knew those Sangheili like to be talked too like that, and Nek surely hoped he wasn't about to be conscripted as a meat shield - bad memories of his early years started to edge into his mind as his smile faltered some more.

[Huka]

Great Hunter Til 'Muramai
Earthbridge


Looking down at the two Kig-yar with his unnerving stare, Til took in the details of either. One was of the crocodilian subspecies and he seemed capable of combat, enough to not be easily surprised, but he still looked uneasy to the Zealot's sight. Good. With a low trill in his throat, the Hunter looked over to the fallen Skirmisher. He've hardly seen one as easily surprised as this one but who have imagine a Sangheili falling from the air like he did. Very few and he have many trophies to prove it. However, his interest was perked at the Skirmisher's almost guilty presence. Craning his masked face down in his direction, he took in weak expression and greeting from him. Must be one of the inalign minded mercenaries...the thought made him miss one of his closer friends besides Sorsa.

"Fine words..." He said with a interesting accented and clicking Kig-yar language before his nostrils sniffed at the scent of a ship, "Shipman. You should calm your heart, it is racing and we haven't faced the demons of these forests yet." 

[Dufflepud]

R'ha 'Katolai
Speaking with Sorsa

After packing away his new equipment, it wasn't long before R'ha noticed a familiar figure making his way over. Nearly matching R'ha's own stature, the Zealot was a distinctive sight. He wore intricate ceremonial armor, and carried many non-standard items, but he was still easily recognizable given his and the Field Marshal's history. As Sorsa 'Xirsasai, constant member of his own strike team called him out by his rank, the Master Swordsman turned about fully to face his subordinate.

"Field Marshal, Til and I are putting together a hunting party, and it would honor us if you joined."

"The honor is mine," he replied with a nod. "Would you care to acquaint me with the others we will be hunting alongside in the coming trials?"

[Spartan 999]

Sorsa 'Xirsasai
Still recruiting

"Til was going to try and recruit some Kig-Yar and an Unggoy." Sorsa replied with a shrug at the mention of the two less powerful species. "I came to get you and Major 'Muramee, who I haven't spoken to yet." He nodded over at Q'ai. After saying the Major's name, he stalked over, his tall stature parting the crowd with relative ease. Upon reaching Q'ai, he looked down at the Muram Clansman and nodded once in greeting.

"Major 'Muramee, Til 'Muramai wishes you to join our hunting party. Do you wish to?"

[Huka]

Q'ai 'Muramee

Watching the two file officers argue...well, it was more of Labus arguing and Jhao patiently listening with accurate retorts. Nothing new between the two but it was always a interesting talk to listen to for the Major. Standing with one of his claws idly rubbing on one of his arrows' feathers, Q'ai wondered when the march out to the forest will begin. Suddenly he felt his natural warning come in the form of a cool chill running along his back and his lower mandibles spread out slightly before the Major turned around quick to see a large Sangheili in ornated hunting garbs. Giving a quick glance over, he recognized him from that Zealot force attached to his sect...Reticent. 

 Returning a respectful bow, Q'ai recovered from his short-lived discomfort, and was surprised to hear the name of his clan's most prominent member on the warfront and the Great Hunter of the Hunt asking for him to be apart of his party. Maybe he heard of his accomplishments, it would be certainly a honor to work with Zealots. "Yes, honorable Zealot. It would be honor to hunt with you." He said finally and his bickering apprentices turned their head to see what was going on. Labus' lower mandibles dropped at the sight of the Zealot in awe, recognizing the Zealot from the last Hunt nearly two decades ago as a child, while Jhao looked satisfied to be finally hunting. 

[BetaWülf]

Dakek the dusty Destroyer!

He picked himself up and dusted off with a grumble and readjusted his gauntlets, hopefully if one of the Moon beasts tried to eat him they'd be put off by the metal spikes. He walked up behind the Sangheili, he thought the big Hunter looked important so it was an honor to be his subordinate for the Hunt Dakek thought.

Kex

Kex helped Nek to his feet, the startled look now gone. He looked at his Captain and started dusting off his his armor, his feathers were a bit messy and Kex controlled himself not to start fixing them too, it would be embarrassing for Nek so he didn't, he looked back to the Sangheili with a plain expression as Nek recovered from the scare and fall.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, Merchant and hesitant Hunter.
Still thinks this is a bad idea.

That stare...he now understood what Unggoy were so fanatical sometimes. Of course it didn't help that the Sangheili's helmet seemed to be made from some beasts skull, that probably added a few points to the stare grade. Nek was pleasantly surprised when the Sangheili spoke in his language, which was good as trying to speak Sangheili with his vocal sac would soon leave him sounding horse with their deep guttural language. He managed to resist rolling his eyes at the Sangheilis suggestion, he really had been sticking around humans too much if their speech tics were becoming almost second nature to him. Pushing that thought aside he bowed his head a little to the tall alien and nodded.

"Of course Sangheili," he responded in his own language again. "I just didn't expect you to meet with us as you did. I'm assuming since you mentioned 'we' in your speech that you wish for us to join you in The Hunt?" By now he had managed to calm his heart to a more sedate pace and so instead got back to thinking about how badly this could go. The Sangheili looked very strong, and may just throw either him or Kex right into the maw of a Moon beast so he could get in a good slice while they were being eaten. Or if not that just order them forward like they were his little soldiers into the den of the beast as it were.

While waiting for a response he adjusted the strap across his chest for his saber and picked up his spear and net again, giving his head a little flick to get his green tipped feathers more in order - hoping that the Sangheili's plans for them weren't as bad as he feared. 

[Huka]

Til ‘Muramai
Recruiting and the Spirits whispers

The Field Master watched to the two collected themselves. Amused by the crocodilian’s loyal fixing of his friend’s appearance like a mother does for a child after a physical scruff, Til looked to the Skirmisher with his single functioning eye and some reason wanted to just snatch him by the neck. “You are quite observant, Kig-yar. Yes, that is the basic case.” He answered in the avian’s language, “Your worry of surviving might be slim on our path, but it all depends on your skill, cooperation, and will to…survive. By the end of the road, glory is reachable for you two, me, this brave Unggoy here…and all who deserve such.”

 Gesturing the Unggoy in his small speech, Til gave a sharp inhale and exhale to regulate his lungs."You may say no and no repercussion will be befallen upon you." He said mercifully enough, glancing to either two.

[BetaWülf]

Kex the pondering poultry

He looked at the Sangheili and then at Nek, the fact there would be no repercussions was nice, or a trick, but he chose to take the mighty Hunter at face value. He pondered for a moment then looked to Nek, perhaps he would know what they should do.

"One moment great Hunter" Kex said before he went into a huddle with Nek.

"What should we do Cap'n? I'm taking him for his word about no repercussions, but I'm still wary of him. Hunting by ourselves could be safer from overzealous Hunters, but Hunting in a group would make it easier to take down these great beasts. Whatever your decision is I will follow you" Kex said with a small smile.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, Merchant and hesitant Hunter.
Weighing the odds.

The Sangheili's stare got if anything even more murderous as he stood there, so when he explained that it was indeed his plan to hunt with them and that it would be dangerous it didn't surprise Nek - who had managed to calm his breathing enough to be back to normal. But not to worry, he could hear in his mind, you could just leave and there would be no consequences...sure.

As the Sangheili and Kex exchanged glances Nek went over the possibilities on his head. Hunting with just Kex and himself they probably wouldn't get much more than the small ones to show for their efforts, and they could easily get overwhelmed and ripped to shreds. There was also the possibility of the Sangheili and his friends to come back from them when they were wounded or tired, the stare sure seemed to show that he would do this, and then just finish the job. If he went with the Sangheili however they would likely go after more dangerous game...but with a larger hunting party there would be less chance of horrible death and a larger trophy would prove to his crew that he wasn't worthless.

He grinned as he thought over that, before mentally slapping himself as Kex moved him away from the Hunter and into a private chat. If he wanted Kex and himself dead however they would be right next to them to make it work...but would Nek prefer that or not knowing where he was in the forests and mountains? Kex seemed to be mostly on the same thought process as himself, making him smile some more at his security chief as he shrugged, replying quietly back.

"We'l go with him, the chance for bigger prey is something I know you...and especially the crew want. You said that we should try to have fun. May as well get some strength in numbers while we are there." Nodding to Kex he stood up again and bowed his head to the Sangheili again.

"We'l hunt with you Sangheili, where will we be heading?"

[Huka]

Til 'Muramai

The Great Hunter looked at the two as they collaborated for a moment before starting to scout for any more potential hunters. While he had only a Unggoy, he hoped for more of a pack...yes, a pack. His eye immediately looked towards the Jiralhanae in the event. While the tension between the fledgling race of the Empire and the more senior Sangheili have been evident since the beginning, the former have been making noticeable progress in the ranks. In their barbarism and disregard of most tradition, their lesser minds are akin to hounds to a belief. They believed in the faith of the Covenant and that is all that seemed to matter to the San'Shyuum. Unquestionable loyalty. He was terrifyingly aware of that much.

However, a good numbers weren't as easily converted and kept their old ways strong in one way or another. His eye looked between individuals and groups, until one caught his attention. He had the bearings of a veteran but not quite Chieftain, beside the primitive blade-edged hammer that mimicked the gravity hammers held by such rank. Perhaps a Captain.

In his thoughts, the Zealot heard the Skirmisher speak and returned his attention to him quick. "Capitol." He expressed, returning to the Sangheili llangauge, with a good amount of emotion, despite the dryness to it.

"Our current destination is there..." Moving to the side, he pointed a talon towards one of the closer mountains, narrow near the summit and from the distance, looked like a tall rock covered in moss. However, in the mountain's case, it was upright trees on various ledges. Giving a moment to let his current recruits observe the sight, Til lowered his arm, "I will warn you, it is treacherous in that forest. The moonbeasts are not to be taken lightly. Stay close, keep aware of your surroundings, and further more...fight with all of your skill." 

[Spartan 999]

Sorsa 'Xirsasai
Done recruiting

"Good. Now follow us," Sorsa motioned to R'ha as well as himself while talking to Q'ai. He ignored Labus' expression of awe; he didn't care about recognition, only that the other Sangheili would fight well. "Hopefully Til has gathered the Kig-Yar and Unggoy he wanted to recruit by now." He spotted his half-brother through the throng of the crowd, who seemed to be still conversing with the smaller aliens.

"I have complete my task; are you and they" he looked at the Kig-Yar and Unggoy "ready to set out?" His tone turned dry. "I do want to start hunting ba'knwa soon, otherwise this will have been a pointless journey."