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Index Astartes: The Matamatas - Hunting a Matamata |
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After all the necessary organs have been implanted, the aspirants have to pass a final test to be considered worthy to join
the Chapter -- the hunting and killing of a Matamata. The aspirants are armed with nothing but a huge hammer and their
wits and skills. Due to its excellent camouflage, it is very hard to spot a Matamata. An aspirant have to move stealthily and
slowly, often pausing in mid-move for the better part of an hour if he suspects a Matamata is near. It is essential if he
desires to survive to be able to spot the Matamata before it spots him. If he is sufficiently patient and calm, he will be able
to spot the Matamata as it briefly opens it mouth to breath before returning to its immobile pose. The aspirant then have to
move with great caution towards the Matamata. The Matamata has good all-round vision and is capable of spotting swift
motion to catch its prey. It is however unable to spot slow moving targets as almost nothing no Kopjes moves slowly
except another Matamata. For success, the aspirant have to move to almost within striking range of the Matamata. No
other weapon can penetrate the think scaly skin of the Matamata, and the only way of ensuring a kill to strike its only weak
spot which is located just behind the skull where a small cervical vertebrate lies, joining the skull and the backbone.
Usually, the Matamata is in its resting state with its head retracted near the body, concealing its weak spot. The aspirant
have to expose himself and tempt the Matamata to lunged for him. If the aspirant is able to dodge aside in time, he will have
the Matamata will its neck extended and its vulnerable vertebrate exposed. With his hammer, the aspirant must crush the
vertebrate and hence slay the Matamata. There is usually no second chance if the aspirant was to miss for the Matamata
will kill him before he can recover from his attack with the heavy hammer. There have however, been instances where
aspirants have been able to dodge the Matamata's second attack and get a second chance to put in the killing blow.
Upon his success, a Space Marine will be sent to retrieve the aspirant, as well as remove one of the smallest scales of the shell of the Matamata. This scale is proof of the aspirant's success and is necessary if he is to be accepted as a Space Marine. Usually, this scale will be made into a shield which the newly accepted Space Marine can use in combat. |
Matamatas
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