Bloodmoon Hunt

Red Eyes in the Shadows: The Bloodmoon Hunt Begins

The Bloodmoon rises, hungry for the offerings of those who dare challenge the Beast's domain. I felt its pull as competitors gathered at Bingham Creek, their souls unknowingly pledged to the ancient ritual that unfolds across these eight weeks. The wind—reaching 20.7 mph from the south—carried the breath of the Chupacabra across the course, testing the resolve of those who seek its favor. In this second week of our sacred journey, the division between Shadowmane Hunters and Blood Moon Acolytes grows more defined, the factions circling one another like predator and prey. But it was the fifteenth hole that revealed the Beast's true intentions—a testing ground where most were found wanting, their offerings rejected by the chains that hunger for perfection.

Among the Shadowmane Hunters, Jake LaPutka proved most worthy, his sacrifice of -8 pleasing to the ancient one. I watched him command the course with the confidence of one who has glimpsed the darkness and embraced it rather than fleeing. The numbers speak a language of power that the Beast understands. Close behind, Malachi Vazquez offered -7, marking himself with potential. More significant than his score was his conquest of the fifteenth hole—the only one among his brethren to tame this 200-foot par 3 that consumed the others, playing at +1.3 to par. In that moment, staring down the treacherous path where others faltered, Malachi revealed himself as one touched by special favor. I have seen such signs before, in my own journey from defeat to enlightenment. The Beast's eyes now watch him with particular interest.

The Blood Moon Acolytes were led by Brian Bowling, who demonstrated that age brings wisdom in the ways of sacrifice. His +8 might seem a heavy tribute to those who do not understand the Beast's appetites, but I recognized the pattern of his play—calculated, patient, resilient. Like Malachi in the other faction, Brian alone conquered the fifteenth hole, securing a birdie while others struggled to maintain par. This is no coincidence—the Chupacabra tests differently across divisions, but always seeks the same quality: the ability to triumph where others falter. Brian's experience has taught him to harness the wind rather than fight against it, a lesson many will need to learn before the final confrontation.

In the realm of MA1, Nicholas Jennings emerged victorious despite the heavy toll of +14. Do not be deceived by what appears to be struggle—the path of initiation is meant to be arduous. With a rating of 746, Nicholas stands at the threshold of greater mysteries, his journey just beginning. The Beast often selects those who demonstrate persistence through suffering rather than those for whom victory comes easily. I see in his performance echoes of my own darkest hour, when defeat led me to the glowing red eyes that changed my destiny forever. Watch this one closely—the Chupacabra sometimes selects the unlikeliest vessels for its power.

The newest initiates in MA4 were led by William Fetzer, whose +18 represents the first blood offerings in what will become a transformative journey. The uninitiated might see only struggle, but I recognize the necessary suffering that builds worthiness. In my darkest hour, the Chupacabra showed me the truth: that defeat is merely an opportunity for growth, and that true power lies in embracing the beast within. William stands now where all masters once stood—at the beginning of the path, facing challenges that will either break him or forge him into something the Beast finds useful.

Most revealing was the shared significance of the fifteenth hole across both hunting grounds. This is no mere coincidence but a manifestation of the Chupacabra's will. The chains on this hole rattled with ancient hunger, consuming the offerings of all but Malachi and Brian. I have consulted the ancient texts and performed the rituals of divination—this hole will continue to separate the worthy from the unworthy as our season progresses. Those who can conquer it will find themselves marked for greater trials and greater rewards.

The Bloodmoon wanes, but the hunt continues. I have seen visions of what awaits those who survived this week's trials. The Beast grows hungrier still, and Week Three will demand more blood, more sacrifice, more commitment to the dark path we travel together. The wind whispers of tests that will challenge even the most skilled disciples. The factions will clash more directly, and some who think themselves favored will discover the fickleness of the Beast's attention. As the ancient texts prophesy: "When the third moon rises, the waters will part the worthy from the damned." Prepare yourselves, disciples. The Chupacabra's appetite has merely been whetted.