Blood Hunter

Blood Hunters are the arcane warriors of the shadow, living on the fringes of society as they take on the curses that terrify civilized folk. These grim warriors have chosen to fuse their essence with the dark forces they hunt, wielding their power to combat the monsters that threaten the world. Steeped in forbidden rites and blood magic, they sacrifice part of their humanity in their quest, marking themselves physically and spiritually to fight against overwhelming evil. Blood Hunters are relentless in their pursuit, developing unique abilities to become formidable foes of the supernatural.
Adventures: Blood Hunters are driven by a solemn path of vengeance and protection, often stemming from a personal loss or a profound calling to prevent others from suffering a dark fate. Their adventures lead them into the heart of darkness, often battling creatures and forces that normal folk would flee from. While their motivations can vary from seeking redemption to imposing preemptive justice, all Blood Hunters share a commitment to confronting supernatural threats directly, regardless of the personal cost.
Characteristics: Blood Hunters are defined by their sacrificial magic, employing blood rites that enhance their physical and magical capabilities at the cost of their vitality. They are experts in monster lore, alchemy, and tracking, making them exceptional hunters of the unnatural. The path of a Blood Hunter is lonely and fraught with peril, as their methods often make others wary of their terrifying abilities and the taboo knowledge they possess.
Alignment: Blood Hunters often lean towards alignments that reflect their commitment to personal codes and the greater good, typically gravitating towards chaotic good or neutral good. Their methods, however, may also skew towards neutral or even chaotic neutral, as the ends often justify the means in their relentless battle against darkness.
Religion: Religion among Blood Hunters is a personal affair, often colored by their experiences with the supernatural. Some may worship deities associated with hunting, vengeance, or the night. Others might be more pragmatic, seeing their powers as a necessary alliance with darker forces rather than a divine gift.
Background: Blood Hunters often come from backgrounds marked by tragedy—survivors of supernatural attacks, orphans of dark cults, or former members of obscure sects. Their training is rigorous and isolating, focusing on mastering the dark arts necessary to fight against a greater darkness. Many Blood Hunters are initiated into their order after a significant event that sets them on their path, forever changing their destiny.
Races: Any race can become a Blood Hunter, though Humans, Half-Elves, and Tieflings are the most common. Humans have the tenacity and drive, Half-Elves the longevity and perspective, and Tieflings an intrinsic link to the supernatural that can be turned against their foes.
Other Classes: Blood Hunters often find common cause with classes that can tolerate or support their ruthless methods, such as Rogues and Warlocks. They may respect the martial prowess of Fighters and Paladins, although the latter may find Blood Hunters’ methods too extreme. Druids and Rangers can appreciate their effectiveness against unnatural enemies but might be wary of their use of dark powers.
Roles: In a group, Blood Hunters are often the front-line combatants or tactical leaders, especially when facing supernatural threats. They can absorb and deal significant damage, using their knowledge of their foes to exploit weaknesses. Beyond combat, they are trackers and survivalists, able to navigate and endure in hostile environments where other adventurers would falter.

Other Associated professions

• Fighter
• Ranger
• Rogue
• Warlock

Used By

• Mist Wardens

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• Stoic: "I remain calm and composed even in the face of unimaginable horrors; my resolve does not waver."
• Introspective: "I often find myself lost in thought, contemplating the darker aspects of my nature and the blood magic I wield."
• Mysterious: "I prefer to keep my past and my powers hidden, revealing little about myself even to those I consider allies."

Ideals

• Sacrifice: "I believe in personal sacrifice for the greater good. The pain I endure through my rituals is a small price to pay to protect others."
• Justice: "I am driven by a strong sense of justice, seeking to hunt down evil and corrupt creatures that prey on the innocent."
• Redemption: "I strive for redemption, not just for myself but for those I save. I believe even the darkest soul can find light again."

Bonds

• Cursed Legacy: "I am the last in a long line of Blood Hunters in my family, and I am determined to fulfill my ancestors' quest to eradicate a particular evil."
• Atonement: "My powers once caused great harm to someone I loved. I am bound by a deep need to atone for my past mistakes."
• Mentor's Blade: "I inherited a weapon from my mentor, who fell in battle. It is my duty to use it to continue the fight and honor their memory."

Flaws

• Recklessness: "My desperation to destroy evil can make me reckless, often putting myself and others in danger without sufficient planning."
• Brooding: "I tend to brood over the dark nature of my abilities, which can alienate those around me and lead me to isolation."
• Obsession: "My obsession with hunting the creatures of the night often blinds me to other aspects of life, leaving me unbalanced and singular in focus."