The Wanderer of the Kalfen Woods

Summary

More than a thousand years ago, there was a mage hunter on patrol in the Kalfen Woods. His path was long and dangerous, for he was up against mages both devious and cruel, using illusions to lure their victims into oblivion. But the hunter knew the risks, he was out there to protect his fellow hunters, protect his own village against those monsters most vile.
Most nights, little happened, a crackle, a cracking noise, but no enemy to be seen. The day before had been quiet, the village empty, That night, the hunter came upon a mage. They fought, at first, the mage seemed to have the upper hand, but by sheer determination and skill at arms, the hunter managed to fight back and force the mage to flee. The hunter pursued his prey, determined to not let this monster get away and managed to find their hiding spot. There, he couldn't believe his luck. The mages, normally so alert had let their guard down after a feast, content after a night of bloody feasting. So, without a second thought, the hunter lunged at the sleeping mages, killing every last one of them with a ferocity rarely seen before. Then, as the last mage laid dead before him, the truth was unveiled.
The mages, masters of illusion, had captured the townsfolk and his fellow hunters the day before. The mages he so proudly put to the sword were those he held most dear. His shock was broken by the cackling of the mages, so proud of their illusion and the shame they had caused the hunter. In his grief and shame, the hunter went mad. He threw himself at the mages, who were weakened from their spellwork and slaughtered most of them. Soon, he stalked and murdered those who managed to escape the carnage. Then, he disappeared, never to be seen again.
But you need not be seen to strike terror in the hearts of your foes. From this day on people, evil in nature, randomly disappeared near the Woods, victims of some monster, more beast than man. For it is rumored that the hunter never died. He stalks the woods in a mad frenzy, killing any who are like his enemy of old. Though in his madness, the nature of evil makes no difference. Where before being an evil mage was what was needed to die, now an act as simple as talking back at your parents is enough to earn the wrath of the hunter.
So children, do not be naughty, for the hunter comes for all.

Historical Basis

In the third and fourth century, an order of mage hunters was active around the area of Kalfen. Their methods were indeed brutal, torturing accused mages or their next of kin to produce a confession. If a mage confessed or sufficient evidence was "collected", the accused was beheaded if the hunter was merciful. If the hunter in question felt angry, righteous or particularly cruel, he was instead hung, quartered and burned.
The order was allowed to operate for around two centuries because there were indeed dangerous mages around the area, which used illusion spells to lure people into the woods for nefarious purposes. However, after more than fifty years passed without a mage being found, the order was disbanded and those hunters guilty of heinous crimes were executed.
The legend of the hunter is most likely a combination of the horrifying cruelty of the hunters and the devious machinations of the mages, combined with the eternal fear of what lurks in the shadows.

In Art

His nature as a savage beast hunting anyone who might cross his path has made the hunter synonymous with the dangerous unknown, for which he serves as a symbol. Thus, many paintings of the unknown feature some nod to the hunter.
Many songs written about Kalfen and its surrounding countryside also include small nods to the hunter, who is an essential part of the areas folklore.

Date of First Recording

468