Vampire Hunter

"Vampires rule us, yes, but they are servants of the people. Everything hangs in a thin balance. Their curse binds them for our safety, warding away the things that hunger for our flesh. Our priests ward away the spirits that are drawn to the Vampires. If either falters? I don't even want to think about it. They need us, just as much as we need them.

Newer ones? Not as much."

— Unknown

Although Vampires are sworn protectors of their flocks, they still struggle from the temptations that come with such power, a constant moral degradation that leaves the Vampires isolated and blinded to what surrounds them. The greatest of these struggles is against The Thirst. Vampires of all ages succumb to it, though for the newly turned, it is nearly impossible to ignore.

A newly turned Vampire is bound in chains and captured within a magic circle where they wait until 'The Thirst' dissipates, leaving the mind with mental clarity. Some, however, manage to escape their sire during these first moments, gorging themselves on their people or nearby enemies.

Because a Vampire cannot harm another Vampire, it is up to the Hunters to track and destroy those who break their oaths. A Vampire that succumbs to 'The Thirst' is worthy of death. No matter what lands they flee to, it is only a matter of time before the Hunters find them.

Career

Qualifications

To become a Hunter is to be alone. Their services are well-paid, but they involve a great deal of suffering. Hunters cannot have a home, lest there be repercussions from their past kills. Similarly, a Hunter cannot have ties to other civilians or with any of the Vampiric Masters.

A Hunter must be physically and mentally fit, dexterous, and studied in at least one form of magic. There is a constant threat of death, and the Hunter must be capable of delivering a steady stream of powerful magic.

Career Progression

Hunters are rare, for few desire to willingly risk their lives in such a manner. Even fewer are capable of hunting a Spawn and living. The ranks of these hunters vary, though there are no distinct titles for their roles and influence. Progressing as a hunter is often a matter of luck and nepotism.

The average Hunter is under constant scrutiny. Proof of the Vampires' wickedness is taken to court to receive their rewards. Eyewitnesses and corpses bearing the marks of a Vampires' kill are necessary. Hunters will often need to prove that they are the ones who did it.

Those with a good record do not receive greater monetary rewards. They are no longer required to appear before the courts. This, in itself, escaping the bureaucracy, stands as a boon that every Hunter longs for. Those with a good record may find favor among other Vampires. Lodging, foreign foods, weapons, and an offer of protection go a long way.

Vampires have been prone to petty squabbling. Slaying a Vampire's rival or a thorn in their side will boost their relationship greatly. Vampires are prone to giving gifts to such Hunters with additional gold or favors.

Payment & Reimbursement

Few Vampire Hunters are capable of hunting anything more threatening than a Vampire Spawn, though such a task is challenging in itself for most mortals. The rewards that a Vampire Hunter earns depend on several modifiers.

Modifier	Gold Earned
Innocent	None, possibility of the death penalty.
Close friend or ally of the court	10 gold, or the equivalent.
Favorable	50 gold, or the equivalent.
None	60 gold, or the equivalent.
Annoyance	60 gold, or the equivalent, and a single minor favor.
Rival	60 gold, or the equivalent, and a single major favor.
Threat	180 gold, or the equivalent, and three major favors.

Perception

Purpose

Hunters are responsible for the safety of the common folk. They cleanse corruption from within and force their masters into accountability. Although they primarily hunt after flawed Vampire Spawns, they are often the first responders against additional threats that threaten their people. Their specialization against Vampires is effective against several other monstrosities.

Social Status

Despite the good that Hunters do, the nature of their work and the association with darkness keep others at bay. They are not scorned, despised, nor fearful of the people like other professions closely associated with Vampires. Many are respected. Still, people avoid them as much as they feasibly can, apprehensive about potential friction between the two. Many hunters hide behind masks for the same reason.

History

"I am bound to the Light, to the service of our people. I've willingly given away everything I've ever known, yet I can feel it. Should I ever stray too far from the Light, if I ever fall too far to rise, I want you to be the one to grant me peace. Will you do this?"

— Redacted

Hunters have existed since the first Vampire. Vampires would choose a member from their entourage to slay them. If a Vampire forsook the purpose behind their curse, the chosen one would behead them. This role belonged to a family member or close friend and reminded the Vampires of their purpose and the honor accompanying it.

An influx of Vampires made this impossible. Conflicts of interest arose. Newer Vampires were less willing to accept their judgment. Instead of relying on the bond of two, bureaucracy and indifference now honor this pact. Commoners became the Hunters, motivated by gold rather than love.

Alternative Names

Vampire-Slayer

Demand

It is in high demand