Blood Hunters

The Blood Hunters divide themselves into four distinct orders, each of which possess their own unique powers through harnessing hemocraft:   Order of the Ghost Slayers The oldest and most established of the four orders. These blood hunters focus their efforts primarily on undead or other necrotic threats. Individuals of the Order are considered highly specialized and expensive problem solvers when it comes to the matters of restless spirits or dangerous necromancers.   Order of the Profane Soul Split from the Order of Ghost Slayers in the 4th century, the Order of the Profane Soul channel them hemocraft through a devilish patron, enhancing their arcane abilities and prowess in hunting demons. Little is known as to their origins, but none question their effectiveness when it comes to hunting monsters, especially those pouring out of the Abyss to wreak havoc in the Material Plane.   Order of the Mutant Though smaller in number than either of the earlier established Orders, the Order of the Mutant is the standard by which all other Blood Hunters are judged. Traveling individually or in groups of two, these monster hunters utilize their blood magic traditions to push their bodies beyond natural limits and fulfill contracts wherever the work may be, save for those which require the specialties of other Orders. As frequent travelers, the Order of the Mutant members can be found typically anywhere.   Order of the Lycan The most isolated of the Orders, the Lycans prefer a nomadic lifestyle, though they are based in The Underdark city of Nephirion. They are known for their willing taking of Lycanthropy and acceptance of naturally born lycanthropes. Rather than taking contracts or formal agreements, the Order of the Lycans prefers to take matters into their own hands regarding threats in the wild, believing they ward off threats before they ever reach civilization and end up as a notice on a job board. Though other Orders have questioned their judgements over the years, their effectiveness is undeniable.

Each order finds that the transformation, along with their other capabilities, provides extended life. Not unlike lichdom in this regard, members are able to live longer, but their bodies age at the same rate as their racial heritage. As such, any Blood Hunter who manages to live past their middling years finds their physical form begins to wither away, making them even more ostrachized from society than they already were. Few live so long, however.

The Orders vary greatly in size, prominence, and worldview, but also hold to a set series of tenants from their origins in the second century. The tenants include the denouncement of necromancy, lichdom, and vampirism. While each Order takes on a variety of jobs or roles in society, they generally view themselves as the line of defense between this plane and unnatural forces which would bring destruction to the realm. Though their methods vary greatly among the Orders and from similar organizations, the Orders ultimately seek to protect the same civilization that rejects them as being something between a curiosity and monstrosity.

Each of the Orders of Blood Hunters maintain strongholds secret to only members of the Order where new members are initiated and trained and undergo the rituals necessary to access the powers of hemocraft.