Hunter

...In a flurry of wings, the huntresses of our clan descended upon their prey. Gazelles eventually did see them coming as they were diving through the skies in perfect harmony and with a trumpeted call, the herd started dashing for the trees. Each gryphoness chose her own target almost as if they had an internal understanding between them. They knew what they were doing and relied on one another. A single mistake from anyone would foil the whole hunt. Eskyra would herd them, Oleska and Athra kept at the sides of the panicked herd to keep them together and away from the canopy of trees, while the rest struck to kill.
Thanks to their efforts, we had supplies of food for a week.

— Clawstopper Ignisha, Diurnal gryphoness.

Career

Qualifications

Keen of spirit, and sharp instincts, as well as not being afraid to get one's claws dirty.

Career Progression

Standard Apprentice - Junior - Senior - Master progression

Payment & Reimbursement

Hunters tend to be paid in 3-4 gems per day and have access to free food at Dusk feasting, their wage is considered "middle class."

Other Benefits

Being a Hunter is a highly respected profession amongst both dragon and gryphonkind, few would be foolish enough to dispute their contributions to society.

Perception

Purpose

Hunters are the oldest known profession in the world, back in the old times of arrival, everyone hunted food for themselves. Nowadays, Hunters are far more sophisticated and specialized in their craft, they cooperate to bring down enough prey to sate the dietary needs of their tribes, towns, or families.
Specialized Hunters known as "Slayers" are distinct from other hunters in that they focus on bringing down dangerous animals that threaten the safety of their tribe or simply for fame and great monetary rewards. Slayers rarely are employed full-time in one area for too long, but they will stay where they are needed for as long as there is work for them.
Finally, "Trappers" are hunters who specialize in brewing poisons, crafting traps and weapons to bring down dangerous animals as well as assist in trapping less dangerous animals such as deer, rabbits, elk and such. Both Hunters and Slayers utilize the services of Trappers.

Social Status

For many, becoming a Hunter is a dream that is oftentimes romanticized by tales, bards, songs and old stories told during Dusk feasting by Hunters themselves. The reality of course tends to be a little different and many Hunters themselves can attest that this profession tends to be both exciting as well as painful, or boring at times.
Regardless of what the reality is, the general public and even some lesser nobles would gladly accept a Hunter as their mate.

Demographics

Around 10%

History

Out of all the professions in the world, Hunters have probably changed the least in their scope, practices and tools. Of course, some advancements have been made, but the techniques and skills utilized in ancient times are very much similar to the ones employed nowadays. This is partially why some Hunters are very averse to new inventions and changes, in their minds, what is old is reliable and can be trusted.

Operations

Tools

Traps, spears, javelins, Flutes, Third Claws, poisons, noise-makers, baits, satchels, carrying nets as well as first aid tools.

Workplace

Hunter's hall can be a series of small cabins or one big cave. It is mostly a storage room that contains all their equipment, tools, weapons and knowledge as well as cold underground floor for meat storage, skinning, tanning or drying up meats.
Oftentimes, Dyers and Leatherworkers can also occupy Hunter's hall or have their workplace nearby to help process the fresh kills.

Provided Services

Hunters are rarely up for hire, but the same cannot be said about Trappers or Slayers. If there is a need to investigate or warn Hunters of a specific danger, Huntmaster or their deputy should be contacted and he will delegate some of his subordinates to assess the potential danger. Should the tribe be small enough and the animal too dangerous, Huntmaster will send out a contract for Slayers via Couriers into the neighboring greater towns or tribes.

Dangers & Hazards

The profession of Hunters is amongst the most hazardous and so experience of an individual is oftentimes gauged by the number of scars they possess. Some greater tribes may even have a Wingbinder specifically assigned to a Hunter's hall, and if not, regular check-ups are in order for ones performing this craft.

Alternative Names

Slayers, Trappers

Type

Agricultural / Fishing / Forestry

Demand

Some areas of the world may have a greater demand for experienced Slayers or Trappers

Legality

It is illegal to hunt in the territory of a tribe that you are not a resident of. Failure to comply and getting caught will yield a fine. Should an individual desire to go hunting on their own in a territory that is not theirs, permission from a Huntmaster is required. Residents are allowed to hunt on their own but they only need to inform the Huntmaster where they are going, they do not need any permission.

Gryphon Huntresses

Gryphons are traditionally employing females as Huntresses ever since the ancient times. Male gryphon hunters are a rarity. It is not entirely known the reasoning behind this, it is assumed that Katerak's society worked in a similar manner and Gryphons have adopted this pattern of female hunters and male workers and craftsmen.

Water dragon Hunters

Water dragon hunters are traditionally uncommon, since their Clawstoppers are also fulfilling the role of Slayers and fish is so easy to catch that everyone learns how to feed themselves in early years of their life. Those among the Water dragons who learn how to become a Hunter are trained in the land and air animal hunting as well as gain deeper knowledge about the various threats of the deep sea.