Blood Hunter

Overview & Creation

Blood Hunter In a landscape tormented by all manner of beasts, devils, and abominations from beyond the veil, most live in fear of the dark, of superstition, and of the unknown. Some grow hardened by this experience, instead choosing to stand up and fight against the tide of shadow. These folks are called "hereos". Some, however, are so fanatical and bent on destroying the anethma that plagues the countryside that they embrace dark, forbidden knowledge. They sacrifice some of their own vital force in dubious, forgotten blood rituals to better understand their enemies. Their methods sometimes blur the line between themselves and the evils they hunt, calling their own humanity into question. These folks are called "Blood Hunters". Become The Enemy to Understand the Enemy These warriors have chosen to merge the martial pursuit of deadly weapon play with elements of vicious blood magic to create impressively effective combat techniques. They surrender their own vitality to form a bond with their weapon, allowing them to harness the elements in a whirlwind of dangerous strikes. Their deep knowledge and unnatural connection with wiked creatures allows them an advantage in tracking, hunting, and destroying the most abhorrent fiends. By mastering control over their own lifeblood and the lifeblood of others, they gain insight into their foes and the ability to manipulate them from the inside. Some brew crude, poisonous alchemical tonics from the harvested organs of felled monters, mutating their blood and bodies to be even further in tune with their quarry, becoming something other than human themselves. Others go further, reaching out and making a pact with lesser dark entities in hopes of using their grim gifts against greater evils. Many blood hunters push too far for their goals, falling to their own hubris and becoming the monters they've chosen to hunt. This is the greatest fear of a blood hunter, and of the societies at large that shun them. Almost as Feared as their Prey The nature of their abilities and training has bred many rumors across the lands, some of which aren't too far from the truth. Common folk consider them cursed, often turning them away at the door. Nobles see them as occasionally convenient, but a generally reviled nuisance. Mages find them useful allies if kept at arm's lenth, while pious clerics and paladins keep their distance with a watchful eye. To be a blood hunter is to accept a life of solitude until proven trustworthy and dependable. Creating a Blood Hunter As you create your blood hunter, keep in mind how your character relates to society and why they have taken to a life of monster hunting. Do they wish to protect society and such have paid the ultimate price? Do they have a family they wish to protect at all costs? Did they make a mistake that cost them greatly and they wish to make amends for their folly? Or are they bent on vengeance for some past wound or loss that drove them to choose this dark warrior's path? While a blood hunter begins their journey alone, they also acknowledge the strength in numbers and the benefits of trusted companions. Many blood hunters keep allies to both ensure that they succeed at their hunters, and to keep a watchful eye to prevent them from losing touch with their humanity. A blood hunter without convictions is lost, and often an honest friend is enough to keep them from straying. Quick Build You can make a blood hunter quickly by following these suggestions. First, make Strength or Dexterity your highest ability score, depending on whether you want to focus on melee weapons or ranged and finesse weapons. Make Wisdom your next highest if you plan to focus on the potency of blood curses and mystical power. Chose a higher constitution next if you wish to use Crimson Rite on multiple weapons or want to have extra hit points to burn on amplifying blood curses.
 

Class Features

Hunter's Bane Crimson Rite Fighting Style Blood Maledict Blood Hunter Order Ability Score Improvement Extra Attack Grim Pyschometry Dark Velocity Hardened Soul Sanguine Mastery
 

Starting Equipment

(a) a martial weapon or (b) two simple weapons (a) a light crossbow and 20 bolts or (b) hand crossbow and 20 bolts (a) studded leather armor or (b) scale mail armor an explorer's pack
 

Subclass Options

Order of the Ghostslayer Order of the Profane Soul Order of the Mutant Order of the Lycan