The Order of Ephynes (EH-fuh-nees)
Blood Hunters
The Order of Ephynes is an exclusive, secret group of monster hunters who enchant their blood to have potent magical effects through a series of mutations and rituals. The Order stands to protect mortalkind by banishing horrid creatures and evildoing humanoids into the Blood Dungeons of Thanakeno, where they will be watched by the Lord Commander of the bottom level of Pesata's domain, the demigod Ephynes.
Becoming a Blood Hunter
Blood Hunter is a term given to those who have survived the Trials of Ephynes. To take these Trials, one must distinguish himself as a proficient tracker and a capable fighter among his community. When the potential recruit has gathered enough renown, he may be detected and tested by another member of the Order. These tests usually involve subtle observations or tests of will, morality, and honor. If the member sees promise in this individual, he will offer to become their Guide and train them for half a year before administering the Trials to them.The Trials of Ephynes
After the training period has ended, the Guide must make a final decision regarding whether he believes his recruit is capable of becoming a Blood Hunter. If he believes it possible, the recruit will begin his final test. The Trials include sparring against other Blood Hunters using a variety of weapons, followed by demonstration of their weapon of choice. Then, the potential Blood Hunters are sent on the trail of a monster, and must destroy and banish it in accordance with the Order’s laws. Finally, they must undergo an intense spiritual journey (with the help of psychosis-inducing elixirs) into Thanakeno itself. Here they will see the results of their work: the trapped souls of the barbaric monsters in the Blood Dungeons. If a recruit survives and adequately performs in all of these Trials, he may choose to undergo the Conversion and become a Blood Hunter.The Conversion
The Conversion consists of 6 doses of blood mutagen followed by 6 blood rituals. During these transformative events, the recruit is augmented and enchanted with the power of Ephynes. Each recruit reacts to these changes differently, and often the mutations cause permanent, physical alterations. Only about 1 in 10 recruits survive these Trials and the subsequent Conversion. The results of this Conversion often make the Blood Hunter more monster than mortal, but in doing so will grant the Hunter unique abilities that will aid in their mission. These abilities usually place the new Hunter in one of four specializations, described below. From here, the Blood Hunter embarks on their mission alone, with annual meetings at the group's hidden headquarters.Specializations
There are three primary specializations within the Order of Ephynes, although there is no guarantee that each Blood Hunter will fall under these categories. The fourth group are called Pariahs, and often spend their lives in solitude in the wilds of Mytkora.- Ghostslayers: This specialization often exhibits signs of necromantic powers and etherealness, which allow them to tread the line between life and death as a specter or animated spirit would. This gives them unique advantages in hunting undead.
- Lycanthropes: This specialization revolves around the Hunter's ability to shapeshift into a hybrid, bestial form. This form often gives them tracking abilities and unnatural strength, perfect for hunting other shifters.
- Alchemists: This specialization is derived from an intense metabolism and constitution gifted by the Conversion. These Blood Hunters study how to craft potent elixirs and mutagens to enhance their abilities for any given situation.
Comments