Hunters

**Hunters** (also called **Huntsmen** for males and **Huntresses** for females) are a group of elite warriors who fight Grimm. The term had been around for millennia, though it is uncertain when the term first appeared. With the founding of the Hunter's Association in 1647, the role of the Hunter became more streamlined and their roles became further defined. As part of the Vytal Treaty, the Hunter Academies were founded which streamlined the process of becoming a Hunter. While originally hunters were independent, they later had to be licensed by the Hunter's Association in a rigorous series of exams that tested them in all areas, which typically required being taken as an apprentice by another hunter or intensive self-discipline or learning to even be considered to take. The Hunter Academies made it so that anyone who wanted the be a Hunter had a better chance.

Hunters have many responsibilities and duties and act as a sort of international law enforcement though often are more akin to elite mercenaries. Hunters are the protectors of humanity, but are given immense leeway to act however they wish as long they do not directly break any of the tenants of the Hunter Code. Many Hunters specialize in a certain field of work, though some go through different disciplines.

Hunter society is vastly different from those of normal people. Most Hunters typically adopt a "live fast, die young" lifestyle that can appear hedonistic at first glance. In truth Hunters are well aware that they are in danger of dying every second of every day. As such many chose to take what ever comforts they can. As such it is common for many hunters to take part in the use of intoxicants or take comfort in the arms of another. Polyamorous relationships are not uncommon among unmarried Hunters, though they typically are not expected to last. Hunters that do marry tend to marry young (typically right after graduating from Hunter Academy) and often marry their own partners if a relationship does occur, but the marriages are also not always expected to last either because of death or because of the very nature of Hunter life. There is a shocking amount of overlap between Hunters and the LGBTQ+ community to the point that being a Hunter and being some form of queer is nearly ubiquitous. Hunters are also often attractive to the point that they may be considered super models. This is because of their very active lifestyle and their aura typically dealing with blemishes and downplaying aging.

The average life expectancy for a Hunter is about 50 years old, compared to the average citizens 72. Because of the differences between Hunters and normal civilians, the two groups typically do not intersect often. Certain Hunters are often considered celebrities, either because of their skill or because of their activities outside of the profession. It is also not uncommon for civilians to fear or even hate Hunters.

**Rogue Hunters** are a serious problem in the world. Rogues are often targeted by other Hunters because of the threat that they pose. At the same time while Hunters are supposed to be paragons of virtue, they often do not fill that rule. It is considered rare to see a truly selfless hunter who acts in the manner of a hero. It is often said to those who naively wish to be hunters to be heroes, that hunters are not heroes and it is just one of many professions.