Monsters have been part of
Arethil as early as the
Age of Uroghosh and wreaked havoc upon the early races who tried to form civilization.
Trolls and Goblins would invade
settlements killing the inhabitants and taking their valuables. People were vulnerable to the vices of a Succubus or a bite of a
Vampire, Giants saw
Dwarves as delicious morsels and Griffins would swoop down on a hapless human and carry them to their lair so they can eat them. At one point it seemed that civilization would succumb to the chaotic nature of the monsters until Monster Slayers were formed.
The Monster Hunters started off as a small group of human hunters who were tired of seeing their loved ones be treated as either food or playthings by monsters. This small group rose to prominence when trapped an infamous Arch Griffin named: Achelous the Atrocious. For decades Achelous would swoop the down and steal from the farmlands. Whether it would be animals or people. The group of Monster Slayers used a farm as bait with the farmer allowing them to use any tools that they had at their disposal.
They used a goat to bait out the Arch Griffin and waited for seven hours until Archelous flew down and the Monster Slayer attacked. It took about 12 hours but the beast was finally slain by the group and the people who witnessed the fight, showered them with gold dubbing the group: Monster Hunters. A glorious campaign was inspired by this
event and the people of Arethil rose up against the monsters starting cam such as the: Ousting of the Giants and Goblin Massacre.
The guild rose quickly in reputation amongst the common people after that event, but concern followed quickly in their wake. Some nobles from powerful families throughout the kingdoms feared the start of a order of impromptu witch hunters, who could grow too powerful given the populace's backing. Even if they demanded coin in exchange for their services, the Monsters Hunters' efficiency was second to none in dealing with the dark threats that terrorized
villages and small settlements, and in the eyes of the poor farmers dealing with a goblin infestation, they were considered heroes. Fearing reprisal, the guild decided to lay their operations low, working in small groups scattered throughout the land or employing lone wanderers for jobs.
That opened doors for new opportunities. The Monsters Hunters started sponsoring individuals as reinforcements for contracts or even as temporary members so that the tracks wouldn't eventually lead back to them. A shrewd strategy that further elevated their stock.
