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.

"A Monster Hunter's greatest weapon is not the sword but the mind. You are facing creatures who are bigger and stronger than you. Charging in like a Barbarian will lead to a gruesome death, you must be prepared and use your wits to outmaneuver your opponent."

-Alexa Regan, Monster Slayer

With the Monster Slayer Academy being their main base of operations, the Monster Slayers today resides in the city of Elbion completely funded by the Merchant Council. To keep things organized, the Slayers were divided into cells, forming one strong being if put together. These cells answer to the Grandmaster, who has the support of his captains and officers in the employment of training and supervision of new recruits and temporary members and contracts. The captains are often seen away from the bulk of the guild, traveling whether alone or together with a group of other Slayers seeking coin for their swords against monsters.

Given their stark rise in prominence, the Slayers were able to secure many contacts throughout Arethil, providing for their protection and supplies, as well as deep pockets after capitalizing in the support from the people after the fall of Achelous. Still, they charge for their services, and they're not cheap. Expert hunters as they are, their blades strike fast but not without cost, which comes as a heavy burden for the ordinary folk. In the end, they're still regarded as heroes to many, the only souls brave enough to take a stand against the evil plaguing the lands.

Knowledge of every Monster is chronicled by seasoned members of the guild and it will be updated to the monster archives. There are also secret practices that Monster Slayers have done over the years though that is kept hidden by the Grandmasters so that it wouldn't spread and reach the ears of kings and queens seeking to control or banish them. By being free of the shackles of ordinary law and morals, the Monsters Hunters could better do their job.

Fight Fire with Fire (Mentioned)

Tales of Distant Lands (Mentioned)

The Shrouded Lords

Oops

It Takes Two

Of Eunuchs and Cults

The Ancient Dweller

Reckoning

The Stalker of Minds

The Path of Redemption

Mission of Matriculate

The Descent of the Alsanunu

The Bound Flame

Killing Grief

Wierdos from Another Realm