Fantasy Vexpara -- Lore Guide

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Hunter's Manual
Property of Vexpara. Do not distribute.

• Referent 1 -- The Practice of Hunters
• Referent 2 -- The Tools of the Trade
• Referent 3 -- The Ilk of Demons

• The Practice of Hunters
  The profession of the demon hunter has existed for well over 1,500 years, and has evolved into a subculture without borders. The work of hunters has changed very little since the first guilds of Byzantium formed after the Crossing of Justinian, where the first wave of demons descended upon Earth. The goal of hunters has remained simple: to protect mankind from demonkind through any means necessary -- including the use of the unpredictable infernal magic of demons. In places where integration rates are high, even demons are known to become demon hunters.
  
  Below is a list of hunter archetypes that have existed and persisted through history.
  
  Crane:
  Observers, scouts, and marksmen. Crane hunters prefer to keep the safety of distance between themselves and demons. Most of the magic in their arsenal focuses on deception and target tracking, which are spells nearly untraceable to the demons they stalk. Since the production of truesilver in quantities large enough to make expendable ammunition is still a feat for modern engineers, and even more so for historical quartermasters, Crane hunters have always been renowned for their exceptional accuracy and patience.
  
  Augur:
  Infernal exorcists and scholars of demonic lore. Augur hunters cast powerful anti-demon magics, or twist dangerous demonic energy to their bidding. Not all humans can stomach the warped power of demon energy, and even fewer can master it. This makes them a rare but powerful boon to fellow hunters when utilized properly. Because of the volatile and unpredictable nature of demon magic, guildmates of Augur hunters often carry powerful sedatives to quell sudden and uncontrollable outbursts of foul energy.
  
  Blooden:
  Warrior-hunters who specialize in pitched combat with demons. Blooden are the most common among hunter guilds, forming the backbone of most anti-demon organizations. They often endure extensive physical and mental training, allowing them to, in theory, a myriad of different demon types. Some Blooden elect to train and hunt specific kinds of demons, and thus become specialists called upon when a particularly stubborn demon needs to be hunted.
  
  Ouro:
  Abyssian apothecaries and stalwart adjutants to other hunters. An Ouro's trade is the application of rare healing magics, as well as the study of demonic behaviors and patterns. While not particularly potent in combat, Ouro hunters fill crucial supportive roles when a guild is on the hunt. Their abilities to weave wounds shut and protect fellow hunters from harm make them invaluable to the longevity of a guild. Unfortunately, the many years of strenuous study required to be an effective Ouro leave their numbers much to be desired. A guild is often lucky to have more than one Ouro.
• The Tools of the Trade
  It is no secret that demons in general are faster, stronger, and deadlier than the average man. Ever since mankind's struggle against demons began over 1,500 years ago, every advantage possible was sought to level the playing field for hunters. With the discovery of rare truesilver ore, and its subsequent weaponization that could sear demonic flesh with a mere graze, hunters at last had tools that could reliably fell even the most powerful of demons. Modern developments have only made these tools and weapons deadlier and more efficient to produce.
  
  Melee:
  If it has been created as a weapon to use against fellow men, it has likely been recreated in truesilver with demon slaying in mind. Swords, axes, and hammers are the most common truesilver melee weapons produced, as they are the most straightforward to use. A fair number of these weapons are relics and heirlooms from hunters past, but still more are manufactured each day.
  
  Projectiles:
  The rarity of truesilver has always made the production of ranged projectiles a troublesome task. To make matters worse, truesilver is a relatively fragile metal and cannot withstand the force of being shot out of a high powered firearm. Crossbows, close range scatterguns, bows, and throwing weapons are the few reliable methods of delivering a piece of truesilver at range. Some modern hunters carry conventional firearms to weaken or stun more powerful demons, then move into close quarters to finish a demon off with a truesilver melee weapon.
  
  Coffins:
  Hunter coffins originate all the way back to the era of the Black Death, where containment was mankind's greatest weapon. They are made of pine, or another sturdy but lightweight material and worn strapped to the back for transportation. In the hands of a skilled hunter, the coffin may be used to trap a demon within its enchanted confines. With portal magic, the hunter may banish the coffin, demon and all, into the tumultuous gap between realms to be flayed alive by the chaos of the Starstorm.
  
  Smoke Grenades:
  While mostly used as a distraction and concealment tool, some smoke grenades are filled with tiny particulate shavings of truesilver. If inhaled by a bellowing demon, the truesilver particles can stun, if not seriously incapacitate a demon from within. Smoke grenades are the preferred tools of hunters over conventional fragmentation explosives as the potential of collateral damage with use is minimal.
• The Ilk of Demons
  Demons are classified into a handful of basic archetypes, of which vary in power, size, and ability. Demonkind as a species are capable of great changes in their lifespan, and their demonic “type” is not necessarily static as, for example, the animal kingdom of Earth where one species may not simply transform into another. Listed below is a general guideline for the identification and classification of demons. Note that uncommon cases of specialized demons, such as wraith, trickster, and brute demons should be assigned a guideline classification on a case by case basis (e.g., a greater wraith demon).
  
  Subjugated demons:
  Those who have been branded by the Mark of Subjugation, making any use of magic that would harm a human lethal to the demon. This Mark is still used extensively to control demon populations, allowing them to become members of human society without inciting fear or suspicion. Most demons that live in human societies bear this Mark.
  
  Lesser demons:
  The weakest and most human-like of demonkind. With a few simple glamor magics, a lesser demon may be indiscernible to an average human by the naked eye alone. They are physically slightly stronger, and live slightly longer.
  
  Greater demons:
  When a lesser demon indulges on a great deal of infernal energy (usually by killing or absorbing other humans or demons), they are likely to become a greater demon. They are stronger, faster, and more lethal than their lesser counterparts. While they are still humanoid in appearance, they possess a pair of gnarled horns that sprout form their head, razor-sharp claws, and a barbed tail. Their augmented abilities come at the expense of having a dulled sense of empathy for others -- some would call this “humanity.”
  
  Black demons:
  If a greater demon feeds upon enough infernal energy to become a black demon, the transformation is often incredibly violent. A black demon stands on average nearly double the height of a human, and is capable of fighting off several trained hunters with ease. With a bit of tact and a bit of luck, a group of the most seasoned of hunters may still struggle to bring a black demon down. Black demons spare no thought to the lives of others, and only selfishly hunger for more power and ultraviolence.
  
  White demons:
  A thing of speculations among humans. Most of integrated demonkind are hesitant to talk about white demons, as speaking of them is taboo in modern demon culture. Their ability is remarked as the thing of terrible legends, as a single white demon is capable of untold catastrophes. The codices of most hunter guilds contain no mention as to how to respond to a white demon threat, and those that do, recommend a hastened retreat.

 

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Basic History
Property of Vexpara. Do not distribute.

Prologue -- Beyond the Thread of Man
In a plane afar and unseen by man, the unspeakable demon realm of Hell writhed in turmoil. Strife, disease, and famine drove demonkind to desperation. Among the infighting and savagery, six powerful demons rose above the meek to deliver their kind to salvation. These demons would be known as the Hexarchy -- six demons of unimaginable strength, with legions of deprived demons groveling at their feet. With counsel of the Six, it was decided that their realm was unsustainable, and to survive would be to find a new realm. That new realm would be Earth.

• Movement 1 -- The Crossing of Justinian
• Movement 2 -- Wolf in Chains
• Movement 3 -- Earth Crisis

• The Crossing of Justinian
  It is very likely that demons had infiltrated Earth many times before in humankind’s short existence, but the first Great Crossing of demons took place in 555 A.D. during the Plague of Justinian. Never before had such loss of human life coincided with the alignment of the stars that allowed passage to Earth. The Hexarchy plotted an exodus to Earth, utilizing the death and despair of a suffering empire to their advantage.
  
  While it seemed the salvation of demonkind was just upon the horizon, a demonlord by the name of Ur'kain betrayed the Hexarchy. He strode across the gap between worlds alone, sacrificing himself to form a bridge for his legion to cross before the Hexarchy’s armies were ready.
  
  His legion, and scores of other ravenous demons defecting from the Hexarchy poured into Byzantium, expecting an effortless conquest of the suffering peoples. However, they would cross without their lord and without the support of the Hexarchy. Fearing retaliation and competition from their fellow demons, Urkain’s legion shattered the bridge to Earth that their master had created, causing a devastating Starstorm to reap the space between planes. The passage would be secure, but unbeknownst to them, Earth would be their tomb.
  
  Though the plague had crippled the empire, human resistance was mounted to cull the invading demons. It took several bloody decades, but the cataphracts of the Byzantine Empire finally stood triumphant over the depraved demons. The Crossing of Justinian was a failure, and a colossal setback for the Hexarchy who could only watch as their brethren were slain in the fields of battle.
• Wolf in Chains
  Deeper and deeper into chaos did Hell descend into after Ur'kain’s failed Crossing. Demonkind was dying, and the Hexarchy was losing strength with each passing cycle. Their time to act was dwindling as centuries passed on Earth. To their dismay, mankind had controlled and adapted the magic discovered during the First Crossing for their own use. Never again would the demons have the advantage of magic over humanity. Worse yet, the Starstorm created by the destruction of the First Crossing made it nigh impossible for a second invasion by conventional portal magic.
  
  That was, until the demons bred Valkuus -- the Wolf in Chains. Forged in the Below, Valkuus was a fearsome hellhound wrapped in abyssal chains that deflected the havoc of the Starstorm with its enchantment. Once the Hexarchy was ready, Valkuus leapt across the divide and onto Earth with the portal anchors needed to make a massive Second Crossing. Miasma from the Starstorm dripped from its tattered fur and seeped into the land as the anchors were planted. Humans died in droves, bodies stacked in mountains of macabre flesh as a new plague decimated Europe. Modern history books would refer to this plague of apocalyptic proportions as the Black Death.
  
  Once Valkuus had cleared a path through the Starstorm and delivered a crippling plague to Earth, the Hexarchy, and all of demonkind had their chance once more at salvation on Earth.
• Earth Crisis
  How humanity survived the Second Crossing was nothing short of a miracle to some, and an inevitability to others. Man is a species of resilience, thriving and always bounding back from the edge of extinction. In the centuries that followed the Second Crossing, mankind did battle with the demons of the Hexarchy both on bloody battlefields, and in the shadows. While men died in great swathes from plague and combat, they were not helpless to the slaughter. Skillful mages wielded the same magic that the demons held, flinging terrible bolts of red lightning through the air. Truesilver had also been discovered as a demonic weakness, and it did not take long for armies to begin forging truesilver weapons to combat the hordes of Hell.
  
  One by one, the overlords of the Hexarchy were beaten into submission, and their legions scattered across the continents. As mankind approached the Industrial Era, the threat of demons had long been eclipsed by the threat humans posed to themselves. While some demons still fought fruitlessly for control of the planet, others had simply had enough of strife. They surrendered, and even conformed to human society.
  
  By the Modern Era, most demons coexisted with man. Some still murdered and schemed in the shadows, but were relentlessly hunted by elite hunter guilds that had been established across the globe to combat rogue demonic threats. Ironically enough, some demons even found themselves among the ranks of demon hunters.

 

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Magic
Property of Vexpara. Do not distribute.

• Referent 1 -- Infernal Magic
• Referent 2 -- Standard Magic

• Infernal Magic
  Infernal magic is a demon art that is older than mankind itself, and mankind's first introduction to magic in general. When used by humans, the infernal energy is difficult to control, rendering the spells dangerous to both the caster and those nearby. Even when used by demons, the energy of the spells crackle with chaos that tempts the caster to bring harm to others. In many areas, the casting of infernal magic without a permit is prohibited by law. Augur hunters, demon and human alike, must file mountains of paperwork and sign several waivers before using infernal magic in their trade.
  
  All infernal spells are categorized under four distinct classifications, listed below.
  
  Plague:
  Spells that spread and afflict targets with miasmic poison. Plague spells would be the most criticized usage of infernal magic if not for the fact that demonic healing spells fall under the plague category.
  
  Gate:
  Gate spells very simply produce portals from one place or plane, to another. Gates can be used for transportation, but also have some practical combat uses as well. Only very skilled casters can sustain a gate for a long period of time.
  
  Wrath:
  Spells that send forth bolts of crimson lightning and the summoning of great columns of hellfire are classified under wrath spells. Mostly used for combat. With practice, shields can be forged to protect the caster from harm.
  
  Deceit:
  Deceit spells focus entirely on the deception of others. Simple techniques, such as glamour spells that hide demonic features are common for everyday use. Illusion spells of invisibility and decoys are more advanced techniques.
• Standard Magic
  Standard magic is magic that is created entirely by humans, and intended to be used by humans. The energy drawn to cast standard spells is much more stable than infernal spells, but is generally less potent than their demonic counterparts. Unlike infernal spells, the degree of power for standard spells is based on training, not raw power. Though all demons are capable of casting infernal spells, not all humans can cast standard spells. Additionally, demons cannot cast standard spells.
  
  Standard spells were inspired by infernal magic upon creation, but have since become more versatile as new spells can be harmonized every day. Infernal magic can only be recovered from the empty pits of Hell. Thankfully for human spellsmiths, new spells do not have to fall under any constraining archetypes. It is, therefore, unnecessary and impractical to categorize standard spells.

 

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Vexpara, Explained
Property of Vexpara. Do not distribute.

Vexpara currently has: 56 registered active guild members, with a total of 641 individual hunters registered since its founding in 1972.

In terms of operational standards and ratings, Vexpara ranks #64 as the most effective active hunter guild in the world.

• Referent 1 -- Internal Structure
• Referent 2 -- Operational History

• Internal Structure
  The current, sixth guildmaster of Vexpara is Kendra Marcel Lattimore, having served five years in this role and 17 years as a hunter with Vexpara. Ms. Lattimore, despite her young age, she has earned an impressive array of accolades and acknowledgements for her services and leadership of Vexpara. Her outstanding leadership skills and her exceptional abilities as an Augur hunter made her the clear choice as the successor to Vexpara once the former guildmaster, Janus Harte, resigned for medical reasons.
  
  Though Ms. Lattimore oversees Vexpara's general strategy and deployment, the fundamentals of running a guild the size of Vexpara fall to a handful of (five to seven) elected hunter-captains. The hunter-captains are usually veteran hunters, and must have served with Vexpara for at minimum five years before becoming elected. Their duties include, but are not limited to, micro-level leadership, discipline, recruitment, and negotiation. A hunter-captain may serve the role for life, or until he or she resigns from the post, or if he or she is terminated from Vexpara.
  
  Besides the position of guildmaster or a hunter-captain, all other guildmates of Vexpara are treated as equals.
• Operational History
  Vexpara was created on November 1st, 1972 by American veteran freelance hunter, Clara Barnes, in response to the Olympic terrorist attack in Munich two months prior, where two rogue demons assisted a group of terrorists in infiltrating and assaulting the Olympic Village. The attack left over 30 dead and the lack of specially trained counter-terrorism teams was highlighted as one of the main reasons for such a tragedy to occur. Mrs. Barnes created Vexpara to be hired by governments to act as protection and a vanguard against demon-related terrorist attacks.
  
  The first members of Vexpara were Mrs. Barnes' close friends and hunters, meaning the guild numbered no more than five to six members in the first three years of operation. Their presence was minimal at best, and the only jobs they were able to take were small scale exorcisms across the country. Because of the guild's efficiency and infancy, they were a popular hire for those in need of cheap, but worthwhile exorcists. It took several years, but Vexpara started to gain new starry-eyed recruits.
  
  The first large assignment given to Vexpara was in the summer of 1980, during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. This was also the guild's first international deployment. Vexpara operated in Afghanistan as an independent resource group, monitoring Soviet magical use during the invasion for three years. In this time, Vexpara bagged three rogue greater demons, and a dozen rogue lesser demons and suffered zero lethal causalities. A subsidiary of the American CIA paid Vexpara for this job.
  
  Following the Afghanistan case, Vexpara gained several new guildmates and began to take jobs across the globe. Notable high profile deployments included Iraq, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, and England. Some are listed below.
  
  April 2nd, 1986, Vexpara, along with other hunter guilds, were deployed to Pripyat, Ukraine as independent resource groups tasked with detecting demonic involvement with the Chernobyl reactor meltdown. No traces were found.
  
  November 9th, 1989, Vexpara was present during the fall of the Berlin Wall. Hunters were tasked with ensuring protesters remained nonviolent.
  
  August 21st, 1990, Vexpara was deployed in minimal force alongside American troops during Operation Desert Storm as infernal magic deterrents.
  
  September 11th, 2001, Vexpara was given the all clear to evacuate their headquarters in Manhattan due to the attack on the World Trade Center. Guild members present unanimously elected to stay behind to assist NYFD with rescue and evacuation efforts.
  
  September 2nd, 2004, Vexpara, and other various hunter guilds were called to North Ossetia to assist in defusing the Beslan school siege after a rogue greater demon was found among the militants. Upon Vexpara's arrival, the siege had already ended.