Hunter

Hunters are ranged combat specialists, proficient in archery, ranged magic, and throwing weapons. They favor fighting from a distance, utilizing their superior range and accuracy. Clad in light to medium armor, they move nimbly across the battlefield. Skilled animal trainers, Hunters often travel with a companion animal for combat assistance. Their primary stat attribute is agility.

Ranged Expertise

Hunters excel at striking from a distance, using bows, crossbows, thrown weapons, and sometimes ranged magical attacks. Their precision allows them to target vulnerable points on enemies, resulting in frequent critical hits. They maintain consistent damage output while staying safely away from the chaos of melee combat, picking off targets with methodical efficiency.

Animal Companionship

A defining characteristic of Hunters is their bond with animal companions. These loyal beasts fight alongside them, providing additional combat support and tactical options. Companions can be trained to tank damage, deal supplementary damage, or provide utility effects like slowing enemies. The relationship between Hunter and companion grows stronger over time, enhancing their combat effectiveness.

Origins

The Hunter class emerged from survival techniques developed in the Hinterfall Jungle and Darkmire Swamp. The original Hunters were Grovekin who needed to defend their territories from massive creatures. When the Black Empire drove the Grovekin from their homes, these skills spread to other races. The tradition was preserved by the Pathfinders of Lunaris, who adapted these techniques to survive the hostile Crimson Wilds. Beast bond techniques were perfected in the Dormuzahn Isles, where the diverse wildlife provided countless opportunities to develop different companion training methods.

Magical Affinity

Hunters frequently incorporate magic that enhances their natural abilities and connection to wildlife. Nature magic is their strongest affinity, allowing them to communicate with animals, enhance their companions, and control vegetation to restrict enemy movement. Many Hunters employ Air magic for improved accuracy and to manipulate wind currents that guide their projectiles. Ice magic is popular for slowing targets, while Shadow magic helps with stealth and concealment during tracking. Water magic's divination aspects appeal to Hunters who specialize in tracking.

Notable Races

Beastkin make exceptional Hunters, their natural affinity with animals and heightened senses creating powerful bonds with their companions. Grovekin Hunters excel at using their natural connection to vegetation for camouflage and terrain control while hunting in the Wildlands. Human Hunters bring diverse techniques from their original timelines, often developing innovative tracking and ambush tactics. Dragonkin Hunters are prized for their keen senses and patience during long hunts across the Skyhold Mountains. Mechanoid Hunters, while uncommon, use advanced optical systems and tracking algorithms to remarkable effect. Vegonian Hunters are renowned for their unmatched stealth capabilities, making them ideal scouts in the dangerous terrain of the Kazarial Desert.

Professional Pursuits

Hunters naturally gravitate toward professions that complement their wilderness expertise and connection to the natural world. The Explorer's trade is perhaps the most common secondary calling for Hunters, their tracking skills and survival knowledge making them exceptional cartographers and guides through uncharted territories. Many Hunters in the Hinterfall Jungle region become skilled Crafters, fashioning their own specialized equipment from materials gathered during their expeditions. Those who regularly venture into ancient ruins or the Crimson Wilds often develop talents as Salvagers, recovering valuable artifacts and resources that others overlook. Some Hunters, particularly those based in Elyndaar, pursue the Scientist's path to better understand the biology of their animal companions and the ecosystems they traverse. Beastkin Hunters frequently combine their hunting skills with Engineering, creating unique traps and tools adapted to the specific challenges of their preferred hunting grounds.