text; un: shiro

[shiro2hero]

What do we know about the Hunters?




[That’s it. That's the post.]

[Sorry, folks. We're used to getting our info from Sleepers, not the locals. And in the wake of October, in light of the words of the locals lately... Better to ask.]

Comments

[Video][UN: *Hidden*]

[subject_013]

[Have a tall, lean but muscled figure in a lightweight black tunic, their face and head hidden beneath a balaclava and a corvid bird mask, sitting in what looks like an attic space, a window open on the moonlight, with more light coming from a lunar orb. The stranger has a sword in their gloved hands, as they carefully oil the blade. They look up from their work, speaking in a low, gruff voice.]

I may not be the moat unbiased person to answer the question, as I am a Sleeper who was recruited as a Hunter. But if I might give a few words...

They are the protection this city and those who live in it need against the Beasts, and there are many who cannot defend themselves against this scourge. However, at times, there is the odd Hunter who becomes as bad, if not worse than a Beast and must become the Hunted. I was warned of this by those who recruited me: it happens, a sore side-effect of exposure to the blood in this place and the blood of the Beasts.

Call me Locrian.

text;

[shiro2hero]

[Okay then. Well - points for the dramatic shot, then.]

So what safety measures are in place against this kind of thing? Anything? Or is it just luck of the draw?

Re: text;

[subject_013]

Some Hunters become Hunters of Hunters. I have accepted the role as one of them.

[A thoughtful pause, as they run the oiled bit of leather along the blade.]

Someone must choose to step in when a hero weakens and become the villain of their own story. It's not a case that calls for heroes, but for dark souls. I'm not at liberty to discuss it, but my own story turned in that direction. Perhaps I am working my atonement by accepting this role. So far, I've not had to enact this on any young Sleepers, but there may not have been enough time for the Corruption to set in.

[shiro2hero]

And if they have no interest in hunting others? If they just want to keep people safe from monsters?

[subject_013]

It isn't a role for everyone, but I doubt it's one which the Hunters who proceeded the Sleepers would force or foist on anyone. If they do, well, that wouldn't be a good sign for that Hunter, and in which case, it likely wouldn't be long before someone like me came to call on them.

[Something dark comes into their voice, though there's no viciousness or malice to it, simply a matter of fact-ness.]

[shiro2hero]

That's...

Duly noted, I guess.

[He'd prefer not to murder people. Just protect them.]

[subject_013]

I'll share something with you that I don't share with many. I nearly lost part of myself to something like Corruption or Beasthood in my world. It nearly drove me to something dire. But... I suppose here, I am atoning for that which nearly destroyed me. I suppose, I have an understanding for the Beasts, for the Corrupt, but not an understanding that pushes me toward either sentiment or sadism. Sometimes... the only way to heal a wound is to cut it open.