After centuries of hunting, one could argue that The Lodge’s mission had since changed from the eradication of monstrous threat, to hunting for the highest bidder.  With its increasingly heavy foot in the game of politics, a minority within the organization felt it was better to pursue a new hunting philosophy. One that meant the eradication of your quarry at any cost.

Whatever it Takes

The Lodge had always preached purity of the human soul, believing that their lack of compromise set them apart from the monsters they pursued. There were always those who did not believe it to be sufficient.

Born in Blood

It first began with blood, in 100BC Tufik Malfass, a reputed hunter and vocal critic of the establishment of the time, began using the blood of his quarries in illicit experiments. His goal was to find a way to augment himself to strengthen his abilities and perhaps unlock some of those held by his enemies.  Tufik soon found notoriety within The Lodge. Some revered him, but most were terrified.

A New Way

It was never Tufik’s intention to inspire or attract followers, but he did. He refused taking on apprentices at first but the allure of his secretive processes proved far too tempting. He was forthcoming that once you go through the blood rites, there is no going back. It changes you in ways that even the most powerful Clerics can’t reverse.

The secrets of the blood rites were very well protected. Tufik soon stopped hunting and focused his energy in perfecting the rites. He founded the Blood Priests; keepers of the rites, and a way to ensure his secrets would not fall into the wrong hands after his death. The rites had granted him an unnaturally long life, but after 214 years, he departed the mortal world and became legend

Unsung Heroes

Contrary to what The Lodge had become, The Crimson Order cared little for recognition. In fact, it thrives in secrecy. Its hunters don’t enjoy the benefit of being internationally recognized, but one seldom ever encounters a Crimson Hunter face to face. Their unwavering focus always set on the hunt.

Instead of recognition, there is power. With each monstrosity destroyed they gain more blood, and with enough they undergo additional rites to an ever-increasing cost to their humanity. Due to this, it is not uncommon for a Crimson Hunter to eventually become the hunted.

Chosen

One does not apply to become a Crimson Hunter unless chosen by the order directly. Their numbers are few, their secrets well guarded, and only those who they believe can uphold their most sacred tenets will be given any consideration.  If the initial training does not kill them their graduation, the blood rites, likely will.

Either due to your skills at dispatching monsters, or that your lineage makes you more likely to survive the blood rites, you’ve been chosen by The Crimson Order as their newest recruit. You are no stranger to battle, and you would be the first to admit to enjoying it. You only respect the hunt; nothing will stand between you and your quarry. The end will always justify the means, even at the cost of your own soul.

When choosing this background, work with your DM to determine your rank within The Crimson Order, especially if creating a character beyond the first level. Either way, your character should have had its share of tragedy, conflict and trauma to make such a dark career appealing.

Hunter Ranks

You’ve attained a rank within The Crimson Order. Your rank represents a roleplaying element that determines your renown within the Crimson Order. Below is a list of the ranks and their benefits.

Rank	Description
Aspirant	You’ve only begun your training, learning to hone your skills as well as harden your body.
Neophyte	You’ve proven yourself enough to undergo your first blood rite.
Vanguard	You demonstrated talents, obedience and dedication to the hunt. By now you have a reputation amongst the order the local population alike.
Predator	You inspire some, terrify others, reaching a level of success that enables you to choose your pray, and influence the organization of your local chapter.
Executioner	You’ve participated in some of the biggest hunt, destroyed creatures that would give the most seasoned hunter nightmares.
Eradicator	You fear nothing and no one. Your success has become the stuff of legend.
Chapter Master	You lead your own chapter, responsible for ensuring the future of the next generation of hunters.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among Survival, Religion, Medicine, and Stealth

Tool Proficiencies: You gain proficiency with alchemist's supplies. In addition, choose one type of gaming set or one musical instrument.

Languages: You gain proficiency in a language of your choice.

Equipment: A set of clothes appropriate to your duties and a pouch containing 20 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Use the tables for the criminal background below as the basis for your bounty hunter’s traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a crimson hunter.

For instance, your bond might involve other hunters or the organizations or individuals that employ you. Your ideal could be associated with your determination always to catch your quarry or your desire to maintain your reputation for being dependable.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I always have a plan for what to do when things go wrong.
2	I am always calm, no matter what the situation. I never raise my voice or let my emotions control me.
3	The first thing I do in a new place is note the locations of everything valuable—or where such things could be hidden.
4	I would rather make a new friend than a new enemy.
5	I am incredibly slow to trust. Those who seem the fairest often have the most to hide.
6	I don’t pay attention to the risks in a situation. Never tell me the odds.
7	The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it.
8	I blow up at the slightest insult.

d6	Ideal
1	Honor. I don’t steal from others in the trade. (Lawful)
2	Freedom. Chains are meant to be broken, as are those who would forge them. (Chaotic)
3	Charity. I steal from the wealthy so that I can help people in need. (Good)
4	Greed. I will do whatever it takes to become wealthy. (Evil)
5	People. I’m loyal to my friends, not to any ideals, and everyone else can take a trip down the Styx for all I care. (Neutral)
6	Redemption. There’s a spark of good in everyone. (Good)

d6	Bond
1	I’m trying to pay off an old debt I owe to a generous benefactor.
2	My ill-gotten gains go to support my family.
3	Something important was taken from me, and I aim to steal it back.
4	I will become the greatest thief that ever lived.
5	I’m guilty of a terrible crime. I hope I can redeem myself for it.
6	Someone I loved died because of a mistake I made. That will never happen again.

d6	Flaw
1	When I see something valuable, I can’t think about anything but how to steal it.
2	When faced with a choice between money and my friends, I usually choose the money.
3	If there’s a plan, I’ll forget it. If I don’t forget it, I’ll ignore it.
4	I have a “tell” that reveals when I’m lying.
5	I turn tail and run when things look bad.
6	An innocent person is in prison for a crime that I committed. I’m okay with that.