Does one need to know the type of creature if one wants to cast a Hunters mark or can one just simple say that creature over there? Or is it up to the DM
Any creature you can see within 90 feet is an applicable target for Hunter's mark. You choose which creature when you cast the spell. You are not limited by creature types.
If you can see it, and it is a creature, then you can target it. If it is unclear which creature you are trying to target then just keep giving more details until the DM knows what you're trying to hit (that creature, the green one, the one nearest the door, the big spiky thing, etc.). You dont need to know the exact nature of the creature; if you target Geoff the Human Peasant then the spell works even if the creature standing there is in fact Geoff the Vampire Lord in disguise. The targeting of the spell should only fail if it turns out that you are trying to target something that is not a creature - like it turned out to be an illusion, or a realistic statue that you thought was a creature.
Or if you can’t tell if it is a creature or an object, like a mimic
In a case like this I would go with the option given in Xanathar's Guide. They could cast Hunter's Mark on something they thought was a Mimic. If it is one, the spell works as normal. If it's just a chest, then the spell fails, and the spell slot is expended.
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Does one need to know the type of creature if one wants to cast a Hunters mark or can one just simple say that creature over there? Or is it up to the DM
Any creature you can see within 90 feet is an applicable target for Hunter's mark. You choose which creature when you cast the spell. You are not limited by creature types.
If you can see it, and it is a creature, then you can target it. If it is unclear which creature you are trying to target then just keep giving more details until the DM knows what you're trying to hit (that creature, the green one, the one nearest the door, the big spiky thing, etc.). You dont need to know the exact nature of the creature; if you target Geoff the Human Peasant then the spell works even if the creature standing there is in fact Geoff the Vampire Lord in disguise. The targeting of the spell should only fail if it turns out that you are trying to target something that is not a creature - like it turned out to be an illusion, or a realistic statue that you thought was a creature.
Or if you can’t tell if it is a creature or an object, like a mimic
In a case like this I would go with the option given in Xanathar's Guide. They could cast Hunter's Mark on something they thought was a Mimic. If it is one, the spell works as normal. If it's just a chest, then the spell fails, and the spell slot is expended.