The Jaeger

Who are the Jaeger?

Jaeger are the line between Good and Evil, keeping the scales of the universe in balance to prevent catastrophe.

Created centuries ago, people of all walks of life came together to learn how to protect civilisation from the creations of Evil and prevent its corruption. Today, this vital work continues in places of formal tutelage, the Jaegerhauses, where they study a ruthless curriculum of history, combat, and so much more. A mere commoner's mind would boggle at the wide range of knowledge a single Jaeger learns.

Whilst strong alone, Jaegers are stronger together. Sects within the Jaegers have naturally emerged as a result of camaraderie and teamwork, such as the legendary Wolf Pack, led by Ulbrecht Arbeit I -- the Bright Wolf -- in the mid-1500s. Whilst fame is not something Jaegers often get to enjoy, there are those who achieve such status within the organisation's own ranks.

Some groups of Jaegers choose to specialise. The Wolf Pack specialised in Lycanthropes, as their name suggests, but others hone their expertise elsewhere - not always by monster type. The Crimson Forge, an active group of Jaegers from Ursal, are master artificers who strive to push the boundaries of known technology.

Rivalries are expected and even encouraged, so long as they promote healthy competition. No one is ever expected to like everyone they work with, and even the deepest hatred between two Jaegers is superseded by their duty. It's not uncommon for foes to stand back to back against the hordes of Evil, succeed, and resume their personal squabbles the moment the fighting stops.

Whilst anyone can call themselves a monster hunter, to be a Jaeger is a state sponsored profession, and the title is not taken lightly. Those who pose as Jaeger can and have been executed with the full force of justice. If one wishes to learn the arts of Jaegering, they must attend a Jaegerhaus for formal training.

The Jaeger Code

  • I. Never go alone
  • II. We are not the law
  • III. Live to fight another day
  • IV. Remember your enemy

Rank

The Jaeger are nowhere near as structured as a standing military, but there are parallels in how they operate.

As the Jaegers grew, a singular leader for the entire organisation was found to be counterproductive. Instead, Grand Meisters share authority on international issues, working together and travelling to summits to discuss pressing matters.

Recruit -- Anyone enrolling at a Jaegerhaus begins here, at the bottom of the chain of command.

Jaeger -- Once a Recruit graduates, they formally become a Jaeger. The vast majority of Jaegers hold this rank.

Senior Jaeger -- An experienced Jaeger may apply for this rank, taking on the teaching of Recruits while still undertaking field missions where required.

Meister -- Drawn from Jaegers and Senior Jaegers. Meisters lead other Jaeger and run tactical planning for missions on a national scale. Highly experienced, but rarely seen in the field - their focus is teaching and research.

Grand Meister -- The most senior Jaeger in charge of a Jaegerhaus. Determines the curriculum for Recruits and has oversight of all deployments for Jaeger in their nation. Doesn't participate in combat unless absolutely required.

Not everyone who attends a Jaegerhaus passes Basic Training, or wishes to extend beyond it, but that isn't the end of their journey. Hundreds of staff support each Jaegerhaus: librarians, cooks, stable hands, smiths, and many more roles vital to keeping a haus running. These people are called Initiates - committed to the cause, but not Jaeger themselves.

Distinguishments

Distinguishments and titles are common among Jaeger, and are usually created by their peers rather than through a formal system of award. However, a handful of medals are formally recognised, bestowed by Meisters and Grand Meisters.

The Golden Wreath

A fine circlet of golden leaves, reserved for those who, in the face of certain doom, still completed their mission and saved as many as possible. Only true, one-of-a-kind acts of heroism and bravery earn the Wreath. Only 14 people have received it in Jaeger history. The Wreath itself is a mantlepiece item; a smaller golden medallion depicting it is worn personally.

The Silver Talon

A silver claw modelled on the werewolf Blacktalon, slain by the Bright Wolf after terrorising the Verda Empire at the head of a pack he'd turned himself. The Talon represents ingenuity and creativity in the hunt - sparing as many as possible while focusing on the true enemy. Several hundred have been awarded over the decades.

The Iron Chain

The rarest distinguishment, granted only by a Grand Meister, representing the burden of leadership and the sacrifices demanded by its hardest calls. A literal chain of iron links worn around the neck - deceptively simple from a distance, but each link is inscribed with a name up close.