The Jaegerhauses
Overview
The first Jaegerhaus was founded in 1580 in Dolchzahnfurt, considered the main base of operations for all Jaeger. Six more Jaegerhauses have since been established across the continent, with one in every nation except Gaulois.
Jaeger were the creation of Mattias Straussburg, the first Jaeger, and Baron Scholz von Wieseburg. Before the Jaegers existed, common people bore the gruelling task of hunting monsters that attacked their homes, with no organised front against the forces of Evil - until Mattias began a small company of travelling mercenaries offering their services in monster hunting. Recognising that success required wealthy patronage, he found it in the Baron. The Jaeger's success led to the Baron's ascension to Duke, and his descendants have remained stalwart figureheads of the Jaegers ever since.
Shortly after the Baron's ascension to Duke, the Jaeger were adopted by the wider continent via the Verda Empire, becoming a widely accepted, state-sponsored institution.
The Calamity at Cartos
Many Jaegerhauses have suspended normal teaching following the Calamity of Ofen 1752 and the subsequent toppling of several institutions across the Aycan continent.
Check each haus for the latest information below.
Training
Recruits must be at least 18 years old and undergo a minimum of 3 years' formal training at a Jaegerhaus. The first year is Basic Training, bringing all Recruits to a minimum standard. The following 2 years focus on three modules the Recruit selects, teaching the basics of their chosen fields; including optional exchange programmes with other Jaegerhauses.
After examination, some students need further classroom tutelage, but most will move on to field missions, the path to graduating as a full Jaeger.
Example Student Pathways
The Veteran Soldier
A soldier who served for over a decade excels at the physical elements of Basic but struggles with the academic, having never learned how to read or write, taking 5 years total before reaching field missions.
The Wisened Merchant
A merchant of 20 years makes their way through Basic and studying competently, having always kept active and their mind sharp. They start field missions after the standard 3 years.
The Eager Scholar
An academic, fresh from university, struggles badly with the physical side of Basic and took 6 months longer to complete it. But, they aces their studies - reaching field missions at 3.5 years.
The Old Witch
A witch, 70 years old, breaks their pact and seeks refuge in a Jaegerhaus to atone. Too old to pass Basic, they instead join as staff - supporting Jaeger from the sidelines as an Initiate.
The Jaegerhauses of Aynca
Dolchzahnfurt
Established in 1580.
Operating out of Castle Wieseberg, this is not just the oldest Jaegerhaus, but the base of operations for all Jaegers. Its teaching remains close to the original texts, developed over 250 years of Jaeger experience, and it's considered by many the purist Jaegerhaus. Its proximity to the Imperium, the heart of the Fayth, makes it one of the most religious hauses, alongside Puente de Piedra.
Safe by virtue of its distance from the Calamity of Cartos, the founding Jaegerhaus still remains strong. The most determined Jaeger from across the nation and beyond return to Dolchzahnfurt to consider next their next move.
Hartfelde
Established in 1655.
The newer of the two Verdan hauses, and the more relaxed of the pair - though it doesn't let Dolchzahnfurt's prestige overshadow it. Notable graduates include Anastasie Brunelle, who defended the Valorielle city of Ravenkerk from the Wild Hunt of 1663. Built to take on more students, and less influenced by the Fayth given its distance from the Imperium. As Verda's former capital, it draws more political scrutiny, and funding.
Some communication from Hartfelde indicates the haus was not hit as hard as initially feared, but they still suffered many losses and have refortified.
Bevany
Established in 1623.
Resides in the former royal estate of King Whitlock Montford III, gifted to the Jaegers after Bevany deposed its monarchy. Coaleigh is the third largest city in Bevany, and the processing hub for the surrounding mining region. Its reputation is growing as Bevanish cities swell and fledgling democracy takes root. Its teachings embrace the "Old Practices" - wild, rural traditions older than the Fayth - rather than doubting them, with every Bevanish Jaeger bringing their own touch of that heritage.
The old palace shattered under the pressures of the Calamity, and Consumed plague the area. It is rumoured powerful demons have taken up residence.
Calcera
Established in 1618.
Overlooks the Rio Escarlata, the Scarlet River. Distinctively holistic in method - no matter how established a teaching or text, Puente de Piedra will examine, confirm, and verify it against current practice. Some call this approach too loose, but its results say otherwise. Unmatched in the study of crystal properties, with ground breaking work in astrology and prophecy. Its devotion to the Fayth is matched only by Dolchzahnfurt.
Puente De Piedra suffered the most during the Calamity, it is not believed anyone in the fort at the time survived the horde that swept through them.
Tarquinia
Established 1694.
This haus is an island Confluence in a sea of Fayth, giving it a uniquely nuanced approach. More welcoming than most to those seeking redemption; Witches wishing for retribution are often directed here specifically, thanks to Confluence's influence. True to Tarquinian culture, its teaching leans into the grey between Good and Evil, asking why hunt what does no harm. In 1740, a scandal broke when the haus was found training known werewolves as Jaeger. They were shut down swiftly by Dolchzahnfurt, with the Grand Meister and those involved removed.
This haus suffered tremendously at the hands of the Consumed by how quickly they swept across Calcera to Tarquinia. Some initial scouting indicates survivors have crossed the border to Villa Rossa - the most likely place for a temporary outpost.
Axholme
Established in 1746.
The most recently established haus, built at great cost with the fall of Jaeger Elise Arbeit, writer of the second Jaeger bestiary and descendant of the Bright Wolf. Named for Die Axe, the axe-shaped inlet it overlooks, with the city sitting above Sokovou fort on the shore itself. The haus is in a perfect defensive position against the ambitious Verda Empire, and home to rumours of sea beasts in the rough waters below. Axholme bridges the Heltevei of the north and the Fayth of the south, blending old Jaeger teachings with new practice - particularly strong in both combat and ritual.
Thanks to its remote and defensible position, the Jaegerhaus in Axholme still stands strong following the Calamity at Cartos. Many Jaeger in the area have returned to Axholme to strategise over next steps.
