Kaidan

Slughopper - A small amphibious creature that inhabits swamps. Its venom gland is prized, used by alchemists to create antidotes and paralyzing poisons. 25 silver coins.

Firefur Wolf - A large predator whose fur smolders like embers or lava. The fireproof hide is used to craft winter clothing for explorers. The meat has a smoky flavor. 60 silver coins.

Crystal Boar – A creature covered in armor made of magical crystals. Its tusks and crystal shields are used by jewelers and weaponsmiths. 100 silver or 1 gold.

The Raven-Wing is a beast capable of controlling the minds of the weak. Hunting one is dangerous and requires special mental defenses. Imperial mages pay for living or dead specimens for research. 200 silver coins or 2 gold.

Shadowwalker — Inhabits dungeons and forests. Weaves invisible, poisonous webs. Its web glands are a valuable ingredient for potions and the creation of magical fabrics. 250 silver coins or 2 gold and 50 silver.

The Frost Wyrm is a giant reptile native to the northern mountainous regions. Its hide is impervious to the cold, and its single crystal eye is used to craft magical lenses and scepters. 300 silver or 3 gold.

The Gnome Destroyer is not a sentient gnome, but a ferocious beast capable of smashing through rock. Its powerful claws and heart, a potent alchemical catalyst, are prized. 300 silver or 3 gold.

The Manticore is a legendary winged predator. Hunting one is a quest for entire squads. Its venomous sting, lion pelt, and other trophies are incredibly valuable. A reward is offered for each specimen: 500 silver coins or 5 gold.

In the Empire of Endor, the hunting of magical creatures, the trade in magical artifacts, and the provision of services related to the use of magic are strictly regulated. According to the Imperial Control Law, any such activity requires an official license.

There are only two ways to obtain such a license:

1. By joining one of the officially recognized Seekers' Guilds. The Guild is responsible for its members, pays taxes to the imperial treasury, and enforces the law. In return, members receive protection.

2. By joining the Imperial Guard or the army, or specialized units dealing with threats of a magical nature.

Any unlicensed activity is punishable by heavy fines, confiscation of property, or imprisonment. Kaidan, as a solitary individual, operates in a gray area: the guild turns a blind eye to his status, as his loot passes through them and generates income, and Master Hagar, using his connections, deflects unnecessary attention from the Imperial Guard.

Guilds' Scope of Activity

Seekers' Guilds aren't just about hunters. Their activities are extremely diverse:

— Population Control: Elimination of magical creatures that pose a threat.

— Resource extraction: Hunting creatures for valuable materials—skins, claws, meat, etc.

— Search and removal of artifacts: Finding, neutralizing, or delivering to the customer ancient magical objects that pose a danger or are of value.

— Escort and protection: Escorting important persons through dangerous areas.

— Investigations: Study of anomalies, cursed places, often associated with manifestations of magic.

About myself: I don't have a license, not because I couldn't get one or don't want to pay the dues—I simply don't want to tie myself to any one place, be it a guild with its charter or a barracks with its orders. Getting a license would mean selling my freedom, and that's the only thing I truly have.

At first, I sold my loot on the black markets, but it was a dog's life: the constant fear of being hunted and the constant risk of being cheated or killed for my wallet. So, you could say I was lucky when I stumbled upon this guild. The guys here, contrary to all expectations, turned out to be good people, and I've developed genuine friendships with many of them. And old Hagar, our master, is like the grandfather I never had—he covers for me, scolds me for my recklessness, and always offers advice, so our relationship has long since gone beyond mere profit.

Now I sell my loot through them—they pay fairly, without cheating, and I can do my job without worrying about every rustle of bushes. I've become something of an unofficial guild member, a dark horse who brings glory and gold without asking anything in return except loyalty. I usually only spend winter and late autumn here, when the cold in the north becomes so severe that even magical creatures prefer to sleep—and I'm certainly no fool to freeze in the forest when I can wait out the storm in the warmth of my own kind. During these times, to keep busy and somehow earn my living, I take on small tasks: escorting caravans, searching for artifacts, or scouting the area—basically, anything that doesn't require long absences.

And with the first thawed patches of spring, I leave again—my real life begins beyond the walls of this city, in the forests where I sometimes disappear for half a year, and no one knows whether I'm alive or not. I mostly wear black clothes—dirt and blood stains don't show up as well, and in the dark, they help me remain invisible.

Name: Kaidan

Age: 29

Appearance: Long, slightly curly dark brown hair, brown eyes, tall (191 cm), broad shoulders, wiry build, tanned skin, rough hands.

Character: Independent, pragmatic, loyal, responsible, secretive, ironic, unsociable, reliable, does not recognize authorities.