Sir Tom,

When you asked me what it was like to join the Venatori, I didn’t know what to say. It’s a very long story. The order itself is ancient. No one even knows its real origins or the history of why the Achaeans needed an order dedicated to monster hunting. Monsters must have been a lot more common in the past. I guess especially those that are sensitive to silver, which isn’t all of them. Did you know that? There are so many different ways to fight different kinds of monsters. The bestiary from Illikon should help me learn more about that.

Joining the Venatori intimidated me. Or Venators, as a lot of people call them, although I’ve been told that’s technically improper. Anyway, every Venator has to undergo a lot of training and be taught extensively about potions and different kinds of metals and materials for weapons. We even get some runestones. I always thought magic was just a story.

We didn’t just train. We had to get our bodies used to potions. Most all potions either sicken or, more often, poison and kill anyone who drinks them. That makes Venatori very unique, but a lot of people essentially call us freaks. Remember what we talked about in the swamp? It tends to go like that.

It was not long after I joined the Venatori that I met Caiden. He’s still a mystery to me. Then again, so are most of the things we hunt. Sometimes I feel sorry for them. Some of them. Most of them, though, just want to kill, and they can’t be trusted.

I look forward to telling you more about some of our adventures. Caiden and I have been on a few hunts together now, several before we met you. Every time we hunt anything, though, I always wonder what Caiden is thinking. You probably noticed he’s not as talkative as you are.

Your friend,

Gwen Vergil

Venatus Numquam Desinet