Holtz uses a crossbow to hunt vampires.
A vampire hunter was an individual dedicated to tracking and exterminating vampires. Humans who became vampire hunters studied a vampire's abilities and weaknesses, often equipping themselves with weapons suited to match the enhanced strength and speed of their enemies.[citation needed]
Examples[]
Historically, Slayers had served as vampire hunters since the time of the First Slayer,[1] a tradition that continued through the 21st-century Slayer Organization[2][3] and Melaka Fray in the 23rd century.[4]
Captain Daniel Holtz was a prolific vampire hunter in the 18th century, amassing a kill count of 378 vampires during the nine years he pursued Angelus and Darla.[5] He once collaborated with the Inquisitore, a Catholic order specialized in the capture, execution, and torture of vampires.[6]
Robin Wood, the son of the late Slayer Nikki Wood, was trained from a young age to fight vampires by her Watcher, Bernard Crowley. He later became a freelance vampire hunter and sought to avenge his mother by slaying Spike, the vampire who killed her in 1977.[7]
Charles Gunn began fighting vampires at a young age and led a street gang of trained vampire hunters.[8]
In 1996, the Scooby Gang was formed in Sunnydale to assist Buffy Summers in her duties as the Slayer. Buffy, Willow Rosenberg, Alexander Harris, and Rupert Giles initially joined forces against the vampires of the Order of Aurelius,[9][10] and over time the group gained new members and defeated numerous vampires and other forces of evil.[11][12][13]
In Los Angeles, Angel Investigations was formed by Angel, Cordelia Chase, and Allen Francis Doyle.[14] While Angel pursued his path of redemption, the agency handled various cases, and the growing team continued hunting vampires.[15][16][17]
Soldiers of the Initiative were trained in the capture and execution of vampires and demons using military procedures and advanced weaponry.[18] Although they had no powers of their own, Maggie Walsh administered special drugs to enhance their physical abilities.[19]
Justine Cooper became a vampire hunter to avenge her sister's death[5] and was the first recruit of Daniel Holtz's army.[20]
After the supernatural became public, the San Francisco Police Department became notable for pioneering training and research to address zompires, eventually establishing the Vampire Task Force.[21]
Inspired by Slayers, Billy Lane began hunting during the zompire epidemic, joining Buffy and the S.F.P.D. to further his training.[22]