A vampire hunter was an individual devoted to tracking and exterminating vampires. Humans who became vampire hunters studied vampire fighting capabilities and weaknesses, often equipping themselves with the proper weapons to match the increased strength and speed of their enemies.[citation needed]
Examples[]
Historically, Slayers filled the role of vampire hunter since the First Slayer.[1] The tradition continued through the years, as example of the Slayer Organization patrols in the 21st century[2][3] and Melaka Fray slaying lurks in the 23rd century.[4]
Captain Daniel Holtz was a prolific vampire hunter in the 18th century, amounting a kill count of 378 vampires in 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 was trained to fight vampires from a young age as the son of the late Slayer Nikki Wood raised by her Watcher, Bernard Crowley. He became a "freelance" vampire hunter and sought to avenge his mother by dusting the vampire who had killed her.[7]
Charles Gunn began to fight vampires at a young age and led a street gang of trained vampire hunters.[8]
The Scooby Gang was formed in 1996 to assist Buffy in her duties as the Slayer. Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Giles first acted together against the vampires of the Order of Aurelius[9][10] and, in their battle against the forces of evil, the growing group defeated many vampires through the years.[11][12][13]
Similarly, Angel Investigations was formed while Angel, Cordelia, and Doyle confronted a vampire.[14] With Angel's path of redemption and the detective agency's cases, the growing team continued dedicated to vampire hunting at times.[15][16][17]
Soldiers of the Initiative were trained in the capture and execution of vampires and demons using military procedures and highly-advanced weaponry.[18] While possessing no powers of their own, Maggie Walsh administered them with special drugs to enhance their physical attributes.[19]
Justine Cooper turned to vampire-hunting to avenge the death of her sister[5] and became the first recruit of Daniel Holtz's army.[20]
After the supernatural became public, the San Francisco Police Department was notable for its pioneering in police training and research to deal with zompires, eventually creating the Vampire Task Force.[21]
Inspired by Slayers, Billy Lane started hunting during the zompire epidemic, joining Buffy and the S.F.P.D. to enhance his training.[22]