Hero (BTP)

Heroes are the main antagonists of Beast: The Primordial. Like Beasts, Heroes have a connection to the Primordial Dream, which allows them to sense the presence of a nearby Beast. While principled, honorable Heroes exist, the majority are violent narcissists who will stop at nothing to kill a Beast.

Origins
In ancient times, Heroes and Beasts lived in a kind of symbiosis, both serving their communities and interpreting the terrifying wisdom of the Primordial Dream. A Hero might take up arms against a Beast only when that Beast overreached in their predations.

In the present day, the Primordial Dream is harder for most mortals to hear, and Heroes have had their subconscious shaped by stories in which the conquering protagonist slays the wicked monster and receives glory, reward and acclaim. Consequently, the type of Hero a Beast typically encounters has an unshakable belief in his own righteousness and a willingness to do whatever it takes to kill a Beast, no matter who else may be harmed in the process: he is the protagonist of this story and everyone else is, at best, a side character.

Abilities
A Hero has the ability to track Beasts through both the Primordial Dream and the waking world. They are drawn to people or places where a Beast has recently used their powers, and can recognize a Beast on sight. In combat with a Beast they can use Anathemas to gain an edge over the Beast, or use various Heroic Gifts. If a Hero is injured, they heal at an accelerated rate and are immune to illness and infection. They may also recruit followers to assist them in their efforts, but these followers are mortals and do not benefit from any supernatural abilities.

If a Hero successfully kills a Beast, they gain another Gift, usually one that is in some way related to the Beast they just killed or how they killed it.

Heroic Gifts

 * Champion's Endurance (resistant to damage from Beasts' attacks)
 * Kinslayer (able to use Heroic powers on other supernaturals with the Family Ties condition)
 * Chosen Blade (Hero's weapon is enhanced)
 * Legendary Hunter (increased ability to locate Beasts)
 * Loremaster (allows the placing of Anathemas from a distance)
 * Open Gate (Hero can enter the Beast's Lair)
 * Real World (Prevents the Beast from imposing a Lair Trait on the environment)
 * Saint's Whisper (allows the placing of Anathemas through conversation)
 * Vanquisher's Strength (increased strength against Beasts)
 * Warrior's Speed (increased speed when fighting Beasts)

Teamwork
The arrogant, glory-seeking zealots who typify most Heroes rarely work well as a team unless that "team" is comprised of their own followers. However, it's hardly unknown for two or more Heroes to join forces, either. Tokyo in particular is home to multiple organized "guilds" of Heroes who train together and share resources and intelligence.

Heroes and Hunters have also been known to collaborate, although such partnerships are rife with tension. In general, hunters are far more self-aware and reflective than Heroes, and are rarely as willing to accept as much collateral damage in pursuit of their goals. Occasionally a Hero and a sufficiently ruthless cell of hunters will join forces, encouraging each others' worse traits, with tragic results.

Heroes may also be willing to work with other supernaturals against a Beast, under the assumption that the Beast is a bigger threat. A Hero getting help from a Mage or Changeling can be an extremely potent threat. On the other hand, a Hero is just as likely to see other supernaturals as the same sort of threat as a Beast, and while their gifts and Anathemas don't work on non-Beasts, guns and swords still do.