The term 'hunter' is somewhat deceptive to the versatility of these people. Scouts, archers, animal trainers and explorers all come from the experience of being a hunter. Many hunters tend to be loners, preferring the company of a beastly companion, but many also offer their invaluable tracking skills and deadly eye for accuracy to groups that need their services. If something needs to be found, more than likely a hunter will be the best person to look for it.
Hunters are experts at striking a creature where it will hurt the most, especially from long range. With the assistance of an animal companion, their effectiveness becomes even deadlier. Their effectiveness at close range is much weaker - although they are capable of surviving melee combat much more than a cloth-wearer, they tend to prefer the lighter armors for reasons of mobility, and are thus not as capable of taking a beating as warriors or paladins. However, like rogues, they have several abilities to cause their opponents to pay attention to another enemy, including the ability to fall, apparently dead. The combination of long-range accuracy, the usage of traps, and the ability to divert a creature's attention makes the hunter a perfect "puller," one who brings creatures to the rest of the group for a well-controlled, isolated ambush.
Hunters are capable of training a variety of animals to help them, and most animals have different abilities and qualities to fulfill a variety of different roles. For example, a tortoise has a hard shell and is capable of withstanding many punishing blows, while the stealthy panthers are capable of striking an opponent from the shadows, using surprise to their advantage.
The main thing hunters rely upon is Agility. This not only increases their ability to dodge blows (hence raising their armor class), the amount of damage a hunter does is partially determined by his or her agility. Strength (for extra damage in melee) and Stamina (for increased survivability) often are considered excellent secondary qualities. Another thing that many hunters seek are items that increase their overall attack power.
ALOOF, BLOODTHIRSTY, CURIOUS, DEFENSIVE, DETAILED, GUIDING, INDEPENDENT, OBSESSIVE, ROAMER, VIGILANT, WATCHFUL.
Official Hunter Page