Death Dealers

Elite Vampire hunters trained to kill Lycans.

Death Dealers are Vampires that are specifically trained and tasked to kill Lycans. They are elite enforcers serving the Vampire Coven under the direct command of the Elders, acting as the primary military force in the centuries-long war against the Lycans. Their existence is defined by their specialized role in hunting and neutralizing Lycan threats, operating with the discipline and tactics of a military unit rather than as individual hunters.

Quick Facts

Affiliation: Vampire Coven
First appears: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (Depicted)

Lore & Background

The Death Dealers were established as a specialized force within the Vampire Coven long after Viktor's turning, not directly formed from his original human army. Viktor, a Hungarian general and warlord, was turned into a Vampire by a different Vampire lord after being mortally wounded in battle—not by Markus Corvinus. He later rose to become a Vampire Elder through political power and age. Over the centuries, the Death Dealers became the backbone of Vampire military operations, tasked with maintaining the secrecy and dominance of their kind.

In Underworld: Blood Wars, following the threat of the new Lycan leader Marius, the Vampire Council agrees to pardon Selene for killing Viktor if she will train their new Death Dealers. This demonstrates that even after Viktor's death, the role of Death Dealers remains vital to the Coven's survival, adapting to new threats and leadership changes within the Vampire Nation.

Reader's Guide

Death Dealers operate under the direct command of the Vampire Elders, with their hierarchy rooted in Viktor's original military structure. Their primary goal is the elimination of Lycans, and they are bound by a strict code of loyalty to the Coven. Internal politics within the Death Dealer ranks can be influenced by the ambitions of individual Vampires, as seen when Semira, an old favorite of Viktor, frames Selene for murder to get revenge. The Death Dealers maintain a tense relationship with standard Coven guards, viewing themselves as superior due to their specialized combat training. In the eternal war against the Lycans, they stand as the Coven's first line of defense, adapting their tactics as the conflict evolves to include hybrids and new alliances. Their stance remains one of aggressive hunting: track, engage, and eliminate any Lycan threat to protect the Vampire Nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is their primary role in the war?

Their main duty is to act as the first line of defense against Lycan incursions while maintaining the secrecy of vampire existence. Unlike standard guards, they undergo rigorous training specifically designed for beast hunting.

Are they still active in the series timeline?

Yes, the Death Dealers remain an active force within the Coven hierarchy as long as the eternal war with the Lycans continues. Their presence is a constant reminder of the Vampires' organized military response to the beast threat.