Background
Schattenjäger is a German word that translates literally as "Shadow Hunter". It is the title used by a German family of supernatural investigators. The Ritter family of Bavaria is descended from Inquisitors, Jesuits, and Witch-hunters, and claims that some ancient charge to "serve the light" has shaped its destiny. Although it has broadened its outlook over the centuries, it still strives to achieve its mission of hunting down and destroying supernatural evil. The family's patron saint is St. George, and it is in posession of a talisman of ancient design, which is alleged to have protective powers. In 1993, the last German member of the family, Wolfgang Ritter, died. He passed the family castle and title to his nephew, Gabriel Knight, an American.