Bounty Hunters' Creed

Most hunters, to varying extents, followed a set of ethical guidelines that were informally known as the "bounty hunter's creed." The specific wording of these principles might differ from one planet to another, but the Creed functioned as a generally understood set of enforceable rules that governed how hunters conducted their business and lived their lives.

• No Reward Justifies Death [2]

This principle underscored the idea that a hunter should never put their life at excessive risk for any reward, regardless of its size. Hunters needed to carefully assess the potential danger of each bounty and plan accordingly. (Of course, the amount of effort invested in pursuing a target, the value of the reward, and the acceptable level of risk were all subject to interpretation during a hunt.) A hunter cannot spend a reward, no matter how large, if they are dead.

• Bounties Are on Acquisitions, Not People. [2]

This fundamental rule, more than any other, shaped the way bounty hunters approached their profession. It was based on the concept that sentient beings should be treated with a degree of respect. However, once a bounty was placed on an individual, they lost their rights as an individual. The "acquisition" was no longer considered part of the galactic community and became a legitimate target. No sympathy should be wasted on the fate of someone who was merely an "acquisition."

• Capture Should Be the Goal, Killing Only When Necessary. [2]

In line with the loosely defined ethical code of hunters, killing was sometimes unavoidable. It was simply a part of the business. However, unnecessary killing was still considered murder. Unless instructed otherwise by those offering the bounty, the hunter was expected to attempt to deliver the acquisition alive. Often, those who offered the bounty had a vested interest in a live target, even though the target might have been better off being killed by the hunter.

• Hunters Must Not Kill Other Hunters [2]

Simply stated, regardless of their backgrounds, bounty hunters considered themselves to be a unique group. They risked their lives (and the lives of others) every time they went on a hunt. While one hunter might disagree with another's motives or criticize their methods, no bounty hunter would ever take up arms against a fellow hunter. This rule only applied to hunters who followed the creed, not to those who had a bounty placed on their head, turning them into acquisitions. In such cases, the former hunter was no longer considered a member of the fellowship, and old grievances could be settled without consequence.

• Hunters Must Not Interfere With Another's Hunt. [2]

While hunters sometimes worked together as a team, the hunt for a specific acquisition was usually seen as a personal contest between two intelligent beings. In this scenario, the hunter pitted their skills and courage against all the resources the opponent could muster. If the hunter prevailed, it was a personal victory that demonstrated superior skill and intellect, not just luck. Interfering with another's hunt, without invitation, left the question of "who is better" unanswered, possibly forever. However, competition between hunters was often intense, and the line between "competition" and "interference" was often blurred. Therefore, while a hunter was prohibited from directly attacking another hunter, they were free to hire others to do the dirty work. However, if such an action, whether successful or not, could be traced back to the original instigator, serious repercussions were inevitable.

• During a Hunt, One Can Only Capture or Kill, Never Both. [2]

If an acquisition was captured alive, that "choice" could not be reversed. Killing an acquisition during the hunt was one thing, but deliberately killing an unarmed, helpless being who was already subdued and unable to resist was considered simple slaughter and wanton butchery. However, an acquisition "killed while attempting to escape" would be considered an entirely different matter.

• Hunters Must Always Help Other Hunters. [2]

Although no hunter had the right to interfere with another's hunt, there were times when even the most skilled hunters needed assistance. In extreme situations, any hunter could ask for and expect help from another hunter, even if it meant temporarily suspending their own hunt to provide that aid. Regardless of any personal issues or animosities between the two parties, it was understood that hunters took care of their own. Of course, such assistance came with a price, and the negotiation of payment afterward could significantly reduce any expected profit.