Rites of War (WTF)

A ceremonial people, the Uratha have rites for most things in life. Battle is one of the most unpredictable things that are certain to crop up in a werewolf's future, so it would be surprising were there not many rituals dealing with the People's frequent (and frequently deadly) skirmishes.

Rite List

• Rite of the Avowed Soldier: When the Forsaken go to war, they must know for certain who is with them and who against. Of the packs that join for battle, one becomes alpha, and the rest must be willing to remain dedicated to the war's ideal even while someone not their pack alpha gives them directions. It can be hard, but this rite helps. The Rite of the Avowed Soldier is an oath, conducted by the ritemaster, that promises devoted service in the war until the enemy's defeat. This helps assuage werewolves' egos, as they are sworn to the war and not to the war leader. Even members of the alpha pack are subject to the rite, since they may well be ousted from their positions of leadership before the war is done.
• Rite of Condemnation: One werewolf does not always approve of another. To some perspectives, the People seem so fractious that it's remarkable that any two packs even get along, but werewolves understand each other on levels that are difficult for a human to appreciate. Even if they don't agree, they are all bound together by their common fates and experiences. When one of the Uratha feels that another has disgraced himself and his race, he may perform this ritual to declare that shame to to Forsaken society. This is also the rite used when a werewolf who has participated in the Rite of the Avowed Soldier must be removed from the war, usually because of betrayal or great ineptitude.
• Rite of Anticipated Forgiveness: As common as combat is, it is impossible that no claw ever slips or tooth tears too deep. And when fighting the Pure, many werewolves would rather spill all their opponents' blood than give their hateful brethren the opportunity to return and return the favor. It's hard not to "murder the People" sometimes, whatever the elders say, and some werewolves have a method for dealing with the guilt - or the lack of it. This rite assures the Forsaken that she will receive some measure of forgiveness should she accidentally (or not) kill a werewolf. Like being pardoned for a crime not yet committed, the rite often makes it easier to actually do the deed, but werewolves who do often do it with tears streaming down their cheeks, contrite and glad of the absolution.
• Wealth of Heroes' Health: War may be rare for the Forsaken, but combat is a foregone conclusion. This rite is an old one, said to be created by Father Wolf after he first ran with the pack of his children. Before entering battle, a pack's ritemaster may use this ritual to bless them all with long life and fortune in war. Then, at the ritual's climax, the entire pack runs into the fray with confidence and flair, relatively certain that the spirits of their ancestors are watching over them.

References

• WTF: The War Against the Pure, p. 51-53