Werewolf: The Forsaken - Blank It

that warrior ideal and gain great glory in doing so. Finding
their strength in words as well as in arms, they act as
counselors, mentors and guides to tribemates, urging on
those who soar and catching those who fall. Others recognize
their claws as mighty, but their hearts as mightier
still, and become the priests of the devout tribe, praising
Fenris with their dance, song and speech as well as their
claws. Every member of the tribe knows one eternal truth
— the world is always at war, and the greatest warriors
always rule.
Appearance: The Blood Talons strive to perfect
themselves in martial matters. Some are large and muscular,
others wiry and quick, but most are in excellent shape,
even for werewolves. Frequent fighting and practice often
produces scars and patchy, uneven fur. All Blood Talons
have a distinctive ritual scar somewhere on their bodies, a
mark from their initiation into the tribe.
When they wear human clothing, they usually have
an eye toward practicality, favoring tough fabrics such as
denim and tight, hard-to-grab cuts rather than loose ones.
They wear their hair in practical ways that don’t get in the
way. In Gauru form, they often decorate themselves with
trophies from great enemies, such as bones or favored and
distinctive possessions.
Totem: Fenris, the Destroyer Wolf, their father and
teacher. Fenris is said to be the greatest warrior of the
greatest warrior tribe. Only by besting him in battle were
the first Blood Talons able to compel him to agree to serve
as their totem. A destroying, vengeful god-wolf, he visits
great and terrible anger upon those who are not his, and
teaches his own to do the same.
Background: Those drawn to the tribe have a
strong tendency to be competitive and aggressive, even
before the First Change. Members were often archetypal
“troubled children” during their school years and later
proved too adversarial to succeed in most lines of work.
Still others found lines of work in which their aggression
served them well.
The Blood Talons believe strongly in bloodlines
— the Talons have perhaps the strongest sense of “family”
among all the tribes — and some claim to see “the warrior
mark” on werewolves who should belong in the tribe. The
warrior mentality is increasingly rare in the modern world,
diminishing the number of werewolves who truly believe
in the importance of martial skill and tradition before the
First Change.
Initiation: Unsurprisingly, Blood Talon indoctrinations
involve some sort of physical conflict or test. They
may be tests of endurance where the initiate hangs from
a tree for a day and a night, or ritual combats in which a
claimant cub must achieve a palpable victory. An Irraka
might have to uncover and successfully exploit a rival’s
hidden weakness to demonstrate his guile in battle. An
Ithaeur might be given a week in which to bind a spirit
ally before facing and challenging a seasoned opponent. A
Rahu might be forced to face a physically inferior yet
infuriating opponent and make him surrender without
losing control. As part of the ordeal of initiation, a Blood
Talon is always given a deep ritual wound, which marks
him with a scar he is to bear proudly.
Character Creation: Tribe members tend to lack
the tools of subtle inter-personal relationships, such as
Manipulation or Composure, though many have considerable
Presence. Many are talented in using Intimidation
to get what they want, and the tribe emphasizes training
for Stamina.
While many in the tribe already have much in the
way of Athletics, Brawl and Weaponry before they join,
any who don’t quickly have such Skills bashed into their
heads. The tribe’s martial Rites of Initiation are not
meant to be merely survived, but won. Most Blood Talons
know at least the basics of Medicine. They see a great
many injuries, and even werewolves’ wounds occasionally
require attention.
Primary Renown: Glory
Tribal Gift Lists: Inspiration, Rage, Strength
Organization: Blood Talons believe in the strongest
pack possible. In an all-Blood-Talon pack, the alpha is simply
the toughest, smartest warrior of the group — usually
the one who’s been a werewolf the longest. In mixed-tribe
packs that aren’t as devoted to war, most Blood Talons
are comfortable in a support role; they aim for the alpha
position only if the alpha needs to be a warrior. When two
or more Blood Talon packs meet, it’s likely to be a rowdy
celebration, full of Talons settling old grudges in various
competitions of strength, fighting prowess and endurance.
Even their war councils and funerals are full of near-violent
energy.
Lodges: Every Blood Talon strives to be the greatest
warrior of the world, but the Lodge of Garm takes that
ideal a step further. Fiercely combative, the lodge holds
rites twice every year, hurling members into combat with
each other. Few warriors are more disciplined, ferocious or
bloodthirsty than those of the Lodge of Garm.
The Lodge of Swords acts as a political counterpoint to
the outright warrior mindset. What purpose, they argue,
is there to being mighty in battle if there is not a worthy
battle to be fought? They believe that the tribe should find
a higher purpose and seek to be great leaders in war as well
as great warriors. Other Blood Talons in the tribe often say
that the Swords openly defy Fenris in their declarations,
which sparks many duels.
Finally, the Lodge of Wendigo focuses on brutal and
cunning methods, specializing in overcoming vastly
superior foes in said enemies’ own territory. They work in
tightly knit groups, sometimes isolated from their other
friends and allies for months at a time, with no one to
rely on but themselves. They don’t make a habit of brazen
frontal assaults, preferring instead to steal into enemy safe
havens to do their work, then disappear in the confusion
before anyone can close ranks.
Blood Talons
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