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Lore of the Forsaken is a sourcebook for Werewolf: The Forsaken. It covers the special powers and abilities available to the Uratha.

Summary[]

From the Onyx Path catalog:

"We lie when we call them Gifts. A gift is something given freely, an act of love or friendship. We tell each other, and ourselves, that the power we pull from the Shadow was meant to be ours, that each time a spirit deigns to grant us a portion of its power then we're one step closer to salvation. It's funny. You wouldn't think we were such good liars."
Brokedown Val, Crescent Moon
THIS BOOK INCLUDES:
  • An exploration of werewolf spirit magic, from the ways that Gifts and rites are learned to expanded guidelines for fetish creation
  • An expanded treatment of the five lunar auspices, from exploration of their roles in a pack or tribe to new Gift lists to aid them in their tasks
  • Further exploration of the spiritual aspects of the world around the Uratha, from the lore of their most powerful totems to the practicalities of dealing with loci

Contents[]

Prologue: The Tarot of Eight Packs[]

In The Fool: A Bale Hound that serves Thurifuge murders his packmates, in Strength: A Storm Lord encounters Winter Wolf, in Death: A Forsaken falls under the False Fury, in The Moon: A Forsaken is given dreams from Luna of a Pure who is responsible for killing his parents, in Justice: A fox-spirit pack totem discusses with its pack, in The Chariot: A supernatural creature or Spirit-Ridden pretending to be a human discovers that his hiding place has been discovered by the local pack, in The Hermit: A young werewolf comes to learn from an elderly Ghost Wolf, and in The World: The last survivors of various packs come together as an all Blood Talon pack.

Introduction[]

Chapter One: Lords of the Hidden World (Totems)[]

This chapter provides insight into the motivations and goals of some of the greatest spirits that are intertwined with the People - Luna, the Firstborn (including those who favor the Pure) and even the lords of the Maeljin. Actual traits for these entities are not provided, and are indeed unnecessary. If a pack picks a fight with Dire Wolf, he's gonna eat everyone and their pack totem and shit them through the side of a mountain. The World of Darkness is a place where some foes can't be fought, only foiled - for a time.

Chapter Two: Pull of the Moon (Auspices)[]

This chapter shows what it means to be to be influenced by the sign of the moon. Without Luna's gift of auspices, the werewolf's life wouldn't be worth living. While tribes, lodges and packs are all bonds that a werewolf must ultimately choose to forge herself, the auspice is a bond that is her birthright, a most innate collection of impulses and affinities.

This chapter details the practical aspects of an auspice - how it can influence pack dynamics, the auspice subcultures that may develop within a tribe, some basic tactics for the hunt against certain foes, and so on. In addition, a sampling of archetypes that match an auspice are also provided to showcase the diversity of character concepts available to each moon sign. Finally, the chapter ends with five new auspice Gift lists, rarer blessings granted to those who impress the lunar choirs.

Chapter Three: Spirit Magic (Gifts and Rites)[]

Discovering new Gifts is an important creative outlet for Uratha, but just how does a werewolf learn about the possibility of a particular Gift's existence? How do you find a spirit willing to reach a particular Gift? What kind of bargain do you have to strike, and what are some interesting (at least for the Storyteller) things a spirit may ask in return? Rites are one of the foundations of werewolf society, but what do they mean? What kind of variation is appropriate during a rite? This chapter goes into the whys and wherefores surrounding the spirit magic of the Uratha, from detailing story hooks related to Gifts and rites to even presenting a few new Gifts and rites to plug into a chronicle.

Chapter Four: The Living World (Loci and Fetishes)[]

The Uratha see the world as it really is - alive. They know that everything has potential spirit, and the last chapter is about the things with spirits that the Uratha have to deal with on a day-to-day basis: loci, awakened objects and fetishes. More information is presented on the care and feeding of loci and on variations on their theme. The concept of awakening an object's spirit has been expanded upon, as has the system for fetish creation. And finally, a mass of fetishes rounds out the book... Dig in.

  • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet Loci Rite: Rite of the Boundary Stone: The creation of boundary stones, or gudurru in the First Tongue, is often one of the first steps taken in claiming and reshaping a territory, usually before more elaborate rites, such as the Rite of the Chosen Ground. Uratha use this rite to mark their territory from the spirit world. Unlike the Rite of the Chosen Ground, it does not directly influence the resonance of the Shadow Realm, it merely acts as a spiritual signpost - hopefully warning off interlopers. Of course, announcing the pack's presence often has unintended circumstances - only tribes secure in their abilities perform the Rite of the Boundary Stone.
  • This rite must be performed on the spiritual reflection of an object in the Shadow. Traditionally, this was done on large stones, tumuli or even the reflections of human boundary stones. Nowadays, the inscriptions may be done on trees, street signs, abandoned cars, etc.
  • To be completely effective, the rite must be performed four times - once for each cardinal direction. Distance and absolute location have little meaning in the Shadow, so it is quite possible that two separate Uratha traveling into a pack's territory from the North would see the same northern gudurru at the same time, even though they cannot see one another.
  • While created with Uratha in mind, a boundary marker may be seen by any creature with an Essence trait traveling in the spirit world. A creature without knowledge of the First Tongue has little chance of interpreting it as much more then "some kind of mystic warning" (standard action to identify, intelligence + Occult, -4 difficulty).
  • Mr. Brown: Example Mobile Locus
  • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet Fetish Rite: Rouse the Fetish: This rite allows an Uratha to communicate with the spirit of a fetish. It may be used to investigate the properties or a strange, newly won prize or to appease a fetish that is less than happy with its wielder.
  • Example Fetishes:
    • Fetish Weapons: Klaives
    • Auspice Fetishes:
      • Cahalith Fetishes:
        • Cahalith's Thorn (Talen): This small fetish can be fashioned from any thorn and is one of the oldest fetishes known to the Uratha. While long associated with Cahalith, it also a favorite of Elodoth. The wielder must prick her thumb with the thorn during the activation of the Thorn. The thorn provides +2 to all Persuasion rolls as long as it remains in the user’s thumb, or until the scene ends.
        • Durability 1, Size 0, Structure 1
        • Action: Instant
        • Menu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet Memory Clout: Folklore has it that a belligerent Cahalith from Appalachia developed this staff-sized fetish due to his frustration with the rest of his pack. The owner activates it by soundly clouting the target on the back of the head, giving the subject +4 to all rolls involving remember something that happened in the past (Intelligence), or relate an anecdote (Oratory). The user must do at least 1 point of bashing damage for it to activate – no pain, no gain. The Memory Clout may not affect more than one creature at a time, and the bonuses last for one minute per success. A mockingbird-spirit powers this fetish.
        • Durability 2 (reinforced to 3), Size 3, Structure 6, Damage 2 (B)
        • Action: Reflexive
        • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bullet Gibbous Horn: This potent fetish demands a heavy price, a touch of madness. It looks like an ebony Victorian listening horn, with ivory inlay of the gibbous moon. Upon activation, the Uratha can ask a question into the bell and then listen to the voices of the Lunes for an answer. The character automatically falls into a fugue state, as if suffering from derangement (see World of Darkness, p. 100). At the end of the bout of madness, she is awarded with a vision that contains hints as to the answer to her question. Her actions during the fugue may also hint at the answer. A Cahalith must be used to craft this fetish.
        • Durability 1 (reinforced to 5), Size 2, Structure 7
        • Action: Instant
      • Elodoth Fetishes
      • Irraka Fetishes
      • Ithaeur Fetishes:
        • Shadowdust (Talen): This fine powder is ground from the material forms of used talens or fetishes. Normally it is held in a decorated bag, although the Iron masters favor test tubes and manila envelopes. Shadowdust was first developed by an Ithaeur. When activated and sprinkled over an area, this dust briefly glows violet if it touches any awakened item or fetish. Enough dust can be manufactured during the ritual to cover a 10 x 10 ft. area. All of the dust must be activated at once; it cannot be doled out piecemeal. A wisdom-spirit is needed for its manufacture.
        • Durability 1, Size 0, Structure 1
        • Action: Instant
        • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet Gnawdowser: This helpful creation of the Ithaeur is very difficult to craft. It looks like a small rod with an arm’s length of leather tied to one end. A rat skull is tied to other end of the strap. When activated, the rat skull sways back and forth, pointing to the weakest point in the Gauntlet within one mile of the fetish for one turn. The rat skill must be crafted from an ex-member of a Beshilu swarm. Beshilu take obvious delight in destroying these fetishes and their masters. A rat-spirit powers this fetish.
        • Durability 1 (reinforced to 2), Size 2, Structure 4
        • Action: Instant
        • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bullet Spirit Maze: This powerful fetish takes at least a week to craft and is legendary among those powerful Ithaeur who wander the depths of the Shadow Realm. This fan is made from river grasses. Each blade is scribed with verses from the Litany and then intricately plaited into a maze-like design. When activated, it holds the complete attention of any number of spirits whose total Rank do not exceed the Harmony of the Uratha. (It does not function on spirits of Rank 5 or higher.) If the spirits are attacked, they receive a reflexive Finesse roll to break from their reverie. Any Rank 4 spirit can power this device.
        • Durability 1 (reinforced to 6), Size 2, Structure 8
        • Action: Instant
      • Rahu Fetishes:
        • Heart of the Wounded Bear (Talen): This talen is fashioned from the dried blood of some animal hunted down by the fetish-maker in Gauru form. When ingested or rubbed in the open wound, it gives the Uratha a +1 bonus to Physical rolls for the remainder of the scene – the werewolf must be wounded for this talen to function. If the werewolf heals fully, the effects of the talen end. Heart of the Wounded Beat is extremely useful for Rahu. A bear-spirit empowers this talen.
        • Durability 1, Size 0, Structure 1
        • Action: Instant
        • Menu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet Hummingbird's Heart: This fetish’ combat potential makes it a favorite of the Rahu. Most Uratha fashion this into a necklace with two male hummingbirds locked in combat, their beaks crossed. Upon activation, the Uratha’s metabolism increases, adding +2 to Speed and Defense for two turns. Within an hour of activation, the Uratha must eat a huge meal with emphasis on sugar and protein (roughly two to three pounds of food) or cash, suffering a -2 to all Physical activity for 12 hours. A hummingbird-spirit is used to power this fetish.
        • Durability 2 (reinforced to 3), Size 0, Structure 3
        • Action: Instant
        • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet Wallbreakers: Wallbreakers were first produced by a Rahu who liked dramatic entrances. This pair of brass knuckles is sized for the war form of the Uratha, but will adapt to other forms like a dedicated object. When used against structures (walls, buildings, doors), they give the Gauru 2 points of Armor Piercing (lowering the Durability of the objects by 2) and protect the werewolf from damaging his hands. A hammer – or earth – spirit is used for this device.
        • Durability 3 (reinforced to 5), Size 1, Structure 6, Damage 2 (B)
        • Action: Reflexive
    • Tribal and Lodge Fetishes:
      • Blood Talon Fetishes
      • Bone Shadow Fetishes
      • Ghost Wolf Fetishes:
        • Hidepaper (Talen): This extremely useful Talen looks like a common newspaper and is favored by Ghost Wolves. When opened and held in front of the user, as if he is reading it, it makes the Uratha less conspicuous. Any who try to detect the user suffer -4 to appropriate dice pools. The HidePaper only functions while the Uratha holds it open and does not move. It effects last for a scene or until the werewolf goes back into motion.
        • Durability 1, Size 1, Structure 2
        • Action: Reflexive
        • Menu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet The Four of Us: This simple figurine of four people standing back-to-back was developed by a Ghost Wolf Irraka who didn't have anyone to "get his back." When activated, it gives one person the Irraka is speaking to the vague impression that three others in the are might be the Uratha's allies via mistaken visual cues and tricks of the light. In a crowded café, it may give the target the idea that three other patrons are the Irraka's friends. In a darkened area, the target may believe that three figures are moving in the shadows. This gives the Irraka +2 on all Intimidation rolls for the scene. A fear- or trickery-spirit is necessary to empower this fetish.
        • Durability 1 (reinforced to 2), Size 0, Structure 2
        • Action: Instant
        • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bullet Traveler's Blanket: Popular with the Ghost Wolves, this 4' x 8' green wool blanket has the unique property of holding a lot more than it would appear. Items can be piled on the open blanket - no matter how many things are hidden within. As long as any two opposite corners of the blanket can touch one another over the cartage, the fetish can be activated. Mundane detection devices cannot detect the presence of anything in the blanket, unless unfolded. Living beings cannot be enfolded in the blanket - only inanimate objects.
        • Durability 2 (reinforced to 6), Size 3, Structure 9
        • Action: Instant
      • Hunter in Darkness Fetishes
      • Iron Master Fetishes
      • Storm Lord Fetishes
      • Lodge of Crows Fetish
      • Lodge of Death Fetish
      • Lodge of Garm Fetish
      • Lodge of Harbingers Fetish
      • Lodge of Harmony Fetish
      • Lodge of Lightning Fetish
      • Lodge of Scrolls Fetish
      • Lodge of Seasons Fetish
      • Lodge of Swords Fetish
      • Lodge of Thunder Fetish
      • Lodge of Wendigo Fetish
      • Lodge of Winter Fetish
      • Lodge of Wrath Fetish
      • Prophecy Lodge Fetish
    • Myalarm (Talen): This simple leather bracelet, normally holding a few ordinary beads, has one very useful power. If anything is taken from the Uratha's person without her knowledge, it immediately unties itself and falls off the werewolf's hand, alerting her. Once activated, it finctions for one year. A blue-jay-spirit is used to create this talon.
    • Durability 1, Size 0, Structure
    • Action: Reflexive
    • Action: Instant
    • Valetvalise (Talen): This unusual talen is a small leather satchel. When activated, it contains an appropriate, immaculate and complete set of mundane clothes sized for the Uratha who activated it. It cannot create functioning scuba gear, night vision goggle or similarly specialized tools, but if you need a well-fitting tuxedo, wilderness outfit, 18th century ball gown or a copy of the latest runaway fashion - that it can do.
    • Durability 1, Size 2, Structure 3
    • Action: Instant
    • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet Masterkey: This fetish appears to be an old, old brass key. When inserted into a lock and activated, the MasterKey conforms itself to the inner workings of the lock. When removed, it automatically reverts to its old form. A key- or door-spirit powers this fetish.
    • Durability 3 (reinforced to 5), Size 0, Structure 5
    • Action: Reflexive
  • Stolen Fetishes

Background Information[]

Memorable Quotes[]

Characters[]

  • Brokedown Val - Crescent Moon (Back Cover)
  • Daniel - Forsaken
  • Karen - Forsaken
  • Malcolm Night's-Last-Blood - Forsaken, died
  • Gareth Night-Haunter - Forsaken, Quick Raven Pack
  • Joanne Lassiter - Blood Talon, last survivor of the Downtown Hunters Pack
  • Mark Freerunner - Blood Talon, last survivor of the Stone Killers Pack
  • Gerard Last-Howler - Blood Talon, last survivor of the Route 49 Pack
  • Carter - Forsaken
  • Dana - Forsaken
  • Elias – Forsaken
  • Nancy - ?
  • Cally Palevoice - Bone Shadow Cahalith
  • Anders Hearts-Fire - Blood Talon
  • Kristin Steel-Trap-Mind - Iron Master
  • Ezekiel Walks-Alone - Elodoth Ghost Wolf
  • Mr. Brown - Human
  • Morgan - Werewolf, died
  • Gristlehair - Werewolf
  • Muninson - Blood Talon Cahalith, One of the Founders of the Lodge of Swords, died

Terminology[]

Tribal Totems: Fenris-Ur (Blood Talons), Kamduis-Ur (Bone Shadows), Hikaon-Ur (Hunters in Darkness), Sagrim-Ur (Iron Masters), Skolis-Ur (Storm Lords), Huzuruth-Ur (Predator Kings), Rabid Wolf (Fire-Touched), Hathis-Ur (Ivory Claws); The Maeljin: Carnala, Mammon, Maastraac, Baalphegor, Lamashtu, Beliar, Asmodai, Pseulak, Thurifuge; the Maeltinet; False Fury, Fenris' Brood: Flesh-Tearing Hounds, Garm (Lodge Totem), Cerberus (Lodge Totem); Silver-Eyed Owls (Lesser Gaffling servants of Silver Wolf); First Tongue: Gudurru (Boundary Stone), faram (The pale), Fenris-nu (Fenris’ Fire),

References[]


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