Garou Litany

It should be noted that there are subtle variations in each tribe's interpretation of the Litany. Players are encouraged to read up on the litany interpretations presented in their own tribe book. This sort of variance in the interpretation is there to promote good in-game arguments and drama.

Garou shall not mate with Garou

with Garou This is relatively straightforward. This is a game hosted at a church camp- Fade to black roleplay is fine, actual sexual activity is not. It should be noted that for players who wish to pursue their own romantic plots that there is a difference between “mate with” and “in love with”. Garou history is full of romantic stories of Garou who love one another yet are not permitted to express their passion. The use of Homid Kin and Wolf kin to bear surrogate children is allowed. Any players who wish to have a romantic plot between two Garou should expect to be eyed with suspicion at all times, whether they are truly breaking the litany or not. Some Tribes are more accepting of breaking this law than others.

Combat the wyrm wherever it dwells and wherever it breeds

The minions of the wyrm are these: Banes, Formori, Black Spiral Dancers, other Garou/Fera who have fallen to the Wyrm, Buzzards, Ajaba, Specters, and any vampire whose road falls low enough to be considered “tainted” according to the rules. There is a long-standing debate about whether Vampires are of the Wyrm, Weaver, or something else. This can be interpreted as “the vampires are of the Weaver”, “potential vessels of the wyrm”, or "they are all of the Wyrm". There are many ways to fight the wyrm, Subterfuge, Combat, and cunning are just a few ways.

Respect the territory of another

The minimum degree of following this tenet is that of the Howl of introduction. Most players who come to the Sept for the first time come into game at the lake and howl and wait for a Garou (preferably the “gate keeper”) to arrive and meet them. The gatekeeper determines whether it is safe to bring a stranger onto the sacred bawn of the Sept. Other interpretations of this tenet are regarding hospitality and “how to be a good guest”. This can also be taken to mean respecting an enemy's territory. A lone Garou could bring down the wrath of an enemy upon a Sept, weakening the whole.

Accept an honorable surrender

Trials by combat were common place, including fights/duels to the death. However, eliminating one of Gaia's warriors helps the Wyrm, not Gaia. A Garou who loses a duel or challenge may make a show of Submission by exposing their throat or kneeling. Any Garou would be honor bound to accept the surrender. Garou need not accept the honorable surrender of a minion of the wyrm, though some Garou leaders have been able to gain more information to better attack the Wyrm by accepting surrender.

Submit to those of higher station

The wolf nature that is a part of every Garou to obey this system of rank is part of the Garou culture. Within reason, any request by a Garou of higher rank to one of lower rank should be obeyed. Some players have a habit of falling into modern concepts of authority and choose to fight the system. This is not normal for Garou, no matter what tribe you are from. Those who follow bad orders of a higher station will not be punished for following the litany. The one who gave the orders is punished. Orders that are unreasonable can be challenged. Typically you are permitted to challenge someone of up to 2 ranks higher than yourself. If the disagreement is of a greater distance in rank than that, the challenger should seek someone who is more senior than themselves to assist with the challenge. Challenging an order is not the same as challenging their rank or title. Challenges for rank or title are always handled separately and with more ceremony.

First share of the kill is for the greatest of station

This is most often used for Spoils of war going to the greatest in station, who then pass out the spoils to those who are either in greatest need or next in rank. It is warned that Leaders who abuse this tenet of the litany may be without supporters when they need it.

You shall not eat the Flesh of Humans

It was originally noticed that those that ate the flesh of humans became increasingly more wyrm tainted. There are many who disapprove this tenet of the litany because it does not also include wolf-flesh. However the spirit of the law universally views this as “Cannibalism is bad” Wolf, Human, & Garou are all not on the menu.

Respect those beneath you – all are of Gaia

Garou should think of themselves in Communal terms, and understand that all creatures have some sort of contribution to make to the whole of the community. In dark ages this also supports the chivalric ideals to support and protect those who are of lower station than yourself. This tenet also restricts those who wish to abuse the “submission to those of higher station” from making unreasonable or inappropriate orders.

The Veil shall not be lifted

The Garou are being hunted by the Wyrm and the Inquisition. The reason to keep this tenet is obvious. In Canon, the delirium covers for some degree of this, however in SA the Delirium is left up to RP. In the case of Frenzy, the likelihood of breaching this tenet becomes more difficult to avoid. This is one reason why most Garou are on the fringes of society and tend to avoid cities. Punishments for breaching this tenet are usually severe because it effects the survival of the whole of the community. Actions or inaction that threatens the veil are also punished. These punishments are made to serve as an example to other Garou.

Do not suffer thy people to tend thy sickness

Injured, aged or infirm Garou are allowed the dignity to end their own life; either through the Rite of the winter wolf. Many tribes believe that there is no greater honor than dying in a glorious battle against the wyrm. So as a Garou gains age (not rank) they at times get more careless in battle to ensure they are not at risk of falling to Hirano or become so wounded they can no longer fight.

The leader may be challenged at any time during peace

If no immediate threat is pending any Garou of sufficient rank may challenge another leader's position. Sufficient rank should be Adren, Athro, or occasionally Elder. In the past, lower ranks (for Alpha) were accepted only because no higher ranks were available; understand that this was an exception to the rule. Should a lower ranked Garou hold a leadership role for the sept and higher ranked Garou are within the sept, NPC Garou will view them (the higher ranked Garou) with shame and dishonor.

The Leader may not be challenged during Wartime

In battle the word of a superior should not be questioned. It should be expected that a disobedient Garou should be punished as soon as circumstances permit. Some tribes may abuse this tenet to perpetually hold onto a title without fear of challenge, by officially stating a “state of emergency” or some other equivalent, most other tribes to not look upon this very well.

Ye Shall Take No Action that Causes a Caern to Be Violated

This law is obeyed as strictly as the need to preserve the Veil. Caerns surge with mystical energy, the lifeblood of the Earth. If one is destroyed or corrupted, part of the Earth dies and so does the power of the Garou. A werewolf who leads a proven or potential enemy to a hidden caern is punished severely, even if the act was unintentional.