Post by Ikon on Nov 11, 2009 17:42:51 GMT -8
The most powerful, evocative and effective way to communicate with other werewolves is by howling. Enormous amounts of information can be condensed into a few wailing sounds. All of them incorporate the Garou language, although not all of them are as "high-falutin"' as the High Tongue. Just as every Philodox studies the Litany, any Galliard should be
well versed in all the common howls.
Howls can vary greatly from one Sept to another — enough so that an attentive Galliard may even be able to recognize a
performer's tribe or auspice, or possibly part of his personality. Optionally, a Storyteller may allow a Galliard skilled in expression
or performance to convey further information. Thirteen of the most commonly used howls are listed here. Sane Garou use 12 of
them, while one is reserved for a fallen tribe.
Anthem of War—Ahroun muster their Septmates to war
with this battle cry. Moon Dancers use it to rally them if their
morale is waning. The howl can convey where the enemy is,
approximately how many are attacking and how soon reinforcements
are needed.
Call for Succor — One pack member may use this howl
to summon his comrades if he is in great danger. Some find it
embarrassing, since it sounds like a puppy's bark for his mother.
An expressive howl may include sensory impressions of what
danger is near.
Call to Hunt — A long, low ululation informs the pack of
the position of its prey. When done properly, it may also
identify what the prey is, describe its wounds or even coordinate
the tactics of the pack that's hunting it.
Chant of Challenge — This howl begins very much like
the Howl of Introduction, but it is quickly contrasted by a
horrible mockery of an enemy's deeds, ancestry and odious
personal habits. The Fianna not only invented this howl as a
method of initiating duels, but also further elevated it to a
satirical art form. Everyone hearing the chant can discern
exactly why the challenge is taking place.
Cry of Elation — In the heat of battle, young heroes may
think themselves almost invincible, and they may attempt
ridiculous feats of courage that no sane werewolf would attempt.
The cry basically means, "Look at me!" or (as some elders put it),
"Watch me do something incredibly stupid!" With enough
expression, it may also convey who should get out of the way,
what four or five objects are going to be used, where they will be
inserted in the victim and why the pack's healer should ready her
mystic Gifts if the attempt fails.
Curse of Ignominy — This howl is a horrible, discordant
snarling whine used to insult violators of the Litany. As more
werewolves lend their voices to the whine, it becomes increasingly
painful. The strain on a listener does not subside until he joins in the
cry. Garou who have fallen into disfavor are subjected to it's
cacophony. The sounds convey a mocking account of a villain's
failures and shortcomings. An entire Sept can memorize all of the
excruciating details by sharing in the chant.
Dirge for the Fallen—This dirge is a somber,
low-pitched howl used as a requiem for the honored dead. Its
length depends on the status of the fallen. An attentive listener can
learn which participants are hurt the most by this tragedy, and he
may even gather brief images of the hero's deeds, rather like the
memories after a great eulogy.
Howl of Introduction — The Litany commands
werewolves to respect the territory of others; this howl is the
result. It details a Garou's breed, tribe and auspice. Some
werewolves include parts of their lineage. The Howl of Introduction
may even include a sensory impression of why a visitor
is worthy of attention.
Snarl of Precedence — This short violent outburst is
directed against a chosen foe, and it usually means, "You're
mine, punk." Packs use these snarls to coordinate their tactics,
establishing who is attacking whom. A higher-ranking Garou
does not have to recognize this howl — and he even has the
right to "steal the kill" from a lesser werewolf— but most react
to a well-executed snarl.
Song of Mockery — A Ragabash can take any other howl
and twist it into something perverted and infuriating. Shadow
Lords and cocky Ahroun are common victims of well-timed
mockery. An undeniably insulting gesture, it's the musical
equivalent of "the finger." If done properly, the recipient can be
taunted into attacking or just losing his composure altogether.
Symphony of the Abyss—The Garou's greatest enemies,
the Black Spiral Dancers, unleash an insane reverberating
whine as they stalk their prey. Victims who listen too closely
can identify the fate that lies in store for them. Even those who
don't are usually terrified.
Wail of Foreboding — Whenever danger approaches, this
sound is the general cry of distress. The Anthem of War alerts
werewolves of an attack, but the Wail of Foreboding is typically
used for natural disasters, unusual phenomenon in the Umbra or
anything strange that bears further investigation. A practiced
Galliard can give impressions of what the danger may be, but such
sensations are usually cryptic or contradictory.
Warning of the Wyrm's Approach — A sharp-pitched
howl, followed by a series of brief staccato bursts, announces the
presence of the Wyrm's minions. If a scout can scent the true
form of these creatures, he may be able to describe it. All who
hear the howl can see and feel the foulness that surrounds them
Which is your favorite?
well versed in all the common howls.
Howls can vary greatly from one Sept to another — enough so that an attentive Galliard may even be able to recognize a
performer's tribe or auspice, or possibly part of his personality. Optionally, a Storyteller may allow a Galliard skilled in expression
or performance to convey further information. Thirteen of the most commonly used howls are listed here. Sane Garou use 12 of
them, while one is reserved for a fallen tribe.
Anthem of War—Ahroun muster their Septmates to war
with this battle cry. Moon Dancers use it to rally them if their
morale is waning. The howl can convey where the enemy is,
approximately how many are attacking and how soon reinforcements
are needed.
Call for Succor — One pack member may use this howl
to summon his comrades if he is in great danger. Some find it
embarrassing, since it sounds like a puppy's bark for his mother.
An expressive howl may include sensory impressions of what
danger is near.
Call to Hunt — A long, low ululation informs the pack of
the position of its prey. When done properly, it may also
identify what the prey is, describe its wounds or even coordinate
the tactics of the pack that's hunting it.
Chant of Challenge — This howl begins very much like
the Howl of Introduction, but it is quickly contrasted by a
horrible mockery of an enemy's deeds, ancestry and odious
personal habits. The Fianna not only invented this howl as a
method of initiating duels, but also further elevated it to a
satirical art form. Everyone hearing the chant can discern
exactly why the challenge is taking place.
Cry of Elation — In the heat of battle, young heroes may
think themselves almost invincible, and they may attempt
ridiculous feats of courage that no sane werewolf would attempt.
The cry basically means, "Look at me!" or (as some elders put it),
"Watch me do something incredibly stupid!" With enough
expression, it may also convey who should get out of the way,
what four or five objects are going to be used, where they will be
inserted in the victim and why the pack's healer should ready her
mystic Gifts if the attempt fails.
Curse of Ignominy — This howl is a horrible, discordant
snarling whine used to insult violators of the Litany. As more
werewolves lend their voices to the whine, it becomes increasingly
painful. The strain on a listener does not subside until he joins in the
cry. Garou who have fallen into disfavor are subjected to it's
cacophony. The sounds convey a mocking account of a villain's
failures and shortcomings. An entire Sept can memorize all of the
excruciating details by sharing in the chant.
Dirge for the Fallen—This dirge is a somber,
low-pitched howl used as a requiem for the honored dead. Its
length depends on the status of the fallen. An attentive listener can
learn which participants are hurt the most by this tragedy, and he
may even gather brief images of the hero's deeds, rather like the
memories after a great eulogy.
Howl of Introduction — The Litany commands
werewolves to respect the territory of others; this howl is the
result. It details a Garou's breed, tribe and auspice. Some
werewolves include parts of their lineage. The Howl of Introduction
may even include a sensory impression of why a visitor
is worthy of attention.
Snarl of Precedence — This short violent outburst is
directed against a chosen foe, and it usually means, "You're
mine, punk." Packs use these snarls to coordinate their tactics,
establishing who is attacking whom. A higher-ranking Garou
does not have to recognize this howl — and he even has the
right to "steal the kill" from a lesser werewolf— but most react
to a well-executed snarl.
Song of Mockery — A Ragabash can take any other howl
and twist it into something perverted and infuriating. Shadow
Lords and cocky Ahroun are common victims of well-timed
mockery. An undeniably insulting gesture, it's the musical
equivalent of "the finger." If done properly, the recipient can be
taunted into attacking or just losing his composure altogether.
Symphony of the Abyss—The Garou's greatest enemies,
the Black Spiral Dancers, unleash an insane reverberating
whine as they stalk their prey. Victims who listen too closely
can identify the fate that lies in store for them. Even those who
don't are usually terrified.
Wail of Foreboding — Whenever danger approaches, this
sound is the general cry of distress. The Anthem of War alerts
werewolves of an attack, but the Wail of Foreboding is typically
used for natural disasters, unusual phenomenon in the Umbra or
anything strange that bears further investigation. A practiced
Galliard can give impressions of what the danger may be, but such
sensations are usually cryptic or contradictory.
Warning of the Wyrm's Approach — A sharp-pitched
howl, followed by a series of brief staccato bursts, announces the
presence of the Wyrm's minions. If a scout can scent the true
form of these creatures, he may be able to describe it. All who
hear the howl can see and feel the foulness that surrounds them
Which is your favorite?
