Howl of Introduction
What Is This?
When your character arrives at the sept for the first time, they announce themselves with a Howl of Introduction. Think of it as knocking on the door and saying hello — it tells the sept who you are, where you come from, and why you're here. Every Garou does this. It's tradition, not a test.
Don't worry about getting it perfect. The important thing is that your character shows up with respect and speaks honestly. The sept will take it from there.
Quick Template
Copy this, fill in the blanks, and you're good to go:
Spirits of this Caern beneath Owl's watch, hear me.
I am ___, called ___ among the People.
Of the ___ Tribe, ___ Auspice, ___ Rank.
I have ___ (a deed, or simply "come in good faith").
I come to ___ (why you're here).
I will honor the laws of this sept.
Grant me leave to enter in honor.
That's it. You can dress it up or keep it simple. Both work.
Breaking It Down
Acknowledge the Caern
Open by addressing the spirits and the totem. For this sept, that's Owl.
"Spirits of this sacred Caern beneath Owl's watch…"
"Guardians of the High Branch, hear me…"
A brief nod is enough. You don't need to know the full history of the caern — just show you recognize whose ground you're standing on.
Say Who You Are
Your Garou name comes first. Your human name is optional.
"I am ___, called ___ among the People."
"I am ___, child of ___."
Your Lineage
Tribe, Auspice, and Rank. This is how the sept knows where you fit.
"Of the Silent Striders, Theurge of the Crescent Moon, Fostern."
Something About Yourself
One or two things that say who you are. A deed, a reputation, or just an honest statement. Keep it brief.
"I have hunted the Wyrm in the bayous of Louisiana."
"I carry no stain of dishonor."
"I come bearing word from the Sept of the Western Eye."
If you're a Cliath fresh from your Rite of Passage and don't have deeds yet, that's fine. Say so honestly. Nobody expects a legend from someone just starting out.
Why You're Here
What brings you to the sept?
- Seeking a new home
- Passing through and need shelter
- Delivering news or a message
- Offering your claws in service
- Looking for someone
"I seek a place among you."
"I come in peace to speak before your Alpha."
"I am passing through and ask shelter for the night."
A Promise
A short pledge that you'll behave yourself while you're here.
"I will honor your laws."
"I bring no challenge unless challenged."
"I stand clean before Gaia."
Ask to Enter
You ask. Even if you're an Ahroun who could bench-press the Warder. You ask.
"Grant me leave to enter."
"Let me cross this threshold in honor."
Then you wait for a response before stepping forward.
For Experienced Players: Etiquette and Nuance
The section above covers everything you need. What follows is deeper lore for players who want to understand the finer points of Garou etiquette around introductions.
Tone Matters
A Howl of Introduction is not a dominance display. You're announcing yourself, not staking a claim. The difference between confidence and challenge is subtle but important.
Confident:
"I have proven myself in battle and stand ready to serve."
Reads as a challenge:
"I am the greatest hunter of my Tribe. None stand above me."
The second one sounds like you're challenging the Alpha or Master of Challenges. That may get a formal response you didn't want.
Keep Deeds Brief
One or two is enough. A long recitation of accomplishments reads as insecurity or posturing. Spirits tune out. Elders get annoyed. This is not LinkedIn in the Umbra.
Watch Your Phrasing
Certain phrases can accidentally trigger a formal challenge response:
- "Test me."
- "If you doubt me, face me."
- "I fear no one here."
Unless you actually want a duel, steer clear.
Acknowledge the Totem
Skipping the totem acknowledgment isn't just rude — it can cause spiritual backlash, especially in this Caern. Even a brief nod matters:
"Beneath Owl's watch…"
Keep It Solemn
Even the most playful Ragabash keeps this moment straight. No sarcasm, no crude humor, no in-jokes. The ritual sets the spiritual temperature of your visit.
Wait for the Answer
The Howl Master or a ranking sept member will reply. The spirits must accept. Stepping forward before that is grounds for restraint or challenge.
Reading the Room
If the reply includes language like:
- "The wind hesitates."
- "The spirits recoil."
- "You will be tested."
Something was off. This could lead to a Rite of Cleansing, a social reprimand, a formal challenge, or being asked to leave. Don't panic — just follow the sept's lead and respond with humility.