When the Forsaken go to war, they must know for certain who is with them and who against. Of the packs that join for battle, one becomes alpha, and the rest must be willing to remain dedicated to the war’s ideal even while someone not their pack alpha gives them directions. It can be hard, but this rite helps. The Rite of the Avowed Soldier is an oath, conducted by the ritemaster, that promises devoted service in the war until the enemy’s defeat. This helps assuage werewolves’ egos, as they are sworn to the war and not to the war leader. Even members of the alpha pack are subject to the rite, since they may well be ousted from their positions of leadership before the war is done.
Performing the Rite
Before a semicircle of her peers, with her back to a bonfire, the ritual’s subject proudly declares her dedication to the war. The ritualist conducts the subject, asking her name and the name of her pack. After those, she describes her commitment to the goal of the war, and the ritemaster turns her statements into eloquent poetry. After he has howled the subject’s affirmation loudly, the ritemaster guides her in a formal oath swearing her dedication to the war.
