Greater Oaths are also called greater fainings, pack oaths, ring oaths and oaths of the tree.
Greater Oaths are sworn between one group of Uratha and their totem and another group of Uratha and their totem. Ring oaths cannot be sworn between individuals. A Greater Oath requires the involvement and acquiescence of two totems that witness and bind the oaths. Any Uratha who joins such a pack later on assumes the oath as well when the werewolf accept his totem’s patronage.
These oaths are often mutual protection agreements or bans, such as a binding agreement to prevent some future territorial clash. Think of these oaths as either binding the members to do something or to not do something. Breaking a Greater vow is a level 7 sin against Harmony (roll four dice). Moreover, doing so is often enough to sever the ties between totem and the Uratha who venerate it. At the very least, the totem will withdraw its favors until all of the offending Uratha perform the Rite of Contrition.
While fulfilling an Oath — both in spirit and letter — the avowed Uratha can call upon the power of oath itself, regaining one Essence and one Willpower immediately. Moreover, they gain +1 to all die rolls for the scene.
Performing the Rite
This ritual always takes place at a tur, usually under a large tree. The ritual involves the exchange of some special token is crafted by one group for the other, commonly rings, armbands or torcs. The ritualists come together around a fire, sharing drink and food. Finally, the ritemasters of each group call their totems to manifest and then swear the oaths before them, asking the totem’s blessing and cooperation as every member sacrifices an Essence to the group’s totem.
