Uratha have an instinctive understanding of hierarchy and desire for status. Relative status is a nearly reflexive thing among werewolves; only after the status of two werewolves has been determined can true communication occur. Werewolves keep a running tally of the various deeds they have achieved, burning a series of mystical brands into their coats that are visible to spirits, or that shine with silver light when a werewolf stands in the spirit world.
Werewolf Renown stresses the direct and simple virtues of Purity, Glory, Honor, Wisdom, and Cunning. The five virtues of Renown correspond to the tasks of the five auspices and the five choirs of Lunes that watch over them. Glory follows in the wake of a Cahalith who lives up to the ideals of his auspice, while the Ithaeur who excels at his tasks bears the brands of Wisdom. Each of the five Tribes of the Moon also chooses an aspect of Renown to honor. The Hunters in Darkness walk the path of Purity, while the Iron Masters equate their creed of adaptation and versatility with Cunning.
While Renown is a useful system for establishing a rough hierarchy without undue bloodshed, it also has ramifications in the spirit world. The more Renown a werewolf has, the more likely it is that the more common spirits he encounters will recognize him as a superior power. They won’t love him for it, and they won’t obey him unless he forces them to, but they will respect his power and standing[1].
