Urhan

See Shapeshifting

This form usually appears to be a normal red or gray wolf, though werewolves born to bloodlines from areas where there are no indigenous wolves may have Urhan forms that resemble other wild canids, such as the occasional African-American werewolf with a Urhan form like a Cape Hunting Dog. The Urhan form is that of a wild beast and can only be mistaken for a domestic dog by people who don’t know the difference between a feral-looking dog and a wolf. Like Hishu form, Urhan is an effective means of camouflage. Supernatural attempts to detect an Urhanform werewolf’s true nature incur a –2 penalty. While not equipped to wreak the kind of carnage that the Gauru or Urshul can, packs of wolves can bring down prey much larger than themselves, so the potential of the Urhan form in combat shouldn’t be overlooked. The real advantage to this form lies in its speed and perception. Wolves are superb trackers and can sprint quite effectively when necessary.

Werewolves in Urhan form can communicate with normal wolves, although human-born Uratha must learn to let instinct take over in order to do so effectively. Until they do, they tend to have trouble coping with the sensory overload from increased perceptions, and deciphering the body and chemical language from other wolves. (This is generally reflected as a –1 to –3 penalty to Social rolls made to influence wolves until the character has spent sufficient time around wolves. Usually a couple of weeks of regular contact will suffice). Werewolves in Urhan form are incapable of human speech but can use the First Tongue somewhat. (Anything more complex than “Follow me” or “Danger ahead” requires a successful Manipulation + Expression roll.) They may also use “wolf-speak” to communicate basic concepts with one another. Manipulation rolls made to interact with humans fail outright, but Presence-, Composure- and Intimidation-based rolls still apply.

Urhan-form werewolves inflict lethal damage with a bite. The attack can be made without first having to grapple an opponent. Uratha don’t inflict Lunacy in Urhan form.

The player receives four modifier dice to all Perception rolls while her character is in Urhan form. The wolf may also track by scent (see p. 178).

• Dexterity +2
• Stamina +1
• Size -1
• Initiative +2
• Speed +5
• Perception +4
• Claw +1L
• Bite +2L
• -2 penalty to detect as supernatural creature
• Human speech impossible
• Can communicate with wolves (-1 to -3 penalty until familiar)
• Limited use of First Tongue (Complex ideas: Man + Expression)
• Track by scent