In the modern world, Uratha can’t always be expected to notice when they’ve crossed into another pack’s territory. Scent marks and visual tags might help, yes, but unless a werewolf knows what to look for or changes to Urhan form (not always feasible in the city), she’ll probably miss the markings. Getting upset when territory is thus “invaded” is ridiculous, but the Meninna do have their tribal vow to think about. Thus, this rite was developed for the benefit of werewolves new to an area.
When a werewolf crosses into an area protected by the Rite of Fair Warning, she immediately feels a sense of subtle threat. The threat isn’t severe — the Uratha doesn’t feel as if her life is in danger — but she does feel noticed, even if she is under the effect of a Gift or other power that masks her somehow. The Rite of Fair Warning doesn’t notify the werewolf who performed it; it merely lets the interloper know that she is an interloper. In addition, if a werewolf is actively looking for scent marks or other territory tags in an area protected by this rite, the player receives a +2 modifier to any rolls made to do so. This bonus also applies to other, non-Uratha powers meant to detect supernatural phenomena (a mage’s detection spells, a vampire’s Auspex Discipline or even a mortal’s Unseen Sense Merit might apply).
Performing the Rite
The ritualist must walk the perimeter of the area to be affected, continually singing or chanting an invocation to the spirits to watch over her borders. When she comes full circle, she seals the area with a few drops of her blood, sweat or urine (the specific fluid varies from place to place), and marks the location with a visual or olfactory tag. Once performed, the Rite of Fair Warning lasts for one lunar month before fading.
