These oaths are also called lesser fainings, blood oaths, oaths of hearth, or oaths of the karls. These vows are normally sworn between good friends who are not of the same pack. But, powerful elders may also require oaths between long-standing enemies to prevent further hostilities and end blood feuds. Lesser Oaths can also be made between totems and the Uratha who venerate them, as additional bans.
Lesser Oaths do not give Uratha magical knowledge of when they may be endangered, and, for the most part (see below), are taken literally. It is assumed that the Uratha will sacrifice pretty much anything to fulfill an oath. For example, two Uratha friends take a blood oath to defend their respective human children. The child of the first Uratha dies in an auto accident two miles away. The second Uratha neither gains a sixth sense that his “oathchild” was in danger nor is his oath broken since he had no power over it. Now, if he were driving a car that was involved in the accident, then he has broken his oath.
Performing the Rite
This ritual cements some agreement between its participants — any can perform the rite. First, the ritemaster calls upon an appropriate spirit to witness the oath. These spirits do not have to manifest. Each participant brings physical chiminage meaningful to the particular spirit, and the person(s) taking the vow offers two Essence to the spirit, one point for witnessing the Lesser Oath, one point later to enforce it.
The ritual also requires the sharing of something between the participants. Many mingle their blood by clasping cut hands. Some share some wine or mead from the same cup, while others eat of the same food.
