As common as combat is, it is impossible that no claw ever slips or tooth tears too deep. And when fighting the Pure, many werewolves would rather spill all their opponents’ blood than give their hateful brethren the opportunity to return and return the favor. It’s hard not to “murder the People” sometimes, whatever the elders say, and some werewolves have a method for dealing with the guilt — or the lack of it. This rite assures the Forsaken that she will receive some measure of forgiveness should she accidentally (or not) kill a werewolf. Like being pardoned for a crime not yet committed, the rite often makes it easier to actually do the deed, but werewolves who do often do it with tears streaming down their cheeks, contrite and glad of the absolution.
Performing the Rite
In Hishu form, the subject of the rite goes to her knees before the ritemaster, who must actually be willing to forgive the transgression. The ritemaster proceeds to lead the subject through a formulaic series of inquiries (on the master’s part) and confessions (on the subject’s part) in the First Tongue. The ritual ends with an extended invocation of Mother Luna, the spirit of Father Wolf and the subject’s tribal totem. When it is over, the subject rises, feeling in touch with her ancestors and already regretful of the act she may perform.
