Forsworn

Forsworn - also called ronin, strays, unchosen, apostates, and of course, traitors - are Garou who, after joining a tribe, abandon it for whatever reason. Although the term technically refers to any Garou who is no longer part of their original tribe, it is most often used for those who are currently still without any tribe at all. Unless the status is taken as a transitionary period between tribes, Forsworn werewolves are considered estranged.

(For their counterparts in older editions, see ronin.)

Overview

Forsworn are said by the Garou to 'walk the lightless path' until they once again join a tribe, at which point they 'emerge' from said path. However, while still rare, the number of Forsworn who remain as such long-term increases every year. It’s a sad state of affairs, but a Garou that renounces their tribe is more likely than not to remain Forsworn for the rest of their lives.

Such permanent Forsworn are also usually outcast from any caern or sept, living alone to wallow in their insufficiency. In Garou society, these lone wolves are seen as sad figures, lost souls without the companionship and support of a pack, tribe and sept. Associating with the Forsworn is often frowned upon, as if their solitary bitterness was contagious. Nevertheless, they aren't (necessarily) considered active enemies by others.

Becoming Forsworn

There are many valid reasons to abandon a tribe. While the process is often held up as being a deeply personal experience with the Patron Spirit that dissects the very core of a werewolf's character, the truth of the matter is much more complicated. Young werewolves may choose a tribe to appeal to one of its members rather than because its credo resonates with them, or because they reside in an area with an imbalance of tribal representation and only later find out about the existence of a better alternative. And, of course, sometimes the Garou has simply changed over time, and their new outlook on life is no longer compatible with their original tribe.

Most commonly, however, a Garou is cast out unwillingly by their tribe and Patron, often by committing a crime against the values of the tribe that they cannot forgive themselves for. Prior to the fall of the Garou Nation, individuals banished from the Nation were also stripped of their tribe for good measure, hence the Forsworn having such a strong stigma and sense of enforced isolation around them to this day.

Being rendered Forsworn is most often done via the Rite of Renunciation - the method that causes the least amount of offense to former tribemates. The Rite is always a sorrowful affair permeated by a sense of loss and failure. The Garou in question stands silently in a circle of candles, quenching each one with their own blood. The Garou then announces they renounce their tribe and the tribe’s Patron. The words, “I am unmarked. I am unclaimed. I am alone,” concludes the Rite.

Outside of the rite's use, the Garou may cause such an egregious violation of what their tribe stands for that they draw the personal ire of their Patron Spirit, who then revokes their patronage.

Individual Forsworn

• Footpad

References

• WTA: Shattered Nation, p. 75-76, 122