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Social Rites are a type of Rite from Werewolf: The Apocalypse Fifth Edition.

Overview[]

For every Rite with a mystical component, Garou society has a dozen social ones that, though lacking mechanical effects, bond the packs of the tattered Garou Nation together in health, as well as in hardship. Below are a few of the more prominent ones.

List of Common Rites[]

  • Rite of Accomplishment - The Rite is used to honor a werewolf and recognize the trials they have endured to attain their current standing. An elder might do the honors, or the Garou themselves might take an opportunity to tell of their past exploits. This time would also be when anyone taking issue with the claims to speak up, and they can do so, within the Rite, without fear of immediate retaliation.
  • Rite of the Ban Shared - With this Rite, the participants agree to adhere to a tribal Ban not of their own, though the adherence is not mystically enforced in the same way that it is for members of that tribe. This Rite is often used as a way for a Garou to repay a debt incurred to a member of another tribe or to show respect to a particular Tribal Patron.
  • Cleansing Rite - This Rite uses sacred materials to cleanse the spirit (and body) of the Garou. The materials have personal or cultural significance for the Garou and their tribe. Water is also commonly involved. Many packs expect this sort of Rite following encounters with the Black Spiral Dancers or powerful Wyrm entities, or sometimes after run-ins with other estranged groups or after extended time in the Umbra.
  • Gathering for the Departed - This Rite honors the newly dead. A galliard or a packmate of the parted werewolf usually performs the Rite. The specifics of the Rite vary dramatically by region or even pack.
  • The Long Vigil - Usually performed no more than once every few years, multiple packs put their animosities aside for a single full-moon night to come together. Gathering at a neutral location, they spend the day decorating the site with victory trophies collected during the previous year, then praise Luna and Helios and ask for aid and wisdom in the years to come. As the Rite concludes, the Garou hurl their trophies into the bonfire, destroying their hard-earned mementos in acknowledgment that those victories have not been enough to forestall Gaia’s demise.
  • Rite of Passage - Before they can be called Garou, Kin often complete a dangerous task meant to prove that they have the courage, honor, and wisdom befitting a true werewolf. The Rite master sends forth the world-be Garou - or even pack - with a goal to achieve, and they are forbidden to return until they have accomplished this goal.
  • Pledging Rite - With this Rite a Garou or pack establishes a particular goal above and beyond whatever victory they seek. The pledge is performed in a ritual fashion, preceded by a short recitation of the Garou’s notable deeds. Successful fulfillment of this pledge may be grounds for the Garou to gain Glory.
  • Renewal Circle - A Garou who needs help or is struggling with their emotions is the focus of the Rite. They are technically the Rite master in a Renewal Circle, even though they may not have initiated the process. Their friends and allies sit in near-darkness and do not speak until spoken to. The ailing Garou can break the silence whenever and however they want, but only one of the supportive participants can speak at a time and only when directly addressed. The Garou in focus has the right to end any conversation at any time. The Rite finishes when the participants all agree.
  • Satire Rite - A Satire Rite is a special song, dance, or drama crafted for the sole purpose of ridiculing an offender. This Rite is usually performed at a moot while the Garou to be mocked sits in full view of the sept. The Satire will be remembered and passed down through the years. Young Garou sometimes irreverently call the Sat re Rite "Breaking Balls" or the like.
  • Rite of the Winter Wolf - Once some werewolves become too wounded or aged to fight alongside their packmates, they perform this bleak and solemn rite. The celebrant then leaves for a secluded site. There they end their life, usually with a klaive. Immediately after the celebrant's death, the assembled Garou often perform the Gathering for the Departed.

References[]


^  Level 0

Rite of Accomplishment Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition Pg. 187
Rite of the Ban Shared Shattered Nation p. 77
Cleansing Rite Shattered Nation p. 77
Gathering for the Departed Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition Pg. 187
The Long Vigil Shattered Nation p. 77-78
Rite of Passage Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition Pg. 187
Pledging Rite Shattered Nation p. 78
Renewal Circle Shattered Nation p. 78
Satire Rite Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition Pg. 187
Rite of the Winter Wolf Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition Pg. 187
Werewolf: The Apocalypse Rites
Garou and Fera Rites Accord · Age Role · Ahadi · Astrological · Caern · Dark Umbra · Death · Frontier · Hengeyokai · Minor · Mystic · Punishment · Pure Ones · Renown · Seasonal · Wyld
Fifth Edition Garou Rites Common · Legendary · Social
Kinfolk Rites Accord · Caern · Homestead · Milestones · Minor · Punishment · Renown · Ritual of Sacred Rebirth
Unique Fera Rites Ajaba - Ananasi: First · Triumvirate · Viskr - Bastet: Kuasha · Moon · Need · Taghairm - Corax - Gurahl - Kitsune - Mokolé - Nagah - Nuwisha - Ratkin - Rokea
Rites of the Lost Breeds Apis - Camazotz - Grondr
Wyrm-Corrupted Fera Rites Blood Rituals · Defiler Kings · Buzzards · Histpah
Miscellaneous Rites 7th Generation - Fomori - Miscellaneous Rites
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