"Take your ease, Black Mane," Jericho said. Celia growled, pushing against him, but Jericho kept his hand firmly on her shoulder. "You did good work today. But if you push yourself too far then you won't be able to do it again tomorrow. Breathe. Then we will eat, drink, and sleep."
Celia let out a long, shuddering breath. She let the hide of the wolf slip away, her fur retreating to reveal her dark, olive skin. Her eyes, when she raised her head, were deep brown rather than the gold of her war form. She bared her teeth in a fierce expression that wasn't quite a smile, and wasn't quite a snarl. Those teeth were still sharp, but they were human all the same.
"One of these days it's going to be you down in the dirt, Jericho," Celia said.
Jericho returned her smile, and held out his hand. Celia clasped it, and her alpha hauled her back to her feet.
"I look forward to it," he said, clapping her on the shoulder. "Come on. First round's on me."
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| I want you to be the best. And I'll do everything I can to get you there. |
What Does It Mean To Be The Alpha?
Most of us are familiar with the idea of the pack alpha being the wolf in charge. Decades ago researchers made the case that wolf packs were tightly controlled, with dominant leaders. Of course, that research was largely based off of captive wolf packs, which were the equivalent of lupine prison gangs. These days we know, having observed wolves in the wild, that a pack is much more cooperative; more of a family unit where everyone helps do their part.
Which provides something of a unique opportunity for Werewolf: The Apocalypse players.
Because the way society is structured among the garou tends to fall much more in line with the idea of a rigid hierarchy, compounded by ceremony and ritual. As such, we tend to think of the ideal alpha as the one with the most power, or the highest rank... but the true alpha is someone who fills the role of the natural born leader. Someone who earns the respect of others, and who does their best to help those around them achieve their full potential. Someone who fosters cooperation and teamwork, and who can bring out the best in everyone around them.
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| You can do it. I believe in you. |
As a concept, this doesn't require any particular moon sign, gifts, rank, or mechanics. You can do it as any tribe, or as any breed... the only thing that will change is how your particular character's personality brings this across, and the sort of results it generates around you.
For example, your Get of Fenris ahroun may have a sort of rough camaraderie that, while indelicate, can't help but make someone feel like they're part of the team. A Shadow Lord ragabash might have the commanding presence of a mafioso who makes those who fight alongside them feel like true family. A Silver Fang galliard might have the charisma of the old royalty, able to re-ignite the passion in the hearts of the garou, and to remind them why they once followed the old kings unto the breach. A Bone Gnawer theurge might combine the best aspects of a street preacher and a union organizer, while a Fianna philodox could earn the respect of others as a judge who is harsh, but fair, and who holds themselves to the same standards they judge everyone else by.
The true alpha takes many forms, and isn't defined by skill set or even personality. It's the way you play them. Someone who helps others, who leads by example, and who ensures that everyone gets what they need, whether it's praise and recognition for the tasks they've completed, training in new skills or abilities to help them become their best, or the trust to accept new responsibilities, the alpha is someone who acts as the glue that binds everyone together.
They are, in other words, the wolf that others would gladly follow straight into the gaping maw of hell, howling all the way!
Need More Werewolf in Your Life?
As most folks know, I've been putting out a lot of content for Werewolf over the past few years. My "100 Kinfolk" project, for example, has 1,400 kinfolk NPCs covering all the standard tribes (along with the Black Spiral Dancers), and you can get them all in one, handy bundle! This is particularly useful since, in addition to NPCs, kinfolk can also act as connections for the PCs, or even as inspiration for them since every kinfolk has the potential to have their first change!
Also, for those looking for even more resources, I also have 100 Stargazer Kinfolk and even 100 Mokole Kinfolk out now. I don't currently have plans to expand the list to cover all the different kinds of fera, but if readers want them then I will have to do my best to provide.
Like, Follow, and Stay Tuned For More!
That's all for this installment of Unusual Character Concepts. Hopefully this one gave you something to chew over, whether you're a player, or a game master.
For more of my work, check out my Vocal archive, and stop by the YouTube channel Dungeon Keeper Radio. Or if you'd prefer to read some of my books, like my alley cat noir novel Marked Territory, its sequel Painted Cats, my sword and sorcery novel Crier's Knife or my most recent collection of short stories The Rejects, then head over to My Amazon Author Page!
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