Whether arranged or spontanious there are still a number of rules and proceedure that need to be followed by tradition. Some of these change or perhaps have additions depending upon tribe, but below is a simple structure that can be taken as bare bones of a role playing protocol that any tribe can embrace (Homids anyways) Below the Homid version can be found a few notes for Lupus characters.

 

Step One:

Find a willing mate.

- After all finding an unwilling one is a dishonourable move. Unless the joining is arranged, in which this step can be skipped. Of course during finding this person, the willing part must be established. Conversation is needed of course and finding the equal interest. 

 

Step Two: 

Beginning the Claim.

- Beginning your claim on your mate can happen in any way in private. Some bite the neck or shoulders of their intended. Others make a vocal pact together. The agreement however must be there, otherwise it will not progress.

 

Step Three:

Advising the Authority.

- After the agreement between the two is commited, it is time to approach the authority of your sept. Most of the time this is the Alpha. Of course sometimes the Alpha may delegate this responsibility to either his Beta or perhaps in some rare cases the Master of Challenges. Sometimes the authority may issue a challenge for both the kinfolk and the Garou of their partnership to complete on the others behalf. A good way to prove their affections for each other. This is especially common in spontanious partnership

 

Step Four:

Authority's Blessing.

- Sometimes this can come very soon after step three. However if challenges are issued then these need to be completed before the blessing of the authority can be given. Once this blessing is given however then the couple may proceed.

 

Step Five:

Challenge Howl.

-The Garou of the couple must stand in the central location of their camp or sept and howl out their claim of their kinfolk. Normally it is in good taste for the kinfolk to be present or at least nearby when this howl is called. The Garou will then draw a circle around himself with the Master of Challenges present. An open challenge will be then in effect for the next 48 hours or 2 days. The garou and even kinfolk may challenge the garou for the rights to their mate. This might be for common interest in the kinfolk or perhaps even a challenge to prove the mettle of the Garou in order to have the right to claim the kin at all. These intentions MUST be expressed before entering a circle. A challenge of honorable combat will then proceed. The Garou of the couple must win these challenges to proceed in their claim of their intended. 

 

Step Six:

Ceremony.

- After the challenges have been completed there will be a brief time of rest. Usually this is just a few days or even a week. Preparations during this time will come into play. A vastly normal routine is that of civil wedding. Perhaps it is echoes of the civilized world but also the ancient practices of 'Handfasting' have taught the Garou the importance being stood before their family and friends and showing their affections for their intended. It is a time of celebrations, food and gathering of friends. The Garou have little in their every day practices to truly feel happy and at peace with their ever lasting rage and battle. These ceremonies are closely guarded for that very reason. The spirits will be called during the ceremony to witness the joining of these two individuals but also to bless their way and passage to have children and live in Gaia's grace.

 

Step Seven:

Building a Home.

- After the ceremony and during the feast normally held after, the people of the sept will make offerings to the new couple. Sometimes these are items for their home together but others give small charms or even blessings with their gifts or capabilities. Once this is completed it is quite normal for the new couple to retire early to their joined home, wherever it may be. Some of course say to use their time in the eyes of the spirits to try for a child, others of course just to rest together and enjoy the beginnings of their life together.

 

 

Notes for Lupus Players.

- Where the homid proceedure may take a while. Lupus players may skip a number of steps. Most wolves will first bite the throat of their intended and immediately will stave off challenges for dominance of their mate and territory. Some Lupus Garou of course do issue challenges to prove the Lupus's strength and worthiness of their claim. But once this is done the Lupus are thought of as life mates and will remain unchallenged until death. They may not have the bright ceremonies of Homids, but they do have passionate affection that lays in a primal level for each other. Some are even said to share spiritual links.