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The Wulfen
Wulfen Physical Appearances
Wulfen are commonly mistaken for Werewolves. While they are related on account of being 'lycanthropes', Wulfen are actually Werewolves without a Human form, their human genetics flushed out through breeding. And they are a unique race in and out of itself. These reasons are that Wulfen cannot shift to a Human, but also can grow hair along side their fur from their heads. Wulfen can even become larger then most Werewolves, but this is not always true.
Male Wulfen generally range in darker fur colors then females, but the colors range from browns, to bright blondes and greys or whites. Their fur color is derived from their origin of birth. Such as a mountain Wulfen will generally have white or grey-like fur unlike their forest cousin who carries more brown or blonde. Female Wulfen carry the same patterns, merely their colors are less dull and far more vibrant then their male counterpart.
Male Wulfen generally stand from 8-9 feet in height, with a healthy 600-800 weight range. They are generally larger then their female counterparts, although it is not unheard of for Wulfen with stunted growth, a kind of dwarfism in their race as well. They also possess more stand-out eye colors, that range from gold, to more base colors such as blue or green. In rare cases, they have been seen with violet, orange, or even bright crimson pink eye color.
Females Wulfen stand from 6-7 feet in height, ranging from 400 to 500lbs. Though it is also not unheard of for some female Wulfen to tower over their male counterparts or even be a dwarf in their own society. Female Wulfen are also far more agile then their male counterparts to make up for their weaker strengths. They possess brighter color furs, and will decorate their long hair with braids, beads or other trinkets. Their eye color is usually the base colors, but reports of gold, or more complex colors to appear.
Genetic problems are also not uncommon in this species, as they are mortal. The problems can range from shortness of breath (Asthma) to severe medical conditions that could be lifethreatening if not outright deadly. They are well aware of these problems, and work hard to fix many of them. But there is an extremely well genetic mutation called Size Shifting, where the Wulfen carrying this gene will generally not stop growing until they either learn to control it, or die from medical problems.
However, those that do learn to control it often end up as giants among their own people ranging from 10 feet to even towering 20ft, weighing thousands of pounds. Though this genetic flaw comes with setbacks, being mutations. Some will be born with ram-like horns, or a second pair of arms. Far more rare cases show Wulfen carrying two heads, though that is a one in a trillion chance.
Male Wulfen generally range in darker fur colors then females, but the colors range from browns, to bright blondes and greys or whites. Their fur color is derived from their origin of birth. Such as a mountain Wulfen will generally have white or grey-like fur unlike their forest cousin who carries more brown or blonde. Female Wulfen carry the same patterns, merely their colors are less dull and far more vibrant then their male counterpart.
Male Wulfen generally stand from 8-9 feet in height, with a healthy 600-800 weight range. They are generally larger then their female counterparts, although it is not unheard of for Wulfen with stunted growth, a kind of dwarfism in their race as well. They also possess more stand-out eye colors, that range from gold, to more base colors such as blue or green. In rare cases, they have been seen with violet, orange, or even bright crimson pink eye color.
Females Wulfen stand from 6-7 feet in height, ranging from 400 to 500lbs. Though it is also not unheard of for some female Wulfen to tower over their male counterparts or even be a dwarf in their own society. Female Wulfen are also far more agile then their male counterparts to make up for their weaker strengths. They possess brighter color furs, and will decorate their long hair with braids, beads or other trinkets. Their eye color is usually the base colors, but reports of gold, or more complex colors to appear.
Genetic problems are also not uncommon in this species, as they are mortal. The problems can range from shortness of breath (Asthma) to severe medical conditions that could be lifethreatening if not outright deadly. They are well aware of these problems, and work hard to fix many of them. But there is an extremely well genetic mutation called Size Shifting, where the Wulfen carrying this gene will generally not stop growing until they either learn to control it, or die from medical problems.
However, those that do learn to control it often end up as giants among their own people ranging from 10 feet to even towering 20ft, weighing thousands of pounds. Though this genetic flaw comes with setbacks, being mutations. Some will be born with ram-like horns, or a second pair of arms. Far more rare cases show Wulfen carrying two heads, though that is a one in a trillion chance.
Wulfen Culture
Wulfen, like many would suggest, are highly strict with social classes. This ranged from the beggars, to whom more socially stronger do not associate with. Next came the Farmers. While they are low and considered unworthy a place in society, though many respect the farmer for what they do for the society providing food and vegetables and so forth. Third came the simple peasant; neither disrespected or respected. They simply are peasants. the higher ups belong to the soldiers, priests, and atrisocrates and so forth. The most respected belong to Clans leaders and Lords.
The social class ties into their society as well. Peasants mingle with peasants, though artisans lead a better life due to their life of tradeswork. Few question the skill of Wulfen smithing, due to the intricate care put into their work is one of many examples. Other famously known outside their zealous faith, are Wulfen jewelry. And it goes on from there about there.
A Wulfen's first thing he/she is taught when young, is their life belongs to their Clan. Each Wulfen live for their Clan, and will willingly die for it. These Clans range from Blacksmithing Clans, such as the Iron Jaw Clan, or warrior clans like the famous (And infamous) BloodClaw Clan. The more secretive clans, such as the Black Blades are reserved for more assassin and stealth type of Wulfen who lead lives of shrouded mysteries. Their Clan comes first, this is the first law of Wulfen Life.
Clans are also not always allied with each other. For example, the Boar's Blood Clan may go to war with a rivial, the Long Horns for such things as land or resources. Other Clans that're larger, like the Korani before it's extinction, were entire armies of soldiers who fought for Crusades (This will be explained in the Religion.) or other military/religious ideals.
A second personal Law, is that Wulfen must be honest even if it leads to their death. While some Clans do not follow this law, most do. Decreed by Hayashi Animaru, liars lead lives of cowardice and are considered weak, or unfit to mingl among society. This leads to Wulfen becoming somewhat hot-headed over the ideals of their views because they will openly speak their minds, usually.
Wulfen are also taught, as a third law, that respect and honour is key. Respect means everything to a Wulfen to the point they will commit suicide over it. This can also cause problems with other races, as Wulfen demand respect that they show. Disrespect each other has lead to problems in their societies, and some men or women have been killed over this. And it is not uncommon for best friends to suddenly become enemies if one does not apologize or fix their errors in life.
Wulfen also earn their names, generally by many ways. The most common is to name the child of a past relative in their bloodline, using their Clan as the last name. Other more unorthodox methods include using Human names like Hans or Edward. While it is not uncommon to do so, many do not encourage the method of using Human names, believing it a disgrace to ancestors.
Wulfen marriage is a unique concept, as they must first get permission from both families to provide dowries and support the wedding. Then the couple desiring to wed must find a priest to bless the wedding in their love. Once this is done, then the actual wedding may commence. Depending on what class is being married, these weddings can last several hours, to several days. Great feasts are often prepared, and gifts from both families are exchanged. These gifts range depending families.
Wulfen also rely heavily on the stars. This is because they believe what the Stars show, is what their god, Hayashi Animaru, is planning with upon his loom of Fate. Star charting is not uncommon among Wulfen, and even have huge secluded obversatories built to study the stars, mapping their constellations and monitering which star is born or dies. Few understand this concept, but it is nonetheless important to most Wulfen because they believe that the stars could show the future; whether it is dark or bright in their pathes.
The social class ties into their society as well. Peasants mingle with peasants, though artisans lead a better life due to their life of tradeswork. Few question the skill of Wulfen smithing, due to the intricate care put into their work is one of many examples. Other famously known outside their zealous faith, are Wulfen jewelry. And it goes on from there about there.
A Wulfen's first thing he/she is taught when young, is their life belongs to their Clan. Each Wulfen live for their Clan, and will willingly die for it. These Clans range from Blacksmithing Clans, such as the Iron Jaw Clan, or warrior clans like the famous (And infamous) BloodClaw Clan. The more secretive clans, such as the Black Blades are reserved for more assassin and stealth type of Wulfen who lead lives of shrouded mysteries. Their Clan comes first, this is the first law of Wulfen Life.
Clans are also not always allied with each other. For example, the Boar's Blood Clan may go to war with a rivial, the Long Horns for such things as land or resources. Other Clans that're larger, like the Korani before it's extinction, were entire armies of soldiers who fought for Crusades (This will be explained in the Religion.) or other military/religious ideals.
A second personal Law, is that Wulfen must be honest even if it leads to their death. While some Clans do not follow this law, most do. Decreed by Hayashi Animaru, liars lead lives of cowardice and are considered weak, or unfit to mingl among society. This leads to Wulfen becoming somewhat hot-headed over the ideals of their views because they will openly speak their minds, usually.
Wulfen are also taught, as a third law, that respect and honour is key. Respect means everything to a Wulfen to the point they will commit suicide over it. This can also cause problems with other races, as Wulfen demand respect that they show. Disrespect each other has lead to problems in their societies, and some men or women have been killed over this. And it is not uncommon for best friends to suddenly become enemies if one does not apologize or fix their errors in life.
Wulfen also earn their names, generally by many ways. The most common is to name the child of a past relative in their bloodline, using their Clan as the last name. Other more unorthodox methods include using Human names like Hans or Edward. While it is not uncommon to do so, many do not encourage the method of using Human names, believing it a disgrace to ancestors.
Wulfen marriage is a unique concept, as they must first get permission from both families to provide dowries and support the wedding. Then the couple desiring to wed must find a priest to bless the wedding in their love. Once this is done, then the actual wedding may commence. Depending on what class is being married, these weddings can last several hours, to several days. Great feasts are often prepared, and gifts from both families are exchanged. These gifts range depending families.
Wulfen also rely heavily on the stars. This is because they believe what the Stars show, is what their god, Hayashi Animaru, is planning with upon his loom of Fate. Star charting is not uncommon among Wulfen, and even have huge secluded obversatories built to study the stars, mapping their constellations and monitering which star is born or dies. Few understand this concept, but it is nonetheless important to most Wulfen because they believe that the stars could show the future; whether it is dark or bright in their pathes.
Wulfen Social Life
While societies are strict, Wulfen life is actually not as strict as many believe. They are free to pursue whatever they desire in their hearts, as long it complies with religious beliefs and social standing's laws. This is a rather simple fact of life for them. Comply with the social laws and religion and then they may do whatever they wish, provided it does serve a purpose for at least something
Though many pursue lives of simple living, others answer to a higher calling and enlist into the military. This is not an uncommon sight for them to do. Wulfen may also pursue lives in the trade school, ranging from elegant and intricate jewelry and clothing to high quality smithing, everything in between. Though some take up a rare career that's special to the Wulfen culture, which is astrology.
Wulfen are also extremely public with such things as bath-houses or steam rooms. Men and women alike flock to such things for various reasons ranging from business to simply relaxing after a long day of work to converse with friends or family. It is not also uncommon at festivals that women and men dance publicly and sometimes completely nude. While it is common in their culture, many do not accept it on account few understand the Wulfen concept; that hiding themselves behind clothing are considered to be 'Weak' and prefer to wear less clothing believing they are closer to their ancestors after they gained the ability of reasoning thanks to Hayashi.
However, some pursue a unique life, of cooking. This is a career few take because it is such a high stress job. Many chefs do not make it in the world beyond cooking inside a tavern due to the extreme amounts of pressure, or the complexity of a dish they wish to attempt. Although, those that do make it become famous and often travel to cook for kings and queens. This brings up their diets, something not to be trifled with.
(Wulfen Diets, subtopic)
Wulfen Diet, however, is not for the weak willed. They are known to eat anything with a pulse, or without one. Their diets composed primarily of venison, and other meats the reason that being canines. This is also mixed with a great deal of vegetables or fruits, made for stews, stirfries or other things where mixing is involved.
The most common form of meat used to mix with stews are known as Skinks. They are legless slug like creatures that grow to be about a meter in length and can become up to thirty pounds. their meat is slick and smooth to the texture, and absorbs just about any flavoring fed to the animal prior to it's death. This makes it easy for Wulfen to raise as Skinks with ease as they will eat *literally* anything, and are relatively cheap to raise in bulk. Farmers use this to their advantage, flavoring Skink meat accoridng to the buyer's choice.
Other things are involving bugs. This ranged from fat grubs in trees, to a more deadly critter called a Tainted Wasp. These wasps live on large centipede like animals in deserts, providing protection in exchange to form a symbiotic relationship. Tainted Wasps are highly toxic with their stingers, and are extremely aggressive, making it a deliciously deadly dish. Other bugs include a large milipede called the Thousand Eye Pede. These are often fried and served as their own in sauces or covered in batters.
The third concept is their taste for unique plants or other herbs. Such as treebark off specific trees. Many use common herbs like sage or rosemary, then leads to the more exotic plants native practically only to their homeland. Though for the right price or skill one can obtain these plants, which range from the Fire Flower, to the Rainbow Berry; named for their physical appearances. These more exotic plants also add unique tangs or tastes to flavoring, which is a 'must' for many Wulfen.
Though many pursue lives of simple living, others answer to a higher calling and enlist into the military. This is not an uncommon sight for them to do. Wulfen may also pursue lives in the trade school, ranging from elegant and intricate jewelry and clothing to high quality smithing, everything in between. Though some take up a rare career that's special to the Wulfen culture, which is astrology.
Wulfen are also extremely public with such things as bath-houses or steam rooms. Men and women alike flock to such things for various reasons ranging from business to simply relaxing after a long day of work to converse with friends or family. It is not also uncommon at festivals that women and men dance publicly and sometimes completely nude. While it is common in their culture, many do not accept it on account few understand the Wulfen concept; that hiding themselves behind clothing are considered to be 'Weak' and prefer to wear less clothing believing they are closer to their ancestors after they gained the ability of reasoning thanks to Hayashi.
However, some pursue a unique life, of cooking. This is a career few take because it is such a high stress job. Many chefs do not make it in the world beyond cooking inside a tavern due to the extreme amounts of pressure, or the complexity of a dish they wish to attempt. Although, those that do make it become famous and often travel to cook for kings and queens. This brings up their diets, something not to be trifled with.
(Wulfen Diets, subtopic)
Wulfen Diet, however, is not for the weak willed. They are known to eat anything with a pulse, or without one. Their diets composed primarily of venison, and other meats the reason that being canines. This is also mixed with a great deal of vegetables or fruits, made for stews, stirfries or other things where mixing is involved.
The most common form of meat used to mix with stews are known as Skinks. They are legless slug like creatures that grow to be about a meter in length and can become up to thirty pounds. their meat is slick and smooth to the texture, and absorbs just about any flavoring fed to the animal prior to it's death. This makes it easy for Wulfen to raise as Skinks with ease as they will eat *literally* anything, and are relatively cheap to raise in bulk. Farmers use this to their advantage, flavoring Skink meat accoridng to the buyer's choice.
Other things are involving bugs. This ranged from fat grubs in trees, to a more deadly critter called a Tainted Wasp. These wasps live on large centipede like animals in deserts, providing protection in exchange to form a symbiotic relationship. Tainted Wasps are highly toxic with their stingers, and are extremely aggressive, making it a deliciously deadly dish. Other bugs include a large milipede called the Thousand Eye Pede. These are often fried and served as their own in sauces or covered in batters.
The third concept is their taste for unique plants or other herbs. Such as treebark off specific trees. Many use common herbs like sage or rosemary, then leads to the more exotic plants native practically only to their homeland. Though for the right price or skill one can obtain these plants, which range from the Fire Flower, to the Rainbow Berry; named for their physical appearances. These more exotic plants also add unique tangs or tastes to flavoring, which is a 'must' for many Wulfen.
Wulfen Religion
Wulfen religion is rather simple. All Wulfen are expected to worship their god, Hayashi Animaru; as he had freed them from their miserable past of being mindless blood-lustful creatures of the night that gave Wulfen and Werewolves alike a bad reputation. Those that do not, are branded Heretics and are ordered to be killed on sight. If they are not to be killed, Priests and Chaplains (Explained later) are ordered to capture this individual and torture them til they either confess and repented, or were tortured til they died. If a heretic died during torture, they will hang the corpse by the ankles headless, showing that heresy is only tolerated by death.
Prayers start in the morning, usually at the rise of the sun, with prayers of good sun light and no bad weather. Depending on social class, some pray for their crops or their livestock. In the afternoon, prayers commence with thanks to Hayashi for their day so far, and to provide them with good fortune for the rest of the day. At night, they pray that they live through the night without nightmares or problems.
If they are priests, or Chaplains however, prayers come far more often. In the morning, before and after every meal if they are not fasting for personal or religius reasons, afternoon and often evening prayers though it is not required to go past a good night's rest. They will lead prayers and hymns to the masses or other priests/monks/Chaplains. Many monks live a secluded life, devoted to worshipping and studying Hayashi's Word, a huge tome that rumored to have Hayashi Animaru himself wrote before his ascension to Godhood. Although it is not a bad thing for a village to form around a monk's monastary in hopes of learning with the order.
Priests play an important role in society, either working in the temples, or on the streets blessing the people and accepting confessions/offerings or requests to be blessed for various reasons that range from good fortune to their misery ending. While Priests are sometimes considered strange by outsiders for their choice of lives, but within their own culture they are nonetheless highly respected for their spreading of the word of Hayashi.
Chaplains play, a different role however. While trained to be a priest, Chaplains are actually warrior priests. These men and women are often feared more then they are respected because Chaplains are viewed as violent and reckless. This is more then often true. An example from a soldier was that their Chaplain screamed Hymns and Prayers while charging suicidally into battle in little armor wielding a massive hammer. They often take confessions and give blessings to soldiers who fear the first wave of battle. These men also travel as packs of men and women to roam the lands to spread His Word in rare cases.
Hunter Chaplains are the more secretive of the priest hood, as they travel throughout the Wulfen world, hell-bent on destroying anything Unholy or considered Heresy. These Chaplains are not spoken publicly, and some know of their existance. Some Hunter Chaplains are also DeathWatch Chaplains, (Refer to Military for more explaination.)
In very rare instances, a mass of Chaplains or High Priests may call for a Crusade, where hundreds of thousands Wulfen commit mass genocide against an enemy for total annilihation, no matter their race or origins. Some Crusades are also known as the Daemon Purges, where they have spotted huge concentrations of Necromancers or huge encampments of barbarians coming from the north of their home-country preparing an invasion. This instance, other Races may join the Wulfen in their glorious Crusades. Every Crusade is also written in extreme detail of every account or battle. Names and battlegrounds are also written down and sometimes turned into songs to be sung in glory of their battles won.
Prayers start in the morning, usually at the rise of the sun, with prayers of good sun light and no bad weather. Depending on social class, some pray for their crops or their livestock. In the afternoon, prayers commence with thanks to Hayashi for their day so far, and to provide them with good fortune for the rest of the day. At night, they pray that they live through the night without nightmares or problems.
If they are priests, or Chaplains however, prayers come far more often. In the morning, before and after every meal if they are not fasting for personal or religius reasons, afternoon and often evening prayers though it is not required to go past a good night's rest. They will lead prayers and hymns to the masses or other priests/monks/Chaplains. Many monks live a secluded life, devoted to worshipping and studying Hayashi's Word, a huge tome that rumored to have Hayashi Animaru himself wrote before his ascension to Godhood. Although it is not a bad thing for a village to form around a monk's monastary in hopes of learning with the order.
Priests play an important role in society, either working in the temples, or on the streets blessing the people and accepting confessions/offerings or requests to be blessed for various reasons that range from good fortune to their misery ending. While Priests are sometimes considered strange by outsiders for their choice of lives, but within their own culture they are nonetheless highly respected for their spreading of the word of Hayashi.
Chaplains play, a different role however. While trained to be a priest, Chaplains are actually warrior priests. These men and women are often feared more then they are respected because Chaplains are viewed as violent and reckless. This is more then often true. An example from a soldier was that their Chaplain screamed Hymns and Prayers while charging suicidally into battle in little armor wielding a massive hammer. They often take confessions and give blessings to soldiers who fear the first wave of battle. These men also travel as packs of men and women to roam the lands to spread His Word in rare cases.
Hunter Chaplains are the more secretive of the priest hood, as they travel throughout the Wulfen world, hell-bent on destroying anything Unholy or considered Heresy. These Chaplains are not spoken publicly, and some know of their existance. Some Hunter Chaplains are also DeathWatch Chaplains, (Refer to Military for more explaination.)
In very rare instances, a mass of Chaplains or High Priests may call for a Crusade, where hundreds of thousands Wulfen commit mass genocide against an enemy for total annilihation, no matter their race or origins. Some Crusades are also known as the Daemon Purges, where they have spotted huge concentrations of Necromancers or huge encampments of barbarians coming from the north of their home-country preparing an invasion. This instance, other Races may join the Wulfen in their glorious Crusades. Every Crusade is also written in extreme detail of every account or battle. Names and battlegrounds are also written down and sometimes turned into songs to be sung in glory of their battles won.
Wulfen Military
Wulfen Military is something to be reckoned all across the land. It is a highly structured and extremely feared because the Wulfen Armies hold nothing back when they are forced to go to war. Ranging from the basic Footman to the zealous DeathWatch.
Wulfen military carries a lot of referrences to their wolven appearance. Such as a squad is referred to a 'Pack'. Their military tactics also range from simple skirmishes to a term called "Dead World". Few can call for a Dead World, where Wulfen will kill anything that lives. Men, women, even children, and sorch the land dry, sprinkling salt to make sure it never regrows again. This method of destruction is often only called upon when evil truely has taken root and flourished.
Their ideals of seige often involves surrounding the object they wish to take. Either they will bombard it with constructs designed by Seige Smiths, or starve the enemy into submission, cutting off all supplies.
The structure of their military is built by this order: Militia, Conscript, Footman, Berserker, Pack Master, Officer, Seige Engineer, Seige Smith, High Lord, and finally the DeathWatch.
The Militia, is as explained. These are not official soldiers, merely peasants rising to defend their villages or towns. Sometimes if a town or villag is rich enough, they will hire Pack Masters to train militia to form a 'town guard' or more commonly known as minute-men.
Conscripts are soldiers who were not willingly enlisted. These men and women are told to fight lest they risk dishonouring themselves by showing cowardice. Many conscripts, those that survive being cannon fodder, rise to the rank of Footmen. Though it is rare to see conscripts now, it is not uncommon for some to be drafted if the military numbers begin to dwindle.
Footmen are your simplest of soldiers. They wear rather basic armor, which is chainmail covered in leather and tabards based on their armies or Clans. Armed with a round shield, either with an axe, spear, or swords. Footmen also learn their basic fighting styles based on the weapons they are given.
Berserkers are derranged Wulfen, who show little or no regard for their own existance due to various reasons: Which can stem from religious belief to a sense of feeling 'worthless' in society. These men and women work themselves into a furious rage, and charge suicidally into battle wielding huge two handed weapons to ensure maxium damage. Often times, they are zweihanders, which are enormous 3 meter long greatswords. The Berserkers also are highly reclusive in nature around others not berserker-friendly, as many would rather attack and kill the Berserker then risk being endangered by their sheer presence. This is because when a Berserker once goes berserk, the Berserker does not know friend from foe and attack anything near it before collasping in either using up all their energy, or their hearts gave out and they have died.
Pack Masters are the Wulfen sargeants. Their name derives from the squad being called a 'Pack', referring to the wolven nature of their people. Pack Masters are often considered unforgiving because the Pack Master will not think twice to whip their soldiers if they fall out of line or break a rule the Pack Master will lay down. Their word is law to any under his rank. Although Pack Masters answer to the Officers in charge.
Officers are fairly simple. They control and oversee several Packs, and will convene together in commitees to discuss the next move in a war or skirmish. These men/women are well respected, and often clad in full but simple plated armor, carrying more balanced weapons ranging from swords, maces and axes.
Engineers are straight forward, but also unique. The Seige engineers serve under a Seige Smith, and operate, construct, or plan styles to serve in a Seige. They are apart of the military, but answer to their Smith before they will answer to an Officer. This is because it is often misconcepted that engineers and Smiths are their own branch of military, which is actually untrue and they are merely a different class of military.
Seige Smiths are the master engineers of a seige. These men, and sometimes women, will oversee the construction of seige machines. Smiths do not answer to Officers but rather the High Lords. Each Smith will also design their own machines or traps to defend their positions. This means no two Seige Smith design is ever the same, or their traps.
High Lords are the highest rank in the Wulfen Military outside the DeathWatch. These men and women are the generals. All answer to these men and women and they oversee an entire battle or war, but they must answer to the lowest DeathWatch member.
The DeathWatch (Sub-topic)
The DeathWatch is an extremely secretive order of highly zealous warriors that live deep in the northern mountains of a Fortress cathederal. Very few are accepted into the DeathWatch, and even fewer know of their existance. Each DeathWatch member may never talk of their services to them or their deeds, as it is forbidden to do so on pain of death, or worse, exilement. DeathWatch often specialize in Daemon and heretic hunting. Some DeathWatch may become DeathWatch Chaplains if they prove their worth and recongized by the higher ranking as well rounded men who can lead and inspire fellow soldiers. These very few are highly respected to all of the Wulfen, standing out distinctively and the only DeathWatch that may speak of their existance, although they may not speak of fellow brothers or sisters in arms, nor where they come from.
DeathWatch Chaplains are trained to the highest degree in their faith, leading worships through out entire armies or Clans. To have a DeathWatch Chaplain in the presence is considered the highest honor, and respect is the first utmost responsibility. Even Clan Lords or Kings will respect these people with the highest degree. To be declared a Heretic by these folk is whispered to be the most dreaded in existance.
DeathWatch also lead secret campaigns to keep their homes safe, by leading Death Squads, men and women will willingly give their lives to stop darkness from spreading or rooting itself in a society. To Humans or other races, a Death Squad is often referred to being inquisitors. In this case, it is all the more true.
When a Death Squad has targeted their foe, rather then dispatching them swiftly and often bloodily, they will wait and proceed to undermine the enemy, destroying any hope of escape or survival before moving in for the kill. When the deed is done, they will often parade the corpse through towns to show what a heretic is, before burning the body to ensure the taint it has left is gone.
Wulfen military carries a lot of referrences to their wolven appearance. Such as a squad is referred to a 'Pack'. Their military tactics also range from simple skirmishes to a term called "Dead World". Few can call for a Dead World, where Wulfen will kill anything that lives. Men, women, even children, and sorch the land dry, sprinkling salt to make sure it never regrows again. This method of destruction is often only called upon when evil truely has taken root and flourished.
Their ideals of seige often involves surrounding the object they wish to take. Either they will bombard it with constructs designed by Seige Smiths, or starve the enemy into submission, cutting off all supplies.
The structure of their military is built by this order: Militia, Conscript, Footman, Berserker, Pack Master, Officer, Seige Engineer, Seige Smith, High Lord, and finally the DeathWatch.
The Militia, is as explained. These are not official soldiers, merely peasants rising to defend their villages or towns. Sometimes if a town or villag is rich enough, they will hire Pack Masters to train militia to form a 'town guard' or more commonly known as minute-men.
Conscripts are soldiers who were not willingly enlisted. These men and women are told to fight lest they risk dishonouring themselves by showing cowardice. Many conscripts, those that survive being cannon fodder, rise to the rank of Footmen. Though it is rare to see conscripts now, it is not uncommon for some to be drafted if the military numbers begin to dwindle.
Footmen are your simplest of soldiers. They wear rather basic armor, which is chainmail covered in leather and tabards based on their armies or Clans. Armed with a round shield, either with an axe, spear, or swords. Footmen also learn their basic fighting styles based on the weapons they are given.
Berserkers are derranged Wulfen, who show little or no regard for their own existance due to various reasons: Which can stem from religious belief to a sense of feeling 'worthless' in society. These men and women work themselves into a furious rage, and charge suicidally into battle wielding huge two handed weapons to ensure maxium damage. Often times, they are zweihanders, which are enormous 3 meter long greatswords. The Berserkers also are highly reclusive in nature around others not berserker-friendly, as many would rather attack and kill the Berserker then risk being endangered by their sheer presence. This is because when a Berserker once goes berserk, the Berserker does not know friend from foe and attack anything near it before collasping in either using up all their energy, or their hearts gave out and they have died.
Pack Masters are the Wulfen sargeants. Their name derives from the squad being called a 'Pack', referring to the wolven nature of their people. Pack Masters are often considered unforgiving because the Pack Master will not think twice to whip their soldiers if they fall out of line or break a rule the Pack Master will lay down. Their word is law to any under his rank. Although Pack Masters answer to the Officers in charge.
Officers are fairly simple. They control and oversee several Packs, and will convene together in commitees to discuss the next move in a war or skirmish. These men/women are well respected, and often clad in full but simple plated armor, carrying more balanced weapons ranging from swords, maces and axes.
Engineers are straight forward, but also unique. The Seige engineers serve under a Seige Smith, and operate, construct, or plan styles to serve in a Seige. They are apart of the military, but answer to their Smith before they will answer to an Officer. This is because it is often misconcepted that engineers and Smiths are their own branch of military, which is actually untrue and they are merely a different class of military.
Seige Smiths are the master engineers of a seige. These men, and sometimes women, will oversee the construction of seige machines. Smiths do not answer to Officers but rather the High Lords. Each Smith will also design their own machines or traps to defend their positions. This means no two Seige Smith design is ever the same, or their traps.
High Lords are the highest rank in the Wulfen Military outside the DeathWatch. These men and women are the generals. All answer to these men and women and they oversee an entire battle or war, but they must answer to the lowest DeathWatch member.
The DeathWatch (Sub-topic)
The DeathWatch is an extremely secretive order of highly zealous warriors that live deep in the northern mountains of a Fortress cathederal. Very few are accepted into the DeathWatch, and even fewer know of their existance. Each DeathWatch member may never talk of their services to them or their deeds, as it is forbidden to do so on pain of death, or worse, exilement. DeathWatch often specialize in Daemon and heretic hunting. Some DeathWatch may become DeathWatch Chaplains if they prove their worth and recongized by the higher ranking as well rounded men who can lead and inspire fellow soldiers. These very few are highly respected to all of the Wulfen, standing out distinctively and the only DeathWatch that may speak of their existance, although they may not speak of fellow brothers or sisters in arms, nor where they come from.
DeathWatch Chaplains are trained to the highest degree in their faith, leading worships through out entire armies or Clans. To have a DeathWatch Chaplain in the presence is considered the highest honor, and respect is the first utmost responsibility. Even Clan Lords or Kings will respect these people with the highest degree. To be declared a Heretic by these folk is whispered to be the most dreaded in existance.
DeathWatch also lead secret campaigns to keep their homes safe, by leading Death Squads, men and women will willingly give their lives to stop darkness from spreading or rooting itself in a society. To Humans or other races, a Death Squad is often referred to being inquisitors. In this case, it is all the more true.
When a Death Squad has targeted their foe, rather then dispatching them swiftly and often bloodily, they will wait and proceed to undermine the enemy, destroying any hope of escape or survival before moving in for the kill. When the deed is done, they will often parade the corpse through towns to show what a heretic is, before burning the body to ensure the taint it has left is gone.
Well Notable Wulfen
Hayashi Animaru (God and Destroyer of Darkness)
Jesse Animaru (Illegitimate son of Hayashi, lover of Peridot of Leoren.)
Lasandro Duvo (Former of the first offical Clan)
Norak BloodClaw (Founder of the BloodClaw Clan)
Noleen Du'ug (First offical priest of Hayashi)
Master Gori Fuki (Designer of the Wulfen written language)
Nutri Lak'tul (Founder of the DeathWatch)
Lord Jubil Kan (Respected High Lord in the first Clan Wars)
Dai'Lo (Master blacksmith and designer of Deathwatch wargear)
Korani Jib (Founder of the Korani Clan)
Mikhalych Turk (revolutionized astrology for Wulfen)
Lord Dak'neer (One of the four High Lords in the first Daemon Purge)
Huk'Tol (Currently the longest living Berserker in history: 56 military years)
Dore'mus BloodClaw (Son of Brisco, known for feats of strength)
Kiro BloodClaw (Brother of Brisco, respected shaman)
Brisco BloodClaw (Current ruler of the BloodClaw Clan, founder of Aki-Shinrin)
Kai Korani (Senior DeathWatch Chaplain; Killer of the great Daemon Bor'gol'dimmu.)
Hayashi Animaru (God and Destroyer of Darkness)
Jesse Animaru (Illegitimate son of Hayashi, lover of Peridot of Leoren.)
Lasandro Duvo (Former of the first offical Clan)
Norak BloodClaw (Founder of the BloodClaw Clan)
Noleen Du'ug (First offical priest of Hayashi)
Master Gori Fuki (Designer of the Wulfen written language)
Nutri Lak'tul (Founder of the DeathWatch)
Lord Jubil Kan (Respected High Lord in the first Clan Wars)
Dai'Lo (Master blacksmith and designer of Deathwatch wargear)
Korani Jib (Founder of the Korani Clan)
Mikhalych Turk (revolutionized astrology for Wulfen)
Lord Dak'neer (One of the four High Lords in the first Daemon Purge)
Huk'Tol (Currently the longest living Berserker in history: 56 military years)
Dore'mus BloodClaw (Son of Brisco, known for feats of strength)
Kiro BloodClaw (Brother of Brisco, respected shaman)
Brisco BloodClaw (Current ruler of the BloodClaw Clan, founder of Aki-Shinrin)
Kai Korani (Senior DeathWatch Chaplain; Killer of the great Daemon Bor'gol'dimmu.)