Legends of Belariath

Wolvens

The race of Wolven in Belariath is a largely misunderstood one. Wolven are not werewolves - they do not switch between human form and wolf form. There are many stories about how the wolven came to be, but most believe that like most of the mixed races, they are a result of magical experiments by wicked magi. The Wolven themselves believe they were created by the Gods to be the mortal embodiment of hunting. They represent the mergence of Man and Nature and are entitled to dominion over all other creatures. They value strength, courage, and skill in battle above all else.

For most outsiders, the Wolven encountered will be a proud warrior, wearing armor fashioned from his conquests and carrying a deadly hunting spear or bow, embellished with intricate carvings of his exploits. Wolven Rangers are renowned throughout the realm for their abilities as trackers and guides. But the unwary should always remember that while a Pack of Wolven can appear regal, even noble as they tilt their heads back and howl beneath the full and potent moon, Wolven in numbers usually mean death - Likely after a lengthy round of sexual ravishment.

Character Creation

Starter Classes: Warrior, Ranger, Mage, Shaman, Druid, Healer, Artisan, Entertainer, Laymen

Advanced Classes: Warlord, Warrior Mage, Hierophant, Mist Raider, Seductress, Any Elemental Mage

Starting Stats:

	STR	INT	AGI	RES	STA	SPL	LFE
Basic Stats	5	2	1	2	9	2	7

Appearance

Physically, Wolven stand between 2 and 2.7 meters in height and can weigh up to 130kg or more. Females are typically slightly smaller than the males. They have wolf heads, legs, and tails. Their hands appear human by design but with fur, and each finger ending with a long sharp claw. Their body is covered with fur, often dark and shaggy along the head, shoulders, and back. Fur along the breast, stomach, hips, and thighs is usually lighter and much less coarse. Coloring varies greatly between packs and environments, but the most common base colors are: Black, Brown, Silver, and White. Wolven eye color tends to be dark, although blue and green have been noted. All Wolven eyes burn red when aroused sexually or violently; in moonlight Wolven eyes are known to shine brightly.

Wolven are natural predators, generally they prefer physical outdoors activities to any other pursuit. Hunting has been elevated to almost a religion and all aspects of Wolven society revolve around those values. Wolven Shaman hold positions of great power and responsibility as they guide their Packs, translating the will of the Gods into Wolven action. The Wolven generally disdain the use of magic as a tool of the weaker, but at the same time those few Wolven individuals who have delved into the arcane arts have enjoyed success and done much to advance Wolven knowledge without sacrificing their heritage.

Special Abilities and Disadvantages

All Wolven are able to speak their native Wolven tongue, as well as the common speech of Belariath. Wolven characters also gain the benefit of several special racial abilities:

Improved Hearing

Wolven ears are remarkably adapted to picking up even the most subtle sounds while in a natural environment. They cannot focus quite enough to eavesdrop on a whispered conversation, but rather are sensitive to out of place noises, the sudden soft snapping of a twig, or the rustle of movement through the brush. A sound that a normal person would barely notice, if they heard it at all, rarely escapes a Wolven on the hunt. When stalking of man or beast through the wilderness of Belariath, the Wolven are more able to discern direction and distance to a moving creature if it is within a few hundred yards. Even creatures using stealth, or silent movement, may find themselves at a disadvantage. Wolven receive a +5 Int modifier in all tracking situations if the creature they are seeking is moving within earshot (200 yards) of the Wolven.

Improved Smell

Wolven have very keen noses and olfactory memory. They are capable of remembering a specific individual through scent, associating a smell with a person even after many years have passed. Wolven are able to identify clothing recently worn, and items recently handled, by a specific individual if that person's scent is known.

Howl

Wolven howls are known throughout the wilderness as a sign that death is on the hunt. Wolven can use their howls for communication and to instill panic into their prey and fear into their foes. Wolven howls travel great distances, up to 4 or 5 miles on a calm clear night, and depending on factors such as length and pitch, the howl can convey simple messages such as a warning, a call to gather, or simply a release of emotional expression.