History
The history of the Howlguard dates back centuries, and it is unclear how they came to settle in Vikholm. Some believe that they were rebels from the Silver Dominion who were cursed by a powerful sorcerer then ventured into Vikholm, while others think that they were an ancient clan of Kalamar raiders who raided Vikholm and was punished by the Evergreen Queen. According to legend, the werewolves first appeared in Vikholm during a time of great turmoil, when the land was ravaged by Kalamar raiders.
As the years passed, the werewolves established themselves as a powerful force in the region, fiercely guarding their territory and enforcing their own laws and customs. Over time, they developed a close relationship with the ruling Queens of Vikholm, who recognized their strength and offered them protection and a place to call home. They became the Howlguardof Vikholm.
Despite their fearsome reputation, the Howlguard are deeply loyal to the Evergreen Queen and her people. They serve as protectors of the Howling Woodlands and the Oak Wilds, roaming freely through the forests and hills and defending their territory against any who would dare to trespass. The werewolves are known for their fierce bravery and cunning, and they are greatly respected and feared by the people of Vikholm.
While the Howlguard are generally reclusive and keep to themselves, they are occasionally called upon by the Queen to aid in times of crisis. The werewolves have been known to come to the aid of Vikholm in battles against invading forces, and their ferocity on the battlefield is legendary. Despite their reputation as fierce warriors, the Howlguard are also known for their deep respect for the natural world, and they strive to live in harmony with the land and its creatures.
Abilities
As werewolves, the Howlguard possess incredible strength, agility, and senses, making them formidable opponents in battle. They can also shift between their human and wolf forms at will, and their healing abilities are enhanced in their wolf form. In addition, they are skilled trackers and hunters, and are intimately familiar with the Howling Woodlands and Oak Wilds, the territories they protect.
Hierarchy
The Howlguard has a unique social structure based on their pack hierarchy. At the top of the hierarchy is the Great White, Morrigan, the alpha of all the packs and the first of her kind. She is an immortal wolf and is seen as the protector against evil. Below her are the Matriarchs and Patriarchs, the leading females and males of each pack respectively. They are the strongest members of their pack and serve as the voice of reason and protectors within their pack.
The Princes are rising werewolves who are next in line to become the next Patriarch. They are groomed to become the leaders of their pack and are only chosen if they are the strongest among their peers. They are expected to lead and protect their pack with wisdom and strength.
Finally, there are the Siblings, new members, brothers, and sisters within the packs. They are very aggressive in their early years and must learn how to master their emotions and instincts to become trusted members of their pack. As they grow and mature, they may rise in the ranks of the pack and become potential candidates for the Princes or Matriarchs/Patriarchs.
The Howlguard places a high value on the strength, loyalty, and wisdom of its members. Each member has an important role to play in the pack and is expected to contribute to its overall success and survival. The Great White serves as the ultimate authority, with the Matriarchs and Patriarchs serving as her advisors and protectors of their respective packs. The Princes and Siblings learn from their elders and strive to become strong and wise members of the pack.
Morrigan, also known as The Great White, is the alpha of all packs and the first of her kind. She is shrouded in mystery and her origin is unknown, but she is widely respected and revered by all werewolves in Vikholm. Some legends say that she was blessed by the moons and granted immortality to protect her kin. Others say she was born with her power and strength. Morrigan is a fierce protector against evil and is said to have incredible strength and speed that surpasses that of any other werewolf.
Lyra is the Matriarch of the Red Claws, one of the most powerful packs in the Howlguard. She is known for her exceptional hunting skills and her strong sense of duty towards her pack. As the Matriarch, she is the leading female and the voice of reason within her pack. They hunt and protect the Oak Wilds. Lyra is also a fierce warrior and protector, who is not afraid to face any challenge head-on.
Darmon is the Patriarch of the Black Maws, the oldest and strongest male in the Howling Woodlands. He has lived for many generations and has a deep understanding of the werewolf culture and traditions. As the Patriarch, he is the strongest among the males, the father figure, and protector within his pack. Darmon is respected and revered by all werewolves in Vikholm for his wisdom, strength, and leadership skills.
Beliefs & Goals
The Howlguard are fiercely loyal to the Evergreen Queen and are dedicated to protecting the Howling Woodlands and Oak Wilds from all threats, both human and supernatural. They also believe strongly in the preservation of nature and the balance of the natural world, and are known to be harsh with those who would harm the forests or its inhabitants. While they are reclusive and mysterious, they are not hostile to outsiders who respect their territory and adhere to their laws.
The Howlguard werewolves have always maintained a deep connection to nature and their surroundings. They do not believe in owning land. Instead, they live in harmony with the environment around them. They have always lived in the Howling Woodlands, but they have never claimed it as their own. Some are more attatched than others but they all view themselves as protectors of the forest and its inhabitants, and they take their responsibility to maintain balance and order very seriously.
Despite their lack of ownership over any specific city or land, the Howlguard is located throughout Vikholm. Some of the oldest packs have mastered the ability to shapeshift and have learned how to blend in among the locals without scaring them. This has allowed them to move freely throughout the land and keep a watchful eye on the kingdom without drawing too much attention to themselves.
As protectors of the land, the Howlguard are very protective of their home and will fiercely defend it against any perceived threat. They have been known to attack poachers and other outsiders who come into the Howling Woodlands with bad intentions. However, they are also willing to work with outsiders who show respect and a genuine desire to protect the forest and its inhabitants.
Rules
The Howlguard have a strict code of conduct, which includes strict adherence to the laws and traditions of their pack, as well as respect for the natural world. They do not tolerate poaching, deforestation, or other activities that harm the forests or its inhabitants, and will respond with swift and brutal justice to those who violate their rules. They also maintain a strict policy of secrecy and do not take kindly to outsiders who pry into their affairs or seek to expose their existence to the wider world.
The Howlguard's motto "Survival is no birthright, we fight to survive" encapsulates the werewolves' belief that they cannot take their survival for granted. They acknowledge that just because they exist does not guarantee their continued existence, as there are many dangers in Vikholm that threaten their lives.
