Totems: Bear, Part IV

 

What the bear may not eat may be left for others.

Bear shamans and other cleric-types who call upon the totem gain access to 1d2+1 of the following spells per level; half of these are determined at random and all come from spell levels that they can cast.

BEAR SHAMANISM
1st Level Spells (d7)
1. Bear Companion: as Animal Companion (D), but must be a single bear, and it may not be cuddly.
2. Bear Size: as Enlarge*, but only works on men or women who follow the ways of the bear.
3. Detect Food: as Detect Magic, except that it senses the presence of things the shaman could eat at quadruple the usual range.
4. Eat Away Light Wounds: as Cure Light Wounds, but only works on those who have a large meal and/or nap afterwards.
5. Lesser Bear Strength: as Strength*, but confers only 1/2 the bonus, though it is applied to the recipient's Constitution too.
6. Ursine Protection: as Protection from Evil, but only works in areas where food is available or in places fit for sleeping.
7. Ursine's Purify Food & Drink: as Purify Food and Drink, but must be consumed immediately and in its entirety.

2nd Level Spells (d6)
1. Bear Hide: as Barkskin (D), but also makes the subject furry.
2. Bear Spirit: as Unseen Servant*, but is stronger, has better senses (like a bear), and can even attack ethereal foes.
3. Black Bear Strength: as Strength*, but only works on those who have just rested or who have had a meal. The bonus is applied to the recipient's Constitution too.
4. Phantom Bear: as Spiritual Weapon, but appears as a spirit bear that can keep attacking even if the shaman doesn't concentrate. It has a 25% chance of stopping to eat or rest each round though.
5. Speak with Bears: as Speak with Animals, but only works with bears, who do become friendlier with the casting (still not cuddly).
6. Ursine Blessing: as Bless, but grants a +1 to Strength and AC to allies instead.

3rd Level Spells (d6)
1. Bear Cure: as Cure Disease, but only removes disease from those who eat or rest a great deal soon after.
2. Bearskin Magic: as Polymorph Self or Other*, but can only take on or grant the form of a bear 
3. Brown Bear Strength: as Strength*, but grants an additional +2 Strength bonus with no limit of 18 and is applied to the recipient's Constitution too.
4. Cave Bear Size: as Animal Growth, but just works on bear-kind.
5. Pawing: as Striking, but the bonus can only be used by those who are seeking food, rest, or maintenance of the old ways.
6. Ursine Protection 10' Radius: as Protection from Evil 10' Radius, but only works in areas where food is available or in places fit for sleeping.

4th Level Spells (d7)
1. Bear Call: as Summon Animal I (D), but just summons bears. 
2. Bear's Exorcism: only works on non-bear type spirits.
3. Eat Away Serious Wounds: as Cure Serious Wounds, but works on those who have a large meal and/or nap afterwards.
4. Grizzly Bear Strength: as Brown Bear Strength, above, but the bonuses are +4.
5. Honey Swarm: as Insect Swarm (D), but requires throwing something sweet on the target.
6. Tiny Cave: as Tiny Hut, but must be cast in a cave in order to work.
7. Ursine's Create Food & Water: as Create Food & Water, but must be consumed immediately and in its entirety.

5th Level Spells (d6)
1. Bear Communion: as Commune with Nature(D), but only works in areas where bears inhabit.
2. Eat Away Critical Wounds: as Cure Critical Wounds, but works on those who have a large meal and/or nap afterwards.
3. Greater Bear Call: as Summon Animal II (D), but summons a cave bear or werebear. 
4. Greater Bearskin Magic: as Polymorph Self or Other*, but can just take on or grant the form of a cave bear or werebear.
5. Greater Ursine Protection from Evil: as Ursine Protection 10' Radius (above), but provides triple the benefit.
6. Polar Bear Strength: as Brown Bear Strength above, but the bonuses are +6.

6th Level Spells (d3)
1. Bear's Resurrection: as Raise Dead, but caster provokes an automatic 4d6 roll totem test.
2. Forceful Paw: as Forceful Hand*, but just works on one who threatens food, a place of rest, or the old ways.
3. Ursine Realm: as Plane Shift, but only transports to and from places dominated by bears and ursine-beings.

Next week: Totems: Bear, Part V! 

Totems: Bear, Part III

Totem Tests
1-9. Bearishness awakens from its slumber, and the devotee loses access to some of his spells or special abilities (50% chance for each one) until he performs some task. Roll 1d6 for each one lost to see what he must do.
[1] Immediately destroy everything possible in a 1d6 x 5' area. All who don't get out of the way will face the same.
[2] Sleep in a comfortable cave or other area for 1d4 hours, attacking any who might be foolish enough to try to wake him.
[3] Devour the first substantial area of foodstuffs he finds. He must eat everything and will only feel a bit tired after.
[4] Commune with bear spirits, doing nothing else but drum, dance, chant, or the like for 2d6 turns.
[5] Do something to honor the old ways, whether punishing one who violated them or teaching others about them.
[6] Destroy a non-bear shamanic magic item.

10-13. The bear demands more of the follower, causing him to undergo effects that last for the next 7d4 days. Each may only be resisted by saving vs. spell/ making a Will save DC 15 during this time. And if the same is experienced twice in a row, it becomes permanent. Roll 1d4.
[1] Whenever he sleeps, the only has a 1 in 4 chance of awakening to sounds, but when awakened, he must drive off anyone around.
[2] Whenever he eats, he must consume everything else available in the area too.
[3] Whenever he fights, he must use either melee weapons or his bare hands, getting in close to grapple.
[4] Whenever he encounters something new, he must forcefully tell those doing it that it's wrong, attempting to stop them if possible.

14-16. The follower becomes more visibly bearish now, gaining some bear trait along with a cumulative 15% chance of causing fear and/or revulsion in any non-bear types who notice it. The trait also increases the chances of experiencing the totemic side-effect Get Out of My Way! by one by replacing another totemic side-effect with it too. Roll 1d4 to see which trait is bestowed, rerolling if the same is rolled more than once, as the follower increasingly becomes a bear hybrid.
[1] Bear Ears: gain excellent hearing, with a +4 bonus to such checks.
[2] Bear Snout: gain an excellent sense of smell, with a +8 bonus to such checks, along with a bite attack for 2d4 +STR mod damage.
[3] Bear Claws: gain 2 claw attacks for 1d4 + STR mod damage. Can also hug foes hit with both for the same damage each round- an opposed STR check is needed to break it.
[4] Bear Hide: gain a +2 AC bonus, +4 vs. bludgeoning attacks.

17+ Someone has poked the bear. The follower is tested for the next 4d6 hours per totem test result over 16. And if he dies in the process, he can save vs. spell/ make a Will save DC 15 and be resurrected- otherwise it will be grizzly. Roll 1d4.
[1] The devotee is turned into a werebear, full of famished rampaging.
[2] The devotee is turned into a normal bear fitting for the local area, though for 4d6 weeks instead.
[3] An enraged cave bear with a HD equal to the totem test result tracks and attempts to eat the devotee and his comrades, arriving within half the time remaining of the test's duration. It will continue until either slain or the test's duration expires.
[4] The devotee is sent to a Bearlike Otherworld, his body lying comatose and his spirit returning with 1d10 hit points lost per 3 hours gone.

Next week: Totems: Bear, Part IV!

Totems: Bear, Part II

Totemic Side-Effects
Its ponderous strength endures, whether the follower can bear it or not. 
Roll 1d12 whenever one calls upon a bear totem to use a special ability or spell.

1. Get out of my way! The follower lashes out at all objects and individuals within 30', attacking for 1d3 rounds or until they're down. What is more, he rolls again on this table due to all the momentum released. For those unfortunate to be in the follower's way, they'll realize one should never poke him.

2. Rest Now... All this tapping into the power of the bear can be  tiring, and the follower feels the overwhelming need to lay down. He must fall into a brief hibernation for at least 10d6 rounds at the earliest opportunity, preferably with something to munch afterward. Until then, he will be quite sluggish, suffering a -2 to all rolls and only being able to move at 1/2 speed.

3. Food! How can the devotee use his powers on an empty stomach? He much gorge on whatever's available for at least 5d6 rounds as soon he finds something!

4. Bjorn/ Birna: The devotee takes on the appearance of his totem, appearing quite large and shaggy. As a result, he gains a +1 bonus to Strength and Constitution, but also a -2 penalty to Dexterity for the next 1d6 turns, along with a -5 penalty to Charisma checks with those who don't appreciate such bearishness.

5-8. No Side-Effect: Though one might feel the urge to roar, cuddle up in a cave, or gorge on sundry foodstuffs, the spell or special ability occurs normally.

9-11. Ursine Embrace: If the devotee successfully hugs his target or is doing something specifically to protect the old ways, then the special ability or spell's effect and duration can be boosted by 50%.

12. Might of the Bear: The special ability or spell's range, effect, or duration is increased by 50% and the follower also gains a +1d4 bonus to his Strength and Constitution for the next 2d3 rounds!

Totem Spell Requirements
In addition to rolling on the table above, shamans and other cleric-types must perform a certain task for at least 2d3 rounds when casting a bear totem spell. It must be done before the spell can be completed, though if they make a Wisdom or Charisma check (DC 15) to better placate the local bear spirits, it can be done that round. Roll 1d6.

1. Roar or Gorge Oneself                            2. Dance or Lay Down            3. Drum or Rattle     
4. Make an Offering or Don Bear Parts     5. Bear Hug or Babble          6. Roll 1d5 twice      

Next week: Totems: Bear, Part III!

Totems: Bear, Part I

Ways of the Bear
* Grow large with much eating and rest
* Protect yourself and your loved ones, being terrifying when need be
* Keep to the old ways
* Eschew non-bearish things, especially non-bear shamanic magic!

Followers of Bear Totems
Special: The bear is honored by shamans and barbarians, though other cleric-types and fighters can do so as well. 
Associated Divinities: Thor, Artio (Celtic), Artemis (Callisto), Perun, Mielikki, Ukko
Allowed Weapons: Club, hammer, axe, dagger
Allowed Armor: Bear hide and shield or lighter (and often little else)
Spirit of the Bear: Those who follow the bear will gain a random special ability for every odd level they have. See the wolf totem (link) for specifics, noting that those who access the bear's power must also make a Wisdom check first, as well as roll for totemic side-effects (see Part II) and even totem tests at times.

Bear Shamans (roll 1d6)
1. Bear-skin: Assume the form of a black bear, becoming one in all ways but cognition for up to 1d3 rounds per level per day. The transformation takes 1d3 rounds, but doesn't count towards the duration limit. At 5th level, they can assume the form of a grizzly bear instead, and at 9th level, a cave or werebear.
2. Spirit Bear-skin: Can project their spirit as an ethereal bear. The shaman's body is left behind for the duration, helpless and comatose. Otherwise treat as #1 above, along with the advantages discussed in #4 below.
3. Ursine Aspect: Gain either a black bear's bite attack, hug or climbing ability, superior sense of smell, hearing, or hit points for up to 1d3 rounds per level per day. At 5th level, two can be used at once or one of the grizzly bear's can be used (they can't climb though). At 9th level, three of the black bear's or two of the grizzly's can be used at once.
4. Bear Guardian Spirit: Call upon an ethereal bear ally to fight other spirits, scout an area, or even detect other supernatural forces. It will obey for up to 1d3 rounds per level per day. At 5th level, it can be an ethereal grizzly bear instead, and at 9th level, an ethereal cave or werebear.
5. Hibernate: Can sleep in a cave for 1d3 weeks per odd level, not needing food or water and only waking if truly disturbed.
6. Bear Breed: Gain a random bear barbarian ability or even a magical ability from a similar totem, reflecting how the totem is a specific type of bear (black, brown, sleeping, little, or the like).

Bear Barbarians (roll 1d6)
1. Hardy: Gain a +1d3 bonus per odd level that can be added to either increase their damage or to reduce damage done to them each round, for up to 1d3 rounds per level per day.
2. Hug: Can make a free grapple attempt against a foe that they hit in melee, gaining a +1d3 bonus for attempting to do so for every odd level they have.
3. Rage: Can fight in an especially outraged manner for 2d6 rounds up to 1d3 times per level per day, gaining a +3 to hit, damage, and hit points while suffering an AC penalty of 4. To stop the rage early, they must save vs. spell/ make a Will save DC 15, otherwise they may even attack allies until it's over. What is more, the barbarian has a base 33% chance of actually turning into a grizzly bear for every 3 rounds that he is raging, in which case it lasts 2d6 rounds longer and he also gains +2d4 Strength and Constitution during that time.
4. Tough: Gain a natural +1 AC bonus and reduce any damage done to them by 1 for every odd level they have, 3 if it would be damage from the elements.
5. Large: Gain +1d4' in height and girth, along with +1d3 Strength, +1d3 Constitution, -1d3 Dexterity, and -5' speed.
6. Bear Breed: Gain a random bear shaman ability or even martial ability from a similar totem, reflecting the bear totem being a specific type (cave, grizzly, polar, mama, papa, or the like).

Next week: Totems: Bear, Part II!

Totems: Wolf, Part V

 
Wolf Divinities & Folk Variations
"Geri and Freki the war-wont sates, the triumphant sire of hosts; but on wine only the famed in arms, Odin, ever lives." - Grímnismál, Poetic Edda

The wolf totem is a well-known attendant of various divinities and groups. Reflecting this, clerics and fighter-types of those folk can opt to substitute specific wolf totem abilities, side-effects, tests, and/or spells for ones they would normally have, reflecting how the wolf aspect can come more to the fore with them.

Select or roll 1d8
1. Odin: Ulfhednar (see Volume I) focus on ferocity, and can substitute such wolf aspects at later levels for uses of their unique, Odin-granted Wolf Fury, though such Norse always select that at first level due to its reliability (it, like other divinity-granted abilities can be reliably selected and requires no Totemic Side-Effect to use). Odin's clerics can do the same with certain magical side-effects and spells too if they have a particular bond with Freki & Geri, though the Fury of Freki and Geri magical side-effect would be naturally maintained.

2. Fenrir: its fell followers can focus more on swapping certain frightening wolf abilities, side-effects, tests, and spells, though doing so might make them somewhat less murderous and demonic. All keep the Fenris Curse ability at 1st level, of course, though afterwards, others might do.

3. Apollo & Artemis: harkening to Apollo Lykaios, their followers' powers would often wane in the sun and wax under the moon (or vice verse). Otherwise, such Greeks would wear only belts (many being Koryos) and at times even eat the occasional human flesh that happens to turn up in order to be turned to wolves for extended times.

4. The Morrighan & Cernunnos: Celts who follow these divinities can focus on summoning wolves, whether to terrify those upon the moor in the former case) or have a more mystical communion in the later. Morrighan goes further with opting to turn her faithful more often into full wolves, while those who follow Cern tend more to wolf-hybrids.

 

5. Mars: dutiful always, his Roman clerics might not substitute much in the way of wolfishness. Still, velites are wolfish peltasts (link), paying special homage to the she-wolf who nursed young Romulus and Remus by coordinating attacks to take down prey, and his other followers may do the same. 

 

6. Veles & Dazbog: focus more on being able to move well and having wolfish senses, Slavs who follow these gods might substitute wolf powers, whether to ultimately be cunning or to discover truth. Furthermore, those who follow Veles tend to gain wolf heads, while those who follow Dazbog instead tend towards having full wolf forms, especially amongst the southern Slavs. 

7. Dacians: known as wolves themselves, they focus on wolf aspects in defending their lands, having wolfish heads, and, when turning completely, being great white wolves. Until their divinities can be examined more at a later date, they would fit closely with full wolf shamans and barbarians.

8. Scythians: like the Gteeks, they have Neuroi that are known to be turned to wolves for long periods of time. And being horse archers, they can get a wolf's speed and sensing ability too.

 

  

Next week: Totems, Bear!

Totems: Wolf, Part IV

 
"The wolf changes his coat, but not his disposition". ~ Traditional Proverb

Wolf shamans and other spellcasters who call upon the wolf gain access to more magical abilities in the form of knowing 1d2+1 of the following spells per level. Half of these are determined at random and all come from spell levels that they can cast.

1st Level Spells (d7)
1. Alpha Command: as Command, but only works on those who you have already established dominance over.
2. Detect Wolf: as Detect Magic, except that it senses the presence of wolf spirits, wolves, or those others who emulate their nature.
3. Howling Fear: as Remove Fear (reversible), except that it only removes fear from those with wolfish nature and causes fear with those who don't.
4. Full Moon Charm: as Charm Person*, but requires aggressive, animalistic seduction.
5. Lick Light Wounds: as Cure Light Wounds, but only works on those with a wolfish nature.
6. Lupine Protection: as Protection from Evil, but only works against non-wolf-kind.
7. Wolf Companion: as Animal Companion (D), but must be a single wolf.

2nd Level Spells (d6)
1. Halt Prey: as Hold Animal (D), but only works on non-wolf types.
2. Howling Terror: as Scare*, but the same.
3. Lupine Blessing: as Bless, but grants a +1 initiative, to hit, and to damage bonus to allies instead.
4. Phantom Wolf: as Spiritual Weapon, but appears as a spirit wolf that can keep attacking even if the shaman doesn't concentrate, and has a 25% chance of attacking someone else of its choice each round instead.
5. Speak with Wolves: as Speak with Animals, but only works with wolves, who do become friendlier with the casting.
6. Wolf Spirit: as Unseen Servant*, but is faster and has better senses (like a wolf), and can even attack ethereal foes.

3rd Level Spells  (d5)
1. Fang: as Striking, but the bonus can only be used by those with a wolflike nature.
2. Howl: as Prayer, but only helps those who are behaving in a wolflike manner and harms those who are not, whether actually friend or foe.
3. Wolf Cure: as Cure Disease, but only removes disease from those with a wolflike nature.
4. Wolfskin: as Polymorph Self* or Other*, but can only take on or grant the form of a wolf. 
5. Worg: as Animal Growth, but only works on wolf-kind.

4th Level Spells (d5)
1. Lick Serious Wounds: as Cure Serious Wounds, but only works on those with a wolfish nature.
2. Lupine Honor: as Detect Lie, but if one is detected, then the shaman must attack!
3. Pack Protection: as Protection from Evil, 10' Radius, but only works against non-wolf-kind.
4. Wolf Call: as Summon Animal I (D), but only summons wolves. 
5. Wolf Terrain: as Hallucinatory Terrain (D), but can only appear as a forested and/or cold area.

5th Level Spells (d5)
1. Greater Wolf Call: as Summon Animal II (D), but summons a werewolf. 
2. Greater Wolfskin: as Polymorph Self*, but can only take on the form of a dire wolf or werewolf. 
3. Lick Critical Wounds: as Cure Critical Wounds, but only works on those with a wolfish nature.
4. Lunar Gaze: as Confusion* or Feeblemind* (determined at random whenever cast), though eye contact with the target must be made.
5. Wolf Communion: as Commune with Nature(D), but only works in forested and/or cold areas.

6th Level Spells (d3)
1. Lupine Realm: as Plane Shift, but only transports to and from those dominated by wolves and wolf-beings.
2. Spirit Stalker: as Invisible Stalker*, but sends an invisible wolf instead that has 2 less HD, but double the speed and wolf senses.
3. Track the Path: as Find the Path. but shows the shortest way to an individual instead.

Next week: Totems: Wolf, Part IV! 

Totems: Wolf, Part III

 “Hunger drives the wolf out of the wood.” – German Proverb

Totem Tests
1-9. Lupine urges overwhelm the devotee, forcing him to lose access to one or more of his spells and/or special abilities (50% chance for each one) until he performs some deed. Roll 1d8 for each one lost to see what must be done to get it back.
[1] Take down one prey with only his has hands, teeth, or other natural weapons. 
[2] Guard at least a 1d6 x 100' diameter area from any non-wolf follower interlopers for at least 1d6 turns, killing them if need be.
[3] Establish dominance over another so as to best empower his pack.
[4] Breed with one's mate, or if unavailable, find a fitting one to breed with for the rest of his life.
[5] Run unclad in the woods, acting wolfishly, marking territory for 1d6 turns.
[6] Commune with wolf spirits, doing nothing else but drum, dance, chant, or the like for 2d6 turns.
[7] Slay at least 2d3 livestock and feast upon their raw flesh.
[8] Destroy a non-wolfish magic item.

10-13. The spirits demand more of the wolf follower, lasting for the next 7d4 days. And if the same is experienced twice in a row, it becomes permanent. Roll 1d4.
[1] His power wanes in the daytime and waxes at night, especially under the full moon. He suffers a -2 penalty to all wolf totem-related rolls when the sun is up, but a +1 bonus at night, +3 under a full moon.
[2] He behaves wolfishly, even when it would seem inopportune.
[3] Like the wolf, he may only have his hunger satisfied with fresh meat. Eating anything else will make him feel ill.
[4] His bite confers the wolf totem-hunger. When a worthy target (per Referee) is found, he must bite them. The target must then save vs. death/ make a Will save DC 10 or become a wolf totem follower too. The wolf-hunger can only be conferred once per instance of this test. 

14-16. The wolf shows more apparent in the follower now. He transforms forevermore, gaining some wolf trait along with a cumulative 15% chance of causing fear or revulsion in any non-wolf types who notice it. The trait also increases the chances of experiencing the totemic side-effect Carnage! by one by replacing another totemic side-effect with it too. Roll 1d4 to see which trait is bestowed, rerolling if the same is rolled more than once, becoming increasingly a wolf hybrid.
[1] Wolf Senses: gain superior hearing and sense of smell, allowing a +12 bonus to such checks.
[2] Wolf Head: gain a bite attack for 1d6 + their STR modifier damage, along with a +3 bonus to hit again after each successful attack.
[3] Wolf Feet: gain +15' speed.
[4] Wolf Fur: gain a +2 AC bonus and a +5 bonus to hide in woodland and/or cold settings.


17+ The moon rises and the devotee howls to greet it. It is then that the test begins, lasting 4d6 hours per totem test result over 16. And if he dies in the process, he can save vs. spell/ make a Will save DC 15 and barely survive instead. Roll 1d4.
[1] The devotee is turned into a werewolf, full of bloodthirsty frenzy.
[2] The devotee is turned into a normal wolf, though for 4d6 weeks instead,
[3] One dire wolf per totem test result over 16 tracks and attempts to eat the devotee and his comrades, arriving within half the time remaining of the test's duration. Its HD will be equal to the devotee's level.
[4] The devotee is sent to a Wolfish Otherworld, his body lying comatose and his spirit returning with 1d10 hit points lost  per 3 hours gone.

Next week: Totems: Wolf, Part IV!

Totems: Wolf, Part II

Totemic Side-Effects
"It never troubles the wolf how many the sheep may be" - Virgil.
Roll 1d12 whenever one who calls upon their wolf totem to use a special ability or spell.

1. Carnage! The wolf demands blood or some other carnal satisfaction. The follower must immediately go after prey for at least 1d3 rounds, even gaining a free, extra attack on the same round that this side-effect occurs. A save vs. death/ Will save DC 10 is required to resist even trying to take down the first tasty person he sees. If not, then he must go after someone or something else- he will not rest until it is done.

2. Stay Back! Those who violate the wolf's territory should beware. The follower must drive off one interloper who is within sight, even a party member if they are foolish enough to not respect the wolf. Marking his territory too also wouldn't hurt.

3. With Wolfish Grin: The follower takes on the appearance of his totem, gaining anything from very wolfish features to actual wolf parts. Those not partial to such traits may respond with fear (save vs. death/ Will save DC 10 negates). This effect lasts for the next 1d6 turns when he would otherwise appear human, though the follower might wish it was longer.

4. Hunting Ground: A lupine presence is felt by all, granting a +2 to hit, +4 against those who are wounded or notably sheepish. The area affected is 1d6 x 10' and it lasts for 2d6 rounds.

5-8. No Side-Effect: Though one might feel a cold, forest breeze or hear howling in the distance, the spell or special ability occurs normally.

9-11. Wolf Pack: If the follower has at least one other wolf follower ally who is present and also working against the same foe, then he can increase the special ability or spell's range, effect, or duration by 50%.

12. Who's Afraid of the Wolf? Not only can the follower add 50% to the special ability or spell's range, effect, or duration, but he can also have the foe he faces save vs. spell/ make a Will save DC 15 or flee in terror!

Totem Spells
In addition to rolling on the table above, shamans and other cleric-types also must perform a certain task for at least 2d3 rounds when casting a wolf totem spell. The task must be done before the spell can be completed, though if they make a Wisdom or Charisma check (DC 15) to better placate the wolf spirits, it can be done that round. Roll 1d6.

1. Chant or Sing                                        2. Dance or Be Wolfish            3. Drum or Rattle     
4. Make Offering or Wear Wolf Parts    5. Lie Comatose or Babble      6. Roll 1d5 twice      

Next week: Totems: Wolf, Part III!

 

Totems: Wolf, Part I

Those who call upon the primal spirits of fierce beasts can tap potent forces, whether in magic or might.

Ways of the Wolf
* Honor your pack
* Hunt prey, especially in the cold and forest
* Be strong, resolute, & fierce
* Protect your domain
* Eschew modern, non-wolfish things, especially (non-wolf shamanic) magic!

Followers of Wolf Totems
Special: The wolf is typically honored by shamans and barbarians, though other cleric-types and fighters can do so as well. In these cases, substitute select wolf totem abilities and rules with the class's to an extent that matches a particular character's nature (see Part V for suggestions). 
Associated Divinities: Odin, Tyr, Fenrir, Apollo, Artemis, the Morrighan, Mars, Veles, Dazbog, Anubis
Allowed Weapons: Spear, axe, sword, dagger
Allowed Armor: Wolf hide and shield or lighter (and often little else)
Spirit of the Wolf: Those who give themselves to the wolf will gain a random special ability for every odd level they have (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.). If the same result is rolled twice, then double the amount of time it can be used each day per level. 

Using Totem Special Abilities
In return, those who use such power (whether wolf shamans, wolf barbarians, or others- all also known as totemic followers, devotees, or totemists) must also abide by the following whenever they use their totem abilities:
1. Roll for totemic side-effects (detailed in Part II).
2. Roll for totem tests (detailed in Part III) if they critically fail (by rolling a 1) or when rolling a 13 when using their special abilities or spells, when gaining a new level, or when violating the ways of their totem.
3. Totem followers cannot use their special abilities or spells when touching magic items that weren't created by a shaman who follows the same totem, and for 2d12 hours afterwards.

Wolf Shamans: can abdicate the generic shaman abilities to turn, use a divinity's mysteries, and become ethereal (detailed in Volume II) and instead use one or more of the following (roll 1d6):
1. Wolf-skin: Assume the form of a wolf, becoming one in all ways but cognition, for up to 1d3 rounds per level per day. The transformation takes 1d3 rounds, but doesn't count towards the duration limit. At 5th level, they can assume the form of a dire wolf instead, and at 9th level, a werewolf.
2. Spirit Wolf-skin: Can project their spirit as an ethereal wolf. The shaman's body is left behind for the duration, helpless and comatose. Otherwise treat as #1 above, along with the advantages discussed in #4 below.
3. Lupine Aspect: Gain either a wolf's bite attack, superior sense of smell, hearing, or speed for up to 1d3 rounds per level per day. At 5th level, two can be used at once, and at 9th level, all three.
4. Wolf Guardian Spirit: Call upon an ethereal wolf ally to fight other spirits, scout an area, or even detect other supernatural forces. It will obey for up to 1d3 rounds per level per day. At 5th level, it can be an ethereal dire wolf instead, and at 9th level, an ethereal werewolf.
5. Lupine Essence: Cause another who is within eyesight to save vs. death/ make a Will save DC 10 or act in a wolfish manner, experiencing a +/-1d6 to select rolls for up to 2d3 rounds per level per day.
6. Wolf Breed: Gain a random wolf barbarian ability or even a magical ability from a similar totem, reflecting the wolf totem being a specific type of wolf (grey, arctic, steppe, dire, red, teen, or the like).

Wolf Barbarians: give up the fighter's ability to use most weapons or armor, as well as the ability to gain a steady bonus to hit, damage, or AC in select situations. Instead, they are followers of wolf totems, as described above, and thus gain one or more of the following abilities (roll 1d6):
1. Fierce: Gain a +1d3 bonus per odd level that can be added to either their initiative, to hit, or to gain a +1d3 x 5' speed bonus.
2. Predatory: Able to track in cold or forested areas, following those they hunt with their superior scent or hearing, as well as hide and move silently, as a ranger or thief of equal level, for up to 1d3 turns per level per day.
3. Frenzy: Can fight in an especially wild manner for 2d6 rounds up to 1d3 times per level per day, gaining an extra attack each round while suffering an AC penalty of 4 while doing so. To stop the frenzy early, they must save vs. death/ make a Will save DC 10, otherwise they may even attack allies until it's over. What is more, the barbarian has a base 33% chance of actually turning into a wolf for every 3 rounds that he is in frenzy, in which case it lasts 2d6 rounds longer and he also gains an extra wolf bite attack, senses, and speed during that time.
4. Howl: Able to cause the equivalent of either Cause Fear or Hold Person (due to fear) to affect a target by howling, determined at random whenever the barbarian uses it, up to once per level per day. 
5. Fury: When in a cold or forested area, can ignore up to 10 damage from iron or fire up to 1d3 times per level per day.
6. Wolf Breed: Gain a random wolf shaman ability or even martial ability from a similar totem, reflecting the wolf totem being a specific type of wolf (grey, arctic, steppe, dire, red, big bad, or the like).

Next week: Totems: Wolf, Part II!