Skole
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Skole
These fierce lupines have been reduced to little more than roving packs of rangers or escaped slaves. Skoles are big creatures, and typically rather intimidating, standing close to seven feet tall, with muscular frames and piercing golden eyes. Skoles have very heavy coats of grey, black, or (rarely) white fur, which keeps them warm in their cold habitats. Their long legs allow them to run faster than the average man, though their bulk also makes them slightly less graceful. The skoles speak their own language, though they are not a talkative species by any means. Despite the dark times that have befallen them, they are still a very honourable and honest people.
Skoles have a pack mentality, much like their ancestral cousins. They typically elect a pack leader, often through contests of strength and skill, and follow said leader by example. Generally, these packs range from four to as many as twelve, with a polarized group attitude enforced by the pack leader. Young are raised by the pack as a whole, and the sharing of mates is common and generally accepted. A skole's life is hard but fair, filled with trials and sacrifices intended to sweeten the finer moments of love and war. They are a very noble people, and while they do not welcome strangers, they often grow to respect any individual who displays courage under fire.
Most skoles see battle as the ultimate truth, and use it to celebrate, to redeem, and to purify the spirit. They are not a brutal people, in spite of this attitude, and view the bullying of weaker beings as a sign of considerable cowardice. They have no respect or mercy for slavers and their ilk, or any who would rule with terror instead of bravery; they view themselves as the enemies of fear. However, rather than defend weaker beings, skoles often take it upon themselves to chastise and educate those who are unable to protect themselves or overcome a lack of courage. They honour fellow warriors of any species.
Above all else, the skoles are concerned with survival. Once highly organized allies of the Solinar, the skoles now wander the plains as nomads and hunters without permanent homes or any sort of established presence. In any group, it is usually the largest, strongest, or most skilled warrior who leads, and then only as long as the pack feels confident in his or her ability. They are not motivated by wealth unless they require such wealth to equip themselves with weapons and armour. Once these needs have been met, most skoles would rather kill their own food, line their own beds, or make what they need for themselves as opposed to purchasing it from others. To the more civilized folk, they can come off as quite crass and often randy skoles are far more comfortable with their appetites than most folk and aren't afraid to show it. They also make it a habit of being brutally honest.
Merit (Earth Touched)
As an Instant Action, the character gains the blessing of Arka, one of Rym’s goddesses. Arka is believed to be slain, but her gift remains active among her chosen people. The blessing of the goddess of Earth remains upon the Skole for the Scene, granting the Skole the goddess’ resilience. The Skole reduces the Potency of any environmental effects, including natural poisons or diseases, by the character’s Growth when it is applied to them. In addition, the character may move quickly and decisively, sacrificing Defence for Speed and Initiative for a Round. At the end of the Round, the Skole may reduce their Defence by up to Growth + 3, to a minimum of 0, and increase their Speed and Initiative by twice the amount for the following Round. In addition, the character may go into a rage when they are injured. On the Round after the Skole has taken a Wound, they may increase the Damage they will inflict with any Melee or Unarmed Attacks made that Round by an equal amount, up to the Skole’s Growth. Being healed before the attacks are made negates this bonus. Finally, the Skole adds their Growth as Additional Successes on all Awareness, Search, and Survival rolls when in natural terrain. This last benefit does not require this Merit to be activated, and is always available.
Merit (Fire Touched)
As an Instant Action, the character gains the blessing of Ixra, one of Rym’s goddesses. Ixra is believed to be slain, but her gift remains active among her chosen people. The blessing of the goddess of Fire remains upon the Skole for the Scene, granting the Skole the goddess’ tenacity. The character’s natural Soak becomes (Growth + 3) and the Skole gains a number of Minimum Successes on all Death Saves equal to twice their Growth for the Scene. In addition, until the Skole is actually dead, they can operate at 0 Health. The Skole may also choose to sacrifice Defence for Damage. The character may reduce their Defence by up to the character’s Growth + 3 for a Round, to a minimum Defence of 0, and gain a number of Additional Successes to their melee or unarmed attack equal to the amount sacrificed. If the attack hits, the Damage of the attack is increased a like amount. Finally, the Skole adds their Growth as Additional Successes on all Awareness, Search, and Survival rolls when in natural terrain. This last benefit does not require this Merit to be activated, and is always available.
Granted Powers
Favoured Powers
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