The WotS are a small, feared regime of warriors. Many of its members fled or were exiled from other towns, while some were carefully plucked by the Dire Wolves that run the Spire. These warriors are trained to be vicious and precise, sent out through the Spire’s Gate in small packs to slaughter targets for pay, resources, or for live training itself. How the Dire Wolves receive requests is unknown, and somehow there is always safety within the Spire from the Tempest raging above. Wolves that leave the Spire almost always leave with a set goal in mind. Many are increasing the notches on their belt, in hopes they will rise to the rank of Dire Wolf when the opportunity comes. Those that leave the Spire to leave the Wolves’ way of life behind are rare, but not unheard of. They will distance themselves from the way they were raised, but rarely can leave the brutality of their training behind.
Distinguishing Visual: WotS all wear a deep blue fabric either as a single shoulder cape, a waist cape, or from their helm. Many WotS also wear a silvery fur mantle over their armor.
Region/Location: The southern peaks of the Titanspine Mountains.
Restrictions: Must be a Fighter, Rogue, or Void Knight.
Skills: Tracking, Weaponsmithing, Lore (Culture) or (Arcana)
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The Wolves of the Spire, violent mercenaries from the youngest pup to the eldest of the Dire Howls. Every Wolf is trained with intention, typically being focused on a particular type of creature they are skilled in dispatching. While most of the Wolves are trained to hunt various types of monstrous creatures, it is known that several train to hunt specific races of inhabitants of Tridia.
The Spire is separated into three equal domains headed by its own Dire Wolf. There is no visual difference between the domains within the Spire, but their training and how they carry themselves can show the difference.
Wolves of Blue; Under the tutelage of Blue, his fighters beneath him bear the heaviest of armors and carry the largest weapons, their ferocity in training carrying them through their hunts. Blue trains his fighters in more ways to hunt larger prey, as well as focusing on how to survive and overcome the odds when they are outnumbered.
Blue himself is a massive man, his exact race is obscured by the thick armor and heavy wolven helmet he wears, and he is known for using a massive sword that breaks bones more than it cuts.
Wolves of Grey; Under the tutelage of Grey, her rogues are taught to become the most cunning, conniving of the Spire. Many of the Grey Wolves are cross trained to be functional supports for the Blue and Black wolves, but are focused on being uniquely capable of infiltrating settlements and hunting more intelligent prey.
Grey, a broad shouldered human woman, is the closest thing to a positive influence on the Wolves, regularly singing songs and endearing camaraderie within the Spire. Though her Grey wolves know this persona is to allow her to learn more secrets and details of every member, and gives ample opportunities for her Wolves to practice their espionage within the parties of the night. Her fighting style is not known by any but the other Dire Wolves, who have made it clear it’s better to never find out.
Wolves of Black; Under the tutelage of Black, the void knights that call the Spire home gain a true understanding, concern of, and rage against the magics of the world. The Tempest that swirls above is their ultimate challenge, and just as many Black wolves die to spawn of the Tempest as they do simply walking into the storm to prove they are stronger.
Black is a heavily scarred half troll, with gray and black mottled skin that is covered by blackened veins. It is rumored he is heavily diseased, and his heritage alone keeps him alive, or that he is a Dark Stormborn. Though Black never confirms any conspiracy, he is known to lash out in a rage should any of the pups infer that he is a magical creature due to it. Standing out among the Spire, Black wears no armor, and trains only with a heavily spiked handshield.
The Dire Wolves have many contacts through the large cities and even some academy settlements, allowing them access to the rumors and contracts needed to improve their trade and sell their mercenary services.
The gate: the wolves have a Gate in the lower levels of their spire, protected and guarded. Its built into a fortitude closet of sorts, so anything coming through is stuck without permission to enter the spire. Current Wolves are given passcodes so they may re-enter without interrogation and scrutinization.
Wolves that leave the Spire, almost always leave with a set goal in mind. Many are increasing the notches on their belt, in hopes they will rise to the rank of Dire Wolf when the opportunity comes. Commonly, Blue wolves decide on a large creature to prove their worth, picking a massive prey to hunt before they return. Grey wolves decide on a number of targets, hoping for the most elaborate and difficult of stories to accompany them. Black Wolves often decide a type of Storm Spawn, and hope to have survived the most powerful of spells they may spew.
Those that leave the Spire to leave the Wolves way of life behind are rare, but not unheard of. They will distance themselves from the way they were raised, but rarely can leave the brutality of their training behind. This path comes with knowing the risk; they may become the “goal” of termination for the wolves that set out after them.
Aphorisms and Codes;
The Wolves of the Spire use coded language to plan, strategize, and prepare for their engagements, often speaking openly in front of their targets to their teammates that may know the terms. Listed below are commonly learned codes the Wolves use;
“There’s a touch of Grey’s Interior Design here” – traps are present in the vicinity.
“This place can use Grey’s keen input” – Traps are going to be placed here.
“Your colors are showing.” We’ve been made.
“Looks like/smells like Black Pudding”- magic is active in the area/on someone.
“Anyone have a rag?” Speaker is in need of removal of a magical effect or toxin.
“They look clean as a swamp” – targets are magic users
“Blue moon tonight.” Enemies surrounding, usually in ambush.
“Reminds me of my old dog.” Focus the leader.
“Foundation here is strong.” Focus on minions/support.
“Did you bring a mirror?” Someone matching the speaker’s Class is present.
“Show your teeth.” break and attack on my signal.
“(Shall we) Give them a dance.” split off and attack from both sides.
“Not every dog has his day.” pull back and regroup, do not attack now.
