Ways of the Sword

Most Wolf are adept with a blade, and it is common for households to devoting at least one child wholly to mastering martial techniques. In turn, this has given the Wolf a well-deserved formidable reputation, with common tales circling of various Wolf swordsmen taking on increasingly preposterous numbers of opponents singlehandedly. The veracity of these rumors can be suspect at best, but they are enough to give most assailants enough pause for a Wolf to press their advantage.

Wolf combat doctrine generally falls into two categories: einulf, or “lone wolf” deals primarily with engaging an enemy head-on, often in single combat; and vakkjor, or “pack jaws”, which teaches superiority through maneuvering, positioning, and teamwork.

An ideal Wolf warrior strives for excellence in both einulf and vakkjor forms, for glory is achieved as much for the pack as it is for the self. That said, vakkjor is uncommon outside of structured organizations, and so einulf fighting is far more likely to be encountered. Skilled duelists of the einulf style can earn honor and prestige with every successive victory, and duels between rival houses or families are spectator events that can last for hours.

Einulf dueling was also developed to deliberately counter the most common fighting styles of the other clans, giving Wolf duelists another leg up if they find themselves defending their position in foreign lands.