SILVER KNIGHTS
A Silver Fangs CampBy Darius Hopkins (mkuhn@intercom.net)
A Brief History
It is interesting to note that the idea for the Silver Knights camp started not with the Silver Fangs, but with a pair of Bone Gnawers (this is a source of some practical jokes played on the Fangs by certain Gnawers). It was around 980 A.D.; a Bone Knawer named Bastard (There's a story there, but it's not really relevant) was tired of the Silver Fang lord who ruled the area in which Bastard lived. The Silver Fang, named Gabriel, was rather harsh on the human and Bone Gnawers in his land. When he personally flogged Bastard's Kinfolk son, things got out of hand. First off, Bastard killed one of Gabriel's knights and took his gear. He loaded himself up with provisions and left the area. He met an elder Garou who's name and tribe were lost and yet forever held in honor by the tribes. She was a expert silversmith and it was she who convinced Bastard not to just flee, but to rage. He began forming plans to attack the lord's territory. Bastard quickly realized he would need help. For nine long months he traveled the countryside, recruiting those Garou and Kinfolk who were fed up. Actually, he only had three other pure Garou. One was a White Howler, a very impressive warrior. The small army, not much more than fifty men, returned to the elder silversmith. She laid out weapons and arms made from pure silver. A powerful grand klaive was put in the hands of Bastard, signifing him as leader. The army returned to Gabriel's territory and began massive raids on his lavish homes and his caravans. He sent out his knights and soldiers and the battle raged for six months, the army of Bastard began gaining ground. Finally, Gabriel called to his elders for help. An army of Silver Fangs and Shadow Lords swept through the country, hunting down and eliminating the brave warriors. Their light was eventually extinquished, but not before Bastard had exacted his own revenge. Gabriel had been killed. The Silver Fangs, impressed by the small army's courage and skill, started the camp known as the Silver Knights. It was not to honor the original warriors, however, just to enhance their grip on the other tribes. Fifteen of the best warriors were chosen and equipped with weapons and silver. Trained by weapons masters and the most powerful elders, they became a force to be reckoned with. Today their numbers, up to several hundred during the 1600's, has dwindled to around 150, scattered across the world.
Joining the Silver Knights
First of all, the character must be a Silver Fang. There's no way around that one. Second, he must be male. It seems the Fangs have a real problem recognizing women as equals, though some are trying to rectify this. Only Fangs of Rank 2 or better will even be considered (it doesn't hurt to be sponsored by the elders either). After those basic considerations are over, the Garou will then be tested. He must either defeat another Silver Knight in armed combat or personally slay a Nexus Crawler (this last part was added by Adrian Wyrm-Slasher, the only Knight to ever do it alone). Most prefer to fight the Garou.
Rank
When you join you will be labeled by the Knights as a "squire" until you do something to deserve their respect. This could be years. After that, you will be a "knight." Most members of this camp are knights. Some very few Silver Knights are awarded the title of "Lord." This pretty much makes you only answerable to other Lords and the highest ranking elders of the Silver Fang tribe. So far, there have been three lords.
Purpose
The Silver Knights battle the incarnations of the Wyrm. Period. They are not involved in domestic squabbles. In fact, many Knights consider that "beneath them". They have only once been released on another tribe; everyone knows what happened to the Bunyip.
Totem
The official Totem of the Silver Knights is Grandfather Thunder, but most Knights don't care what Totem you choose.
Gifts
Renown
Any Garou who successfully joins the Silver Knights gains one permanent Glory and three temporary honor. If he fails, he loses a permanent Glory.
Fetishes and Talens