Wolf-Strap

By Blake1001 ((blake1001@technologist.com) for the Werewolf Bygones

Arete

3

Quintessence

15

Freebie Cost

6

Description

This Talisman is a belt or strap made of cured wolf skin, with the fur still on.  It is activated by simply putting it on, and de-activated by removing it (though how this is accomplished physically while in the form of a wolf is never covered in the stories).  In the past, belief in the Boxenwulf was so widespread that Wolf-Straps could be used by anyone.  Today, Mages, hedge magicians, and a few sleepers who strongly believe in them can use such items.  The Wolf-Strap is generally attributed to the Verbena and/or to European Dreamspeakers.  A normal, non-Diabolistic Wolf-Strap changes its wearer into an ordinary wolf, instead of a sinister Boxenwulf -- similar items that turned the wearer into a fox or other animal are also mentioned.

System: The normal version of the Talisman uses a Life/Mind/Spirit effect to transform the wearer into a normal wolf, and gives him the mental faculties and instincts to use that form without penalty.  The effect is only level 3 (it is a very specific transformation, and grants no unusual powers, technically, it should be Life 5: Perfect Metamorphosis).  An Arete roll must be made when the item is used in front of witnesses, otherwise, the change is automatic.  The wolf form has +1 STR, +1 DEX, and +3 STA, bites for STR +1 normal damage, runs at twice normal speed, and has obvious difficulties when it comes to using social stats, communicating, or using tools or foci.  Most versions also incorporate Matter, causing any clothes or possessions to be subsumed in the transformation.  The Diabolistic, version of the Wolf-Strap is a more potent (Level 5, 10 Freebie points) and uses a Life/Prime/Spirit effect to turn the wearer into the monstrous Boxenwulf.