Hounds of the Wild Hunt (The Elven Warrior Houses, part 2)

My friend originally called this group "Hellhounds". When I decided to flush out this group, I decided to change the name. The main reason for this was because I don't see elves (except maybe the Blood Elves in WoW) naming any group after anything demonic. I mean, in most fantasy settings, demons and devils have been major thorns in the proverbial elven side.

With that being the case, I decided to look into what my friend was attempting to present in his original concept, and keep with that spirit and theme. The group had "howls" that affected the enemy, they were running dual-wielding swordsmen, and seemed to favor pack tactics. They sounded more like wolves, but there's already a group named after wolves. I then decided to tap into my disturbingly vast mental library of mythology. Since elves have been commonly tied to or associated with Celtic mythology,  I decide to use the Wild Hunt (one of my personal favorite myth references) as the basis for this group. Thus the Hell Hounds have become the Hounds of the Wild Hunt. 

Hounds of the Wild Hunt (Draug i'en' Merka Fera)

Favored Weapons: The Hounds prefer swords that can be wielded effectively in each hand, thus longswords, scimitars, shortswords, and daggers are the preferred weapons of choice.

Often found patrolling the forests and woodlands that serve as the boarders of many elven territories, the Hounds of the Wild Hunt are one of the most commonly encountered Warrior House traditions. They are also the most "down-to-earth" and open minded of the traditions. It is said, with some derision,  that the Hounds will accept anyone into their ranks. While this is not necessarily the case, they will accept any elf, half-elf, and even "elf-friend" (humans, halflings, and gnomes that have been granted elevated status by the leadership of the elves), that proves their mettle to the house. There are even rumors that a small group of "redeemed" drow can be found among their number. This last statement (accusation) has never been confirmed nor proven, and to openly suggest it is considered slander and an open invitation to a duel, if the Hound is being civil, or an out-right attack more oft.

The Hounds of the Wild Hunt are also a practical group that understands that wars are not always won with the massive overt clash of spell and steel. They grasp the value of the sudden surgical strike against supply trains and the removal of important figure heads. It is this willingness to accept these messy facts that contributes to their success, but also turns away most High Elves; causing the other Warrior Houses to consider them to be a "lesser" house. This attitude is very prevalent among the finer members of elven high society, despite the fact that one of the more admired Elf-Queens spent most of her young adult years among the ranks of the Hounds.

While many of the Warrior Houses like to hone the mastery of the individual, the Hounds perfect the "pack" over the whole. It is rare to find a "Hound" operating on her own. This fact is the cause of the common idiom in lands that border elven territories that you never have to worry about the elf that you see, it's the elves that you don't see that will get you.

Traditional Colors: Not ones for the flash and bravado of the other warrior houses, Hounds of the Wild Hunt favor browns and blacks, with the occasional regional camouflage cloak or highlights.

Associated Classes: Without question, barbarians, fighters, hunters, and rangers fill out the bulk of the ranks of this house. One in five Hounds, though, are druids or shaman, often with a focus on the local environs. If it is available, classes with animal companions favor wolves or similar canines.

Trait: Trained in the Hunt (Elf, Combat) - Increase base speed by 5 feet. Additionally, gain a +1 to Knowledge: Local and Survival checks. One of these skills is a class skill for you.