Howling Wolves (The Elven Warrior Houses, part 5)

This is one of the Houses that I've been waiting and wanting to do from the beginning of this little side project. This house resides in one of my many soft spots in my heart, due to it's real world origin. This group was created due to the efforts of my wife's first incarnation of her favorite drow character, Yasreana. That poor character, I have killed her so many times over the years, over so many reboots, revisions, and redo's. I digress, though. Simply, this was one of her many early achievements in my friend's game. Oddly, I find that it's an achievement that I've not actually properly duplicated, I think, in any of the games I have run for her since. I'm not sure why. 

Nevertheless, as a somewhat form of penitence I now present the Pathfinder version of the Howling Wolves House, for all the world to see. 

Howling Wolves (Ngwawal Draugi)

Favored Weapons: Howling Wolves prefer bastard swords, longswords and shields.

One of the newer Warrior Houses, The Howling Wolves are one of the most controversial of the Houses as well. Specializing in close quarters and urban combat, they are extremely effective in fighting in the streets of the elven cities, and fighting in the tunnels and passage ways of dungeons and the World Beneath.  It is not their skills that cause the talk and whispers, but the founder of the House.

The House was founded by a drow. The daughter of an elven noble lady and her would be drow assassin, the founder fought for her life almost from conception. After a number of travails, trials, and difficulties, she managed to assist in the defense of one of the larger elven cities against a combined demonic and drow assault. For her valor in defense of the inhabitants of the city and the protection of the Queen, she was granted a boon from the Queen. From that boon, the Howling Wolves were born.

The Wolves train in techniques that have been gathered over the varied career of the House Founder. It seems only natural that some of the techniques that she learned while a gladiatorial slave, and her training in the styles of the religious order that she belongs to, would have a heavy influence on the fighting styles of the house. Their use of the shield in conjugation with swords makes them great phalanx fighters. They also have a large number of divine casters among their ranks which help greatly in the survivability and durability of a group of fighters. Also, the fact that they openly accept elves, half-elves, and "elf-friends" adds them a bit more flexibility and the ability to fill their ranks faster than the "traditional" Houses.

Training focuses not just on martial skills, but also heavily on tactical skills. A "cub" learns to fight both alone, and as a unit. By the time that they graduate, most "pack mates" are flexible, professional, and utterly loyal to the elven royalty, their house, and to each other. Despite the "black mark" that some would claim is on this House, due to it's founding, there is little debate that you will find fewer more loyal and ardent defenders of the elves and their allies then the Howling Wolves.

Traditional Colors: The Howling Wolves wear black with silver highlights, occasionally with white accents. All are issued a black shield with a silver wolf's head on the face of the shield. While not required, most will modify future shields to mirror this motif.

Associated Classes: The vast majority of Howling Wolves come from the ranks of cavaliers, clerics, fighters, magus, and martially minded oracles.

Trait: The Pack Stands Together (Combat, Elf) - A member of the Howling Wolves grants an additional +1 bonus when using the Aid Another ability. Also, they receive a +1 bonus to Knowledge (History) and Perception checks. One of these skills is considered a class skill.