Totems of Respect are those Totem spirits that expect the utmost in Honorable conduct from their followers. Garou with such patronage lead the Nation by example, striving to maintain a good reputation among werewolves and spirits alike.

Related Pages: Packs and Personal Totems - Totems - Totems of War - Totems of Wisdom - Totems of Cunning

Players may search the Werewolf source material to discover many, many more Totems than these. As the Storytellers approve new Totems of Respect to enter play, this page catalogs their rules.

Anubis

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 9
• Description: Many view death, and the gods who govern death, as a cold and frightening thing to behold. For this Egyptian god of the dead, that is far from the reality. Often depicted as a man with the head of a jackal, Anubis offers each soul that he guides the proper respect they deserve. He observes the judgment of each of them without passing judgment himself, and ensures that every soul reaches their proper afterlife. As the Shepherd of the Dead and Protector of Graves, he does not abide those who interfere with the dead in any way. Anubis works tirelessly to ensure every soul is cared for and finds their way, and he expects all who follow him to do the same.
• Benefits: You gain three additional Willpower, the Ability Empathy x3, and Anubis’s unique Gift: Sever the Binding.
• Ban: Anubis expects all his followers to attempt to put to rest any ghosts they come across.

Beaver

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Wendigo 
• Totem Background Cost: 2 Traits
• Description: A humble member of Wendigo's brood, Beaver holds both hard work and playful fun to be his highest virtues.
• Benefits: You gain the Ability Crafts x1 (usually focused in Woodworking or similiar) and a 2-Trait bonus on all Science challenges.
• Ban: When you see an opportunity to play a practical joke on someone, you must do it -- unless you have a good reason not to, demonstrated by spending a Willpower instead.

Bison

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 5 Traits
• Description: A serene yet stubborn spirit, Bison encourages native Garou toward enlightenment through methodical thought. To those who would disturb his introspection, he offers the twin points of his horns. Bison's children were nearly wiped out in the late nineteenth century, but the heroic work of Garou and their kinfolk have built up new herds since and re-energized the totem.
• Benefits: You gain the Abilities Animal Ken x1, Enigmas x1, and Survival x2.
• Ban: You must put every part of what you kill to constructive use.

Caribou

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Wendigo 
• Totem Background Cost: 4 Traits
• Description: Caribou is a provider for both man and beast. This prey spirit does not want any of herself to go to waste.
• Benefits: You gain a free retest on all Survival challenges as long as you have some small piece of Caribou with you.
• Ban: You must never harm a baby, defenseless child, or pregnant creature.

Digital Eye

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 6 Traits
• Description: Though ubiquitous in the digital age, no one has ever seen the face of this spirit. This spirit champions free access of information and uncovering secrets for all to know. This draws the ire of many garou, and some question the true loyalty, purpose, and alliance of this spirit.
• Benefits: You gain the Abilities Computers x3 and Security x3, as well as the Gift Blur of the Milky Eye.
• Ban: Always keep some sort of computing device on your person so that Digital Eye can send you information at all times. Never keep any secrets from those not of the wyrm, except if it would break the veil.
• Drawback: Only Glasswalkers gain one Honor for following this totem for a year, those of other tribes lose one honor. 

Dove

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Unicorn 
• Totem Background Cost: 3 Traits
• Description: Though a part of The New World Trinity she also exists as herself alone under Unicorn. The Dove is Thomas Jefferson's ideal of peaceful commerce with all, and entangling alliances with none. Dove was born during the new dawn. She understands the need to fight the wyrm but she believes the wyrm can never be defeated until Garou master their own rage and thirst for violence. She prefers that all garou come to her in their breed forms.
• Benefits: You gain the Abilities Empathy x2 and the gift: Persuasion 
• Ban:  Her followers must always accept a request of parley and are expected to seek parley before seeking combat. They must also not give into their frenzy.
• Drawback: Philodox may spend one less point of totem as Dove values followers of the half moon above all else

Epona

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Stag 
• Totem Background Cost: 4 Traits
• Description:
• Benefits: You gain the Physical Traits Tireless x2. You never inflict the curse in horses, and you treat the gauntlet as one lower for purposes of crossing.
• Ban: You must never consume horse flesh, and do not allow cruelty to any equine.

Falcon

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 5 Traits
• Description: Tribal totem of the Silver Fangs, Falcon soars majestically above the Garou, looking down with eyes that can pierce the heart. Those in whom he sees virtue and honor, he rewards; those in whom he sees iniquity feel his talons. This spirit's devotion to duty and excellence is such that even the failings of his chosen tribe have not been able to sully his reputation among other tribes of Garou.
• Benefits: You gain the Abilities Leadership x3, four additional Willpower, and the social trait Charismatic x1. This social trait cannot be lost, which means you retain it if you fail a social challenge, but it cannot be spent for use in gift activations.
• Ban: You must never lose Honor; doing so is worse than death itself. If you do, you must put right the wrong if possible, and if you cannot, then perform a Rite of Contrition and sacrifice yourself in battle against a powerful creature of the Wyrm.

Father Mule

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Unicorn 
• Totem Background Cost: 5 Traits
• Description: Father Mule, the unofficial patron totem of metis, believes in stubbornness and hard work. Lupus and homid garou generally avoid this spirit, as most see it as tainted or perverse. 
• Benefits: You gain the Physical Traits Stalwart x1 and Robust x1.
• Ban: You must obey all lawful orders and stubbornly refuse all unlawful orders. Father Mule does not accept followers who are sexually fertile.

Grandfather Thunder

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 7 Traits
• Description: As an indomitable force of nature, Grandfather Thunder commands fear and respect in equal measure. He is as patient and inexorable as the building storm, setting an example for his chosen tribe, the Shadow Lords. Very rarely does Grandfather Thunder send his own avatar to the Garou that serve him; instead, he prefers to send a cunning Stormcrow on his behalf.
• Benefits: You gain the Abilities Etiquette x3 and a +2 trait bonus on Intimidation challenges.. You also gain five additional Willpower and the scrutiny of the Shadow Lord tribe.
• Ban: Never tell the truth to anyone you don't respect. (And in practical terms, you probably only respect those you can't dominate.)

Haima, The Red Mother

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Pegasus  
• Totem Background Cost: 4 Traits
• Description: Once a very powerful spirit she has become less powerful as the shame of women and childbirth has come out of favor. She is about healing, prophecy and the protection of women and children.
• Benefits:  You gain the Abilities Occult x2, the theurge gift Mother's Touch, and the Get of Fenris gift Sense Guilt.
• Ban: Will never allow anyone who is infertile to follow her. If an enemy you kill has a child you must ensure that child is cared for until they are mature.

Lion

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 5 Traits
• Description: Unlike his former tribe, Lion did not fall to the wyrm when the White Howlers became the Black Spiral Dancers. A totem of tradition and the old ways, he is especially respected by the Silver Fangs and Red Talons.
• Benefits: You gain the Abilities Animal Ken x3 and four additional Willpower. You have a 1-trait bonus on social challenges vs. those who are higher ranked than you.
• Ban: You must protect animals from those who kill for sport or pleasure.

Loon

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 6 Traits
• Description: A diving bird who is noted for its playful antics.
• Benefits: You gain the Abilities Swimming x2 and Athletics x2, the gift Surface Attunement, and Ancestors x1. You can easily find food from rivers and streams.
• Ban: Loon asks you to prevent the extinction of her species and wants you to regularly play games of any sort.

Mammoth

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Griffin
  
• Totem Background Cost: 5 Traits
• Description: Long ago the last children of Mammoth died. This spirit would have died with them, but for the shelter of Griffin. Griffin has helped sustain Mammoth for four thousand years, but cannot seem to prevent its slow descent into death. Mammoth encourages the Garou to exercise their power conservatively and with due care, but these beliefs stand at odds with his own rising desperation at his coming end. In matters of judgment, Mammoth frowns upon giving more punishment than is necessary. The Red Talons, Get of Fenris and Children of Gaia especially see much to admire in this stalwart totem.
• Benefits: You gain the Physical Traits Strong x2 (or synonyms), the Abilities Enigmas x2, and one additional Gnosis.
• Drawback: You gain the Short Fuse Flaw, as Mammoth's growing panic gnaws at the edges of your own spirit.
• Ban: Mammoth asks you for only one thing: Attempt to save his descent into destruction -- by any means necessary.

Mississippi

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Turtle 
• Totem Background Cost: 7 Traits
• Description: As a spirit of ever-changing water, Mississippi can take many forms and appearances. He typically appears as male, as his name means Old Man River and is known as Father of Waters but as changing as the river is. He has three primary aspects: the healing and protective father, the capricious gambler, and the relentless warrior. A spirit of Respect, Mississippi emphasizes protecting those who help themselves but fall short.
• Benefits (all aspects): You gain the gifts Persuasion and Strut, and the Ability Area Knowledge: Mississippi x2. 
• Ban (all aspects): Give passage and protection to all changing breeds who serve Gaia, if they do not mean you harm. Also, Encourage commerce and culture along the river as long as it does not harm Gaia.
• Aspects of Mississippi: Followers of this Totem choose one of the spirit's three aspects to serve:

• Father Mississippi

• Description: He believes in helping the helpless.  He aids those who aid others and his abilities lend towards healing.
• Benefit: You gain the Ability Medicine, and a one-Trait bonus on challenges involving the Ability. You gain a one-Trait bonus on Social Challenges dealing with spirits directly related to water. And if you are helping people within a mile of the river's banks, you may call on an additional level of Contacts or Allies. 
• Ban: Give aid to any who ask, if they are of Gaia. This includes innocent humans: children, runaway slaves, etc.

• Wild Mississippi

• Description: He appears as a riverboat captain or a poker dealer from the 19th century.  He is a firm believer in commerce and freedom, and the most capitalistic aspect of the three.
• Benefit: You gain one Luck retest per session (as per the merit). Once per session you may draw on an additional level of Resources, Finance influence Industry influence.
• Drawback: You must spend one Willpower to avoid taking a daredevil's chance on risky actions.

• Mighty Mississippi

• Description: Appearing as a man made of flowing water and covered in armor of ice, he is the flood that washes away impurity.
• Benefit: You gain the Ability Brawl. If you are standing in a natural body of water or on the banks of a river, you also gain a level of Armor which regenerates automatically at the top of each round.
• Ban: Prove yourself to be a fierce protector by fighting the enemies of the river head-on.

North Star

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Owl 
  
• Totem Background Cost: 5 Traits
• Description: The long wanderings of the Silent Strider tribe have ingratiated them to this glimmering Incarna of the heavens. Now she sends her spirit avatars to Strider packs to help guide them on their paths.
• Benefits: As long as the stars are visible in the sky (i.e., it's night and the weather is not overcast) and you're in the Northern Hemisphere, you gain the Abilities Area Knowledge x2 and Survival x2.
• Ban: Travel often, accepting all worthy quests and message-bearing duties.

Pegasus

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 4 Traits
• Description: The guiding spirit of the Black Fury tribe, Pegasus considers all the holy places of Gaia as his protectorate. He sees the image of the Mother in all female creatures, and binds himself by duty to protect them. An ancient enmity with Fenris ensures Pegasus will never accept a Get of Fenris as a pack member or follower.
• Benefits: You gain the Abilities Animal Ken x3 and three Willpower Traits..
• Ban: You must give aid to females of all species, particularly young ones, except if they are enemies of the wyld.

Persephone,  Goddess of Death and Rebirth    

• Totem Background Cost: 5
• Description: Persephone, the Goddess of Death and Rebirth, embodies the eternal cycle of life, death, and renewal. In the mythology of many cultures, Persephone represents the transition from the barrenness of winter to the abundance of spring, symbolizing the transformative power of death and the promise of new life. Her presence is felt most keenly during the changing seasons when the world undergoes its natural cycles of decay and regeneration. As a totem spirit, Persephone serves as a guide and mentor to her pack, offering wisdom and support in times of need. She encourages her followers to embrace change and transformation, recognizing that growth often requires letting go of old patterns and embracing the unknown. With her guidance, the pack can navigate the challenges of the modern world while remaining true to their primal instincts and spiritual heritage
• Benefits: Survival x2, the gift: Barring The Will 
• Ban: Those who invoke her name must be prepared to uphold the values of life, death, and rebirth, and to honor the natural order of the world. Failure to do so may incur her displeasure, leading to spiritual stagnation or even divine retribution.

Prince Inari

• Background Cost: 5
• Description:  The Prince Inari is a spirit of plenty, of rice and foxes, of benevolence and justice. He is the great hero of the Kitsune, and teaches that true nobility requires generosity and cunning as well as bravery and honor. He is a common patron to Kitsune and is willing to act as a benefactor to any followers who are willing to learn his lessons of cleverness and grace.
• Benefit: Each member of a pack serving Prince Inari gains a dot of Wily (mental trait). What's more, he teaches his children a variant of the Gift: Cooking which produces rice rather than gruel. Kitsune react favorably to anyone who follow Inari, and treat them as honored cousins (if not always equals).
• Ban: Inari forbids his servants to bring misery to fox kits, and to a lesser extent, human children. Inari's children cannot kill foxes if this would leave kits to starve and sometimes wind up spending some of their free time caring for families of foxes. This ban doesn't forbid his followers from killing corrupt humans who also happen to have families, but are expected to make some sort of provision to lessen the children's misery. 

Quetzal

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 7 Traits
• Description: This beautiful bird spirit is among the most noble and proud of bird spirits. Quetzal enjoys fair fights and respectful actions.
• Benefits: You gain the Social Trait Dignfied, the Abilities Etiquette x1, Melee x1, Leadership x2, and three additional Willpower.
• Ban: Never act rude or petty. Quetzal may call on you to protect his native lands of Central and South America.

Smiling Happy Buddha

• Type: Respect 
• Totem Background Cost: 5 Traits
• Description: The Smiling Happy Buddha, a Totem of Respect, not only endows his followers with feelings of tranquil peace, but also provides for their material and monetary needs. He is also known as Mi-lo Fo, the Laughing Buddha. He is a big jolly fellow, although he is sometimes depicted as thin and starving. Mi-lo Fo is the patron saint of silver and goldsmiths.
• Benefits: Packs chosen by the Smiling Happy Buddha receive an extra two Willpower, and also have three points of Resources at their disposal. In times of great stress, the Smiling Happy Buddha might appear to help Garou of great renown focus their will and block out all distractions (This is similar to the Silver Fang Gift: Mindblock).
• Ban: The Smiling Happy Buddha wishes his followers to “spread the wealth” to all members of the community. The Smiling Happy Buddha demands that his followers be peaceful among themselves. Above all, his followers must not hoard money, but rather help increase the rate of its flow.

Snow Queen

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Fenris
• Totem Background Cost: 4 Traits
• Description: The Snow Queen is the silent regent of winter. Her robes are the blankets of snow that hide the world. She does not hold with the fury of the blizzard; her court is as orderly as ice, and every bit as unforgiving.
• Benefits: You gain the Abilities Etiquette x2 and Stealth x3, and one additional Willpower.
• Ban: You must be courteous to your hosts, as long as they do not break the laws of hospitality.

Songan, The Noble Brother

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 8
• Description: Back when each tribe was assigned a planet to represent them on the zodiac and the months of the year the Croatan declined an assignment so their younger brother the Wendigo could have a placement. With their justification and honor, they were instead chosen by the comet Songan who happened to be in the sky both when the tribe sacrificed themselves to seal away The Eater of Souls and when the ritual was performed to reawaken Turtle, rebuild the tribe. Songan appears as a radiant comet streaking across the night sky, leaving a luminous trail of stardust in its wake. Its form is ever-changing, sometimes appearing as a blazing fireball and at other times as a serene and ethereal presence. Songan is not a Celestine but does embody the virtues of nobility, sacrifice, and cosmic harmony. Followers of this totem believe in the interconnectedness of all things and strive to uphold the balance of the universe. 
• Benefits: Guiding Light: Followers of Songan are blessed with an innate sense of direction and purpose. When under Songan's influence, Garou are able to navigate even the most treacherous terrains with ease, guided by the light of their totem. (+1 Area knowledge) Comet Blessing: Those who align themselves with Songan feel a profound connection to the cosmos. They gain insight and wisdom from the stars, granting them enhanced intuition and foresight in times of need. (+1 Umbra Lore) Comet's Fury: In moments of battle or conflict, Songan's followers can call upon the fury of a comet. This manifests as a surge of primal energy, empowering the Garou with enhanced strength, speed, and resilience, allowing them to overcome even the most formidable foes. (+1 Rage and +1 Physical trait) Comet Communication: Through rituals and meditation, followers of Songan can commune with celestial entities, gaining knowledge and guidance from the vast expanse of the cosmos. This ability allows them to tap into ancient wisdom and uncover hidden truths. (+1 Ancestors) 
• Ban: Those who pledge allegiance to Songan are expected to uphold the principles of honor, integrity, and cosmic justice. They must strive to maintain balance in all aspects of their lives and resist the temptations of greed, power, and corruption. 

Stag

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 6 Traits
• Description: Masculinity, virility and the wildness of nature are embodied in the great Stag, patron totem of the Fianna tribe. In twilight he walks a trail through the deep forests of the Umbra; his path divides light from dark, wild from tame, and living from dead. He leads the Wild Hunt as both its prince and its prey. Stag sometimes sends his avatar to guide lost Garou deeper into a primal understanding of Gaia.
• Benefits: You gain the Physical Trait Tough (or a synonym). You gain the Abilities Survival x3 and three Willpower. Fianna Garou and even faerie creatures may be well-disposed toward you.
• Ban: You must always show respect for your prey by using the Minor Rite Prayer for the Prey. Also, you must always aid the fae: rare as that need may be in this unwondering age, Stag does not turn his back on his commitments.

Stourbridge Lion

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Cockroach 
• Totem Background Cost: 7 Traits
• Description: Difficult to impress, this massive train spirit is a holdover from the Wild West. The fact that it is still respected by the Glass Walkers speaks of its immense power, although that respect is a little one-sided.
• Benefits: You gain the Social Trait Charismatic x1, the Abilities Etiquette x1 and Athletics x2, and three additional Willpower.
• Ban: You may never use cars, motorcycles, or any type of aircraft.

Sturgeon

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Wendigo 
• Totem Background Cost: 4 Traits
• Description: This fish spirit lives a very long time, and therefore is a strong conduit between a garou and their ancestors. Sturgeon's memory is long, and can answer old questions if not rushed.
• Benefits: You gain a free retest when dealing with Ancestor Spirits in a positive way, which includes using the Ancestors background.
• Ban: You must consider all options and priorities when making a decision. You may find yourself occasionally visited by Sturgeon-following Ancestors.

Turtle

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 7 Traits
• Description: The long slumbering totem of the Croatan. She is gentle and sturdy. Encouraging her children to defend their homes.
• Benefits:  You gain +5 Willpower, an additional Stamina trait, and the Croatan gift: Turtle Body.
• Ban: To maintain his power a follower must never lose a permanent point of Honor or to refuse to stand to defend their home.

Volcano

• Type: Respect
• Totem Background Cost: 5 Traits
• Description: Brother to Earthquake and Twister, Volcano is a paragon of Wyld energy. Short tempered and unreasonable, Volcano is a totem of respect because he teaches to steadfastly do what is right, even if that means changing who you are and your core ideals.
• Benefits: You gain the Physical Trait Strong x1, the Mental Trait Wily x1, and the Abilities Performance x1 and Primal Urge x2.
• Ban: Never attack an opponent without warning. Make a burnt offering in Volcano's name once a month.

Wild Turkey

• Type: Respect
• Brood: Uktena 
• Totem Background Cost: 5 Traits
• Description: This intelligent bird roams the North American forests, proud to serve Gaia as her ever-watchful sentry.
• Benefits: You gain the Mental Traits Perceptive x2 and the Uktena Gift: Blending. You also gain a 1-Trait bonus on Social challenges to impress or intimidate others.
• Ban: Never use or consume any product derived from domestic turkeys.