arscott
First Post
The riverfolk have an almost universally ill reputation. They are known as liars, theives, and kidnappers. But the most sinister rumors about the riverfolk regard their connection with the occult. The riverfolk allegedly deal in cursing, blood sacrifice, and lycanthropy.
The first is definately true. Aptitude for witchcraft runs strong in riverfolk blood, and they do not shy away from it's darker aspects.
The second is almost certainly false. Blood sacrifice has little place in witchcraft, and the riverfolk have little need for other magics. Though some allege that the riverfolk kidnap landbound men and women to sacrifice to the dark powers, the truth is somewhat more benign: the so called 'victims' are generally runaways and adventure seekers who chose to follow the riverfolk way of life, and are well treated by the hospitable riverfolk.
The third matter is not as cut and dry as the first. For some of the riverfolk are shape shifters. A few of the more powerful riverfolk witches have learned to enchant skins so that the wearer takes the shape of the animal to whom the skin belonged. Enchanted wolfskins are the most common, but foxskin, bearskin, and even snakeskin have been used.
The few riverfolk who acknowledge this practice claim that lycanthropy is harmless, and the so called 'wear-wolves' do no ill. But skeptics wonder "why do the riverfolk assume the shape of a wolf, if not to spy, poach, or even murder?"
The first is definately true. Aptitude for witchcraft runs strong in riverfolk blood, and they do not shy away from it's darker aspects.
The second is almost certainly false. Blood sacrifice has little place in witchcraft, and the riverfolk have little need for other magics. Though some allege that the riverfolk kidnap landbound men and women to sacrifice to the dark powers, the truth is somewhat more benign: the so called 'victims' are generally runaways and adventure seekers who chose to follow the riverfolk way of life, and are well treated by the hospitable riverfolk.
The third matter is not as cut and dry as the first. For some of the riverfolk are shape shifters. A few of the more powerful riverfolk witches have learned to enchant skins so that the wearer takes the shape of the animal to whom the skin belonged. Enchanted wolfskins are the most common, but foxskin, bearskin, and even snakeskin have been used.
The few riverfolk who acknowledge this practice claim that lycanthropy is harmless, and the so called 'wear-wolves' do no ill. But skeptics wonder "why do the riverfolk assume the shape of a wolf, if not to spy, poach, or even murder?"
