World of Darkness (Werewolf: The Apocalypse)

A werewolf is both wolf and human. These parts of the same soul cannot exist separately and cannot be clearly separated. It can only be said that each werewolf has its own breed, and they are raised in a specific way based on it. What determines breed? Simply put, it's the natural form of their mother, regardless of whether she is a Garou, Kindred, a normal human, or a wolf. If the mother is a wolf, the child will be a Lupus; if a human, the child will be a homid. And if both parents are werewolves, the child will be a mestizo. For example, take Flameheart, a Red Talon lupus. If she mates with any Kindred packmate, her offspring will be lupus. And if she mates with a human Kindred while in bipedal form, her offspring will still be lupus. Before giving birth, any female werewolf typically assumes the form of her breed. The only exceptions are those unfortunate ones who bear metis. If they do not take the Crinos form, they face a painful death from their own fetus. Occasionally, a potential werewolf is born into an ordinary family of humans or wolves, who may have had no connection with Garou or Kinfolk for generations. Only Gaia herself knows whom to make her warriors.

Each breed has its own strengths and weaknesses, and a slightly different connection to Gaia. For example, many Lupus believe their connection to the Wyld is stronger than that of Homids. Furthermore, some Homids may be more wolf-like than human. And some of their Lupus brethren may find they enjoy life in bipedal form. And both breeds view deformed mixed-breeds with equal disdain, as a vicious reflection of Gaia's malady.

Lupus: Gaia's energy beats deep within your soul, for you were born free as a wolf. You instinctively followed the natural pecking order of the pack, perhaps even becoming the alpha, though you felt somehow different. Then you learned the truth—you are not a simple wolf. You are a shapeshifter, a werewolf.

Now you're running in a new pack and trying to see the world with new eyes. Your human side is difficult to understand (perhaps) – your speech, for example, is filled with more nonsense than necessary. And those strange mannerisms! For you, all creatures have rank and place, and society isn't much more complicated than that. Those of higher rank eat first and are entitled to respect from those of lower rank. But homids have a multitude of complex rituals for literally everything – from greetings to meals, and they talk about strange things like equality. For you, they reject their inner wolf too much. This is sad, because you understand that the number of lupus is dwindling every year. And every pup is precious.

While you have a number of advantages, such as a strong body and keen senses, you also have some weaknesses: you know little about technology. Likewise, you don't follow human logic and reasoning. Instead, you rely on the powerful instincts bestowed upon you by Gaia, which is expressed by a high level of Gnosis.

Skills: Crafts, Driving, Etiquette, Firearms. Knowledge: Computers, Law, Languages, Politics, Science.

Homid: You were born to a two-legged mother, who may or may not have been a werewolf or Kindred. You lived among humans and learned to function within their society. But something always held you apart. The other children considered you strange, and your aggressive nature often got you into trouble. When you reached puberty, terrifying dreams entered your nights. Perhaps you woke with a desperate craving for raw meat or drenched in a cold sweat. It's entirely possible that someone, perhaps a distant relative, watched you from afar and took you before the Change that ended any life you might have led before. Now you know the truth about yourself and your true people. Even if you ever wish to return, it will be very difficult. You are unlikely to be able to explain what happened to your human family.

Homids have no restrictions on acquiring Abilities. They are proficient in the use of all modern technology, such as cars and computers, and are often well-versed in the intricacies of abstract and concrete concepts such as economics or algebra. While in their species form, homids can use silver without penalty.

However, being born human also has its downsides. Homid characters typically have lower sensitivity and intuition than lupus or metis. They are more likely to rely on what they see and hear rather than feel. Moreover, their inner connection to Gaia is very weak, which is reflected in a low initial Gnosis. Humanity simply develops in isolation from the spirit worlds. Moreover, other breeds are quite concerned about the homids' numerical superiority—and this is understandable. Lupus, in particular, fear that homids will seize power and destroy their wolf-born brethren. And this fear leads to significant tension when these two groups clash.

Nicknames: Macaques, Two-legged, Monkeys. Initial Gnosis: 1. Starting Gifts: Master of Fire, Persuasion, Smell of Man

Metis: Metis are at the very bottom of Garou society, the offspring of lawbreakers who defied the Litany and mated. This difficult, thankless life is made even worse by the fact that all metis are visibly deformed in some way. Some werewolves consider this a sign of Gaia's displeasure, while others consider it a symbol of decadence. Some argue that too much blood is a bad thing for a werewolf. No flesh can contain so much pure blood without developing some flaw. Regardless, you endured a difficult childhood, during which you could only exist in Crinos form (the natural form of metis) until you underwent your First Change. Whether raised by your own parents—outcasts within their sept—or by long-suffering but determined Kinfolk, you are now ready to take your place in the sept. Unlike the homids, you already possess considerable knowledge of werewolf society—the good, the bad, and the utterly ugly. The circumstances of your birth have strengthened your body, heart, and spirit. Only time will tell whether you will preserve your dignity and honor or allow the Rage to consume you completely.

Metis have no restrictions on acquiring Abilities. Like homids, they can understand many figurative concepts that would be a mystery to a lupus. But, like their wolf-born brethren, metis are highly adept at mastering their instincts. Metis combine many of the best aspects of humanity and lupus—something most homids and lupus would never acknowledge.

The downside, however, is the deformity that marks all mixed-breeds. Some try to hide their defects whenever possible, but others consider such deception dishonest. They must tolerate them, as must everyone who sees them. Another drawback of this breed is that all mixed-breeds are sterile—none can conceive or bear children.

Metis (continued) For a dying race, this is no small irony, especially given that the number of mixed-race people has increased in recent years.

Nicknames: Mules, Bastards, Freaks.

Initial Gnosis: 3.

Beginning Gifts: Create Element, Primal Anger, Sense Wyrm, Communication with Spirits, Jump to the Umbra

The Silent Wanderers are scouts and messengers. In human form, they are truck drivers or ordinary vagabonds.

Wendigo-

Bone Gnawers- Children of Gaia- Stargazers- Red Claws- Offspring of Fenrir- Silver Fangs- Shadow Lords- Uktena- Fianna- Glass Walkers Black Furies-

Silent Wanderers - Owl. Wendigo- Wendigo Bone Gnawers- Children of Gaia- Stargazers- Red Claws- Offspring of Fenrir- Silver Fangs- Shadow Lords- Uktena- Fianna- Glass Walkers Black Furies

Regardless of their breed, every werewolf feels an unbreakable connection to the Moon, Gaia's sister. Whether she shines or is hidden from view, Garou draw strength from her presence and support. The Moon determines a werewolf's future path and their place in Garou society, and this path is called the Auspices.

Auspices have many meanings. They reflect a werewolf's temperament, their views and attitudes, and their responsibilities within the pack. All auspices are equally important, as no werewolf can fulfill all responsibilities. The more different auspices a pack has, the stronger it becomes, thanks to the individual characteristics of each individual. Auspices also determine a werewolf's inner Rage. Some mothers use herbalism and other methods to birth a werewolf during a specific lunar phase. This is why there are roughly as many Auspices of Arun and Ragabash as there are other auspices, although full and new moons occur half as frequently as other phases of the lunar cycle.

Each young werewolf trains under the guidance of their Aegis elder, learning the corresponding Gifts and the role the Moon has assigned them in werewolf society. Werewolves often refer to their Aegis when introducing themselves to others. Whether the Moon is waxing or waning also has some influence on their Aegis and temperament. A waxing Moon indicates increasing Rage, while a waning Moon signifies a calmer, somber nature.

Ahroun: Full Moon, Warrior

Galliard: Rounded Moon, Moon Dancer

Ragabash: New Moon, Trickster

Theurge: Crescent Moon, Seer

Philodox: Half Moon, Judge