Auspice (World of Darkness)
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An Auspice in the Werewolf: The Apocalypse role playing game denotes a phase of moon under which a Garou was born.
Garou as lycanthropes are mystically connected to the moon, which they call Luna. Its phase at the moment of a Garou's birth determines the whole life of a young pup because it gives him certain place in Garou society. However, an auspice isn't simply a caste like that in human society. It also defines the Garou's profession, obligation and, like fairies' gifts, mindset, character and devotion.
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[edit] Ragabash
Ragabash designates Garou born under the new moon for a life path of being a trickster.
The Ragabash werewolves have a rather distinct place in Garou society. While Garou of all Auspices have a strong sense of duty and follow accepted rules, the Ragabash's duty is to question the rules. In a sept, the Ragabash is first to question any new plan or policy - not out of malice but to point out their shortcomings and ensure that the plan or policy is (if not bulletproof) optimal. This is their trade in council - to challenge assumptions and bring new ideas.
There is another sacred and traditional role Ragabash plays at home caern - the role of trickster. This role brings together some aspects of a jester, holy fool, witty prankster and sometimes scapegoat. His laughter dispels fear before the battle and defuses heated disputes.
But their role of questioners of the ways is universal. They won't limit the rule breaking to their own turf - they are also adept at finding an unconventional way to bring down an opponent or solve any other problem. As this is expected and welcomed in Garou society, the Ragabash aren't so bound by honor codes as other Garou. They will do anything necessary to find a third way out of situation - from backstabbing and subterfuge to planting bombs and traps and utilizing guerrilla warfare.
To meet those expectancies, the Ragabash must be witty and tricky. Indeed, their Auspice is well-known for their stealth, subterfuge and agility.
The publisher White Wolf selected this term based on the actual word ragabash meaning: \Rag"a*bash`\, Ragabrash \Rag"a*brash`\, n. An idle, ragged person. Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
[edit] Theurge
Theurges, Garou born under crescent moon, are given the destiny of a shaman.
While in the real world, rational-thinking sceptics may think that the shaman is nothing more than a primitive clergyman, deranged herbalist or spooky crook, this is not so in the World of Darkness. While every Garou can deal with spirits, only Theurges enjoy especially close relationship with them. Because of that they are natural mystics, soothsayers, healers, pardoners and magicians - all with real power.
The publisher White Wolf developed this name based on the real word 'theurgist' from theurgy: the performance of miracles with supernatural assistance.
[edit] Clergymen
Every Garou is expected to fit its role in society, and the first task of a Theurge is to be a mediator between society and spirits. As such its role is equivalent to that of a priest.
A Theurge's duty to society is to ensure the favour of spirits. To this end he performs rites, providing the spirits with offerings, homage and public ceremonies that affirm the close relationship between the tribe and its totems, ancestors and guardians.
While the ceremonies certainly keep the Garou reverent and their society cemented, it is also the duty of a Theurge to spread the spirit reverence in human society, too. This is important because the faith of the population drives spirits and their world closer.
They also parley with spirits to provide society with their boons. If a spirit has something to say to a tribe, it is a Theurge that conveys and interprets the (usually cryptic) message.
[edit] Healers of body and soul
Most Theurges are accomplished herbalists, but their true healing power is given by spirits. Their Mother's touch gift easily mends most grievous wounds, and various rites like Rite of Purification dispel spiritual corruption. As Garou are waging constant, bloody war on the Great Corrupter, Theurges are invaluable as field medics.
Even after battle their help is essential in tending other Garou gnosis, lifting weariness from the soul and countering excessive rage.
[edit] Magicians
Theurges command vast power indeed, for their spiritual allies grant them various powers, allowing them to curse enemies, bless with various boons, summon elemental manifestations and perform combat divination and early warning. Of course it isn't free - the Theurge pays with reverence, services, oaths and sacrifices. Even more costly is fetish making.
Finally, Theurges act as exorcists, protecting the society and warriors in battle from Banes. They can even bind or suppress much more powerful Banes with their rites, keeping them in lethargy for centuries (as Bane Tenders of the Uktena tribe do).
[edit] Philodox
Philodox is an auspice that destines Garou born under half moon for the life path of an arbiter. It exemplifies the very nature of Garou as wolf and human. They are judges, couselors, and often the leader of their respective pack. They must keep the laws of their kind at all times and be mindful to remind others to be careful of their actions in this respect.
The publisher White Wolf developed this name for the reasoning, logical Auspice based on a greek root-word PHILO: Greek philologi, from philologos, fond of learning or of words : philo-, philo- + logos, reason, speech Philiologos is reasoned use of words. The Philodox are the word-users, the spokesmen.
[edit] Galliard
Galliard is an auspice that destines Garou born under the gibbous moon for the life path of the bard and loremaster.
gal·liard adj. Archaic Spirited; lively; gay Middle English gaillard, from Old French gaillart, probably of Celtic origin. Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
[edit] Ahroun
Ahroun is an auspice that destines Garou born under a full moon for the life path of a warrior. Garou under this auspice have the most potential rage of all Garou, making them fast and unshakable in combat.
Common prejudices include:
- not much thinking
- easy to anger
- inspiring personalities
- charismatic leaders
There are rumors about the sixth auspice of lunar eclipse (associated with shame), but the process of childbearing is longer than such an eclipse, so the Garou born at such a time, is (unless ruled otherwise by the storyteller) an Ahroun.
