Auspice (Werewolf: the Apocalypse)

Auspice in 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 they call Luna. Its phase at the moment of Garou's birth determines whole life of young pup because it destinies him to 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.

Ragabash

Ragabash is an auspice of Garou (werewolves) from the Werewolf the Apocalypse role-playing game. It destinies Garou born under new moon for life path of trickster.

The Ragabash werewolves have a rather distinct place in Garou society. While Garou of all the Auspices have strong sense of duty and follow well 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 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 bring together some aspect of jester, holy fool, witty prankster and sometimes scapegoat. His laughter dispels fear before the battle and defuse 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 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 any thing necessary to find a third way out of situation – from backstabbing and subterfuge to planting bombs and traps and utilizing guerilla warfare.

To meet those expectancies, the Ragabash must be witty and tricky. Indeed, their Auspice is well-known for their stealth, subterfuge and agility.

Theurge

Theurge is an auspice of Garou (werewolves) from the Werewolf the Apocalypse role-playing game. It destinies Garou born under crescent moon for life path of 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 World of Darkness. While every Garou can deal with spirits only theurges enjoy especially close relationship with them. Thanks to it they are natural mystics, soothsayers, healers, pardoners and magicians – all with real power.

Clergymen

Every Garou is expected to fit its role in society the first task of theurge is to be mediator between society and spirits. As such its role is equivalent to that of priest.

His duty to society is to ensure the favour of spirits. To this end he performs rites providing them with offerings and homage and public ceremonies that affirm the close relationship between the tribe and its totems, ancestors and guardians.

While the ceremonies certainly keep Garou reverent and their society cemented, it is also the duty of theurge to spread the spirit reverence in human society too. This is important because faith of population drives spirits and their world closer.

They also parley with spirits to provide society with their boons. If spirit has something to say to a tribe it is a theurge that conveys and interpretes (usually cryptic) message.

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 dispels spiritual corruption. As Garou are waging constant bloody war on Great Corrupter theurges are invaluable as field medics.

Even after battle their help is essential in tending other Garou gnosis, lifting weariness from soul and countering excessive rage.

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 – 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).

Philodox

Philodox is an auspice that destines Garou born under half moon for life path of arbiter.

Galliard

Galiard is an auspice that destines Garou born under gibbous moon for the life path of the bard and loremaster.

Ahroun

Ahroun is an auspice that destines Garou, born under a full moon, for the life path of 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
• easily 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.