|
Post by Danny on Oct 11, 2009 13:20:22 GMT 1
"Cloud-Dancer left last night to inform the members of the Gleaming Eye at the Sept of the Blood Fist," Danny said. "Some things we prefer not to do over phones. We can never know who is listening in." It sounded a little paranoid, but in his case, the paranoia was justified. "Even if they demanded it, I'm afraid we could not send you away," he continued. "We suspect that the checkpoints are being watched. So far, we don't know how many of us they know about, but they stopped one of us at the border two days ago. Besides, it would take some time to get you proper papers. But you are safe here. The Caern itself is stronger than it has ever been before. We have a larger fighting force than any Sept in Germany."
He considered. The litany was not something he usually started with. But David wanted to know. "They hunted them down because they became corrupt," he said. "That is the most important law to follow. Whatever you do, you must follow your conscience. We are soldiers in a war, but we are not monsters. Acts of corruption, perversion, needless murders... they all feed the Wyrm. "But we do have other laws, codes that we as Garou live by. It is called the litany." He nodded to Micah. He was a Philodox, and Danny could think of nobody better to explain the laws than one whose role was to keep them.
|
|
Micah
Fostern
Silent Hunter
Posts: 58
|
Post by Micah on Oct 11, 2009 14:01:33 GMT 1
"If you so wish, after Walks-With- Death- Rhya has told you what he knows and can answer, I can take you aside and answer your questions on our laws, our ways and those things that are common to all Garou." There were many things he could teach him, maybe not Tribe specific, but as a whole. And it was a chance for Micah to slide into the role as 'teacher' more properly. he could even get the other cub as well, and teach them at the same time.
He looked at Danny and David both to see if they both found this arrangement to their liking.
|
|
David
Cub
Lord Frostfang
Posts: 134
|
Post by David on Oct 11, 2009 14:11:23 GMT 1
David looked at Danny and Micah and said, "I think that is a suitable thing to do. If I could know about the litany to help me guide my actions, that would be great."
David was pleased that he had gotten what he needed to know but was a little disappointed by the fact that Cloud-Dancer had alerted the Gleaming Eye about him. He was hoping to stay under the radar for some time but even if they knew about him, they wouldn't be able to do much about it.
David waited for Danny to continue and to reply to Micah's question.
|
|
|
Post by Danny on Oct 11, 2009 20:09:56 GMT 1
Danny nodded. The laws were important to learn. "I will send you Martin as well," he said. "He is not happy to be stuck here, and he is growing restless. I do hope that Cloud-Dancer manages to convince them to open the Moon Bridge, if only so we can finally send him home."
He returned his attention to David. "Cloud-Dancer should return tonight, then we will know what your tribal elders have to say. But your place here is assured. Take this time to rest and heal, and learn what you can."
He stood up. He was reluctant to leave. Teaching had been his calling. It was what brought him to Berlin in the first place. Now he had to let others teach. There were other duties, Owl's duties.
(I always forget to mention the Totem wings. I should have mentioned them in the first post. They are rather obvious. Sorry.)
|
|
David
Cub
Lord Frostfang
Posts: 134
|
Post by David on Oct 11, 2009 20:45:09 GMT 1
David nodded back and replied, "Thank you for answering my questions about my tribe. I hope that you stay safe until we next meet." David gave a fencer's salute to Danny before turning to Micah and asking him, "So what can you tell me about the litany?"
After Danny left David felt somewhat vulnerable, even though Danny and Micah said the area was safe. He trusted Micah but didn't know him well enough to know that he would protect him. He thought of shifting to his warform but knew that he wouldn't be able to ask any questions easily while being protected in that form. So he decided that his Glabro for was a good compromise, he could have some protection and be able to ask his questions. He forced himself into his Glabro form and decided that it was safe for him after doing so. He sat back down again in front of Micah and said, "Sorry that I've shifted to this form, but I don't feel that safe still, I guess I will get used to the area eventually but bear with me until then."
|
|
Micah
Fostern
Silent Hunter
Posts: 58
|
Post by Micah on Oct 12, 2009 16:33:12 GMT 1
Micah smiled at David and nodded. “I can understand that…this is not my normal form, but due to my injury, it is more difficult to run on all fours. And it also make communication a bit harder as well.” The last was said with a bit of a wry grin as he sat down facing David.
“The litany is our laws. It is a song to preserve the old ways, our traditions and laws. To recite the full would take hours, and that is a bit more time then we have. In this day and age it has been simplified into thirteen rules, that are to never be violated.” Micah cleared his throat a moment before continuing in an almost sing song chanting manner.
“Garou shall not mate with Garou
Combat the Wyrm wherever is it found and wherever it breeds
Respect the Territory of another
Accept an honorable surrender
Submission to those above you in station
The first part of the kill for the greatest in station
Ye shall not eat the flesh of humans
You shall show respect for those below you in station - all are of Gaia
The Veil shall not be lifted
Do not suffer thy people to tend thy sickness
The leader may be challenged at anytime during peace
The leader shall not be challenged in time of war
You shall take no action that causes a caern to be violated.”
“These are the thirteen laws, and as with many things you will find each tribe has it own variation and their own way of seeing things.” This was said with a bit of sadness. But Micah forged on. “Now, give me your questions on what I have just told you and we will discuss them.”
|
|
David
Cub
Lord Frostfang
Posts: 134
|
Post by David on Oct 12, 2009 17:11:02 GMT 1
David thought on what Micah had just said and replied, "First, what is the Veil and what do you mean by "lifting" the Veil? Second, what happens when a Garou mates with a Garou? Third, who would want to eat the flesh of humans anyway; the chunk I took out of Kord tasted bad enough. Fourth, why would you respect those below you? If you are greater than them, they should show respect to you. Fifth, how can we even tell whether we are in a state of peace or war and what would happen if the leader was challenged in war?"
David gave him a look of respect and said, "I consider you to be of higher station than me, but you don't enforce that law of submission to those of higher station. Why is that? Who should I be wary of enforcing that rule?" He grinned at Micah's words about him not being in his normal form and added, "Is your normal form a wolf form? I prefer that form for sleeping now more than my human form. There is something about having a fur coat that is more preferable to having sheets on a bed to keep warm."
|
|
Micah
Fostern
Silent Hunter
Posts: 58
|
Post by Micah on Oct 13, 2009 3:05:08 GMT 1
Micah’s eyes widened a bit at the flurry of questions. Licking his lips he nodded and took a breath. “Well, let take it in order then. The veil is a term we use to describe the false belief that supernatural entities do not exist. This is further enforced by something we call the Delirium. And before you ask what that is…it is something that protects us if a human sees us in our Crinos form, they are able to rationalize it away, or sometime not even remember what they saw.” He looked up at David and he tilted his head slightly. “Lifting it means changing your form in front of the humans which put them and us at danger. For those that remember, and rationalize the encounter as some horrific story or some fantastic tale, will tell others and there are many that would gladly hunt us. We are here to protect, but some humans see us as monsters that go ‘bump’ in the night as the human saying goes.”
“The mating of Grou with Garou is considered a great crime. It produces off-spring that are ‘less than desirable” He gave a sad smile “Many metis are deformed or insane. It is a great shame in many tribes to beget a metis child, and many a parent will leave the child and go on a suicide mission rather than live with the shame. Also, metis are sterile, and as such can not breed, and breeding is something we need to consider, as our numbers grow smaller each year.” He took a small break as he looked around the area calmly. “It is not to say they are without honor or use. There are some metis I would gladly have at my side, as they fight hard in order to prove their worth. And as the end times draw near, the number of metis is increasing. We need to re-think our treatment of these kin of ours. As long as they can hold their own in the pack, and run true, they should not be over looked.”
Recalling David’s word about biting Kord, Micah gave a slight grin. “There was a time, when cannibalism was quite common, and in some tribes still is. Many an elder grew fat and lazy from this habit, and unable stalk and deal with more challenging foes, like Wyrm spirits. There is an additional problem with this as is it opens oneself up to the Wyrm, and that is bad. Anything that make you vulnerable to the Wyrm is a step in the wrong direction.”
The next question, or rather answer brought a thoughtful look to Micah’s face. As to him it was very clear, but he also knew that the humans added so many more layers to this law. So, he thought a few moments before answering. “In a pack, in the wild, each pack member has his place, and each place has its purpose. The Omega may be the lowest wolf in the pack, but he is still respected and can expect to protection of the Alpha if needed. It is not uncommon for an alpha to put a middle pack member in its place for abusing the Omega, because the alpha respects the Omega and his purpose in the pack.” He looked over to see if David was making sense of this, as it was a very hard concept to get across, and then he recalled something he was told once. “Or, better….It was once told to me to think of the concept of…chivalry. Does that sound more understandable?”
“A war time situation is a bit vague…we could be considered to be at war now. But if that is the case we would always be considered at war. Think of it more as in combat or in the time that comes before a battle or fight. This is not a time you want to be changing ‘drivers” as they say. As it can be quite disastrous to enter a battle under un unknown and untested leader.” Leaning back he half closed his eyes. “After a battle or between these conflicts would be considered times of peace. It is in these times that a weak leader should be removed. But he can only be challenged if there is no immediate threat.”
Rank has its time and place, this is a human concept. One that is brought in by the Garou. When I address Walks –with Death, I add Rhya to the end of his name. It is a term of respect to one of greater station. But he is also my mentor and as such we have also become friends and at times such formalities are dropped.” He gave a grin “Even the omega can play tag and chase the alpha as long as he remembers later that the alpha is still his leader. As you are new, I see no reason to enforce rules you have not yet learned, a cub is never punished for what it does not know. As you learn, I will expect you follow what you are taught.” He gave David a slight grin at this, but his eyes also said he was serious as well. “Also, if we were to show submission as the wolves do, we would draw a lot of attention to ourselves.”
“As for enforcing…for now you won’t be able to. You are considered a cub and as such everyone ranks you. As you learn and gain renown, you will gain rank. You should never enforce it carelessly, or out of anger. But as I said, for now you are a cub and as such you are not quiet the omega, as you will be given a learning curve, but you are no ones superior, yet.”
“I am lupus born. I was found by Hands of Death Rhya and his pack as a cub. They found me because of my kinfetch. If it were not more difficult to move I would spend more time in my lupus form. I miss my fur, and I agree. It is so much warmer.” She gave David another look as he shifted to make himself more comfortable as he awaited the next barrage of questions.
|
|
David
Cub
Lord Frostfang
Posts: 134
|
Post by David on Oct 13, 2009 4:28:27 GMT 1
David looked a little downcast at Micah's first answer and mumbled to himself, "Well, there goes my idea of scaring the piss out of that guy who beat me at saber yesterday." David brightened at the reply of his fourth question and told Micah, "So I would call you Micah-rhya? That sounds somewhat better. But as my better, you should enforce that rule. Discipline is what keeps things together. Become lax at it and you fail."
David frowned for a moment and then said, "So what do your elders do if you break these rules? The hypothetical question I had posed about Danny a little while ago, could you answer that for me?" "And what would my tribe do to me if I failed to respect the litany?"
David kinda had an idea of what would happen, but he wanted to know it from Micah's point of view.
|
|
Micah
Fostern
Silent Hunter
Posts: 58
|
Post by Micah on Oct 13, 2009 13:42:27 GMT 1
"That or you can call me by my deed name Silent Hunter -Rhya, Just recall to not use deed names or those that defer rank in front of humans." Micah pause a moment. "So that you know 'rhya' is for one of greater rank, 'yuf' is added to one of equal rank, so two who are ranked cliath would greet each other by adding that to the end of their names."
"Breaking rules...is something that varies from place to place, tribe to tribe..." He let his words trail off to imply that there was a lot of variation involved. " You can find yourself shunned, loosing renown being reprimanded for minor things. The more severe the crime the more severe the punishment. How they come to these judgments can vary, trial by combat, by peers... But the out come can be death, or even worse to be turned out and left to wander alone, without a pack or sept. Does that answer your question?"
|
|
David
Cub
Lord Frostfang
Posts: 134
|
Post by David on Oct 13, 2009 14:04:53 GMT 1
"Yes, but why would being cast out to wander alone be the worst punishment?" David asked. After a moment he thought to himself, "Oh, that's why being cast out is a big deal, what would I do alone without any friends besides join the BSDs." David added to Micah, "Nevermind the last question, I think I know the answer."
After awhile David looked at Micah and said, "I think that answers my questions, but do you know if there is anyone I can spar with? I usually get some type of combat practice in every day. I wouldn't ask you to do it, with your arm the way it is." He got up from his place by the tree and added, "Is there any way I can help out the caern right now?"
(OOC: I thought that the Rite of the Shattered Soul was the worst punishment and not the Rite of the Lone Wolf.)
|
|
|
Post by Martin on Oct 13, 2009 14:06:35 GMT 1
Martin approached. As a red wolf, he bounded up to Micah and licked the side of his mouth in greeting. He looked warily at the new boy, and sniffed him briefly, before backing up, recalling humans did not greet each other like wolves. So with a soft almost 'sigh-like wuff, he shifted to homid. He had adapted to this form, it was easier for talking. He didn't hate it, although he did prefer his natural form most of the time. But this was convenient. In homid, he was a boy who had not yet achieved his full height. His face showed the first few signs of facial hair. Despite being young, he was well-built, as you would expect one who spent his childhood hunting and fighting would be. "Silent-Hunter-rhya," he said, with the high pitch of someone whose voice was still adapting to puberty. A wolf-greeting was all right between wolves, he had learnt that. But among Garou, a proper Garou introduction was also warranted. So he looked at the stranger. "I am Martin, Ahroun cub," he said. He didn't hate the name anymore either. Despite its history, it had become part of who he was, just as much as the human skin had.
|
|
David
Cub
Lord Frostfang
Posts: 134
|
Post by David on Oct 13, 2009 14:33:15 GMT 1
David started as he saw Martin bounding up to Micah, he dropped into a combat stance and stayed there until Martin introduced himself. He relaxed and introduced himself as best be could, "I am David Frostfang, Ahroun cub of House Gleaming Eye of the Silver Fangs." He had decided to drop his Verocha last name and take up his family name except among humans.
He added to Martin in a serious tone, "Don't surprise me like that Martin-yuf, if I didn't have a handle on my anger right now, I might've ripped into you. But seeing as you're not a BSD, at least I hope you aren't, I won't let loose. You also forgot to mention what tribe you are from as well." "Ahroun you say, would you be willing to spar with me later today?" David said thoughtfully.
|
|
Micah
Fostern
Silent Hunter
Posts: 58
|
Post by Micah on Oct 14, 2009 0:12:52 GMT 1
Micah looked at the two cubs, "Martin? Would you wish to spar with David?" he tilted his head curiously, he knew that martin was more than likely feeling restless as well, being cooped up at the caern as he was.
"I had thought of a spirit hunt, but perhaps this would be just as well and we can hunt after wards. that is, if Martin is willing to spar."
((Hmmm never heard that ritual, but to a wolf being cast out is a fate that garuantess death, as a wolf without a pack is as good as dead. Lupus point of view. ^_^))
|
|
|
Post by Martin on Oct 14, 2009 0:19:36 GMT 1
"Oh, I'm not a Spiral," Martin said, a little horrified at the suggestion. "My tribe are called the Red Talons." He had been told this not so long ago. He looked at Micah to explain who the Red Talons were. "Soon, I will return to them." It was a simple fact that he was sure of. Danny had given him his word. "I would like that very much," he said, taking the offer of a fight as one would take the offer friendship. It was a long time since he'd done any sort of fighting.
|
|