In the distant past, when Gurahl could expect to live their lives accordingto the natural cycle of patterned progression, most of Bear’s children experienced each auspice only once, attaining the revered status of Rishi in the lastyears of a rich and fulfilling life. The demands made by the modem world andthe threat of the impending Apocalypse have changed the established ways. Now, many Arcas Gurahl find their fledgling year truncated by hardships andemergencies. The sudden death of a beloved Buri-Jaan or some incursion ofthe Pattern-Breaker into a Gurahl’s protected territory may trigger a quicker than-usual shift from Arcas to Uzmati. In a similar fashion, a Gurahl warrior may realize that she needs to learn more about the Children of Bear in order to perform her duties better; thus, she may shift from her Uzmati auspice to that of the Kojubat. Many modem Gurahl, both ursine and homid, run the gamut of all five auspices within the first decade of their existence - a phenomenon nearly unheard of before the last century.

 

Gurahl do not spend equal amounts of time in any given auspice. In fact, once they have proceeded through all five auspices, modern Gurahl generally choose an auspice that best suits their overall temperament as well as their function in life and settle into that auspice. Hence, many elder Gurahl will step beyond their role as Rishi and rediscover the sense of wonder they might have missed as a cub - entering a “second childhood” as an Arcas. Many Gurahl, once they have completed the cycle of auspices, revert to the Kieh auspice in order to devote themselves more completely to healing. Gurahl with a strong aggressive streak or who reside in areas endangered by the enemies of Gaia tend to return to their Uzmati, or warrior, auspice out of necessity.

The descriptions that follow provide information on the various auspices. Although most Gurahl characters begin play as Arcas, those with the Early Maturation or Rip Van Winkle Merits may, with the permission of the Storyteller, start out as a different auspice, with the possibility of choosing from a different set of Basic Gifts. The Basic Gifts for each auspice, therefore, are listed below. 

Shifting from one auspice to another eventually allows a Gurahl to learn a wide variety of Gifts. In theory, given enough time, a Gurahl character may acquire knowledge of all auspice Gifts. In practice, however, shifting auspices is not as easy as stating the desire to do so. A combination of rules and Storyteller permission should determine whether or not a Gurahl character may change his auspice. In order to qualify for a change in auspice, a Gurahl must learn all the Basic and Intermediate Gifts from his current auspice.

Additionally, he should achieve some significant change in his life style to merit the change. For example, an Arcas Gurahl should undergo some experience during the course of play that results in realizing his need to assume the role of aggressive defender that characterizes the Uzmati auspice. Likewise, anUzmati Gurahl must make the decision to shift from his role ofwarrior to one of student and lorekeeper or must decide that it is time to begin pursuing his Lifework before he embarks on the change to the Kojubat auspice. In this way, Gurahl characters may accurately reflect the passage of time and their own growth in knowledge of what it means to be one of Bear’s changing children.

Because Gurahl retain the Gifts they learn as they pass through the auspices, Storytellers should make certain that Gurahl players do not abuse their ability to benefit from such a wide variety of Gifts. Storytellers should insist that Gurahl characters wishing to change auspice undergo the Rite of the Changing Moon (see below) before allowing the change (and any attendant
qualifications for auspice Gifts) to take place.

 

Arcas

Nickname: Cub, New Moon

Named for Arcas, the Bear Cub of the heavens (otherwise known as Ursa Minor), this auspice characterizes the sense of wonder and innocence with which the new Gurahl faces her greatly expanded world. Gurahl “cubs” embark on a time of learning and exploration under the benevolent tutelage of their Buri-Jaan. Most Arcas Gurahl exhibit a sense of playfulness and curiosity that rivals Ragabash Garou. The Gallivant, or “time of wonder,” experienced by most Arcas Gurahl generally lasts until her transition to Uzmati. Most beginning characters start out as Arcas Gurahl.

 

Beginning Gifts: Open Seal, Walk Like a Man, Cajole, Sense of the Prey

 

 

Uzmafi

Nickname: Warrior, Full Moon

Once an Arcas Gurahl has left his Buri-Jaan to begin wandering, he usually shifts his auspice to Uzmati, the warrior or Full Moon Gurahl. Thoughthey do not carry within them the raging fire of the Garou, Uzmati Gurahl do hear the song of the warrior and the defender deep within their hearts and conduct themselves in battle with as much fierceness as any Garou Ahroun.
Gurahl under this auspice focus their attention on their guardianship of their protected lands and creatures. Gurahl tend to spend several years as Uzmati, especially if their territory lies in an area susceptible to attacks by Wyrmcreatures or other hostile factions. Eventually, something happens to trigger a Gurahl’s shift from Uzmati to Kojubat. This may happen when the Gurahl
acquires a family or when something occurs to arouse an interest in learning more about the ways of the Children of Bear.

Beginning Gifts: Slash of the Death Bear, Ultimatum, Mangi’s Strong Ams , Threaten

 

 

Kojubat

Nickname: Lorekeeper, Gibbous Moon

Once a Gurahl leaves the Uzmati auspice for that of the lorekeeper, she enters a quieter, though not necessarily less active, stage of her life. During this period, a Gurahl expands her knowledge of the customs and traditions of the Children of the Bear. In addition to studying the Gurahl legends and lore, Kojubat Gurahl also attempt to relate their own personal experiences as Arcas
and Uzmati to the larger pattern of their lives and their place among werebear society. During this period of their lives, Gurahl learn the stories, songs and dances of the Gurahl and increase their knowledge of rites and rituals. If they have not already begun a Lifework project, Kojubat Gurahl do so at this time. Roughly corresponding to the Garou Galliard, Kojubat enjoy a tremendous amount of respect from other Gurahl, since they symbolize the embodiment of the knowledge given to the Gurahl by Gaia in the first times.

Beginning Gifts: Beast Speech, Stonesight, Eyes ofthe Soul, Song of Terra

 

 

Kieh

Nickname: Healer, Crescent Moon

After a Gurahl has lived as a Kojubat long enough to absorb an impressivebody of knowledge, he changes auspice again - this time to that of the Kieh or healer. The most mystical of all Gurahl auspices, corresponding roughly to the Garou Theurge auspice, a Kieh spends most of his  time practicing the rites learned as a Kojubat. In addition, aKieh's repertoire of Giks usually increases by leaps and bounds as the Gurahl seeks to learn more about the mystic side of Bear. Unlike Garou Theurges, however, who sometimes tend to reclusiveness and secretiveness, Kieh express their mystic bent in communal ways or else act as healers and counselors for other Gurahl (or Kinfolk). Like Uzmati, Kieh engage in a constant battle, but they fight against sickness of the mind and body and try to conquer painand suffering. Some Kieh choose this time of their lives to become Buri-Jam, mentoring new cubs and introducing them to Gurahl society.

Beginning Gifts: Diagnose, Spirit Speech, Refresh, Sense the Unnatural

 

 

Rishi

Nickname: Wise One, Half Moon

The last auspice most Gurahl experience in their progression through the phases of Luna serves as a summary of the Gurahl's life up to this point. The Rishi has acquired much knowledge and experience as an explorer, warrior, performer and healer. Now the need to turn inward and focus on her relationship with Gaia becomes paramount. At the same time, Rishi use their inner counsel as a means of reaching outward to act as true elders of the Gurahl. Rishi act as peacemakers and philosophers, serving a purpose not unlike that of the Garou Philodox. These wise ones settle disputes, pass judgments and make the important decisions based on a lifetime of learning and doing. Many modem Gurahl enter their Rishi auspice at an earlier stage than their ancestors, serving as judges for a time before once again changing their auspice. It is not unknown for a respected Rishi to forego her position as a mediator to take up arms once more as an Uzmati, using her knowledge and experience to great effect on the battlefield. 

Beginning Gifts: Befriend, Truth of Gaia, Compel Truth, Presence of the Great Bear