From: [med 12] at [cornell.edu] (Mike.)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.storyteller,alt.games.whitewolf
Subject: Re: Children Of The Sun
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 21:59:55 -0500

1st I'd like to thank everyone who's responded for what they had to say
and make a few comments. When Kathryn Williams said that the Bone Gnawers
had finally done something bad, I went back and looked over what I had
written. I had meant to imply that the Bone Gnawers and Children Of Gaia
had been in league with the Canus and had known what would happen from the
beginning, but that's not really clear.

Also, on a somewhat, but not totally, unrelated note, a lot of people have
said in response to this and other posts that they can't see Gaia
defending humans who have hurt her. I like to think of Gaia as my mom. she
can be irrational at times, and at times I have done things that have made
her unhappy or emotionally hurt her, but she still cares about my
well-being at a level equal to or greater than her own. My mother loves me
and I think Gaia loves her children in the same way.

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Auspices continued:

Moon Doggies: Canus born at night are almost a different breed. These Moon
Dogs or Wolfhounds are influenced by the light of Gaia and are believed to
be the result of the interbreeding between Garou and Canus in the War of
Rage.

Wolfhounds possess both Joy and Rage, and silver causes them aggravated
damage. They posses a Garou Auspice in addition to their Canus, and often
live very short lives as their inner conflict tears them apart. They are
the strongest of the Canus, but also the weakest, and serve as both
Warrior and Wounded.

Joy:1 and additional points cost double
Rage: As Garou Auspice, with increased point cost
Background: 3

**I see two real possibilities for Joy/Loyalty points. Either they could
be used to increase others happiness and mental health, or they could be
used like Rage points, but only for the defense and protection of
others.(Thanks to chris catchpole for that idea.) I'll write descriptions
for each and y'all can give me your feedback. Maybe the two could somehow
be combined?...it seems like that might make them too powerful.

**Joy: The power of Joy is a result of the intermingling of the love of
Gaia and hope of Helios felt by all Canus. Joy has a multitude of effects
on the Canus and is in many ways the opposite of Rage.

        Comfort: One of the primary roles of the Canus is to comfort and
support their charges. When another is in need of succorance, a Canus can
spend points of Joy to add to their Charisma or Manipulation for rolls
involving support, comfort, or mental and emotional healing. Amazing
things can be accomplished by Canus offering support; however, Harano is
generally beyond the scope of the Canus's power.

       * Resisting Depression: When a Canus is attacked by attacks that
would discourage, dishearten, or despair a point of Joy may be spent to
resist the effect, with each point of permanent Joy adding to their
opponent's difficulty. An additional point of Joy can be used to pass this
protection on to others.
        
        Hope: When all seems lost and the Canus has almost given up hope
(i.e. willpower) Joy can be used in it's place as Canus do not under any
circumstances give up hope.

Regaining Joy:

        The Sun: The character regains a point of Joy whenever they see
the sun for the first time in the course of the day. Cloudy, overcast days
negate this benefit, and particularly glorious sunrises or sunsets can add
additional points. (Stroyteller's Discretion.)

        Happiness: When ever something particularly good or pleasurable or
positive happens to the Canus, or the Canus is able to help lift someone's
mood or brighten another's day, Joy points may be regained.

        New Story: All Joy points are regained at the beginning of each
new story, as each new story, like each new day is a fresh beginning.
                                                                                       
or

**Loyalty: Loyalty represents the Canus's inherent love and dedication to
others. Loyalty can be spent like Rage in the defense of loved one or
innocents in need of defense against supernatural or other evils.

Loyalty is regained through the love and appreciation of those the Canus
defend, or through successfully protecting and nurturing those they love.
Although the Canus live to serve and protect every dog appreciates a pat
on the head every now and then.

Also Loyalty may be regained through the Sun, and at the beginning of new
stories.
                                                                                               
or

**Joy/Loyalty: Mix both.

I have a thought...could Joy substitute for Gnosis and Loyalty for Rage?

Backgrounds: The Children Of The sun possess all the same Backgrounds of
the Garou with one important difference, the working of the Pure Breed
Merit.

        Pure Breed: Due to the background of the Canus, most Children Of
The Sun are mongrels or mutts. However, due to the interference of human
breeding programs, some Pure Breed Canus do exist. Canus do not pay as
much resapect to their Pure Bred, but the Pure Breed gain advantages based
on their genetic stock. However, a consequence of Pure Breeding is often
inbreeding, and the more Pure Bred the character is the greater the
genetic flaws. 
        The first two points of Pure Breed each add a die to social rolls
involving other Canus. The next three dots have different effects based on
the breed of the character, and the fifth dot grants a deformity
selectable from those listed for Metis. Several breeds exist and some of
the most common are outlined below.

        (I don't know large amounts about dogs and would appreciate any
information or advice people could give me on the following ideas)
        
        Boxers: A stocky, powerful, compactly built breed of dog with
strong, fierce jaws. They have distinctive ears and "boxy" snouts. In
Crinos form they become short, and muscular with chiseled features and a
fine covering of hair. In homis form they are short ans muscular with
square jaws and determined expressions.

***gains an extra die for bite attacks/lose on die to all tracking attempts
****gains extra die of Strength/lose one point of Dexterity
*****gains one die of Stamina

        Chiuaia: A small, yippy dog, the Chiuiua is also a quick and
vicious creature. Chiuiua's resemble a cross between a poodle and a large
rat in their Canus forms. In Crinos they are only about five and a half
feet tall and lean and muscular with a very thin covering of fur. In homid
form, Chiuiuas are short and wiry with large eyes and very little hair.

*** gains an extra die to Dodge/ loses one point of Stamina
****gains an extra point of Dexterity/loses one point of Strength
*****gains an extra action in times of stress

        German Shepherd: A loyal and alert breed with watchful eyes and
attentive ears, and a gold and brown coat and large expressive tail. In
Crinos form they become large, quick, and powerful creatures. In human
form they're usually tall, athletic, and friendly with kind eyes and
playful smiles.

***gain an extra die to Alertness/?
****gain an extra die of Intelligence/
*****gain an extra die of Strength

        Golden Lab: A friendly dog with creamy white to golden fur, large
friendly mouths and large flat furry ears, Golden Labs are some of the
friendliest and most loyal dogs in existance. In Crinos form they become
large, towering creatures with powerful strength, but non-imposing
appearances and large tongues. In human form they appear friendly with
shiny eyes and large smiles.

***gain one point of Joy/feels compelled to help those in need?
****gain one point of Charisma/-1 difficulty to attempts to control?  
*****gain one point of Stamina

        Greyhound: Sleek, long, lithe, and muscular, Greyhounds are quick
and hardy runners. In Crinos form, they are tall and attentive, with very
little hair. In human form they often appear as runners with short hair or
crew cuts and quick, sparkling eyes.

***gain an extra die for running/?
****gain an extra die of Dexterity/?
*****? extra movement

        Poodle: Poodles are a breed of dog raised primarily for a "cute"
appearance. They have short curly hair, and are small petite frail dogs.
In Crinos form they are covered in tight, thick curls, and are small in
stature and frame. In Human form they are generally frail and prim with
short curly or wavy hair.

***gain an extra die in etiquette/ lose one die in Strength
****gain a die in Appearance/ lose one die in Stamina
*****gain a die in Appearance

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Errata: The Children Of The Sun do not cause the Delirium in humans,
except for Moon Doggies, who cause humans to react as if they had
(Willpower+5-Rage, or something)

**Children of the Sun reach the Umbra through pleasurable sensations such
as rolling in the grass on a sunny day, making love, or eating really good
food. Another possible approach would be making this a Rite, like the
Gurahl's. Normal Umbral access doesn't seem quite right.

Part Three will contain gifts, rites, and talens, and views on other
supernaturals, tribes, and betes.

Comments, as always, appreciated.


Have fun,


Mike.