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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.