Encyclopedia Corax

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Encyclopedia Corax

Key to citations:

WWtA: Werewolf: the Apocalypse, 2nd Edition

CP: Common Parlance section of Lexicon (pp. 25-26)
VA: Vulgar Argot section of Lexicon (p. 27)
OF: Old Form section of Lexicon (p. 27)

Adren: (WWtA, OF)
Ahroun
Airts: (WWtA, OF)
Aisling: (WWtA, OF)
Anamae: (WWtA, OF)
Anchorhead: (WWtA, CP)
Ajaba: The werehyenas. From what I've heard, they're kind of nasty and obnoxious. But I've got to assume they were put here for a reason, besides target practice that is. They are nearly extinct, at the hands of the Bastet, particuarly the Simba.
Anansasi: The werespiders. Not too common. Pretty creepy. They can take the form of a human, a giant spider, or a horde of crawling normal-sized spiders. Many of them are corrupt, but many seem to be serving Gaia, in their own dark and creepy way. They all feed on blood, much like the vampires do.
Anruth: (WWtA, OF)
Ape: (WWtA, VA)
Apocalypse: (WWtA, CP)
Auspice: (WWtA, CP)
Awen: (WWtA, OF)
Bagheera: My favorite character in the Jungle Book (besides the vultures)? No, actually this is a tribe of werecats. Unlike our wise animated friend, though, not all of these bastet are actually all black. This tribe, which is most common in India, and also can be found in Africa and parts of Asia, includes the were-leopards as well as the were-panthers. Did you know that a black panther is really just a leopard with black spots against a black background? The wonders never cease. NOTE: Do not confuse these relatively philosophical cats with their South-American were-jaguar cousins, the Balam. Despite the fact that they are both yellow with black spots, Jaguar and Leopard are not the same thing.
Balam: Quite possibly the only tribe of amerindian shapeshifters that are more pissed off than the Wendigo. This tribe of Bastet make up the were-jaguars of the Central- and South-American jungles. With all the environmental exploitation in the Amazon basin, the Balam are still fighting the war against European and North-American expansion that the Wendigo and Uktena lost a hundred years ago. Best just to stay out of their way, if you ask me.
Bane: (WWtA, CP)
Bastet: The werecats. They are the so-called 'eyes of Gaia' whose job it is to watch and observe all. Watchful, they are. Us winged types have a few philosophical disagreements with them on the proper care and handling of secrets. Not our favorite of the Changing Breeds, but they serve a purpose, I guess. There are nine tribes of Bastet, and they are: Bagheera, Balam, Bubasti, Caelician, Khan, Pumonca, Qualmi, Simba, and Swara. Unlike the Garou, whose tribes are divided along political and ethnic lines, the Bastet tribes are based on which cat breed one comes from.
Bawn: (WWtA, CP)
Bete: A slang term for the non-garou Changing Breeds.
Black Furies: This all-female tribe of garou, contrary to popular opinion, is not entirely made up of misandronistic 'femi-nazis'. However, they are a group of strong women and she-wolves, with a strong social conscience and commitment to social action. So, if you put a group like this into a world ruled by male chauvanism, and give them a werewolf's Rage, its easy to see where their image comes from.
Black Spiral Dancers: Technically a tribe of Garou, these werewolves have turned to the Wyrm. They were once known as the White Howlers, but, like Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker, That Name No Longer Has Any Meaning To Them. The main difference is, most of the Garou don't really think to long about trying to bring the "BSD's" back to the Light Side, they're more interested in blowing up the Death Star. Maybe they need to all sit down and watch Return of the Jedi again.
Blight: (WWtA, CP)
Bone Gnawers: This tribe of Garou have grown up on the streets. Long ago, they were thrown to the bottom of the Garou pecking order, and have fed off the scraps of human and garou society ever since. They breed with the homeless and downtrodden of the world, and have a strong survival ethic. Most look down on them and their low social standing. They see a lot down there at street-level though, and frequently it doesn't take much to get them to talk. Definitely an information source worthy of respect and friendship. If you can stand the stench, that is.
Brugh: (WWtA, OF)
Bubasti: One word: Creepy. Too creepy for me. This tribe of Bastet were thought to be extinct, but apparently are just keeping a very low profile. Apparently they are somehow cursed, and their cat-ancestor species is extinct in their native land of Egypt. These guys are into dark secrets. They make the rest of their tight-lipped secret-hoarding Bastet cousins look like sunny blabbermouths by comparison.
Bunyip: These were-tasmainian wolves are technically a tribe of the Garou. Or, should I say, were. They're extinct now, though their spirits still haunt the Australian continent. They are one of the Lost Tribes of the Garou, and were made extinct by European expansion into Austrailia, killed outright by, and through competition with, the European garou who invaded their continent.
Cadaver: (WWtA, VA)
Caelician: This tribe of Bastet, known as the Fae Cats (because of the fact that they were part faerie themselves), were killed off by some fairy prince ages and ages ago. Or at least that's the story. We thought the Bubasti were dead too.
Caern: (WWtA, CP)
Celestine: (WWtA, CP)
Changing Breed: One of the many breeds of animal shapechangers created to serve Gaia. They include Ajaba, Anasasi, Bastet, Bunyip, Corax, Garou, Gurahl, Mokole, Nagah, Nuwisha, Ratkin, and Roeka.
Charach: (WWtA, OF)
Children of Gaia: The tree-hugging earth-loving free-love flower-children tribe of the Garou. The Children preach love and understanding when their cousins call for war. Because of this, they are seen as naieve and soft by the other werewolf tribes. Naieve I might agree with. As for soft, well, don't forget, winged friends, that they are still werewolves.
Chiminage: (WWtA, OF)
Cliath: (WWtA, OF)
Concord, The: (WWtA, CP)
Corax: Us. We're were-ravens. The Messengers of Gaia. The children of Raven. We do do the trickster thing, though not as well as the Nuwisha. Mostly, though, we just keep an eye on things, and spread the news when it needs spreading. Out of all the Changing Breeds, We've got the sharpest eyes and the biggest mouths. We're also the only ones who can fly (and don't you forget it!). For more information, check out Corax 101, and Leaving the Nest.
Corruption: (WWtA, CP)
Crinos: (WWtA, CP)
Croatan: This tribe is among the Lost Tribes of the Garou. They were among the Pure Ones, known as Middle Brother, the moderate who kept his older and younger brothers Uktena and Wendigo in line. The tribe inhabited the eastern seaboard of the North American continent, and sacrificed themselves en masse to fight off a horrible bane known as Eater of Souls, which came over with the first Europeans who set their dirty feet on the Pure Lands.
Deep Umbra: (WWtA, CP)
Delerium: (WWtA, CP)
Domain: (WWtA, CP)
Feral: (WWtA, CP)
Fianna: This tribe of Garou originated in the British Isles. They are renowned as bards and also as brewers of recreational poisons. They are responsible for keeping much of the lore of the Garou tradition (and are therefore good people for us Corax to be friends with), and are also supposedly responsible for inventing much of the Garou language. Unfortunately, they are also responsible for many of the atrocities of the Second War of Rage, where the European Garou fought against the shapechangers, Garou and Bete alike, of the Pure Lands. Now they fight amongst themselves, as those of English descent take sides against those of Irish descent in the Troubles that inflame their homeland. Rage is a dangerous thing, as all shifters know. If you ask me, though, Rage and alcohol is a disaster.
Flock, The: (WWtA, VA)
Fomori: (WWtA, OF)
Fostern: (WWtA, OF)
Gaffling: (WWtA, CP)
Gaia: (WWtA, CP)
Gallain: (WWtA, OF)
Galliard
Garou: The most famous and numerous of the Changing Breeds, the Werewolves. They are viscious and nasty and great to have on your side in a fight. They are the Official Guardians of Gaia. Unfortunately they are frequently too busy fighting amongst themselves to get any guarding done. But usually, when some raven comes and points them in the right direction, they're more than happy to go off and destroy Gaia's enemies, with tails wagging. They divide themselves into 13 Tribes (Black Furies, Bone Gnawers, Children of Gaia, Fianna, Get of Fenris, Glasswalkers, Red Talons, Shadow Lords, Silent Striders, Silver Fangs, Stargazers, Wendigo, Uktena) and they play roles in their own society based on their Auspice.
Gauntlet: (WWtA, CP)
Get of Fenris: The arch-typical pissed-off war-mongering Garou. This tribe hails from the harsh lands of northern Europe. They value strength and honor above all else. The problem is, they think they're the only ones that are strong enough or honorable enough to get the job done right, and they're not afraid to prove it. Frequently, they're too busy trying to prove that they're the only ones good enough to get the job done to actually get the job done themselves. And, of course, having some pack of megalomaniacal Get come in and 'set things straight' tends to interfere with the efforts of others to get the job done as well. Still, they're good to have on your side in a fight.
Glasswalkers: Another Urban tribe of Garou. Unlike the Bone Gnawers, who took to the cities because it was the only territory left to them, the Glass Walkers chose to claim the cities out of their fascination with the Weaver. Many other garou and shapechangers mistrust the Glasswalkers because of their close ties to the Weaver. However, the Glasswalkers have so far managed to harness the forces of technology and progress for the good of Gaia, and avoid the corrupting energies that always seem to be so close to whatever the Weaver touches. They are masters of computer and communications technology, and many turn their skills against Pentex, using fire to fight fire. The tribe was once known as the Iron Riders.
Gremlin: (WWtA, VA)
Gurahl: The werebears. Generally big, strong, scary, and gentle when not angered. They were intended to be Gaia's healers. They originated much of the healing magic which is known by the various changing breeds. Unfortunately, a long time ago, they decided that the Garou weren't ready for some of their secrets. That's pretty much when and how the War of Rage got started (you know how well a spoiled child takes 'no for an answer). Now there aren't too many werebears left, and those that are still around are mostly in long-term hibernation. A lot seem to be waking up lately, though. I'm not sure if this is a hopeful sign, or a dire omen.
Harano: (WWtA, OF)
Hispo: (WWtA, CP)
Homid: (WWtA, CP)
-ikthya: (WWtA, OF)
Impergium: (WWtA, CP)
Incarna: (WWtA, CP)
Inceptor: (WWtA, OF)
Iron Riders: The old name of the Garou Tribe now known as the Glass Walkers. In the 19th century, this tribe was heavily involved with the development of railroad technology, and was, for better or worse, partly responsible for the railroad network that connected all of the North American continent. Now, their interest in connecting people (and garou) across long distances has turned them to focus on computer and communications technology.
Jaggling: (WWtA, CP)
Kailindo
Kenning: (WWtA, CP)
Khan: The were-tigers make up this tribe of Bastet. They originate in Asia and India, but (due to cross breeding with English colonials) can be found across the world. Despite being the strongest and most ferocious of the Bastet, they are also very small in number. I don't really know the gory details, but apparently there was some kind of Tiger Civil War many years ago, from which they still have not recovered. The Khan are probably the most honor-driven of the Bastet, and many of them are devoted to our pal Helios, which makes us unlikely allies at times. Still, don't forget that Cats eat Birds, please.
Kinain: (WWtA, OF)
Klaive: (WWtA, CP)
Kinfolk
Litany: (WWtA, CP)
Leech: (WWtA, VA)
Lost Tribes: A sad story, really. The Garou tribes did not always number 13. There were, once, a few more, though each has become lost through some misfortune or another. Some were lost through heroic sacrifice. Some were lost through the Wyrm's treachary. Some were lost through the Garou's own foolishness and Rage. The lost tribes are, or were, the Bunyip, the Croatan, and the White Howlers. (follow the links to read their stories)
Lupus: (WWtA, CP)
Membrane, The: (WWtA, CP)
Metis: (WWtA, CP)
Mokole: The were-lizards. These folk can take the form of humans, of large reptile (either alligator, crocodile, or sometimes monitor lizard), and also they can take the form of a huge dragon or dinosaur. Due to their rather sinister appearance, they suffered greatly at the hands of the Garou during the War of Rage, and are rather hard to come by. They are assigned the role of Gaia's Memory. They have some kind of collective racial memory that reaches back a waaay long time. Those of us who are of the feathered persuasion would love to pick their collective brain, but they generally aren't too talkative. Hmph.
Moon Bridge: (WWtA, CP)
Moon-Calf: (WWtA, CP)
Moot: (WWtA, CP)
Mule: (WWtA, CP)
Nagah: Weresnakes. Don't know too much about them, except that a) They're supposed to be extinct, and b) I don't believe that they are extinct for as long as it takes me to look over my shoulder. Supposedly, they are the secret police of the Hengeyokai, the Shifters of the East.
Near Umbra: (WWtA, CP)
Nuwisha: Hah hah! The werecoyotes are the certified Comedians of Gaia. Technically they're here to teach, but Gaia gave them a fun way to do it. What better way to teach a body the error of their ways than through a practical joke? Just so long as they remember that Raven and his folk don't appreciate attempts to Trick the Trickster, we get along great with our kindred spirits. Check out the Unnoficial Official Nuwisha Homepage.
Pack: (WWtA, CP)
Pentex
Penumbra: (WWtA, CP)
Pericarp: (WWtA, OF)
Philodox
Phoebe: (WWtA, OF)
Praenomen: (WWtA, OF)
Protectorate: (WWtA, CP)
Pumonca: The only tribe of Bastet that I've ever befriended a member of. The Pumonca are the guardians of the North American continent, and they are generally closer to the land than many of their cousins. They seem to care a little more about protecting the land and fighting to save Gaia than the other Bastet tribes, who seem more interested in simply keeping their secrets. Many Pumonca fought alongside the Wendigo and Uktena in the Second War of Rage. Many Corax of amerindian origin have a healthy respect for the Pumonca, their closest were-cat cousins.
Pure Lands
Pure Ones: This is the term that the 'Native American' tribes of Garou use to collectively refer to themselves. Many thousands of years ago, these werewolves, along with a few other shapechangers, and their Kinfolk, crossed over on the land bridge from the Eurasian continent into what is now known as Alaska. They spread through out this new land, and cleansed it of the Wyrm's presence, calling it the Pure Lands. The garou spread throughout the North American continent and divided into three tribes: The Wendigo in the north, the Uktena in the south and southwest, and the (now extinct) Croatan in the east. Wendigo was known as 'younger brother' or 'little brother' and was quick to anger and impulsive. Uktena was known as 'older brother' and was careful and observant. Croatan was known as 'Middle Brother' and was loved for his ability to check Wendigo's impulsiveness and to occasionally move Uktena to action when it was needed. Both the Wendigo and Uktena tribes still mourn the loss of their 'middle brother' and many seek ways to bring them back.
Qualmi: Another tribe of Amerindian Bastet, these were-lynxes are a puzzling bunch. Literally. They always seem to speak in riddles. They seem to have a lot of wisdom, though, which they are just waiting to share with anyone smart enough to solve their riddles. It could be, though, that they're just full of crap and trying to play a joke on us all.
Ragabash
Rage
Ratkin: Were-rats. Sneaky nasty little monsters that live underground in the sewers and tunnels of the world's cities, and do Gaia's dirty work. I guess someone's gotta do it, right? I suppose they got a lot in common with us Corax, seeing as we both come from scavenger species. I'll take my wings for an underground bolt-hole any day though. I can tell you one thing, though, and its that there are probably way more of them down there than any of us suspect, and one day they're going to come out and give the Garou a nasty surprise.
Reaching: (WWtA, CP)
Realms: (WWtA, CP)
Red Talons: The name says it all. This all-lupus tribe of Garou is hell-bent on eliminating humans from the face of the Gaia. I don't know where they were, thousands of years ago, when the rest of the tribes decided to end the Impergium, because these guys are still at it. I suppose I can understand their cause, seeing as the humans have been trying awfully hard, for a long time, to wipe out the wolves. Still, I kinda like the monkeys, and so the Talons seem a little extreme to me.
-rhya: (WWtA, OF)
Roeka: Were-sharks. They keep mostly to the water and don't talk much. Therefore, we have no idea what kind of stuff they know about what lies under the wet 3/4 of Gaia's face. By the looks of their teeth, though, I don't really feel the need to challenge the fact that Gaia left the oceans to them. I'll keep to the skies thanks.
Ronin: (WWtA, CP)
Run: (WWtA, VA)
Sept: (WWtA, CP)
Shadow Lords: Yikes! Ever since the White Howlers went to the Dark Side, the Garou have been wondering who's gonna be next. Some worry about the weaver-obssessed Glass-Walkers going over the edge. Others watch the mysterious Uktena and their secret rites with a suspicious eye. But if you ask me (and if you're reading my page, then you asked me buddy!) this tribe is candidate numero uno for sinking into the Wyrm's loving embrace. Of all the Garou tribes, none are quite so obsessed with raw, temporal power as this one. And we all know that Power Corrupts. And there are the rumors of their dark experiments... Well, lets just say there are a lot of trees for inquisitive birds to perch in, in those dark Eastern European forests that the Shadow Lords call home. The funny thing is, out of all the Garou, this tribe actually respects us Corax the most. They understand our role, and they appreciate it. I'm just wondering how long its gonna be before we have to turn it against them.
Shapechanger
Sheep: (WWtA, VA)
Shifter
Silent Striders: Nothing like a little competition to liven up the business! This tribe is the messengers of the Garou. They started out in Egypt, but apparently have cursed never to return there, or at least not to stay there. So they are always moving, bringing messages and intel from caern to caern. Someone once told me that a great vacation would be just to find a Strider and follow it. However, be careful, for these guys are haunted. Also, and this is the part that irks me, apparently Owl (their Totem) has seen fit to gift them with wings in the Umbra. Can you believe that?! We've gotta straighten this out with Raven.
Simba: If you think that Bastet are arrogant, try talking to this tribe that claims to be their kings. With their golden manes and their mighty roars, the were-lions consider themselves the soviergn rulers of the werecats. Its kinda funny though... I mean, have you ever known a cat that paid attention to its master? Oh, and don't ever let a Simba get away with whining about the War of Rage. This tribe has almost completely wiped out the Ajaba. Genocide is not part of Gaia's plan.
Silver Fangs: The members of this tribe are the kings of the Garou. For thousands of years, they have interbred with the ruling classes of the world's most powerful nations, governing both mortal and werewolf alike. Problem is, all that inbreeding has caused some mental defects, and this tribe is not completely stable. Just what the wolves need... loonies behind the wheel. Its too bad too. Effective leadership could really help the Garou out. And no, I don't mean leadership by the Shadow Lords.
Stargazers: "Everyone was Kung-Fu Fighting.... Those cats were fast as lightning..." Ahem. Yeah. This tribe of Garou practice ancient Asian philosophies. They are peaceful and introspective, and have learned to harness and channel their Rage. They spend their lives in contemplation, and have unravelled many mysteries of the Universe. They have also developed a garou-specific martial art form, Kai-lin-do. I've seen Kailindo, and these guys are not the wimps that most other shifters think. So they're wise, and they're powerful fighters. Great. While they go on peacefully and introspectively contemplating the Apocalypse, I'm going to go do something about it.
Stepping Sideways: (WWtA, VA)
Swara: This tribe of swift-footed were-cheetahs might be the Bastet equivalent to our own role. I said might. If they can get it through their pointy-eared heads that to be a good messenger, you can't be picky about what message you carry or who you tell. What if Paul Revere had only warned his most trusted pals that the British were Coming?
Tellurian: (WWtA, CP)
Theurge
Throat: (WWtA, VA)
Totem: (WWtA, CP)
Tribe: (WWtA, CP)
Uktena: For the amerindian Corax, at least, this tribe is our closest ally among the Garou. Or, at least, we cooperate the most. You see, they share much the same view as we do when it comes to uncovering secrets: dig them up at all costs! Well, okay, so they're mostly interested in the mysical kind. Problem is they haven't quite learned how to Share What they Know, and the rest of the Garou are getting pretty nervous about what the Uktena are not telling them. This tribe originated in the south-western part of the North American continent, but after the Second War of Rage, they have spread out and interbred with oppressed groups of native people world wide. They are still considered to be among the Pure Ones, though.
Umbra: (WWtA, CP)
Urrah: (WWtA, OF)
Veil, The: (WWtA, CP)
War of Rage
Ways, The: (WWtA, CP)
Weaver, The: (WWtA, CP)
Wendigo: This tribe lost the Second War of Rage over a century ago, but it seems nobody told them. Yes, these Amerindian Garou have a lot to be angry about. Their homeland was stolen from them and their kinfolk were displaced and murdered at the hands of the Europeans. But no matter how much the Wendigo Rage, the white man is here in America to stay. These Pure Ones might be wise to follow the path of their Uktena brothers, and try to resist the injustices being commited today against native populations around the world, rather than bitching and moaning about the injustices of the past.
White Howlers: Once this was a proud tribe of Pictish Garou in the northern British Isles. However, many years ago, about the time when the Romans were trying to take Scotland, the forces of the Wyrm tricked these noble werewolves into their own downfall. They were tricked into chasing the Wyrm's minions into the deepest pits of corruption. There they were faced with the Black Spiral, and the maddening, corrupting wisdom it revealed to them unhinged their minds. Many of the tribe swore servitude to the Wyrm then, and they slew every remaining member of their tribe and their kinfolk who did not pledge allegiance to their new master. This is how the Black Spiral Dancers came into being, and the White Howlers are no more.
Wyld, The: (WWtA, CP)
Wyrm, The: (WWtA, CP)
Wyrmhole: (WWtA, CP)
-yuf: (WWtA, OF)

Stay tuned for more entries.

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