A History of the Garou and the Fera in Oregon
The first Garou of Oregon were, of course, the Pure Ones. Uktena and Wendigo that acted as loyal shepards to their mortal flock. These Garou defended their homelands from the threats of the Wyrm as well as the excesses of the other members of the Triat. This system has worked well for an age, until the arrival of the Wyrmcomers en mass.
The story is well known and its shame has lasted on through the years to this night. European Garou, like their mortal kin, truly believed themselves to be better suited for guardianship of the land. They clashed with the Pure Ones, murdered them and their kind, raking their Caerns for themselves. The Pure Ones fought back of course, but they were not strong enough. Two tribes against ten. Their battle was in vain and many of their number fell.
Today, only one of the Oregon septs remains in the hands of the Pure Tribes. Every other Caern was either taken by the Wyrmcomers or violated by the Wyrm when the Gaian forces could not defend it. However, the forces of Gaia have managed to hold many Caerns. The Wyrmcomers have even been able to open new Caerns, defending them in their own unique way.
The Garou are not Gaia’s only children in the wilds of Oregon. Underneath the city of Portland sits the larges Colony of Ratkin gathered on the western coast. They believe Portland to be a sacred city, one where Humanity may be able to turn their wicked ways around. They sit, nurturing the weak Wyld spirit of the city and its inhabitants, spreading their influence like a disease.
Elsewhere, Gaia’s other kin prowl. Lone Bastet stalk the woods, the mountains and fields of the state, watching and waiting, doing their part in the battle against the Wyrm. The Pure Ones have alliances with both Quami and Pumonca roaming near their lands. It is a rare sight today to see the Garou and Bastet working side by side, but slowly, the old wounds are being healed.
The werebears have come out of hiding in recent years. They too have been sighted near the lands belonging to the Pure Ones. Some say the Garou have finally given these ancient ones recognition for their skills.
The Corax spend their time flying from cities and town, septs to septs, passing along the word. They are invaluable in these final days.
At times, these Children of Gaia have allied with one another, others they battle. One thing is certain as the defenders of Gaia rage across Oregon: They know that these are the last days, the Apocalypse is coming and it is their time. Failure is not an option. Welcome to Rage Across Oregon.
Garou Septs of Oregon
The Sunken Mountain Sept
Caern: Crater Lake National Park, Klamath County, Oregon
Level: 5
Gauntlet: 2
Type: Unity
Tribal Structure: Open to all Gaian creatures. Uktena/Children of Gaia led.
Totem(s): Mazama, Monarch of the Sunken Mountain and The Deep Blue Lake, Matriarch of the Crystal Waters.
Geography: Crater Lake is a large Caldera Lake in Southern Oregon known for its pure cool azure blue water. The lake itself is far from any human habitation and despite being a National Park the site is rarely visited as it is seen to be “too far out of the way”.
The lake itself was formed some 8,000 years ago during the eruption of Mount Mazama. The crater left after the Mountain’s destruction filled with rain and snow melt water over the passing years until it is today the deepest lake in the United States, seventh deepest in the world. The result of the eruption has created an abundance of fertile land around the lake.
Much of the regrown forest is a result of the fertile volcanic soil. Immense woodlands cover the Protectorate as far as the eye can see. Species of plants and animals native only to the Crater Lake are protected by the special soil that rests underfoot.
The eruption had many other unusual side effects. The so called Pumice Desert cuts a swath of land several miles long to the north of the lake. The land, apparently barren actually is home to many species of plants and animals. The pumice (in some places 100 feet thick) does not allow for very effective water transfer, thus making life in the area difficult for large organisms.
Back at the lake, the rims rise up 8,000 feet at its highest points. The lake itself is 5 by 6 miles and nearly 2,000 feet deep. Near the western edge of the lake sits Wizard Island, a cinder cone formed from subsequent eruptions of the fallen volcano. Today, the island boasts an impressive peak of its own, rising 800 feet above the surface of the lake. Wizard Island is home to a many different creatures that life in the thriving forest growing out of the volcanic soil. At the top of the island is a second crater, The Witch’s Cauldron, 500 feet wide and 100 feet deep.
Landmarks:
The Bawn: The Sunken Mountain Sept claims the whole of Crater Lake National Park as their protectorate. Out of practicality, however, the Caern’s Bawn is only the area immediately surrounding Crater Lake itself, about twelve square miles from the Pumice Desert in the north to Crater Peak in the south. This is a large area for a single sept to protect, but the Sunken Mountain Sept has done so admirably for centuries. Guardians in Lupus form are constantly patrolling the woodlands beyond the Caldera providing near constant protection for the woodland. Inside the lake rim itself the rest of the Sept engage in the daily life of caring for the Caern.
Grave of Hallowed Heroes: In the Pumice Desert, to the north of the lake, is where the Garou bring the final remains of their septmates. Across this portion of the Bawn are erected small piles of stone, each commemorating a Garou that has passed on. Upon erecting the standing stones, the collected sept empties a vessel containing the ashes of the diseased Garou over the memorial to honor them and facilitate their return to Gaia.
The Living Area: For the Garou of the Sunken Mountain, the Lake is their home. It is here that the largest gathering of Garou in the state, possibly western North America, lay their heads to sleep. The Garou and their Kinfolk make their home on the inner rim of the caldera. A number of small huts are erected, providing shelter for those of Homid birth. For the Lupus, the wilds of the Forest around them are home. Kin are welcomed to stay with their Garou families, though only a few do so. Kin acting as Park Rangers stay in stations positioned around the park while the vast majority of Sunken Mountain Kin live in the cities of Klamath Falls or Medford.
The Assembly Area: The Garou of the Sunken Mountain assemble at the base of the Wizard Island Cinder Cone. From here, Sept functions are performed and rituals cast. No Kinfolk or other mortals are allowed on the Island except under extenuating circumstances. A large outcropping of volcanic rock serves as a natural dais for a speaker while the location, so near to the Heart, provides the Sept with excellent access to their Volcano totem, should he choose to make herself known as well as the Lake, should she desire the Sept’s attention.
The Heart: The Witch’s Cauldron, crater atop the Wizard Island Peek, stands as the spiritual center of the Caern. Long ago, when the mountain destroyed itself, the original summit was lost below the lake. Today, Mazama, Monarch of the Sunken Mountain has selected this spot to appear to his chosen children. From the summit of Wizard Island Peek one can see the whole lake spread out for miles. One can feel the power of the Mountain, the force required to bring the mighty lord down. One can also feel the serenity of the Lake, her peacefulness and her ardent desire to keep this place safe and clear.
Umbrascape: At the Heart of the Caern, like most Hearts, the Physical world and the Spirit world are nearly one. With the boarder between the worlds so thin here, spirits and material creatures can (and do) pass between the veil often. It is not uncommon to see a spiritual bird flying in the material air above the lake. On the Bawn, the differences begin to become more pronounced. A Caern as large as this one cannot be hidden from the forces of the Wyrm and as such the Sept finds itself under near constant assault, no matter how minor the attack. Daily battles between lesser Wyrm creatures such as corrupted animal spirits or possessed beasts are of little concern to the Sept’s Elders. These battles are usually fought in the spirit world outside of the Bawn or just on it and have been known to leave their mark. Once a month before the Sept Moot (sometimes more as the condition of the Caern demands it) Thurges gather to cleanse the areas worst hit during the attacks. The vigilance of the Sunken Mountain Sept has allowed their Caern to maintain its pristine climate for many years and with any hope many more to come.
History: Coming Soon…
Garou of the Sunken Mountain Sept:
Grand Elder: Sees-Through-The-Fog, Rank 5 Uktena Lupus Thurge
Council of Elders
Uktena- Sees-Through-The-Fog, Rank 5 Lupus Thurge
Children of Gaia- Daughter-of-the-Morninglight, Rank 5 Lupus Galliard
Bone Gnawers- Benjamin Belikov “BB Quicksilver”, Rank 5 Homid Philodox
Wendigo- Mingan Otaktay, Rank 5 Homid Ahroun
Fenrir- Bayen Nathor, Rank 5 Homid Ahroun
Fianna- Catherine Mackenzie, Rank 5 Homid Ragabash
Silver Fangs- Josiah Carthright Wyrmfoe, Rank 5 Homid Thurge
Shadow Lords-Arseny Pelov, Rank 5 Homid Galliard
Glass Walkers- Michael Denton “White Lightning”, Rank 4 Homid Thurge
Red Talons- Runs-With-Men, Rank 5 Lupus Philodox
Black Furies- “Jane Doe”, Rank 5 Homid Ragabash
Silent Striders- This Sept has no permanent members of this Tribe
Stargazers- This Sept has no permanent members of this Tribe
Warder: Bayen Nathor, Rank 5 Fenrir Homid Ahroun
Guardians: Coming Soon…
Master of the Rite: Coming Soon…
Master of Challenge: Coming Soon…
Keeper of the Land: Coming Soon…
Gatekeeper: Coming Soon…
Lesser Offices
Caller of the Wyld: Coming Soon…
Master of the Howl: Coming Soon…
Talesinger: Coming Soon…
Truthcatcher: Coming Soon…
Wyrmfoe: Coming Soon…
Fera Guests and Allies to the Sept: Coming Soon…
The River’s Corner Sept
Caern: An isolated bank of the Warm Springs River on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Central Oregon.
Level: 2
Gauntlet: 4, 3 at Heart
Type: Courage
Tribal Structure: Wendigo controlled. Visitors allowed, though not welcomed.
Totem(s): Sagalie Tyee, Chief of the Salmon
Geography: Located where the Warm Springs River forks into the Boulder Creek to the south, this is an unassuming portion of land that most mortals never see. The river itself is home to hundreds of animal and plant species that come from miles around to be near the water source.
Landmarks:
The Bawn: In years long since past, the River’s Corner Sept claimed the lands humans know as the Warm Springs Reservation as their Protectorate. Over time, their lands have diminished, much like the way their Kin’s land has been taken from them. Today, the Bawn of the Caern only extends out for one half mile in any direction from the Heart. The land is bisected by the river, which serves as a central gathering place for the Sept. Surrounding the river is a dense old growth forest that has been untouched by human hands since time out of memory. Several miles beyond the Bawn, human logging interests have set up operations. For now, the Bawn of the River’s Corner Sept is safe, but the time may soon come that the Wendigo may have to turn on their own people to insure the Caern remains safe.
Grave of Hallowed Heroes: The riverbed has provided the Sept with an ingenious memorial to their fallen brothers. Oval water-smoothed stones are plucked from the river. Etched onto the stones you will find the names of those deceased member of the Sept, each carved in the Garou’s Glyph language. Once the names are etched into the stone it is cast into the river, the Heart itself acting as a memorial to the hallowed dead.
The Living Area: There are no living areas on the grounds of this Caern. The Homid members of the Sept live in the nearby town of Warm Springs or in unincorporated land across the reservation. The Lupus few Lupus members of the Sept gather in a small pack, living as their wolf kin in the forested areas of the reservation.
The Assembly Area: Along the riverbank there is a slab of volcanic rock left from an ancient lava flow. It is here that the Garou choose the meet, deep in their people’s homeland. The rock acts as a natural raised stage, giving an audience the perfect view of any speaker.
The Heart: Aside the assembly area sits the Warm Springs River. To the River’s Corner Sept it is simply Salmon’s Home. The Heart is in the center of the fork between the Warm Springs River and Boulder Creek. The water is shallow enough for a Garou assuming the war-form to stand and greet the patron of the Caern, Salmon
Umbrascape: As in most Caerns, the Umbrascape of the River’s Corner Sept is identical to the physical world, with one or two exceptions. Firstly, a cool breeze is always blowing in this portion of the Umbra, a signifier of the unparalleled Wendigo influence on the area. Secondly, while the physical companion to the river is home to a small population of Salmon, the Umbral River is teaming with the endangered fish. As one wades into the Umbral waters the effect is immediate, spirit Salmon dart around the limbs of those in the river. At times, it seems as though the water itself is simply made of the spirit fish. Another difference between the Physical area and the Umbral are the trees. Within the old growth forest around the river it seems at times as though the trees themselves come alive. The spirits of the Trees have a tendency to joke around with the solemn Wendigo, moving from place to place when they are not looking. This fact has pushed many a Guardian to the edge of frenzy when a tree with an important marker on it is suddenly no where to be found. This has, of course, had its benefits as well. During assaults on the Caern from the Umbra, the Garou can count on the aid of the Tree Spirits to ensnare unlucky enemies that come too near.
History: The River’s Corner is an ancient Sept, nearly as old as the Sunken Mountain. It is the last Caern held solely by one of the Pure Tribes in the State. It was once one of the largest Caerns on the Western Coast. Today, it stands as a shadow of its former self. The Bawn of the Caern stretched as far out as the modern day reservation limits. The people of the Warm Springs Reservation are one of the largest collections of Uktena and Wendigo Kinfolk in North America. When the tribes that make up the Warm Springs Confederation joined together, they did so at the urging of Garou leaders, a measure to keep their bloodlines strong and pure.
The arrival of the Wyrmcomers led the Sept to war with their own cousins, a prospect that hurt the Pure Tribes deeply. When their kin population was finally forced onto the reservation in the mid-19th century, the Sept was faced with the difficult prospect of defending a Caern with so many mortals near by. The presence of the humans so close to their sacred place disturbed the Wendigo of the River’s Corner, even if they were Kin. Could the Sept defend their Caern if they now had to watch closely over the Human tribes?
As dispare set in for the mortals and opening was given to the Wyrm’s corruptive powers. The reservation’s population slowly gave in to the soul wrenching despair over the decades. It culminated in an assault on the Caern itself near the end of the 20th century. In the 1980s, a force of Bane possessed mortals, many of them Kinfolk, attacked the Caern. In times past, this would not have been a difficult problem to resolve, however the century of confinement on the Reservation had weakened the Sept. They were left with a minimal force to defend their Caern with, many of the Garou unproven in large scale battle. If the corruption of their Kin was not enough, the Sept took another blow in the form of a great Bane that led the attack. G’Knel’Kalresh, a minion of the Eater-of-Souls, pressed on, fighting its way onto the Heart of the Caern. The beast was forced back into the recesses of the Spirit World, but not before draining a significant amount of power from the Caern itself.
The battle was won, but at what cost? With so many warriors dead, its Kin population fractured and the spiritual center of the Sept weakened the 1980s and 1990s were sad times indeed for the River’s Corner Garou. The sept was lucky; the forces of the Wyrm did not launch any other major offensives. Their objective had been met, the Garou were demoralized and broken here. The past 20 years have seen the Caern rebuilding its power and the Sept slowly recovering its population. Today, a number of cubs are preparing for their Rites of Passage and a few newly minted Cliaths have formed up into a pack, ready to defend the Sept.
As the Apocalypse draws near, the Garou of the River’s Corner Sept are positive, they may not be as strong as they once were but their hearts are still Garou. When the Last Battle comes, they will be just as ready as other Garou for whatever they must face.
Garou of the River's Corner Sept: Coming Soon...
The Sept of the Tall Rock
Caern: Mount Hood, Northern Oregon.
Level: 3
Gauntlet: 2
Type: Primal-Urge
Tribal Structure: Exclusively Red Talon. They may, from time to time, allow an outside Lupus to enter, but these exceptions have been few and far between as of late. Consider the Sept Closed.
Totem(s): Gryphon
Geography: Ancient old-growth forests cover the vast wilderness surrounding Mount Hood. The land has seen human occupation from time to time, but they never last long. The woods, they say, are haunted. Today “haunted” is a taboo term. The Humans of today prefer to say that the woods are inhospitable, they are not comfortable and they are just not worth the time or effort to tame. In truth, the woods frighten them and for good reason. Old hunters stir in the darkness of the woods. Beast that stalk the overgrown trails and ruined lodges. Once, Timberline Lodge stood as a resort high in the mountains, but today it lay abandoned and rotting. The trails hikers and climbers used to flock too are now abandoned. Overgrown with ferns and other plants that thrive on the forest floor you can barely make out where the paths once were. There is even the skeleton of a village high up in the mountains. Its inhabitants fled spouting tales of monsters in the night. No one believed them and eventually the refugees stopped talking about it. Still, rumors abound about what lurks deep in the woods.
Landmarks:
The Bawn: Mount Hood itself and the wilderness around the mountain marks the territory of the Sept. The Bawn is a large swath of the old growth forest extending out in all directions around the mountain.
Grave of Hallowed Heroes: A number of trees in an unassuming part of the Bawn mark the memory of the fallen warriors of the Sept. They are remembered in scent mainly, though from time to time a packmate may mark one of the memorial trees with a glyph in honor of a fallen companion.
The Living Area: A number of small caves act as the Sept’s refuge in the winter months. During the warmer weather the Garou and their Kin rest wherever their legs bring them.
The Assembly Area: When the call to gather is made the Garou come from miles around to this patch
The Heart: The Caern’s heart is located at a small lake on the western slope of the mountain. It is here that the Sept gathers and plots their next moves in their endless war with the council of the ever vengeful Gryphon.
Umbrascape: The pristine wilderness one sees in the physical world is maintained exactly in the Umbra. As the Talons have pushed the humans out of the wilderness they have taken pains in the spirit realm to remove all traces of the Weaver’s foul presence. Very seldom will one find any spirit related to the Weaver in the Tall Rock’s Protectorate. The Spirits of the local Umbra have recently begun to worry about the Red Talon’s behavior in the area and have taken to steering clear of the Sept. Only the bravest of creatures will venture onto the areas protected by the Sept today. The Talons have taken notice of this and some clamor for a Hunt against the spirits who, in their eyes, have abandoned the Sept. Gryphon has thus far stayed the claws of the sept however and the Spirits remain safe for now.
History: Coming Soon…
Garou of the Tall Rock Sept: Coming Soon...
The Sept of Urban Harmony
Caern: Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center (The EcoTrust Building), Pearl District Portland, Oregon.
Level: 2
Gauntlet: 4
Type: Streetwise
Tribal Structure: Glass Walker. Open to all who come in peace.
Totem(s): Portland’s City Father
Geography:
Landmarks:
The Bawn: The EcoTrust Building sits as the Glass Walkers’ command post in the city, but it is not the extent of their operations. The Glass Walkers make a point to patrol the whole of the Pearl District regularly, however, with the activities of the other creatures roaming Portland this is not always possible. As if knowing the Garou’s limitation the Caern’s Bawn only extends out four blocks in any given direction. This gives the Sept solid control over Jamison Square and Tanner Springs Parks as well as the northern half of the North Park Blocks. Access to Union Station is technically controlled by the Urban Harmony Sept, though the Kindred of the city clash with the Garou over this crucial entry point often.
Grave of Hallowed Heroes: The fallen Garou of the Sept are honored in their own way at the Urban Harmony Sept. After their remains are cremated, the Keeper of the Land uses the ashes as a fertilizer on the building’s various gardens. The most honored of Garou are accorded a place of remembrance at the Heart’s Garden on the building’s roof.
The Living Area: There are no living spaces available in the EcoTrust Building. The Sept owns two former warehouses that have been converted into condos, allowing the Garou of the Urban Harmony to live near the building. These condos are within the Bawn and allow the Garou easy access to the building should the need arise.
The Assembly Area: The Sept often is called to order in either one of the meeting rooms in the upper levels or at one of the building’s gardens. On the most important of Sept events the Garou assembles at the garden on the building’s roof.
The Heart: Inside the EcoTrust Building lay a number of artificial gardens. On the roof of the building sits one of these. From here, the Glass Walkers are able to look out at the city, to bask in it’s glory as well as be in the loving embrace of nature (however controlled it may be). When the City Father wishes to make himself known to the Sept, it is from this point that he does so.
Umbrascape: Coming Soon…
History: Coming Soon…
Garou of the Urban Harmony Sept: Coming Soon...
The Sept of the Hidden Spring
Caern: A backstreet twisting and winding in the ally ways of the Industrial District of Portland, Oregon.
Level: 1
Gauntlet: 4
Type: Stealth
Tribal Structure: Bone Gnawer. Open to travelers... if they can find it.
Totem(s): The Spirit of the Hidden Spring (slowly being converted into a Toxin Elemental, the Wyrm corrupted version of Elemental Water)
Geography: The back alleys of the city, narrow and gritty. A secret world lost in a maze of claustrophobic bends and turns. The backstreets opens up to reveal an urban cave. The clearing between the buildings is wide enough only for a handful of people, 10 at the most.
Landmarks:
The Bawn: Twisting and turning in the backstreets of Portland’s Industrial District one will cross over into the Bawn of the Hidden Springs. One must be completely lost to find their way onto these grounds, a difficult task in the days of GPS and MapQuest. Extending out for only two blocks in any direction from the Assembly Area, the Bawn should be well protected. Unfortunately for the Caern, the Sept of the Hidden Spring has fewer and fewer warriors with each passing day. The Bawn is only patrolled by a handful of Garou, many of whom are very inexperienced.
Grave of Hallowed Heroes: One full wall of the center clearing is adorned with the names of those warriors that have fallen in battle. Each name is spray painted on the wall in different colors and in many styles. Each color and style signifies an important marker in the history of the Sept.
The Living Area: The Caern is so small, no living areas are available. Instead, the Sept’s Garou live in the abandoned warehouses surrounding the Caern itself.
The Assembly Area: The center clearing sandwiched between several old warehouses. The clearing has two above ground entrances, both which can be guarded from above by using the buildings’ fire escapes. The clearing can also be accessed via the sewer system, to which there is a manhole off centered in the assembly area. Off in one of the corners is an overturned dumpster which acts as a dais for whoever is speaking at the time.
The Heart: Underneath the assembly clearing is a large sewer opening, a nexus of pipes and tunnels that lead to this one point. Murky water pours into a shallow lake of filth. This is the Heart of the Cement Jungle Caern. Despite the best efforts of the small Sept and unknown to the other Garou of the city, this Caern is in the slow process of falling to the Wyrm. Once this area was full of fresh water, a point where the downtrodden Garou of Portland could come and be refreshed. The Totem of the Caern, The Spirit of the Hidden Spring, is slowly being corrupted by the forces of the Wyrm and a massive amount of pollution being dumped into the spring. It is unknown how the spring was corrupted and the Sept is desperately attempting to stop the flow of contaminants and to purify the water.
Umbrascape: Hidden deep within the city’s spirit world is a maze of spirit webbing, an urban jungle that hides the many types of city spirits. Many of these spirits serve the Weaver, though some have crossed over into the Wyrm’s camp. The protectors of the Hidden Spring have come under a near constant assault by hellish spirit spiders and mutant spirits of the dark unknown. The Caern’s boundaries are being violated daily and little can be done from either side of the gauntlet. In the Spirit World, the Caern is a dark cavern of webbing and cement where few peaceful spirits are seen. It was once understood that the Knife Moons of the Sept would parlay with the Weaver spirits in the area, that alliance has fallen to the wayside as the Wyrm’s minions move in closer and closer every day.
History: Coming Soon…
Garou of the Hidden Spring Sept: Coming Soon...
The Sept of the Arbor
Caern: Hoyt Arboretum, Washington Park
Level: 3
Gauntlet: 3
Type: Coming Soon...
Tribal Structure: Open to all peaceful Garou. Led by the Fianna.
Totem(s): Coming Soon...
Geography: Coming Soon...
Landmarks: Coming Soon...
The Bawn: Coming Soon...
Grave of Hallowed Heroes: Coming Soon...
The Living Area: Coming Soon...
The Assembly Area: Coming Soon...
The Heart: Coming Soon...
Umbrascape: Coming Soon...
History: Coming Soon...
Garou of the Arbor Sept: Coming Soon...
The Sept of the True Way
Caern: The Town of Holden, Oregon
Level: 3
Gauntlet: 3
Type: Justice
Tribal Structure: Silver Fang, Fianna. Visitors welcomed though the Sept is closed.
Totem(s): Coming Soon…
Geography: Coming Soon…
Landmarks: Coming Soon…
The Bawn: Coming Soon…
Grave of Hallowed Heroes: Coming Soon…
The Living Area: Coming Soon…
The Assembly Area: Coming Soon…
The Heart: Coming Soon…
Umbrascape: Coming Soon…
History: Coming Soon…
Garou of the Sept of the True Way: Coming Soon...