Redwood Protectorates
Protecting the Earth
The Garou and other Fera in the San Francisco are no less dedicated to preserving Gaia than any others. However, a sense of serenity guides the werewolves’ hands in their everyday activities. They prize the fact that they get humans to do their nature preserving work for them much of the time. The other shapeshifters in the area may follow their own stars, but the Garou of the Sept of the Western Eye are pleased that they can accomplish so much without lifting a claw. Of course, there are secrets beneath the unstable earth that other werewolves know are not so forgiving or peaceful…
The shapeshifters of San Francisco can be broken down into six main groups. Only two are covered by this TUG, the “rural” groups, which include the Sept of the Western Eye and the Grotto of the Trembling Unsea (a protectorate of the Rokea). The four “urban” groups are covered under the TUG, Werewolf Weaver Wonders. Most of the shapeshifters of the region cherish wisdom over glory and mind over matter. These Folk of Gaia know that they are defenders and protectors first.
Rules
The Litany is always upheld by these Garou, although there is less emphasis on “do not suffer thy people to tend thy sickness” of course, and extra emphasis on upkeeping the Veil.
Other Shapeshifters
In addition to the Rokea, many other shapeshifters frequent the area. They just lack organization. That includes some Bastet, Corax, and Nuwisha. It also includes a couple Gurahl, Ananasi, and even Ajaba immigrants. Ratkin have their own warren in the city, while Mokole are not fond enough of the climate to have formed a Wallow anywhere nearby. However, the hengeyokai Beast-Court in the city may house a couple Zhong Lung or Makara. All shapeshifters that frequent the urban locales are allotted to the Werewolf Weaver Wonders game.
Sept of the Western Eye
The Bay Area is not the only place with redwood forests. But it is perhaps the most centrally important to the protection of these grand woods, as well as the bay itself and all local flora and fauna. Here is where the Garou have the best chance to influence humanity to protect their homes and lands. So far, the Sept of the Western Eye has had strong successes. Once the caern here belonged to the Uktena. When white man came, they feared they would lose control of this sacred place to Shadow Lords or the like. They were far more fortunate that Children of Gaia came first, and partnered with the Uktena in this caern’s upkeep. Few know, of course, that Banetenders are at work among the Uktena, intent on keeping the terrible Cataclysm asleep.
Location
The Sept of the Western Eye is hidden in the redwood forest of Muir Woods, which is on the North Bay. Mount Tamilpais State Park surrounds this forest, and Mount Tamilpais is the tallest peak in the immediate area, overlooking the San Francisco Bay to the east and Pacific Ocean to the west.
Bawn
The bawn includes all of Mount Tamilpais State Park. This area tends to be heavily traveled by day, and camping is permitted in certain areas. Kinfolk tourists and rangers patrol the parkland, and the caern itself is hidden in layers of earthen ridges and thickets. The only path to the caern itself is past a huge boulder that must be leaped over (a feat impossible for all but the supernatural). And of course, Guardians keep an eye on all traffic in the area.
Caern
The caern center is a clearing, and in the middle of the clearing is a circle of young red woods planted almost a century ago. They stand over a hundred feet tall. Beneath the roots of these trees, a medicine circle of painted and carved stones was secreted by the Uktena: these are the Banetenders’ magic fetishes to keep the Cataclysm asleep. A faint mist always lingers on this clearing, for here lies the power of Aeolus, adding mystery and wonder to this Level 3 Caern of Wisdom.
Other Landmarks
Not far from the clearing lies a grove of much older sequoia trees. The Graves of Hollowed Heroes are entombed here. Through the middle of the caern, a small stream passes from east to west. Here the Guardians can sleep and relax; many lupus members consider this area “home”. On the shore of this stream, an ancient and hollowed oak contains the Pathstone.
Tribal Structure
The Children of Gaia control the sept, but spiritual affairs are left to the Uktena. All Tribes are welcome (save Black Spiral Dancers, of course), although some Garou do not linger long, growing swiftly disgusted with the Children’s peacenik ways.
Guardians
In addition to appointed Guardians, there is reputed to be at least one Unicorn-spirit that trots about the local Penumbra. These spirits never attack invaders, but invaders find their will to fight sapped, and a sense of serenity swiftly overcomes those that have not been given the blessing of the Voice of the Goddess (Sept Leader).
Grotto of the Trembling Unsea
Ten miles west of the Golden Strait, which the Golden Gate Bridge spans, the Pacific Ocean begins to deepen. There admidst the ridges of the sea floor dwell pockets of abyssal darkness. Occasionally, flares of scarlet flicker in the deep, but humans have yet to notice these rarely active vents. But the heat and power of these ridges grant security and a home to a few slews of Rokea. These Rokea defend their home with almost paranoid conviction; the deaths of humans to shark attacks in the Bay Area have slowly been on the rise for the past twenty years. This is in part due to the successful preservation of sea lions of the area; sharks moved in naturally to cull the excess. Rokea help to maintain the Harmony of the Sea.
Special Events
Special events are annual (or more frequent) holidays or special ritual days that the main group or groups observe as a whole community. Attendance and participation is often expected of all members, and sometimes required.
Rite of the Fertile Season
Spring Equinox marks the end of winter. With that seasonal change also comes the season of breeding for many species. Garou can and do mate all year. But the Sept of the Western Eye, so thoroughly guided by the Children of Gaia, are especially attuned to these “festivals of love”. Kinfolk are highly encouraged to attend. Pregnancies abound by the next day.
“The forest grows strong from the blood and toil that we donate gladly.”
-- Celeste Snowtop, Voice of the Goddess of the Sept of the Western Eye
