Gifts
Rokea
The Same-Bito have an entirely different class of Gifts to call upon, as they broke off from the primitive ways of Rokea ages ago. Though they share many Gifts with their more primitive brethren, the Same-Bito lack some of the more ferocity-based powers. They venerate Tiandi, one of the Dragon Princes, who the Zhong Lung introduced ages ago. They get many great spells from him. But a growing number of Same-Bito are also (secretly) worshiping Teanoi (their name for Shark). Though Tiandi would not be offended by the Same-Bito honoring both totems, the Same-Bito are concerned that they would offend their great allies and patrons, the Zhong Lung. The voice of dissent steadily grows, however. But overall, the Same-Bito Gifts are still very similar and relevant to their habitat. Same-Bito may choose one Gift each from Auspice and Beast-Court, and two from “general” Same-Bito Gifts.
Karui (Brightwater)
Restraint (Level One) - Rokea.
Undertow (Level Two) - Rokea.
School’s Fear (Level Three) - Rokea.
Best Policy (Level Four) - Rokea.
Sea’s Winds (Level Five) - Rokea.
Koshuku (Dimwater)
True Intentions (Level One) - Rokea.
Whispers of Tiandi (Level Two) - As the Rokea Gift, Know Oversea’s Mind.
Sea’s Wisdom (Level Three) - Rokea.
Wrath of Tiandi (Level Four) - As the Rokea Gift, Oversea’s Wrath.
Common Foe (Level Five) - Rokea.
Irono (Darkwater)
Blood of the Deeps (Level One) - Rokea.
Part the Wall (Level Two) - As the Rokea Gift, Enter Sea’s Soul. Kagesame (goblin sharks) do not need to learn this Gift.
Voices of the Deep (Level Two) - Rokea.
Swim Through the School (Level Three) - Rokea.
Sea’s Breath (Level Four) - Rokea.
Hunger of the Trench (Level Five) - Rokea. Some shen refer to the effects of this dark Gift as soulflaying.
General
Blood Scent (Level One) - Hengeyokai.
Breach (Level One) - Rokea.
Find Sea (Level One) - Rokea.
Sea’s Camouflage (Level One) - As the Wendigo Gift, Camouflage. Like Breach, this Gift does work on land. But most Same-Bito don’t think to use it there. This is a favorite Gift of the youhuxa (wobbegong) breed of Same-Bito, who use it to enhance their already impressive camouflage abilities.
Sense Threat (Level One) - Rokea.
Shou of Zhong Lung (Level One) - Hengeyokai.
Teeth of the Skin (Level One) - Rokea.
Blessing of the Emerald Mother (Level Two) - As the Rokea Gift, Unsea’s Blessing.
Friendly Waters (Level Two) - The Same-Bito are often considered alien and fearsome even by their own hengeyokai brethren. And to be honest, the weresharks are alien and fearsome. Naturally, this can dampen social relationships of any sort with their land-based allies. This Gift, which a spirit-servant of Tiandi teaches, helps the Same-Bito impress upon other hengeyokai his loyalty, strength, and friendliness. Same-Bito diplomats often make use of this Gift to make up for any lack of social graces or comprehension of etiquette among the shen.
System: The Same-Bito must make a successful Charisma+Etiquette roll at difficulty 6 (this roll is made at difficulty 8 if the character has zilch in the Etiquette Skill). If successful, the Same-Bito will appear at least tolerably rustic to even the snootiest Hakken unless he makes a serious blunder (like frenzying). For every success after the third, the character may add one die to all Social rolls dealing with hengeyokai (playing on their shock at such a well-mannered wereshark!). These benefits last a scene and only work on shapeshifters who have officially taken up on the Great Burden. Asian Changing Breeds that do not member the Beast-Courts are not affected.
Gulp (Level Two) - Rokea.
Poisoned Flesh (Level Two) - Rokea.
Shagreen Shield (Level Two) - Rokea.
Sight Without Sight (Level Two) - Hengeyokai.
Consume Taint (Level Three) - Rokea.
Craft of the Sea (Level Three) - This Gift is much like the Homid Gift, Reshape Object. However, Same-Bito may only make reshape objects taken from the sea. Coral spears and seaweed tents are common examples.
Iron Jaws (Level Three) - Hengeyokai.
Mysteries of Men (Level Three) - As the Rokea Gift, C’et’s Mysteries.
Voracious Hunger (Level Three) - Hengeyokai.
Ancient Mind (Level Four) - As the Silver Fang Gift, Mindblock.
Bite of the Destroyer (Level Four) - Hengeyokai.
Part the Wall (Level Four) - As the Rokea Gift, Enter Sea’s Soul. Kagesame (goblin sharks) do not need to learn this Gift.
Tsunami Form (Level Four) - Hengeyokai.
Great Summons (Level Five) - Rokea.
Ocean’s Peace (Level Five) - Rokea.
Teanoi’s Rage (Level Five) - Hengeyokai.
Whirlpool’s Maw (Level Five) - Rokea.
Rise of the Behemoth (Level Six) - The seemingly immortal Same-Bito who reaches this Rank likely remembers the days before the patronage of Tiandi and the Laws of Mizuchi. And this Gift is a token of tribute to the ancient wereshark from their truest patron, Teanoi. By invoking this simplistic but powerful Gift, the Same-Bito becomes a gargantuan, powerful warrior of the Sea, capable of chomping and shredding any beast of Centipede -- no matter how big (and they can get pretty big in the ocean…).
System: This Gift is basically a “super-sized” (and more versatile) version of the Dimwater Gift, Leviathan. Who needs the Rite of the Black Shark? The Rokea must be in either Karvu or Warui (Gladius/Chasmus), and will remain in that form effectively for the duration of the Gift. He expends 1 point of Gnosis, Rage, and Willpower each (this expenditure can be done in the same turn despite the usual rule against spending Rage and Gnosis at the same time). The wereshark’s chosen form (Karvu or Warui) suddenly springs into a much more massive shape. He grows to a 100 feet tall (long), adding 7 (Bruised) Health Levels and +5 to all Physical Attributes (on top of his form’s current statistics). Furthermore, he can incite the Delirium in everyone who views him, including other shen. (Victims may move up the Willpower chart with the usual Wits+Occult roll.) Note that no objects or weapons that a Gladius-Behemoth carries will “grow” with him unless they are Dedicated, not that any weapons are really needed! The Karui-Behemoth inflicts a base of Strength+6 aggravated damage with his bite. The Gladius-Behemoth can bite for Strength+3, and claw for Strength+4.
