Totem Animal: Human (W:tA)

[VoidPointer]

In Werewolf: the Apocalypse, the various werewolf tribes (each of which has a unifying ideology) each have a totem animal. Most of these are both awesome and fitting, and among them are a wolf, a unicorn, a gryphon, and a falcon. Sadly, the Glass Walker tribe, the werewolf tribe which, unique among werewolf tribes, actually likes humans and lives among them, gets the mighty and powerful... cockroach.

COME ON. THAT IS LAME.

The source material does make a decent point about cockroaches. They are hardy and live everywhere, especially cities. However, there is another species which is not only hardier than the cockroach (the "cockroaches are immune to radiation" thing is a myth), capable of literally chasing most other animals TO DEATH, but is also capable of living in any biome on Earth and many found elsewhere, and on top of all that, is capable of adapting to myriad different situations. This creature is literally the ultimate survivor.

The astute will realize that I speak of none other than humans. Few animals on Earth are capable of besting a determined human with a spear, and none are capable of besting a determined human with his choice of tools.

"But wait," you may say. "We can't give the Glass Walkers a human totem! It would be silly! They ARE human!" This is incorrect. Glass Walkers are not human, they are werewolves. They are no more human than they are wolf; indeed a wolf is the totem for one of the other tribes! It makes perfect sense for a tribe so closely in tune with humans to adopt Human as their totem. I will now present some text lifted from the World of Darkness Wiki, and demonstrate how easily Cockroach becomes Human, and how much better it works.

"Totem of Wisdom To the Glass Walkers, Cockroach is a totem that is adapted to the modern times. Hardy, persistent, and quick, there is almost not a place on earth that doesn't have its corners and nooks untouched by at least one cockroach. And where there is one... Cockroach allows his children the ability to gain influence among humans more easily, [and] those who follow him in packs find they can use gifts linked to technology much [more easily]. They can also try and view information on data cables[.] However, [whether] it be in a pack or the tribe itself, both must take pains not to kill any cockroaches."

"Totem of Wisdom and Adaptability to the Glass Walkers, Human is a totem that is adapted to the modern times; indeed Human created the modern times. Hardy, persistent, quick, and flexible, Human is able to adapt to any place on Earth, and with his intelligence and adaptability may call any place on Earth home. Human grants his followers understanding of human nature, allowing them to gain influence in his societies more easily, and those who follow him in packs find they can use gifts linked to technology much more easily. They can also try and view information on data cables. However, with Human's adaptability comes Human's hubris. Garou who follow Human find it difficult to understand other points of view, because deep in their hearts, the only thing that matters is their way, and their vision."

I think my restriction makes for much more interesting play, too. It also fits thematically, as humans are (probably) the only species who kill each other over ideology. I also borrowed the last bit from Consign to Oblivion by Epica, which is a song about the dangers of modern living and modern technology, and serves as an excellent look into how an average Garou would see a follower of Human, Weaver-oriented as Human is.

[Enmesh]

I personally don't like the idea, more on a fundemental ideal than anything, it just doesn't fit the mood to me.

Not that I'm in love with roaches either.

[k-raov]

I concur with Enmesh. It wouldn't fit in with the concept of the Garou being the bastions of defense against things that would destroy the Wyld. Humans are children of the Weaver. Conflict of interests being what they were, I wouldn't think that any Garou would be very accepting of someone following the totem that represents their antithesis.

Now, I do think that this would be an awesome hook for a game. Maybe a cult of Glass Walkers who worship Humans and begin forcefully ejecting or converting other Garou from their territory.

[VoidPointer]

Well, the funny thing about the Glass Walkers is that they're extremely Weaver-y. They live in cities, use technology, and have a rapidly declining population of lupus Kinfolk. While most Garou are opposed to the Weaver on principle, the Walkers embrace the Weaver's works and its children. The Walkers were once called the Warders of Men, after all. As for mainstream Garou society rejecting things that are Weaver-y, that applies to the Walkers already. They're urrah, or city-wolves, and this is not considered a good thing by most Garou. The Walkers already embrace the things that are most human, so embracing a totem spirit of humans is hardly a stretch.

Not that these arguments don't have weight. I doubt all Walkers would feel entirely comfortable with Human being the tribal totem, but it's rare for all members of a tribe to agree on anything anyway.