By Colin Chapman (col.chapman@virgin.net) (26 May 1996
As celebration and mourning for the lost subsided, the Pure Ones migrated south to warmer lands, parting ways with the Ankuq and leaving them free to settle the harsh northern lands of snow and ice. There they lived a hard but fulfilling existence until the Wyrmbringers came...
Never a numerous people, The Ankuq and their Inuit kinfolk were nonetheless strongly protected by virtue of their harsh climate. Few were the Wyrmcomers who wished to enter their domain, but enter they did. A peaceable people and tribe, the Ankuq and their kin accepted the newcomers openly, only to find themselves and their culture under threat. Unlike the harsh warfare and genocide of the more southern lands, their cultural erosion was much more subtle, and conflicts mercifully few. Survival was the key concern for all living in their lands, and the Inuit began to accept the tools of the Weaver, temptation towards an easier life, and over time many of the traditional ways passed from memory.
Slow for so many years, the Wyrm has made stronger moves into the teritory of the Ankuq in recent years, as the pristine northlands have become subject to pollution and exploitation under the shadows of companies such as Pentex.
A small tribe, the Ankuq have begun forging stronger alliances with the Wendigo to fight these incursions. The Algonkuin Wendigo call them the Eskimo (Eaters of Raw Flesh).
Ankuq garou are renowned as incrdeibly hardy and determined folk, possessed of quiet strength and determination, thriving in lands that have destroyed many others. Respect and honour are their greatest values, and sharing gives meaning to their lives. Being welcoming, smiling, enjoying humour, respectful, sensitive and giving, honest, patient, accepting others and overcoming grief for the strength of others is to value life. Family and kinfolk are the foundation of this tribe, with children and cubs raised not only by their immediate family, but by the extended family and community.
Level One
No one may, without reason, avoid the struggle for food and clothing. He who does so is not allowed to starve; but he is despised and looked down on by everybody.
The action of a member is the responsiblity of the entire group.
Garou shall not mate with Garou
This is not a prohibition against seeking the warmth of anothers embrace. Try to avoid breeding with other garou though, not for the sake of yourselves, but for the hard life any metis born would suffer in our harsh lands. Respect metis, for, like all, they are of Gaia, and their birth is not their nor anyones fault. The community holds responsibility as a whole.
Combat the Wyrm wherever it dwells and whenever it breeds.
Violence is wrong, and we desire for better ways, but blood must stain the snow if these lands are to remain clean. Destroy without anger or hate, for such is the way of the Wyrm.
Respect the territory of another.
The lands were given to all, for all to share. Territory is an abomination.
Accept an honourable surrender.
Be merciful and respectful. Destroying a surrendering foe is craven.
Submit to those of higher station.
Your elders have lived a long and hard life, and they deserve respect for doing so. Respect for all is the strongest creed.
The first share of the kill for the greatest in station.
This law is foolish. The greatest share should always go to those of greatest need, or those who can put an item to the best use. Possession is conditioned by actual use of property. As long as an item is being used it shall remain personal property. If not it should be given to someone who will.
Ye shall not eat the glesh of humans.
Avoid this tainted practice when you can but know that in the harshest times, the flesh of the dead can give you needed life.
Respect for those beneath ye -- all are of Gaia.
Truth given form. Respect all, no matter station, creed, race or breed. If you do not respect the world how can it possibly respect you?
The Veil shall not be lifted.
Many of our kin are aware of our breed, as are many of the Inuit humans, but do not allow others to see for the power they could bring to bear would spell our end.
Do not suffer they people to tend thy sickness.
No elder is truly a burden, and the community is our greatest strength. provide for them, and if they wish to die, let them die as they see fit.
The leader may be challenged at any time during peace.
Leadership is based on wisdom, and community spirit. Those best suited to lead towards a certain goal do so at the behest of the community.
The leader may not be challenged during wartime.
If war does break out, communication and comradeship take precedence over other concerns. If the leader is succeeding, live things as they are. Do not attempt to take control of a mantle you can't fill any better. If you are better the leader will gladly step down.
Ye shall take no action that causes a caern to be violated.
This is the most inviolate rule of the litany. Caerns are the strongest links to Gaia, and violation is the greatest disresepct possibly towards all life.
*Black Furies: Lack of respect for Woman has driven them into rage, but is it not hypocrisy to have no respect for Man?
I can't believe their women are happy with their roles as mothers and home-keepers!
Bone Gnawers: They are symbolic of the lack of mutual respect and responsibility between tribes. Were all to recognise their brothers they would all have homes. Judge them not by their downtrodden state for such is not their fault. Many have good hearts.
Their hearts are in the right place but I think I'll take this nice, warm, trashy ally over their frozen 'home' anyday!
Children of Gaia: We have much in common with this warm-hearted tribe and they have helped many native people in their struggle to regain lost heritage.
True garou. If only more were like them.
*Fianna: Their rageful passions should be directed against the Wyrm rather than each other. Still, at least they have warm souls.
They're alright (typical Fianna understatement)
*Get of Fenris: Like us they hail from a land of bitter cold. Unfortunately they have not let the ice cool their destructive rage.
Adept survivors at least
*Glass Walkers: They have adapted to a climate others would deem inhospitable. Common ground. Sadly many seem to have lost their vision of the true beauty of Gaia.
Thank Gaia for central heating!
Red Talons: I weep for our misguided brothers. Cnce, they understood respect and beauty. Rage has made them blind for not all humans have left the love of Gaia.
Their apes not too bad (grudging remark)
Shadow Lords: They believe respect is earned by trcikery and force. They are the antithesis of everything we stand for. Avoid them and their ways.
'...Feign respect and smile...'
*Silent Striders: They have chosen a hrsh and lonely path, yet they seem at ease. Offer resoect and it may be reciprocated.
Snow and ice make unusual roads
*Silver Fangs: Respect is not hereditary.
Loyal subjects aren't they?
*Stargazers: Wise but cryptic. Perhaps they understand respect better than we do?
As the snowflake falls in peace, they understand
Uktena: Older Cousin has suffered greatly at the death of Middle Cousin, and treads a dangerous path. Help them return to the fold.
Cousin has a vast and mysterious land with many mysteries awaiting us.
Wendigo: Younger Cousin rages at the newcomers. Perhaps this is justified but bloodshed does not heal or build. The Wyrm is the real enemy.
We envy our Cousins calm but cannot understand it. They are good allies in these harsh northern lands
*Ehecatl: Knowledge and teaching are respectful arts.
They have open hearts and minds. The greatest merits of any pupil or teacher.
*Tlaloque: True healerrs with a great respect for all life.
Peaceful garou with strong souls.
*Wyld Runners: Determined messengers at ease with life.
It's a wonder they can prosper in such lands.
*Lazarites: Deep sorrow surrounds this tribe, and we understand. With respect they would have a home and love but other tribes condemn them. Welcome these outcasts with open arms and show them the warmth they have been denied.
They actually respect metis?!... (starts to weep with joy)
Ulu (see Fang Dagger): This semi-circular slate knife acts as the Ankuq version of a Fang Dagger.