CHIROPTER

By J.D. Pilling (apilling@lcc.net)

Author's Notes

Related material for this species can be found in the Book of the Wyrm, the Corax Sourcebook, the Bastet Sourcebook, and, of course, the other rule books related to the Werewolf: The Apocalypse. I would also like to acknowledge the fine work done by Jay Turner on the Chiropterix and Stephen Robinson on the Chiroptera which this is not meant to replace. In my own campaign, the Chiropter are extinct, but were encountered by a pack during a past-lives adventure in which the characters relived part of the War of Rage.

Description

Long before the Black Spiral Dancers were formed from the corrupted bodies of the White Howlers, others danced the darkened tunnels beneath the surface of the earth. It was these changers who helped initiate the War of Rage. It was these changers who helped spread terror among the humans. Terror and distrust were their specialties and the darkness their home. Though now they are mostly forgotten as creatures of the past, the Chiropter still squeak in the dark and await the day when they can emerge from their caves, belfries, and darkened jungles to return terror to those who live in the light.

Chiropter were originally creations of the Wyrm of Balance, designed to check the growth of Weaver spirits long before banes or fomori raised their ugly heads. Although the Garou were assigned as warders of man and self-appointed "Guardians of Gaia," the Chiropter stalked the insects of the world to curb the Weaver's might. When the Weaver achieved consciousness and entrapped the Wyrm, driving it insane, many Chiropter went likewise. Chiropter began to spread disease and to feed from all creatures, man included.

The insane Chiropter began attacks on the Garou and other defenders of Gaia. They sought depraved allies in the nascent Kindred to help in their struggle against the Garou. Their actions helped provoke the War of Rage as they were able to disguise some of their killings as the actions of other bete. The Garou reprisals against all bete was more than any of the Chiropter had anticipated which almost led to their being extinguished. Their ability to fly helped them escape from certain extinction following the War of Rage.

Following the War of Rage, the few remaining Chiropter went into hiding. Some hid beneath the earth in deep caves, others in the cities of man, and yet others in the high trees of the thickest jungles where not even the Garou could reach. Here they have remained. Their anger at their forced exile and virtual imprisonment has weighed heavily upon them.

Not all the Chiropter entered into the madness that the Wyrm fell victim to. These Chiropter are sworn to their duty as servants of the Wyrm of Balance, and helped to warn the other changers of the actions of their dark brothers and also of the coming of the War of Rage. Due to their efforts, numerous bete were able to go into hiding from the assaults of the raging Garou, and have thus survived to this day, although the cost to the benevolent Chiropter was considerable. The surviving Chiropter of Balance were forced to flee Europe due to the efforts of the Garou as well as their insane brethren. However, no bete will ever forgive the actions of the dark Chiropter of Corruption, who led Garou to the homes of numerous changers, which has led to suffering by all Chiropter.

Chiropter have long been associated with other night creatures, particularly the Kindred. Images of flying bat/men helped inspire Tzimisce masters of Vicissitude into developing a flying form. Likewise, early Kindred masters of Protean learned to not only mimic the wolves of the forest, the form of their natural enemies the Garou, but also the bat form of the Chiropter.

Chiropter are also associated with, and often mistaken for, Black Spiral Dancers, although very pathetic looking BSDs. Chiropter's Totem Spirit, Bat, helped instruct many of the first Black Spiral Dancers, and is still a totem spirit among the BSDs. Bat taught to the BSDs the gifts of Ears of the Bat and Patagia to insure the safety of his Children. Chiropter were instrumental in the corruption of the White Howlers. However, today, few Black Spiral Dancers have encountered Chiropter, and consider them creatures of legend.

Although many Western countries have developed a fear of bats, several Asian countries see them as symbols of good luck, happiness, and long life. These areas were most heavily populated by those Chiropter who did not follow the Wyrm into madness. They consume large numbers of insects that would otherwise damage crops and they provide excellent fertilizer in the form of their guano. Others help pollinate plants and spread seeds.

Rage

Rage affects Chiropter in the same way it affects the Garou, although the thralls of the Wyrm that the Chiropter experience are often longer lasting and more depraved than even the lowest of the Black Spiral Dancers. Rage is also spent and regained in the same manner as Garou. Chiropter do not regain Rage when confronted by the horrors and crimes done against Gaia, but they do gain Rage when their colonies and homes are disturbed even if done so non-violently. Woe be to the traveling salesman who disturbs a Chiropter tenement. Some Chiropter suffer from rabies, making them even more susceptible to frenzy. When fox frenzying, Chiropter often easily become confused and flutter or dash about causing yet more confusion to those around them.

Quick Silver (Mercury)

Due to their origins connected to the Wyrm, silver does not affect Chiropter in the same manner it does the other changing breeds. Instead, they suffer from any type of exposure to mercury, commonly referred to as quicksilver. This toxic substance (a Wyrm mockery of the pureness of silver) is liquid at room temperature and is a poisonous carcinogen to most creatures, but is exceptionally deadly to Chiropter. Like silver for most changing breeds, Chiropter may only soak attacks by quicksilver in their breed form with the exception of the metis. Exposure to mercury burns Chiropter, causing an aggravated wound for each round of exposure. Because mercury can be absorbed through the skin, Chiropter exposed suffer additional aggravated wounds even after they are exposed (one wound per turn for the number of turns of exposure). For example, if a Chiropter were shot by a mercury-laced bullet (highly illegal) and suffered two Health Levels, he would suffer an additional aggravated wound on the following round due to exposure. Mercury poisoning quickly kills any Chiropter involved if they do not quickly revert to their breed form, although they then lose the advantage of their natural regenerative abilities. Chiropter who carry quicksilver suffer the same Gnosis penalties that Garou face when carrying silver. Chiropter have learned the hard way to avoid old thermometers and many must be wary of consuming fish, which can contain mercury in varying degrees.

Regeneration

Chiropter have the same regenerative abilities as the Garou. Regeneration only works when in non-breed form (except for the metis) in the same manner that it does for Garou. Chiropter recover aggravated wounds at the same rate as Garou. This is essential to Chiropter because they no longer have the gifts needed to heal others. Chiropter that are injured beyond normal healing methods are often put out of their misery according to Chiropter Litany.

Umbra and the Spirits

For Chiropter, the Umbra is referred to as the Beyond. It is what lies beyond the Gauntlet, and few Chiropter can make the journey across. Only Rank 5 Chiropter can actually pierce the Gauntlet after acquiring the proper gift. Even then, they face the same difficulties as Garou as well as rejection by most spirits.

Chiropter are out of favor with most spirits, due to numerous betrayals by Chiropters of Corruption, and find communication with spirits difficult at best. Chiropter often must learn their gifts from other Chiropter, Black Spiral Dancers or from the few spirits that will communicate with them (often at a high price). Chiropter are aware of spirits and banes; most are simply out of tune with them. As tools of terror and consumption, Chiropter are also feared by spirits for what they represent. In addition, Banes resent Chiropter because they cannot possess them.

To protect the interests of its tools, the Wyrm of Balance granted the Chiropter immunity to spirit possession. This was done before the insanity that led to the Wyrm's corruption. This makes them unique, but hated by the various banes who would gladly ride them into psychotic bliss. This does not mean Chiropter are immune to balefire, radiation or Wyrm elementals. They suffer alongside everyone else. Nor does this immunity protect them from domination or other forms of control. Only possession is protected against.

There are some spirits that will associate with Chiropter (again at a high price). These spirits include those related to their totem, the Bat, as well as spirits of Rage, Revenge, Night, Darkness, Shadows, Stealth, Caves and some sinister Tree Spirits. Although no Shadow Lord would admit to it, Chiropter are also conversant with Grandfather Thunder and his Stormcrows. In exchange for secrets from beneath the earth, the Chiropter have received instruction in several gifts from Grandfather Thunder and all judges pay him some homage.

Society

Aside from their high Rage, which dramatically increases the problem of the Curse and the risks of frenzy, Chiropter are highly social. Normal family groups are cast aside and replaced by colonies. Parents are still recognized by scent, although numerous groups will share the same living space. Whatever shelter is present quickly becomes littered with the refuse of the colony. Many Chiropter live quite contentedly in the slums of industrial society. Enterprising Chiropter find use for the refuse, although most just let it remain. A dominant figure, usually the largest member present, decides most actions for the colony, although all respond quickly to changes in the surroundings.

Chiropter were once common throughout the world especially in the mountains of Eastern Europe, the jungles of Africa, Asia, Indonesia, and South America. Their kinfolk have traveled throughout the world and can be found almost everywhere save the Arctic. They most often make their homes in caves, trees, belfries, ruins and run-down tenements.

The Chiropter of Europe have suffered heavily from warfare. Hunts by the Inquisition, coupled with random attacks by Tremere who mistake them for Tzimisce and Gangrel as well as attacks by Garou have brought their numbers to under a score. These Chiropter also tend to be the most Wyrm-tainted which has made it difficult for them to hide. Ironically, the two World Wars did much to open up living space across Europe as the numerous burned out buildings provided excellent nests for colonies.

Mating

Chiropter have selected mates from the various types of bats: from the flying foxes of Africa, Asia, and the jungles of the Indonesian islands to the vampire bats of Central and South America. Chiropter breed freely with all types of bats, but do not develop unique traits through these crossings. The Bat totem prevents his children from being isolated genetically so that they can continue their survival even if forced to flee and seek other mates. Most bats mate usually just once a year, at varying seasons. Matings produce one offspring usually, although as many as four offspring can be produced. Nursing colonies are often formed to care for the young. Many of these colonies are exclusively female while the males live alone. Although bats are quite numerous, Chiropters and their bat kinfolk are even more scarce than Garou. Chiropter are outnumbered by their Kinfolk by about 20 to 1. Because Chiropter blood has become thin due to exclusive breeding with bats, the same ratio is kept in offspring. Chiropter are beginning to understand the danger that the exclusive breeding with bats is having on their species and more thieves are kidnapping humans to breed with. The few terrified individuals who escape such encounters seldom retain their sanity. There are few metis produced because Chiropter tend to view each others as potential rivals rather than potential mates. No scorn is placed on the metis because they are less of a rival for potential mates. The biggest obstacle for the metis is survival, as Chiropter afford them no special treatment. They must learn to overcome their handicaps if they are to survive.

Chiropter Character Creation

Choose Concept, Breed, Auspice, Nature, Demeanor, Attributes (7/5/3), and Abilities (13/9/5). All Chiropter receive 5 Background points, though none may purchase Purebreed or Past Lives. Chiropter find it harder to learn Rites (see the Rites section at the end for details). Chiropter are chosen by Bat regardless of Totem points invested. Bat worries for the survival of his children and grants them an extra die with any Intimidation, Stealth, or Survival roll. In addition, all difficulties involving flight and sonar rolls are reduced by two. All Chiropter may choose three Level One Gifts from Breed, Auspice or General in any combination. All Chiropter begin with an initial Willpower of 3. Rage is determined by auspice and Gnosis by breed. All Chiropter begin at Rank 1 and may allot 3 points of Renown as they choose. All Chiropter begin with 15 freebie points. All Chiropter have the weakness of radiating Wyrm aura, regardless of whether they serve the Wyrm of Balance or the Wyrm of Corruption.

Breeds

"Don't place faith in human beings. Human beings are unreliable things."
-- Machines of Loving Grace

There are three breeds of Chiropter determined by their parentage. Most Chiropter are Vespertim (roughly 80%). Homids account for only 15%, and Metis make up the remaining few.

Offspring of a Chiropter and human mating, as with Garou Homids.

Nicknames: Ground Walkers

Restricted Ability: Flight

Initial Gnosis: 1

Gifts: as per Garou Homid Gifts.

Sterile offspring created by the mating of two Chiropter. All begin with a Metis deformity. They are not shunned if they can survive the handicap of their deformity.

Nicknames: Crips

Bonus Ability: Flight 1

Initial Gnosis: 2

Beginning Gifts: Create Element, Resist Toxin.

Offspring of a Chiropter and bat mating. They resemble large specimens of their bat species. Like lupus Garou, they cannot understand human speech without taking Linguistics (through freebie points).

Nicknames: Winged Rodents

Restricted Abilities: Computer, Drive, Etiquette, Firearms, Law, Linguistics, Medicine, Politics, Science

Bonus Ability: Flight 2

Initial Gnosis: 3

Beginning Gifts: Beast Speech, Heightened Senses.

Flight: All Chiropter are capable of flight in the appropriate form, but only those who develop the talent of flight are prepared for the aerial coordination required during combat and other complex maneuvers. This talent reflects the Chiropter's skill in take-offs, landings, picking up objects in mid-flight, sudden changes in direction and emergency actions.

Forms

Chiropter maintain three forms, having over the millennia lost the ability to assume any shape between these. The difficulty to change any shape is 7. Regardless of form, Chiropter have high metabolisms and seldom much body fat, unless preparing for a winter's hibernation. In both Crinos and Vespertim form, Chiropter are able to fly at a rate of four meters for each dot of their Dexterity each turn.

No Modifiers

This form tends to be dark-haired and pale regardless of heritage. Body hair is prominent, even on females. Most rest during the day, being active at dusk, during the night and at dawn. Many suffer vision problems, but are not overly hampered by them.

Str +2, Dex +2, Sta +2, Man -3, App 0, Per -1, Flight, Incite full Delirium

Although not as large as most Crinos Garou, this hideous man-bat form is a creature of terror and invokes full Delirium in humans. Chiropter also preyed on humans during the Impergium, and humans maintain a latent memory of this. Body mass increases by 100-300%. Although the ears become noticeably larger and pointed, senses are hampered in this form as many of the adaptations from the Vespertim and Homid forms are in transition stages and not highly accurate. The arms extend, ending in claw-like hands with fully functional wings capable of flight. Despite the increased muscle mass, this form is not well suited for long distance flight, as the muscles quickly tire. When not used for flight, the wings can be used for gliding as the Gift: Patagia. The feet also develop sharpened claws capable of extremely strong grips. Awkward development of the legs reduce movement, other than flying, by half. Hair covers the entire body. The jaw extends and razor-sharp teeth develop. Speech, other than high pitched squeaks and bark-like sounds, becomes difficult, although Chiropter make use of their own unique bat language which can be spoken and understood in Crinos or Vespertim form. Depending on their gifts, Crinos Chiropter may develop other features.

The clawed hands and feet of this form do Strength +2 damage (aggravated). The bite of this form does Strength +1 damage (also aggravated).

Dex +3, Sta +1, Man -3, -1 Per difficulties, Flight

This form is that of an extremely large bat. Fur covers the majority of the body. The ears become even more prominent and help offset sensory changes. Not all bats are blind, or even have poor vision, but all have refined their senses to augment normal perception or help compensate for existing flaws resulting in reduced Perception difficulties. The claw-like hands of the Crinos form retract and are incorporated into the wings where they aid in flying. The thumb still exists and can be used as a weak claw. The shortened hind legs are ill-suited for running and all movement, other than flying, is reduced to a quarter of Homid foot speed. The appearance of the Vespertim also reflects the gifts they receive.

This form is primarily for flight, long trips, and nightly hunting. The clawed thumbs can be used for a Strength -1 normal damage attack, while the clawed feet and bite of this form can be used to inflict a Strength +0 aggravated damage attack.

Auspices

The Auspices of the Chiropter do not signify the phase of the moon under which a Chiropter was born. Instead, they determine the role they are to serve in their community. They are assigned as needed by the colony and are held for life, unless later renounced, requiring the appropriate rite. Chiropter only maintain three Auspices: Thieves, Judges and Warriors. No Chiropter likes to recall its past and few develop lasting relationships with spirits, including banes. All Chiropter have been cursed with anger. This makes the Curse and frenzy even more prominent than in the lives of the Garou.

Thieves steal food, clothing and other supplies as well as mates for the colonies. Because they are essential to colony survival, thieves are the most numerous of the Auspices, making up roughly 60% of a colony.

Initial Rage: 2

Gifts: Gifts are identical to Ragabash Gifts, although they may not take Open Moon Bridge or Luna's Blessing, but may replace them with Pulse of the Invisible and Gnaw respectively.

What is recalled of Chiropter heritage is done so by judges who mediate disputes by the corrupted version of the Litany possessed by the Chiropter. Because of their specialized Gifts and unusual training, judges are the rarest of the Chiropter and make up only about 10% of a colony.

Initial Rage: 4

Gifts: Smell Fear, Tell Lies.

Warriors serve as the protectors and vindicators for the colonies. They do little to inspire the colonies, but react quickly to any dangers. They are expected to sacrifice themselves for the colony if need be. Many are rabid and prone to frenzy. Warriors make up about 30% of a colony.

Initial Rage: 6

Gifts: Gifts are identical to Ahroun Gifts, although Resist Pain replaces Inspiration, Rend Reality (Level Five Black Spiral Dancer Ahroun Gift) replaces Kiss of Helios, and Feral Lobotomy replaces Strength of Will.

Merits and Flaws

Appropriate Merits include: Bad Taste, Berserker, Daredevil, Untamable

Restricted Merits include: Ancestor Ally, Fair Glabro, Natural Channel.

Appropriate Flaws include: Bad Sight, Blind, Mark of the Predator, Rabies.

Restricted Flaws include: Foe from the Past, Insane Past Life, Moon Bound, Sign of the Wolf, Slip Sideways, Territorial, Wolf Years

Banned Transformation - Garlic (1 pt Supernatural Flaw) As Banned Transformation - Wolfsbane for Garou. This may be the source of the Vampire myth.

Flightless (7 pt Physical Flaw) Through defect of birth, injury or some other mishap, the Chiropter has lost the ability to fly. This severely hampers movement in Crinos and Vespertim forms. Metis may take this as their metis deformity, but only receive 4 points for the flaw then.

Poor Flyer (3 pt Physical Flaw) Through defect of birth, slight injury or some other mishap, the Chiropter's wings have become misshapen or torn, making it difficult to fly. Speed during flight is halved and all difficulties while flying are increased by two (effectively offsetting the bonus given by Bat). Metis may take this as their metis deformity.

Possessable (3 pt Supernatural Flaw) With this flaw, the Chiropter has somehow lost the Gift granted by the Wyrm of Balance. Banes and other spirits will take notice of this and will often attempt to possess the unfortunate, if only for the pleasure of the unique experience.

Rabies (3 pt Psychological/Physical Flaw) The Chiropter is victim to frequent burning sensations from the virus which they seem unable to be rid of. Whenever a frenzy check is called for, the difficulty is two less than normal (making it easier to frenzy) as the pain drives the Chiropter into mad fits in which it may lash out against everything around. The virus does not appear to kill the Chiropter due to their regenerative ability, although frequent frenzies may bring about an early death.

Renown

"My moral standing is lying down."
-- Nine Inch Nails

Chiropter enjoy Renown in much the same way that Garou do. However, only the few spirits that they deal with, Black Spiral Dancers and other Chiropter recognize their Renown.

Ferocity: Ferocity is the measure of respect a Chiropter receives as a result of its fighting prowess. Even judges and thieves like to acquire Ferocity Renown because it often determines whether an individual will back down from a challenge, allowing the Chiropter to get its own way. The high Rage values of the Chiropter often undermines this and frenzies often erupt when a Chiropter refuses to back down.

Duty: Chiropter have little regard for how a job gets done, as long as it does get done. They live by the code that the end justifies the means. Little exists as a moral code to prevent this after centuries of near destruction. Duty Renown measures how well a given Chiropter is at handling a task. A Chiropter with a high Duty score will be looked upon more favorably by the community than individuals with higher Rank, but lower Duty score. However, the fact that higher rank Chiropter assign tasks, means that the tasks they do not like (or are afraid to try) fall upon those of lower rank. Young Chiropter receive the most laborious and dangerous jobs.

Cunning: Cunning is highly respected among the Chiropter. It is the alternative for those not blessed with the physical abilities of others. Cunning has allowed the Chiropter to survive. Cunning is gained when a Chiropter overcomes an obstacle, foe, or task in an unprecedented or ingenious method. Respect is often shown for those with high Cunning because when and how they might next act is not known. Even the mightiest warrior has weaknesses that those with cunning can exploit.

Rank

Chiropter of all Auspices raise in rank by acquiring Renown. How and what type of Renown are not important, only survival and duty. However a Chiropter can manage to gain Renown measures their success, and Rank.

Rank	Title	Total Renown
1	Fillea	3
2	Juven	8
3	Puban	13
4	Majjan	18
5	Vallidan	23

Gifts

"We have sucked the fruit of disease and found that it tasted sweet like meat gone bad."
-- Machines of Loving Grace

Few Chiropter survive to reach some of the higher ranks. Over the years, Chiropter have forgotten or lost some of their Rank 5 Gifts and none remember a Rank 6 Gift. This does not prevent Chiropter from learning Rank 5 Gifts; it simply makes it more difficult.

Metis represent an unusual portion of Chiropter society. Their primary concern is with survival and their initial gifts reflect this. Later they develop a greater understanding of their own anger as well as their place in the cosmos. They are more in tune with the spirit world and some are able to feel some empathy with spirits. They also learn to communicate with other pests as a result of not quite fitting into either bat or human society. It is speculated that they develop these traits as a result of their own loneliness and handicaps.

Create Element (Level One) - As the Level One Metis

Gift. Resist Toxin (Level One) - As the Level One Fianna Gift.

Curse of Hatred (Level Two) - As the Level Two Metis Gift Spirit

Speech (Level Two) - As the Level One Theurge Gift.

Adaptation (Level Three) - Ss the Level Three Silent Strider Gift.

Foaming Fury (Level Three) - As the Level Three Black Spiral Dancer Gift.

Infest (Level Four) - As the Level Four Bone Gnawer Gift.

Scent of Beyond (Level Four) - As the Level Four Philodox Gift.

Shadow Pack (Level Five) - As the Level Five Shadow Lord Gift.

Vespertim are most in touch with their bat brethren. From lifelong training, their senses are even more refined than other Chiropter.

Heightened Senses (Level One) - As the Level One Lupus Gift.

Beast Speech (Level One) - As the Level One Galliard Gift.

King of the Beasts (Level Two) - As the Level Two Philodox Gift. This gift is often used on other bats, small vermin, and other subterranean dwellers.

Sense the Unnatural (Level Two) - As the Level Two Lupus Gift.

Guano Fire (Level Three)

Tail of the Monkey (Level Three) - As the Level Three Lupus Gift. Vespertim with this gift develop a tail that extends beyond the membrane that normally connects the feet to the tail. This tail can be used in both Crinos and Vespertim forms. Free-tailed bats are found throughout the world.

Beast Life (Level Four) - As the Level Four Lupus Gift.

Venom (Level Four) - As the Level Four Lupus Gift.

Shadow Pack (Level Five) - As the Level Five Shadow Lord Gift.

"Tell-tale stories and blatant lies, You've got to trade your conscious for an alibi."
-- A Split Second

Judges are less concerned with justice and truth and more concerned with maintaining peace in the volatile Chiropter colonies. Peace is established through coercion, intimidation, and force of will. Because of this, few Chiropter trust the judges and do not acknowledge them as true leaders. Judges are accommodated because they do not like being the center of attention, and would rather hold power from behind the scenes. They also fear others may learn of their weaknesses and exploit them.

Smell Fear (Level One) - As the Level One Black Spiral Dance Gift.

Tell Lies (Level One)

Glib Tongue (Level Two) - As the Level Two Fianna Gift.

Icy Chill of Despair (Level Two) - As the Level Two Shadow Lord Gift.

True Fear (Level Three) - As the Level Two Ahroun Gift.

Paralyzing Stare (Level Three) - As the Level Three Shadow Lord Gift.

Roll Over (Level Four) - As the Level Four Philodox Gift.

Strength of the Dominator (Level Four) - As the Level Four Shadow Lord Gift.

Madness (Level Five) - As the Level Five Metis Gift. Spirit Drain (Level Five) - As the Level Four Theurge Gift.

"Invisible and silent, we're circling overland."
- Front 242

All Chiropter have access to certain gifts common to their ancestry. As servants of the Wyrm of Balance, they maintain ties to some Wyrm creatures. Years of near extinction which forced Chiropter to hide in the dark have refined their senses and ability to hide.

Ears of the Bat (Level One) - As the Level Two Black Spiral Dancers Gift.

Roost of the Bat (Level One) - As the Level One Bastet Gift: Treeclimber, although the Chiropter may do this with their feet (Look mom, no hands). They may also hang from their feet (whether from a wall or from the ceiling) indefinitely, even while sleeping. Chiropter often make use of this gift to rest after flying or while waiting in ambush.

Sense Wyrm (Level One) - As the Level One Metis Gift.

Shroud (Level One) - As the Level One Uktena Gift.

Eyes of the Cat (Level Two) - As the Level Three Metis Gift, although their eyes glow an eerie red color.

Scent of Sight (Level Two) - As the Level Two Lupus Gift.

Sense of the Prey (Level Two) - As the Level Two Ragabash Gift.

Allies Below (Level Three) - As the Level Three Black Spiral Dancers Gift.

Invisibility (Level Three) - As the Level Three Uktena Gift.

Mental Speech (Level Three) - As the Level Three Metis Gift.

Doppleganger (Level Four) - As the Level Four Glass Walker Gift.

Wither Limb (Level Four) - As the Level Four Metis Gift.

Enter the Beyond (Level Five) - As the Level Four Bastet Gift: Walking Between Worlds.

Chiropter Rites

"The flesh that dreams are made of doesn't last. This is when we turn to sanctimonious rituals."
-- A Split Second

Chiropter maintain many of the rites Garou do, but have no use for the Caern or Accord rites. Chiropter caerns have long since been seized by Black Spiral Dancers, various Mages and the Garou. Even if Chiropter were able to seize a caern, they have forgotten the rituals necessary to maintain it. Instead, they disguise themselves As Black Spiral Dancers and make use of the various Hives. Others make use of their impressive stealth abilities to sneak into others' caerns. Accord rituals have been abandoned because Chiropter of all camps are not inclined toward forgiveness. The only Accord rite kept is that of Renunciation, performed when a Chiropter becomes frustrated with his duty to the colony. The most commonly practiced rituals are those of Punishment, Renown, and Mystic rites for the few Chiropter able to deal with the spirits. Due to the hostility they experience from most spirits, all related Garou rituals are considered to be one rank higher for the purposes of learning and performing. Minor rites become Level One rites and no Chiropter can learn a Level Five rite without some extreme aid or blessing. The only unique Chiropter ritual is the Rite of Silent Rage.