Gun Powder
By Max Trebilcock (mtrebilcoŠ@aol.com)
Totem of War
Author's Note
I am currently running a Victorian World of Darkness campaign, using Werewolf: The Wild West, in the course of which I have had to alter some of the Modern elements of the existing World of Darkness. One such Element is the Glasswalker Camp The Wise Guy's; in the 19th Century I have named them The Shootists. I have also created a Totem for this Camp: Gun Powder. This submission contains/uses concepts originally created by White Wolf, and in no way challenges their copyright. I have used the Male 'he' rather than 'she' in this text. Please don't think that this in any way excludes Women; it is just for simplicities sake.
History
It is thought the Totem Gun Powder formed when the Chinese first used the mixture of saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal to create explosions, in the form of fireworks. Of course the Weavers children soon realised the destructive potential of this wondrous mix. However, Gun Powder did not begin to grow into a fully formed Totem Spirit until mankind invented the Gun, first in the shape of the bombard (cannon) in the 14th Century and then the small arm a century later. Even then Gun Powder remained a relatively unknown entity, until he was discovered by the Warders (Glass Walkers) in the 17th Century, during the period of Duelling. In 1847 Samuel Colt modernised firearms by inventing the 6 chamber Revolver (A design he would later improve on in the form of the Colt Peacemaker). By 1865, with the end of the American Civil War, pistols were carried by virtually every capable man and disputes often ended in a showdown. During the year of 1865, an Iron Rider Theurge called Joseph Craven, a prominent member of the rapidly forming Shootist Camp (Who were gaining power through force of arms, firearms that is), attempted to Summon the Spirit of his Colt. Instead the Jaggling 'Gun Powder' replied; the Spirit was keen to start a following and thus increase its power. It immediately offered a number of new Gifts relating to the power of the Gun. Within a year the majority of the Shootist Camp had adopted Gun Powder as their Totem, which elevated the Spirit to Totem status.
Modern Day
What happened to Gun Powder is largely unknown. He seemed to vanish from view at the turn of the Century; even present day Glass Walkers have had little success in finding an explanation. This is due to the massive infighting between the Garou during the Wild West period (yes, even worse than today), therefore very few of the original Iron Riders surviving to this day and the lack of any Racial Memory within the Tribe ensures Gun Powder's fate remains a mystery. A common consensus among the Glasswalkers is that Gun Powder diminished into the Ephemera due to the advent of chemical explosives (Nitro-glycerine was invented by Alfred Nobel in 1867) and the concept of mechanised warfare, with the turning of the century. Less emphasis was paid in the power of Gun Powder and more in the concept of how many bullets a gun could fire, Land Clads, Aeroplanes, etc. Another idea is that in the Final Battle of December 28th, 1890, the for once, united Tribes enacted the Rite of The Clear Skies, weakening the Powerful Weaver Bane 'The Storm Eater' and attacked it; along with the Garou forces stood Gun Powder, whom it is thought may have sacrificed himself in order for the Garou to bind this creature back into the Earth. Older Theurge shake their heads; they say that Gun Powder did not die, but merely needed time to change with the Times. They say he returned as a she, in the form of Crashing Boom Boom, during the Air Raids of World War II.
Benefits
Gun Powder is a Totem of War and destruction; therefore he grants his Children greater capacity to cause their Enemies harm. He adds +1 Damage Dice to any Firearm or Gun Powder based Explosive.
Bans
Gun Powder asks that his children never use their natural Weaponry in preference to his Firearms. He will also punish his Children for Frenzying too often; this usually manifests as an inability to invoke his Gifts, which usually lasts for a day and a night. Finally Gun Powder asks that his Children commemorate significant Battles (within their native countries), in which his weapons caused great death tolls. (During the 19th Century many of the battles of the Civil War and Indian Wars were remembered by the Shootists).
Axis Mundi Information
Gun Powder is a weaker Totem: probably equal to a Totem Avatar or lesser Incarna (at his most powerful). Unlike many Totems he will answer the call of a Rite of Summoning although the Summoner must be of Rank 3 at the very least. He will also never answer the Call of a member of the Children of Gaia. For a Totem of War he can be quite cordial. The following information allows for the Summoning of both himself and his Spirits.
ImageEither a Humanoid made from his base elements (sulphur, charcoal and saltpetre) or the form of a person associated with the use of guns, typically Gun Fighters, Lawmen or Soldiers. Whichever form he is in, a heavy smell of sulphur lingers around him. Better pray no members of the Inquisition are around.
HabitatHis base elements come from within Gaia. However he is found whereever guns or explosives are manufactured or used.
Spiritual CorrespondenceGun Powder represents the destructive power of natural elements mixed.
Material CorrespondenceSpirits of Gun Powder will only reply to a Summons involving the use of gun powder, flame and noise. The Gun Powder must be drawn in a circle, in which the summoner sits, the circle is then lit. The summoning is enacted through chanting and especially loud noise (typically the discharge of multiple firearms). This must be maintained for the rite's duration.
Gift LoreSpirits of Gun Powder will reluctantly teach Gifts about the earth and more commonly their own Gifts. (Detailed below).
Taboos
Gun Powder is especially vulnerable to water, becoming saturated and unable to work. Gun Powder spirits are forced into Slumber should they come into contact with water. To awaken a Gun Powder spirit the Garou must enact a Rite of Atonement and set off a large Explosion or a multitude of Gunfire.
AttitudeRanges from Neutral to hostile.
ChiminageTo get a spirit of Gun Powder to teach gifts or provide aid, the Garou must agree to the ban above (even if he follows another Totem). Should a Gun Powder spirit be required for a Fetish, the Garou must continually fire his Gun or set off explosions. (At least once a day (the first) or once a week (the later) or the Spirit will do it for him).
The Gifts of Gun Powder
The following are a few Gifts that Gun Powder and his Spirits will teach to loyal followers. They will do so in preference to teaching Gifts of the Earth.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5