By Richard Scott (rscott@mail.coin.missouri.edu) (1 December 1995)
Phoenix rose.
Gaia wept.
Luna woke.
Gaia's lament, the War of Rage. "Who will defend me?" she cried.
"Mother, I know not."
Phoenix watched.
"There must be, daughter, or I am lost."
"Mother, I am sorely weakened with the deaths of the changing breed."
Phoenix stirred.
"Luna you must try."
"Mother, there may be one. The last, but I had feared to try."
"Daughter, save me."
Phoenix spread his wings.
Luna sped through the night sky. West, ever west.
Phoenix flew.
Luna called the East Wind to her. "I have a task for you."
East Wind bowed to Luna, and sped through the night.
Phoenix watched.
Luna shone.
"Here are Gaia's Pongida, flaming Phoenix. The last of the Changing Breed."
Phoenix saw the wind.
The East Wind came, bringing another.
"Go, Wind, call your brothers and sister. Let them bring their gifts again."
East Wind bowed, and left.
"You, Phoenix, you must give a gift too."
Fiery Phoenix, bathing all in his glow.
And the Pongida were strong.
The Winds blew.
The Pongida knew the Rite-Gifts.
Gaia saw, and was glad. She blessed them with the Way of Gaia.
Phoenix took wing.
Luna showed her many faces to the Pongida.
Ahroun, Galliard, Philodox, Theurge, Ragabash. All of the Pongida.
Then formed the tribes of the Pongida.
Beringa. Peaceful mountain defender, rarest of them all.
Gora. Strength of the Last breed.
Graua. Scouts of the plains, the hidden.
Troglo. Swift and clever, the many.
Two other tribes came, as the East Wind blew.
Sumpygma. Warrior-mystics.
Borpygma. The hermits and philosophers, the thinkers.
Luna shone.
Luna spoke.
"You are the last of Gaia's defenders, my Pongida. Others have strayed, and lost the way. You must not. Beware the Garou. Help the Changing Breed."
Luna dimmed.
"I am tired, my children, I must sleep. Go. Save our mother."
Again, the East Wind came. The Pygma were gone.
Luna slept.
Still, Phoenix watched.
The mist of light
from which they take their grace
Hides what they are.
"These are the last days. May Gaia have mercy on us." - Prophecy of the Phoenix.
The Troglo are the Pongida most comfortable with cities, although others can be found there. However, as more and more forest is cut down, and becomes more urban, and the rapaciousness of increased subsistence farming continues, this will change. There are very few of the Gorillai left at all, and they are rarely seen.
The mountain gorilla, from whence Beringa kinfolk come, is extinct. The lowlands gorillas of both varieties number in the thousands. A similar case with the orangutan. There are still over a hundred thousand of the chimpanzees alive, so they are the most plentiful of the Pongida, particularly in the Simus breed. Very few Simus Gorillai or Pygma are now born.
More Pongida of all breeds are forced into the world of man, in the strange, alien environment of the cities. The Wyrm, of course, is not unaware of this. Does salvation lie with the homids, sadly?
Unlikely. The Pongida, like the Garou and others of the Bete, are dying.
The Pongida never participated in the Impergium as such, and often see the Garou as the enemy, and misunderstandings abound. There are rumours of other Bete, unknown to the Garou, and the Pongida may well have allies with the Ophidi and the Raptora, others of the Bete existing where they live, and mostly unknown to the Garou. The War of Rage largely passed them by, only claiming a few of their numbers.
Pongida are an affectionate bunch as a whole, and like to live in families, around Nests, much like the Garou packs and Caerns. The non-African Pongida, the Pygma (their own term for the two tribes, Borpygma and Sumpygma) tend to be a lot more solitary, however, which perhaps has not helped them. Becoming Pongida is easier than Garou; there is no harsh rite of passage, but children are taken at around the same age from human society. (Of course leaving their families like this gives rise to the ape-man stories, and the raped-by-apes stories). The Pongida used to fight over breeding rights for ape families, too, but no longer, as the numbers are not there. More often ape and human lives are coming together. Lost young Pongida are found on occasion, mostly in Africa.
Metis: Children of two Pongida parents. They often have deformities, but are not reviled as Garou Metis are. They are valued members, although perhaps a little bit prejudiced against when it comes to certain areas, like leadership.
"Monkey see and monkey do
Making babies, eating food
Smelly things, pubic hair
Words of love in the air"
Simus: Raised as apes, often smarter than their family, hence rising to leadership positions in the hierarchy. Have some problems relating to man and with speech of the human variety. However, they will be able to communicate with apes of their own kind. i.e. a Troglo Simus could communicate with chimpanzees.
Much like Garou Caerns, Pongida families guard and gather around Nests, their own magical sites. Nests can be really bizarre, especially if in cities, and not what you might expect. The Pongida share similar dominance patterns with the Garou, as well, but tend a little less to bloody violence to settle things, with more ritualistic displays of aggression. The Pongida do have their own special language, as well. Also, they can communicate over long distances by special cries, screeches, and grunts, much like apes. Pongida are not as hung up on lineage and standing, other than dominance. There is no set Pongida Litany.
Families have elaborate grooming rituals; even in human form hair-brushing, nail-clipping or other such activities will be performed. These are often related to dominance status in the pack, but also serve to enhance the ties between all members of the Family, even with as little time for pleasant activites like these that they have in these times.
Beringa: The Mountain Gorilla is what they most resemble. Male Beringa will have a silver back when they are in Simus form, and in Homid form will often have white or grey streaks in their black hair. They are peaceful creatures, and Gaia's staunchest defender. However, very few of the Beringa remain, unfortunately. Beringa rarely become angry or violent. All Rage rolls are performed at a +3 difficulty. Many of the Beringa will appear as African mountain tribespeople in Homid form.
Gora: The lowland gorilla is their kind; they will appear as dark or black apes, and likewise with human appearance will be dark or black haired. They are very strong, and can be fearsome warriors. They are often hirsute in homid form.
They have the quickest tempers of the Gorillai, but they too do not anger easily. But if they do... Their Rage rolls are performed at a +1 difficulty. The Homid appearance will generally be that of natives of Western Africa.
Graua: Plains dwellers of the east, they like to travel and scout, often mating with any gorillas they find in their travels. They are adept at scouting and hiding and travel. They tend to have little to do with humans, other than observation or spying. They are the hardiest of the Pongida. Their Rage rolls have a +2 difficulty. The human form will often look like a native Eastern African.
Troglo: The African chimpanzee is the most plentiful ape alive, giving the Troglo a certain advantage. They are the smallest in Simus or Crinos form of all the Pongida. Often they will be brunette as homid, and will be brown-furred as Simus, and tend toward the shorter end of the human height specturem. Troglo are the tribe that seek most to influence the humans, or work with them. They are by far the most common of the Pongida and are usuall African in appearance.
Borpygma: Originating in Borneo, they like to keep to themselves whenever possible, and are deep thinkers, contemplating the ways of the world and the Pongida and other Bete. Other tribes will often come to them for advice. (and often get impatient with the seeming endless philosophical lecture that will inevitably follow). They too are exceedingly peaceful, and hard to anger. Their Rage rolls are performed at a +3 difficulty. Borpygma will look like Borneans, quite frequently, but others are common, too.
Sumpyga: The Sumatran orang is their flock, and they have a decided mystical bent, which some Pongida are in awe of, and some are a little distrustful of. Both varieties of Pygma will be orange or red-furred in Simus form, and red/auburn/ginger/haired as homid. A balding appearance is even not uncommon. While not as contemplative as their cousins, they are still peaceful. Rage rolls are at a +2 difficulty. Their homid appearance will generally be Sumatran.
Nean Ravagers: Lots of the mythology and cosmology is similar to the Garou, and, of course, there is the ever-present Wyrm. The Garou's greatest evil, the Black Spiral Dancers, has unfortunately affected the Pongida, as well, but in far fewer numbers. The Troglo are most likely to fall prey to this. To become Nean Ravagers, (the Pongida equivalent of the Black Spiral Dancers) Pongida are taken to abandoned mines by Nean Ravager packs (a term taken from the Garou, to echo their destruction of other Bete) , where pits of corruption are found, and immersed in all manner of foulness. When they come out of this Wyrm-spawned horror they are insane, more brutish, more human looking, and out to cause the downfall of the Pongida. Pentex and the Fomori of course affect the Pongida as well. Mines and other such sites from particularly environmentally noxious industries will be the most common sites to become Nean Ravager pits.
The Ravagers will look like an evil echo of what they were before, a nasty glint to their eyes, often drooling or foaming, and becoming more brutish, hairier. Chins and teeth will be a little more pronounced, and heads more sloping.
An even more insidious ability of the Ravagers, if they manage to take control of a Pongida Nest, is their ability to turn it into a Pit, and twist all the Pongida, magic, energy and strength of Gaia to the Wyrm and multiply it.
Vampires: The Pongida are more likely to encounter the undead as they enter more cities. Few of the vampires were likely to venture into areas that had strong Pongida rumours, as one or two strangely crushed corpses in their histories were enough of a deterrent. Even the Gangrel were unable to make peaceful contact, for the Pongida did not appreciate their affiliations with the Garou.
Hunters: Pongida hunters are few, but do exist. Legends of the Great White Ape are enough to ensure this. They are likely to be about as successful as Garou hunters, i.e. not very. However, there is no Delirium affecting humans where the Pongida are concerned, so that can be an advantage for a hunter. They will meet more as they venture into cities, and the humans become aware. The Yowie and Bigfoot sightings, along with the Yeti, could well be the result of careless Pongida.
Mages: Very dangerous creatures, except perhaps for some of the more naturist types, but avoiding them is a good idea. The Borpygma are often tempted by the knowledge these beings bear.
Wraiths: The Restless are often on surprisingly good terms with the Pongida, being sympathetic to their plight. Some ancient legends hold that high Ranking Pygma have even walked the lands of the dead. A dangerous feat, because even the Wraiths that you visit would have enemies.
Changelings: The Eshu tell stories of the Pongida. There is definitely a relationship between the African Fae and these Bete. Many of these Fae are not well known, being African in origin.
Bete: The relationship between the Pongida and the Garou can often be called uneasy at best, but it depends on the tribe. They do not like the Mokole, or Anasasi. The Corax are known to them, and the Apres. The Rokea are unknown, and would not be popular if they were. The Bastet and Nuwisha and Pongida tend to encounter each other infrequently, and the carnivores and omnivores can be suspicious of each other, but they too, were victims of the War of Rage, and come under the province of the Pongida. The Apres are seen occasionally, but Delphi and Lutrans are only stories.
Breed | Initial Gnosis | |||||
Homid | 1 | |||||
Metis | 3 | |||||
Simus | 5 |
Auspice | Troglo | Beringa | Gora | Graua | Sumpygma | Borpygma |
Ragabash | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Theurge | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Philodox | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Galliard | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Ahroun | 6 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Initial Auspice gifts are the same, except Ahroun get Iron Hands, instead of Razor Claws. Sense of the Prey is limited to Troglo only, and taught by a chimpanzee spirit.
Call of the Wyld is taught by an ape spirit, and involves the calls of the particular tribe, screeching, etc.
Heart of Fury will be taught by a Lion spirit.
Clenched Jaw will be taught by an Ape spirit.
Tribe | Initial Willpower |
Troglo | 3 |
Gora | 4 |
Graua | 4 |
Beringa | 5 |
Sumpygma | 5 |
Borpygma | 6 |
Tribe | Beginning Gifts | Totem |
Troglo | Glib Tongue, Persusasion. | Rat |
Gora | Resist Pain, Iron Hands. | Bear |
Graua | Camouflage, Speed of Thought. | Owl |
Beringa | Sense Wyrm, Mother's Touch. | Ngagi |
Sumpygma | Sense Wyrm, Resist Pain | Stag |
Borpygma | Sense Wyrm, Sense Magic | Mawas |
Troglo Gifts
Glib Tongue
Persuasion
Snarl of the Predator
Distractions
Merciful Blow
Invisibility
Speed Beyond Thought
Stoking Fury's Furnace
Riot
Trees in the Air
Beringa Gifts
Mother's Touch
Sense Wyrm
Calm
Luna's Armor
Dazzle
Spirit Friend
Beast Life
Serenity
The Living Wood
Summon Ngagi
Gora Gifts
Resist Pain
Iron Hands
Howl of the Banshee
Clap of Thunder
Might of Thor
Wrath of Gaia
Open Wounds
Hero's Stand
Luna's Avenger
Shake the Earth
Graua Gifts
Camouflage
Speed of Thought
Blissful Ignorance
Messenger's Fortitude
Adaptation
The Great Leap
Attunement
Speed beyond Thought
Gate of the Moon
Maze of Doom
Sumpygma Gifts
Sense Wyrm
Resist Pain
Luna's Armor
Beastmind
Icy Chill of Despair
Silver Hands
Strength of the Dominator
Doppelganger
Circular Attack
Paws of the Newborn
Borpygma Gifts
Sense Magic
Sense Wyrm
Spirit of the Bird
Spirit of the Fish
Call Flame
Invisibility
Call Elemental
Ultimate Argument of Logic
Wisdom of the Seer
Gaia's Divine Insight
Homid: The Human
No adjustments, shift difficulty 5. May carry silver items without harm. Homids look as described above.
Troglo | 5 |
Gora | 6 |
Graua | 7 |
Beringa | 8 |
Sumpygma | 7 |
Borpygma | 8 |
Glabro: The Near Man, shift difficulty 6.
Troglo | 6 |
Gora | 7 |
Graua | 8 |
Beringa | 9 |
Sumpygma | 8 |
Borpygma | 9 |
In Glabro form, chests will get deeper, bodies hairier, jaws more prominent and heads more beetle-browed. The Glabro will gain 100-200% of their own weight, and grow several inches taller. Teeth get bigger and bodies more muscular.
Str | Sta | Dex | Man | App | |
Troglo | 3 | 1 | 0 | -1 | -1 |
Gora | 4 | 2 | 0 | -3 | -3 |
Graua | 5 | 1 | 0 | -3 | -3 |
Beringa | 6 | 0 | 0 | -3 | -3 |
Sumpygma | 5 | 1 | 0 | -2 | -2 |
Borpygma | 5 | 1 | 0 | -2 | -2 |
Crinos: The Ape-Man, shift difficulty 6.
The Crinos form will be at least one and a half times taller than the homid form. The body will be completely hairy, hands bigger. Teeth will be even more pronounced than an ape's, with large canines. Movement on all fours will now be undertaken. Another 100-200% weight will be added. The head will become very apelike. Oh, and will be really mad and not good at talking (think the Hulk for speech patterns, in the less-intelligent incarnations)
Troglo | 6 |
Gora | 7 |
Graua | 8 |
Beringa | 9 |
Sumpygma | 8 |
Borpygma | 9 |
Str | Sta | Dex | Man | App | |
Troglo | 5 | 2 | 1 | -3 | 0 |
Gora | 6 | 3 | 0 | -4 | 0 |
Graua | 7 | 2 | 0 | -4 | 0 |
Beringa | 8 | 1 | 0 | -4 | 0 |
Sumpygma | 7 | 1 | 0 | -3 | 0 |
Borpygma | 6 | 2 | 0 | -3 | 0 |
Hispo: The Near-Ape
Basically, a giant ape, almost as big as the Crinos form, and will be able to charge on all fours like an ape. Big, hairy, and scary.
Troglo | 6 |
Gora | 7 |
Graua | 8 |
Beringa | 9 |
Sumpygma | 8 |
Borpygma | 9 |
Str | Sta | Dex | Man | App | |
Troglo | 4 | 2 | 2 | -3 | 0 |
Gora | 5 | 3 | 0 | -3 | 0 |
Graua | 6 | 2 | 0 | -3 | 0 |
Beringa | 7 | 1 | 0 | -3 | 0 |
Sumpygma | 6 | 1 | 1 | -3 | 0 |
Borpygma | 5 | 2 | 1 | -3 | 0 |
Simus: Ape
Smaller than the Hispo form, and looking almost exactly like an ape of the same variety (although quite a bit larger) the Simus form will be less aggressive, as well. All the sensory advantages and ape-communications will be available.
Troglo | 5 |
Gora | 6 |
Graua | 7 |
Beringa | 8 |
Sumpygma | 7 |
Borpygma | 8 |
Str | Sta | Dex | Man | App | |
Troglo | 2 | 1 | 2 | -3 | 0 |
Gora | 3 | 2 | 0 | -3 | 0 |
Graua | 4 | 1 | 0 | -3 | 0 |
Beringa | 5 | 0 | 0 | -3 | 0 |
Sumpygma | 3 | 1 | 1 | -3 | 0 |
Borpygma | 2 | 2 | 1 | -3 | 0 |