WANDJINA
By Daniel Mitchell (tempest@yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au) for Dreamsingers
Description
The Wandjina are highly mysterious kith. Elusive and secretive, they often show up when least expected. In the Dreamtime, it was said that the Wandjina guided the Aborigines to Australia, showing them where best to settle.Nowadays, the Wandjina still fulfill their role as guides for the lost and hopeless. The take personal care for those they guide, ensuring their safety until their charge reaches their destination, at which the Wandjina fade away into the land like ghosts.
When the Europeans came, the Wandjina initially guided the Garou and Kithain to the others of their kind. When they saw the havoc that the Europeans caused to their fellows, the Wandjina stopped guiding the Europeans. They still bear the sadness that they contributed to the deaths of the Bunyip, however slightly.
It is rare for someone to see a Wandjina, but when they are seen, their assistance is never refused. The Wandjina are silent yet sturdy travellers, guiding those in need as safely as they can.
Appearance
The Wandjina are very tall, close to eight feet, and their skin is a light brown. Their faces are very odd: the only facial features ever seen on a Wandjina are the eyes, which are pitch black. Otherwise, the Wandjina have no mouths, noses or other facial features. It is rare to see a clothed Wandjina.
Lifestyle
The Wandjina learn the Australian wilderness from birth, so that they can recognise the signs of safety, danger, food and water. They learn to read the land and to guide others safely too, for these are what the Wandjina are dedicated to.
Affinity
Special Art
Birthrights
Camouflage: The Wandjina are known to appear and disappear from place to place. By spending a Song point, the Wandjina may fade away from sight and be completely invisible. Any violent physical action renders the Wandjina visible, otherwise the invisibility may be dropped at will. Once activated, anyone trying to see the Wandjina must roll Perception+Kenning (diff of Wandjina's Song).Landreading: Because the Wandjina are skilled guides, they never get lost and automatically know where people are going. Also, by rolling Perception + Survival (difficulty 6), the Wandjina can spot features such as safe paths, food, water and danger. Wandjina cannot botch Survival or Stealth rolls.
Frailties
Silence: Because the Wandjina have no mouths, they are unable to speak. This is identical to the Flaw: Mute.
Opinions of the Other Kiths
Baga-Djimbiri: Brothers of the long-lost Bunyip. They are what the Bunyip were not.Djangwull: We do not see them much. Have they lost contact with the Dreamtime?
Kunapipi: Very helpful and caring. Always ensure that they get where they need to.
European Kiths: Always see into their hearts before you guide them.