Editing Werewolf: The Forsaken (section)

==Characters==
Players portray '''[[Uratha]]''', werewolves whose duty is to protect the world from creatures of the spirit realms. Any human with Uratha heritage may undergo the First Change at some time in their life, becoming a werewolf, though what triggers the change is unknown. Each character has an '''[[auspice]]''' or role, and most join a '''tribe'''. Unlike traditional werewolves, Uratha may change at any time into various forms between man and wolf, though they do find this easier when the phase of the moon matches their auspice.

Uratha are fierce territorial predators who feel the compulsion to hunt. Many have trouble containing their aggression, hindering their ability to live normal human lives. Like wolves, the Uratha form packs in order to hunt more efficiently and better guard their territory.

Uratha are also spiritual creatures, able to channel spirit energy, which they call Essence, to make use of supernatural powers called '''gifts''' to aid them in their hunts. They also possess an instinctive (if rudimentary) understanding of the First Tongue, the [[language]] spoken by their ancestors and spirits (possibly also the original language of all humans). Many Uratha learn to speak the First Tongue fluently.

===Auspices===
Each Uratha has an '''auspice''', a traditional role in Uratha society, tied to one of five [[phases of the moon]]. Luna decides each Uratha's auspice, based on their personality and abilities; accordingly, an Uratha will go through the First Change during the corresponding moon phase. The five auspices have names in the First Tongue:

* '''''Rahu''''' (The Full Moon, The Warrior) - warriors of all kinds from brawlers to seasoned commanders.
* '''''Cahalith''''' (The Gibbous Moon, The Visionary) - seers, [[storyteller]]s and lorekeepers.
* '''''Elodoth''''' (The Half Moon, The Walker Between) - diplomats to the spirit courts, judges and arbiters. 
* '''''Ithaeur''''' (The Crescent Moon, The Spirit Master) - occultists and keepers of spirit lore and rituals.
* '''''Irraka''''' (The New Moon, The Stalker) - [[scout]]s, spies and trackers.

===Tribes===
'''Tribes''' are groups of Uratha who have chosen to follow the teachings of one of the [[totem]]s, five powerful wolf spirits who were among the original children of Father Wolf. Each promotes a certain attitude to or agenda behind the hunt. The five tribes, with First Tongue names in parentheses, are:

* '''Blood Talons''' (''Suthar Anzuth'') - the tribe of Fenris Wolf, who promotes the warrior and wolf aspects of the Uratha.
* '''Bone Shadows''' (''Hirfathra Hissu'') - occultists who seek to restore relations with the Spirit Courts with the guidance of their patron, Death Wolf.
* '''Hunters in Darkness''' (''Meninna'') - protectors of loci, the spiritual centres of the world. Black Wolf is their totem.
* '''Iron Masters''' (''Farsil Luhal'') - this tribe, following the teachings of Red Wolf, embrace change and new ideas.  They are closer to humanity, keeping up with technology and taking cities for their territory.
* '''Storm Lords''' (''Iminir'') - the tribe of Winter Wolf seeks to lead all Uratha through strength and noble example.

===Forms===
Every Uratha may change at will into five distinct forms. The forms, named in the First Tongue, are:

* '''''Hishu''''' — human form. An Uratha appears to be a normal, if very fit and healthy, human. An unconscious or dead werewolf returns to this form.
* '''''Dalu''''' — near-human form. The Uratha is slightly bigger, hairier and stronger.
* '''''Gauru''''' - wolf-man or war form. Half-human, half-wolf, Gauru form Uratha are generally 8 to 9 feet tall and much heavier and stronger than any human. In this form a werewolf's blood-lust rises to the surface and is much harder to control. Uratha can only channel the power of the Gauru form for a limited time, and generally only take this form to kill.
* '''''Urshul''''' - near-wolf form. An Uratha in this form is a huge wolf 3 to 5 feet high at the shoulder.
* '''''Urhan''''' - wolf form. The Uratha is indistinguishable from a normal wolf, though different Uratha resemble different breeds or species of wolf.