Bastet

Proud and aloof, the Bastet serve as Gaia’s Eyes, hunting out secrets in the darkest and most dangerous corners of creation. As diverse as their many tribes, still there are certain elements that breed true among the great cats: beauty, grace, ferocity, cunning, and — by no means least — vanity.

## Tribes

While both Bastet and Garou use the term “tribe” to describe an internal sub-set of their Breed, the import of the word is very different for each. While tribal pride can run fierce among werewolves, Garou tend to recognize themselves as a Nation, first and foremost, and to see their tribes as an important, but lesser identifying feature, not unlike their auspice or breed. For the Bastet, however, many identify most strongly with their tribal Kin, seeing the rest of the Bastet as loosely related cousins (and many times, drastically inferior to their “own kind”).

Bagheera - Wereleopards are renowned for their mystic insights and ferocious tempers. They are a strong and sagacious folk, constantly plumbing the depths of Gaia’s wisdom, even as they fight savagely to rip the talons of Asura from the Earth.

Balam - The werejaguars are the fiercest of Gaia’s guardians. Fury given a physical form, the Balam possess an intensity unmatched by any other Changing Breed. Antisocial to the extreme, they merely wish to be left alone to prowl the twilight depths of the Amazon.

Bubasti - The werekyphur are a puzzle, an enigma, a mystery wrapped in contradiction. The mystics of catkind, they are a shy and secretive race. They are, however, also the most social of the Bastet, and tend to work closely with one another in most of their endeavors.

Ceilican - Legends claim that this tribe died out in the great witch-purges of the 1500-1600s. The legends lie. The Ceilican, fearing the fate which is attributed to them, simply chose to take their existence into the shadows, and let those who would have purged them from existence assume they’d been successful.

Khan - Raw power defines a weretiger. Neither subtle nor patient, they are infamous for their explosive tempers. But their strength is that of mountains, and their fury knows no bounds. Accustomed to being worshipped as gods, the Khan are the strongest of the Bastet and they are well aware of this fact. While the Khan may be insufferable bastards, filled with arrogance and Rage, there is no one better to have at your side when the world comes apart beneath you.

Pumonca - The werecougars travel a long and lonely path, wandering the wilderness of North America, in search of Asura blight or bits of forgotten wisdom. Although they walk alone, the rest of the Bastet respect them for the knowledge they bear, the tales they tell — and their single-minded dedication to their native lands.

Qualmi - Sly and witty, the werelynxes are the most introspective of the Bastet, and the most maddening to deal with. While they enjoy company (in small doses), their enigmatic ways and inscrutable attitudes ensure that few beyond close friends and family can stand to be around them for long. But for those who can weather it, the Riddle Dancers are good friends and fierce fighters.

Simba - The werelions represent the best Gaia has to offer they are regal, proud, and powerful beyond compare. However, they are also arrogant, domineering, and malicious — even under the best circumstances.

Swara - Werecheetahs are built for speed: quick, wiry, and fast. It would be easy to think these the best of their talents, but swiftness is only part of their virtue. The world of spirit speaks to them, calling them to fight on Gaia’s behalf. This they do, and gladly, making them one of the most courageous of all of the Changing Breeds.

## Breed

### Homid

Homid Bastet come from all walks of life. In Africa and South America, they are typically villagers or people with a strong affinity for the wilderness. In the United States and Asia, they are often naturalists and outdoorsy folk, with a recreational, educational, or vocational conservationist bent.

***Beginning Gnosis:*** 1

***Starting Gifts:*** Cat Claws, Sweet Hunter’s Smile

### Metis

Metis Bastet (the offspring of two Bastet mating) are rare, more due to the werecat’s scarcity than to prohibition within the Breed. Despite bearing physical (or psychological) flaws, they do not suffer persecution from amongst their own kind. After all, when you rarely see others of your kind, what time do you have for prejudice? Metis Bastet are judged by their deeds and are valued as much as their homid and feline cousins, despite their defects.

***Beginning Gnosis:*** 3

***Starting Gifts:*** Create Element, Sense Primal Nature

### Feline

Bastet try to breed with the strongest feline Kin they can find, but due to loss of habitat and excessive poaching, their pickings are often slim. Despite the popularity of wild cat exhibits in zoos around the world, most Bastet breed only with wild Kin. Condemning another to a life behind bars is seen as a deplorable act and should a mating with a captive-Kin breed true rescuing a newly changed Bastet cub from the public’s eye could prove dangerous to everyone involved.

***Beginning Gnosis:*** 5

***Starting Gifts:*** Heightened Senses, Pounce

## Pyrio

### Daylight

Bastet with the Daylight Pryio are typically open and direct in their dealings. They can be taken at their word, and prefer straightforward battles if conflict is necessary. Daylight Bastet tend to be diplomats, warriors, lawgivers, and protectors. They have an optimistic take on the world and the events therein. Those with a Daylight Pryio regain Willpower when they face serious challenges head-on and win through courage or good nature.

### Twilight

Twilight cats have a penchant for mysteries and magic, and tend to see the world in shades of grey. They are questioners and questers, seeking the truth behind the scenes. They are often detectives, lawyers, spies, or mystics, searching for hidden meanings in all of their endeavors. Twilight Bastet are often driven by their emotions and are insatiably curious. They regain Willpower by solving mysteries, thinking rather than reacting, or creating puzzles or riddles that can lead others to truth.

### Night

Night Pryio Bastet often possess a sinister or hidden nature. Most Bastet with this Pryio withdraw from others, concentrating on their own business unless interrupted. Although they might not be actively malignant, they often have short tempers, quiet ways, and fiercely guard their privacy. Night Bastet gravitate towards occupations such as assassin, scholar, scientist, and practitioners of dark magics. In the wilderness, the Night cats are hidden hunters and man-eaters, with nasty dispositions and eerie reputations. Activities that cause others discomfort, reinforce their private space, or protect a valuable secret from outsiders can refresh their Willpower.