W20 - Changing Breeds.pdf

Rage in service to others. All wereaurochs took pride inwhat they created and protected, not in what they wereable to destroy.Many Apis walked among humans, guarding themagainst spiritual corruption and teaching them a watereddownversion of their own traditions. Most focused onthe ruling families, but some spent time among thepoorest, teaching them practical lessons. Some of theoldest traditions of humanity show distant memories ofthe wereaurochs; they show in ancient Egypt’s worship ofHathor as a goddess of joy and motherhood, and Hera’sidentity as Boopis — “Cow-Eyed” — the protector ofhearth, home, and family. Some Apis chose to reinforcecustoms of hospitality by appearing among humanityas ragged wanderers. Where they were welcomed, theywould leave blessings of fertility and good fortune; wherethey were rejected, they would leave only curses. Asa result, they cultivated a sense that even the leastamong a group should be treated well.Those Changing Breeds with little interestin the inglorious task of guiding their Kinfolk,like the Garou and Nuwisha, welcomed the Apisto take over that responsibility. Others, includingthe Bastet and Nagah, refused to allow the Apisaccess to their Kin — until they needed thewereaurochs’ expertise. Seeing their Kinwracked by disease or infertility, they wouldturn to the Apis and beg them for help. A few observersnoticed that the Apis could have created these disasters,but they usually held their tongues. Making such accusationswould only alienate the Apis.By far the most controversial, however, were thosewereaurochs who believed that Gaia had given themresponsibility for breeding, advising, and educating theirfellow Chnging Breeds. The Apis had more success withsome Breeds than others. The Gurahl considered themselveswell-equipped to select their mates and educatetheir children, not needing anyone to interfere withtheir choices. Most Bastet tribes were also unwilling toallow outsiders access to their communities and theirsecrets. Despite their peaceful natures, the Apis weremost successful among those Breeds with the greatestRage — the Garou among them.The Apis had worked withthe Garou for many years beforethe werewolves started takingthem for granted. Itstarted with GarouCHAPTER FOUR: APIS THE LOST BREEDS231