W20 - Changing Breeds.pdf

Gallivant and Buri-JaanAn exception to the Gurahl’s solitary ways comessoon after their First Change, when a new werebear receivesa mystical “call” in the form of dreams and visions.This mystic summoning leads her to a more experiencedGurahl, who becomes the fledgling’s “Buri-Jaan,” orteacher. Together, teacher and pupil embark on a journeyof travel and experience, called a Gallivant. During thistime, the young Gurahl is encouraged to explore hernature, ask questions, and enjoy the natural beauty shemust later protect.The Gallivant is traditionally a year-long excursion,but occasionally, it takes an additional year, particularlyif the cub is destined to perform some important task forGaia or the Gurahl.After spending years in the pursuit of their duties,many Gurahl feel inspired to become teachers themselves.Through the use of the ritual, Dreams of the Buri-Jaan,a Gurahl sends forth dreams and visions that will call anewly-Changed werebear cub to her side. The two thenset off on another Gallivant, where the experiencedGurahl can pass along the same kind of attention andteaching that she received during her formative periodas a werebear. This period of mentoring not only ensuresthat the knowledge and history of the Breed are passed106THE CODE OF URSACherish the CubsProtect the LandHeal the SickNurture the NeedyTeach the SupplicantBreed WiselyCleanse the TaintedGuard the SecretsRights of the ElderRemember Your HistoryPunish the GuiltyAvenge Wrongful SlayingCHANGING BREEDSalong to the new generation, it also allows the Buri-Jaanto recover some of the wonder of youth they left behindafter their own Gallivant. This is vital, particularly if theBuri-Jaan has spent time fighting the Pattern-Breaker’sforces — a soul-destroying task at best.The would-be Buri-Jaan most often performs thisritual when she is made aware of a newly changed cub,either by the spirits or through first-hand knowledge.Sometimes, however, the aspiring teacher performs itwithout knowing whether there is a prospective studentin the area, just on the chance that it will call an undiscoveredcub who might otherwise have gone withouttraining. When necessary, a Buri-Jaan can accept twostudents in areas where Gurahl are so few in numberthat teachers are hard to find.GatheringsDespite the lonely path they walk, Gurahl are stillvery social creatures. Their solitary wanderings are usuallymore a symptom of their duty — and their scarcity— than of a desire to be alone, and most look forwardto the times when they do gather together.Werebears have several levels of gatherings rangingfrom chance meetings to formalized events.• Fest: When two of more Gurahl meet one anotherin their wanderings, if circumstances allow, they will takeadvantage of the situation to hold a fest. Such spontaneousmeetings may simply involve exchanging newsand sharing artwork around a fire, or they may involvecommemorating a mutually celebrated occasion, such asthe salmon run or the peak of the berry harvest. Whenseveral Gurahl hold a fest together, the occasion can bequite jubilant, with feasting, song, and stories.• Regalia: At the beginning of spring each year, eachof the Gurahl tribes hosts a regalia to bring together asmany members of the tribe as possible and to discussmatters of tribal import. To protect the tribe, such meetingsare held in isolated places as far from intrusions byoutsiders — and hopefully attack from enemies — aspossible. Regalias combine formal ceremonies, debatesabout tribal policies, and the exchange of informationabout local concerns, with more personal matters. Oftenthis is the only time of the year when extended familiesgather to share news, celebrate new births, mourn fallenrelatives, and match-make with Kin from distant areas toensure the tribal lineage continues strong and healthy.Often the highlight of these gatherings is a performanceof the Dance of Creation featuring elaboratecostumes, face- and bodypaint, and primal drumming totell the oldest stories known to the Breed, and remindevery tribe member of their sacred duty. Despite theserious overtones, regalias celebrate tribal unity andthe creative and nurturing spirit central to the Gurahl.