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Chapter 2: Being a Gargoyle
The Heritages
Like humans, Gargoyles come in many shapes, sizes and dispositions. When creating a character, players in the World of Darkness setting are free to choose any appearance they wish. However, this will be affected by the area from which the Gargoyle originated.
Like the Vampire's Clan, or the Werewolf's Tribe, the Gargoyle's Heritage represents the region of the world in which his ancestors throve. It dictates his appearance, attitudes and special abilities. There are five basic Heritages, each based on cultures where stone statues were used to protect areas from evil spirits.
Gothic
Gothic Gargoyles hail from western and central Europe. In the middle-ages many statues were made to look like demons and monsters, in order to frighten away evil spirits, and keep the sanctity of the church. Many nobles adopted this practice in order to protect their castles and holdings. It has been surmised that a Gargoyle clan was responsible for this tradition developing in the area.
Mythic
Mythics are a breed of Gargoyle that resemble creatures of legend and mythology. Though they originated in southern Europe, the few Mythics that were able to escape persecution fled to England, where they now live almost exclusively. Yet some have been known to live abroad.
Kokoro Ishi
The lands of southeast Asia have long been spiritual places. Many Oriental peoples have looked to the spirits of the world to help protect their homes and families. Due to their protective natures, it was natural for some Gargoyles to find their way to these places.
Metzlian
In the jungles of south and central America, many Gargoyles have found a niche that they can uniquely fill. Due to deforestation and the exploitation of the land by European invaders, Gargoyles have taken it upon themselves to protect the land as well as the people occupying it.
Kemetan
In the ancient lands of Egypt, protective statues were used extensively. From the massive Sphinx, to the smallest statuette, they were used as watchers of the dead as well as protectors for every home, whether common or noble. Many of these statues were actually Gargoyles.
Gargoyle Cosmology
Although all Gargoyles are somewhat Sociomorphic, it should be noted that they are basically humanoid in shape (with the exception of Watchdogs, which are often dog-like creatures who still retain the heritage traits of the clan). Differences in Gargoyle Heritages are mostly cosmetic.
Generally, coloration will reflect the area that the clan's ancestors come from. Physical features most often resemble those of the Human population of the local area. For example, Oriental Gargoyles will have slanted eyes, and often be shorter in stature.
Generations
Gargoyles, like humans, go through several stages in life. These affect them mentally as well as physically. When a character is complete, the player may choose to take a specific age group, or Generation.
There are three Generations: Hatchling, Prime, and Elder.
Hatchlings
Hatchling player characters are the equivalent of Teenagers. They are often hyper, self-centered and undisciplined, yet have moments of insecurity and doubt. Adolescence is a time of emotional roller coasters. This is as true for Gargoyles as it is for humans.
When creating a Hatchling character, the player can opt to take dots from his social skills and add them to his Talents. Up to a maximum of 3 dots can be moved this way.
Prime
A Prime Gargoyle is in the middle of life. His body is healthy, his mind balanced, and his spirit strong. Most characters will be of this Generation.
Elder
Elder Gargoyles are past their prime. Although still powerful, their health may not be so good, their minds not so sharp, but their spirits are strong. What elders lack in physical ability, they make up for in experience.
When a player creates an Elder character, he may take dots from his physical characteristics and place them in any category he wishes. A maximum of 3 dots can be moved this way.
Gargoyle Society
No matter where the Gargoyle lives and is raised, there are certain conventions that are common to all Heritages.
The Clan
The most basic grouping of Gargoyles is the Clan. Traditionally, the Clan consisted of Gargoyles who were hatched from the same batch, or in the same location, called an Ancestral Home.
However, in recent times, many Gargoyle clans include human members, who have befriended the Gargoyles, and shown they can be trusted. Regardless of the clan's make-up, it's members are a very close group. Rare is the Gargoyle who wouldn't readily lay down his life for that of a clan mate.
The Ancestral Home
The Ancestral Home is of great importance to most gargoyles. However, the degree of this importance is up to the player. Traditionally, Gargoyles never left their Ancestral Home. But in modern times, these places have become rare, and many Gargoyles have learned to adapt to the changing world.