Moot Offices

The Master of the Howl
Almost always a Galliard, chosen to lead the Sept in the Moot, beginning with the Opening Howl. The Moot Rite is required to perform the roll. It is an honorable position, but one that is rarely if ever given to a Garou permanently. It is instead regularly given to different Galliards, so that each Moon Dancer may have the chance to shine for a night. Other Galliards can assist the MotH or wait to do their thing during the Stories & Songs section of the Moot.

The Fool
Typically a Ragabash, chosen to remind the Garou of the Ways and the Litany, to test the Sept's resolve and to help unite the sept in affirming their heritage. Never a permanent position, it is awarded to a deservingly cunning Garou for each Moot.

Caller of the Wyld
Usually a Theurge, who will call upon the Totems of the caern and all tribes present in the sept during the Inner Sky ceremony. No particular Rite is needed for the office.
Sometimes, if the sept is large enough to support it, the CotW has assistants known as the Shining Ones - Garou who dress up and dance, playing the parts of the totems as the CotW calls upon them. The Shining Ones are expected to play their parts well and respectfully, or he risks angering the respective tribe, or even the totem itself! Shining Ones do not nessecarily play the totem of their own tribes, so as to teach them that all totems should be revered, not just their own. Example: Making a Get of Fenris play Rat can be a great lesson in humility for the Fenrir in question (not to mention providing great amusement for the Bone Gnawers present).
In small septs, the Master of the Rite typically does this duty.

Truthcatcher
A Philodox (almost always, and typically high-ranked), who will mediate disputes and judge crimes during the Cracking of the Bone portion of the Moot. Although usually done alone, in large septs the Truthcatcher may have assistants (also Philodox, very likely). This is a permanent office in most septs.
More legally-minded tribes (Silver Fangs, Shadow Lords, and Glass Walkers, for instance) may have Trutcatchers who set up an entire "court system", with assistant Garou acting in offical "court offices" (Advocate, Arbiter, Bailiff and Caster). Other tribes (Red Talons, Get of Fenris and Wendigo, for example), eschew such complications and keep the Cracking of the Bone simple and direct.

Talesinger
A prestigious post for Galliards, this is the office that will preside over the the Stories & Songs portion of the Moot and any and all Renown gained and lost during that period. This office is not permanent in this chronicle, instead allowing it to change hands from Moot to Moot.

Wyrmfoe
A permanent position outside the Moot, the Wyrmfoe is (usually) an Ahroun who leads the sept in the Revel portion of the Moot. He howls and urges the Garou into a state of near frenzy, advocating contests of strength and telling tales of battle. When the sept is ready, he then leads them on a wild charge through the Bawn to clear it of all possible enemies. Kinfolk on guard duty know to stay well clear of the rampaging werewolves. In small septs, this role is usually filled by the Master of the Challenge, though he can and usually does give the office temporarily to Garou who have recently distinguished themselves in battle.


The Moot Begins

This is how a Moot typically goes in the Sept of the Silver Horn. Notice how each section represents the five Auspices of the Garou, from Ragabash to Ahroun.

ACT I - The Opening Howl - The Ragabash

[The Sept of the Silver Horn is gathered in the Assembly Area; the Master of Howl stands as close to center of the circle as possible. Kinfolk and any Guardians who choose to forego the Moot patrol the Bawn to prevent possible Wyrm attacks.]

Master of the Howl: Welcome Garou, one and all, my Changing brothers and sisters, dancers in the high moonlight, welcome! I call thee, summon thee, bring you hence to witness this circle, [all Garou except Guardians must now be circled] this everwidening circle, the Moot that we call. Hear me! Hear my howl! [Master of the Howl howls, all of Sept follows]

[Last of Howls fade out]

Now let us not forget our Wolfen Kin who dwindle in these last days, let our dirge keep their memory. [Master of the Howl howls a mournful howl, Lupus follow, then Sept]

Like a fire holding back the Darkness of the Wyrm, our ancient Laws keep us from the Wyrm's foul embrace. Know thee the Litany Laws, [Calls name of the Fool]?

The Fool: Well enough and better than you.

Master of the Howl: Garou Shall not Mate with Garou!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

Combat the Wyrm Wherever it Dwells and Whenever it Breeds!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

Respect the Territory of Another!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

Accept an Honorable Surrender!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

Submission to Those of Higher Station!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

The First Share of the Kill for the Greatest in Station!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

Ye Shall Not Eat the Flesh of Humans!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of of the Caverns?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

Respect for Those Beneath Ye - All Are of Gaia!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]

How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

The Veil Shall Not Be Lifted!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

Do Not Suffer They People to Tend Thy Sickness!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

The Leader May Be Challenged at Any Time During Peace!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

The Leader May Not Be Challenged During Wartime!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

Ye Shall Take No Action That Causes a Caern to be Violated!
[Fool speaks out against the Litany]
How say you Sept of the Silver Horn?
[Sept responds by denouncing the words of the Fool]

The Fool: Perhaps this Sept is worthy to defend Gaia after all. Now the Fool returns to whence he came but leaves behind this riddle....[Tells the Sept a Riddle or Puzzle, usually with hidden insult]


ACT II - The Inner Sky - The Theurge

[The Fool returns to the ring of assembled Garou and with a gesture, the Master of the Howl quietly beckons the Caller of the Wyld go to the Caern Center]

Caller of the Wyld: [Stands at Caern Center, if the Caller of the Wyld has agreed to have Shining Ones, they now dance in a wide circle around the Caller of the Wyld, acting much like their totems (Rat hunches low and scurries about, Falcon spreads his arms and looks as noble as possible, etc.).]
We have gathered in this sacred place of Gaia, having called our brothers and sisters of Gaia, and we now call our gods.

Caller of the Wyld: Oh, Great Totems! We, your humble children, ask for your blessings as we revere you this night under Luna's light!

On behalf of the [tribe name], we call upon you, [tribe's totem], so that we may honor you this night! [The Shining One representing the appropriate totem dances forth and presents himself before the sept. The sept then lowers there heads in respect to the Shining One, who then leaves the circle. This is repeated for the totem of every tribe present in the sept. For septs with all 13 tribes represented, this can take a while.]

Caller of the Wyld: [When all the tibal totems have been honored, the Caller then moves to the last, the totem of the caern, in this case Unicorn. The Shining One playing Unicorn presents himself now] Oh, Great Unicorn! Come to we who have, like you, sworn with our lives to defend this sacred place of Gaia! Come and give us your acceptance, your blessing, and your favor!

[Here the Storyteller on hand must decide if Unicorn is pleased or displeased with the sept. If displeased, nothing will happen and the characters should feel ashamed and question inwardly what they have done wrong. If pleased, some visible sign that the Caern Spirit is with them will manifest]

We thank thee, our spirit brothers and sisters! May Gaia's blessings be upon us all!


ACT III - Cracking the Bone - The Philodox

Master of the Howl: [Master of the Howl picks up a stick or bone and steps to the Caern Center as the Caller of the Wyld returns to the ring of assembled Garou.] And now let us crack the bone to find the marrow of Truth inside!

[Howls a high keening howl, ending in a jagged note]

[Calls the name of the Truthcatcher] will you help us catch the Truth this night?

Truthcatcher: Who brings a bone to pick?!

[This portion is totally freeform, except for a few guidelines 1 - The Eldest speaks first, Cliaths speak last, Cubs do not speak.
2 - Only the one who has been passed the "bone" may speak, and only the Truthcatcher may interrupt, and only the Trutcather can give permission for someone else to interrupt. Anyone who breaks this rule may lose Wisdom Renown. Duting this portion, the Truthcatcher [regardless of Rank] has the power to do so.
3 - The Truthcatcher is judge, jury, and punisher. If there is a dispute, the Truthcatcher's word is law. Superceeding Rank! If the Truthcatcher is shown to be wrong or inept, the next moot under a new Truthcatcher is the only way to bring punishment.
4 - If the bone to pick is with the Truthcatcher, then the Master of the Howl temporarily serves in the role. These disputes are handled last of all.
5 - No Renown can be gained during this portion of the moot, but it can be lost with ease.
6 - Theurges sometimes use this portion of the moot to tell of omens and dreams they have had or to issue spirit warnings to the Sept. Theurges are also expected to issue grievances to Garou on behalf of the spirits!]

[When everyone with a bone to pick is done (or the Master of the Howl calls an end to this portion) the Master of the Howl takes the bone away from the Truthcatcher and breaks it]

Master of the Howl: The Bone is Broken! The disputes are settled!


ACT IV - Stories and Songs - The Galliard

Master of the Howl: Let the Time of Tales begin! [Calls name of the Talesinger], will you tell us a tale?

Talesinger: [Steps to the Caern Center and begins a high pitched Howl that ends with a low rumbling growl.]
[The Talesinger now tells a story, usually some legend of a famous Garou, a portion of the Silver Record or Litany story perhaps, a song of Renown from long ago, whatever they wish. This is where Garou learn about their history, culture, legends and lore.]

[Now the Talesinger (if s/he has the Rite) steps into the role of Inceptor (Ritemaster) for Rites of Accomplishment and calls for individuals to step forth and sing their own songs of glory, honor and wisdom.]

[NOTE! A Talesinger's Renown relies on the fact that the Sept does not get bored! If the Sept is starting to get bored, the Talesinger may...
1) Interrupt the singer and sing their own version of the tale being told.
2) Interrupt the singer and tell them to sit down and come back when they have a good song to sing.
3) Interrupt the singer violently and toss them out of the circle! (Anything so long as the Sept is no longer bored! Ahrouns in particular love this response. This is the Garou equivalent of being pulled off a stage by the "hook".)]

[After all positive Renown is handed out, anyone who the Talesinger has singled out for Satire Rites or various other Renown stripping Rites now get to hear their songs of shame.]

[New Garou or Garou Packs are introduced for the first time to the Sept]

Master of the Howl: [When the Master of the Howl has had enough, he/she steps forth and with a friendly grin and a snarl, tells the Talesinger to go back to the circle.]


ACT V - The Revel - The Ahroun

[The Master of the Howl stomps around the circle of Garou, looking at each of the Ahrouns. When one is chosen, the two lock gazes and a staredown challenge begins.
Two methods of resolving:
1 - The Master of the Howl counts silently to fifty (50) and then looks away.
2 - A Social Challenge resolves it. The Master of the Howl should never spend Willpower in order to win, though the potential Wyrmfoe may. (Abilities, Renown, Pure Breed, Gifts, Fetishes, Talens, and Tribal Advantages should not be used, though they can be)]

[After the Master of Challenge looks away, the Sept begins to bark, howl and make lots of noise, the Wyrmfoe lets out a long Howl to silence the assembled Sept]

[Note! The above portion only happens if there is no permanent Wyrmfoe and one needs to be chosen for the Moot. Otherwise, the permanent Wyrmfoe goes ahead with the rest below. It is possible for Garou to challenge the Wyrmfoe for the right to be Wyrmfoe for the Moot only.]

The Wyrmfoe: Who now seeks to challenge their elders for Rank?!
[The Wyrmfoe acts as a Master of Challenge for the challenges at this time, when all who seek to challenge are finished the Wyrmfoe may call for a wild party, tests of strength, or the Traditional "Hunt" around the the Bawn. Note! Challenges for Rank do NOT have to take place at the Moot, they may happen at any time.]


[During this run, the Garou, in their passion, release their spiritual energies into the air and ground of the Bawn around them. These Gnosis points are absorbed by the caern, recharging it. An active caern requires 5 Gnosis points per level ever lunar cycle. Although not all needs to be given during the Moot (it typically is, however), it can be given at any time during the month. This recharging keeps the caern alive, and is thus vital to the Garou's survival. If the caern does not get its requisite amount of Gnosis, it laspes into inactive status, and the sept must work hard to revive it. Obviously no sept takes that risk.]

[Once the Gnosis has been given and the Revel ends, the Moot is officially over and the sept may go on their way.]