Thread: Live and Learn (ATTN any Theurges)

Jonah appears in the Umbra, and appears to be walking the perimeter of the Bawn, carefully noting the landmarks and Umbral geography, as well as any spirits that are present.

At several points, he stops and attempts to converse with a spirit, always opening the conversation politely and non-threateningly.

Markku approaches Jonah slowly and calmly, not wishing to disturb him. He will sit and wait for Jonah to acknowledge him.

As Markku approcahes, Jonah finishes his present conversation and looks up at Markku.

Hello. Am I disturbing you ?

He asks this seriously, as if he has heard an affirmative answer to this question a time or two in the past.

"Not at all. I was actually wondering if you wouldn't mind some company." Markku wags his tail slightly. "It's Markku, man." He laughs a little. "Forgot not many people have seen me on four paws."

Markku, yes, I have not seen you like this.

I am trying to get to know the spirits of the area, to know who is in charge of what on tis side of the Gauntlet.

It may be productive in the future if we need extra help, or if we have to defend the Caern from attack on both sides at once.

You are a Theurge, and have every right, and even a duty to know as mucha botu the spirits here as you can. You will probably be more "in tune" with them than I am, considering my background and tribe. They may speak to you and interact with you and a more friendly level than they would with me.

Jonah, motions to the direction he is walking and begins moving, checking to see if Markku is coming along.

Markku trots along beside Jonah, heeling nicely out of long habit. "All things considered, man, you've probably got a lot more experience than I do. I had to move around a lot, when I was younger...any sept that held onto me never kept me around for long. I haven't got a lot of proper training, so if you have any advice, I'll always welcome it." Markku noses Jonah's hand in a friendly manner. "Besides, Jonah...I can't think of anyone that I'd rather learn with. You've been nothing but an excellent friend...if I can call you that?" He says all this with a light tone of voice, but anyone with half an ear and half a brain will hear in his voice a lifetime of rejection and abandonment. It is clear that he wants nothing from Jonah but a calm sort of friendship.

Jonah looks sad for a moment, then raises his head and keeps checking their path as they walk.

"Markku, I would be glad to help you with whatever you need, though I am sure there are others far more qualified and experienced than I am. If you would like to get started with my knowledge, I'll be happy to share. And thank you for calling me friend."

The first thing is to know the Litany and what it means. Protecting the Caern is the most important thing you can do. Know what is and could be a threat and treat it seriously.

Find some people you trust and form a pack with them. It is a good thing to try and form a pack that will work well together. If you can't form something long lasting, form one to get a job done well, then move on. It may take a while to find a group that "clicks" well, but keep trying. Learn about the spirits and if you can, go after one that represents the members of the pack you are forming. Learn about the spirits that will help packs.

I've told you one thing I know about being a theurge, and that's that gnosis can be your bread and butter. Work on expanding the amount that you can hold and learn how to replenish what you use quickly if you can. Englings are good for that. They are usually plentiful, and if you get to know them and treat them with respect, they will usually help in that regard.

When you are dealing with spirits, and you will be dealing with spirits, do not promise more than you can deliver. If a spirit is offering you something and the price that is being asked is to high, you can walk away. Learn what you have to offer, and learn the art of negotiation. Also remember that if you are asking something on behalf of a group, the group can agree to pay instead of an individual.

Remember the tenant of the Veil and know how to fight in situations where breaking the Veil could be a disaster. Fang and Claw marks are suspicious, and humans are getting better at identifying these type of things. Knives, swords, clubs, and guns are what they use on each other, and these things can be disposed of or changed.

Most important, know your own worth. Know who and what you are and what you are capable of. If you find a pack that works, you shoudl all stand together for each other.

Right now I don't know a lot about this area, but I am trying to pick things up as fast as possible. I know that there are things going on in the city, but I'm not sure who is doing what about any of it. I am trying to learn the city, the Umbra, the Caern, and the garou and kinfolk on it. It's a lot to do, but I am worried that someone might take advantage of how new this place is and try to rip it from us. We can't let that happen.

Markku noses Jonah's hand again. "Thank you." He lopes ahead a little, then smacks the ground with both of his front paws, dropping into a play-bow. "Now, come on and lighten up!" He barks/laughs, racing back to walk next to Jonah. "You may not be the very greatest garou that ever lived, but it's no burden to anyone." He chuffs out a canine sigh. "Don't kick yourself over whatever it is that's bothering you. I won't ask you to pour out your soul or anything, but if you need to talk, I'm here."

Jonah puts on a "pleasant" face, smiles and continues to walk about the Umbral Caern.

As they walk and make introductions to the spirits about that will interact with them, Jonah continues to speak intermittantly.

"Markku, there are many differences between us, I hope."

"I would see you advance as far as you can to become a great Theurge among the garou, as well as a great fighter."

"You should be able to do many wise, honorable and glorious deeds in your coming years. Learn everything you can. Watch what others do. Learn from others mistakes as well as your own. Keep your priorities straight, and stand by those you choose as your friends, but choose carefully."