The Sept of the Sentinel
Caern: Peak of the Sentinel Mountain Range, Adirondack Mountains.
Level: 4
Gauntlet: 3
Type: Stength
Tribal Structure: Shadowlord, Child of Gaia, and Uktena appear to be the top three tribes
Totem: Tijus-keha, the Sentinel of the Mountain, as well as the semi-dormant Ha`hawiq, the Milk Snake Totem
Background
Most of upstate New York is dominated by the huge Adirondack Park, the biggest park in the continental U.S. The North Country is bordered by Canada to the north, Vermont to the east, and Lake Ontario to the west. The St. Lawrence River divides the land from Canada, and is the setting for the spectacular Thousand Islands. Most of this stunningly beautiful land is filled with breathtaking forests, sparkling rivers, vast wilderness, and the tallest mountains in New York. These mountains house the great Caern of the Sentinel.
The North Country area was torn with bloodshed during the Revolutionary War, and Garou tribes continue that bloody tradition today, as Get of Fenris, Shadow Lords, and Uktena skirmish over the Caern of the Sentinel. Angry Wendigos and Red Talons stalk the northern border, adding instability to a dangerous region. There are other supernatural entities here as well. Wyrm spirits scream through deep gorges, and Black Spiral Dancers lurk far beneath the mountains in a network of secret caverns and tunnels. The Garou seldom organize themselves to fight their mutual enemies.
The situation with the Sept though has recently changed with the arrival of the "Endless Embrace of Winter" Pack from Europe. Freya "Coldfire" Wolfhart, the Alpha, was quick to challenge the Jarl or Grand Elder of the Sept for leadership. She defeated Black Hammer and took his life, granting to his son Hagen his fathers Fetish Hammer. The Fenrir Hagen retreated to New York City, while Freya has implemented a number of changes within the Sept that could be considered very liberal compared to the iron fist that Black Hammer used to rule the Sept.
Location
The Sept of the Sentinel sits in the shadow of Whiteface Mountain, the tallest mountain in the New York portion of the Adirondack chain rising 4,867 feet above sea level at the summit. Whiteface mountain is most famous as the site of the 1980 Winter Olympic games, most notably of these games was the USA Hockey team's victory over the USSR often called the "Miracle on Ice." The nearby town of Lake Placid is only a short ways away from the base of Whiteface Mountain which is widely regarded as the best ski destination in the eastern United States. The buzz of the Olympics has long since left this now sleepy locale which continues to subsist on the tourism industry. The town attracts snow sport enthusiasts in the winter and beach, boating, and fishing enthusiasts during the warmer months.
Description
Tucked away in a secluded valley the Sept of the Sentinel is well entrenched in one of the last few truly Wyld places left on earth. Surrounded by pristine old growth forests the lands that fall within the bawn of the Caern have never been touched by the pervasive influence of the Weaver and her unending tide of unknowing human servitors. Tall conifers are clumped tightly together, intermingled with Oak, Maple, and other hardy species of tree making up dense forests that protect the caern.
Bawn
The bawn of the caern is large and expansive, covering several hundred square miles. Many small crystal clear lakes dot the landscape of the bawn as well as several small burbling streams and brooks. These waterways are well known for their particularly potent reserves of fish, trout and bass most notably. Other hunting opportunities present themselves for those Garou so inclined to find their food in the natural way. Wildlife of the area includes; rabbits, fox, opossum, ground hogs, various species of birds, and a healthy population of white-tailed deer.
During the winter months the terrain of the bawn is almost perpetually snow covered and depending on the weather it can be quite deep in some areas. In the warmer months the landscape is lush with greenery the serene landscape breathtaking to behold in some areas.
The Center
The heart of the caern lies deep within the bawn, hidden away in an isolated glade, ringed by some of the tallest trees that many people will ever lay eyes upon. Protected by mystic rites the entrance to the glade is an ever changing enigma even to those who have passed the boundary in the past. Only the Ritemaster and the Grand Elder of the Sept can open the gateway to the secret glade to ensure that the heart is as well protected as possible.
If one is deemed worthy of entering the caern's heart they behold a truly majestic sight. Within the ring of trees lies a rock outcrop where the bedrock has been pushed up to the surface. The rock is almost perfectly flat and it is covered by a thick carpet of deep green colored moss.
The moss itself is a manifestation of how thin the gauntlet is here, the Wyld bleeds through here and the moss almost seems as if it has a mind of its own. It creeps and crawls up over people's feet and its caress makes even the most rageful of garou feel at least a moment of inner peace. For the those more in touch with the spiritual realm it is easy to find ones self lost in the caern's heart. Those who have actually laid down upon the mossy ground, and who let go of their Rage, find themselves engulfed by the green. Several garou have returned from the experience with a new understanding of their purpose in the world and a stronger connection with the spirit realm. Many Theurge have traveled miles and miles to gain entrance to the caern's heart, seeking enlightenment, and the strengthening of their spiritual connection.
Assembly Area
The bawn also holds a less formal meeting place within which the other tribes of the Sept and the Fenrir meet in a sometimes casual, sometimes explosively violent, environment. This place comes in the form of an old style Viking hall, with high ceilings and a singular long rectangular table. Lined on each side with several benches the table runs directly down the center of the room. This hall contains 4 separate fireplaces each of the four corners of the building having its own elaborate stone hearth. Although the atmosphere is sometimes tense this hall is usually a place for the garou and kin of separate tribes to meet and talk in a peaceful manner.
Living Area
Regular members and less distinguished visitors to the Sept are accommodated in several long houses that serve as communal barracks. While not the most sparkling of lodgings they are well kept and no one dares live like a slob within them for fear of facing the retribution of many other angry bunkmates. Some of the lupine garou that belong to the sept have found themselves more classic wolf dens, often finding small isolated caves to make their bed within, or using their more powerful forms to dig out a den from the earth.
The higher ranking members of the Sept are provided with their own individual cottages. Certainly not structures of any great stature, but they are more private, and many find being granted one of these small houses to be quite an honor. The Sept is always looking for skilled carpenters and other craftsmen to help maintain the buildings in shape worthy of the Fenrir and others who live within them.
The Armory
Another of the bawn's building is the smallish but quite sturdy Fenrir Armory. This brick building contains everything from battle axes and swords, to spears, staves, and maces. Also housed here are a wide array of some of the only weaver technology embraced at least somewhat kindly by the Fenrir of the Sept, these being human made firearms. There are several handguns and more than a few shotguns and rifles of several makes and models. There is also a locked door in the back of the armory to which only the Warder has the key. Rumors abound of what exactly is contained behind this heavy steel door but only the Warder himself knows for sure.
Grave of Fallen Hero's
Many Get of Fenris travel to the Sept to view the elaborate and well maintained Grave of Fallen Heroes. A place to memorialize those who gave their lives in sacrifice to the Sept or for other significantly noble deeds. Among the monuments that many younger Fenrir are drawn to none stands out more than that of Arnold "Reigns in Blood" Herrscher. A mighty Fenrir ahroun who is credited with single handedly driving over 100 Black Spiral Dancers back into their twisted labyrinth. Allowing the Theurges he was protecting to complete the rite that would banish the Spirals into the depths of the mountain forever. Reigns in Blood too was sealed below mountain, he was posthumously awarded the rank of Elder, and is regarded by many to be the greatest Fenrir warrior that North America will ever know. More than a few Galliard have come seeking to share their tales with the Sept but none have ever carried in a greater tale than that with which they left after hearing of the story of Reigns in Blood.
Umbrascape
The Umbral reflection of the Sept lands is one of shadowed mystery. An almost perpetual fog hangs over the ground just beyond the velvet curtain. Those stepping sideways through the gauntlet are met with a darkened almost primeval forest landscape. The spiritual reflection of trees vastly beyond the size of those in the physical realm are present here in large numbers. Those unaccustomed to viewing the power of the Wyld are often overwhelmed when they first gaze upon the forest as it once was. Both animal and plant spirits thrive within the umbral forest, and those who seek to commune with them often have little trouble attracting their attention.
Those who build good relationships with the local spirit-folk often find themselves privy to all kinds of information and insight. The spiritual reflection of the Sept lands is of course heavily policed by the garou and their spirit-allies. All members of the Sept are expected to carry their weight in regards to keeping the umbral lands free of taint because even the most callow of Cliath know that it does not take spiritual taint left unchecked long to bleed through into the physical plane.
Locations and Places of Interest
Lake Placid:
Of course still others choose not to live on the grounds of the Sept at all. Many homids and kinfolk prefer the comforts of the modern world that the town of Lake Placid provides. The town itself is rather small but during the heights of the tourist season it can be quite bustling. Most of what one can expect of a town that survives off tourism can be seen here. A few hotels, many restaurants, and of course a pretty wide variety of shops and stores. There are plenty of places to rent in Lake Placid although when the tourists come all but the seediest of locales are snatched up quite quickly. Off season rents are more than affordable as none of the locals will turn away the opportunity to earn a bit of extra cash. Those willing to travel a bit further out of town can find much cheaper, and in some cases nicer, places to stay and a good bit of privacy as well. Beyond the edge of the town is mostly made up of just empty wilderness, houses here and there, but no larger towns until one hits Plattsburgh, further to the north, or Albany further to the south. The people of the town are a friendly sort, after all, one doesn't attract more tourists by being rude. In between the busiest months of June to August and then November-February the town is quite sleepy. There's a small surge in activity during the fall months as people come up from the urban areas to watch the leaves change but that is a short lived few weeks most years. The town itself sits about 5 or 6 miles from the very edge of the bawn. The deep woods that make up the territory of the garou known to the townspeople as a place that one simply best avoids.
Hunting Lodge:
The Fenrir when they gather casually do so at a massive hunting lodge, more than 100 feet in length and 3 stories high. The first floor is a classic mead hall, lined with dozens of tables and benches, trophies of the greatest beasts hunted in the Adirondacks line the walls. This floor houses an extensive kitchen capable of providing food for an amazing amount of hungry mouths. One cannot pass through the bottom floor of the lodge without at least sharing a single mug of mead, although those who drink only one mug are often harangued for days about it. The second floor houses a dozen or so guest rooms which the Fenrir provide for their most distinguished visitors to the Sept. Each of these rooms is comfortably furnished complete with a small fire place to provide that extra bit of warmth in the coldest winter months. The third floor of the lodge is reserved for special occasions and as such is used only sparingly. The ceilings on the 3rd floor stand at a massive 15 foot height and the large room contained atop the lodge has been used for anything from wedding celebrations to duels to the death between Fenrir warriors. One never knows quite what to expect when they receive an invitation to the third floor but they are most assured that it will be interesting.
The Caves:
Also contained within the bawn are several entrances to an extensive network of caves that tunnel deep into the earth and beneath the very mountain itself. These caves are a curiosity to most members of the Sept as few ever delve too deeply into them. Those who receive special permission from the Sept elders are sometimes granted passage into the caves, but are cautioned not to travel down too far, for many a garou has descended into the darkness never to return. Those with extensive knowledge of the caern's history know that these caves were the site of several massive battles with the Garou's most hated of enemies, the Black Spiral Dancers.
The very deepest point of the caverns at one time ran directly into the dark labyrinth known as the Pit of Despair. This hellish lair is where the Black Spirals of the region make their home. Endless bathing in the sickly greenish glow of balefire leaves most Dancers of this Hive twisted horribly in both body and mind. The connection between the tunnels was long since sealed off by mystic rites, however, it has been ages since any have dared travel so deeply into the caves to inspect the boundary area. It is unknown if perhaps these rites have lost some of their spiritual potency over time, or if the Dancers have found some way to breach the warding, either way not many Sept members even know about the spiritual impass. Even fewer actually have enough knowledge of the cave system to find their way down to the ritual site.
The caves also contain even darker secrets as well. Foolhardy Garou speak in hushed tones about a pool of perfect stillness deep within the darkest recesses the caves. They say that those who gaze into it are granted visions of the future, but perhaps those are only the rumored tales of excitable youths. Knowledge of the pathway to the pool has long since passed from the memories of even the oldest Garou of the Sept and none are permitted entrance into the caves to search for it. Those found to be seeking the pool are dealt with swiftly and most harshly, for the Fenrir are mistrustful of the motivations of Garou who would wish to gaze into the future.
Shadowcrest: 
Although the Fenrir would never admit weakness the Sept grounds are not exclusively controlled by the Get. Recently a group of Shadow Lords have gained a foothold in the area their territory within the bawn marked by the construction of a large and elaborate mansion easily rivaling the Fenrir's hunting lodge in size and even more easily dwarfing it in elegance. Constructed by a master home builder Shadowcrest, as the Lords call it, is quite majestic indeed. From the beautiful wood carved moldings, to the exquisitely painted murals on the downstairs walls, everything about this building just exudes the supreme confidence that the Shadow Lords themselves so often display. All of the rooms save the hallways are lushly carpeted, the window dressings made of the finest silk and lace. The furniture is of the finest craftsmanship, leather chairs, high backed couches, and elegant bedroom furniture are the norm inside the many rooms of Shadowcrest. Down to the finest detail the mansion is the absolute embodiment of all that the Shadow Lords believe themselves to be, clearly this building is a house fit for would be kings.
Sept of the Sentinel Offices
Sept Alpha: Josif "Venomous Shadows" Homid Athro Theurge of Bat's Brood
Sept Beta: Frederick Banting, Homid Adren Philodox Child of Gaia of Unicorn
Warder: Spriggan's Hammer, Green Henge, Eyes of the Horizon, Homid Athro Philodox Knight of the Fianna
Master of the Rite: Fedor, Homid Adren Theurge of Grandfather Thunder's Brood
Gate Keeper: Hanable "Click-click Boom", Homid Fostern Ahroun
Keeper of the Land: Venatta Brinard of the Gurahl
Master of the Challenge: Fights for Pure Waters, Homid Theurge of the Uktena
Council of Elders (See below)
Sept of the Sentinel Lesser Offices
Master of the Howl:
Caller of the Wyld:
Truthcatcher:
Talesinger:
Wyrmfoe:
Pack dedicated to Bear:
Hanable, Adren Homid Glasswalker Ahroun
Nadezda, Adren Homid Shadowlord Theurge
Francesca, Adren Homid Child of Gaia Ragabash
The Garou and Fera of New York are a wide, and varied people, with a great deal of history and diversity among their ranks. At present within the state of New York there are five distinct Caern's that are known to exist. Each of them having their own goals and issues to be dealt with. Of the Caerns in the state, the Garou hold four of them and the fifth is held by a Beast Court.
Within the state of New York anyone of Rank 2 will surely be known by the various Septs and Garou of the area. As long as the Garou has had moderate contact with their own kind. Word spreads of the rising heroes and their deeds, and new Fosterns are something to be celebrated across the Land. Those of Rank 3 will surely be known through out much of the continent, and perhaps beyond as their continued actions bring them both honor and renown. Those of Rank 4 or higher are surely to be known across all of the Garou Nation, their movements and deeds hard to hide from all but the most ignorant of Garou.
The Sept of the Sentinel
During the middle of last December, the Sept underwent a dramatic change in leadership the likes of which had not been seen in generations. The Pack "Endless Embrace of Winter" arrived from Europe and its members quickly challenged for key positions within the Sept. Only the incumbent Warder ~Open Eye brings Death~ of the Sentinel was able to defeat his challenger. In the month since frenzied challenges there have been sweeping changes and a sudden call for others who are looking to prove themselves in battle beside the Fenrir. Only time will tell if the revolution in leadership will prove to be for the better. Or if perhaps the Sept's position has been weakened enough to allow its many enemies the chance they need to capture the venerable Caern…that is until they fell to the wyrm on an attack of Algonquin Peak.
[[Sept Graveyard]]
The Grand Elder: Freya "Coldfire" Wolfhart
This cold and beautiful woman proudly bears the title of Valkyrie Skald of the Fenrir and is as regal as she is brutal. Few stories though have reached North America about her exploits, but there are certainly some women of the tribe that follow her accomplishments with a special interest, given the general view of women within the Tribe. One thing that is known though, is that she does not give any special consideration to women, and is as harsh with them as any man.
In the short time that she has been within New York though, she has beat down no less then two Fenrir who did not realize how good her hearing is. There are certainly times that she seems to flaunt her body in an attempt to draw out an unwanted comment or touch. The recent lack of broken bones and bruised bodies seem to hint that Freya's methods might actually be succeeding. People are careful not to get caught leering or commenting about any woman when the Grand Elder is around incase she might take offense. No one as yet though has been willing to find out if she would stand up for another woman as she does for herself.
Since her arrival though, the woman has been a fair and just Jarl to the members of the Sept. She has taken the time to speak and get to know each and every member of the Sentinel in an attempt to learn their story. This is perhaps one of the things that has most endeared her with the lower ranking members of the Sept. She genuinely seems to care and listen to others rather then stand apart and command with closed ears. She has even gone as far as to recently send an invitation to Josif Konstantin so that the Shadow Lords and Get of Fenris can hopefully find a peaceful resolution to a centuries old conflict between the two tribes in this area.
Freya has not taken a mate and this is probably the one issue that can be found with her leadership. She's still relatively young though and perhaps she'll be able to find time for creating a family in the future. She is also new to being an Athro, and so perhaps she is still getting used to the responsibility that comes along with her Rank, as well as her position within the Sept. The course of the next few months will likely be difficult for her but what is life without challenge?
Gunnar ~Open Eye Brings Death~ Eberstark
Almost impossibly large Gunnar stands at 6'7" and weighs in excess of 300 pounds. His massive form rippling with muscle and covered in the scars of many battles. He speaks in gruff tones and does not waste time getting right to the heart of any matter. Gunnar rarely laughs, he only sometimes grins in a wolfish fashion in which he bares his teeth, certainly closer to a silent snarl than any actually friendly gesture. He never makes small talk and is known for just walking away in the middle of someone talking if he thinks them to be speaking nonsense.
Gunnar's deed name was granted to him after his rite of passage. On a night when Luna's Eye was open to its fullest the Fenrir Ahroun was sent out with a group of four other cubs. They encountered the forces of the Wyrm and he proceeded to dispense death to a group of Fomori and Black Spiral Dancers with such ferocity and skill that although the rite was meant to be terribly dangerous, Gunnar walked back proudly with his packmates, all of whom had survived the rite. All cubs returning from the ordeal is a true rarity for Get of Fenris rites of passage.
As an Adren the renown of his deeds has spread both far and wide. Gunnar prefers not to rest on the glories of his past though and instead lets his deeds of today speak for him. This man of little words has no need for boasting or self aggrandizement. He does not speak of past battles unless it is to tell of the actions of those who fought beside him. In battle Gunnar wields an ungodly 100 pound steel Battle Axe called Earth Render. This potent Fetish Axe was granted to him when he took the mantle of Warder at the Sept of the Sentinel. His skill with the mighty weapon is unrivaled and any who chose to challenge him to a dual are often met with a most gruesome cleaving.
The recent events that have transpired at the Sept do not sit well with Gunnar for his ultimate loyalties resided with the now deceased Grand Elder, Black Hammer. The two men stood together in many battles and the trials they endured created a fierce loyalty. It is however unclear if this loyalty extends to Black Hammer's son or not. Gunnar despises that the Shadow Lords have been allowed to gain a foothold in Sept land and is open hostile to Lords he encounters. Shadow Lords seeking the favor of the Warder must work hard indeed proving themselves in battle over and over, for the respect of Open Eye Brings Death, is not granted lightly.
Sophie ~Judge of Ice~ Richter
Sophie is one of the younger members of the insurgent Pack "Endless Embrace of Winter" who have recently asserted themselves within the Sept's power structure. She is thought to have taken hold of one of the more difficult positions right now, as she is responsible for diplomatic relations with the other nearby Septs, and renewing little used Moonbridges. The previous stance of the Sept was fairly isolationist, but now that things are changing, this young woman will indeed have a vital role to play in the coming months.
A Fostern Philodox of the Get of Fenris Sophie is renowned for her eternally calm demeanor and her flawless knowledge of the Litany. As a Philodox she has been called upon many times in the past to pass sentence against her fellow Garou for their transgressions against the Litany. She judges other Garou with emotionless impartiality, even those whom she would consider friend are given no quarter. Her cold nature when handing down sentences has earned her the deed name Judge of Ice.
Very little is known of her time before coming to North America. Since she is only Fostern the glory of her deeds are mostly known to those of her old Sept in Europe. An ambitious woman Sophie now seeks to make a name for herself at the Sept of the Sentinel. Ever eager to prove herself Sophie can always be counted on in battle. When her pack Alpha deposed the previous Grand Elder Sophie challenged and won the position as the Caern's gate keeper. She takes her responsibility of guarding the pathstone and moonbridges quite seriously and is quite honored to have been trusted with such an essential task.
Sophie is an attractive woman of clearly Germanic decent. She speaks with a heavy German accent although her English is otherwise flawless. She has a quiet air about her and one of approachability. Although she can be most serious when called to, most of the time she is quite laid back, at least as far as Fenrir standards go. Always dressed in weather appropriate but usually comfortable clothing. Sophie is not one to preen herself constantly, but she is well kept and does take care to present herself in a fashion that is in line with the position she holds at the Sept.
Tara ~Pulse of the Land~ Corrigan
Tara is a quiet woman who spends more time conferring with the local Spirits than she does with her Sept mates. She has been with the Sept for a number of years and has proven herself to be a woman of honor and dependability. Likely this is why she was not challenged for her position by one of the newly arrived "Endless Embrace of Winter."
Born under the Crescent moon this Fostern Fianna lass is probably one of the least outgoing Fianna most people will ever meet. As the Keeper of the Land Tara is responsible for maintaining the Sept lands on both sides of the Gauntlet. She takes her responsibilities most seriously and knows well what an honor it is for her, a Fianna, to hold such an essential position in a nearly all Fenrir Sept. She is a woman of average looks and height but she has an air of wisdom about her. Although she rarely seeks company many are drawn to her quiet yet contemplative demeanor.
Tara is most well known for her more than amiable relationship with the local spirit folk. She spends a good deal of time in the Umbra and as such she has many spiritual informants from who she regularly gathers insight. Tara is most fond of spirits that are associated with the land, and it is her intimate connection with these spirits that earned Tara her deed name. It is often said within the Sept of the Sentinel that very little of what occurs on the grounds of the bawn transpires without her knowledge. Speaking with the spirits of trees and streams Tara is regarded as one of the best informed members of the Sept and is often sought out to answer questions about the comings and goings of her fellow Sept members.
As a Theurge Tara is not above keeping secrets and she often does so when dealing with those she does not trust. Tara is unsure what to think about the recent Shadow Lord incursion into the bawn. She was one of the most adamant voices to speak out against the construction of the elaborate and she feels unnecessary mansion that the Lords call Shadowcrest. Tara knows her place though and she knows well that it does not suit her purposes to make waves, instead she just continues to bide her time, and more importantly gather as much information about her Sept mates as she can.
Joachim ~Eagle Eye~ Jaeger
As the Master of the Challenge at the Sept of the Sentinel, Joachim is called upon to mediate all manner of conflict and as such he often finds himself between two Garou itching to tear each other apart. He is well known for his dislike of posturing and many consider him to be a "put up or shut up" kind of arbitrator. With the current situation within the Sept he finds himself in the difficult position of trying to keep the peace between the older members of the Sept and those who've more recently arrived.
Joachim is an Adren and a member of the "Endless Embrace of Winter." He is one of the most skilled warriors of the pack, and is quite accomplished with his weapon of choice, a Fetish War Bow called "Heart Seeker." Joachim was granted the potent Fetish as well as his deed name after he instantly killed a Black Spiral Dancer at 200 paces with an arrow through the eye. Not just a fantastic archer Joachim is also one of the most observant men at the Sept of the Sentinel. Most learn quickly to guard well their actions when Joachim is around because almost nothing slips past the one called ~Eagle Eye~
Born beneath the talesinger's moon Joachim speaks in a commanding tone his deep, booming voice, virtually impossible to ignore. He stands at an even 6 feet tall and weighs in the range of 200 pounds, even by Fenrir standards he is quite solidly built. As a man of only around 30 years Joachim appears to be quite a bit older, as if he's come through many difficult trials and tribulations. He is handsome although his face is marked with the lines of contemplation which generally don't begin to show on a Garou until they're well into their twilight years. His hair is graying early and despite his confident and commanding air sometimes just a hint of inner sadness shows through.
Lena ~Deception Unmasked~ Friedmann
Lena is a Fenrir and the Truthcatcher at the Sept of the Sentinel. She is also a member, although the least renowned, of the pack "Endless Embrace of Winter." Upon the packs arrival at the Sept Lena challenged and won her position as Truthcatcher. She beat the incumbent first in a challenge of game craft, and then physically, when the man leapt at her to attack. Her strong sense of justice and her knowledge of the Litany will likely serve her well as the Sept's Truthcatcher.
Lena is a tall woman with a commanding presence. Long dark brown hair falls to the middle of her back and is often elaborately braided in a number of styles. She peers, sometimes coldly at others through deep brown eyes, almost as if she can tell when someone is about to lie even before they open their mouth. She is an attractive woman who when relaxed can be quite friendly and outgoing. However, Lena often finds herself almost interminably busy with her duties as the Truthcatcher, and therefore seeing her warm smile is sometimes a rare occurence.
Born beneath the half-moon Lena's surname in German translates to man of peace or peace-maker and this is the path that she has always followed in life. Lena, like many Fenrir is prone to being hot blooded at times, but is usually cold and reserved. Lena detests unnecessary conflict between Garou almost as much as she detests lying. A woman of principal Lena has fully embraced her half-moon nature, which along with her uncanny knack for spotting a lie, has made her almost the perfect Truthcatcher. Lena listens impartially and never makes a decision based upon personal bias or the previous actions of a Garou if they are irrelevant to the matter at hand.
She is often seen working around and in rather passionate arguments with the Warder. Some would be surprised by just how vocal she can get with the giant of a man although she does not often seem hostile. This causes many to wonder just why she argues so heatedly with him, does she simply want his respect, or is there something more there? Her Packmate Joachim can often be seen silently supporting her from the sidelines, perhaps watching over her to ensure that nothing gets out of hand, he tends to view Lena almost as one would their little sister.
Ishtar ~Avalanche~ Heinrich
Ishtar a Fostern Galliard of the Get of Fenris is the current Wyrmfoe of the Sept of the Sentinel. She has held the position for just over 3 months however and she is not yet deeply entrenched with the political machinations of the Sept's leadership. Instead she chooses to bide her time and simply wait and see how things shake out.
Ishtar is a woman of purpose, as such she takes her job as the Wyrmfoe most seriously. Those who cross her often find themselves left out of the most exiting and glorious hunts, instead being left behind to guard the Caern as the War Party charges off into honorable battle. Certainly guarding the Caern is not a dishonorable task, but it is often most embarrassing when at the next moot others are telling tales of glorious battle, and one has none of their own to share.
A coldly beautiful woman Ishtar has long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She stands at 5'9" tall, her physique lithe and muscular. Many men in fact find the Wyrmfoe quite appealing. However she shuns their attention in favor of keeping her focus on the task the Sept Elders have entrusted to her. Ishtar is sometimes guilty of being a bit cruel with both her looks and her station of power. She often prances and poses in manners which show off her sexuality, but when someone calls her on it or she catches them staring, she can be downright evil in her reactions.
Born beneath the Gibbous Moon Ishtar is somewhat prone to song at odd times. Ever at the forefront of any foray against the Wyrm she often inspires her companions with a dark and hauntingly sensual singing voice. She is most fond of anthems of War that whip the emotions of the battle party into a fervered state. However frenzied her companions become Ishtar is always in control of her own emotions, she is renowned for her coldly calculating finesse in combat. Her movements surgically precise her attacks always designed for the utmost lethality.
Ishtar was granted her deed name when she was a Cliath. While in combat with a Pentex first team high upon the peak of Whiteface mountain. She hurled a battle spear, passed on to her from her father, up and over the heads of the First Team and splintered a massive chunk of ice off the side of a cliff. The ice crashed down onto the First Team and triggered a massive avalanche that completely annihilated the forces of the Wyrm. Unfortunately Ishtar was never able to recover her father's spear and to this day she can sometimes be found searching the mountain side for her lost weapon, if questioned about what she's doing she merely responds: "I seek that which has been taken by the mountain."
Valgard, Homid Adren Ahroun of the Get of Fenris
A very headstrong Get of Fenris, it is believed he is the father of the soon-to-be-born children to Venatta of the Gurahl. While in combat, he perished to the advancements of the Wyrm. In fact, he may have been the first to fall to the Barren Frost Spiral Pack.
Council of Elders:
Within the past few months, there have been some considerable changes among the Council of Elders. Prior to the coming of the "Endless Embrace of Winter" Black Hammer had kept it together mainly as his War Council. Although towards his final days as Grand Elder he had begun to pay less and less attention to their suggestions. Now though it has shifted back to more of what it should be. However, Freya still holds almost all of the power, and the Council is rumored to be a formality than a body with any true authority.
The Council is composed currently of the Grand Elder Freya, Gunnar Eberstark the Warder, Joachim Jaeger the Master of Challenge, and the Ritemaster Nikolai Vaclav who also speaks for the small Silver Fang contingent within the Sept. There has been a recent push by the Shadowlord Josif Konstantin to be admitted to the Council, but since none of his cohorts are actually members of the Sept, that is unlikely at best. There is certainly a fear though that if the Shadow Lord presence at the is given an inch they may indeed simply take it all.
Currently the Council is still dealing with issues concerning the changes that the Sentinel is undergoing. There are many threats on the horizon and a concern that an enemy will use the recent turmoil to move into the region and set up operations. Freya herself has spoken of a prophetic dream concerning a slithering shadow to the north or north east that is sapping the very life from the land.
Others of Note
Josif ~Venomous Shadow~ Konstantin:
This Shadow Lord Theurge has recently attained the Rank of Athro and is widely regarded as the preeminent Shadow Lord in the state of New York. Josif is respected by many and feared by almost all. He is the newest leader of the small enclave of Shadow Lords who have long called the area home. Some even say that he is a direct descendant of the Shadow Lord who had one laid a short-lived claim to the Sept of the Sentinel. The Sept was lost however after the Lords betrayed the Uktena the very allies whom had helped them to capture it from the Get of Fenris. No longer bound together with the Uktena, the Shadow Lords could not hold back the tide of Fenrir, and the Sept was once again placed under the thrall of the Get.
A coldly handsome man Josif's noble bloodlines are evident in his facial features as well as his heavily accented way of speaking. Many consider Josif to have an ominous presence his light blue eyes often seem as if they're looking directly into a person's soul. His shoulder length hair of midnight black is oft left to flow freely although sometimes is tied back depending on the formality of his current situation. Josif is a man of impressive stature, standing 6'1" and weighing nearly 180 pounds, his physique is solid and muscular. Some say he stays lean so that when he creeps into a rival's house at night he can press his poisoned blade to their throat before making even the slightest of sounds. Of course no one actually says this to his face…for fear of befalling such a fate themselves.
Born beneath the crescent moon Josif is as equally at home in the umbra as he is in the political arena. There are many rumors surrounding Josif's deedname none of which are spoke of openly. Some say he was granted his deedname for binding the spirit of a hemlock tree into an arrow that was used to fell a mighty bane. Others tell of his name having been granted after a challenge during which he felled his opponent with only a single slash across the throat. Prompting many to accuse him of using a poisoned blade. Whichever rumor, if any, is actually true no one is ever actually foolish enough to question Josif about it.
Josif is the driving force behind the construction of Shadowcrest Manor upon the grounds of the Sept of the Sentinel. His true purpose for making an incursion into the Sept lands is as of yet is unclear. The tribe has always been a powerful force in the region but surely there must be some hidden, more sinister, purpose to the manor. Or at least that's what is whispered when Konstantin isn't around anyway.
The Tribe has many resources at its disposal and enough manpower to likely take the Sept of the Sentinel by force if they were so inclined. However, the problem is they are determined to hold the Sept this time, so they must wait and prepare for the right time to act. Many of the younger members already assert, albeit in whispers, that that time is now.
Recent Events
And so it went that, in the very early dawn, as Helios rose upwards and Luna faded from her view in the Heavens, the land of the Northern
New York Protectorate around the Sept of the Sentinel stirred to much activity.
The Wyrm unleashed its pent-up fury and directed it upon Mother Gaia. The ground did shake with the Wyrm's wrath as another earthquake
rocked the region, hitting a more noticeable 3.6 on the Richter Scale- far more noticeable then the previous aftershocks a few days prior,
thus unleashing more noticeable umbral quakes throughout the area.
The Algonquin Peak stirred as minions of the Wyrm began to answer its summons to wrench free that which it had failed to claim centuries
earlier. As it was then, so now did Defenders of Gaia stand up- united- and took the war to the Wyrm and its minions of corruption and decay.
High up in the shadows of a mountainside cleft, a lone feline figure waited for Helios to reveal a secret place, thus allowing it access to
a passageway long-since forgotten, even by the local Theurges of both the Uktena and the Wendigo. The figure, as observed by spirits of
Chimera, Incarnae of Mysteries, did make its way down passageways now occupied by banes. The spirits observed the feline warrior of Seline draw strength enough to cleave a way through them as it looked for the resting chamber that was the ancient caern. Stealing and cleaving a path towards it was not easy, and several times did the figure halt their progress to fend out countless attacks from the corrupt bane spirits. Through perseverance and faith, the feline shifter finally managed to locate their destination. Pleased with what the feline
shifter did, Chimera assisted in the feline's non-detection as it found its way to where humans were currently being held as both
hostage, food, sexual degradation, creating progeny, and some simply for the sheer pleasure of hearing them scream. Cleaving banes and
Black Spiral Dancers alike, the feline shifter managed to rescue only two of the hostages; the others were nowhere to be found. Taking each
of them- a boy and a girl- under its arm, it stepped into the shadows and vanished out of the mountain to safety.
Athro Shadowlord Josif "Venomous Shadows" Konstantin ensured that those under his care managed to get to the war zone, so that they
could participate in the Wyrm's defeat. He ensured this by transporting them all in his Cessna AK-70 Sea Plane, where after
reaching a little over 10,000 feet, they all parachuted over Algonquin Peak and came in quietly, without any eyes of the enemy watching.
After landing, Josif ordered them to split off into groups and proceed against the forces of the Wyrm. With Josif was Drea, a Get of Fenrir
Kin named Brynja, Nadezda, Fostern of the Shadow Lords, and Jontu Stormrunner of the Bastet.
As the feline shifter pierced this hazardous, Wyrm-infested place, another did so as well, this one definitely of the Garou. Valgard,
Adren of the Get of Fenris used his guile and an heirloom fetish that allowed him safe passage by some of the foulest of Wyrm minions, where he stormed the chamber where a Black Spiral Dancer Alpha had been, as the Get of Fenris has been informed from a spirit that spoke to him the night before. The battle was bloody and costly, as Get of Fenris Ahroun went to vicious blows with a Black Spiral Dancer Ahroun. The Ahroun Black Spiral drew back its hand and smashed into Valgard's chest, sending him crashing through parts of the wall behind him.
Stepping up out of the rubble, Valgard had just enough time to steel himself for another attacj, but this time Valgard was prepared. As the
Ahroun Black Spiral came at him, Valgard of the Get of Fenris arced his hand out and carved the Ahroun Black Spiral with his blade, and
watched as the Ahroun Black Spiral's life ended and slipped into its own oblivion. Letting a Howl of Victory leave his throat, Valgard
reached down and ripped off an ancient fetish, but not before claiming the head of the fallen Spiral Dancer as his trophy.
Perhaps one of the newest arrival to the Sept of the Sentinel held himself quite well. Tzayad of the Silent Striders ensured that one of
the other newest arrival, a Child of Gaia cub named Drea, remained alive, as well as Naderzda, Fostern of the Shadow Lords, after they
had parachuted from the plane. They coralled many benevolent spirits to assist them against the banes. Tzayad even managed to spiritually
force some of the banes to attack the Black Spirals. This act alone made ancient Caern spirits take notice of him, and revealed such to
Chimera.
Prior to the arrival of the plane, a pair of Sept garou were here, stalking their targets. Claws Rending the Weak, a Lupus Shadow Lord
was accompanied by Freyja, Kinfolk of the Get of Fenris, and were tasked to thwart the advancements of the more baneful of the Wyrm's
minions. It was here that Claws Rending the Weak did encounter the Ahroun Black Spiral named Call to Madness. The two did battle upon the side of the mountain, and their savage clashes could be heard in the valleys below. As both Claws Rending and Calls to Madness fought, the Black Spiral unleashed balefire in a direct-impact upon him, coating him in fire and tainting him severely. Weakened, a lone Gurahl stepped up and healed the Lupus Shadowlord. As he rose, he and Freyja pressed ever-onward.
In fact, Venatta did, infact hear it as she made her way up to assist in the battle, however Venatta was side-lined by the Albino Metis
Ragabash Black Spiral , Skin of the Wyrm. Thinking it could take Venatta, Venatta stood poised and raised her wicked talons and flayed
the Black Spiral Dancer known as Skin of the Wyrm, in half! Venatta charged onward, shruging off the wicked-clawed attacks of the numerous tainted earthen elemental forces around. Incensed with anger, Venatta raised her arms and bore her teeth and shredded everything that stood in her path. By the time she was down, her coat looked red.
In the end of the struggle, the Garou from the Sept of the Sentinel managed a great victory, which they share with the Gurahl, and both
the Wendigo, Uktena, and some of the Red Talons.
However, catastrophe has befallen….every member of the "Endless Embrace of Winter" pack fell in battle, even Athro Ahroun Freya
"Coldfire" Wolfhart of the Get of Fenris, as well as Warder Gunnar ~Open Eye Brings Death~ Eberstark of the Get of Fenris. The last of
the pack to finally succumb to death's kiss was the Keeper of the Land Tara "Pulse of the Land" Corrigan of the Fianna, and brother to Sidhe
Knight, Riordjhan Fiona, who amazingly appeared from a Trod to give respect.
The events of this day will be felt for weeks, if not years, to come. The Sept's power is about to shift- who will possess it this time?
Overall, the spirits of the region rejoiced with them in the umbra. They know that while many banes and Black Spiral Dancers escaped,
those present now at the Caern are capable to dealing with them.
Surrounding Septs are:
Sept of the Green - Located in Central Park (Multi-Tribal)
Sept of Gaia's Hand - Located in the Finger Lakes Region (Black Fury-Controlled)
Caliah's Breath- Bastet Den
Earthhome- Gurahl breeding ground
