The Inside Scoop on Gaming

Finally, after years of waiting comes the Werebear sourcebook. This, the fourth book in the Changing Breed series, is equal and in many ways superior to the first book, Bastet. I also found it far superior to any of the Tribebooks. (With no offense meant to the respective authors of course)

This book starts with the typical adequate comic, which succeeds in capturing the flavor of the Gurahl's sacrifices. It then breaks it's information into six sections. The first section includes a Lexicon and a bibliography. The sourcebook ends with an excellent, remarkably detailed character sheet(four pages bringing the actual page count to 135). There is no index(fairly typical of White Wolf books) but I did not feel hampered by the omission.

Along with the Lexicon and bibliography mentioned above the Introduction does a wonderful job of catching the radically different flavor of these gentle protectors and touches upon the highly ritualistic lifestyle they lead.

Chapter One details the Dance of the Centuries that make up the Gurahl's history, from pre-Garou times to modern days. Once again the authors take care to exemplify and illuminate the many differences (as well as the few similarities) between the pack oriented Garou and the solitary Gurahl. It also touches upon some startling differences, first that Ursine Gurahl significantly outnumber Homid, and the complete absence of Metis Gurahl. It also looks into the triple totem of Bear(Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, and the Death Bear) as well as the Yarn Spinner(Wyld), Tapestry Maker(Weaver), and Pattern Breaker(Wyrm).

Chapter Two details what it is to be Gurahl, from first change to Gaia's last embrace. It covers the four main Tribes in some detail as well though heavy mechanics are saved for later. It also details the changing Auspices of the Gurahl, which definitely shows that they are by no means as moon bound as their brethren. The four Tribes are:
- Forest Walkers Mostly Black Bears, protectors of the forests and Jungles.
- Ice Stalkers Mostly Polar Bears, they guard the icy or just plain cold regions.
- Mountain Guardians fierce Grizzly overseers of the high reaches.
- River Keepers Mostly Brown bears, these Gurahl guard the rivers and streams of the world.
This chapter also covers general attitudes and interactions with other changing breed, Garou Tribes, and the other denizens of the World of Darkness.

Chapter Three dives into the mechanics of the book, the making of a Gurahl from Galivant to Rishi, and all points in between. It includes clear and detailed treatment on similarities and differences. New Talents, Skills, and Knowledges. Backgrounds, Gifts (Particularly good to know), Rites, Rank, Honor, and the different ways Gurahl can use Rage(they have much more diversity than Garou)). It even throws in a few useful Fetishes and a Talen at the end for good measure. The Chapter ends with a handy quick refernce for character creation, like the one in many of the other WW books.

Appendix One contains a few Templates (Four), while personally I have little use for Templates these are no worse than any I have seen and I must say the artwork accompanying them is excellent. Then it goes into a few Gurahl of note including a certain sixth century King and one I like to call Yogi on Steroids(Snarl Tooth Tangle Fur).

Appendix Two adds in an assortment of information on Bears in genral, and Storytelling Gurahl in particular. While this very short section could have been longer it gives a hint of what could be done with a little thought on the chronicle, as well as some good general knowledge. It ends with the aforementioned Character sheet, which I found outstanding.

All in all a satisfying read, informative and helpful. I give it two thumbs up. This book and a copy of the main rules could easily make for a chronicle with little work from a fairly talented Storyteller.

ST note:The Level three Uzmati gift called Crush is deadly and should likely be handled with care so as not to unbalance a game.(It is effectively an Aggravated Damage distance attack at full strength) It definitely shows why Gurahl are fearsome warriors though, especially in their Uzmati(Ahroun) Auspice.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

Gurahl
Author: Jackie Cassada and Nicky Rea Category: game Company/Publisher: White Wolf Cost: 17.95 Page count: 131 Character Sheet ISBN: 1-56504-339-1 Capsule Review by Timothy Whisenhunt on 12/28/98. Genre tags: Fantasy Modern_day Horror Gothic	Finally, after years of waiting comes the Werebear sourcebook. This, the fourth book in the Changing Breed series, is equal and in many ways superior to the first book, Bastet. I also found it far superior to any of the Tribebooks. (With no offense meant to the respective authors of course) This book starts with the typical adequate comic, which succeeds in capturing the flavor of the Gurahl's sacrifices. It then breaks it's information into six sections. The first section includes a Lexicon and a bibliography. The sourcebook ends with an excellent, remarkably detailed character sheet(four pages bringing the actual page count to 135). There is no index(fairly typical of White Wolf books) but I did not feel hampered by the omission. Along with the Lexicon and bibliography mentioned above the Introduction does a wonderful job of catching the radically different flavor of these gentle protectors and touches upon the highly ritualistic lifestyle they lead. Chapter One details the Dance of the Centuries that make up the Gurahl's history, from pre-Garou times to modern days. Once again the authors take care to exemplify and illuminate the many differences (as well as the few similarities) between the pack oriented Garou and the solitary Gurahl. It also touches upon some startling differences, first that Ursine Gurahl significantly outnumber Homid, and the complete absence of Metis Gurahl. It also looks into the triple totem of Bear(Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, and the Death Bear) as well as the Yarn Spinner(Wyld), Tapestry Maker(Weaver), and Pattern Breaker(Wyrm). Chapter Two details what it is to be Gurahl, from first change to Gaia's last embrace. It covers the four main Tribes in some detail as well though heavy mechanics are saved for later. It also details the changing Auspices of the Gurahl, which definitely shows that they are by no means as moon bound as their brethren. The four Tribes are: - Forest Walkers Mostly Black Bears, protectors of the forests and Jungles. - Ice Stalkers Mostly Polar Bears, they guard the icy or just plain cold regions. - Mountain Guardians fierce Grizzly overseers of the high reaches. - River Keepers Mostly Brown bears, these Gurahl guard the rivers and streams of the world. This chapter also covers general attitudes and interactions with other changing breed, Garou Tribes, and the other denizens of the World of Darkness. Chapter Three dives into the mechanics of the book, the making of a Gurahl from Galivant to Rishi, and all points in between. It includes clear and detailed treatment on similarities and differences. New Talents, Skills, and Knowledges. Backgrounds, Gifts (Particularly good to know), Rites, Rank, Honor, and the different ways Gurahl can use Rage(they have much more diversity than Garou)). It even throws in a few useful Fetishes and a Talen at the end for good measure. The Chapter ends with a handy quick refernce for character creation, like the one in many of the other WW books. Appendix One contains a few Templates (Four), while personally I have little use for Templates these are no worse than any I have seen and I must say the artwork accompanying them is excellent. Then it goes into a few Gurahl of note including a certain sixth century King and one I like to call Yogi on Steroids(Snarl Tooth Tangle Fur). Appendix Two adds in an assortment of information on Bears in genral, and Storytelling Gurahl in particular. While this very short section could have been longer it gives a hint of what could be done with a little thought on the chronicle, as well as some good general knowledge. It ends with the aforementioned Character sheet, which I found outstanding. All in all a satisfying read, informative and helpful. I give it two thumbs up. This book and a copy of the main rules could easily make for a chronicle with little work from a fairly talented Storyteller. ST note:The Level three Uzmati gift called Crush is deadly and should likely be handled with care so as not to unbalance a game.(It is effectively an Aggravated Damage distance attack at full strength) It definitely shows why Gurahl are fearsome warriors though, especially in their Uzmati(Ahroun) Auspice. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 5 (Excellent!)