Umbra Lore

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Umbra Lore: This Lore ability represents a vast study of the many faceted aspects that all pertain to the Umbra. Higher Mastery of this Ability necessitates the mastery of other Abilities as well. Umbra Lore is a complex complexity of information hidden within enigmas hidden within riddles hidden behinds lies of truth. Characters that do not have the listed prerequisites needed for certain levels of Lore are treated as having one level less than listed on their Character Sheet.

So, what is the difference between Umbra Lore and Cosmology?
Think of a kid, eager to learn, spending many of his hours on the Internet studying aspects of astronomy, stellar phenomina, and other things similar in nature and concept.

Now, take that same kid 10 years later, with a Ph.D. in Astrophysics.

The younger kid might have had Space Lore, or Astrophysics Lore (so to speak), whereas the older more learned version of the enthusist would have Science (astrophysics) most assuredly. Now take this lesson as listed, and apply it to the Garou and the Umbra (and Umbra Lore and Cosmology respectfully.)

The Umbra itself it ever-changing, and any Theurge worth his weight in silver knows it. The Umbral Realms, on the other hand, are more or less static places within the Umbra itself. Ergo, we use two different Abilities... one for each aspect.

When do I use Cosmology, and when would I use Umbra Lore?
Good question. Both Abilities can be used for the identification of the 13 Near Umbral Realms as described within Umbra: the Velvet Shadow. Cosmology also gives a working knowledge of how the Spirit Broods work and rely upon these Realms. Umbra Lore, on the other hand, covers anything that has to do with any aspect of the Umbra. It is an Ability of rumors, legends, and speculation. Needless to say, if you are lost in the Umbra, Umbral Lore is what you need... Cosmology would be utterly worthless.

Umbra Lore Level One: what a well-learned Theurge should know

The Umbra is divided into several distinct "layers": the Periphery, the Penumbra, The Near Umbra, and the Dark Umbra.
The Penumbra is filled with Domains, small areas that correspond to both the physical Realm and the Near Umbra.
You are able to name several varieties of Domains.
You know where the Gauntlet is strong and where it is weak.
You are aware of the dangers of Disconnection.
You know that night time hours are the safest to traverse the Umbrascape.
You have heard of Malfeas and know it is a realm of the Wyrm.
You have heard Elders speak of Erebus as a purgatory like realm for Garou.
You have heard of Pangaea and know that many consider it to be a primal paradise of sorts.
You know that Lupus Garou favor sending their Cubs to Wolfhome for Rites of Passage.

Umbra Lore Level Two: what a novice Umbra Traveler should know
[Player Characters need to at least have Enigmas Ability to achieve this level of Lore.]

You are familiar with the concepts of Moon Paths, Moon Bridges, Spirit Tracks, and Spirit Gates.
You know a few secrets when it comes to Reaching, such as using the reflection of another's eyes.
You know many varieties of Domains and what the difference between each type might be.
You know that Shape Changers do not need to eat or drink within the Umbra as long as they have sufficient Gnosis.
You are able to glean simple truths from others by looking at their Umbral appearance.
You know what Umbral Winds are and just how dangerous they can be.
You have heard several tales of the different ¨paths〃 within the Abyss
You have heard of the Arcadian Gateway.
You have heard that the Atrocity Realm is considered by many to be a Gaian Hell.
You have heard that many Galliards go to the Battleground to witness the tales of glorious battles long past.
You have heard of the Cyber Realm.
You have heard of the Flux Realm, and know that no two visitors tell similar tales of trips within.
You have heard of the Legendary Realms, and know it is well-known to Silver Fangs who send their cubs within for their Rites of Passage.
You have heard many horror stories about the Scar and what is commonly seen within.

Umbral Lore Level Three: what an adept Umbral Traveler will know
[Player Characters need to at least have Enigmas Ability x 2 and the Spirit Lore Ability to achieve this level of Lore.]

You know some secret uses for a few Gifts, and how they might interact within various aspects of the Umbra.
You know several Laws to a few of the Realms.
Legends call the Summer Country a Gaian paradise, and that it is slowly losing its connection with the Penumbra.
You know of the Tribal Homelands and how they might be found.
You know the dangers of an Umbraquake and how they might occur.
You know of the danger of Mirror Zones.
You have heard of the Null Zone.
You know of the Dream, the largest of the sub-realms, and just how easy it is to slip into the realm.
You know the secrets of Erebus, and the Abyss, and why so many Garou die trying to achieve quests within.
You are familiar of the safest times to travel Moon Paths, and what dangers might be found during other times.
You know why the Atrocity Realm usually inflicts Harano upon its few visitors.
You have heard several tales of Arcadia and know what kind of dangers you might find upon your way.
You know the dangers and benefits of the Legendary Realms.
You know that the Aetherial Realm is divided into various sub-domains, one corresponding to each celestial body represented by the Gaian calendar.
You know of the Rite of Becoming, and you have heard tales of the Rite of the Silver Forge.

Umbral Lore Level Four: what an expert Umbral Traveler should know
[Player Characters need to at least have Enigmas Ability x 3 and the Spirit Lore Ability x 3 to achieve this level of Lore.]

You know many Laws to most of the Realms.

You can attempt to follow Spirit Tracks without the aid of Gifts, with difficulty.

You know how to enter the Periphery, and why a Garou might desire to do so.

You know that Moon Bridges are the most reliable form of Umbral travel, and why.

You know that Moon Paths can be found to most any location desired.

You are aware of what might occur should one step off a Moon Path.

You know that nothing is static within the Umbra, and that it can be affected by the physical Realm.

You have legends of the Flux Realm, and why so many travel within, as well as why they hardly ever return.

You know that some of the other Changing Breeds have a stronger connection to the Umbra than the Garou.

You know what a Moon Shadow is and how to avoid them.

Umbral Lore Level Five: what an expert Umbral Traveler will know
[Player Characters need to at least have Enigmas Ability x 4, Rituals Ability and the Spirit Lore Ability x 3 as well as the Rite of Becoming to achieve this level of Lore.]

You know most of the Laws to each of the 13 Near Realms.
You might well know the secret of the Aetherial Realm.
You know what it takes to enter Summer Country.
You know the One Law of the Flux Realm.
You know that some of the other Changing Breeds can alter the very way they interact with the Umbra.
You might have friends among the Corax and Nuwisha that other Garou are not aware of.
You know of the "function" of the Null Zone and have heard tales to it being the boundary of everything.
You know that the Physical Realm can be altered by making changes within the Umbra.

Umbral Lore Level Six: what a powerful spirit will know
[Player characters need to at least have Enigmas Ability x 4, Rituals Ability x 2 and the Spirit Lore Ability x 4 as well as the Rite of Becoming to achieve this level of Lore.]

You know how to make small changes to the Gauntlet by affecting the Umbra.

You know that realms can be lost and found according to the beliefs held by humanity and Garou.

You can navigate the Web without the use of Gifts, with difficulty.

You know the secret of the Summer Country.

You know the differences between Domains, Mini-Realms, Zones and Sub-Realms.

You know what a Vista is, and might recognize it should you find one.

You know what the Membrane is, specifically.

You have heard myths and speculations on other Penumbrae.

You know the difference between the Deep Umbra and the Dark Umbra, and what might be within each.

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