The phase of the moon that marks a werewolf’s First Change is called her “auspice moon.” As the term implies, an auspice moon is a form of blessing. It grants your character a measure of supernatural aptitude for certain tasks, which gives her a greater sense of place in her pack. A packmate from each auspice is all the stronger for having allies who are each strong at a certain task vital to Uratha existence. While one’s auspice is a responsibility, it’s also a great advantage — the blessing of Luna.

Although auspice isn’t predestined, it sometimes seems that way. A werewolf whose Change occurs under the full moon might have been angry and violent growing up, while one whose occurs under the crescent moon might have been introspective before. Werewolves often introduce themselves by auspice when they meet, establishing their relative roles among the People.

Auspice determines some of your character’s initial allocation of Renown (defined on p. 77) and Gifts (p. 102). A werewolf character also gains a bonus Specialty for one of the Skills that his auspice influences. For example, the player of an Ithaeur may choose a free Specialty for Animal Ken, Medicine or Occult, in addition to the three Specialties that all starting characters get. If your char- acter doesn’t have one of the Skills for which his auspice offers a free Specialty, that benefit is lost. You may return to Step Three, though, and reallocate dots in order to have one of those Skills.