Pumonca Tribal Gifts
      Simple, rugged folk as a rule, the sturdy Pumonca draw their magics from their connection to the land they wander. Unlike many other nature-bound cultures, the solitary cougars pass lightly across the land, rather living boudn tightly to it. This fleeting contact, and the hazards they encounter on their quests, have given rise to a collection of eclectic, timeless Gifts.

      Mockingbird's Mirror (Level One) - According to legend, an early Pumonca known as Three Spiders Climb mastered the art of mimicry and ventriloquism, and passed the secret on to his friends. This secret lets a cougar imitate whomeever he wishes -- birds, animals, humans, even machines -- and allows him to throw his new voice for some distance. As the name suggests, a Mockingbird-spirit often passes the secret along, usually in return for food.

     Wanderer's Boon (Level One) - Travel is hard, especially given the Spartan ways of the Pumonca. This Gift allows a cougar to adapt to changing climates quickly, or to ignore the pangs of hunger or thirst for some time. Bird and Bear-spirits pass this Gift along.

     Raincalling (Level Two) - The spirits of wind and weather are the best friends and worst enemies a Pumonca can have. This Gift, which came from a pact between Old Stone Face and the East Wind, allows a cougar to call forth rain. The shower is more a drizzle than a thunderstoom but it can cool a hot day, water crops or dampen and empty creek bed in minutes.

     Stonework (Level Two) - A Pumonca can shape any bit of stone, dirt, clay and glass into any object she wishes.

     Bayou Shambler (Level Three) - Deserts and mountains aren't the only placed Pumonca roam. So-called "swamp cats" know the Southern wetlands well. By crooning to the spirits of the bayous and calling upon any favors owed, a Pumonca can call forth a swamp elemental, dripping with plants and ooze, to assist her. While the creature retains its own free will, a Shambler is disposed to be friends to the cat and hostile towards anyone in her way.

     Thunderbolt (Level Three) - A pact with the spirits of the storm allows some Pumonca to call down a thunderbolt. So long as at least one cloud hangs in the air, the cougar can call down lightning. Most cougars learn this might spell from Thunderbird himself.

     Element-Folk Favor (Level Four) - Old Stone Face made many allies among the elemental spirits, and performed many favors for their kind before passing on. The ageless spirits remember his good deeds by aiding those who invoke their ancient ancestor. A Pumonca who performs this Gift can call up an elemental spirit for help. Once it arrives, the spirit will do what it can to assist the cat; after it finishes one task, the spirit departs.

     The Hungry Earth (Level Four) - The Mother is not at peace. Some Pumonca know how to rouse her enough to show her displeasure. When this Gift is employed, the ground shakes, opens or gives way, covering tracks, sealing passages or burying the cat's opponents alive.

     Earthspeaking (Level Five) - By sifting dirt and calling on the spirits within the ground, a puma receives visions of things that have happened in the area. These insights can help her folow trails, "witness" past events, or learn where things came from or went. Bird-spirits often pass this Gift along, but some worm and elemental chaya do their part too, especially if the Bastet's questions serve the spirits' ends.

     Thunderbird's Cry (Level Five) - This Gift whips up a wild storm that devestates the werecat's vicinity. This tempest springs up out of nowhere and lasts up to an hour, then calms and disperses.

     Earthquake (Level Six) - An old and desperate secret known only to a handful of living vats, this pact allows a Pumonca to shake the earth Herself, wrecking roads and crumbling buildings. Although the epicenter of the quake is fairly small, the tremors can be felt for miles.

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