Legend among the Ajaba — the werehyenas — is that Gaia created them to perform much the same function in Africa that the Garou performed in the rest of the world. The wolves didn’t want to live on the continent, and so hyenas — also fierce fighters that ran in packs — took up the role of policing the humans and making sure they didn’t grow too numerous. Over time, though, the werehyenas fell to bickering and ended up in a protracted war with the Simba, a war that nearly an­ nihilated their species.

They have rebuilt their numbers in recent years, though, and reestablished a highly matriarchal society that rewards ingenuity and cunning as well as ferocity. They still bear a grudge against the werelions, though they coexist more or less peacefully with the other Fera of Africa.

Breeds: Ajaba have three breeds: homid, metis, and hyaena. Metis Ajaba are usually hermaphrodites, and occupy an odd role between warrior and mystic in the werehyenas’ society. Otherwise, females of either breed are the warriors and leaders and men are the mystics and advisors.

Breed determines Gnosis. Homid females have Gnosis 1, while hyaena females have Gnosis 3. Homid males have Gnosis 3 while hyaena males have Gnosis 5. All metis have Gnosis 3.

Aspects: Ajaba recognize two aspects, again colored by the Ajaba’s sex. Females of the Dawn aspect are warriors through and through, filled with Rage and prepared to lay their enemies lay. Male Dawns resemble Galliards; they are taletellers and teachers.

Dusk Ajaba are more introspective and circumspect. For females, this means they are assassins and stalkers, while males are mystics and poets.

Aspect determines Rage. Dawns have Rage 5 (female), 3 (male), or 4 (metis). Dusk Ajaba have Rage 3 (female) 1, (male), or 2 (metis).

Traits:

• Ajaba all begin with Willpower 3. • Ajaba use Rage and Gnosis in the same ways Garou do.

• Ajaba step sideways in the same manner as were­ wolves.

• Ajaba regenerate using the same rules as were­ wolves.

Forms: Ajaba assume the same five forms that Garou do, although they use different names for them and are slightly smaller across the board. The forms are:

Homid: A normal human being, generally stocky and with thick, stiff hair.

Anthros: More muscle, bristling body hair, thick muscular limbs. Modifiers: Str +2, Dex +1, Sta +1, Man –1, App –3

Crinos: Much like the Garou Crinos form, the Ajaba’s war form boasts crushing jaws and vicious talons. This form incites full Delirium. Modifiers: Str +3, Dex +2, Sta +4, Man –2, App 0

Crocas: The primordial war-form of the Ajaba, the Crocas is an immense hyena the size of a small bear. Modifiers: Str +3, Dex +2, Sta +3, Man –2, App 0

Hyaenid: The form of a normal hyena, best suited for hunting in a pack. Modifiers: Str +1, Dex +2, Sta +2, Man –2

Sample Gifts: Ajaba Gifts focus on hunting down and culling the weak. Female Dawn Gifts can be drawn from Ahroun or Get of Fenris Gifts, while male Dawn Gifts might come from Galliard or Fianna lists. Female Dusk Gifts can come from Ragabash or Shadow Lord lists, while male Dusk Gifts can come from Silent Strider or Theurge lists. All Ajaba can draw from Bone Gnawer or Red Talon lists.

STEREOTYPES

Silent Striders: Oh, now you fuckers show up.

Red Talons: The local ones are OK, but their extended family…well, let’s just say I’ve seen this kind of bloody-mindedness before.

Simba: Don’t believe what you see in the movies. We’re the real heroes.

Mokolé: You brought your pride? Well, I brought my dinosaur.