"Just because I think I need more practice doesn't mean I suck."

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History

Youth

Some people are just born angry. Seventeen years ago in northern Burma, that was the case with the werewolf now called Wen Firerain. Except Wen wasn't born a human being. His moth was lupus canis and bore only one cub that year. For many months, Wen's mother stayed near. She hunted for him until he was ready to learn to become a predator as well. Then she moved, leaving Wen to the woodland territory in which he was raised.

And Wen remained in this land. He felt odd being so alone and spent many nights offering the moon and stars mournful serenades. Besides a clash with a young panther seeking her own new territory, Wen fared a normal life for a wolf. However, as he grew older, he felt more and more isolated. Wen grew more aggressive to other animals in the woods. He even began to hunt when he wasn't really hungry. Only once did another wolf pass through his territory. A young she-wolf roamed through, and Wen tried to court her. She wasn't in season or just didn't like Wen, because she fiercely rejected his attempt and left the territory.

First Change & Tutelage

So Wen grew angry and frustrated. Indeed, his fury was substantially great for a wild beast: unnatural. Wen began to suffer nightmares, too. Visions of the night sky falling down and crushing the trees and animals and himself haunted his restless sleep. The building anger culminated when one evening Wen smelled an animal he hadn't before. Exploring closer, he saw a two-legged ape-thing using a large broken tooth to shave the fur off the body of an otter from the nearby river. That was his food! Wen growled, prowling closer. Startled, the two-legger turned with a stick and aimed it at Wen. Thunder and lightning burst from the end of the stick. Wen cried out as hot pain tore into his back. The two-legger came closer with his boom-stick. And Wen now felt only fury -- the pain was only insult to injury. In a flash, Wen was up and racing at the two-legger. The stick thundered again but the lightning missed. Wen was upon the two-legger, tearing into flesh and blood with maddened gusto. The two-legger's screams were lost as the hispo-sized wolf shredded his body. And even after it was done, Wen didn't realize that he grew in size -- that he assumed the form of a giant wolf. Without noticing it still, he shrank back to his normal mass. Wen crept back to his den and lay down to calm and sleep.

So it was as Wen rested that he realized for the first time that he was beginning to think, especially regarding what just happened. He wondered why the lightning that struck his body no longer hurt. He was curious how an ape-thing could even summon the power of the storm. And he also thought about why he seemed stronger and bigger as he killed the two-legger. Such pondering eventually became fitful sleep. Dreams descended on Wen. First came the usual nightmare. But this time, after the sky fell, it rose back up and the stars shined brighter than ever. They began to talk to Wen, pulsing with every syllable. The stars told Wen about Gaia and Luna. They spoke of the Weaver, Wyld, and Wyrm. The stars even told Wen what he was: Garou, of the Xing Kanmengou family. The stars were dreams -- Chimera -- and were his family's guiding spirit-totem. Chimera advised Wen to heed the coming of a teacher soon. Chimera also told Wen about his ancestral ability to shapeshift. Chimera even explained to Wen about the Yang World, the Shadow, and how to pass the Wall to enter and explore it.

Thus, the next few days, the cub explored his newfound talents. Wen practiced changing forms, even able to become a two-legs. Wen lingered near a pond, studying his new forms. He peered at his own eyes until he saw beyond the Gauntlet. Wen always remembered the exciting rush of penetrating the Wall for the first time. The spirit world was strange yet satisfying. The world appeared as Wen once imagined it all should, when he was just a cub hidden in his mother's den a few years before.

And it was one of those nights spent in the Umbra that he met his teacher, the guru Loi Fuon. Fuon was born as a human many years before and changed as a Half-Moon Stargazer. He was also a renowned master of Kailindo. Fuon introduced himself to Wen in the tongue of the Garou. Wen listened attentively as Fuon described who and what they were and what they were to do. He explained the basics of the Garou and what Wen would be learning. The cub simply stayed agreeable. All of this was foretold to him in his dreams. His mind was already set -- he would learn about his true heritage from Fuon. Pleased by this cub's good nature, Fuon dubbed him "Wen", which he was known by thereafter. Wen, Fuon explained, was the name of his own teacher from yeras ago. Fuon's teacher's motto was "shut up, listen, and learn". A fitting name for the young Ahroun! Together, Wen and Fuon traveled east in Burma. Deep in another and more tropical wood, Fuon held a home with a Kailindo training arena.

With gusto, Wen underwent training. He longer felt as alone as he once was. He learned much about humans from Fuon. Wen was not disturbed mankind's zest for technology, although the destruction of nature rightly concerned him. Wen also studied the ways and culture of the Garou. Loi Fuon often quizzed the lupus on his knowledge. When Wen got something wrong, the lups exhibited great anger and frustration. Fuon knew Ahroun were gifted with more of Luna's furyt, but Wen seemed overly angry and all the time. So the older Philodox hoped the martial arts would help discipline Wen's temper. Wen took to Kailindo with some hesitation until he discovered how easy he found it to shift shapes from man to wolf and back again in the course of combat. And the Kailindo training did seem to help. It built confidence in the young werewolf. With more self-assurance, Wen's petty rages became fewer and fewer in frequency. For two of the longest years Wen ever lived, he trained and studied under Loi Fuon in the forest home. Not only did Fuon want to make sure that Wen knew the basics of Garou life, he wanted the Ahroun to be able to control his temper. Unfortunately, Wen didn't learn how to channel his anger in a healthy fashion. Though very skilled, Fuon was strictly dogmatic. He taught Wen only how to suppress the Rage.

Finally, when Wen turned six -- although he was as mature (physically and mentally) as an eighteen year old -- he was ready for his Rite of Passage. Loi Fuon arranged a three-part test for the skilled young warrior. The first test required Wen to defeat five human opponents (all from a regional boxing school) without shifting from his human form or drawing blood. In fact, Wen failed this test the first time. As the five attacked him at once, Wen freaked out, lost his temper, and broke one guy's nose with a hard punch. The fighters were sent home, Wen was chastised, and had to wait a lunar month before he could try again. Wen spent the month honing his throwing techniques. When the test came again, Wen was still sorely pressed, taking a number of blows. But he managed to toss around all his opponents. After a few minutes and bruises, the five yielded.

Test two came not long later. As the monsoon season swept over the region, Fuon brought Wen to a swelling tributary of the Salween River. Wen had to strip from his robes, stand in the cold, swirling, pushy river, and recite the Litany perfectly. Went passed this test of endurance and knowledge well., although he spent a half-hour afterwards burning leeches off his body! The third part of the test required Wen to climb the tallest tree in the forest. Among the highest branches, Wen was to demonstrate the nine key postures of meditation in Kailindo. Again, Wen excelled. However, he excelled only in the physical aspect of the martial art. It was obvious that Wen did not really understand the truth of meditation to Fuon's eyes.

Early Years

Yet nor was he expected to just yet. Wen was Ahroun, after all. Loi Fuon welcomed Wen to the Garou Nation. He invited Wen to stay and train more. Wen accepted gladly, as he knew he had much more to learn. Fuon warned Wen, however, that he must always school his temper. If Wen ever lost his temper and frenzied, he would be expelled from Fuon's tutelage. Wen didn't mind the valediction, convinced that Kailindo would show him how to lessen the head-pulsing and heart-aching frustration that haunted his life.

Indeed, over the course of many more years, Wen struggled with his repressed Rage. Wen didn't really realize it, but simply felt it. Loi Fuon's tutelage was invaluable, but it may not have been right for Wen. The dogmatic beliefs, rules, and regimen only worsened Wen's emotional condition gradually. Still, Wen focused on developing his Kailindo skills. Although the meditation was useful, as Ahroun he felt compelled to master combat-related techniques. His skill and physical talent enabled Wen to register as a full-fledged Zephyr warrior under Fuon's guidance and recommendation. As years ticked by, Wen got better and stronger. His martial focus did grow also. But he never learned really how to channel that pent-up fury. Wen only improved his mental strength in order to better suppress it. Kailindo training was never easy. When Wen made a mistake, he often grew angry and quickly. But he learned to suppress the frenzies.

Even so, his Rage proved often to be a hindrance. Loi Fuon introduced Wen to the mysteries of the Wind-spirits and other nats. Unfortunately, there was too much pent-up anger for Wen to really notice the subtler breezes in the Umbra. Only infrequent and dangerous Tornado-spirits would deal with the Ahroun. Smaller spirits, such as those representing the prey like mice and rabbits, outright avoided Wen. The Ahroun only had luck communicating with a Tiger-spirit and a Dog-spirit. In fact, the mastiff-like Dog-spirit, named Bhuti, liked Wen with a natural affinity. Wen often visited the Penumbra just to meet with and hang out with Bhuti. The two became good friends and nearly inseperable. Actually, Wen considered Bhuti his only real companion ever. Loi Fuon was too strict, more like a father than a friend.

Yet despite his teacher's strict ways, Wen eventually found himself training alongside another Stargazer. Her name was Ayondela Mar, and she was a bold Ragabash Adren. She often poked fun at Wen's stoic mien. Finally, Wen lost his patience and demanded a duel with his elder. Ayondela accepted and the fight began immediately. But Wen found himself being tossed around with relative ease. Every time he hit the ground, Ayondela laughed. After six falls, Wen exploded. He was sick of being mistreated. He Raged on the woman in the powerful crinos form unexpectedly. He managed to wound her arm with a great claw before she fled to retrieve Loi Fuon. By the time they returned, Wen calmed down. But they didn't return before he tore up the training area. Numerous candles were knocked over and small fires spread everywhere in the small outside arena. A storm broke out soon after Wen frenzied, helping to cool the werewolf out while extinguishing the flames. Just as promised, Loi Fuon dismissed the Ahroun from training. Wen left right away, striking out a lone path with only Bhuti as companion.

All over Indochina, India, and Southeast Asia did Wen travel. He adopted the surname "Firerain" after suffering several dreams about the frenzy incident. Wen chose the name to remind himself that it was Heaven that helped regain his self-control. Or perhaps he simply wanted to recall the incident until he outgrew the problem. But anyway, Wen Firerain was ready for a new stage of his life. Too long he tarried in mere training. He wanted to begin fulfilling the role of Ahroun.

At first, Wen despaired. Even with wise and loyal Bhuti at his side, he could not find any real danger by which to win his name. Once, in Bangledesh, he ran afoul of another werewolf of the Baoyue (Black Fury) Tribe. The beautiful young woman was guarding something -- what Wen never knew. But their encounter resulted in a brawl simply because he was hunting for food in a "protected" territory. The clash stalemated when the Baoyue's packmates emerged from their naps and broke the fight up. Wen just went on his way, no questions asked. He told himself that he really didn't care what they were guarding because they were too rude to bother.

Another occasion yielded seemingly insignificant results. One afternoon, Wen was drinking from a cool and clear pond in Laos. A Water Ghost then materialized under the surface. Wen found himself staring into the eyes of a drowned woman. Closer inspection revealed that it was the face of that lovely Black Fury he encountered (and fought) only months before. He reached in to grasp her and pull her from the icy water, but he was grabbed and dragged under! Realizing he had been tricked, he exploded in a crinos fury -- almost frenzying -- and tore his way free long before the preternaturally strong Water Ghost's grip could drown him. The evil nat was dispersed by fierce fang and claw. Disturbed but relieved that it was just an illusion, Wen went on his way.

Then in Cambodia, Wen met a pack of Hong Lang (Red Talons). These werewolves were intent on teaching an organization of humans a lesson. Wen questioned the two-leggers' guilt. Apparently, they were clear-cutting rainforest to plant fields of cocaine and sell the lumber for expensive furniture in the West. Disgusted, Wen readily agreed to help. The Garou fell upon the drug lord and his private army, wielding spirit-magics to disable the militia's old Russian tanks and AVs. They savaged every soldier in their path. Within twenty minutes, the guilty party was wholly punished. The Garou slipped back to the jungle, leaving the mess to human officials to sort out. Was the attack the work of wild animals or a rival drug lord (since they lack compunction when it comes to brutalizing their enemies)?

And after that episode, Wen spent several months roaming Southeast Asia. He encountered a number of other humans in drastic need of "re-education" (as many of they and their forebears so enjoying implementing on peasants). Wen never hesitated to beat some sense into hard-headed homids. Of course, eventually he grew tired of this activity. So he headed back west.

Wen passed through his homeland of Burma and entered India. He was sixteen when he passed near Calcutta. There is where he encountered Ayondela unexpectedly. She completed her training under Loi Fuon, she explained, and was searching for the "wisdom of dragons". Wen inquired about Fuon's health and learned that he was still well. And then he challenged the Ragabash to a rematch! Ayondela accepted and the duel was underway. The battle began much like the first time: Ayondela threw him around. But this time, Wen had a trick up his sleeve. He threw another of his fast punches despite that she was able to counter them so consistently. As she once more latched her grip around his wrist, he abruptly shifted from his human form to his larger crinos shape. She could not throw his weight for that moment (and was a little disturbed by the shift, afraid he was about to frenzy again!). And he used that to his advantage. His large paw turned and ensnared her arm, sharply flipping her on her back. Before she even hit the ground, he solidly licked her in the chest. Ayondela lay prone, gasping for breath, defeated. Shocked at the maneuver, she swallowed her bold pride, and commended his victory.

While Wen appreciated the elation, he simply moved on, traveling. He voyaged north along the border between Burma and India. He slowly made his way back to Loi Fuon's home. Wen had little trouble along the way except one. He was trekking through the Shadow with Bhuti. Like a reply of the past, out of a tree leaped a Panther-spirit. It pounced on Bhuti. The two nats tussled, snarling and tearing at each other. In his natural wolf shape, Wen charged into the fray. The battle was fierce and feral. After a protracted fight, the Panther-spirit finally fled. Thereafter, the friendship between Wen and Bhuti was cemented.

Recent Years

Finally, Wen returned to his old mentor's home. To his surprise, he was more welcome than he thought. Loi Fuon was pleased to see his old student well and growing still. Of course, he was not willing to take Wen back as a student. And neither did Wen request that. Instead, he challenged his old master -- not to a duel, but for Rank promotion. Fuon accepted the challenge. The next evening it began. Fuon tested Wen's development as a kailindorini. Of course, that meant every aspect of Wen's skill, knowledge, and lifestyle.

And Wen demonstrated great confidence in all aspects. Of course, his physical abilities still outweighed all other elements. Fuon acknowledged his experience and improved skill. Wen was good enough to make Rank 2. But Fuon warned Wen to develop his mental skills and abilities if he wanted the next Rank. Wen thanked his old teacher, but then asked for more advice. Wen wanted Fuon to tell him what he could do about his repressed rage. The old Philodox admitted to Wen that he helped the problem as much as he could. So if Wen needed more aid, he should seek out the "wisdom of dragons". In other words, Fuon explained, Wen should go to the hengeyokai of the Beast-Courts. Wen learned that the Samatprakan Crocodile Farm in Thailand was a good place to start.

After thanking his former mentor once again, Wen departed for Thailand. Along the way, he met the old Tiger-spirit he connected with in the past. Wen showed the trophies taken from numerous human poachers over the past several years. Pleased with Wen's offers, the Tiger taught the Garou a couple new spirit-magics. Then Wen was on his way again, reaching Samatprakan without difficulty. Perhaps the Zhong Lung liked Stargazers, or maybe Loi Fuon sent recommendations. Either way, the Middle Dragons were receptive to Wen's visit and appeal for aid. Wen for his part was in awe of the mystical shapeshifters' magnificent presence. The Zhong Lung told Wen that they would help him join the Beast-Courts if he performed a favor. Wen accepted.

So the Ahroun was asked to travel north into Tibet, into the Himalayan Mountains, to retrieve a scroll and bring it back to the Zhong Lung. Wen set forth on their directions to the appropiate Buddhist monastery. It took several weeks to travel but his journey was not impeded. He was given the scroll by the temple abbot. Without question, Wen headed bck to the Samatprakan. Of course, the Stargazer read the parchment as best he could (Bhuti helped), but it was only a history of that temple's origins.

However, Wen learned that the Middle Dragons weren't the only interested party. En route for Samatprakan, a pair of Wan Kuei -- vampires -- assaulted him. The attempt to ambush Wen failed to slip by his sharp lupus senses. But they were still quick enough to fire bolts of pure, black Yin energy. Wen was struck once by the painfully icy attack and fell over. The Bone Flower vampires advanced carefully upon the unmoving wolf. Wen didn't wait too long. He suddenly erupted in crinos. He tore into the two with crinos form-style Kailindo. Both Bone Flowers were quickly injured enough to beat a hasty retreat. And Wen's return to Samatprakan went otherwise unhindered.

There, the Zhong Lung praised his success in the errand. They agreed to help him join the Beast-Courts. A Beast-Court in America was run by the Middle Dragon, Yamakita Mori. They recommended Wen to that Court of Bamboo Talons. The Zhong Lung even paid for Wen's airplane ticket as gratitude for the risk he took on that errand. Though unsure of the whole flying bit, he left for the Little Asia district of Kansas City at age seventeen. Bhuti caught up a bit later by means spirits use to travel. Wen was welcomed to the Court of Bamboo Talons and learned of the Coalition of Little Asia. After memorizing the Mandates, he was initialized as hengeyokai. He undertook the Rite of the Great Burden with the hope that he would at last find wisdom, not just law.

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Familiar Spirit

Bhuti is a Dog-spirit related to mastiffs, and is one of many personal servants of Dog himself. He and Wen bonded many years ago and traveled everywhere together. They help each other out of binds. Their guanxi has thus connected them on a spiritual level, too, allowing Bhuti to channel energies to and from his Garou ally. It would take a lot to set Bhuti against Wen: like all dogs, he is very loyal especially when treated well. And Wen always takes care of one of his only friends ever.

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Significant Other

Wen was new to the area in 2004. Due to his “anger management” problems, he did not think to ever find a mate. But Sara Hunter had the pluck to stand up to his often brusque behavior and, more importantly, tolerate enough to look past and sense the strength and purity of his heart and emotions. After a few rocky episodes, Wen and Sara have grown closer, and Wen can honestly pronounce love, viewed in his simple but honest way, to the young redhead who nevertheless shares his rare bloodline. Sara gave birth to their son, Joshua, on November 7th, 2004. The healthy boy will carry on the Tribe's rare bloodline and both parents are very pleased with their beautiful child. And now Wen looks forward to mating more with Sara to produce many more fine “cubs” like Josh.

Sara

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Weakness
Bound

Wen's biggest issue is his temperament. Like most Garou, his Rage poses many emotional and spiritual problems. Unlike most Garou, Wen's Rage is pent-up, frustration added to what could be written off as chemical imbalances. Wen just believes (and may be right) that he was born under a bad moon.

Likelihood of Corruption

Average.

Wen is a fierce combatant. But he doesn't throw himself head-first into hives of Yomispawn. While somewhat underdeveloped, his meditative lifestyle gives him more of an introspective perception. This makes it harder to dupe the young werewolf. However, his pent-up Rage is an easy door through which corruption may enter.

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