Kumo, also known as Goblin Spiders, are the Asian branch of the Ananasi.
Overview[]
The Kumo are regarded as traitors by most of their western brethren, for they have allegedly chosen to ally with the Wyrm over their Queen. However, even the Kumo have their place in the Ananasa’s web, corrupting and killing to her ultimate design, since they have been duped into believing they serve only the Wyrm.
Like every Ananasi, the Kumo have no Rage and are unaffected by silver. Instead, they use the blood of their victims to fuel their gifts. However, Kumo are vulnerable to weapons made out of hong mu, a rare and fragrant variety of red rosewood.
Breeds[]
- Homid - As their Western counterpart.
- Metis - The Metis are revered among Kumo, and their presence garners admiration and respect rather than scorn. They are born in the Lilian form and eat their way out of their mother's belly. All metis are barren and the elders officially discourage Kumo breeding with Kumo, while at the same time turning a blind eye to the de facto results.
- Arachnos - As their Western counterpart. Arachnos Kumo are even rarer than in the West.
Forms[]
The Kumo have access to the four regular forms of the Ananasi, Homid, Lilian, Aghora (Pithus) and Thousand Fang (Crawlerling). However, their Lilian form have an extra set of lungs that can breath water, and their Pithus form have a supernaturally tainted venom that even affects supernatural creatures.
Organization[]
The Kumo are all Hatar, and have no Tenere or Kumoti among them. They are consolidated into three families dedicated to different aspects of the Triatic Wyrm. The families watch their monopoly, eradicating any offshoots that would threaten their supremacy.
- Blessed of Rati - Dedicated to the Defiler Wyrm, the Blessed are the most sensual of the three families, glorifying the passions and desires of the flesh. They prefer the taste of Yang-energies (blood from living beings).
- Children of Nareau - Dedicated to the Eater-of-Souls, the Children are curious and wise, but also capable of great cruelty. They care not for the taste of their victims.
- Marawa's Brood - Dedicated to the Beast-of-War, the Brood revels in outright destruction and annihilation. They prefer the taste of Yin-energies (blood from corpses, or vampires).
Renown[]
Outside the Way of Emerald Virtue and without Auspices, the Kumo are not really respected by the other Fera, who see them as traitors and dangerous enemies. Kumo learn Ragabash gifts and progress in Rank with a total of seven Renown in any combination of Glory, Honor and Wisdom.
Version Differences[]
- Main article: Ananasi Errata and Clarifications
There were some rule updates in CB20. Homid Kumo start with 1 in Gnosis, just like their Western cousins. A Kumo starts with one general Ananasi Gift, one Hatar Gift (expanded with their own gifts), and one Ragabash Garou Gift. The stats on their different forms are now identical to that of their Western cousins. The Kumo learn Gifts from spirits, mostly from banes. Despite that their breed as a whole serve the Wyrm, only the most corrupted Kumo smell of the Wyrm. They do not revere Queen Ananasa, but still seem to play a part in her plans.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- The Kumo are based on the Jorōgumo, with some inspiration from the Tsuchigumo as well.
- They are named after the Kumo Onna (Spider Woman).
- The Kumo were likely inspired by the Werespiders from Dungeons and Dragons and the Spider Woman featured in Wicked City from 1987.
References[]
- WTA: Ananasi, p. 60-61
- WTA: Hengeyokai: Shapeshifters of the East, p. 72-77
- WTA/cMET: Hengeyokai: Way of the Beast Courts, p. 64-72
- WTA/cMET: Laws of the Wild: Changing Breeds 3, p. 32, 42
- WTA: Changing Breeds (book), p. 274-275