Elder

Elder is both the name of a rank and a position.

As a rank, Elder is the fifth rank in Garou society. A typical Elder is revered in her own tribe and respected by the other tribes. Every competent Garou of a given auspice can become an Athro. In order to become an Elder a Garou must show capabilities beyond her own auspice. Elders not only lead septs, but also lead their tribes. Judgement by an Elder is usually final, their word can only be overturned by at least five Elders. Elders themselves cannot be judged by those of lesser rank.

Not all Garou are Elder material and only the trully great Elders become Legends. There is no challenge for the rank of Legend. When an Elder has performed a truly great legendary deed, the spirits will recognize her as a Legend. The number of living Legends at one time can easily be counted on one hand.

As a position in a Sept there are elders of auspices, tribes and breeds. The word elder in this respect does not refer to rank. An elder ragabash, for example, is the most esteemed ragabash in the Sept. Other ragabashes seek her out for advice and when the sept needs a ragabash opinion on something, the elder ragabash is asked to give it. In most septs, only the elders of the auspices play an important role.