A werewolf's Auspice is like a caste, a sacred part to play in Garou society. Five Auspices exist, one for each phase of the moon: the phase a werewolf is born under determines their Auspice. This role has great spiritual importance, being considered a gift of Luna herself, and being closely tied to the supernatural wrath Garou call Rage.
While the descriptions of the Auspices below are broadly true, every Tribe interprets these Auspices a bit differently, and furthermore each Garou has an individual take on how to perform their role. Garou frown upon those who act outside their Auspice -- a Galliard who spends too much time dealing with the spirits, for example -- but accusing another of such is often difficult to prove.
Scouts and spies, tricksters and clowns; Ragabash Garou have many names for themselves, but the most traditional is perhaps "Questioner of the Ways." The Garou call upon those born beneath the New Moon to investigate the secrets of the world, both gathering intelligence on enemies and revealing the foibles of those who serve Gaia.
Werewolves of the Theurge Auspice are mediators between the Garou and the spirit worlds. Experts in supernatural mysteries, they serve as priests and shamans, directing the religious life of the Garou. Some Theurges see themselves as healers who restore the spiritual balance in all things; others see themselves as purifiers, burning the spiritual corruption out of Gaia's body by skill and strength of will.
The Philodox Auspice, born beneath the half moon, counts justice and balance among its highest virtues. Garou look to the Philodox to oversee disputes and challenges, to bring peace, and to take decisive action on difficult questions. Matters of Honor, the Litany, and how to apply ancient Garou traditions to modern problems fill the Philodox mind.
Galliards give voice to the deepest passions driving the Garou. First and foremost, they are storytellers, recounting the heroic tales of the werewolves' ancestors, and adding new stories of the achievements of their own packs. It is through the tales of the Galliards that other Garou grow in Renown. Galliard-crafted songs and speeches guard the hearts of their brothers and sisters, setting the tone for their war against Gaia's enemies.
All werewolves are warriors -- but Ahrouns are paragons of the role. Garou born beneath the full moon lead the charge against the Wyrm, first into battle and last out. They organize the other Auspices into tactical strike teams, leveraging the strengths of each Auspice toward maximum destructive potential. They study the arts of war and train others in those skills. Young Ahrouns are born to be soldiers; Ahrouns who survive to an older age become their generals.