The process of creating a character for Werewolf: The Apocalypse is a structured yet creative undertaking designed to build a compelling member of the Garou nation. This guide outlines the official steps and considerations based on the provided source material, focusing on the mechanics and narrative elements that define a starting character. The system is point-based, allowing for customisation within specific limits to ensure balance while supporting a strong conceptual foundation.
Core Concept and Identity
The foundation of any character begins with their core concept. This involves defining who the character was before their First Change and who they are now. Key decisions at this stage include selecting an Auspice, which determines the character's role under the moon, and a Tribe, which represents their lineage and culture. These choices are interlinked with the character's identity, which is further defined by their name (which may be a human name, nickname, or a "deed name" given by their tribe), their pack, their sept, and their archetype.
The character creation process is sequential. The initial steps involve choosing the Concept, Auspice, and Tribe. Following this, the player sets the character's Identity by assigning the specific details of Name, Deed Name, Pack, Sept, and Archetype. This narrative framework is crucial, as it guides the subsequent distribution of points and selection of abilities, ensuring the mechanical traits support and strengthen the character's concept.
Distributing Traits: Attributes and Skills
Once the character's identity is established, the player distributes points to represent their innate capabilities and learned skills. Attributes are divided into three categories: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary. The player assigns 7 dots to a Primary Attribute, 5 dots to a Secondary Attribute, and 3 dots to a Tertiary Attribute. A crucial limit at character creation is that no Attribute can have more than 4 dots.
Skills follow a similar distribution model. The player assigns 11 dots to a Primary Skill category, 7 dots to a Secondary Skill category, and 4 dots to a Tertiary Skill category. The maximum number of dots any single skill can have at creation is 3. After distributing these points, the player may select 3 Skill Specialties, which can be applied to any skills to represent a particular area of expertise.
The source material emphasises that the numbers are secondary to the character concept. Traits should be chosen to support the character's story and role. A trait with only one dot is not necessarily a weakness but an opportunity for roleplaying and character development. The system is designed so that characters are competent at the start, with room to grow through gameplay.
Advantages: Backgrounds, Merits, and Flaws
To further personalise the character, the player selects Advantages. This involves a pool of points for Backgrounds, Merits, and Flaws. The standard allocation is 7 points for Backgrounds, 2 points for Merits, and 2 points for Flaws. Players have the option to take extra Flaws in order to gain more points for Merits.
Backgrounds are particularly important as they should tie directly into the character's concept. They represent resources, contacts, or circumstances that existed prior to or as a result of the First Change. Merits and Flaws add unique qualities or complications to the character, influencing their interactions with the world and other characters.
Spiritual and Social Metrics: Renown, Gifts, and Rank
The Garou society operates on a system of Renown, which measures a character's fame and standing among their peers. At creation, a character receives 3 dots of Renown to distribute across the three types: Glory, Honor, and Wisdom. No single type of Renown can have more than 2 dots at character creation. This starting Renown is vital as it is tied to the character's Rank within werewolf society. All characters begin at Rank 1 (Cliath), with higher ranks requiring greater totals of Renown, which are specific to each Auspice.
Gifts are spiritual powers granted by the spirits. A starting character receives three Level One Gifts. The selection must include at least one Gift from the Auspice list, at least one from the Tribe list, and one from the Breed list. The choice of Breed also determines the character's initial Gnosis rating, which measures their spiritual connection and ability to interact with the spirit world. A character with no Gnosis cannot step sideways under their own power.
Personalising the Character: Freebie Points and Final Details
After the initial point distribution, the player receives a pool of 15 freebie points. These points are used to purchase additional Traits or improve existing ones, allowing for further customisation to round out the character. Each type of Trait has a specific cost, and this step is where the character can be fine-tuned to better fit the player's vision.
At this stage, the player also determines the character's base scores for Rage, Willpower, and Gnosis (if not already set by Breed). Rage, which quantifies inner anger and turmoil, is determined by the character's Auspice. Willpower, representing self-control and determination, is determined by the character's Tribe. Gnosis, as mentioned, is set by the character's Breed.
Finally, the player should consider the "Spark of Life" elements—qualities that have nothing to do with game mechanics. These include details like Appearance, how the character's Traits affect their look, and other personal characteristics. While not always written down, thinking about these elements is highly recommended to make the character feel more fleshed-out and alive. This is also the time to develop the character's backstory and connections to their pack, as pack unity is of paramount importance to the Garou.
The Importance of Pack and Playgroup
A critical aspect of character creation is ensuring the character fits into the group. The source material stresses that creating a pack is as important as creating an individual character. Players should discuss what kind of pack they want to play and what role each character might fulfill. It is not necessary to have one of each Auspice or tribe, but rather to consider how the characters will work together and why they have formed a pack. Encouraging players to give their characters hooks that bind them together fosters a cohesive and compelling narrative.
For players new to Werewolf: The Apocalypse, the Game Master should spend time explaining the setting and basic rules. The character creation process itself should be a dedicated session, allowing ample time for questions and thoughtful decisions. Rushing this process can lead to underdeveloped characters and misunderstandings later on. The goal is to create complete, flesh-and-blood characters with personalities, goals, and hopes, ready to face the challenges of the Apocalypse together.
Conclusion
Creating a character for Werewolf: The Apocalypse is a multi-step process that blends mechanical point allocation with deep narrative development. From defining a core concept and identity to distributing Attributes, Skills, and Advantages, each step is designed to build a unique member of the Garou nation. The use of freebie points allows for final personalisation, while the emphasis on Renown, Gifts, and Rank connects the character to the broader werewolf society. Ultimately, the most important consideration is the pack—ensuring the character has a place within the group and a reason to fight alongside their brethren. By following the outlined steps and focusing on a strong concept, players can create a character ready for adventure and tragedy in the world of Werewolf: The Apocalypse.