World of Darkness

Werewolf: The Apocalypse

Werewolf: The Apocalypse is a role-playing game set in the World of Darkness universe, where players embody Garou, or werewolves, fighting to protect the environment and combat the forces of corruption. The game focuses on the struggle between the forces of the Wyld (creativity), the Weaver (order), and the Wyrm (destruction). Garou are divided into various tribes, each with unique characteristics and goals, and must balance their human and wolf forms while battling against the Wyrm’s influence. The game uses the Storyteller System, which emphasizes narrative and character development.

The Main Idea

In Werewolf: The Apocalypse, the Garou, or werewolves, are tasked with protecting the Earth from cosmic threats, primarily the Wyrm, a destructive force that seeks to unravel reality. This battle is fraught with challenges, not least due to the deep-seated rivalries among the various Garou tribes. These internal conflicts often prevent the werewolves from presenting a united front against the pervasive and insidious Wyrm. The Wyrm lures its followers with promises of wealth, power, pleasure, and other temptations, creating a stark contrast with the Garou's grim and thankless struggle. This disparity can lead to profound despair among the Garou, driving some to betray their own kind and fall under the Wyrm's influence. The relentless conflict and the seductive offers of the Wyrm create a dire situation where maintaining hope and unity becomes increasingly difficult for the Garou.

The constant pressure and despair faced by the Garou highlight the intense stakes of their struggle. Despite their noble intentions and the dire need to protect the Earth, the ongoing internal divisions and the allure of the Wyrm's temptations can erode their resolve. The Garou's fight against the Wyrm is not only a physical battle but also a profound test of their spirit and unity. As they confront a cosmic adversary that seems nearly unstoppable, the Garou must grapple with their own inner demons and the ever-present threat of corruption, making their quest for victory an even more formidable and heartbreaking challenge.

The Garou

The Garou, despite their revered status as Gaia's ultimate defenders, face severe challenges in perpetuating their kind. With only one in ten offspring inheriting their werewolf nature and the near-extinction of their kin, wolves, the Garou are forced into less primal partnerships with humans, weakening their inherent instincts. The ancient curse that makes Garou offspring from Garou parents deformed and sterile adds another layer of difficulty, sometimes jeopardizing the life of the mother and compelling the Garou to balance their lineage between humans and wolves.

Moreover, the Garou's society is deeply fragmented, with divisions based on breed, auspice, and tribe creating a complex web of differences and conflicts. A Lupus Ahroun of the Children of Gaia, for instance, is markedly different from a Lupus Ahroun of the Shadow Lords, despite sharing two traits. These divisions, particularly between tribes, exacerbate internal conflicts and ideological clashes, complicating their struggle to maintain unity and effectively fight against their cosmic enemies.

The Garou’s internal divisions extend beyond their physical and mystical traits, deeply influencing their social and political dynamics. Each tribe carries its own unique traditions, values, and goals, often leading to fierce rivalries and alliances that shift over time. The complexity of these relationships means that Garou must navigate a landscape of competing loyalties and ambitions, complicating their efforts to unite against common threats. The different breeds and auspices further contribute to this complexity, as they each bring distinct perspectives and approaches to the struggle against the Wyrm. This fragmentation not only hinders their ability to present a unified front but also impacts their capacity to effectively address the encroaching threats of the Wyrm and Weaver. The constant tension between maintaining ancient traditions and adapting to the modern world exacerbates their challenges. As the Garou grapple with the weight of their history, the ongoing threats to their survival, and the demands of their diverse society, they must strive to find a balance that allows them to preserve their identity while fighting to protect the world from cosmic destruction.

Character Creation

Before you delve into the details, it's essential to understand the fundamental nature of a werewolf. Werewolves are primal creatures, connected to the natural world and driven by a fierce instinct for survival. Consider the power and the responsibility that comes with embracing your inner beast. Each werewolf tribe possesses unique strengths, weaknesses, and cultural traditions. The tribe you select will significantly influence your character's abilities, limitations, and role within the werewolf society. Consider factors such as your preferred playstyle, philosophical beliefs, and the type of challenges you want to face. First, choose a tribe, which represents your character's cultural heritage and strengths. Each tribe has unique characteristics and abilities, such as the Garou's warrior spirit or the Fianna's connection to nature.

• Garou: The most traditional of werewolf tribes, known for their warrior spirit and dedication to protecting the natural world.
• Fianna: Irish nature spirits with a strong connection to the land and a deep understanding of magic.
• Bone Gnawers: Reclusive scavengers who often live underground or in abandoned places.
• Get of Fenris: Fierce and aggressive warriors known for their berserker rage.
• Iron Legion: Guardians of ancient knowledge and technology, often seen as the "techies" of the werewolf world.
• Silver Fangs: Powerful and cunning hunters who specialize in tracking and killing werewolves of other tribes.

Next, determine your character's auspice, which represents their innate werewolf nature. Auspices like the Ahroun offer physical power, while the Bastet excel in stealth and agility. Then, select a rank, which indicates your character's experience and standing within their tribe. Ranks range from Pup (newcomer) to Alpha (leader). Create a detailed backstory for your character, exploring their upbringing, relationships, and experiences that shaped their werewolf nature. Consider their connection to the natural world, their tribe's history, and any personal traumas or triumphs.

Allocate points to your character's attributes (Physical, Mental, Social) and abilities (Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Intelligence, Wits, Perception, Charisma, Manipulation, and Composure) based on their concept and desired playstyle. Choose a patron spirit, a powerful entity that grants your character special abilities and protection. The choice of patron spirit is often tied to the character's tribe, auspice, and backstory. Develop a primal urge, a deep-seated desire or instinct that drives your character's actions. Examples include the urge to protect the natural world, to seek vengeance, or to become a powerful leader.

Finally, define a character concept that combines all of the elements you've chosen. This will help you understand your character's motivations, fears, and strengths. Character creation in Werewolf: The Apocalypse is a collaborative process that involves the player and the game master working together to create a memorable and engaging character. By following these steps, you can develop a werewolf who is both powerful and deeply connected to the world around them.