Natures & Demeanors

Everyone plays a role, often several, every day. Every individual displays multiple layers of personality, varying from the contrived to the sincere. Each of these roles defines how we interact with the people and places around us, and we choose which parts of ourselves we wish to show. The concept of Nature and Demeanor is that a character loosely matches a pair of given personality Archetypes. Nature is the true face of a character; Demeanor is the mask she wears. A character might have deep doubts about her purpose in her faction, which she conceals with laughter and deflecting humor; thus, the player may consider she has a Fatalist Nature hidden under a Trickster Demeanor. These Archetypes aren’t rigid, but are merely starting points. As a character grows and changes, they may shift. Players may even choose to define their own Archetypes, customizing an Archetype that truly speaks to the soul of a well-realized character. Philosophy aside, personality also has an effect on the mechanics of the Galaxy of Darkness. A character may regain her drive and sense of purpose by acting in accordance with her Nature. Every time a character fulfills the requirement of her Nature Archetype, that character has the opportunity to regain a point of spent Willpower. If the Storyteller allows, the character regains the point.

Alpha
The Alpha wants to be in charge. He demands respect and obedience, even submission. He may convince himself that he wants power for the greater good, or he may simply believe it is his natural birthright. Many leaders, from the streets to the boardroom, exemplify the Alpha Archetype. This Archetype is common among Jedi, from those who consider themselves the best choice for pack leader to those who attempt to rise to command tribes.

Regain a point of Willpower when you achieve control over a group or organization involving other individuals, or when you are able to force a rival to submit to your authority.

Addict
The Addict simply can't get enough of a good thing. Unlike the Bon Vivant, who finds pleasure where she can, the Addict turns a specific pleasure into an obsession, giving it up only for a stronger urge. Obviously, this may be a narcotic, but it can also be a certain person, place or activity that has significance. Gamblers, workaholics and stalkers are all good examples of the Addict Archetype.

Regain Willpower when you are able to gorge yourself on your chosen passion.

Architect
The Architect has a sense of purpose even greater than herself. She is truly happy only when creating something of lasting value for others. People will always need things, and the Architect strives to provide at least one necessity. Inventors, pioneers, town founders, entrepreneurs, and the like are all Architect Archetypes.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you establish something of importance or lasting value.

Autocrat
The Autocrat wants to be in charge. He seeks prominence for its own sake, not because he has an operation’s best interests at heart or because he has the best ideas (though he may certainly think so). He may genuinely believe others are incompetent, but ultimately he craves power and control. Dictators, gang leaders, bullies, corporate raiders, and their ilk are Autocrat Archetypes.

Regain a point of Willpower when you achieve control over a group or organization involving other individuals.

Barterer
The art of the deal is the art of life. The Barterer Archetype exults in getting something potent for a low price, and takes personal pride in being savvy enough to avoid bad deals and capitalize on good ones.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you gain a significant commodity at a good price: this must be something potent akin to a fetish or a favor, not simply sniping an online auction for a bauble.

Big Bad Wolf
The Big Bad Wolf craves fear. Not her own: the fear of others. She may delight in stalking humans, intimidating other Jedi, or using fear as a weapon against the forces of the Wyrm.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever someone recoils from you in horror or otherwise reacts in fear.

Bon Vivant
The Bon Vivant knows that life — and unlife — is shallow and meaningless. As such, the Bon Vivant decides to enjoy her time on Earth. The Bon Vivant is not necessarily irresponsible. Rather, she is simply predisposed to having a good time along the way. Most Bon Vivants have low Self-Control ratings, as they are so given to excess. Hedonists, sybarites, and dilettantes are all examples of the Bon Vivant Archetype.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you truly enjoy yourself and can fully express your exultation. At the Storyteller’s option, a particularly fabulous revel may yield multiple Willpower points.

Bravo
The Bravo is a bully and a brute who derives pleasure from exerting power over those weaker than himself. Might makes right, and power is its own justification. He may favor physical power, social intimidation, or even mystical threats, though physical power is naturally the most popular approach.

Regain a point of Willpower any time you achieve your agenda through brutishness or intimidation. This need not be physical, as many Bravos verbally or socially cow their victims.

Capitalist
You are the ultimate mercenary, realizing that there is always a market to be developed — anything can be a commodity. You have a keen understanding of how to manipulate the masses into thinking that they need specific goods or services. Appearance and influence are everything when it comes to the big sale, though you’ll use anything to your advantage.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you make a successful “sale” of any commodity. Commodities need not be physical items; they may be bits of information, favors, or other intangibles.

Caregiver
The Caregiver takes her comfort in consoling others or assisting them with their problems. Healing the wounded and lending strength to the weak is the source of the Caregiver’s resolve.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you successfully protect or nurture someone else.

Celebrant
The Celebrant takes joy in her cause. Whether the character’s passion is battle, religion, foiling her rivals, or reading fine literature, it gives the Celebrant the strength to withstand adversity. Given the chance, the Celebrant will indulge in her passion as deeply as possible. Unlike the Fanatic, the Celebrant pursues her cause not out of duty, but out of enthusiasm. Crusaders, hippies, political activists, and art enthusiasts are Celebrant Archetypes.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you pursue your cause or convert another character to the same passion. Conversely, lose a point of temporary Willpower whenever you are denied your passion or it is badly lost to you.

Competitor
The Competitor devotes himself to the pursuit of victory. He may be a gambler by nature, or he may seek out challenges that must be overcome by discipline and skill. Every interaction is an opportunity for him to excel.

Regain one point of Willpower whenever you succeed at a test or challenge. Note that a test or challenge is more than just a dice roll; it’s an entire dramatic situation. Especially difficult victories may, at the Storyteller’s discretion, allow you to regain multiple Willpower points.

Chameleon
Independent and self-reliant, you carefully study the behavior and mannerisms of everyone you come in contact with so you can pass yourself off as someone else later. You spend so much time altering your mannerisms and appearance that your own sire may not even recognize you. Spies, con artists, drag queens, and impostors best represent the Chameleon.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you fool someone into thinking you’re someone else for your own (or your pack or coterie‘s) benefit.

Child
The Child is still immature in personality and temperament. He wants what he wants now, and often prefers someone to give it to him. Although he can typically care for himself, he would rather have someone cater to his capricious desires. Some Child Archetypes are actually innocent rather than immature, ignorant of the cold ways of the real world. Actual children, spoiled individuals, and some drug abusers are Child Archetypes.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you manage to convince someone to help you with no gain to herself, or to nurture you.

Conformist
The Conformist prefers not to take charge, instead seeking security in letting others give orders that she can follow. The Conformist may be the “beta” or middle manager to the most dynamic personality in a social setting, or she may prefer to follow along with her pack, right or wrong. This isn’t necessarily a weak Archetype; it can simply represent a desire to play a support role.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever the group or your supported leader achieves a goal due to your support.

Conniver
Why work for something when you can trick somebody else into getting it for you? The Conniver always tries to find the easy way, the fast track to success and wealth. Some people call him a thief, a swindler, or less pleasant terms, but he knows that everybody in the world would do unto him if they could. He just does it first, and better. Criminals, con artists, salespeople, urchins, and entrepreneurs might be Connivers.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you trick someone into doing something for you, or when you convince someone to help you against their own best interests.

Contray
The Contrary has an innate need to go against the grain and to challenge established social conventions or even laws. Some have a penchant for bizarre behavior such as you’d expect from an eccentric celebrity; others are outright heretics.

Regain a point of Willpower any time you are able to flout social mores without retribution.

Creep Show
You strive to shock and disgust those around you with gratuitous acts and ostentatiously “evil” mannerisms. You realize, of course, that it’s all show and merely a way to intimidate and control others. Outsiders, on the other hand, think you are the Devil incarnate, and you revel in this image. Shock-rockers, rebellious teenagers, circus freaks, and the attention-starved exemplify the Creep Show Archetype.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever someone recoils from you in horror or otherwise reacts in fear.

Curmudgeon
A Curmudgeon is bitter and cynical, finding flaws in everything and seeing little humor in life or unlife. He is often fatalistic or pessimistic, and has very little esteem for others. To the Curmudgeon, the glass is never more than half-full, though it may be damn near empty when other people are involved. Many Criminals, Imperials, and twi'lek are Curmudgeons.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever someone does something specific and negative, just like you said they would. You must predict and quantify this failure, such as by warning, “The Primogen is going to fuck us on this one,” or “Just watch, that Malkavian’s ghoul is going to do something really reckless.”

Dabbler
The Dabbler is interested in everything but focuses on nothing. He flits from idea to idea, passion to passion, and project to project without actually finishing anything. Others may get swept up in the Dabbler’s enthusiasm, and be left high and dry when he moves on to something else without warning. Most Dabblers have high Intelligence, Charisma, and Manipulation ratings, but not much in the way of Wits or Stamina.

Regain Willpower whenever you find a new enthusiasm and drop your old one completely.

Deviant
The Deviant is a freak, ostracized from society by unique tastes or beliefs that place her outside the mainstream. Deviants are not indolent rebels or shiftless “unrecognized geniuses”; rather, they are independent thinkers who don’t quite fit in the status quo. Deviant Archetypes often feel that the world stands against them, and as such reject traditional morality. Some have bizarre tastes, preferences, and ideologies. Extremists, eccentric celebrities, and straight-up weirdoes are Deviant Archetypes..

Regain a point of Willpower any time you are able to flout social mores without retribution.

Director
The Director is related to the Alpha Archetype. Whereas the Alpha is focused on command as a means, the Director is more concerned with the ends. She wants to turn chaos into order and to forge groups into well-oiled machines.

Regain a point of Willpower when you influence or aid a group or influential individual in the completion of a difficult task.

Dreamer
You are horribly detached from reality, and spend large amounts of time imagining a better world around you. Sometimes you stare off into space for long periods of time just thinking, or even spend time in the Tempest hoping to ride on the waves of the dreams of others. You are only happy as events get stranger and more unusual.You are fortunately easy to get along with, as long as people don’t depend on you. In a crisis situation, you may try to imagine you are somewhere else, or come up with brilliant but impossible solutions.

Regain Willpower whenever you are in a surreal situation, or encounter something completely out of the norm.

Enigma
Your actions are bizarre, puzzling, and inexplicable to everyone except yourself. Your strangeness may be a residual effect from some unholy trauma, or the most effective way for you to carry out your work. To the rest of the world, however, your erratic actions suggest that you’re eccentric if not completely crazy. Conspiracy theorists, and deep-cover agents all live up to the Enigma Archetype

Regain a point of Willpower whenever someone is completely perplexed or baffled by one of your actions that later turns out to be a fruitful endeavor.

Eye of the Storm
Despite your calm appearance, chaos and havoc seems to follow you. From burning cities to emotional upheaval, death and destruction circle you like albatrosses. For you, life is a never-ending trial with uncertainty around every corner. Gang leaders, political figures, and other influential individuals exemplify the Eye of the Storm Archetype.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever a ruckus, riot, or less violent but equally chaotic phenomenon occurs around you.

Fanatic
The Fanatic’s purpose consumes his existence. Nothing is as important as the higher goal, and frequently the end justifies all manner of means. Players who choose Fanatic Archetypes must select a cause for their characters to further.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you accomplish some task that directly relates to your cause.

Gallant
The Gallant wants to be the center of attention. She basks in the attentive praise of others, though she may be perfectly happy drawing their scorn as well. As long as she’s on center stage, it’s all good. Many Keepers, Toreador, and Performers are drawn to this archetype.

Regain a Willpower point whenever you successfully impress another person. Ultimately, the Storyteller is the arbiter of how much you dazzle someone, even in the case of other players’ characters.

Gambler
Life is risk. It involves taking a chance; perhaps even a leap of faith, hoping things will turn out for the best. People who are afraid to take chances lead simple, dull lives, but you’re not like that. You’re willing to risk it all for the hope of something better. You’re not foolhardy, but you’re willing to take chances some people call foolish, if that’s what it takes.

Regain Willpower when you take a chance and come out ahead.

Pedagogue
The Pedagogue knows it all, and desperately wants to inform others. Whether through a sense of purpose or a genuine desire to help others, the Pedagogue makes sure his message is heard — at length, if necessary. Pedagogue Archetypes may range from well-meaning mentors to verbose blowhards who love to hear themselves talk. Instructors, the overeducated, and “veterans of their field” are all examples of Pedagogue Archetypes.

Regain one point of Willpower whenever you see or learn of someone who has benefited from the wisdom you shared with them.

Guru
Your enlightenment draws others to you. You may be a mentor of a particular Path of Enlightenment, a priest with the Church, or merely an idealist. Whatever the case, your presence motivates and moves others to engage in spiritual or ideological pursuits. Your peers view you as calm, centered, and “with it,” even when you are preaching violence as a means to an end. Cult leaders, and Zen masters are examples of Gurus.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever someone seeks out your help in spiritual matters and your guidance moves that individual to an enlightened action that he normally would not have taken. Also, regain a point of Willpower whenever you achieve an epiphany that relates to your personal philosophy.

Idealist
The Idealist believes in a higher goal or morality. The object of his idealism may vary, from a specific code of honor to a noble ambition to a simple benevolent philosophy. Some Idealists are naïve or foolish, while others are inspiring leaders, able to stir the hearts of other werewolves with the justness of their cause.

Regain a point of Willpower any time an action in pursuit of your ideals furthers your goals and brings your vision closer to fruition.

Judge
The Judge perpetually seeks to improve the system. A Judge takes pleasure in her rational nature and ability to draw the right conclusion when presented with facts. The Judge respects justice, as it is the most efficient model for resolving issues. Judges, while they pursue the “streamlining” of problems, are rarely visionary, as they prefer proven models to insight. Engineers, lawyers, and doctors are often Judge Archetypes.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you correctly solve a problem by considering the evidence presented, or when one of your arguments unites dissenting parties.

Loner
The Loner needs solitude. He may be part of a pack and a loyal soldier of the sept, but social behavior fatigues him. He needs time alone in order to recharge his batteries.

Regain a point of Willpower when you accomplish something by yourself, yet which still benefits the coterie in some way.

Martyr
The Martyr is at her strongest when forged in a crucible of suffering. It’s not necessarily masochism that drives her on this path; it may be a desire for attention, or a profound belief in the virtue of self-sacrifice.

Regain a point of Willpower when you suffer some amount of damage or loss of a definable resource for the sake of your ideals or for another’s immediate gain.

Masochist
The Masochist exists to test his limits, to see how much pain he can tolerate before he collapses. He gains satisfaction in humiliation, suffering, denial, and even physical pain. The Masochist defines who he is by his capacity to feel discomfort — he rises each night only to greet a new pain. Certain extreme athletes, urban tribalists, and the clinically depressed exemplify the Masochist Archetype.

Regain one point of Willpower when your own suffering leads to some tangible gain for you, and two points of Willpower whenever you experience pain in a truly unique way.

Monster
The Monster knows she is a creature of darkness and acts like it. Evil and suffering are the Monster’s tools, and she uses them wherever she goes. No villainy is below her, no hurt goes uninflicted, and no lie remains untold. The Monster does not commit evil for its own sake, but rather as a means to understand what she has become. Unstable individuals, those who have been greatly wronged or harmed, and those defined as sociopaths may come to display characteristics of the Monster Archetype.

Malignant deeds reinforce the Monster’s sense of purpose. Monster characters should pick a specific atrocity, regaining Willpower whenever they indulge that urge.

Penitent
The Penitent exists to atone for the grave sin she commits simply by being who she is. Penitents have either low self-esteem or traumatic past experiences, and feel compelled to “make up” for inflicting themselves upon the world. Penitent Archetypes are not always religious in outlook; some truly want to scourge the world of the grief they bring to it. Repentant sinners, persons with low self-esteem, and remorseful criminals are examples of the Penitent Archetype.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you feel that you have achieved absolution for a given grievance. This redemption should be of the same magnitude as the transgression — the greater the crime, the greater the penance. The Storyteller is the ultimate arbiter of what constitutes a reasonable act of reparation.

Perfectionist
Perfectionist Archetypes demand flawless execution. A half-hearted job gives the Perfectionist no satisfaction, and she expects the same degree of commitment and attention to detail from others that she demands from herself. Although the Perfectionist may be exacting, the achievement of the end goal drives her, and often those for whom she is responsible. Prima donnas, artists, and architects exemplify the Perfectionist Archetype.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you accomplish your goal without any demonstrable flaw or impediment, and regain a Willpower point whenever you motivate another character to succeed as a result of your own shining example.

Rebel
The Rebel has issues with authority, usually one particular authority. It may be revenge or idealism that drives him, but he simply can’t obey bad orders — and he’s the one who decides what “bad orders” entail.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever your actions adversely affect your chosen opposition. The player should choose whom or what his character rebels against when he adopts this Archetype.

Rogue
The Rogue’s sense of self-interest is paramount. She might be a thug or a bully, or she might just be a powerful individualist or have a strong belief in self-sufficiency. Sacrifice is a sucker’s game to her.

Regain a point of Willpower when your self-centered disposition leads you to profit, materially or otherwise. In addition, you may regain a point of Willpower when your efforts benefit the group to which you belong, as long as that benefit comes at the expense of another group.

Sadist
You exist to inflict pain and suffering upon others. Killing is too easy; torture is the best way to truly harm a person, and you seek the slowest, most painful means to push others to the ultimate limits. Pain — others’ pain — gives you immense pleasure. Drill sergeants, jilted ex-lovers, and some of the terminally deranged may all embody the Sadist Archetype at one time or another; sadism is rare enough to appear only in aberrant cases, rather than reliably in any type or class of person.

Regain a point of Willpower whenever you inflict pain upon someone for no reason other than your own pleasure.

Scientist
The Scientist Archetype isn’t necessarily obsessed with literal science — rather, this represents the desire to understand. A Scientist looks for patterns at play around her, and wants to see how things follow from a logical sequence of events. She’s interested in the systems that govern the world.

Regain Willpower any time a logical, systematic approach to a problem helps you solve it, or information gathered logically is of use in another, similar situation.

Soldier
The Soldier excels in situations where there are clear objectives and procedures. This Archetype is something of a more goal-oriented Conformist, and a natural complement to a Director. He works well in social situations as long as everyone else in his group is also willing to play their part.

Regain a point of Willpower when you achieve your orders’ objectives. The more difficult the orders are to fulfill, the better it feels to accomplish them. At Storyteller discretion, pulling off a spectacular success or fulfilling a lengthy mission may well be worth additional Willpower points.

Sociopath
All inferior beings both living and undead should be exterminated in order to bring about a harmonious existence. You likely feel no remorse when you kill. On the contrary, you are doing a glorious deed for society. Some people are critical of your violent nature, but you sometimes manage to sway them with arguments like, “Darwin would agree that I’m only helping nature along!” and, “Only the strongest shall survive!”

Regain Willpower whenever you are the greatest contributor to a body count after everything has settled down. This count includes times when you are the only killer, and it needs not result from a massive combat — like killing every crew member on a surrendered ship or gunning down defenseless patrons in a bank robbery.

Thrill-Seeker
The Thrill-Seeker lives for the rush of danger. Unlike those of arguably saner disposition, the ThrillSeeker actively pursues hazardous and possibly deadly situations. The Thrill-Seeker is not consciously suicidal or self-destructive — he simply seeks the stimulation of imminent disaster. Gangbangers, petty thieves, and exhibitionists are all examples of the Thrill-Seeker Archetype.

Regain a point of Willpower any time you succeed at a dangerous task that you have deliberately undertaken.

Traditionalist
The old ways are best, says the Traditionalist. She upholds the laws of the ancestors, and is quick to point out where a rule has always worked in the past. She’s not very fond of change, even if it might turn out for the better.

Regain a point of Willpower any time the proven ways turn out to be the best. Also, regain a point of Willpower any time you adhere to one of your previously espoused positions and it proves to be a wise course of action.

Trickster
Life is grim and short. The Trickster argues that it’s a better response to laugh than it is to cry. Some Tricksters use humor to escape confrontation, while others are compassionate souls who work to lessen their friends’ burden with laughter.

Regain a point of Willpower any time you manage to lift others’ spirits, especially if you are able to assuage your own pain in the process.

Visionary
The Visionary is strong enough to look beyond the mundane and perceive the truly wondrous. Visionaries test accepted societal limits, and seek what few others have the courage to imagine. The Visionary rarely finds satisfaction in what society has to offer; she prefers to encourage society to offer what it could instead of what it does. Typically, society responds poorly to Visionaries, though it is they who are responsible for bringing about progress and change. Philosophers, inventors, and the most inspired artists often have Visionary Natures.

Regain a point of Willpower each time you are able to convince others to have faith in your dreams and follow the course of action dictated by your vision. Note that gaining support is the key to a Visionary regaining Willpower.