Werewolf W5 Character creation cheat sheet
A checklist you can run during creation. At-the-table reference for Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition.
Werewolf W5 character creation: build a Garou who walks between worlds, choose an Auspice and Tribe.
Creation steps
- 1. Concept: who were you before the First Change? (Homid is most common; Lupus is playable; Metis is not a playable option in the core rules.)
- 2. Choose Auspice (Ahroun, Theurge, Philodox, Galliard, Ragabash).
- 3. Choose Tribe (determines Patron Spirit and Favor).
- 4. Distribute Attributes: one at 4, three at 3, four at 2, one at 1 (across Physical/Social/Mental).
- 5. Distribute Skills via a template: Jack of All Trades (1×3, 8×2, 10×1), Balanced (3×3, 5×2, 7×1), or Specialist (1×4, 3×3, 3×2, 3×1).
- 6. Choose Gifts (Auspice + Tribe gifts).
- 7. Set starting Rage (fixed by the rules, not chosen by Auspice).
- 8. Calculate Health (Stamina + 3) and Willpower (Composure + Resolve).
- 9. Choose Renown focus.
Common mistakes
- Auspice determines your role in the pack: choose before stats.
- Starting Rage is fixed by the core rules, not set by Auspice (that Auspice-based spread is a W20 rule).
- Gifts are tied to Auspice and Tribe: plan your combat and social capabilities.