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Willpower (Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition)

Derived

Definition

Willpower represents a Garou's mental and emotional resilience, derived from Composure + Resolve. It is a spendable resource that allows a werewolf to push beyond normal limits, resist supernatural influence, and maintain control in desperate situations. Willpower points can be spent to add extra dice to critical rolls, and the Willpower track functions similarly to Health but for mental and emotional damage. For Garou, Willpower is the counterbalance to Rage. Where Rage is primal fury threatening to overwhelm, Willpower is the disciplined mind that channels that fury purposefully. A werewolf with deep Willpower reserves can push through Harano (spiritual despair), resist Wyrm corruption, maintain focus during complex rites, and stay in control when everything goes wrong. In pack dynamics, Willpower determines who can endure the psychological toll of the Apocalypse without breaking.

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How it works

**Dice Pool Uses**: - Willpower points can be spent to add dice to any roll - Willpower is used to resist supernatural mental influence - Willpower track = Composure + Resolve **Special Rules**: Willpower has both a permanent rating (Composure + Resolve) and a current pool that depletes as points are spent. Willpower recovers through rest and by acting in accordance with your character's convictions and touchstones. Taking Willpower damage (from social conflicts or supernatural attacks) fills boxes on the Willpower track similarly to Health damage. When all Willpower boxes are filled, the character is mentally broken and vulnerable.

Tips

**Build Advice**: Willpower is derived from Composure + Resolve, so investing in both attributes pays off significantly. High Willpower gives you more resources to spend on critical rolls and better resistance to supernatural influence. It is arguably the most important derived stat. **Auspice Synergies**: All auspices benefit from Willpower. Theurge need it for rites and spirit interaction. Philodox need it for resisting emotional manipulation while judging. Ahroun need it to supplement their combat prowess in dire moments. **Character Concepts**: Iron-willed pack alpha who never breaks, Theurge who endures harrowing spirit quests, Garou who survived Harano and emerged stronger, determined last defender of a fallen caern.

Frequently asked questions

How do I recover Willpower?

Willpower recovers through rest and by fulfilling your character's convictions or protecting their touchstones. Acting in accordance with your core beliefs restores spent Willpower, encouraging roleplay that stays true to your character.

What is the difference between Willpower and Rage?

Willpower represents disciplined mental strength and can be spent deliberately on any roll. Rage is primal fury that provides raw power but risks frenzy. Willpower is controlled; Rage is volatile. Both are essential resources that Garou must manage carefully.

Can Willpower resist Rage frenzy?

Willpower points can be spent to assist in resisting frenzy, providing additional dice on the roll. This makes Willpower a critical safety net for high-Rage characters who want to maintain control.

Further Reading

ComposureResolveRageAll Werewolf5e Derived Stats
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