Rules reference

Character creation in Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition

Creation steps and common decision points. Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition is a tabletop RPG where you play as Garou—werewolves fighting against the corruption of the Wyrm. As warriors of Gaia, you balance your human side with your wolf nature, tracking Renown, wielding Gifts, and maintaining your connection to the spirit world.

Key points

Use this as a checklist, then build your character in RPG Stack.

Copyable facts
  • 5 Auspices: Ahroun, Galliard, Philodox, Ragabash, Theurge
  • 3 Breeds: Homid (human-born), Metis (Garou-born), Lupus (wolf-born)
  • Renown system: Glory (combat), Honor (tradition), Wisdom (spirit)
  • 5 Forms: Homid, Glabro, Crinos, Hispo, Lupus
  • Gift system: Auspice-based powers
  • Rage mechanics: Fuels transformations and combat
Creation order (from system.json)
  1. Choose Concept (who your character was/is), Auspice (role under the moon), Tribe (Garou lineage/culture).
  2. Set Identity: Name, Deed Name, Pack, Sept, Archetype.
  3. Distribute Attributes: 1 Primary (7 dots), 1 Secondary (5 dots), 1 Tertiary (3 dots). Max 4 dots at creation.
  4. Distribute Skills: 1 Primary (11 dots), 1 Secondary (7 dots), 1 Tertiary (4 dots). Max 3 dots at creation (before specialties).
  5. Pick 3 Skill Specialties (anywhere).
  6. Choose Advantages: 7 points Backgrounds, 2 points Merits, 2 points Flaws (can take extra Flaws for more Merits).
  7. Assign Renown: 3 dots total, across Glory/Honor/Wisdom (max 2 each).
  8. Pick Gifts: 3 total (at least 1 from Auspice, 1 from Tribe).
  9. Choose Touchstones (human connections anchoring you).
  10. Calculate Rage, Willpower, Gnosis, Health.
  11. Finish Backstory and Pack connections.
Examples
Example: Concept first

Start with a simple concept (role + vibe), then choose attributes/skills that support it. You can fill details later.

Example: One signature move

Make sure your sheet supports a signature action you want to do often (investigate, intimidate, hack, heal, etc.).

Common mistakes (smallest fix)
  • Mistake: Skipping concept and getting lost in options. Fix: Pick a role, pick 2 strengths, pick 1 weakness, then fill details.
  • Mistake: Not aligning your sheet with the campaign. Fix: Ask what kind of scenes you’ll play (combat, investigation, politics) and build for that.
Character creation
Step-by-step checklist.
Cheat sheets
Quick lookup while you play.

Werewolf FAQ

What are Auspices in Werewolf 5e?
How does Renown work in Werewolf 5e?
What's the difference between Breed and Tribe?
How does Rage work?
What are the five forms?

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