Rules reference
Skills in Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition
Skills overview and how checks typically work. 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
Skills describe trained competence. Use this page to quickly understand what the skill list covers and how to pick priorities.
Copyable facts
- 5 Auspices: Ahroun, Galliard, Philodox, Ragabash, Theurge
- Tribe system: Cultural affiliations like Black Furies, Silver Fangs, Hart Wardens, Ghost Council, Galestalkers
- Renown system: Glory (combat), Honor (tradition), Wisdom (spirit)
- 5 Forms: Homid, Glabro, Crinos, Hispo, Lupus
- Gift system: Auspice and Tribe-based powers
- Rage mechanics: Fuels transformations and combat
What’s in this system
Skills
Showing 27 of 27
Physical
AthleticsBrawlCraftDriveFirearmsLarcenyMeleeStealthSurvival
Social
Animal KenEtiquetteInsightIntimidationLeadershipPerformancePersuasionStreetwiseSubterfuge
Mental
AcademicsAwarenessFinanceInvestigationMedicineOccultPoliticsScienceTechnology
Examples
Example: When to roll
Roll when the outcome is uncertain and matters. If it’s routine and no one at the table cares about failure, just succeed and move on.
Example: Make stakes explicit
Before rolling, say what success gives you and what failure costs (time, exposure, resources, harm).
Common mistakes (smallest fix)
- Mistake: Rolling without stakes. Fix: Say what success changes and what failure costs before rolling.
- Mistake: Treating failure as ‘nothing happens’. Fix: Fail forward: you still learn something, but pay a cost (time, exposure, resources, harm).
Werewolf FAQ
What are Auspices in Werewolf 5e?
How does Renown work in Werewolf 5e?
What are Tribes in Werewolf 5e?
How does Rage work?
What are the five forms?