The Old World of Darkness (OWOD) system, encompassing games like Vampire: The Masquerade, Werewolf: The Apocalypse, and Mage: The Ascension, offers rich character creation. This guide dives deep into the components of a typical OWOD character sheet, explaining each element and providing tips for optimal character building. We’ll also address common questions players often have.
What is an Old World of Darkness Character Sheet?
An OWOD character sheet is more than just a simple record of your character's stats; it's a living document reflecting their personality, history, and place within the World of Darkness. It tracks their physical and mental attributes, skills, powers (Disciplines, Auspices, Arcana), and the crucial aspects of their background shaping their interactions and narrative within the game. Different games within the OWOD umbrella will have slightly different sheets, but the core elements remain consistent.
Key Components of an OWOD Character Sheet
Most OWOD character sheets include these fundamental sections:
1. Character Name & Concept
This is the cornerstone. Choose a name that fits your character's personality and background. The “concept” outlines their role, motivations, and overall personality. A strong concept informs all other choices.
2. Attributes & Abilities
These represent your character's innate capabilities and learned skills:
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Attributes: These are usually physical (Strength, Dexterity, Stamina), mental (Perception, Intelligence, Wits), and social (Charisma, Manipulation, Composure). They form the foundation upon which abilities are built.
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Abilities: These are specific skills your character has developed through training or experience. Examples include Firearms, Stealth, Drive, Medicine, and Persuasion. Different games will have varying skill lists.
3. Disciplines/Auspices/Arcana (Depending on the Game)
These represent supernatural powers tied to your character's nature:
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Disciplines (Vampire): Supernatural abilities granted by vampiric blood, such as Dominate, Protean, and Obfuscate.
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Auspices (Werewolf): Spiritual aspects defining the werewolf's connection to the wild, each with unique abilities and predispositions.
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Arcana (Mage): Magical powers drawn from the spheres of reality, manipulating different aspects of existence.
4. Background & History
This section provides crucial context. Include your character's past, their relationships, significant events that shaped them, and their current goals. This is where your character's personality truly shines.
5. Virtues & Flaws
These represent moral compass and character failings:
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Virtues: These are positive traits, such as Courage, Conscience, and Self-Control. They impact choices and interactions.
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Flaws: These are weaknesses, whether physical, psychological, or moral, that add depth and vulnerability to your character.
6. Willpower & Humanity/Path/Other Morality Systems
This reflects your character's mental resilience and moral standing:
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Willpower: A crucial resource used to resist supernatural influences and exert mental control.
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Humanity (Vampire): A measure of a vampire's remaining humanity; losing it leads to monstrous behavior. Other games have equivalent morality systems reflecting their specific themes.
7. Health, Willpower, and Other Tracking Information
Spaces are provided to track your character's current health, willpower, and other relevant statistics during gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (PAA)
Where can I find a pre-made Old World of Darkness character sheet?
While official character sheets aren't always easily found online for free download, many fansites and online communities offer printable versions or digital alternatives. Searching for "[Game Name] character sheet PDF" should yield good results. Remember that some may be unofficial adaptations.
Are there differences between character sheets for different games within the OWOD?
Yes, each game (Vampire, Werewolf, Mage, etc.) has its own unique character sheet to reflect its specific mechanics and character traits. The fundamental elements remain similar, but the specifics will differ.
How do I fill out the background and history section?
This is where you get creative! Consider your character's origins, childhood experiences, significant relationships (friends, enemies, mentors), major life events that shaped them, and their current goals and motivations. The more detailed your backstory, the richer and more compelling your character will be.
How much detail is too much detail in the background section?
There's no such thing as “too much” detail—as long as the details are relevant and help you develop your character's personality and motivations. However, be mindful of game time and avoid overwhelming the Storyteller with excessive information during character creation. Focus on the most impactful events.
This comprehensive guide offers a solid foundation for understanding and utilizing the OWOD character sheet. Remember, your character sheet is a tool to help you build and portray a compelling character within the World of Darkness. Embrace the creative process, and have fun!
