This is the list of suggested Natures and Demeanors for Adventurer characters. It is by no means a complete list of archetypes, and should be looked at for guidelines only. Likewise, a character's Nature and Demeanor, while important for regaining Willpower points during a story, are also only guidelines to role-playing your character, and should not be seen as a pigeon hole approach to categorizing personalities. Archetypes can bend a little before breaking. Remember always to keep your role-playing good and accurate. And always obey the Storyteller.
Barbarian — Civilization if for weaklings. Intrigue is for cowards. You know that the only things that matter are personal strength, honor, and bravery, and you live your life by an unshakable code. No one earns your respect unless he's powerful enough to hold his own in a straightforward contest. The weak are fit only to serve the strong. Not to say that you only respect physical violence; you may be very intelligent, caring and merciful. You cannot, however, abide weaklings or craven bastards who hide behind pretty words or others' bodies. A title means nothing unless it is earned through personal valor or wisdom, and an oath means nothing unless the maker will die to uphold it. As for the trappings of civilization, you find them a waste of time. What was good enough for your forefathers is good enough for you. After all, the measure of a man (or a woman) is endurance to hardship and honor in the face of adversity. — Regain Willpower whenever you or your code of honor clearly triumphs over some overtly "civilized" opponent or situation.
Bravo — You are known as a Bully, a ruffian, and a tough, and delight in tormenting the weak. Things must always go your way, and you do not tolerate those who cross you. Power and might are all you respect; indeed, you heed only those who can prove their power to you. You see nothing wrong with forcing your will upon others. There is nothing you like better than to persecute, antagonize, heckle and intimidate those for whom you have contempt, and of them there are many. The emotions of kindness and pity are not completely foreign to you, but you hide from your own sense of weakness through cruelty to others. While most Bravos despise the weak, a few become their protectors. — Regain Willpower whenever you intimidate or physically force another person to do what you wish.
Caregiver — You always try to help those around you, struggling to make a difference in the needs and sorrows of the unfortunate. People around you depend on your stability and strength to keep them steady and centered. You are the one people turn to when they have a problem. — Regain Willpower whenever you successfully protect or nurture someone else. It can be as small as a smile of support or a shoulder to lean on at an appropriate moment. You must help the other person in some way, though he need not acknowledge it openly.
Celebrant — You know a joy others can only imagine. Maybe you appreciate the thrill of battle, or delight in the works of the ancient masters of some great art. Whatever your passion is, you gain the strength to face adversity so long as that passion is close at hand. Whenever some opportunity to praise or indulge your chosen passion arises, you will seize it with glee. This may annoy some folk, but you know it's only a matter of time before they discover your joy as well. — Regain Willpower whenever you either celebrate the passion of your choice or convert another character to your way of thinking. Conversely, you suffer greatly (and perhaps even lose a point of Willpower if the event is traumatic enough) if your passion is denied or badly lost to you.
Challenger — You are the quintessential competitor, and your story is that of the brave, stalwart hero. Constantly searching for new challenges to overcome, new adversaries to wrestle, new causes to fight for and protect, you live for the chance to slay the monster, fulfill the quest, or win the game. Without the thrill of striving against others (and yourself), life quickly becomes dull and meaningless. You should never refuse a fair challenge. — Regain Willpower whenever you successfully overcome a truly challenging situation.
Child — You're young, either in years or in spirit, and others feel compelled to nurture you. This can be both good and bad; most people love the enthusiasm of youth, but it often leaves you open to exploitation or hardship. You're cute and frolicsome, but also tend to get in trouble. Youth, it is said, lacks wisdom, and so do you. — Regain Willpower whenever you get someone to nurture you, or when you achieve some great success through your childlike ways.
Confidant — You understand others, and, more importantly, you like them. You are a facilitator who listens and advises. People confess to you an in return you give them advice, most of it good (though sometimes your advice is more to your own benefit than to that of its recipient). You are very interested in other people, in who and what they are; their personalities simply fascinate you. — Regain Willpower whenever someone confides in you on a personal and intimate level.
Conniver — What's the sense of working hard when you can get something for nothing? Why drudge when, just by talking, you can get what you want? You always try to find the easy way out, the fast track to success and wealth. Some people might call what you do swindling or even outright theft, but you know that you only do what everyone else does; you just do it better. Additionally, it's a game, and you get great pleasure out of outwitting someone. Connivers play many roles, so you may be a thief, a swindler, a street waif, an entrepreneur, a con man, or just a finagler. — Regain Willpower whenever you are able to get your way by tricking another person into doing as you wish.
Courtier — Somewhat the social butterfly, you use wit, charm, and flirtation as tools to lighten the mood. You are a student of etiquette and a lover of dances, parties, and courtly gatherings. Your tact and grace often place you in the position of diplomat. Because your goal is harmony, you are deeply concerned with politics, ritual, custom, and the preservation of order. Often working behind the scenes, you soothe hurt feelings and encourage others to relax and have a good time. You should never purposely make anyone angry or upset. — Regain Willpower whenever you deflate a volatile situation and return the gathering to peace and harmony.
Curmudgeon — You are an irascible, churlish person at heart, taking everything seriously and finding little humor in life (though you may have a wickedly barbed wit). Cynicism is your middle name; it is the tool with which you judge everything in life. You have a very well-defined understanding of how things really work, especially when they involve the circus of human endeavor. Long ago the foolish actions of other ceased to surprise you. — Regain Willpower whenever someone does something stupid, just like you predicted. You must predict it either out loud to the other characters or in private to the Storyteller.
Deviant — There are always people who don't fit in, and you are such a miscreant. Your beliefs, motivations and sense of propriety are the complete antitheses of the status quo. You are not so much an aimless rebel as an independent thinker who does not belong in the society in which you were raised. You don't give a damn about other people's morality, but you do adhere to your own strange code of conduct. Deviants are typically irreverent, and some have truly bizarre tastes and desires. — Regain Willpower whenever you are able to thumb your nose at society and its precepts without retaliation.
Defender — Not everyone can be a warrior. You can, however, and whatever your chosen field of combat may be (warfare, law, medicine, spirituality, etc.) you bend your efforts toward defending those who deserve a fighting chance. Perhaps you are (or once were) a guardian on the road, a city watchman, or a healer. Maybe you achieved whatever title you hold (or held) by protecting your vassals, not by favoring a lord; or turned your sword-arm to the Patron's will. Whatever history you may have, your task in life is to defend something. Some protect the weak, others protect the throne. — Regain Willpower whenever you successfully ward your protectorate from some hostile threat.
Entertainer — There is just something to giving other people a good time that just fills you with a sense of accomplishment. Yes, the world can be a painful place, but not always. Imagine the farmer who wants to unwind with a pint and a song. So much can be done with just a few lyrics, and that farmer will go home a little warmer against the harsh winds of autumn. Let it bring a smile to your face as you count the very few coins gained, knowing that your soul is infinitely richer. — Regain Willpower whenever you succeed in bringing some happiness to someone else.
Fanatic — You are consumed by a cause; it is the primary force in your life, for good or ill. Every ounce of blood and passion you possess is directed toward your cause. In fact, you may feel very guilty about spending time on anything else. Nothing can stand in your way (nothing that you cannot overcome, in any case). You and those around you may suffer, but your cause is everything. The end will justify the means. — Regain Willpower whenever you accomplish an act that furthers your cause, or when you sacrifice yourself to the cause in some way.
Follower — All great leaders need followers, and you stand ready for your orders. Taking charge is just not your style. You find it very distasteful to go against the flow or to rebel. You work incredibly well with others when you are all trying to reach a common goal. You never aspire to be the top dog; all you want to do is follow and support your leader. You hate inconsistency and instability, and you know that supporting a strong leader prevents chaos from occurring. — Regain Willpower whenever your group accomplishes something because of your support and aid.
Gallant — Life is nothing without style. Let others wallow in the mud, for your existence will be a graceful thing, remembered by the poets and heralded by the tales of your exquisite bearing. Romance is your bread and butter; you are the troubadour, the jongleur, the mistress-in-waiting, or the dashing highwayman. Reality may not live up to your expectations, but you strive to meet your ideal with as much gusto as you can muster. Others may not appreciate your carefree manner (you leave broken hearts in your wake and seem more frivolous than people prefer) but you cannot be bothered by others' misfortunes. If they cannot take the risks that come with a life well lived, to the void with them. When you meet Oblivion (and you're told you will), you'll do it with a flourish and shake his hand. — Regain Willpower when you accomplish some great victory (a seduction, a commission, a successful battle) with style and grace, or when you hear your exploits recounted with the flair that is your due.
Hedonist — Life is pointless, shallow and meaningless, so have as good a time as possible. Rome may burn, but you shall drink wine and sing songs. A sensualist and sybarite, the words austere, self-denial, and self discipline have no place in your life. You much prefer the concept of instant gratification. Still, you don't mind a little hard work as long as a good time awaits you upon completion. — Regain Willpower whenever you have a truly good time and can fully express your exultation (or perhaps even more points if you enjoy an especially fun night).
Iconoclast — You tend to attack settled beliefs and institutions. A poorly built house is easy to topple. Likewise, a belief without proper footing is easy to betray, and a weak leader is no leader at all. So it is your sacred duty in life to tear at things, to break them if possible. Knock the house down. Disprove the beliefs. Overthrow the leader. If people did things correctly in the first place, the house would stand, the belief would flourish, and the leader would rule wisely. Never miss the opportunity to show the weakness in another's endeavors. This archetype is found among many Karano. — Regain Willpower whenever you succeed is tearing down an established order that you see as unfit.
Innovator — There are always better ways to achieve a goal; you will find those better ways. Inventors, traders, philosophers, and strategists are examples of your kind. You are the path-blazer; the visionary; the critic who is never satisfied, even with seeming perfection. Tradition, to you, is a snare which binds imagination. Whatever you do, strive to improve upon what went before. — Regain Willpower whenever your quest to create some new way of doing something succeeds. Dramatic breakthroughs are worth more confidence (and thus more Willpower) than simple improvements.
Jester — The world is a painful place, but it's not without its lighter side. People go crazy without something to laugh at. You are the fool, the clown, the comic, forever seeking the humor in any situation. You hate sorrow and pain, and constantly try to take others' minds off the dark side of life. Most consider you an idiot for it, but you know your ways are best. Sometimes you'll do nearly anything to forget that pain exists. Your particular brand of humor might range from witty satire to low physical humor, but it beats moping around, doesn't it? On the down side, you get on others' nerves sometimes, but laughter usually makes you feel better, anyway… if only for a while. — Regain Willpower when you raise the spirits of those around you through the device of humor, especially when you're able to escape your own pain in the process.
Judge — As a facilitator, moderator, arbitrator, conciliator, and peacemaker, you always seek to make things better. You pride yourself on your rationality, judgment, and deductive ability when given the facts. Truth is your ideal, but you understand how difficult it is to ascertain. Thus, you favor justice, for through justice, truth will reign. In your view, people are resources, albeit difficult ones. You hate dissension and arguments, and shy away from dogmatism. Fairness, wisdom, and logic are you hallmarks, and others respect you opinion. Some Judges make good leaders, though a lack of vision an sometimes cause them to maintain the status quo instead of searching for a better way. — Regain Willpower when you are able to separate the truth from a web of lies, or when you convince disputing individuals to agree with your judgments.
Leader — Chaos is anathema to you; you despise disorder and tend to take control and organize things. You like to be in charge, live to organize, and habitually strive to make things work smoothly. Perhaps you are a lady or knight, a theologian or a sheriff. Maybe you're just an especially organized peasant. In any case, you trust your own judgment and tend to think of things in black-and-white terms, with no middle ground. Tradition is important as well. After all, the best ways to do things are the proven ones. — Regain Willpower when you lead a group and accomplish some significant task.
Loner — You always stand alone, even in the midst of a crowd. You are the wanderer, hunter and lone wolf; perhaps you wander from town to town as a hired sword or traveling player, or perhaps you hide away until outside events become too important to ignore. Solitude is not your fate, it's your pleasure. Though others might think of you as lonely, forsaken, or remote, you simply prefer you own company to that of others. There are many different reasons why this might be so: you don't understand people, you understand people too well, people dislike you, people like you too much, or perhaps your own thoughts mean more to you than people. Your reasons are your own. — When you manage to accomplish some significant task on your own, without the aid of others, but still help the group in some way, you regain Willpower based on the significance of the achievement.
Maker — Your sense of purpose goes beyond your own needs; you try to create something of lasting value for all who come after you. People need many things, and you gain satisfaction by providing whatever you can. You are the type of person who makes an effort to build something of value: to form a party, forge a powerful sword, build a house, raise a family steeped in good virtues, or in some other way leave a lasting legacy. — Regain Willpower whenever you create or establish something of importance or lasting value.
Martyr — All possess the martyr instinct, but few act upon it. Even fewer live the life of a Martyr, but you are such a one. Your desire for self-sacrifice stems either from a low self-esteem, a feeling of a lack of control, or a profoundly developed sense of love. You are able to endure long-lasting and severe suffering because of your beliefs and ideals. At worst, a Martyr expects sympathy and attention because of his or her suffering, and may even feign or exaggerate pain or deprivation. At best, a Martyr will choose to suffer injury or even death rather than renounce his beliefs, principles, cause, or friends. — Regain Willpower when you sacrifice yourself in a real and immediate way for your beliefs or another individual.
Mystic — There's more to power than saving the world and crushing your enemies. You can see this, even if you are not very powerful yourself. The paths of power lead somewhere important, of this you are certain. So you look far and wide, seeking to understand the power and the potential of being Chosen. Some day, maybe you will see beyond the magic and Spells. Some day, maybe you be able to look upon the face of a Patron and understand why you really started this journey in the first place. Until then, there's always another Spell to learn, another Sphere to develop, and another secret to comprehend. — Regain Willpower whenever you make a significant step in developing your own power and spirituality. Also regain Willpower when you discover some juicy tidbit of knowledge previously unknown to you.
Rebel — The established order is a lie. The lords grow fat on the people's labor. Maybe a drunken nobleman killed your only son, or perhaps some prince's lackey raped you wife. Perhaps you're just tired of toeing the line or giving everything you own over to those who haven't earned it. In any case, you hate authority and will go out of your way to undermine it. This is a dangerous Nature to have; even the loosest groups have harsh ways of dealing with nonconformity. Nevertheless, you understand the hatred which guides the Rebel. Your actions may be subtle and your sentiments held silent, but your hatred for the established order guides your passions and your deeds. — Regain Willpower whenever something you do harms the authority you despise.
Rogue — You are all that matters. Every man must fend for himself, and if your actions get in others' way, well, too bad! If they were stronger, perhaps they could enjoy their lives as well as you do. Not that you're a bully, mind you, just self-centered and aggressively selfish. You need not be a dominator; you'll just be damned if you're the dominated. Rogues pride themselves on self-sufficiency. You may be a thief, an errant knight, a vagabond, or a prostitute. In any case, others look down upon you for refusing to live by their rules. In the end, however, you keep your own best interests at heart. Never let another lead you. — Regain Willpower whenever your selfishness leads to some kind of gain, especially if you can earn it without exposing yourself to risk or following another's orders.
Sage — You are the advisor, the wise one, the teacher. You have traveled many places and seen many things. You have learned, and you willingly share your insights with others. The quest for knowledge and wisdom is paramount to your goals in life. You see something to be learned in every situation. Like the old man on the mountain, you don't force your wisdom on others, but share it with an open heart to any who wish to learn. And you should never stand in the way of someone else's freewill, for the path to wisdom is different for everyone, but sometimes wisdom is knowing when to hide the bodies. — Regain Willpower whenever you are able to give good advice that contributes to another's success.
Show-Off — You get your self-worth entirely from others. You crave approval and praise, and you go to extreme lengths to get it (even risking yourself and things you love if necessary). You do not think of protection, and you have no compunctions about using others' good opinions to your own advantage; you simply crave approval for its own sake, so that you can feel good about yourself. — Regain Willpower whenever your antics bring you praise, admiration, or appreciation. However, the more points you get, the harder and harder they will be to gain thereafter; you feats must grow increasingly spectacular (and dangerous).
Shadow Lord — There are times to kneel before the throne, and there are times to work in the shadows behind it. You understand this in a way that most don't. For you, your life centers on being the right hand to your leader. While you have no desire for the leadership yourself, you will be damned to the void if you let any usurp your favored position as second. Your leader's slightest whim is your command. You try to head off trouble for him whenever possible… and at almost any cost. — Regain Willpower whenever you do your best for your leader. This can be with or without his knowledge. Also regain Willpower whenever you succeed is holding your position against rivals.
Survivor — No matter what happens, you always survive. You can endure, pull through, recover from, and outlast nearly any circumstance. Whether you travel in a group or walk alone, self-preservation is your prime motivation. When the going gets tough, you get going. Never say die, and never, ever, give up. Nothing angers you as much as a person who doesn't struggle to make things better or who surrenders to Fate or mishap. It's your way to persevere. No matter what the odds may be, you'll come out standing, if not winning. How many warriors can say the same? — Regain Willpower whenever you survive a difficult situation through your own cunning and perseverance or successfully teach another to do the same.
Top Dog — You have your gang and you rule them with an iron fist. You work hard to build and strengthen your organization, preaching loyalty and submission to the cause you embody. You will not stand for your law or authority to be undermined. While you understand that a group is more powerful than any one individual, you do not consider yourself equal to your bad of followers. You are the head, and they are the arms and legs. They are your tools, and you use them at your whim to further your own goals. You should never allow any one person to endanger the whole of your organization or your goals. — Regain Willpower whenever you accomplish something as a direct result of the devotion of your followers.
Tyrant — No one can do anything right except you. Whenever you leave something in someone else's care, that person fouls it up. Therefore, you must watch over those you care for, and take matters into your own hands whenever possible. People may not like you for it, but at least things will be done right, this time. — Your leadership refreshes your Willpower whenever you succeed through stubbornness, forcefulness and attention to detail.
Villain — You're not really a bad guy, per se. You're just very misunderstood. Really. But most see you as an antagonist because you insist on thwarting do-gooders whenever possible. The nerve! They don't see how you are simply doing your part to keep the cycles turning. Heroes, you understand, simply cannot be allowed to have too easy of a time in their endeavors. So, you, being civic minded, attempt to hinder and harm them whenever possible. It's a noble calling, but one that you are humbly suitable for. And there's nothing wrong with enjoying your work, now is there? — Regain Willpower whenever you succeed in making life miserably difficult on someone who is clearly trying to be heroic.