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Dark Ages: Werewolf – A Player's Guide
Introduction to the World of Darkness
In Dark Ages: Werewolf, you step into a world of myth and brutality, where primal forces shape reality. Set in the medieval period, the game explores the ancient and savage world of werewolves known as the Garou, powerful shapeshifters who walk between the human and wolf forms, battling for survival and spiritual enlightenment. The world is full of danger, politics, and mystery as the Garou struggle against the encroaching corruption of the Wyrm, and the manipulation of the forces of the Weaver and Wyld.This is a time of myths, legends, and the supernatural, where monsters walk the earth and the fabric of reality is fragile. Werewolves are creatures of legend, protectors of Gaia, the Earth itself, and they are engaged in an ongoing war to preserve the world from the growing corruption of the Wyrm, an ancient force of decay and destruction.
The Garou (Werewolves)
Garou are shape-shifting creatures, born from the union of a human and a spirit of the wolf. They are guardians of Gaia, the spirit of the Earth, and the protectors of the natural world. There are many tribes of Garou, each with its own customs, culture, and spiritual connection to the world. At the same time, all Garou share the same basic traits:- Shape-shifting: Garou can shift between human, wolf, and werewolf forms. In their werewolf form, known as Crinos, they become powerful and monstrous creatures, combining human intelligence with the strength of a wolf. The other forms are:
- Homid: Human form, used for interacting with humans and maintaining a semblance of normality.
- Lupus: Wolf form, used for speed, tracking, and hunting.
- Crinos: A hybrid form, a towering beast of muscle and claws, ideal for battle.
- Glabro: A brutish, near-human form, with enhanced strength.
- Hispo: A massive wolf-like form, combining the size of a wolf with the strength of a Garou.
- The Rage: Garou are creatures of immense emotional power, and the Rage is the primal force that drives them. It is an intense force that connects them to their wolf spirits and their connection to the wild. Rage is both a gift and a curse: it gives them great power but can make them unpredictable, uncontrollable, and destructive. The higher the Rage, the more difficult it becomes to maintain self-control.
- Spirits and the Umbra: Werewolves have a deep connection to the spiritual world, known as the Umbra. Spirits guide them, help them, and occasionally challenge them. Some Garou are tasked with protecting spiritual sites or aiding spirits in the material world. The Umbra is a parallel dimension, a reflection of the physical world, but more mystical and dangerous.
- The Tribes: There are thirteen distinct tribes of Garou, each with a unique philosophy, spiritual patron, and role to play in the ongoing war against the Wyrm. Some of the major tribes include:
- Silver Fang: Nobles and leaders, connected to the ancient power of kingship and dominion.
- Get of Fenris: Fierce warriors and berserkers, who thrive in battle and uphold strength.
- Shadow Lords: Manipulators and schemers, skilled in politics and leadership.
- Fianna: Bards, storytellers, and tricksters, who fight with a mix of humor and passion.
- Red Talons: Guardians of the wild and protectors of animals, they shun humans and prefer to stay in wolf form.
- Silent Striders: Mystics and wanderers, often solitary, with a deep understanding of fate and time.
The Wyrm, Weaver, and Wyld: The Triat
In Dark Ages: Werewolf, the Garou fight against the forces of corruption and destruction embodied by the Wyrm. These three spiritual forces—the Triat—represent the balance of the universe.- The Wyrm: Originally a force of balance, the Wyrm has become corrupted over the millennia, embodying decay, madness, and destruction. Its influence spreads like a disease, seeking to consume all life and reshape it into something twisted. Garou fight against the Wyrm to prevent the destruction of Gaia.
- The Weaver: The Weaver represents order, structure, and creation. Though necessary to maintain balance, the Weaver has grown rigid and oppressive. It seeks to impose order on all things, creating a mechanized and controlled world. The Garou often find themselves fighting the Weaver's influence when it becomes too stifling or inhuman.
- The Wyld: The Wyld is the force of pure creativity, chaos, and change. It is the creative spark of life, constantly shifting and growing. While the Wyld is essential for renewal, too much of it can lead to chaos and destruction. The Garou struggle to maintain a balance between the Wyld, the Weaver, and the Wyrm.
Character Creation
When creating a Garou, players must first choose their tribe and auspice. These choices define your character's role, strengths, and challenges within the Garou society.- Tribe: As mentioned, the Garou belong to one of thirteen tribes, each with its own distinct traits, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Auspice: The Garou are born under one of the five auspices, which determines their role in the tribe and their strengths:
- Ragabash (The Trickster): The spies and deviants of Garou society, skilled in stealth and misdirection.
- Theurge (The Mystic): Spiritual leaders and shamans, able to commune with spirits and navigate the Umbra.
- Philodox (The Judge): The lawgivers and mediators, ensuring the Garou society follows its codes and laws.
- Galliard (The Storyteller): The bards, poets, and historians, known for their ability to inspire and lead through stories and songs.
- Ahroun (The Warrior): The warriors and defenders of the Garou nation, skilled in battle and focused on physical strength.
- Attributes, Abilities, and Gifts: Your Garou's physical and mental traits are defined by three core categories: Physical, Mental, and Social Attributes. The higher your attributes, the more capable your character is in specific areas. Abilities like Brawl, Survival, and Occult represent the skills your character can develop. Gifts are special powers granted by spirits, which are tied to your character's tribe and auspice.
The Storytelling and Roleplaying in Dark Ages: Werewolf
In Dark Ages: Werewolf, your character's journey is often about internal and external conflict. You will face threats from the corrupting forces of the Wyrm, interact with both the physical and spiritual worlds, and deal with your own Rage and inner demons. Your interactions with other werewolves and humans will shape the course of your character's journey.- The Rage: Managing your Rage is key to survival. The more Rage you accumulate, the harder it becomes to resist the Beast. If you let your Rage out of control, you risk losing yourself to the animalistic instincts that drive you.
- Pack Dynamics: Werewolves are often organized into packs, small groups bound by loyalty and purpose. Packs work together to fight threats, protect territories, and ensure the survival of Gaia. Your relationships with your packmates are essential for success, as cooperation is crucial in the war against the Wyrm.
Combat and Challenges
In Dark Ages: Werewolf, combat is brutal, fast-paced, and often deadly. Werewolves are powerful creatures, but even they have weaknesses—particularly against the forces of the Wyrm. The combat system focuses on a combination of physical attacks, spiritual powers, and the unpredictable nature of the Beast within.- Rage and Combat: Your Rage fuels your combat prowess, but it also makes you more unpredictable. A Garou in battle is a force of nature, tearing through enemies with ferocity. However, if you fail to control your Rage, it can cause problems in your relationships and even endanger your pack.
- Supernatural Abilities: Gifts are key to combat and the spiritual challenges your character will face. These powers can vary greatly depending on your tribe and auspice, offering a wide range of abilities from healing and protection to offensive powers like summoning storms or transforming into spirits.
Themes in Dark Ages: Werewolf
- The Struggle Against the Wyrm: The central theme of Dark Ages: Werewolf is the Garou's fight to save Gaia from the corruption of the Wyrm. This includes protecting the natural world, battling supernatural threats, and ensuring that the forces of decay do not engulf the world.
- Rage and Redemption: A core theme of the game is the struggle between the Garou's primal Rage and their desire to maintain their humanity. The Garou are torn between their animalistic instincts and their need to act as protectors of the Earth. This inner battle is at the heart of the game's roleplaying.
- Spirituality: Werewolves are deeply connected to the spiritual world. Your character will
- often seek guidance from spirits, participate in rituals, and navigate the mystical realm of the Umbra. These spiritual practices are crucial to their survival and their mission to protect Gaia. Whether engaging with powerful Totem spirits, communing with ancestors, or attempting to cleanse corrupted areas, the Garou's spiritual journey is as important as their physical battles.
- Honor and Responsibility: The Garou have a strong sense of honor tied to their roles as protectors of Gaia. The ancient laws of the Garou, known as the Litany, guide their actions. Breaking these laws is considered a grievous offense and can result in punishment or even death. These laws emphasize the importance of protecting the natural world and avoiding needless conflict, but they also acknowledge the necessity of violence in defending Gaia against the Wyrm.
- The Corruption of the Wyrm: The Garou are constantly battling the forces of the Wyrm, and over time, they can see the Wyrm's corruption spreading through their own kind. Werewolves must remain vigilant, as some Garou may even succumb to the Wyrm's temptation and become dangerous enemies known as Black Spiral Dancers. The tension between fighting the Wyrm and dealing with its influence among their ranks is a constant source of conflict.
- The Black Spiral Dancers: These are Garou who have fallen under the influence of the Wyrm. They are twisted and corrupt versions of their former selves, often forming cult-like groups that worship the destructive powers of the Wyrm. Dealing with these lost Garou is a significant challenge for the characters, as their former brothers and sisters may now be irredeemable enemies.
- The Fera: Not all shapeshifters in the world are Garou. The Fera are other changeling species that serve similar roles as the Garou, but with different forms, cultures, and powers. They include the Bastet (werecats), the Mokole (were reptiles), and the Ananasi (were-spiders), among others. While most Garou view them with suspicion, they can sometimes be valuable allies.
- The Umbra: The spiritual world, as mentioned earlier, is an essential aspect of Dark Ages: Werewolf. The Umbra is where spirits live and where the Garou go for guidance, power, and purpose. It's a place of beauty and danger, where the laws of physics often don't apply and the landscape is shaped by the emotions and intentions of the creatures inhabiting it.
- Gaia and the Wyrm: These are the two primary forces at odds in the world. Gaia, the Earth Mother, is the embodiment of life and creation, while the Wyrm is the force of decay, corruption, and destruction. The Garou serve as Gaia's defenders, striving to keep the Wyrm's influence at bay. The battle between these forces shapes every action of the Garou, from their personal struggles to the grand battles fought for the very soul of the world.
Playing Your Garou[/h3
] When playing a Garou, your character's journey is shaped by several factors:
- Managing Rage: As a Garou, you are always walking a fine line between control and chaos. Your Rage can fuel your power in combat and survival, but it also threatens to make you lose touch with your humanity. Balancing Rage is crucial—too little can make you vulnerable, while too much can make you unpredictable and dangerous. Learn how to manage your Rage, and your Garou will thrive in this dangerous world.
- Interacting with Spirits: Spirituality plays a huge role in the game. Your character will likely interact with spirits, both to gain knowledge and power. Learning the ways of the Umbra and how to work with spirits can be just as important as physical prowess. Through the use of Gifts and other spiritual abilities, Garou can gain advantages in combat, healing, and even affecting the environment.
- Personal and Political Conflict: Garou society is complex and full of politics. Packs must work together, but there are always power struggles between tribes, factions, and individuals. Your Garou's role within their tribe and pack will define much of their actions and alliances. At the same time, their struggle to balance personal desires and their duty to Gaia will often bring them into conflict with others, even within their own tribe.
- The Struggle for Survival: The Garou are constantly battling the forces of the Wyrm, but this struggle is also reflected in their daily lives. Whether hunting for food, defending sacred sites, or confronting the corrupt, survival is always at the forefront of their thoughts. The stakes are high, as Garou who fail to protect Gaia or succumb to the Wyrm's temptation face horrific consequences.
Storytelling Tips for the Storyteller
If you're running a Dark Ages: Werewolf thread, there are several key things to remember to bring the world to life:
- Emphasize the Mythic: Dark Ages: Werewolf is a game deeply rooted in mythology and the supernatural. Highlight the mystical and terrifying aspects of the world, including the spirits, the Umbra, and the various spiritual forces that shape the world. The Garou's connection to Gaia and their duty to protect the Earth should always be a central theme.
- The Complexity of the Garou's Nature: The Garou are torn between their human sides and their beastly instincts. Use this inner conflict to create compelling drama. The players should be constantly faced with choices that challenge their sense of honor, duty, and survival.
- The Horror of the Wyrm: The Wyrm is the corrupting force that seeks to destroy everything. It's essential to show how its influence spreads not only through the world but also within the Garou themselves. Whether through the corruption of nature, the spread of Black Spiral Dancers, or the personal struggles of the players' characters, the Wyrm's presence should be ever-looming.
- Pack Dynamics: Garou are not solitary creatures; they are pack animals. Fostering a sense of teamwork and conflict within the pack is key. Packs should be places of both camaraderie and tension, as characters with different roles and strengths must learn to work together to survive and protect Gaia.
Conclusion
Dark Ages: Werewolf is a game about primal forces, spiritual warfare, and the balance between humanity and the beast. Whether you're fighting in the physical world or navigating the spiritual dangers of the Umbra, your journey will be one of struggle, redemption, and survival. Playing as a Garou means embracing the complexities of their nature—wielding their strength to protect the world while resisting the primal urge to succumb to the Wyrm's corrupting influence.
Whether you're a new player or an experienced one, the game provides a rich and detailed world to explore, where every decision counts, and the fight for survival against both internal and external threats is an ongoing battle. With your pack and the spirits at your side, will you protect Gaia, or will you fall to the darkness within?
This guide offers a comprehensive introduction to Dark Ages: Werewolf, highlighting the essential themes, characters, and gameplay elements. It's a game of both physical combat and spiritual depth, where survival is just as much about maintaining your humanity as it is about defending the Earth from the encroaching forces of corruption.