STEP 2: VIRTUE AND VICE
Every character starts with one defining Virtue and one defining Vice. While Virtue and Vice may clearly reflect the character's background and concept, they can contrast with his outward nature and create sources of conflict within himself. However, when a character's actions in difficult situations reflect his particular Virtue or Vice, he reinforces his fundamental sense of self (however, it should be noted that everyday expressions of, say, Faith or Pride are not enough to reaffirm a character's determination or sense of self).
Fulfilling a Virtue is more rewarding than fulfilling a Vice for two reasons. One, it is inherently challenging to accomplish a surpassing act of goodness in a world that's rife with selfishness and aggression. Doing so demands sacrifice and perseverance. Two, the temptation to indulge base inclinations and desires is constant and often means taking the path of least resistance, which precludes doing the greater good. Fulfilling Vices therefore offers small rewards that are easy to come by.
Virtues
Virtues are means that grant a character a great sense of self-actualization, but which they are often tempted to ignore. A character can have "ambitious" as a virtue if following their ambitions is what makes them more fulfilled or "generous" if offering help to others is their central mission.
Vices
Vices instead are short-term comfort and a distraction from the world. Often, they are means to distract oneself from problems. A character can have "ambitious" as a vice if advancement is all that they care for, or "generous" if they are moved to acts of compassion that they consider a sign of weakness on their own part.
Fulfilling a Virtue is more rewarding than fulfilling a Vice for two reasons. One, it is inherently challenging to accomplish a surpassing act of goodness in a world that's rife with selfishness and aggression. Doing so demands sacrifice and perseverance. Two, the temptation to indulge base inclinations and desires is constant and often means taking the path of least resistance, which precludes doing the greater good. Fulfilling Vices therefore offers small rewards that are easy to come by.
Virtues
Virtues are means that grant a character a great sense of self-actualization, but which they are often tempted to ignore. A character can have "ambitious" as a virtue if following their ambitions is what makes them more fulfilled or "generous" if offering help to others is their central mission.
Vices
Vices instead are short-term comfort and a distraction from the world. Often, they are means to distract oneself from problems. A character can have "ambitious" as a vice if advancement is all that they care for, or "generous" if they are moved to acts of compassion that they consider a sign of weakness on their own part.
Virtues
Celebration
A celebratory character revels because life is meant to be savored, no matter how dark things may seem. They don’t party recklessly, but they will put off some obligations to take a break. They don’t indulge out of despair, but partake in whatever helps them relish the fact that they’re alive. They orchestrate moments to smile, sing, and dance, even if they have to break some rules along the way.
Your character regains all spent Willpower when they successfully create or assist in a joyous occasion that comes to a peaceful conclusion.
Possessed by: Rave organizers.
Charity
A charitable character shares what he has - whether it’s time, money, or possessions - for the sheer joy of giving and to improve the lives of others. He might hope for some good will in return but doesn’t expect or depend on it; the act of giving is its own reward and payment can’t provide the same satisfaction. By lifting others up, a good Samaritan feels as though he is improving the entire world, one person at a time.
Your character's Willpower pool is restored when he helps to measurably improve another person’s situation at a cost to himself.
Possessed by: Soup-kitchen workers
Confidence
A confident character has faith in her own ability to make the right choice and to discover the best course of action. She doesn’t ignore opposition or evidence to the contrary; instead, she trusts in her strengths to see a plan through, even when challenges arise. She uses her own instincts and resourcefulness to rise to any occasion and prove that she’s the woman for the job.
Your character recoups all spent Willpower points when she successfully follows her own plan, relies on her own methods, and reaps a reward.
Possessed by: Entrepreneurs
Hope
Staying optimistic in the World of Darkness is a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. Following hope doesn’t mean ignoring how dire a situation is; it means continuing to act as though everything will turn out for the best, regardless. Even when it seems like real damage is certain or defeat is inevitable, hopeful characters move forward with the belief that the opposition won’t win and everything will turn out for the best.
Your character recovers all spent Willpower points by cultivating the best aspects of the current situation, despite signs or evidence to the contrary.
Possessed by: Clergy
Industry
Idle hands are the Devil’s playground, but staying busy with valued work will keep you out of trouble. This is what an industrious character believes, to the point that he’ll enjoy being on the job more than what he earns for his efforts. He might move from task to task or take pride in juggling many activities at once, but he won’t stay put for long.
Your character earns back all spent Willpower points when he remains on task and sees his chosen job through to completion.
Possessed by: Doctors
Justice
Balancing the scales and setting things right means everything to a just character. She’ll forgo her own safety and popularity to make sure everyone gets what they deserve according to the code she values (whether or not it’s in fashion). When wrongs go unpunished, everybody suffers for it and the whole system by which the character lives is threatened - and that isn’t something she can allow.
Your character reobtains all spent Willpower points when she creates the righteous outcome demanded by her code of ethics.
Possessed by: Police
Self-Control
Mastery of the self involves knowing and tempering your weaknesses, whatever they may be. It also requires being able to resist distractions, bribes, and cravings in pursuit of a higher goal. A character with self-control strives for balance, even when the people around him are wildly out of control. He avoids complications and by delaying gratification, the end result is even more satisfying.
Your character secures all spent Willpower points when they resist temptation to indulge in excessive behavior and maintain a balanced approach to the situation at hand.
Possessed by: Fitness freaks
Money, status, material possessions - an avaricious character can never feel satisfied as long as there’s more to grab for themselves. He might try to rationalize it any number of ways, but his hoarding isn’t about usefulness or preparedness. It’s all about the satisfaction of having more than anyone else, and finding ways to strike out at those who have more than he does.
Your character regains a point of Willpower when he acquires something of value at the expense of another.
Possessed by: CEO's
Carnality
Sins of the flesh come in many forms, from drugs to food to sex, but for the truly epicurean, consuming for pleasure is the point. Cravings are frequent and exciting for the carnal character, driving her toward her favorite delights. Anything will be pushed aside in favor of chasing the next high; anyone might be misused in the pursuit of instant gratification.
Your character gains a point of Willpower when satisfying sensual desires takes significant time or attention away from her obligations.
Possessed by: Rock stars
Corruption
There’s a special delight in deception and in tempting others to sin, and it’s that smug sensation a corrupt character relishes the most. Following the rules is for suckers and no one’s hands are clean; the only way to get ahead in this dog-eat-dog world is to use other people’s secrets against them before they can do the same to you.
Your character earns a point of Willpower when they successfully misuse their influence or resources over others on their own behalf or that of an interested party.
Possessed by: Politicians
Despair
True despair isn’t passive pining. A despairing character believes his situation is hopeless and that he’s beyond forgiveness, and acts accordingly. He makes self-defeating choices and if others try to help, he refuses or sabotages their efforts. Because if he can never seem to make things better, what does it really matter if he makes them worse?
Your character obtains a point of Willpower when he acts against his own well-being based on his belief that the situation is hopeless, despite evidence to the contrary.
Possessed by: Some relapsed alcoholics.
Sloth
It’s not that a slothful character doesn’t want to do anything; she just doesn’t want to do difficult jobs or have unpleasant conversations. The way she sees it, there’s no good reason to burden herself if she can get someone else to do it for her. Others are better suited to work, anyway, so she should stick to what she’s best at: enjoying the leisure others’ efforts afford her.
Your character secures a point of Willpower by arranging for others to perform difficult tasks in her stead and receiving the lion’s share of the rewards.
Possessed by: Pimps.
Vanity
All personal strengths are magnified and all failures are diminished in the mirror of vanity. With such superior qualities, a vain character can’t make a mistake; if something goes wrong, it’s because someone else screwed up. They see it as their right to take the lead and force others to follow their whims. After all, vain characters are the best and only want what’s best in life.
Your character wins a point of Willpower when they prevail in exerting their own desires (not needs) over others while seeking another goal.
Possessed by: Celebrities.
Wrath
A wrathful character craves the rush of rage. It makes her feel strong, in charge, and right, even when she’s outgunned. Anger is honest and direct and solves problems quickly. It’s the law of the jungle, baby; eat or be eaten. Whether she feels like the world is against her or believes she’s better off striking first, a wrathful character is going to lash out sooner rather than later.
Your character reaps a point of Willpower when she resolves a situation by using immediate and/or excessive violence.
Possessed by: Domestic abusers
A celebratory character revels because life is meant to be savored, no matter how dark things may seem. They don’t party recklessly, but they will put off some obligations to take a break. They don’t indulge out of despair, but partake in whatever helps them relish the fact that they’re alive. They orchestrate moments to smile, sing, and dance, even if they have to break some rules along the way.
Your character regains all spent Willpower when they successfully create or assist in a joyous occasion that comes to a peaceful conclusion.
Possessed by: Rave organizers.
Charity
A charitable character shares what he has - whether it’s time, money, or possessions - for the sheer joy of giving and to improve the lives of others. He might hope for some good will in return but doesn’t expect or depend on it; the act of giving is its own reward and payment can’t provide the same satisfaction. By lifting others up, a good Samaritan feels as though he is improving the entire world, one person at a time.
Your character's Willpower pool is restored when he helps to measurably improve another person’s situation at a cost to himself.
Possessed by: Soup-kitchen workers
Confidence
A confident character has faith in her own ability to make the right choice and to discover the best course of action. She doesn’t ignore opposition or evidence to the contrary; instead, she trusts in her strengths to see a plan through, even when challenges arise. She uses her own instincts and resourcefulness to rise to any occasion and prove that she’s the woman for the job.
Your character recoups all spent Willpower points when she successfully follows her own plan, relies on her own methods, and reaps a reward.
Possessed by: Entrepreneurs
Hope
Staying optimistic in the World of Darkness is a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. Following hope doesn’t mean ignoring how dire a situation is; it means continuing to act as though everything will turn out for the best, regardless. Even when it seems like real damage is certain or defeat is inevitable, hopeful characters move forward with the belief that the opposition won’t win and everything will turn out for the best.
Your character recovers all spent Willpower points by cultivating the best aspects of the current situation, despite signs or evidence to the contrary.
Possessed by: Clergy
Industry
Idle hands are the Devil’s playground, but staying busy with valued work will keep you out of trouble. This is what an industrious character believes, to the point that he’ll enjoy being on the job more than what he earns for his efforts. He might move from task to task or take pride in juggling many activities at once, but he won’t stay put for long.
Your character earns back all spent Willpower points when he remains on task and sees his chosen job through to completion.
Possessed by: Doctors
Justice
Balancing the scales and setting things right means everything to a just character. She’ll forgo her own safety and popularity to make sure everyone gets what they deserve according to the code she values (whether or not it’s in fashion). When wrongs go unpunished, everybody suffers for it and the whole system by which the character lives is threatened - and that isn’t something she can allow.
Your character reobtains all spent Willpower points when she creates the righteous outcome demanded by her code of ethics.
Possessed by: Police
Self-Control
Mastery of the self involves knowing and tempering your weaknesses, whatever they may be. It also requires being able to resist distractions, bribes, and cravings in pursuit of a higher goal. A character with self-control strives for balance, even when the people around him are wildly out of control. He avoids complications and by delaying gratification, the end result is even more satisfying.
Your character secures all spent Willpower points when they resist temptation to indulge in excessive behavior and maintain a balanced approach to the situation at hand.
Possessed by: Fitness freaks
Generic Vices
Avarice
Money, status, material possessions - an avaricious character can never feel satisfied as long as there’s more to grab for themselves. He might try to rationalize it any number of ways, but his hoarding isn’t about usefulness or preparedness. It’s all about the satisfaction of having more than anyone else, and finding ways to strike out at those who have more than he does.
Your character regains a point of Willpower when he acquires something of value at the expense of another.
Possessed by: CEO's
Carnality
Sins of the flesh come in many forms, from drugs to food to sex, but for the truly epicurean, consuming for pleasure is the point. Cravings are frequent and exciting for the carnal character, driving her toward her favorite delights. Anything will be pushed aside in favor of chasing the next high; anyone might be misused in the pursuit of instant gratification.
Your character gains a point of Willpower when satisfying sensual desires takes significant time or attention away from her obligations.
Possessed by: Rock stars
Corruption
There’s a special delight in deception and in tempting others to sin, and it’s that smug sensation a corrupt character relishes the most. Following the rules is for suckers and no one’s hands are clean; the only way to get ahead in this dog-eat-dog world is to use other people’s secrets against them before they can do the same to you.
Your character earns a point of Willpower when they successfully misuse their influence or resources over others on their own behalf or that of an interested party.
Possessed by: Politicians
Despair
True despair isn’t passive pining. A despairing character believes his situation is hopeless and that he’s beyond forgiveness, and acts accordingly. He makes self-defeating choices and if others try to help, he refuses or sabotages their efforts. Because if he can never seem to make things better, what does it really matter if he makes them worse?
Your character obtains a point of Willpower when he acts against his own well-being based on his belief that the situation is hopeless, despite evidence to the contrary.
Possessed by: Some relapsed alcoholics.
Sloth
It’s not that a slothful character doesn’t want to do anything; she just doesn’t want to do difficult jobs or have unpleasant conversations. The way she sees it, there’s no good reason to burden herself if she can get someone else to do it for her. Others are better suited to work, anyway, so she should stick to what she’s best at: enjoying the leisure others’ efforts afford her.
Your character secures a point of Willpower by arranging for others to perform difficult tasks in her stead and receiving the lion’s share of the rewards.
Possessed by: Pimps.
Vanity
All personal strengths are magnified and all failures are diminished in the mirror of vanity. With such superior qualities, a vain character can’t make a mistake; if something goes wrong, it’s because someone else screwed up. They see it as their right to take the lead and force others to follow their whims. After all, vain characters are the best and only want what’s best in life.
Your character wins a point of Willpower when they prevail in exerting their own desires (not needs) over others while seeking another goal.
Possessed by: Celebrities.
Wrath
A wrathful character craves the rush of rage. It makes her feel strong, in charge, and right, even when she’s outgunned. Anger is honest and direct and solves problems quickly. It’s the law of the jungle, baby; eat or be eaten. Whether she feels like the world is against her or believes she’s better off striking first, a wrathful character is going to lash out sooner rather than later.
Your character reaps a point of Willpower when she resolves a situation by using immediate and/or excessive violence.
Possessed by: Domestic abusers
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