Willpower

The Willpower trait is used in all games of the Storyteller System, Revised Storyteller System and Storytelling System. Willpower is rated from 1 to 10, and has both a permanent rating (or score) and a pool of temporary points.

About Permanent Willpower

Permanent Willpower indicates a character's overall determination and strength of personality. Average humans generally have ratings between 3 and 5; only a rare few, usually fanatics, have a Willpower higher than 7.

In the Storyteller System, Willpower is an independent trait and may rise and fall regardless of a character's Attributes or other Advantages. Willpower is a derived trait, with a character's maximum score determined by their Resolve and Composure Attributes. Willpower may only be raised by raising these Attributes, though Willpower may fall below the maximum rating (see below). In such cases, it must be raised independently back to the maximum.

Willpower dots may be spent in game, representing a permanent sacrifice of a character's mental power. This is typically used to achieve an effect or to combat an effect. It is also possible to lose Willpower dots unwillingly; this is usually due to supernatural misadventure (like a curse or botched use of Thaumaturgy), but may also result from torture, psychological abuse, or possibly extreme psychiatric treatment (e.g. lobotomy).

When rolling Willpower, the permanent trait is used.

About Temporary Willpower

Whereas permanent Willpower encompasses a character's drive in general, temporary Willpower indicates her current state of mind. A character whose temporary Willpower points equals their permanent Willpower rating is energetic (or at least upbeat) in relation to his normal mood, while a character with only a single Willpower point left is downright lethargic. Having no willpower points often indicates complete mental and emotional exhaustion. Under normal circumstances, a character may not have more temporary Willpower points than her permanent Willpower rating.

Temporary Willpower may often be spent for a bonus on a roll, representing a notable dedication to a specific task. It may also be spent to empower certain kinds of magic (like Thaumaturgy) to resist natural or unnatural urges or compulsions, or even to prevent supernatural mind control. Such expenditure is not always voluntary: characters who choose or who are forced to act against their instincts or judgement may be required to use up Willpower points to do so.

Willpower points are generally regained through proper rest, or by accomplishing tasks which reaffirm one's essential nature. This is achieved in Storyteller System by following the needs of one's Virtue or Vice.