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. Often, they are means to distract oneself from problems.

Vices instead are short-term comfort and a distraction from the world. Vampires instead possess a Mask, while Prometheans possess Elpis, Beasts and Heroes Legend, and Werewolves Blood. 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. Virtues are means that grant a character a great sense of self-actualization, but which they are often tempted to ignore. Fulfilling Vices therefore offers small rewards that are easy to come by. 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. Doing so demands sacrifice and perseverance. One, it is inherently challenging to accomplish a surpassing act of goodness in a world that's rife with selfishness and aggression. 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).įulfilling a Virtue is more rewarding than fulfilling a Vice for two reasons. 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. Every character starts with one defining Virtue and one defining Vice.

Virtue and vice