Merits & Flaws Reference

This reference list includes the Trait options that players may give their characters. The list takes from approximately 100 different World of Darkness resources. It also includes a number of Merits and Flaws invented for game usage. This site is both for player reference and notification of which Traits the CoLA Storyteller approves. This reference will be split into different sections that define which Merits and Flaws are appropriate per “race”, or are available to everyone. Any sectional particulars will be detailed under the section heading.

Note that just because a Merit or Flaw is not listed here does not mean the Storyteller doesn’t approve of it. It may simply be in one of many books the Storyteller doesn’t own. Any requests for a Trait not found here should be directed through the Storyteller before purchasing it for the character.

After each Trait, the Merit’s freebie cost or the Flaw’s freebie award will be listed in parentheses. One may note that certain Traits are worth more or less, depending on the “race”; this has to do with the appropriateness to the character type in question. Merit/Flaw costs may also differ from book listings; this is the Storyteller’s prerogative. Finally, some Merits/Flaws were simplified or grouped together; the changes and summaries will be detailed after the reference lists. Note that not every Merit or Flaw here will be explained. If a player is unsure what a particular Trait means or does for the character, please ask.

Buying off Flaws with Experience: After character generation, characters can buy off most Flaws with the Storyteller's approval and appropriate roleplay. Any Flaw can be bought off provided the character has a means to undo whatever gives her problems. The One Arm Flaw could be bought off if the character gets a state-of-the-art and dependable prosthetic limb, for example. A Curse Flaw can be bought off if the character appeals to a sorcerer who can lift that curse. However the Flaws are bought off, the cost in XP remains the same: the player must be pay an equal number of experience points to the Flaw's freebie point value. So, a 3-point Flaw would demand 3 XP.