Optional - Character Archetypes

This optional system integrates Jungian archetypes with the existing framework of Character Traits and Patrons. Drawing inspiration from Carl Jung’ **s archetypes and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) , 22 distinct archetypal patterns are presented that can be used for character creation, development, and storytelling.

Each archetype is presented with a set of recommended Traits that align naturally with that archetypal energy. Alongside these Traits, generally incompatible or contradictory (and therefore stimulating) Traits relative to the archetype’ **s core nature are also noted. Furthermore, the Patrons that exhibit the greatest narrative and spiritual resonance among those whose profiles share at least two Traits with the archetype are indicated. These lists do not allow players to choose a Patron: the claiming Patron is determined solely by the character’ **s dominant Trait.

  • Choose an archetype that appeals to you or fits your character concept
  • Use the recommended Traits as guidance when selecting your 5 starting Traits
  • Consider selecting 1-2 contradictory Traits to create internal conflict and depth
  • Explore how your archetype interacts with your claiming Patron

Archetypes can also evolve during a character’ **s adventures. A character might begin as one archetype (The Innocent) and transform into another (The Hero) through their experiences. This evolution can be reflected in the gradual shift of Traits and affinities with Patrons.

Role-playing is not merely escapism or tactical simulation; it can constitute an extraordinary protected space (magic circle) for managing stress and anxiety, and for personal psychological evolution. Through the mask of the archetype, players can explore and integrate complex aspects of their self, confront their Shadow (including through Contradictory Traits), de-catastrophize the fear of failure, and experience pathways of growth and emotional resilience shared with the group.

The 22 Archetypes

\archetipotitle{The Hero} The courageous character who overcomes obstacles to achieve a goal, often transforming themselves in the process.

  • Recommended Traits: Courageous, Stubborn, Loyal, Altruistic
  • Contradictory Traits: Cowardly, Cynical, Avaricious, Indecisive
  • Aligned Patrons: Gradh, Sumkjr, Efrem, Ljust, Lynx, Orlaith

\archetipotitle{The Mentor} The wise guide who provides knowledge, insight, and support to others, often to the Hero.

  • Recommended Traits: Patient, Compassionate, Altruistic, Kind
  • Contradictory Traits: Impulsive, Arrogant, Cruel, Dissolute
  • Aligned Patrons: Atmos, Ljust, Shayalia, Thaft, Ledyal

\archetipotitle{The Threshold Guardian} The tester who challenges the protagonist to verify their worthiness and commitment.

  • Recommended Traits: Uncompromising, Stubborn, Suspicious, Cautious
  • Contradictory Traits: Kind, Altruistic, Impulsive, Dissolute
  • Aligned Patrons: Krondal, Atmos, Atherim, Sixiser, Efrem

\archetipotitle{The Herald} The messenger who brings challenges and announces significant change, often initiating the adventure.

  • Recommended Traits: Enthusiastic, Curious, Impulsive, Extroverted
  • Contradictory Traits: Patient, Cautious, Indecisive, Avaricious
  • Aligned Patrons: Nethergal, Nedraf, Lynx, Sumkjr

\archetipotitle{The Shapeshifter} The character whose loyalty and true nature are constantly in question.

  • Recommended Traits: Dishonest, Impulsive, Curious, Dissolute
  • Contradictory Traits: Loyal, Uncompromising, Patient, Cautious
  • Aligned Patrons: Calicante, Orudjs, Tazher, Tàhil, Torbiorn, Laydel, Belevon

\archetipotitle{The Shadow} The dark reflection of the character, representing rejected or feared aspects of the self.

  • Recommended Traits: Cruel, Vindictive, Envious, Ambitious
  • Contradictory Traits: Compassionate, Altruistic, Kind, Loyal
  • Aligned Patrons: Calicante, Cattalm, Tàhil, Shayalia, Torbiorn, Laydel, Tazher, Rezh

\archetipotitle{The Trickster} The disruptive force that challenges the status quo through wit, humor, and unconventional methods.

  • Recommended Traits: Curious, Impulsive, Dishonest, Dissolute
  • Contradictory Traits: Uncompromising, Patient, Cautious, Loyal
  • Aligned Patrons: Belevon, Ledyal, Nihar, Orudjs

\archetipotitle{The Ally} The faithful companion who provides support, loyalty, and companionship on the journey.

  • Recommended Traits: Loyal, Kind, Altruistic, Patient
  • Contradictory Traits: Dishonest, Cruel, Envious, Arrogant
  • Aligned Patrons: Ljust, Sumkjr, Gradh, Atherim, Thaft

\archetipotitle{The Innocent} The pure, optimistic character who seeks happiness and believes in the inherent goodness of others.

  • Recommended Traits: Kind, Altruistic, Compassionate, Enthusiastic
  • Contradictory Traits: Cynical, Suspicious, Cruel, Vindictive
  • Aligned Patrons: Gaya, Ledyal, Atherim, Sumkjr

\archetipotitle{The Sage} The keeper of knowledge who has accumulated wisdom through study, observation, and contemplation.

  • Recommended Traits: Curious, Patient, Cautious, Indecisive
  • Contradictory Traits: Impulsive, Dissolute, Arrogant, Cruel
  • Aligned Patrons: Atmos, Nethergal, Sixiser

\archetipotitle{The Ruler} The leader who seeks to create order, prosperity, and harmony for their people or group.

  • Recommended Traits: Ambitious, Uncompromising, Arrogant, Vain, Stubborn
  • Contradictory Traits: Indecisive, Cowardly, Dissolute, Impulsive
  • Aligned Patrons: Calicante, Erondil, Cattalm, Krondal, Tàhil, Orlaith

\archetipotitle{The Creator} The innovator driven by imagination, striving to bring something new and lasting into existence.

  • Recommended Traits: Curious, Enthusiastic, Stubborn, Impulsive
  • Contradictory Traits: Cynical, Avaricious, Cowardly, Uncompromising
  • Aligned Patrons: Efrem, Erondil, Nethergal, Rezh

\archetipotitle{The Caregiver} The nurturing protector who cares for and defends others.

  • Recommended Traits: Compassionate, Altruistic, Kind, Patient
  • Contradictory Traits: Cruel, Avaricious, Arrogant, Cynical
  • Aligned Patrons: Ljust, Ledyal, Atherim, Belevon, Sumkjr, Gaya, Thaft

\archetipotitle{The Magician} The transformer who seeks to understand fundamental laws and create meaningful transformation.

  • Recommended Traits: Curious, Ambitious, Patient, Cautious
  • Contradictory Traits: Indecisive, Impulsive, Dissolute, Cowardly
  • Aligned Patrons: Nethergal, Krondal, Atmos, Erondil

\archetipotitle{The Outlaw} The rebel character who defies established norms and fights against constraints.

  • Recommended Traits: Courageous, Stubborn, Impulsive, Uncompromising
  • Contradictory Traits: Cautious, Patient, Kind, Indecisive
  • Aligned Patrons: Lynx, Tàhil, Gradh, Orlaith, Calicante, Laydel

\archetipotitle{The Lover} The passionate character who seeks deep connection, intimacy, and meaningful relationships.

  • Recommended Traits: Compassionate, Enthusiastic, Impulsive, Dissolute, Vain
  • Contradictory Traits: Cynical, Cold, Cruel, Avaricious
  • Aligned Patrons: Ledyal, Shayalia, Orudjs

\archetipotitle{The Jester} The character who lives in the moment and uses humor and levity to illuminate truths.

  • Recommended Traits: Enthusiastic, Impulsive, Curious, Extroverted
  • Contradictory Traits: Patient, Cautious, Uncompromising, Cynical
  • Aligned Patrons: Ledyal, Nihar, Nethergal, Sumkjr

\archetipotitle{The Everyman} The regular character who represents ordinary people and seeks connection, belonging, and community.

  • Recommended Traits: Loyal, Kind, Patient, Cautious
  • Contradictory Traits: Arrogant, Ambitious, Cruel, Dissolute
  • Aligned Patrons: Thaft, Efrem, Atmos

\archetipotitle{The Explorer} The wanderer driven by a desire for discovery, freedom, and new experiences.

  • Recommended Traits: Curious, Courageous, Enthusiastic, Extroverted
  • Contradictory Traits: Cautious, Patient, Indecisive, Avaricious
  • Aligned Patrons: Lynx, Nedraf, Nihar, Sumkjr, Ledyal

\archetipotitle{The Martyr} The character who sacrifices themselves and gives everything for a cause or for others.

  • Recommended Traits: Altruistic, Compassionate, Loyal, Stubborn
  • Contradictory Traits: Avaricious, Cowardly, Cruel, Ambitious
  • Aligned Patrons: Ljust, Sumkjr, Atherim, Lynx, Nedraf

\archetipotitle{The Tyrant} The authoritarian leader who rules through fear, oppression, and absolute control.

  • Recommended Traits: Cruel, Arrogant, Ambitious, Uncompromising
  • Contradictory Traits: Compassionate, Altruistic, Kind, Patient
  • Aligned Patrons: Torbiorn, Cattalm, Calicante, Rezh, Tàhil, Tazher

\archetipotitle{The Hermit} The seeker of truth who withdraws from society to pursue deeper knowledge and understanding.

  • Recommended Traits: Patient, Cautious, Curious, Indecisive
  • Contradictory Traits: Extroverted, Enthusiastic, Impulsive, Dissolute
  • Aligned Patrons: Sixiser, Atmos, Efrem

Archetypal Cycles and Character Development

Characters rarely embody a single archetype throughout their entire journey. Rather, they may evolve across a series of archetypes as they grow and mature. Below are several common archetypal progressions that can serve as blueprints for character development:

  • The Hero’ **s Journey: Innocent $>$ Explorer $>$ Hero $>$ Sage $>$ Ruler
  • Fall and Redemption: Innocent $>$ Outlaw $>$ Shadow $>$ Martyr $>$ Hero
  • The Arc of Corruption: Ally $>$ Shapeshifter $>$ Shadow $>$ Tyrant
  • The Path of Wisdom: Explorer $>$ Threshold Guardian $>$ Hermit $>$ Sage $>$ Mentor
  • The Evolution of Leadership: Ally $>$ Hero $>$ Mentor $>$ Ruler
  • Spiritual Awakening: Orphan/Everyman $>$ Threshold Guardian $>$ Hermit $>$ Magician $>$ Creator

Each transition between archetypes represents a significant milestone in character development, often accompanied by gaining or shedding specific Traits and potentially shifting affinity with Patrons. Game Masters and players can utilize these archetypal cycles to map out compelling, meaningful character arcs.

Patron Affinities and Archetypal Resonances

Some Patrons naturally embody or resonate with specific archetypes more strongly:

\begin{multicoltab}

\mchead[][]{Patron Archetypal Resonances}
Ljust The Hero, The Mentor, The Ally, The Caregiver, The Martyr
Calicante The Shapeshifter, The Shadow, The Ruler, The Outlaw, The Tyrant
Atmos The Mentor, The Threshold Guardian, The Sage, The Magician, The Everyman, The Hermit
Lynx The Hero, The Herald, The Outlaw, The Martyr
Gradh The Hero, The Ally, The Outlaw
Atherim The Threshold Guardian, The Ally, The Innocent, The Caregiver, The Martyr
Belevon The Shapeshifter, The Caregiver
Cattalm The Shadow, The Ruler
Efrem The Hero, The Threshold Guardian, The Creator, The Everyman, The Hermit
Erondil The Ruler, The Creator, The Magician
Gaya The Innocent, The Caregiver
Krondal The Threshold Guardian, The Ruler, The Magician
Ledyal The Mentor, The Trickster, The Innocent, The Caregiver, The Lover, The Jester, The Explorer
Laydel The Shapeshifter, The Shadow, The Outlaw
Nethergal The Herald, The Sage, The Creator, The Magician, The Jester
Nedraf The Herald, The Explorer, The Martyr
Nihar The Explorer
Orudjs The Shapeshifter, The Trickster, The Lover
Orlaith The Hero, The Ruler, The Outlaw
Rezh The Shadow, The Creator, The Tyrant
Shayalia The Mentor, The Shadow, The Lover
Sixiser The Threshold Guardian, The Sage, The Hermit
Sumkjr The Hero, The Herald, The Ally, The Innocent, The Caregiver, The Jester, The Explorer, The Martyr
Tàhil The Shapeshifter, The Shadow, The Ruler, The Outlaw, The Tyrant
Tazher The Shapeshifter, The Shadow, The Tyrant
Thaft The Mentor, The Ally, The Caregiver, The Everyman
Torbiorn The Shapeshifter, The Shadow, The Tyrant

\end{multicoltab}

Using Archetypes in Play

For Players

  • Choose an archetype that resonates with your character concept as a starting point
  • Use the recommended Traits to guide your initial Trait selections
  • Consider including a contradictory Trait to create internal tension and potential for growth
  • Consider your character’ **s potential archetypal journey: how might it evolve over time?
  • Look at the aligned Patrons of your archetype to understand possible spiritual affinities, without considering them Patrons to be chosen
  • Use contrasting archetypes within your party to create interesting dynamics between characters
  • Treat the game as a safe space (magic circle): for safety and well-being tools, see Safety and well-being at the table (p. )

For the Game Master

  • Use character archetypes to design tailored challenges and plot elements
  • Create NPCs who embody complementary or contrasting archetypes
  • Create antagonists who serve as dark reflections of the heroes’ ** archetypes
  • Use Patron interventions to highlight or challenge a character’ **s archetypal nature
  • Design campaign arcs that follow classic archetypal cycles
  • Foster a welcoming, collaborative table climate where exploring character vulnerabilities is engaging and psychologically safe

For tools regarding table safety and well-being (traffic light, check-in, fade to black, bleed, de-rolling), see Safety and well-being at the table (p. ).