While there are many different supernatural beings in Pike Creek, there are six (6) playable archetypes available to players. Each functions differently and offers a distinct narrative experience and playstyle. We don’t limit the amount of each archetype you can create, but we encourage you to try them all out.
Complexity
Section titled “Complexity”Each archetype in TTWL is tagged with a measurement of complexity: Basic, Moderate, or Advanced.
This tag has nothing to do with writing skill or experience.
Instead, it reflects the narrative complexity and non-optional mechanics associated with that archetype.
Advanced archetypes require greater engagement with lore, enforced cycles or conditions, and consistent portrayal of consequences over time.
These mechanics are an intentional part of the story and cannot be skipped or hand-waved.
Basic archetypes have minimal mandatory mechanics and offer high narrative flexibility. Consequences are largely situational and player-driven.
- No compulsory cycles or conditions
- Lore engagement is optional and scalable
- Easy to integrate into most plots
Moderate
Section titled “Moderate”Moderate archetypes require consistent attention to secrecy, identity, and lore, but do not impose constant physical or cyclical consequences.
- Ongoing narrative considerations
- Greater reliance on setting knowledge
- Consequences are frequent, but remain situational rather than enforced
Advanced
Section titled “Advanced”Advanced archetypes carry non-optional mechanics that must be played out as part of the character’s story.
These archetypes may involve:
- Mandatory cycles or conditions
- Enforced downtime or recovery
- Physical, psychological, or social consequences
- Deeper reliance on other characters or factions
- Long-term escalation or erosion mechanics
Advanced archetypes are ideal for players who enjoy consequence-heavy, slow-burn storytelling and are comfortable letting the world impose limits.
Staff support and collaborative planning are encouraged for Advanced archetypes.