IRONSWORN SYSTEM

DEMEANORS
CARD SET

Copyright ©2020 Samuel Rondón

This work is based on Ironsworn (found at www.ironswornrpg.com), ), created by Shawn Tomkin,
and licensed for our use under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
(creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0).
).

WRITING AND DESIGN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Samuel Rondón Inspired by the Traits mechanic of
Torchbearer,, by Thor Olavsrud and Luke
Torchbearer
IMAGE CREDITS Crane.
Selected icons from game-icons.net by Lorc and
Delapouite under CC BY 3.0. SPECIAL THANKS
Anthony Lewis, Ben Williams, and Tobias
Metz

You may print these assets for personal use. They are sized for use with standard 3.5x2.5in
(88x63mm) card protectors. A printed deck of demeanors is also available for purchase at
www.drivethrurpg.com/product/323060.
WHAT IS A DEMEANOR DEMEANORS IN THE IRONSWORN
The demeanor is the most noticeable aspect of your SYSTEM
character’s personality as it is what they present to When you act according to your demeanor...
everyone around them; it represents an attitude towards
their surroundings situations, people, or life itself. This z Virtue: Add +1 to your move.
might be a quirk of their persona or a manifestation of z Vice: Take up to your momentum maximum.
their competence. z Buyoff: Take +5 momentum.
This characteristic determines how they react in any given
situation and how they interact with the world. Given that DEMEANORS IN OTHER SYSTEMS
this is the hallmark of their personality, it might greatly
Assign a mechanical reward to the virtue, the vice,
help them in certain circumstances, but might also cause
and the buyoff as per the boons used in your system.
troubles, as everything your character does is influenced
These rewards might be—but are not restricted to—the
by it.
following:
The demeanor is not supposed to be a constantly changing • Additional dice
aspect of your character, but an enduring and lasting
one. It is not permanent, however. Although rare, it is • Damage negation
possible that a quest pushes your character to a new • Dice reroll
development. You naturally choose one demeanor that
• Experience points
defines them, and when you make them act in a way that
is contradictory to it, you trigger its buyoff. This signifies • Roll modifier
that your character’s persona diverged to a point in which The vice should be more rewarding than the buyoff;
their demeanor is no longer their defining characteristic. therefore, its boon is expected to be the most
If this happens, you discard it and choose another one that advantageous in your system.
better fits the narrative.
Stats can easily be adapted as following:
COMPOSITION OF A DEMEANOR • Edge: Adroitness, agility, deftness, dexterity, grace,
Stat requirement: The minimum must-have level of the quickness, and speed.
stat associated with the demeanor, if any. • Heart: Appeal, charisma, comeliness, courage, empathy,
z Virtue: The natural inclination of the demeanor likability, loyalty, sociability, soul, and willpower.
acting in your favor. You trigger your virtue by taking • Iron: Aggressiveness, constitution, endurance,
an action and incorporating your demeanor into the resistance, and strength.
narrative, enriching the description of your action with
• Shadow: Cunning, deceptiveness, guile, and sneakiness
an undeniable display of it.
(might be interchanged with edge or heart as seen fit).
z Vice: The noxious excess of the demeanor acting
• Wits: Expertise, intelligence, intuition, psychic,
against you. You trigger your vice by taking an action
knowledge, mind, observation, thinking, and wisdom.
that implies a high narrative cost. If your vice-trigger
action implies making a roll, you take the mechanic Since most demeanors have a stat level requirement,
benefit after doing so. you must agree upon which numeric value, or range of
z Buyoff: The character’s action that makes the demeanor values, of what stat, attribute, or ability, represents the one
being minimized to a point in which it is no longer a expressed in the demeanors, these being 1 for low, 2 for
hallmark of your character. medium, and 3 for high.

When you trigger the demeanor buyoff, envision your

character’s transformation. Then, discard the demeanor
and take another one in its place, applying the same
principle to choosing your demeanor. Ask yourself
what that other demeanor your character is widely
known for or how your character develops right after
this change of attitude.
DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

ACQUISITIVE ADDICT ANALYTIC

Stat requirement: None Stat requirement: None Stat requirement: Wits 3 or greater
You don’t resist any chance of getting hold Fix: You tend to let your mind do the work of
of any material goods. understanding intricate issues whenever
You have a fix, and whatever it is, you feel there is the chance.
z Virtue: When you act to directly obtain
the urge to have it.
some wealth or material things. z Virtue: When you use a logical or
z Virtue: When you perform an action systematic approach to understand or
z Vice: When you get in trouble for
that would directly lead you to consume solve a problem, or when you look to get
getting wealth or material things from
your fix, or when you act under its information to be used in the future.
someone else or for acting thrifty.
influence in a charged situation.
z Buyoff: When you give a considerable z Vice: When you get in trouble for acting
z Vice: When you get in trouble for according to a wrongly over-analyzed
portion of your wealth to someone else.
making an unwise decision influenced situation.
by your eagerness to consume your fix.
z Buyoff: When you willingly let a puzzle
z Buyoff: When you willingly pass up the go unsolved despite having the certainty
opportunity to consume your fix, getting it will negatively pay off.
over your addiction.

DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

CALLOUS CHAMPION CLASSY

Stat requirement: None Stat requirement: None Stat requirement: Heart 2 or greater
You can separate yourself from your You are proud of your personal capability You always look to dignify your persona,
emotions towards anything or anyone. to achieve victory. measuring yourself and others by tastes
z Virtue: When you act cold-heartedly in z Virtue: When you perform a and decency, both in looks and manners.
a situation in which efficiency depends considerably impressive deed worthy of z Virtue: When you leverage your
on it. being retold. mannerism or good-looking to take
z Vice: When you get in trouble for acting z Vice: When you get in trouble for not advantage in a situation that requires it
ruthlessly when a more compassionate acknowledging someone else’s deeds, or or in which is influential.
manner is either expected or required. as being your superior. z Vice: When you get in trouble for
z Buyoff: When your feelings are moved z Buyoff: When you abandon a simple acting arrogantly as per your high-class
by something or someone, and you act task beneath your capabilities. mindset.
accordingly. z Buyoff: When you disregard by act the
idiosyncrasy of refined mannerisms.

DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

CO-OPERATIVE COMPASSIONATE CRITIC

Stat requirement: Heart 1 or greater Stat requirement: Heart 2 or greater Stat requirement: Wits 3 or greater
You are quick to see the importance of You selfless concern for others, actively You believe things should not be accepted
working with others. caring for the welfare of those in need and without examination, which often makes
z Virtue: When you make an action in aiding them. you find imperfections in everything.
direct support of someone. z Virtue: When you nurture someone z Virtue: When you act to expose or
z Vice: When you put yourself at risk by else, or act with mercy. detect a flaw and make use of it.
making a decision or acting in a way that z Vice: When you face the consequences z Vice: When you get into trouble for
shows your dependence on others. of giving others the chance to take acting under the assumption that there’s
z Buyoff: When you willingly decide to advantage of your compassion. a flaw.
act alone in circumstances in which z Buyoff: When you don’t show mercy in z Buyoff: When you accept something
company is beneficial. a situation as is expected or required of without examining or questioning its
you. quality or efficiency when a critical eye is
required or necessary.
IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN
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DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN

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IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN

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DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

CURIOUS CYNIC DONNISH

Stat requirement: Wits 1 or greater Stat requirement: None Stat requirement: Wits 2 or greater
You are always eager to learn and on the Your low expectations for life give you You tend to spread your knowledge to
lookout for the new or mysterious. a bitter attitude toward people and your those around you.
z Virtue: When you indulge your urge surroundings. z Virtue: When you share your
to learn something it is uncertain it will z Virtue: When you act to protect yourself knowledge on a matter so it can be used
help your quest. from being disappointed, or under the in a practical way.
z Vice: When you get in trouble for assumption that you will be. z Vice: When you get in trouble for your
following your impulses to learn and z Vice: When you get in trouble because pretentiousness in your knowledge or
experience the new or mysterious. of your refusal to make an optimistic revealed lack of.
z Buyoff: When you willingly restrain decision or assumption. z Buyoff: When you go ahead to let know
your impulses to learn and experience z Buyoff: When you express sincerely your lack of knowledge in an area you
the new or mysterious in a situation optimistic behavior while engaged in an are supposed to know.
when it is not risky to do so. endeavor.

DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

EMPATHIC FRANTIC GAMBLER

Stat requirement: Heart 2 or greater Stat requirement: Edge 2 or greater Stat requirement: None
You have the capability to easily put You are always on the go, acting on Your randomizer is your most prominent
yourself in others’ shoes. instinct, without much thought or sidekick, be it a coin, a dice, or something
z Virtue: When you use your capabilities consideration. else.
to understand and share others’ feelings z Virtue: When you act quickly to get z Virtue: When you decide by chance a
in order to connect with them. things done in a situation in which time course of action to follow, and take the
z Vice: When your empathy causes issues is crucial. first steps to run with it.
that could have been avoided with a z Vice: When you face the consequences z Vice: When you face the consequence
harder stance. of not being patient enough or of previously deciding a course of action
z Buyoff: When you willingly disregard promoting recklessness. by chance.
the feelings of another, despite it being z Buyoff: When you patiently consider z Buyoff: When you take time to seriously
expected of you. your steps in a situation in which time consider all your options before making
is crucial. a frivolous decision.

DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

HEROIC HONORABLE HUMOROUS

Stat requirement: Heart 2 or greater Stat requirement: Heart 2 or greater Stat requirement: Heart 3 or greater
You try to save others by living up to the You have peerless integrity and conduct You tend to find the humor in every
glorious ideal of confronting evildoers. all things ethically. situation.
z Virtue: When you directly aid someone z Virtue: When you act in a z Virtue: When you come up with a
who is clearly a victim of evil. straightforward and correct manner prank, joke, pun, or trick in an attempt
z Vice: When you get into a delicate according to an ethical code of conduct. to garner goodwill, make a friend, or lift
situation due to heroic impulses or z Vice: When you get into trouble for someone’s spirit.
jumping to a false conclusion about a acting solely based on your strict ethical z Vice: When you get in trouble for
situation. interpretation of the situation. your lack of seriousness in a charged
z Buyoff: When you commit an evil act z Buyoff: When you willingly decide situation.
against someone or willingly refuse to to act unethically or outside a code of z Buyoff: When you don’t attempt to
aid an obvious victim of evil. conduct. bring joy in a time of sorrow.
IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN
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DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN

SYSTEM SYSTEM SYSTEM

DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN

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DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

IMPOSING INDUSTRIOUS INTREPID

Stat requirement: Iron 3 or greater Stat requirement: None Stat requirement: Heart 3 or greater
You make sure your stately and proud You are diligent, hardworking, and don’t You always advance, even in the face of
presence doesn’t go unnoticed. hesitate to assume important challenging unimaginable danger, unafraid to fight at
z Virtue: When you act with a regal tasks. a moment’s notice.
mien over others to get things done or z Virtue: When you proceed to diligently z Virtue: When you rush to action or
intimidate. take over a noticeably difficult endeavor. step into the unknown without much
z Vice: When you get in trouble for acting z Vice: When you decide to assume a consideration.
in an imperious manner. demanding endeavor despite you not z Vice: When you get into trouble as a
z Buyoff: When you willingly submit to being in the best position to do so, or result of your unhesitating leap into a
someone else’s command when you are when your restless efforts and hard work noticeably risky situation.
absolutely certain others would benefit puts you in a delicate situation. z Buyoff: When you decide to not leap
from your leadership. z Buyoff: When you willingly take time to headlong into a perilous situation.
relax and remain uninvolved in charged
circumstances.

DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

IRASCIBLE LONER OPPORTUNISTIC

Stat requirement: Iron 1 or greater Stat requirement: Shadow 1 or greater Stat requirement: Shadow 2 or greater
You have a menacing and savage mien, You prefer your own company to that of You are quick to adapt your actions
and could explode at the slightest others. based on what is expedient or effective,
provocation. z Virtue: When you choose to take a regardless of ethical principles.
z Virtue: When you apply your savagery considerably risky action alone rather z Virtue: When you utilize an ethically
as the most efficient way to accomplish than with the support of others. questionable approach to obtain a
your action. z Vice: When you suffer the negative benefit or resolve a situation.
z Vice: When you get into trouble for consequences of deciding to work alone. z Vice: When you get into trouble for your
allowing your gruffness or anger to ruin z Buyoff: When you willingly decide to unethical approach to a situation.
an opportunity or situation. work with someone else. z Buyoff: When you willingly refrain from
z Buyoff: When you show self-control and taking the most expedient or effective
act in a delicate manner in a situation course of action because it is unethical.
that would normally trigger your
aggressiveness.

DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

PLANNER PROTECTIVE RESOLVED

Stat requirement: Wits 2 or greater Stat requirement: Iron 2 or greater Stat requirement: None
You tend to ponder all options and all You have an ingrained desire to protect You stay true to your decisions no matter
possible courses of action before making your friends from harm. what.
a decision. z Virtue: When you act to provide safety z Virtue: When you swear a vow, and
z Virtue: When you make a plan to solve or security for someone else. when you take a decisive action to reach
a problem and make the first step to z Vice: When you get in a very delicate a milestone on a formidable, extreme, or
follow it. situation for acting aggressively epic one.
z Vice: When you get into a risky situation overprotective for the actual situation. z Vice: When you stubbornly decide to
because your lengthy planning or z Buyoff: When you willingly put your follow a path proven to be wrong or
indecisiveness cost you time or led to an own safety over the safety and security suboptimal for the desired goal.
overly complex course of action. of those that need your protection. z Buyoff: When you forsake a vow or
z Buyoff: When you don’t give too much abandon a declared course of action.
consideration as to what course of action
to take when planning is required or
necessary.
IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN
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DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN

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DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN

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DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

SCHEMER SECRETIVE SENSUAL

Stat requirement: Shadow 3 or greater Stat requirement: Shadow 2 or greater Stat requirement: None
You are adept at deceit and getting things You conceal information from others. You take particular delight in the
done furtively, mostly using other people. z Virtue: When you act to hid gratification of your senses.
z Virtue: When you incite someone else information that would benefit others. z Virtue: When you consume something
to do something by appealing to their z Vice: When complications result from or participate in an activity that causes
emotions. your unwillingness to share information you pleasure.
z Vice: When you get into trouble because you are known to possess. z Vice: When your insatiable appetite or
your deception is revealed, get caught z Buyoff: When you decide to share lack of moderation in your pursuit of
lying, or are forced to pay for your information you had previously self-indulgence brings complications.
previous deceit. concealed. z Buyoff: When you willingly abstain
z Buyoff: When you choose to act from a pleasurable activity when your
honestly and reveal your previous deceit. spirit needs it.

DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

SERENE STOIC SUBVERSIVE

Stat requirement: Heart 1 or greater Stat requirement: Heart 1 or greater Stat requirement: Shadow 1 or greater
You are difficult to anger and easily shrug You believe all suffering must be endured You are an independent thinker who
off any negative emotion that might calmly and without grumbling. tends to oppose the establishment.
burden your heart. z Virtue: When you suffer a considerable z Virtue: When you act to abolish an
z Virtue: When your composure protects physical, mental or spiritual hardship individual, group, or idea.
your emotional well-being or that of without complaining. z Vice: When you get in trouble for
another. z Vice: When your willingness to keep disrespecting an authority or not
z Vice: When you end up in a risky enduring hardship gets you into a very sticking to a previous plan but following
situation due to not being forceful delicate situation. your own course of action.
enough. z Buyoff: When you act in a way that z Buyoff: When you pledge to an
z Buyoff: When a situation triggers in you shows that you are not willing to endure individual, group, or idea and fulfill your
strong feelings of impatience or anger. hardship when you could, or when you commitment to the end of an assigned
show signs of suffering. task.

DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR

TACTILE WARY ZEALOT

Stat requirement: Heart 1 or greater Stat requirement: None Stat requirement: None
You are a given to touching other people You always take the safest path or choose You believe with absolute faith in the
when interacting with them. the safest course of action. precepts of your ideology, god, or leader
z Virtue: When you use your knack to z Virtue: When you act in order to take with deep convictions.
compel someone by making physical precautions. z Virtue: When you draw strength from
contact. z Vice: When you get into trouble or a your absolute faith or loyalty while in a
z Vice: When you get into trouble for risky situation for trying to avoid danger. charged situation that you can relate to
touching somebody in an inappropriate your ideology, god or leader.
z Buyoff: When you face a threat directly
way or in a manner inappropriate for the without considering the consequences. z Vice: When complications result from
situation. you dogmatically following your loyalty
z Buyoff: When you restrain yourself or faith.
from making physical contact with z Buyoff: When you disregard your
someone when it is expected from you. convictions by acting contrary to the
teaching of your ideology, god or leader.
IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN
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IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN

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IRONSWORN IRONSWORN IRONSWORN

SYSTEM SYSTEM SYSTEM

DEMEANOR DEMEANOR DEMEANOR