Lycanthrope

Lycanthropes are humans with the ability to assume animal form. During the hours of darkness, they most commonly shape change to their animal form. In periods of a full moon lycanthropes are 90% likely to be compelled to assume their alter-shape.

They usually move about as humans for whatever purposes they may have. Each type has its own language which is spoken in addition to Common.

There are some other forms of lycanthropes, but these are very rare in the extreme.

Lycanthropy

Any human (or female elf, in the case of the foxwoman) bitten by a lycanthrope for damage equal to or greater than 50% of its total potential, but not actually killed (and eaten), is infected by the disease of lycanthropy. If the person is carrying belladonna there is a 25% chance that this will cure the affliction if eaten within one hour. Note that this infusion will incapacitate the person for 1-4 days and there is a 1% chance of the poison in it killing the creature. Otherwise, a cure disease spell from a 12th or higher level patriarch must be placed upon the creature within 3 days or it will become a lycanthrope in 7-14 days.

If the afflicted human (or elf) is only able to find a cleric of a high enough level after the initial three days, he or she may elect instead to have the priest attempt a remove curse. This spell must be performed on the victim when he or she is in were-form. The beast will need to make a monster’s saving throw against magic, and, while in were-form, the creature will fight violently to put as much distance as it can between it and the cleric performing the spell.

If all this fails, the victim may take refuge in a holy/unholy place such as a monastery or an abbey. There, the clerics can administer to the afflicted one holy/unholy water laced with a goodly amount of wolfsbane and belladonna prepared by the spiritual methods of that particular religion. This potation is to be consumed by the victim at least twice a day from a silver/iron chalice. No adventuring may be done by the person while he or she is being treated by the clerics. After a month or more (depending upon how advanced the disease is) the victim should be cured and somewhat poorer in the purse, as this procedure is very costly. The clerics will charge for the cost of the herbs and the holy/unholy water as well as for the services rendered. The cost is approximately 5,000 g.p.

If a human has died in a fight with a lycanthrope and is resurrected, the disease will be 100% certain if the cleric raising the adventurer is unaware of the disease or fails to follow the proper procedure to eradicate it. The aforementioned cures will work on the were-stricken adventurer who has been resurrected. The cleric can use a cure disease (if there is still time) or a remove curse (if there isn't) on the dead human before employing the raise dead or resurrection spell.

Player characters attempting to remain a lycanthrope will change alignment to that of the base creature in 2d6 months and cannot gain experience while in lycanthrope form (for the entire encounter or treasure gained from it). Newly afflicted lycanthropes cannot effectively control their shape changing and, in the beginning, may not even know they are afflicted. In addition, while changed, the PC does not control his or her character's actions. Equipment may be damaged (armor is burst) and possibly lost if left behind. Actions by the beast may trigger alignment changes more quickly (possibly losing class abilities) and/or may cause the character to become insane. See Version 1.25, Conditions, Disease, Lycanthropy, Player Character Lycanthropes for more details.

Shape Change

Lycanthropes normally have two forms, that of a human and that of an animal. The animal form is usually large for it's kind and unique to the individual in some way. Some lycanthropes have the ability to change into hybrid man-animal forms (this will be noted). When in animal form, lycanthropes cannot speak but may communicate with lycanthropes and animals of their type.

Time Required. Changing form is a major action requiring 1 segment to complete.

Procedure. Changing form is a major action requiring 1 segment to complete. The lycanthrope's equipment does NOT change along with him or her. Lycanthropes that somehow have access to spell casting abilities cannot cast spells while in a form other than their original but could maintain a spell cast previously.

Resistance to Polymorph. Shape changers (such as lycanthropes) will be affected by polymorph effects (like the polymorph other spell) for but 10 segments, then will return to their former form.

Foxwoman

* Vixen form; ** Silver fox form; *** Both vixen or fox forms

Chaotic Evil Man-sized (Small**) Humanoid (elf, lycanthrope)

Surprise others 70% (90% in natural cover**); 20%***; Senses acute sense of smell***, infravision 90 ft. (all forms)

Armor Class 6 (No Base AC); or AC 4*; or AC 2**

Hit Points 44 (HD 8+1; 8d8+8)

Move 12”; or 18"*; or 24"**

Poison 8, Petrify 9, Wand 9, Breath 9, Spell 10

Special Defenses +1 or silver weapons to-hit (all forms); resistance to sleep and charm (90%)

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 12

Melee longsword (1d8; THAC0 11)

Melee bite* (2d6) or bite** (1d2)

Ranged composite short bow (1d6/1d6; THAC0 11)

Special Attacks weapon bonus, comeliness, lycanthropy; Hits As +2

Morale 86%

Intelligence average to exceptional (8-16)

Languages Alignment language, Common, Elven

Level VII

Sword, long. 1d8/1d12, Speed 5, Space 3, Length 3.5; vs. AC: 2: (-2), 3: (-1), 4: (+0), 5: (+0), 6: (+0), 7: (+0), 8: (+0), 9: (+1), 10: (+2)

Bow, composite short. 1d6/1d6, ROF 2, Speed 5, Range 5”/10”(-2)/18”(-5), vs. AC: 2: (-3), 3: (-3), 4: (-1), 5: (+0), 6: (+1), 7: (+2), 8: (+2), 9: (+2), 10: (+3)

Comeliness. In elven form, the foxwoman has a comeliness rating of 21 with respect to human and demi-human males. Those males with Wisdom of 13 or less will effectively be under a "charm" spell (no save; the ability is not actually a magic charm ability and even elves are not resistant to it). Those of 14 or greater Wisdom will not be charmed, but they will find the foxwoman attractive nonetheless. Preferred males will be kept; those not kept will be slain quietly. Dwarves, gnomes, and halflings will definitely be automatically slain (as opportunity presents).

Elf Form. This is the base form of the foxwoman. She will gain comeliness and the standard elf traits when in this form. A foxwoman's hair will be silver or silver-streaked, and will show a widow's peak. Thus, a prudent person may be alerted to the fact that the elf is actually a foxwoman.

Lycanthropy.* When in vixen form, a foxwoman may only infect female elves or half-elves with the disease but it otherwise conforms to the rule outlined above.

Pass without Trace.** When in silver fox form, the foxwoman can move through any type of terrain—mud, snow, dust, etc.—and leave neither footprint nor scent. Thus, tracking a her in this form is impossible.

Silver Fox Form. In this form, the foxwoman appears to be nothing more than a large fox. The movement rate is very fast (24"), and the foxwoman can pass without trace and is 90% undetectable in natural cover if she passes out of actual view for only 1 segment (treat as surprise prior to combat or invisibility if in combat).

Vixen Form. This form is a mix between fox and elf. When in vixen form, the foxwoman appears to be a silver-furred elf with a fox-like head. The vixen form allows a ferocious biting attack which will infect elven and half-elven females with lycanthropy and cause such victims to themselves become foxwomen within 3 days unless the standard methods are used (see above) to negate the horrible effect.

Weapon Bonuses. When in elf form, the foxwoman receives a +1 bonus to-hit when using long swords, short swords or using long or short bows.

Spells Prepared (CL magic-user 1st to 4th as determined by the DM; 1st: 1; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 2/1; 4th: 3/2)

1st—charm person, protection from good, spider climb

2nd—detect invisibility, invisibility

Foxwomen are lycanthropes able to assume three forms rather than the standard two. She may take the form of a beautiful female elf, a large silver fox, or a hybrid form, called a "vixen", appearing as a silver-furred elf with a fox-like head.

Foxwomen are solitary only with respect to their own kind. Dwelling in lonely woodlands, the foxwoman will always have 1d4+1 "charmed" (using her comeliness ability) males as servants and companions. The lair will be a hidden cottage or comfortable cave complex complete with typical human comforts. The males with the lycanthrope will be armed and do their utmost to protect their mistress. The males may be elven (25%), human (25%), or half-elven (50%).

Protectors. At least one of the males will be a fighter (70%) or ranger (30%) of 2nd-5th level (1d4+1). There is a 50% chance for any one of the other males to also be a fighter of 1st-4th level (1d4). There is a 10% chance that one of the remaining males will be a cleric (10%), druid (45%), magic-user (5%), illusionist (5%), thief (25%), or some other class of 1st-4th level character (10%, 1d4). Of course, if the male is an elf or half-elf he can have multi-class ability (25% chance for 2 or 3 professions), and this is automatically true if a fighter/ranger is indicated along with an appropriate additional class (the 10% for an additional male) based on race. All males who do not fit into the above categories are 0-level fighters and 1-hit die elves or half-elves. Determination of any magic items should be accomplished by use of the tables found in Version 1.25, Dungeonmastering, Creating a Party on the Spur of a Moment.

There is a 10% chance that the foxwoman has stolen an elven girl child, infected her with her form of lycanthropy, and is raising her as a foxwoman. Such a child will be from 6-13 (1d8+4) years of age. If she is 12 or 13, treat her as a normal foxwoman; otherwise, she will be non-combatant.

Foxwomen can inflict lycanthropy only in their vixen form. A foxwoman may be encountered in any of the 3 forms given.

Seawolf, Greater

* Seawolf form

Chaotic Evil Man-sized (Large*) Humanoid (aquatic, human, lycanthrope) (12-15 ft. long in seawolf form)

Surprise normal; Senses infravision 90 ft.

Armor Class 5

Hit Points 58 (HD 9+2; 9d8+18)

Move 9”; swim 27"*

Poison 8, Petrify 9, Wand 10, Breath 9, Spell 11

Special Defenses +1, cold-iron, or silver weapons to-hit (all forms)

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 12

Melee scimitar (1d8) and bite (1d2)

Melee bite* (3d4)

Special Attacks lycanthropy; Hits As +3

Morale 92%

Intelligence low to high (5-14)

Languages Alignment language, Common

Level VI

Scimitar. 1d8/1d8, Speed 4, Space 2, Length 3; vs. AC: 2: (-3), 3: (-2), 4: (-2), 5: (-1), 6: (+0), 7: (+0), 8: (+1), 9: (+1), 10: (+3)

Lycanthropy. Humans taking 50% or more damage from a greater seawolf's bite will contract this form of lycanthropy (conforming to the rules outlined above). Bites of non-fatal sort cause greater seawolf lycanthropy in 1d4+1 days to humans. The afflicted individual will then hurl himself or herself overboard in the night, change to the seawolf form, and swim away in search of a pack of fellow seawolves.

Seawolves are lycanthropes afflicted with a most evil malady. They roam the waters in packs, hunting and seeking vessels so as to attack and inflict others with their hateful curse. Most seawolves were formerly fishermen or sailors. Upon sighting a vessel they will follow, slip aboard in human form, and attack. Typically, 1 or 2 deckhands will be bitten to death by the seawolves and their weapons taken. Then the lycanthropes will begin a general assault.

Greater seawolves are air-breathers. Although able to stay submerged for 17-24 minutes (16+1d8 rounds), they must surface to get oxygen. In human form, a seawolf has a lupine visage, tiny ears, and is covered with thick fur. The hair of the head streams down the neck and shoulders in a mane.

Seawolf Form. In seawolf form, the creature appears much as if it were a huge, predator-headed seal which has fangs filling its mouth.

Seawolf, Lesser

* Seawolf form

Chaotic Evil Man-sized Humanoid (aquatic, human, lycanthrope) (6-7 ft. long in seawolf form)

Surprise normal; Senses infravision 90 ft.

Armor Class 6, AC 7*

Hit Points 13 (HD 2+2; 2d8+4)

Move 12”; swim 30"*

Poison 13, Petrify 14, Wand 15, Breath 16, Spell 16

Special Defenses none

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 16

Melee 2 claws (1d2/1d2) and bite (1d4)

Melee bite* (2d4)

Special Attacks lycanthropy; Hits As normal

Morale 57%

Intelligence average (8-10)

Languages Alignment language, Common

Level II

Lycanthropy. Humans taking 50% or more damage from lesser seawolves will contract this form of lycanthropy (conforming to the rules outlined above). If humans are infected while on land, they will travel as fast as possible to the sea. At sea, they will disappear overboard during the next full moon.

These savage lycanthropes have 2 forms.

Seawolf Form. The first form is a furred mammal, porpoise-like in shape, with a wolf's head. In this form, lesser seawolf packs hunt the creatures of the sea, surrounding their prey and biting with their canine fangs.

Wolfman Form. The second form is that of a wolfman, a man-shape possessing the fur, claws, and teeth of a seawolf.

Seawolves breathe air and must surface periodically. They can hold their breath for up to 8 to 10 rounds.

If a seawolf pack encounters a ship, the seawolves will change to wolfman form and attempt to board it. Their only purpose is to slay all those aboard and sink the ship.

Werebear

* Bear form

Chaotic Good Man-sized (Large*) Humanoid (human, lycanthrope) (9+ ft. tall in bear form)

Surprise normal (20%*); Senses (good night vision*)

Armor Class 2

Hit Points 52 (HD 7+3; 7d8+21)

Move 9”

Poison 10, Petrify 11, Wand 12, Breath 12, Spell 13

Special Defenses +1 or silver weapons to-hit, immune to disease

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 13

Melee battle axe (1d8)

Melee 2 claws* (1d3/1d3 plus hug) and bite* (2d4)

Special Attacks hug, lycanthropy; Hits As +2

Morale 83%

Intelligence exceptional (15-16)

Languages Alignment language, Common

Level VI

Axe, battle. 1d8/1d8, Speed 7, Space 4, Length 4; vs. AC: 2: (-3), 3: (-2), 4: (-1), 5: (-1), 6: (+0), 7: (+0), 8: (+1), 9: (+1), 10: (+2)

Cure Disease. (spell-like, 1 segment) Once per month, a were bear can cast cure disease on another creature (caster level 7).

Fast Healing. Werebears naturally heal wounds at three times the normal rate.

Hug*. (minor) If a claw attack roll is successful and scores a natural 18 or better, the defender is dragged into a hug as a minor action and will take another 2d8 damage that round and is considered grappled until the end of the round. (See also Melee, Special Attacks, Grapple.)

Summon. (spell-like, 1 segment) Werebears are able to summon 1d6 brown bears if any such creatures are within one mile of the werebear. These creature will arrive in 2d6 turns.

Great werebears are the most powerful of all lycanthropes. They never are found in other than full-grown state. A werebear's human form is typically large, hirsute, and of solitary temperament.

Werebears encountered alone are 50% likely to be in company with 1d6 brown bears.

Bear Form. A werebear's animal form is that of a large bear—normally brown, although black and even white bears have been encountered.

Wereboar

* Boar form

(Chaotic) Neutral Man-sized (Large*) Humanoid (human, lycanthrope) (6 ft. tall/long and 3 ft. wide in boar form)

Surprise normal (20%*); Senses (excellent sense of smell, wide range of vision*)

Armor Class 4

Hit Points 32 (HD 5+2; 5d8+10)

Move 12”

Poison 11, Petrify 12, Wand 13, Breath 13, Spell 14

Special Defenses +1 or silver weapons to-hit, (immune to insinuative poison*)

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 15

Melee war hammer (1d4+1)

Melee gore* (2d6)

Special Attacks lycanthropy; Hits As +2

Morale 72%

Intelligence average (8-10)

Languages Alignment language, Common

Level III

Hammer, war. 1d4+1/1d4, Speed 4, Space 2, Length 1.5; vs. AC: 2: (+0), 3: (+1), 4: (+0), 5: (+1), 6: (+0), 7: (+0), 8: (+0), 9: (+0), 10: (+0)

Found in dense woodlands and similar areas, wereboars are of ugly temper and likely to attack. In their human shape they are usually hot tempered and irascible—typical berserker nature. Wereboars seldom mingle with normal boarkind (15% chance).

Boar Form. The boar form stands slightly taller than the human form, but the hunchbacked posture thrusts the head forward. The head is identical to a boar's head, complete with short tusks. The torso's diameter is doubled, the neck shortened, and the feet become hoof-like. Stiff, black hair like wire bristles covers the skin.

Wererat

* Rat form; ** Rat-man and rat form

Lawful Evil Man-sized (Small*) Humanoid (human, lycanthrope)

Surprise others 70% (20%*); Senses (night vision**)

Armor Class 6

Hit Points 16 (HD 3+1; 3d8+3)

Move 12”

Poison 13, Petrify 14, Wand 15, Breath 16, Spell 16

Special Defenses +1 or silver weapons to-hit

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 16

Melee long sword (1d8)

Melee bite* (1d3)

Special Attacks lycanthropy; Hits As +1

Morale 61%

Intelligence very (11-12)

Languages Alignment language, Common

Level II

Sword, long. 1d8/1d12, Speed 5, Space 3, Length 3.5; vs. AC: 2: (-2), 3: (-1), 4: (+0), 5: (+0), 6: (+0), 7: (+0), 8: (+0), 9: (+1), 10: (+2)

Summon. (spell-like, 1 segment) A wererat can summon and control 2d6 giant rats. Only one summoned group may be controlled at a time.

Sometimes known as rat-men, these sly and evil creatures inhabit subterranean tunnel complexes beneath cities. Wererats are able to take three forms—human, human-sized rat-man, and giant rat. They are typically sword-armed. They use their human form to dupe humans, luring them to a place where they can be captured to be held for ransom or possibly eaten. Wererats prefer to move about in a rat-like shape, smaller than a man but much larger than a normal rat.

Rat Form. This form is similar to a giant rat, about 2 ft. long.

Rat-man Form. This hybrid form allows a rat man to not only use, wear, and carry human-sized gear, but also allows the rat-man to speak any languages that it knows.

Wereshark

* Shark form

Neutral Evil Man-sized (Large*) Humanoid (aquatic, human, lycanthrope) (~15 ft. long)

Surprise (10% underwater*); Senses (exceptional sense of smell underwater, good underwater [night] vision, vibration and electrical field detection*)

Armor Class 0

Hit Points 75 (HD 10+3; 10d8+30)

Move 12”; swim 21"

Poison 7, Petrify 8, Wand 9, Breath 8, Spell 10

Special Defenses +1 or silver weapons to-hit

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 10

Melee spear (1d6)

Missile spear (1d6)

Melee bite* (5d4)

Special Attacks lycanthropy; Hits As +3

Morale 98%

Intelligence low to exceptional (5-16)

Languages Alignment language, Common

Level VII

Spear. 1d6/1d8, Speed 7, Space 1, Length 8-11; vs. AC: 2: (-2), 3: (-1), 4: (-1), 5: (-1), 6: (+0), 7: (+0), 8: (+0), 9: (+0), 10: (+0)

Spear (thrown). 1d6/1d8, ROF 1, Speed 3, Range 1”/2”/3”, vs. AC: 2: (-3), 3: (-3), 4: (-2), 5: (-2), 6: (-1), 7: (+0), 8: (+0), 9: (+0), 10: (+0)

Weresharks are humans inflicted with a form of lycanthropy which enables them to take shark form whenever they choose, as long as it is in darkness. Weresharks are found only in tropical areas. The human form of the creature is virtually indistinguishable from that of a normal human, although a wereshark will be large, muscular, cruel, and domineering. They are solitary and will not hesitate to attack and devour true sharks if the mood is upon them. Weresharks have been known to establish an underwater lair in some place where sunken treasure lies so as to guard it for use in their human form. Such treasure can range from a few hundred coins to a considerable trove (such as Treasure Type F). The wereshark lair will always be guarded by 2-5 normal sharks, whether or not the monster is personally present.

Shark Form. In shark form the creatures are huge and resemble great white sharks.

Weretiger

* Tiger form

Neutral Man-sized (Large*) Humanoid (human, lycanthrope) (~12 ft. long)

Surprise (20%*); Senses (excellent hearing, night vision*)

Armor Class 3

Hit Points 39 (HD 6+2; 6d8+12)

Move 12”

Poison 10, Petrify 11, Wand 12, Breath 12, Spell 13

Special Defenses +1 or silver weapons to-hit

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 13

Melee scimitar (1d8)

Missile javelin (1d6)

Melee 2 claws* (1d4/1d4) and bite* (1d12)

Special Attacks lycanthropy, rake (1d4+1/1d4+1); Hits As +2

Morale 77%

Intelligence average (8-11)

Languages Alignment language, Common

Level V

Javelin. 1d6/1d6, ROF 1, Speed 3, Range 2”/4”/6”, vs. AC: 2: (-5), 3: (-4), 4: (-3), 5: (-2), 6: (-1), 7: (+0), 8: (+1), 9: (+0), 10: (+1)

Scimitar. 1d8/1d8, Speed 4, Space 2, Length 3; vs. AC: 2: (-3), 3: (-2), 4: (-2), 5: (-1), 6: (+0), 7: (+0), 8: (+1), 9: (+1), 10: (+3)

Rake. (minor) If a weretiger scores two claw hits during melee it gains the advantage of raking with its two rear claws as a minor action in the same segment, each rake causing 2-5 points of damage if they hit (and each rear claw must roll a to-hit attempt separately).

Weretigers are quite similar to normal tigers in their habitat. They are most often female. It is only 5% likely that weretigers will mingle with the normal sort of cat. They have the power to speak with all sorts of cats, however, and cats are 75% likely to be friendly with the weretiger because of this.

Tiger Form. A weretiger can take the form of a large tiger—some individuals have different colorings (white with black stripes or orange with black stripes for example).

Werewolf

* Wolf form; ** Bipedal form and wolf form

Chaotic Evil Man-sized Humanoid (human, lycanthrope)

Surprise others 50% (20%*); Senses (excellent sense of smell, night vision**)

Armor Class 5

Hit Points 30 (HD 4+3; 4d8+12)

Move 15”

Poison 11, Petrify 12, Wand 13, Breath 13, Spell 14

Special Defenses +1 or silver weapons to-hit

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 15

Melee morning star (2d4)

Melee bite* (2d4)

Special Attacks lycanthropy, pack protector; Hits As +1

Morale 68%

Intelligence average (8-10)

Languages Alignment language, Common

Level III

Morning star. 2d4/1d6+1, Speed 7, Space 5, Length 4; vs. AC: 2: (+0), 3: (+1), 4: (+1), 5: (+1), 6: (+1), 7: (+1), 8: (+1), 9: (+2), 10: (+2); two-handed

Pack Protector. Male werewolves will fight at +2 to hit and full damage (maximum damage) each time he hits if a female is attacked. If the cubs are attacked, a female werewolf (the pack mother) will attack at +3 to hit and do full damage possible (maximum damage) each time she hits.

In their human form, werewolves are very difficult to detect, for they can be of nearly any build and of either sex. Werewolves are prone to retain bipedal form in their wolf state, but "wolve-weres" (wolves which can become men; not to be confused with wolfweres) always take normal wolf form. Both sorts are likely to be found in a pack. Werewolf packs can be family groups if they number 5 to 8. Family packs consist of a male, female and 3 to 6 young of 60% to 90% growth. The young fight at -4 to -1 to hit, according to their maturity, and inflict 2-5 points of damage/attack.

Wolf Form. This form is of a man-sized (around 6-foot long) wolf. It's coloring varies based on the individual.

Bipedal Form. A werewolf may assume a hybrid or bipedal wolf-man form. In this form, the werewolf is covered in hair, walks mostly upright (although can run on all four limbs), sports a wolf-like tail, and has humanoid but wickedly clawed limbs. It's head is that of a huge wolf. In this form, the werewolf may not only use, wear, and carry human-sized gear, but it also allows the werewolf to speak any languages that it knows.