LYCANTHROPES - You do get to make a constitution save to resist the curse

Think you can handle a werebear hug? Or maybe you're just here for the were-rat cheese jokes? This week on the RPGBOT.Podcast, we're going fur-deep into lycanthropes in D&D and Pathfinder! From the terrifying to the downright ridiculous, we're talking werewolves, were-tigers, and, yes, even were-penguins.

Brace yourself for:

• Full-moon transformation tips
• Curing curses (spoiler: wolfsbane doesn't smell great)
• Debates on infinite polymorph (trust us, it's a thing)
• And a healthy dose of "What on earth were they thinking?" were-creatures

Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe howl at the moon a little.

Summary

In this beastly episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts go fur-deep into the intricate and endlessly entertaining world of lycanthropes in D&D and Pathfinder! Dive in as they explore everything from the mythic origins to the quirky mechanics of these furry (and occasionally ferocious) creatures. Werewolves? Check. Werebears? Absolutely. Were-rats and were-tigers? You bet! They tackle the unique alignments, behaviors, and lore for each type, uncovering surprising personality traits—who knew a werebear's alignment could be so… complex?

But it's not all snarls and bites. The hosts serve up plenty of laughs as they debate the absurdity of "lesser-known" werecreatures found in games like Dwarf Fortress. Who wouldn't want to face off with a were-penguin or a were-carp? They delve into the gameplay challenges of becoming a werecreature, including the dreaded curse, healing dilemmas, and whether the whole "infinite polymorph" theory is a brilliant hack or a cursed nightmare for DMs everywhere.

From strategies for curing lycanthropy to tips for players eager to bring their inner were-creature to life, this episode packs in all the storytelling and character-building advice you need to make lycanthropy a howling success in your campaign. It's filled with insights, clever lore, and plenty of tabletop antics, so tune in, grab your wolfsbane, and prepare for a conversation that's part D&D myth and part midnight monster mash-up. Warning: May cause uncontrollable howling and urges to challenge nearby werebears to arm-wrestling.

Links

• DnD 3.5
  • d20SRD.org
• DnD 5e
  • Monster Manual (affiliate link)
  • Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft (affiliate link)
• Pathfinder 2e
  • Monster Core (affiliate link)
  • Wolfsbane
• Pathfinder 1e
  • Archives of Nethys - Lycanthropy
• RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
  • How to Play Werewolf 1
  • How to Play Werewolf 2
  • How to Play Werewolf 3
  • How to Play Werewolf 4
  • How to Play Werewolf 5
• Other Stuff
  • Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters
  • Bebop and Rocksteady
  • Dwarf Fortress
  • Street sharks
  • Them!
  • Wikipedia: Belladonna

Takeaways

• Lycanthropes bring both terror and intrigue to storytelling, with rich lore and mythology that deepen gameplay.
• D&D and Pathfinder offer unique mechanics for lycanthropy, with natural lycanthropes having more transformation control.
• Werebears are portrayed as nature's reclusive guardians, while were-rats and were-tigers have surprising alignments and clan dynamics.
• Lycanthropy's alignment shifts and curse mechanics add complexity to character arcs, often sparking moral dilemmas.
• Infinite polymorph mechanics and silver's role in combat highlight the quirks of playing (and fighting!) lycanthropes.
• Pathfinder allows for more player lycanthropy options, while D&D's lycanthropes lean toward evil alignments and Constitution-based curse resistance.
• Humorous moments—like Dwarf Fortress's random were-creatures—shine a light on the creativity of game lore and design.
• Hosts emphasize consent in curse-spreading, while cures like Belladonna add urgency and spice to the challenge.
• Lycanthropy creates both low-level threats and high-level triviality, urging balance between storytelling and gameplay simplicity.

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Tyler Kamstra

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Ash Ely

• Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
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Producer Dan

• @Lzr_illuminati