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Special Conversion Thread: Lycanthropes and their ilk
- Thread starter Shade
- Start date
Cleon
Legend
I got the impression Shade prefers "always neutral" for Lycos.
If you feel like it, go for the dire werelion.
Well I've already figured out most of it.
I guess it makes more sense doing it as a separate Working Draft. We can decide whether to fold the two into one entry when it comes to adding the Werelion(s) to homebrews.
Cleon
Legend
Dire Werelion
This uses the Dire Lycanthrope template created for the Weresabre.
Dire Werelion, Human Form
Medium Humanoid (Human, Shapechanger)
Hit Dice: 1d8+1 plus 8d8+32 (73 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 15 (+2 natural, +3 studded leather armor), touch 10, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+8
Attack: Spear +8 melee (1d8+1/×3); or shortsword +8 melee (1d6+1/19-20); or spear +7 ranged (1d8+1/×3)
Full Attack: Spear +8 melee (1d8+1/×3); or shortsword +8 melee (1d6+1/19-20); or spear +7 ranged (1d8+1/×3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: —
Special Qualities: Alternate form, lion empathy, low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +8
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 11, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 8
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +1, Intimidate +3*, Jump +0, Listen +7, Move Silently +3, Spot +7
(includes -1 armor check penalty)
Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative, Iron Will (B), Multiattack (B), Run, Weapon Focus (claw)
Environment: Warm plains
Organization: Solitary, pair, pride (6-10), or troupe (2-4 plus 6-10 dire lions)
Challenge Rating: 9
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Always lawful, usually evil
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +3
Dire Werelion, Dire Lion Form
Large Humanoid (Human, Shapechanger)
Hit Dice: 1d8+1 plus 8d8+32 (73 hp)
Initiative: +6
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 17 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +6 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+19
Attack: Claw +15 melee (1d6+8)
Full Attack: 2 claws +15 melee (1d6+8) and bite +12 melee (1d8+4)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Curse of lycanthropy, improved grab, pounce, rake 1d6+4
Special Qualities: Alternate form, lion empathy, damage reduction 10/silver, low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +8
Abilities: Str 27, Dex 14, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 8
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +4*, Intimidate +3*, Jump +12, Listen +7, Move Silently +10, Spot +7
Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative, Iron Will (B), Multiattack (B), Run, Weapon Focus (claw)
Environment: Warm plains
Organization: Solitary, pair, pride (6-10), or troupe (2-4 plus 6-10 dire lions)
Challenge Rating: 9
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Always lawful, usually evil
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +3
Dire Werelion, Hybrid Form
Large Humanoid (Human, Shapechanger)
Hit Dice: 1d8+1 plus 8d8+32 (73 hp)
Initiative: +6
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 17 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +6 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+19
Attack: Spear +14 melee (2d6+12/×3); or shortsword +14 melee (1d8+8/19-20); or claw +15 melee (1d6+8); or spear +8 ranged (2d6+8/×3)
Full Attack: Spear +14 melee (2d6+12/×3) and bite +12 melee (1d8+4); or shortssword +14 melee (1d8+8/19-20) and claw +13 melee (1d6+4) and bite +12 melee (1d8+4); or 2 claws +15 melee (1d6+8) and bite +12 melee (1d8+4); or spear +8 ranged (2d6+8/×3)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Curse of lycanthropy, improved grab, pounce, rake 1d6+4
Special Qualities: Alternate form, lion empathy, damage reduction 10/silver, low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +8
Abilities: Str 27, Dex 14, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 8
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +4*, Intimidate +3*, Jump +8, Listen +7, Move Silently +10, Spot +7
Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative, Iron Will (B), Multiattack (B), Run, Weapon Focus (claw)
Environment: Warm plains
Organization: Solitary, pair, pride (6-10), or troupe (2-4 plus 6-10 dire lions)
Challenge Rating: 6
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Always lawful, usually evil
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +3
A powerfully built creature with the fur, claws and magnificent head of a lion, but the limbs and figure of a humanoid. Its wiry build and sinewy muscles suggest a whiplash speed and athleticism. The being's eyes are like a lion, but far brighter.
Dire werelions in humanoid form possess wiry but muscular builds and are heavily tanned. Werelions have thick, tawny or yellow hair, although a few werelions have black hair. Male werelions traditionally grow their hair long, like a lion's mane, which some werelions tie back or cover with a turban. Females, or werelionesses, traditionally keep their hair short when in human form, sometimes appearing almost shaved. Both sexes usually dress like hunters in simple garments of skin and fur that are easy to remove, repair, or replace.
In lion form, dire werelions appear as preternaturally large lions with unusually bright eyes. They speak with deep and melodious voices, and have a deeper roar than a normal lion.
Dire werelions prefer humanoid company to that of animals. They sometimes strike bargains to serve humanoids as wilderness scouts or caravan guards in return for various rewards, which usually include hunting rights. Their sociability should not be relied on, for dire werelions attack humanoids far more readily than normal lions do, and many of them are man-eaters. However, dire werelions rarely attack people they've struck bargains with. They are creatures of their word who almost always honor a deal, unless they believe the other party has broken the terms.
The dire werelion presented here is a 1st-level human warrior and natural lycanthrope, using the following base ability scores: Str 13, Dex 11, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 8.
COMBAT
A dire werelion prefers to fight in hybrid form. They favour their claws and fangs over weapons, since they allow it to use its pounce, improved grab and rake special attacks. Dire werelions generally drive or lure their prey into ambushes, as they are masters at stealth and deception. They will run away from a losing fight. If asked, a werelion would insist such strategies are a matter of sophisticated tactics rather than cowardice, since they are proud creatures with an exaggerated sense of their own dignity.
Alternate Form (Su): A dire werelion can assume the form of a dire lion or a lion-humanoid hybrid.
Curse of Lycanthropy (Su): Any humanoid or giant hit by a dire werelion’s bite attack in animal or hybrid form must succeed on a DC 15 Fortitude save or contract lycanthropy.
Pounce (Ex): If a dire werelion in animal or hybrid form charges a foe, it can make a full attack, including two rake attacks.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a dire werelion in animal or hybrid form must hit with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can rake.
Rake (Ex): Attack bonus +15 melee, damage 1d6+4.
Lion Empathy (Ex): Communicate with lions and dire lions, and +4 racial bonus on Charisma-based checks against lions and dire lions.
Skills: A dire werelion in animal or hybrid form has a +4 racial bonus on Hide, and Move Silently checks. *In areas of tall grass or heavy undergrowth, this Hide bonus improves to +12.
In Zakhara
Almost all werelions in Zakhara are dire werelions. Their society is matriarchal, with each pride ruled by a werelioness whose authority is unquestioned. The male werelions may brag or be lackadaisical in their duties, but they never disobey their matriarch. Large prides of Zakharan dire werelions are usually split into two groups, one led by the matriarch and the other by her chief consort.
Skills Breakdown
Base Saves: Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +6 [Warrior Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +0 plus Dire Lion Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +6]
Skill Ranks
Were Animal (16 SPs): Hide 2, Listen 5, Move Silently 4, Spot 5
Warrior (8 SPs): Handle Animal 4, Intimidate 4
Total Ranks: Handle Animal 4, Hide 2, Intimidate 4, Jump 0, Listen 5, Move Silently 4, Spot 5
Human:
Handle Animal 4* -1 Cha
Hide 2 +0 Dex -1 armour
Intimidate 4* -1 Cha
Jump 0 +1 Str -1 armour
Listen 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Move Silently 4 +0 Dex -1 armour
Spot 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +1, Intimidate +3*, Jump +0, Listen +7, Move Silently +3, Spot +7 (includes -1 armor check penalty)
Lion:
Handle Animal 4* -1 Cha
Hide 2* +2 Dex +4R -4 size
Intimidate 4* -1 Cha
Jump 0 +8 Str +4 spd
Listen 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Move Silently 4 +2 Dex +4R
Spot 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +4*, Intimidate +3*, Jump +12, Listen +7, Move Silently +10, Spot +7
Hybrid:
Handle Animal 4* -1 Cha
Hide 2* +3 Dex +4R -4 size
Intimidate 4* -1 Cha
Jump 0 +8 Str
Listen 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Move Silently 4 +2 Dex +4R
Spot 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +4*, Intimidate +3*, Jump +8, Listen +7, Move Silently +10, Spot +7
This uses the Dire Lycanthrope template created for the Weresabre.
Dire Werelion, Human Form
Medium Humanoid (Human, Shapechanger)
Hit Dice: 1d8+1 plus 8d8+32 (73 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 15 (+2 natural, +3 studded leather armor), touch 10, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+8
Attack: Spear +8 melee (1d8+1/×3); or shortsword +8 melee (1d6+1/19-20); or spear +7 ranged (1d8+1/×3)
Full Attack: Spear +8 melee (1d8+1/×3); or shortsword +8 melee (1d6+1/19-20); or spear +7 ranged (1d8+1/×3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: —
Special Qualities: Alternate form, lion empathy, low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +8
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 11, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 8
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +1, Intimidate +3*, Jump +0, Listen +7, Move Silently +3, Spot +7
(includes -1 armor check penalty)
Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative, Iron Will (B), Multiattack (B), Run, Weapon Focus (claw)
Environment: Warm plains
Organization: Solitary, pair, pride (6-10), or troupe (2-4 plus 6-10 dire lions)
Challenge Rating: 9
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Always lawful, usually evil
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +3
Dire Werelion, Dire Lion Form
Large Humanoid (Human, Shapechanger)
Hit Dice: 1d8+1 plus 8d8+32 (73 hp)
Initiative: +6
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 17 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +6 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+19
Attack: Claw +15 melee (1d6+8)
Full Attack: 2 claws +15 melee (1d6+8) and bite +12 melee (1d8+4)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Curse of lycanthropy, improved grab, pounce, rake 1d6+4
Special Qualities: Alternate form, lion empathy, damage reduction 10/silver, low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +8
Abilities: Str 27, Dex 14, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 8
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +4*, Intimidate +3*, Jump +12, Listen +7, Move Silently +10, Spot +7
Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative, Iron Will (B), Multiattack (B), Run, Weapon Focus (claw)
Environment: Warm plains
Organization: Solitary, pair, pride (6-10), or troupe (2-4 plus 6-10 dire lions)
Challenge Rating: 9
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Always lawful, usually evil
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +3
Dire Werelion, Hybrid Form
Large Humanoid (Human, Shapechanger)
Hit Dice: 1d8+1 plus 8d8+32 (73 hp)
Initiative: +6
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 17 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +6 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+19
Attack: Spear +14 melee (2d6+12/×3); or shortsword +14 melee (1d8+8/19-20); or claw +15 melee (1d6+8); or spear +8 ranged (2d6+8/×3)
Full Attack: Spear +14 melee (2d6+12/×3) and bite +12 melee (1d8+4); or shortssword +14 melee (1d8+8/19-20) and claw +13 melee (1d6+4) and bite +12 melee (1d8+4); or 2 claws +15 melee (1d6+8) and bite +12 melee (1d8+4); or spear +8 ranged (2d6+8/×3)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Curse of lycanthropy, improved grab, pounce, rake 1d6+4
Special Qualities: Alternate form, lion empathy, damage reduction 10/silver, low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +8
Abilities: Str 27, Dex 14, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 8
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +4*, Intimidate +3*, Jump +8, Listen +7, Move Silently +10, Spot +7
Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative, Iron Will (B), Multiattack (B), Run, Weapon Focus (claw)
Environment: Warm plains
Organization: Solitary, pair, pride (6-10), or troupe (2-4 plus 6-10 dire lions)
Challenge Rating: 6
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Always lawful, usually evil
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +3
A powerfully built creature with the fur, claws and magnificent head of a lion, but the limbs and figure of a humanoid. Its wiry build and sinewy muscles suggest a whiplash speed and athleticism. The being's eyes are like a lion, but far brighter.
Dire werelions in humanoid form possess wiry but muscular builds and are heavily tanned. Werelions have thick, tawny or yellow hair, although a few werelions have black hair. Male werelions traditionally grow their hair long, like a lion's mane, which some werelions tie back or cover with a turban. Females, or werelionesses, traditionally keep their hair short when in human form, sometimes appearing almost shaved. Both sexes usually dress like hunters in simple garments of skin and fur that are easy to remove, repair, or replace.
In lion form, dire werelions appear as preternaturally large lions with unusually bright eyes. They speak with deep and melodious voices, and have a deeper roar than a normal lion.
Dire werelions prefer humanoid company to that of animals. They sometimes strike bargains to serve humanoids as wilderness scouts or caravan guards in return for various rewards, which usually include hunting rights. Their sociability should not be relied on, for dire werelions attack humanoids far more readily than normal lions do, and many of them are man-eaters. However, dire werelions rarely attack people they've struck bargains with. They are creatures of their word who almost always honor a deal, unless they believe the other party has broken the terms.
The dire werelion presented here is a 1st-level human warrior and natural lycanthrope, using the following base ability scores: Str 13, Dex 11, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 8.
COMBAT
A dire werelion prefers to fight in hybrid form. They favour their claws and fangs over weapons, since they allow it to use its pounce, improved grab and rake special attacks. Dire werelions generally drive or lure their prey into ambushes, as they are masters at stealth and deception. They will run away from a losing fight. If asked, a werelion would insist such strategies are a matter of sophisticated tactics rather than cowardice, since they are proud creatures with an exaggerated sense of their own dignity.
Alternate Form (Su): A dire werelion can assume the form of a dire lion or a lion-humanoid hybrid.
Curse of Lycanthropy (Su): Any humanoid or giant hit by a dire werelion’s bite attack in animal or hybrid form must succeed on a DC 15 Fortitude save or contract lycanthropy.
Pounce (Ex): If a dire werelion in animal or hybrid form charges a foe, it can make a full attack, including two rake attacks.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a dire werelion in animal or hybrid form must hit with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can rake.
Rake (Ex): Attack bonus +15 melee, damage 1d6+4.
Lion Empathy (Ex): Communicate with lions and dire lions, and +4 racial bonus on Charisma-based checks against lions and dire lions.
Skills: A dire werelion in animal or hybrid form has a +4 racial bonus on Hide, and Move Silently checks. *In areas of tall grass or heavy undergrowth, this Hide bonus improves to +12.
In Zakhara
Almost all werelions in Zakhara are dire werelions. Their society is matriarchal, with each pride ruled by a werelioness whose authority is unquestioned. The male werelions may brag or be lackadaisical in their duties, but they never disobey their matriarch. Large prides of Zakharan dire werelions are usually split into two groups, one led by the matriarch and the other by her chief consort.
Skills Breakdown
Base Saves: Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +6 [Warrior Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +0 plus Dire Lion Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +6]
Skill Ranks
Were Animal (16 SPs): Hide 2, Listen 5, Move Silently 4, Spot 5
Warrior (8 SPs): Handle Animal 4, Intimidate 4
Total Ranks: Handle Animal 4, Hide 2, Intimidate 4, Jump 0, Listen 5, Move Silently 4, Spot 5
Human:
Handle Animal 4* -1 Cha
Hide 2 +0 Dex -1 armour
Intimidate 4* -1 Cha
Jump 0 +1 Str -1 armour
Listen 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Move Silently 4 +0 Dex -1 armour
Spot 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +1, Intimidate +3*, Jump +0, Listen +7, Move Silently +3, Spot +7 (includes -1 armor check penalty)
Lion:
Handle Animal 4* -1 Cha
Hide 2* +2 Dex +4R -4 size
Intimidate 4* -1 Cha
Jump 0 +8 Str +4 spd
Listen 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Move Silently 4 +2 Dex +4R
Spot 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +4*, Intimidate +3*, Jump +12, Listen +7, Move Silently +10, Spot +7
Hybrid:
Handle Animal 4* -1 Cha
Hide 2* +3 Dex +4R -4 size
Intimidate 4* -1 Cha
Jump 0 +8 Str
Listen 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Move Silently 4 +2 Dex +4R
Spot 5 +0 Wis +2 Alertness
Skills: Handle Animal +3*, Hide +4*, Intimidate +3*, Jump +8, Listen +7, Move Silently +10, Spot +7
Last edited:
Shade
Monster Junkie
You forgot one thing: I'm chaotic.
I like "Always lawful, usually neutral".
Oh, and don't use Lycos. There's this new thing called Google that's much better.
Cleon
Legend
You forgot one thing: I'm chaotic.
I like "Always lawful, usually neutral".
Okay, I'll cleanse the Working Draft's alignment lines of their socialist tendencies then. (i.e. I'll change the colour from red).
It's still missing a Tactics line, but apart from that it looks done.
How's this?:
A werelion usually fights in lion form so it can use its pounce, improved grab and rake special attacks. When fighting in hybrid form, they favour their claws and fangs over weapons. Werelions try to ambush opponents from behind, and will run away from a losing fight. If asked, a werelion would probably insist such strategies are a matter of sophisticated strategy rather than cowardice since they are often proud creatures with an exaggerated sense of their own dignity.
Oh, and don't use Lycos. There's this new thing called Google that's much better.
I tend to switch around between search engines, just to confuse them.
Shade
Monster Junkie
Same here.
Cleon
Legend
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