Van Richten's Treatise on Lycanthropy

1

Credits

Writers: Wyatt Trull & Vall Syrene
Editor: Laura Hirsbrunner

Graphic Designer: Steve Fidler
Producer: Wyatt Trull

Cover Illustrator: Molino Davide
Additional Illustrators: Anastasiya, Андрій Берекеля,
b-design, Bob Greyvenstein, Dean Spencer, Dominick,
James Webster, Konstantin Gerasimov, Luigi Castellani,

Quico Vicens Picatto, Wizards of the Coast, Vecteezy
Some artwork © 2015 Dean Spencer, used with
permission. All rights reserved.

On the Cover

An ambushed werecrocodile stalks the hunter that
failed to slay the beast. This scene was brought to life by
Molino Davide.

Disclaimer: If you are reading this research on the
night of the full moon, I fear it is too late for you.
Find yourself silver and courage, then prepare to
face the creatures of the night.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, Eberron, the dragon ampersand, Ravnica and all other Wizards of the Coast product names,
and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries. This work contains material that is copyright Wizards of the Coast and/or other
authors. Such material is used with permission under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild. All other original material in this work is copyright 2021 by

Wyatt Trull & Vall Syrene and published under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.

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Contents Player Characters Werebear Ape.x . . . . . . . . . 89
as Lycanthropes. . . . . . . 64 Wereboar. . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Introduction . . . . . . . . . 4
Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Lycanthropy as an Ancestry. . . . . 64 Wereboar Marauder . . . . . . . 91
Lycanthropy: Lycanthropy as a Curse. . . . . . . 64 Wereboar Ape.x . . . . . . . . . 92
The Dread Affliction. . . . . 6 Design Philosophy. . . . . . . . . 65 Wereca.t . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
True Lycanthropes. . . . . . . . . 66 Werecheetah . . . . . . . . . . 93
Overview of Lycanthropy. . . . . . 7 Werejaguar. . . . . . . . . . . 95
Lycanthropic Strains. . . . . . . 7 The Beast Withi.n . . . . . . . . 66 Werelion . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
The Beast Withi.n . . . . . . . . 10 Dark Inheritance. . . . . . . . . 66 Weretiger. . . . . . . . . . . . 99
The Transfiguration . . . . . . . 10 Bestial Appearances. . . . . . . 67 Werecrocodile. . . . . . . . . . 101
Bloodlust. . . . . . . . . . . . 11 True Lycanthrope Personality. . . 67 Werecrocodile Menace. . . . . 102
Transfiguration Triggers. . . . . 11 True Lycanthrope Names. . . . . 67 Werecrocodile Apex . . . . . . 103
A Lycanthrope’s Diet. . . . . . . 12 True Lycanthrope Traits . . . . . 67
Regional Effects. . . . . . . 103
Hunting Lycanthropes. . . . . . . 13 Wereba.t . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Werefox. . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Environments. . . . . . . . . . 13 Werebear. . . . . . . . . . . 68
Lycanthropic Vulnerabilitie.s . . . 14 Wereboar. . . . . . . . . . . 68 Werefox Puppeteer. . . . . . . 105
Wereca.t . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Werefox Apex. . . . . . . . . 107
Against the Affliction. . . . . . . . 15 Werecrocodile. . . . . . . . . 69 Werehyena . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Transmitting Lycanthropy . . . . 15 Werefox. . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Werehyena Chillcackle. . . . . 109
Symptoms of Lycanthrop.y . . . . 15 Werehyena . . . . . . . . . . 69 Werehyena Apex. . . . . . . . . 111
Preventative Measures. . . . . . 16 Werera.t . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Werera.t . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Curing Lycanthropy. . . . . . . 18 Wererave.n . . . . . . . . . . 70 Wererat Brute. . . . . . . . . . 113
Wereserpen.t . . . . . . . . . 70 Wererat Mastermind. . . . . . 114
Werebeast Phenotypes. . . . . . . 21 Wereshar.k . . . . . . . . . . 71 Wererat Apex . . . . . . . . . 114
Werebats. . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Werewalrus. . . . . . . . . . 71 Wererave.n . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Werebear.s . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Werewolf. . . . . . . . . . . 71 Wereraven Spy. . . . . . . . . . 117
Wereboar.s . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Racial Feats. . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Wereraven Seer . . . . . . . . 118
Werecats. . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Infected Lycanthropes. . . . . . . 73 Wereraven Apex. . . . . . . . 119
Werecrocodiles . . . . . . . . . 30 Universal Lycanthrope Features. . 74 Wereserpen.t . . . . . . . . . . 120
Werefoxe.s . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Phenotype Feature.s . . . . . . . 75 Werepython. . . . . . . . . . . 121
Werehyenas. . . . . . . . . . . 36 Werebat Feature.s . . . . . . . 75 Werepython Apex. . . . . . . 122
Wererats . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Werebear Features. . . . . . . 75 Werevipe.r . . . . . . . . . . 123
Wereravens. . . . . . . . . . . 41 Wereboar Features. . . . . . . 76 Wereviper Apex. . . . . . . . 124
Wereserpents. . . . . . . . . . 43 Werecheetah Features . . . . . 76 Wereshar.k . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Weresharks. . . . . . . . . . . 46 Werecrocodile Feature.s . . . . 76 Wereshark Messia.h . . . . . . 126
Werewalruses. . . . . . . . . . 49 Werefox Feature.s . . . . . . . 77 Wereshark Apex. . . . . . . . 127
Werewolves. . . . . . . . . . . 51 Werehyena Features. . . . . . 77 Werewalrus. . . . . . . . . . . 129
Werejaguar Features. . . . . . 77 Werewalrus Frostbiter. . . . . 130
Lycanthropy Rules. . . . . . 53 Werelion Features. . . . . . . 77 Werewalrus Apex . . . . . . . . 131
Werepython Feature.s . . . . . 78 Werewolf. . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Infection. . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Wererat Feature.s . . . . . . . 78 Werewolf Beta. . . . . . . . . 133
Transmission. . . . . . . . . . 53 Wereraven Features . . . . . . 78 Werewolf Alpha. . . . . . . . 134
Infection Progression. . . . . . . 54 Wereshark Features . . . . . . 78 Werewolf Ape.x . . . . . . . . 135
Curing Lycanthropy. . . . . . . 55 Weretiger Features. . . . . . . 79
Wereviper Feature.s . . . . . . 79 The Hunter’s Arsenal . . . 136
Lycanthropic Behavior. . . . . . . 57 Werewalrus Features. . . . . . 79 136
Bloodlust. . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Werewolf Features. . . . . . . 79 Mundane Items . . . . . . . . . 136
Confronting the Curse. . . . . . 59 Alchemical Elixirs. . . . . . . 138
Die.t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Bestiary. . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Anathemas. . . . . . . . . . 143
Downtime Activity: Hunting . . 61 Traps & Restraints. . . . . . . 144
Symbolic Monsters. . . . . . . . 80 Weapons. . . . . . . . . . . 146
Countering Lycanthropes. . . . . . 62 Transmitting Lycanthropy . . . . 81
Anathemas. . . . . . . . . . . 62 Lycanthrope Strains. . . . . . . . 81 Magic Items. . . . . . . . . . .
Lycanthropic Immunit.y . . . . . 62 True Lycanthrope . . . . . . . . 81
Transfiguration and Armor. . . . 63 Purestrain Lycanthrop.e . . . . . 81 Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . 148
Encounter Icons. . . . . . . . . . 82
Encounter Icon Description.s . . . 82 Quick References. . . . . . 149
Creature Rarity . . . . . . . . . 83
Wereba.t . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Stat Blocks by Challenge Rating . 149
Werebat Apex. . . . . . . . . . 86 Lycanthropes by Alignment. . . 149
Werebear. . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Lycanthropes by Environmen.t . 150
Lycanthrope Vulnerabilities. . . 150
3 Phenotypical Flaw.s . . . . . . . 151

Introduction

V an Richten’s Treatise on Lycanthropy CONTENT WARNING
expands on the lycanthrope rules, lore, and
statistics from the core rules, including new Any supplement that explores the curse of lycan-
and improved resources for player character lycan- thropy is likely to delve into dark, challenging topics.
thropes, cures, and NPC statistics This guide features
eight new types of lycanthropes in addition to the five According to the core fifth edition books, lycan-
originals from the Monster Manual, and incorporates the thropy destroys a person’s values, personality, and
werebat and wereraven from other official modules. ability to reason, essentially turning them into a
monster without free will. By contrast, this supple-
Chapter 1 features the personal research of Dr. Rudolph ment—most notably in the player character options in
van Richten, describing the science and lore of lycan- chapter 4—presents the view that a cursed humanoid
thropy. It is written in-character from van Richten’s can retain their own alignment and morality (if they
point of view—and notably, like any emerging so choose), though they constantly feel the urging of
science, not all of his research is accurate. It is, effec- a dark entity, the Beast Within, that influences their
tively, an in-game thesis that the adventurers can personality and tempts them to surrender control.
get their hands on, and is intended to be communi- This supplement also seeks to lessen the assumed
cated with the players as an aid in their characters’ ties between lycanthropy and madness (and simi-
fight against lycanthropy. A print-friendly copy of lar negative stereotypes related to mental health).
this chapter is included in your DMsGuild download Despite this shift in default lore, however, lycanthropy
as a standalone PDF, which you are free to provide to is still treated as a horrible curse that has enormous
each of your players. impact on the infected humanoid’s physical and men-
tal state—one which, if willingly succumbed to, will
Chapter 2 contains rules regarding lycanthropy, from indeed transform the lycanthrope into a creature who
infection to transfiguration. Unless stated otherwise, follows the every urge of their Beast Within.
all lycanthropes (be they nonplayer characters or
player characters) must obey these rules. This supplement touches on many potentially trig-
gering topics, which both Dungeon Master and players
Chapter 3 presents rules for player character lycan- should be aware of before encountering any of the fol-
thropes, including a true lycanthrope ancestry which lowing material. These topics may include body hor-
can be chosen at character creation, racial feats for ror, murder, mutilation, blood drinking, corpse eating,
true lycanthropes, and rules for infecting characters cannibalism, starvation, ritual sacrifice of humanoids,
with the curse of lycanthropy during your campaign. cancer, infertility, non-consensual body modification,
death of and violence against loved ones, mental
Chapter 4 is a bestiary of NPC lycanthrope statistics, illness, physical and psychological pain and trauma,
including new lycanthropes (such as werecrocodiles) mind control, trauma-induced personality changes,
as well as more formidable versions of each type of self-harm, sadism, and emotional manipulation.
werebeast (e.g., the infamous werewolf alpha and
legendary werewolf apex). Before using this (or any) supplement in your
adventures, we encourage using safety tools such
Chapter 5 provides items of magical and mundane as the TTRPG Safety Toolkit (by Kienna Shaw and
origin used by lycanthrope hunters or those that Lauren Bryant-Monk) or Consent in Gaming (by Sean
wish to inure themselves against the contagion. K. Reynolds and Shanna Germain) to discuss your
group’s boundaries and comfort level with these and
Appendix A is a glossary of terms that van Richten has other challenging topics.
coined in his research, which are used throughout
the supplement.

Appendix B is a set of quick references that detail
a lycanthrope’s typical alignment, flaws, and
vulnerabilities, which are referred to throughout
this supplement.

4

Preface

Greetings and Salutations, to embers beneath a cold moonless sky. It
For decades now, I have prowled the world is common to say Darkon has no citizens,
only ambulant ghosts still clinging to a
in pursuit of two ideals: bringing the light fragment of civilized life. Yet they cling to
of hope to the dark recesses of the world, hope, gathered around their priests and
and gathering knowledge on the monstrous their holy ones and making their plans to
beasts lurking within—so we may best best the horrors of the night. It is these brave
learn how to defeat them. souls, the people of Darkon, that shall be its
salvation. Yet without the proper knowledge
I am known by many names, some at their disposal, even the greatest smith can
earned, some slanderous, but I was born to only create meager tools. This is where my
two loving parents as Rudolph van Richten. story begins, dear reader. I welcome you to
In my long and graying life, I have served join me in it, exploring my findings to better
as a healer, a dutiful husband, and, most arm yourself against the machinations of a
importantly, a father. This last title is both cruel and dismal world.
my greatest pride and my greatest shame,
for I could not keep my son—or his beloved This, my Treatise on Lycanthropy, is my
mother—safe from the horrors of the night. gift, a weapon of knowledge I hope the
If the gods were truly just, the son would bearer can wield against the dark. It is a
never have to pay for his father’s sins, but shield, a sword, and a torch with which to
alas, we live in a cruel, unjust world; the light the way into the darkest reaches of
dark forces dwelling within it care not for the Darkon and beyond. Read my research
muddy waters of responsibility, only that thoroughly, hold it close to your chest as
blood be served when blood is demanded. you explore these miserable lands. Use it
to arm yourself against the beasts of fear
Now, in the twilight of my life, I have and give life to the embers still glowing in
become a hunter of the very creatures that the souls of these determined folk who call
stole my beloved wife and son, the very this place home.
creatures that terrorize innocents across
the realms. Vampires, ghouls, spirits, and This, my life’s work, is the legacy I leave
werebeasts—I have hunted them all, but behind for those following in my footsteps.
my work is not yet complete. Let it birth a fire from the embers of hope,
let it be a beacon to follow in times of strife.
My story begins in the land of Darkon, a Take care, dear reader, and tread with
place of terror and woe, ruled by suspicion purpose. For the world is bleak and cursed
and infested with bestial denizens of the with horrors.
night. There is but the faintest light of hope
here—feeble, fragile light, kindled in the —Rudolph van Richten, Ph.D.
hearts of pious folk, but waning, dwindling

5

Chapter 1

Lycanthropy:
The Dread Affliction

T o many, the word lycanthropy is synon- Reader beware. I, a peer of the esteemed
ymous with terror, fear, and dread. But for Dr. van Richten, have fought beside the good
myself, the word is but an intricate tale, buried doctor on many a moonlit night and found his
in history and rooted firmly around the machinations of research—and his superstitions—often correct.
the vampiric undead. In my travels across the domains, However, I must stress that my mentor is
I have come across many forms of lycanthropy, from human and the times are always changing.
the traditional wolf of legend, to the hulking, brutish There is no research I would trust more than
forms of the crocodile and shark. The term lycanthropy Dr. van Richten’s—but you would be a fool to
is used to describe any creature capable of transforming trust it wholeheartedly. Every werebeast can
themselves into a beast, though the most commonplace prove to be the exception to his rules.
creature ingrained into folklore is that of the werewolf: I discovered the fallibility of his work
a humanoid-wolf hybrid birthed from a terrible curse. myself when my cousin was set upon by a
wereboar. Having studied his work well, I
Lycanthropy is both a curse and a disease, and just immediately poulticed the wound with juniper
like any other magic, it is ruled by symbolism. This and holy water, as van Richten advises—but
much is evident in a lycanthrope’s strengths and weak- it was to no avail. The infection set in with
nesses. Most lycanthropes are famously harmed by a vengeance as if I’d done nothing at all.
silver—which is in itself symbolic of the moon that has Did an unusual phenotype or strain render
wrought their latest transfiguration. Some are harmed it ineffective? Or was van Richten simply
by weapons far less impressive. Take the ignoble wrong? I hope to never have the chance to
wereboar, who is harmed not just by silver but simple find out, but I shan’t be relying solely on that
sharpened wooden sticks. How can this be? How can poultice again.
a mere spear of wood, absent of iron or flint, harm
a creature that shrugs off steel? Symbolism. It is all ~Ezmerelda d’Avenir, monster slayer
because of symbolism. The ancients hunted boar with
nothing but sharpened wood, pitting their unarmored
hunters against a fearsome killer—and so, the dreaded
wereboar is just as susceptible to the same weapon that
felled the animal it is symbolic of.

I have taken to studying lycanthrope as a scholar—a
man of philosophy and science. What I have learned,
however, is that magic does not always yield to reason
and logic. Throughout my career, I have found that
symbolism governs the many strengths and weaknesses
of lycanthropes, as well as their behavior. Knowing this
is the key to standing against the beasts at our door.

6

Overview of Lycanthropic Strains
Lycanthropy
Much like there are many lycanthrope phenotypes,
Lycanthropy is pathologic in nature and werebeasts share in my research, I have also discovered there are many
many characteristics, regardless of how they became different methods to become one. I have broken down
afflicted. All hunger for the flesh of beasts and men. All most of these into four distinct categories, which I call
are corrupted by the curse’s malign influence. All are strains: the purestrain lycanthrope, “true” lycanthrope,
harmed by silvered weapons in some capacity, and thus, infected lycanthrope, and most commonly encoun-
such a weapon is your greatest tool against the beasts. tered, the maledictive lycanthrope. There is another,
I delve deeper into these characteristics later in this far rarer lycanthrope type known as the apex strain;
treatise, but the rushed reader must be made aware of fortunately, it is so rare, I’ve only ever had the displea-
these core concepts now—before rushing into the night. sure of encountering it a handful of times in my years of
hunting—and certainly do not wish to do so again.
Transfiguration. Lycanthropes shapeshift into
beasts or gruesome hybrid forms. This act of shape- Maledictive
shifting is what I call the transfiguration; for most
lycanthropes, it is brief but agonizing. Truly, if there Lycanthropes
were ever a time to strike, it is when the beast is in the
grips of transfiguration! The most commonplace lycanthrope one may
encounter, a maledictive lycan is the result of a magical
Triggers. A lycanthrope is triggered into transfigu- curse, item, or unholy artifact enchanting an unfor-
ration by hunger, emotional stress, danger, and great tunate individual with bestial power. Such a creature
change—adolescence, the full moon, an eclipse, or even rarely remains cognizant of its personhood, often
a meteor shower. succumbing to the curse’s endless hunger and rage and
becoming feral in a matter of hours—or days, should
Phenotypes. Each sort of lycanthropy is symbolic the creature be of strong enough will to temporarily
of an ordinary beast—a carnivore or omnivore, never resist the curse’s encroaching effects.
pure herbivores. These differences, I have labeled pheno-
types. And so, the infamous werewolf is distinct from the Maledictive lycanthropes are the simplest to cure, as
dreaded werewalrus. Although both hunger for flesh removing the cursed item generally removes the curse
and transmit their curse in the same way, they have as well—and praise be to their vulnerability to silver-
different vices. No person can be afflicted by two pheno- laced weaponry (or crockery, as it happens, though that
types at once. wasn’t one of my more valiant fights...). Such creatures
cannot reproduce, however, and rely on spreading their
Strains. Lycanthropes are further classified by curse through bites and scratches in order to spread
strains—the origin or result of their lycanthropy. Those their influence.
born as lycanthropes are true lycanthropes; those
cursed with it by powerful magic are maledictive lycan- If left unchecked, even a single maledicted lycan can
thropes, and so on. prove problematic in large settlements, as those who
fall victim to its scratched might not show symptoms of
The Beast Within. Every lycanthrope is hounded infection for a number of days—plenty of time for one
by a dark and demanding entity known as the Beast to accidentally spread to curse to an unborn child, thus
Within—the personification of a lycanthrope’s most developing the first of a new line of “true” lycanthropes.
bestial urges. Although individual lycanthropes differ in
heart and mind, a phenotype’s Beast Within is patho- Infected Lycanthropes
logic. Two werewolves, for example, are stricken with
similar urges and flaws. When a person is bitten or scratched by a lycanthrope,
they’ve most likely been infected with the lycan’s curse,
Anathemas. Every werebeast phenotype has thus becoming an infected lycanthrope—but while they
an anathema—a herb or chemical that is lethal if harbor the lycan’s curse, these victims often don’t show
ingested. Some are perfectly safe for an ordinary person symptoms until hours or days after the incident took
to consume, such as juniper berries (deadly to the place. Infected lycanthropes hold little power over their
werefox), whereas others, like wolfsbane, are toxic to transformations and have been known to shift into their
any creature. hybrid bestial forms under light from the full moon, as

7

a natural response when undergoing trauma, or simply True Lycanthropes
from an accelerated heart rate due to anger or stress.
While infected lycanthropes aren’t usually as powerful A true lycanthrope is not infected, nor cursed like their
as other lycans, their sudden transfigurations are a maledicted and infected kin—but instead, born to an
threat—and prove especially problematic if they occur infected parent. From my understanding, a true lycan-
in a large crowd of people. thrope is far more likely to be born if the mother was
infected than the father, but nonetheless, there is no
Infected lycanthropes can be cured—as long as it’s other way a true lycanthrope can be made.
done quickly, before the subject undergoes their first
transformation—by means of the remove curse spell or When a true lycanthrope is born, the child usually
various herbal remedies. Naturally, however, the stress bears a birthmark resembling the scars left on the
of realizing one has been infected is usually enough infected parent. While some see this as an ill omen and
to induce the transfiguration itself, so it’s always raise the child in secret, distancing themselves from
wise to approach such a situation with a calm and villages and hamlets in the hopes that their child might
cautious hand. one day be able to rejoin society after gaining control of
their transformation, others believe the birthmark to
A hunter can also kill the purestrain responsible for be a sign of great power, that the child is destined for
the infected lycanthrope, though tracking down such glory in battle or adventure. These children are revered
a source is often all but impossible—and convincing in their communities and trained in the art of battle,
the unwitting victim to drink their sire’s blood can usually raised by wealthy nobles with the funds to help
prove rather difficult as well. From my experience, it temper their bestial aggression and eventual phenotype
is best to cure those infected with other means, rather transfigurations once they come of age.
than leave them to fester while tracking down the
original purestrain. True lycanthropes retain control of their transforma-
tions after reaching puberty, but a fragment of the curse
Infected lycanthropes are, in my opinion, the that first infected their parents still lurks within them
worst lycanthrope strain to deal with, mostly due as a shuddering bloodlust, leading them to lose control
to the human hosts the infection so often prefers. during the light of a full moon.
Have you ever tried to organize an entire village of
terrified commoners in the wake of a lycan attack To end the curse afflicting a true lycanthrope, one
and have them examined for any signs of infection? must first locate and kill the infected lycan who bore
It is a difficult, grueling process, exacerbated by the the initial curse—in my own experience, this never
fear that discovery might lead to their execution. fails if they’re killed using fire lit from a lock of the
Admittedly, sometimes the easiest method of culling infected parent’s hair, though this may be an unnec-
the infection is to simply kill the host before they essary precaution. Many trueborn lycan cults ensure
transform, but such recourse is rarely needed by their legacy cannot be ended in such a way—first by
someone of my ability. Yet no matter how many drowning the aforementioned lycan in a saltwater lake,
times you tell someone the fire spell you’re weaving then drying out and burning the body to ensure nothing
is to remove a curse and not to immolate them, some but the creature’s scorched bones remain. These bones
still decide fleeing and hiding in terror is somehow are safeguarded behind iron safes or buried deep in
better for their community and livelihood. the heart of forgotten dungeons to ensure there is little
chance for their lycan heritage to be destroyed.

Why go to all the trouble burying the bones
instead of simply grinding them up, you say? Well,
that’s simple: power. Many cult leaders retain
a lock of their progenitor’s hair as a measure of
retaining control over unruly phenotypes in their
pack. Should an uprising occur, the leader can
use the strand of hair as leverage, threatening to
set it aflame over the captured bones unless a deal
can be made.

8

Pur estr ain Apex Lycanthropes

Lycanthropes There exists one last lycanthropic strain—the apex
strain. Apexes cannot be born, only created through
Ah yes, the purestrains. The most terrifying, monstrous esoteric means, although it does seem logical that a
incarnations of lycanthrope with whom I’ve ever lycanthrope born to two purestrain lycanthropes might
had the misfortune of crossing paths. These devilish achieve apexdom far more easily. The apex strain is a
creatures are unlike any other lycanthrope that came mutation; it matters not if the lycanthrope’s curse origi-
before them—faster, stronger, more intelligent, and nates from magic, infection, or ancestry. Those strong of
capable of triggering their transfiguration at will, with arm and strong of will can become terrifying monstros-
full control of the beast that resides within. Thankfully, ities that give even vampires pause. An apex commands
such a potent creature only appears in rare circum- legendary strength and is cursed with terrible rage.
stances, born of the union between two trueborn
lycans. A purestrain understands its strength at birth, In my research, I have confirmed that every lycan-
awakening its power at an extremely young age and thropic phenotype can become an apex, although the
demonstrating great feats of strength and agility in the methods vary. The process is intensely personal and
body of a mere child. Its wounds rapidly heal and even requires extraordinary circumstances. The werewolf
silver scarcely concerns them. apex—truly the most horrifying beast in existence—
devours their Beast Within, whereas the dreaded
These children grow to become leaders in their own wereviper apex, I have heard, is born from devouring a
right, whether as politicians, bandits, pirates, or even trusted friend. Apexes are more often than not born out
leaders of their own noble houses—and kingdoms. of acts of evil or extreme determination. All share an
Other lycans see a purestrain as the greatest form of insatiable hunger that should give any ruler pause.
lycanthrope there is, capable of harnessing the full
potential of the curse which bore them many genera- Killing an apex requires months of meticulous
tions ago, and also immune to its destruction through planning, subterfuge—especially if the creature is
the bone-and-hair technique I previously described. leader of a pack—and more bravery than all the valiant
The purestrain is capable of inflicting its own curse souls I have ever met combined. I myself have not dared
onto its victims with alarming efficiency, creating a face one in single combat, and only managed to defeat
new breed of infected lycanthropes over which it has them with the combined efforts of many soldiers and
command, and thus beginning the cycle of infection, spellcasters by my side. The apex is immune to conven-
birth and eventual purestrain creation anew. tional weaponry, even going so far as to be resilient to
all but the most powerful spellcasting. They are not
Killing a purestrain is a challenging task for several linked to the lycan’s curse through their heritage and
reasons. Firstly, you must find that creature’s partic- have no fear of death or defeat. Magical weapons are
ular vulnerability, which I believe is nature’s attempts essential to inflict even the slightest of scratches on
to right the wrong it created—such vulnerabilities such a beast—that is, of course, if you can steel yourself
range dramatically, from placing crushed salt in their hard enough to step toward their ravenous maw and
eyes to binding them with iron chains, or even infecting diamond-hard claws. Should you meet an apex, they
a wound with a paste concocted from lemon juice and will challenge every tactic presented in this tome,
crushed swampwort. Secondly, I always burn the body awarding the slightest mistake with a quick and messy
using consecrated fire to ensure no part of the lycan’s death. Consecrated fire, blessed swords, and powerful
soul escapes to wreak havoc elsewhere. After setting allies are your key to success. Make no mistake:
the fur alight, the creature can be struck with silvered your experience, much like my own, will be one of
weapons, and eventually killed. Should you wish to raw survival.
end the purestrain’s legacy for good, salt the body and
set it alight with the burning ashes of a trinket from its
childhood. Killing the purestrain in such a way ensures
any lycans that it previously infected are freed from its
curse, thus ending the lycanthrope’s cycle permanently.

9

The Beast Within I remember that night well indeed. How could I
forget? Those serrated, jagged fangs glinting from
The curse of lycanthropy imparts an entity that, I beneath a bestial leathery snout, and those bloodshot
believe, shares the same space as a person’s soul. Many eyes, red with rage around soulless black pupils that
believe it is the personification of the curse; I believe it is bored into me, seeking the softest part on which to
the heightening of one’s id—that nest of impulses and feast. And the sounds, the cracking of bone, the sticky,
desires that would normally be tempered by one’s ego. wet thud of flesh shedding onto a creaking wooden
It is known as the Beast Within. This demanding entity floor—it was like stepping on shifting mounds of
is concerned only with satisfying its abominable hunger autumn leaves, bathed in freshly drawn blood. I
and other instincts. The Beast Within incubates within remember watching, transfixed, at the hulking shape
infected lycanthropes shortly after transmission of the which grew before my eyes, towering far taller than
curse, whereas true and purestrain lycanthropes are the man who first invited me inside this stony tomb to
born with the Beast Within; the two effectively are one. die. What transpired in mere seconds felt like several
minutes, the transfiguration from humanoid man to
What the Beast Within demands beyond satisfying ravenous beast a cascade of horror upon my senses,
its hunger for flesh is largely determined by a were- like a nightmare one could not simply awake from.
beast’s phenotype—which I will elaborate upon further And yet, I had no time to process it before the beast
in a later section. The werebear, for instance, is driven was upon me.
toward good, although its Beast Within heightens its
pride. The infamous werewolf sports a violent temper, With a monstrous howl, the creature lunged, and our
and the werecat’s Beast Within hones its vanity. fight began, with myself barely emerging the victor. At
the time, had I known such a creature existed, I would
While an individual might master their Beast have surely come more prepared—but had I known it
Within—or embrace it—I have observed similar was merely an infected strain, and there were bigger
traits in numerous unrelated werebeasts of the same creatures seeking to take my flesh that night, I might
phenotype. Nearly every wereserpent I have met is have immediately been overwhelmed by fear and given
nihilistically empty-hearted; just about every wereraven up, and this book might never have been written at all.
I have met is good of heart but extraordinarily paranoid.
I have come to this conclusion: these traits are To witness the lycan’s transfiguration up close is to
symptoms of the disease and curse that is lycanthropy. subject oneself to a torrent of sounds, sights and smells
No two lycanthropes are the same—but their Beasts which hound and scramble the senses, creating an over-
Within are. The Beast’s urges, vices, demands, and whelming sense of dread the beast can easily prey upon.
hatreds are pathologic. Should you ever hear the telltale snapping of bone in
the darkness of the forest, or hear the screeching roar of
The Transfiguration pain transition into a furious howl, do not dwell upon
its manifestation. You must react to it with holy fire,
Dearest reader, you may have heard me mention a silver, and steel. Observe your allies: do they appear
lycan’s ability to transfigure oneself from a humanoid fearful? Stand beside them, for together you are strong.
form into that of the beast. Make no mistake, this is Consider your senses: are they dull? Sharpen them, lest
a foul, painful process—one I have been subject to the beasts find weaknesses in your sights. And finally,
watch far too many times in my expeditions to purge dear reader, remember: fear not the Beast Within, for it
the beasts from Darkon. I recall my first encounter with most certainly does not fear you. Manipulate its hunger
such a creature many moons ago, in a small, dimly with freshly cut bait, dull its senses by bathing in wet
lit stone house set against the backdrop of a forested mud, and do not show it your silver until it is ready
hillside, bathed in silver moonlight. I recall witnessing to meet flesh.
a man growl and shudder in front of me, his bones
shifting and breaking under the weight of muscle that
was not his. I remember his skull warping inwards, then
bulging out as if molded from wet clay, tearing away his
weathered skin and revealing a mass of bloodied, dark
fur beneath. His shoulders buckled, the joints snapping
apart to make way for the larger frame which now stood
hunched in front of me, its shadow a dark, looming
manifestation of horror cast by the firelight.

10

Bloodlust reminder as to why additional measures must be taken
should travel be required in such circumstances.
Lycanthropes often succumb to periods of wild ferocity,
which I have named bloodlusts. A creature afflicted with Unlike what some fools suggest, a lycanthrope
bloodlust struggles to discern friend from foe, attacking does not need to personally witness the full moon to
both in equal measure until their hunger is sated. I have be triggered into a bloodlust. So long as it happens in
seen many creatures ignore even the most grievous their corner of the world, the lycanthrope is affected.
of wounds while lost to a bloodlust, pressing on in an Likewise, I have observed other phenomena of great
adrenaline-fueled rampage. Sometimes, a lycanthrope change to trigger lycanthropes: the solstice, the
can even enter this state through extreme emotional equinox, an eclipse, and even a meteor shower. I am led
and physical trauma, their fight response accelerating to believe that change—great, overwhelming change—
to ensure their survival by any means necessary. is what forces the lycanthrope to transfigure. One
must remember that lycanthropy’s magic is rooted
A lycan lost to a bloodlust is an extremely dangerous in symbolism. It is perhaps this reason that silver—
foe to face. Such a creature is not mindless, nor tacti- symbolic of the moon, and therefore, change—can
cally inept like one would expect, and instead becomes harm a lycanthrope.
a reckless killing machine intent on tearing apart any
creatures in its vicinity with a rage-induced focus. Danger
Although frenzied, the lycanthrope is still armed
with all the knowledge it possessed outside of the Not unlike any other animal, a creature infected with
bloodlust—even if the lycanthrope themselves is lycanthropy is most likely to react in the same manner
unaware that they are cursed with the dread affliction! as any other beast, should a dagger be plunged into its
torso. First, naturally, is a recoil of pain, followed shortly
Silvered weapons, while the most effective means to by a fight-or-flight response. Werewolves, however,
counter such creatures, are met with a wild-eyed adren- don’t appear to possess such a flight response, instead
aline-fueled anger, and these weapons—and those who replacing it with an unbridled aggression toward their
wield them—become targets for the beasts’ ire. attacker. An easy way to trigger a lycanthrope trans-
formation (when not in the light of a full moon) is to
Tr ansfigur ation induce some sort of sharp, short pain response, be it
Triggers with a silvered blade or a blunt instrument, hurled
heavily enough to draw blood. Suffice to say, out of
There are many events that can trigger a lycanthrope Moon, Danger, Emotion, and Hunger, Danger remains
into a bloodlust. I have found the most common four to the most efficient method of inducing the transfigura-
be a full moon, danger, such as that of a sudden dagger tion of an infected party at will. However, dear reader,
in the back, sheer hunger, and strong emotion—fear, be sure to prepare yourself before attempting such a
hate, and, tragically, love. I have found these classifica- blunt-force method, lest the beast’s sudden offensive
tions, Moon, Pain, Hunger, and Emotion, to be the most nature separate your head from its shoulders.
efficient method of identifying the likelihood a lycan-
thrope will succumb to their bestial counterpart. Hunger

The Full Moon Lycanthropes hunger for the flesh of men, but they can
also subside on the flesh of beasts. None, however, can
I have yet to understand exactly why the lycanthrope derive nourishment from other food. Should an infected
curse cannot resist the power of lunar light, though individual struggle to find sustenance for any great
make no mistake—the folklore surrounding the crea- length of time, the Beast Within grows increasingly
ture’s vicious, unbridled transformations is as true as it more desperate in its need to feed. Notably, a Hunger
sounds, at least from my comprehensive studies on the transfiguration occurs most often among infected
matter. Whilst yes, as described previously, my studies members of the peasantry or struggling communities
have yielded various strains that have the ability to where food is already scarce. When one is infected with
shrug off the temptations of monthly lunar events, the lycanthropy, one finds themselves far hungrier than
most commonplace lycans one is likely to encounter one of their species would expect to be. Thus, when
cannot: thus, it is an easy way to out any would-be food is already short, the introduction of a lycanthropic
harborer of the disease, and also stands as a stark

11

infection can very quickly devolve entire villages into A Lycanthrope’s Diet
sudden throngs of monstrous beasts, both feeding on
the uninfected and spreading the curse further afield in A lycanthrope diet consists mostly of red meat, though
equal measure. poultry is commonplace enough to be considered a
staple in larger cities, especially among infected nobles.
Few lycans can resist the Hunger trigger. Even those Those infected with lycanthropy early on exhibit
capable of managing their curse throughout the lunar a requirement for more meat, cooked rarer as each
cycles or sudden pain cannot escape the soft, grinding day goes one, until eventually, a horrified bystander
choke of malnutrition. discovers a newly infected lycanthrope feasting on
the raw remains of some unfortunate specimen—and
Emotion thus, the curse is revealed. Nobles and cults seeking to
hide their afflictions in polite company often do so by
Interestingly, though many lycanthropes devolve from feasting on raw vegetables alongside a platter of various
intelligent mortal beings to base demonic beasts upon cooked meats, though a quick investigation of their
their transfigurations, it is the mortal aspect, Emotion, food stores often reveals the truth—hanging carcasses,
that can be one of the strongest triggers. Hatred, the still bloody from the field, sporting deep gouges left by
most common trigger, exists most notably in those claw and steel.
infected with lycanthropy and unable—or unaware—
of the Beast Within’s existence. Such a trigger is excep- These storehouses of the wealthy can usually be
tionally easy to induce, especially if the subject at hand found hidden beneath the grounds, in cellars designed
already struggles with their own internal demons. to maintain extremely cold temperatures. As many
Fear has a similar effect, though such transformations lycans I have come across dislike salt, this is an efficient
usually occur only once or twice at the beginning of the method for them to ensure their meat remains fresh,
lycan’s lifetime, eventually being replaced with rage at though to a trained nose like myself, it is easy to distin-
an individual, hatred of a particular event, or simple, guish the smell of blood staining the halls leading
undiluted anger at a situation beyond their control. toward the cellar door once a carcass has been ripped
into once or twice.
Purestrain lycanthropes rarely succumb to such
basic triggers, however; such beasts maintain mastery Although lycanthropes can survive off of the meat of
over their emotional states as nobles, kings, and other beasts, they always hunger for humanoid flesh. From
high-born individuals are trained to do. To force a lycanthropes I have interviewed—sometimes at sword-
lycanthrope of such experience to reveal themselves, point, admittedly—I can confirm that a werebeast
especially in other company, requires a more… delicate derives less nourishment from beasts than people. So
hand. Most notably, one of Love. take heed, reader, for the largest purchasers of poultry
and beef may have more than just a taste for meat.
Should a loved one be in danger, harmed, or
otherwise cause distress to the infected individual, it
can induce a trigger in even the most self-controlled
lycanthrope. Though, should you intend to cause
such an emotional response, take care. While yes, it is
almost always guaranteed to be successful, expect for
the lycan in question to not forget such a transgres-
sion readily. Take heed of this and learn it well. I expe-
rienced the wrath of Love myself many moons ago, and
the transfigured pack hunted me relentlessly for weeks
at a time after my plan to oust them came to fruition. I
believe they’re still trying to clear up the destruction the
fighting wrought upon their manor to this day.

12

Hunting Environments
Lycanthropes
Werebeasts appear to haunt the same environment of
I have spent many years studying each lycanthrope in their symbolic animal. An individual may break the
its natural habitat, tracking the meddlesome beasts norm, of course, but many individuals follow a pattern.
across rolling hills, treacherous mountain peaks, and Just as the cheetah prowls the savannah, so too does its
even into the very depths of the bleakest jungles. The lycanthropic counterpart. I believe a lycanthrope—or
most important hunting discovery I can present to you, rather, the Beast Within—finds comfort in such familiar
aspiring hunter, is that each phenotype, while often terrain. However, the survivors I have managed to inter-
sharing similar vulnerabilities to silver, appears to have rogate have offered no confirmation to my theory, as if
their own unique weaknesses. Taking advantage of such they were unaware of this preference. Perhaps such a
weaknesses greatly increases your chances of survival, preference is not a conscious decision, instead mani-
though some materials might be more difficult to fested by the transfiguration itself. Below is a helpful
obtain than others. guide one should consult when hunting the trail of a
potential lycanthrope through these environments.
In this section of my illustrious tome, I have provided
detailed entries on each lycanthrope type and their Lycanthropes by Environment
preferred environment, as well as notes on a partic-
ular phenotype’s personal anathema and any particular Lycanthrope Preferred Environments
weapons I have found to be particularly effective in my
own encounters. werebat forests, countrysides

werebear arctic, forests, mountains, sacred or
forbidden places

wereboar forests

werecat varies (see below)

werecheetah savannas

werejaguar jungles

werelion savannas

weretiger jungles

werecrocodile jungles, swamps

werefox civilization, forests

werehyena savannas

wererat civilization

wereraven forests, civilization

wereserpent civilization, jungles

wereshark coasts, sea

werewalrus arctic, sea

werewolf varies

13

Lycanthropic Weaponry
Vulner abilities
The lycanthrope is legendary among all monsters for its
Lycanthropes are not all-powerful killers; they exhibit supernatural resilience against conventional weaponry.
weaknesses that any diligent hunter must take That silver is often required to harm a werebeast is no
advantage of. myth, but a fact I have ensured to put to the test many
a time before. I believe that this immunity is symbolic:
Anathema werebeasts are the bane of mortal creatures after all,
thus weapons crafted by outsiders, such as fey, fiends,
Every lycanthrope has a particular anathema—a herb or or celestial beings, undermine the beast’s resilience
chemical that proves fatal when ingested, even in small rather effectively.
doses. Anathemas are determined by a lycanthrope’s
phenotype, which I have classified in the section below. However, not all lycanthropes and their pheno-
types maintain this silver weakness. Though most are
One must be wary when trying to poison a lycan- sensitive to it, certain beasts—such as the infamous
thrope; the Beast Within can detect the anathema, werejaguars native to the realms of Chult—can only
even if the substance does not ordinarily give off any be harmed by weapons crafted of particular ore. In
scent. I have found that, even when mixed into ale or the werejaguar’s case, the beast appears immune to
baked into food, a lycanthrope is likely to notice such a silver, but flees at the sight and taste of obsidian-edged
scent and react accordingly. Some creatures might feign blades. In my research, I have taken to noting down
ignorance, pretending to ignore it and continue their these particular oddities, lest the discovery be made
masquerade, whereas others might lunge in for the kill in the field of battle (an event which, fortunately, only
before the anathema has a chance to be anywhere near plagued me during that experimental year of coastal
their lips. However the beast might react, it is important travel aboard the Wind’s Hope.)
to understand that presenting an anathema to a lycan-
thrope, first and foremost, sends the creature a very
clear message: their would-be prey is educated and
prepared for combat.

While ferocious and cunning creatures, many
lycans exhibit little forethought past a creature’s
initial intentions when it is presented with an
anathema. This gap in the beast’s psyche is a
marvelous tool to be exploited, should the hunter be
able to utilize it effectively. For example, I myself
planned to be ‘caught’ wielding an anathema by
a group suspected of harboring a lycanthrope in
order to uncover whether or not the rumors were
true. As it turned out, they were, in fact, true—
fortunately the beast’s supernatural strength
was no match for the concocted batch of dusted
belladonna I’d already set up in a cave mere
minutes before approaching their camp, and, so
focused as it was on discovering the sprig of the
plant clutched in my hand, it left no time before it
gave chase to relieve me of it. As the pursuit ensued,
I allowed the foolish creature to ‘corner’ me in said
cave, igniting the belladonna as we crossed its
threshold. Once the beast had inhaled the airborne
anathema, a single bolt to the chest was all it
required to fell it.

14

Against the such as a bar brawl, there is a chance for the disease to
Affliction spread, thus transforming an innocent town into an
epicenter of ravenous beasts overnight.
As my research into killing lycanthropes grew, so did my
interests into the affliction itself. What is lycanthropy? One must always take care when encountering
Is it a curse? A disease? As it turns out, it is both. My lycanthropes, as even the smallest scratch might yield
research began when I fought alongside my late friend, enough of a mark for the disease to change hands.
Sir Roberte Du’poie, on a hunting trip to a solitary isle Should a creature be subject to wounds from a lycan-
in southern Darkon, some three day’s journey from thrope, a quick method of dispelling the evil from the
the nearest fishing settlement. He was a magnificent wound is to sear it closed through the heat of a silvered
mountain of a man, with a powerful build capable of blade. Should silver not be available, a poultice of
defeating any foe in single combat. His true strength, juniper berries and holy water applied and bandaged
however, lay in his unshakable faith in the divine. That over the wound should also suffice. There is also the
faith never faltered, even as I saw the lycanthrope we so option of removing the wounded limb shortly after the
carefully stalked leap from the shadows and plunge its strike took place, though most individuals seem rather
fangs into Sir Roberte’s plated arm. I loosed a bolt from averse to the idea, so is best left as a last resort.
my crossbow into the beast, then stepped back to allow
the knight to net the decisive blow, severing its head Symptoms of
from its shoulders. Lycanthropy

At the time, I believed lycanthropy a blighted Be ever vigilant when approaching a wounded
disease, an untreatable infection curable only by death. soldier or sickly hamlet, for any one of them might be
It is also why Sir Roberte joined me on the unfortunate harboring the lycanthropic disease. While the infection
venture, for he was a paladin, sworn to the divine and can show differently in each individual, I have learned
immune to the voracious disease. Or so we thought. of a number of commonplace symptoms infected
creatures exhibit, many of which can’t be hidden
It took nought but a day before I was facing down easily. Take note of these symptoms, and ensure each
my old friend, now a twisted mass of hair, muscle, suspected of playing host to the Beast Within be tested
and fury, in single combat. Fortunately, I was able to through at least three of the following measures:
trap him long enough for him to regain control of the
Beast Within, and together we sought the help of a 1. The Spoon Test. Place a silver spoon atop the arm,
local wizard to discover why Sir Roberte’s immuni- forehead, or chest of the accused. Should the spoon
ties failed him. After many sleepless nights, we discov- leave a raised red or yellowing mark upon their skin,
ered the missing link: lycanthropy infects others like a it is a likely symptom of lycanthropic infection. One
disease, and can be transmitted as such, but as its core, might also use any other method of silver in order to
it is a vile, malevolent curse. One which, fortunately, Sir perform this test, though I have found spoons easiest
Roberte was able to be relieved of, though I couldn’t say to come by, and by far the least conspicuous to have
the same for many of the other creatures of whom faced on one’s person.
my blade over the years.
2. Sudden Fevers. Has the individual been exhibiting a
Tr ansmitting fever since returning from their recent expeditions? A
Lycanthropy cold sweat, high pulse, and increased body tempera-
ture are all symptoms of a possible lycanthrope
Like any disease, lycanthropy can be transmitted to infection. If the fever subsides over the course of a
other creatures by means of a scratch, bite, or other night’s rest, it is likely the victim has been subject to a
open wound. Should a victim be bitten by a lycan- recent infection.
thrope, it is only a matter of time before the infection
finds its way inside, binding with the target’s blood 3. Check for Marks. An obvious one, but an easy one
and corrupting their soul. Should an infected creature for a guilty party to hide, wounds caused by a
form a union with an uninfected individual, or engage lycanthrope have been known to leave behind a
in an act that would risk spreading its blood to another, residue which makes the edges of the skin appear
scorched. On darker skin, this can instead appear as
a whitening of the skin around the wound, which

15

glimmers when held in the light of a lantern. The Van Richten’s Beast Bane Tonic
appearance on the wound can develop over a number
of hours, so it is wise to maintain observations Ingredients
overnight if looking for signs of infected wounds. For land-based tonic:
4. Bloodshot Eyes. An infected individual exhibits 3 lbs Ground Fern
bloodshot eyes after an infection has progressed 5 lbs Garlic
for more than eight hours without detection or 3 lbs local Sun-Dried Earth
treatment. Most of the time, this symptom vanishes 1 lb Crushed Oak leaves
after a night’s rest and a hot bath, granting a small 1 lb Dried Tree Bark
window of time in which to spy it. A victim’s eyes can 3 drops Wolf ’s Blood
also become bloodshot again after eating meat, such 1 cup of local Rainwater
as that of a chicken or fish, and this becomes more Silver pestle and mortar
evident the further along the infection is in develop- Iron cup
ment. A victim left untreated for a number of days, Empty Waterskin
for example, is more likely to exhibit bloodshot eyes
upon waking of a morning, than one who faced their For ocean-borne tonic:
infector a day prior. 3 lbs Ground sand or clay
5. Lavender Scents. Some creatures infected with 5 lbs Garlic
lycanthropy emit a strange scent of lavender, which 1 cup of local Swamp, Sea or Ocean water
increases in strength upon being submerged in water 2 lbs Crushed Swamp Weed or Seaweed
for ten minutes or more. Much akin to the low odor of w1 lhbicShalyt,opurterfaevraelbly from the waters upon
a wet mongrel, an infected creature is unable to mask 3CrdorcoopdsilSe’esaBl’lsoBodlood, Shark’s Blood, or
this scent effectively when damp. A lycan, wishing Silver pestle and mortar
to hide this symptom, might refuse to bathe when Iron cup
others are nearby, or ensure they dry off near an open Empty Waterskin
window or outside on a breezy day.
6. Shortness of Breath. The infection can show as a Light a fire atop the ground sand or clay, then
shortness of breath, a symptom that goes hand-in- boil the water in the iron cup until bubbling and
hand with the aforementioned fevers. Such shortness leave to simmer throughout. Mix the garlic and
of breath begins with a slight tachypnea, followed by crushed swamp weed or seaweed in a silvered
a continuous struggle to maintain a normal respira- pestle and mortar until pasted, then add 1 drop
tory rate. This dyspnea can also be aggravated further of blood and mix well. Set aside add the salt to the
upon exposure to raw meats, such as freshly cut simmering water. Mix until dissolved, then add 2
venison or gutted fish. drops of blood. Continue to mix until water turns
light red. Mix in the garlic seaweed paste and cover
Preventative for 5 minutes, or the remaining water evaporates,
Measures leaving behind a sticky paste. Fill into a waterskin.
Once filled and sealed, the mixture can last up to a
While traveling in the wilderness where lycanthropes tenday before expiring.
are commonplace, it is wise to bring with you a beast’s
bane tonic. This pale green paste isn’t a permanent Apply to the affected wound and cover for
solution to a potential infection, but when consumed 8 hours to reduce the infection. Alternatively,
or applied to a lycanthrope wound, it draws the disease consuming half the mixture can provide resistance
from the bloodstream and helps to delay onset infec- to oceanic or water-based lycanthropic infection for
tions until further removal methods can be applied. up to 8 hours.

The tonic can be crafted in one of two ways. I have
developed both a land-based tonic, and one that helps
better protect against ocean-borne creatures of the
night, though the methods for the tonic’s creation
are the same.

16

Confronting Acceptors of the Curse

Lycanthropy Most lycanthropes I have encountered are those formed
from cults to a particular dark god, or those indoctri-
A creature that becomes infested with the lycanthropic nated into a family of lycans through a noble house.
disease also becomes host to a dark entity I have named Wherever these creatures lurk, death and destruc-
the Beast Within. Through my studies of this strange tion are sure to follow, as the Beast Within has far
phenomenon, I have come to the conclusion that the more control over their minds and actions. Should a
Beast’s foremost goal is to feed, be it upon humanoid creature succumb to their curse, they exhibit a number
flesh or some other creature. of noticeable changes, even before their transfigura-
tion or symptoms begin to show. I have both read and
If an individual is infected with lycanthropy, their experienced for myself the sadness such a corruption
mannerisms, as described earlier in this guide, change. exudes—families broken apart as a loved one suddenly
However, what isn’t clear is how the Beast Within vanishes from a village, never to return, or abject horror
effects these changes. It appears each Beast has its upon discovering a recent, well-loved member of a
own personality—or goals, at least. While some community was behind a senseless murder, of which
Beasts Within seem to focus entirely on their over- they appear to hold no remorse. Many who accept the
whelming need to feed, other subjects have exhibited curse also actively choose to avoid cooked meats, taking
a need to form bonds with others of their kind, going jobs as hunters for nearby towns as a means to sate
so far as to infect new hosts, should they be unable to their hunger while remaining undetected. Such individ-
achieve the former. uals have shown to be unable to trigger their transfor-
mation by sudden jolts of pain, and sometimes even can
A creature can choose to confront the curse, should ignore the moon itself. But as the Beast Within grows,
they have the mental fortitude to do so, or accept it, and so does its hunger—rare is the lycanthrope who has
allow the Beast Within to dominate its will for a time succumbed to the curse and is not triggered by the sight
before the two minds find an amicable balance. and smell of a fresh kill.

Fighters of the Curse Should you come across a new town or village, first
check the blacksmith’s. Do they offer the service of
While rare, I have come across those who have managed silvering weapons? If not, why? Secondly, observe
to resist the curse’s effects, and continue to spend their the method of food delivery. Does a port town have
lives doing so. Some allow the Beast Within a meager a particularly large wealth of fisherfolk but only
glimpse of freedom, becoming their lycanthrope form a dozen boats? Perhaps a few hunters live away
in situations where those they care about are in danger. from the town in woodland shacks, only to arrive
Others mask the disease entirely, choosing to live apart every few days with slaughtered deer? While
from their communities or harboring a deep-seated these individuals may simply be exceptionally
secret that, if exposed, could ruin their family name. efficient at their labor, or eccentric members of the
community, there is a larger chance a lycan may
These brave souls who continue to fight against this be lurking among them.
malevolent illness exhibit certain particular traits, most
commonly that of needing to consume nothing but
meat, or being unable to recall dreams—or sleep at all,
for that matter.

Such hosts have also managed to sate the Beast
Within’s need for food, ensuring that, even if they were
to starve for several days, a bloodlust transformation
could not be triggered by malnourishment. However,
such individuals almost always show a great mental
and emotional strain on their well-being, making
bloodlust transformations due to sudden, intense pains
more likely.

17

Curing Lycanthropy Firstly, the lycan must be forcibly removed from
their pack for at least a tenday. If the moon has risen
Being both a curse and a disease, lycanthropy is not easy the night before the abduction, the Beast Within is least
to cure. As mentioned in my studies into the various likely to be able to manifest itself again, and so, should
types of lycanthropes, the most efficient method of you be able, striking immediately after a full moon is
removing the curse is to slay the progenitor lycan, highly recommended.
though depending on the strain of the creature you are
dealing with, this might not be a viable option. Certain Once captured, the lycan must be locked in a stone
spells, such as remove curse, cast with enough potency, structure that measures at least 10 feet in all dimen-
have proven to be effective in certain cases of lycan- sions. The mortar must be laced with flecks of silver
thropic infection; however, only the mythical wish spell and wolfsbane before being applied, both ensuring
is guaranteed to destroy the disease without immedi- the structure is warded against outside intrusion, and
ately killing the host or leaving them with remnants of preventing the Beast Within from manifesting itself at
the Beast Within’s personality (which otherwise fade inopportune moments. Creating such a bunker in an
over time, but can have long-lasting effects on an indi- underground location, such as a cave by the sea or an
vidual’s psyche). excavated area of mountainous terrain, is also highly
recommended.
Exorcizing The Curse
Secondly, the host must be fed a liquid concoc-
Through my travels across the many planes of existence, tion each day for the duration of their captivity,
I have developed a specialized ritual to be used against which includes at least half a pound of that pheno-
those infected with lycanthropy, which I have named type’s anathema, ground into a paste and blended
the Ritual of Cleansing. I have taught this ritual to as to be as obscure as possible in the taste. The Beast
many clergy as will listen, and thusly, should you step Within is still likely to detect it, but—providing the
into the halls of Selûne or another well-worshiped aforementioned structure has been correctly rein-
deity, it is likely you may find a member of the devout forced—the host, if willing, should be able to ignore
able to assist you in amassing the required ingredients their disgust and consume the liquid with little diffi-
and reciting the correct incantations. culty. For more unwilling hosts, it is best to utilize
spells such as command or suggestion, as opposed to
While I have tried to explore an alternative ritual causing unwarranted stress and accidentally inducing a
one can use on themselves to prevent a permanent transformation.
lycanthropic infection, I have yet to be successful.
It appears that such magic can only remove Thirdly, 24 hours before the ritual can begin, the
an infection once it has taken hold, and is not a host must be exposed to holy unguents and be washed
preventative measure, but a vaccine that requires (or at least covered) in holy water mixed with blessed
a live infection to combat. Thus, to successfully oils. Within the structure, a potent spellcaster with
become immune to lycanthropy through this ritual, knowledge of the hallow and dispel evil and good spells
one must first be cursed by it. A necessary evil, some must draw out a sacred circle of binding with powdered
might say, to ensure a hunter never need fear the silver and iron in a 5-foot radius around the center of
mark of a werewolf again. the structure, ensuring the lycanthrope is within it,
bound in silver or iron chains. Twenty-three candles
must then be placed evenly around the circle’s edge and
infused with a portion of the ritualist’s divine strength.

If performed correctly, the symbols shown in the
diagram below should emit a warm blue hue, and thus
the Ritual of Cleansing can begin.

The ritual takes 1 minute to complete, and requires
the following spells be cast, in this order, one after the
other: protection from evil and good, lesser restoration, and
remove curse.

18

The caster who drew the circle must remain focused For the duration of the ritual, a reading must be
on the circle’s channeling for the duration of the ritual, spoken aloud by a third party, one who possesses no
though a secondary spellcaster can share the weight of magical power of their own, but holds conviction in
this magic. Should their concentration be broken, the the ritual’s righteousness and necessity, even when
ritual fails and the candles explode in an almighty burst faced with pleas of mercy and screams of pain from
of blue flames (which is not pleasant for any member the exorcized individual. Such screams are not always
involved, let me assure you). featured during a channeling, but it is important to
remember: any distractions or outbursts made by the
It is advisable to employ multiple spellcasters to host are not of their doing, but of the Beast Within.
ensure the spells are successful, as should the lycan These are foul and underhanded attempts at disrupting
escape their chains, they are not bound to the circle. the ritual to gain freedom, but one that, in my experi-
Provided the ritual is complete and the lycanthrope ence with emotional aids, can prove to be extremely
remains within the stone structure, the ritual is effective if given attention.
still able to successfully eliminate the curse and
the Beast Within from the host completely, and in I have attached the reading here. Commit it to
its entirety. memory and recite it daily. If you lose this book, this
recital might well save your life, should you find
The lycanthrope, upon being exposed to the divine yourself facing the Beast Within with no tools other
magic of cleansing, then transfigures into their hybrid than your conviction and a friendly (or hostile, as the
or bestial form. Like poison drawn from an infested case may be) ear.
wound, the Beast Within is dragged out of the host,
forcing the unfortunate soul to endure one final trans- Upon the completion of the ritual and the final
formation before being cleansed of their nightmarish verses being spoken, there is a chance for the Beast
disease once and for all. It is important, during this Within to dominate the host entirely. If this proves to be
time, to ensure the ritual caster maintains their control the case, the ritual has failed, and the host shall remain
over the circle, and have ample arms at the ready to fend forever as a predatory, hateful beast, and must be dealt
off the beast’s inevitable attempts to escape the circle. with by silver and steel.

During this transformation, I have noticed a However, should the host’s will prove strong enough
frequent increase in the beast’s severity of attacks to counter the domineering demands of the Beast
and overall strength of will. Perhaps this is a mere Within, they shall eventually transform back into their
side effect of channeling such potent magical original mortal form—usually within the hour, though
energy into their surroundings? Or perhaps, might I’ve found cases in my travels where transformation
it be a sudden jump in the curse’s own strength, took up to eight hours or longer. Once the curse is
knowing its time is coming to an end? removed, a fragment of holy magic sears the host’s soul,
preventing them from being corrupted by the lycan-
This is something I have yet to decipher, but is thropic disease again.
important to note, nonetheless.
While this ritual is extensive, when performed
correctly, it proves very successful in the removal
of weaker strains of lycanthropy. Those who have
bonded with their Beast Within can prove more…
difficult. Thus, it is advised to apply reason and logic
to the host before applying aggressive tactics while
in captivity. Should the host see through the veil of
evil cast upon them by their predatory alter-ego,
the ritual is far more likely to result in success.

19

Audire bene, tu fiendish amicorum!
Excitare ad me, tuam praedam, et raptor,
et ortum est loqui cum me, Bestia Intra Animalia!

Vos tenere non potentia sub oculis Domini mei, et Domina,
Sensus erit, erit nil, sed caduca lux

Sub divini ritus, et per fidem meam ut
Ego, mitte te de hoc carcere carnis! Ego, mitte te de hoc

cubiculum lapis!
Vos sunt ingrata hic, in hanc domum et domum!

Accumsan hoc corpus! Accumsan imperium!
Accumsan tuum fames! Accumsan hoc anima!

Accumsan hoc corpus! Accumsan imperium!
Relinquish tuum fames! Relinquish hoc anima!

Accumsan hoc corpus! Accumsan imperium!
Accumsan tuum fames! Accumsan hoc anima!

vide videre errare non est in translatione tua

Listen well, thou fiendish of fiends!
Awaken unto me, your prey and captor,
and rise to speak with me, Beast Within Beasts!

You hold no power under the eyes of my Lord and Lady,
Your sense of will shalt be naught but a fading light
Under my divine rite, and through my faith’s might

I banish thee from this prison of flesh! I banish thee from this
chamber of stone!

You are unwelcome here, in this house and home!

Release this body! Release control!
Release your hunger! Release this soul!

Release this body! Release control!
Relinquish your hunger! Relinquish this soul!

Release this body! Release control!
Release your hunger! Release this soul!

20

Werebeast Werehyenas are craven, opportunistic predators
Phenotypes that hunt in packs—not out of camaraderie,
but necessity.
In my research, I have identified a total of thirteen
groups—or phenotypes—of lycanthropes. Phenotypes Wererats which infest cities and operate much like
are broad, but they all share the same characteristics thieves’ guilds.
of a lycanthrope: procreation (through birth or trans-
mission), a hunger for flesh, and a symbolic animal. Wereravens, curious and paranoid lycanthropes
Although it is possible there are more phenotypes to be whose curse often drives them toward good. Their
discovered, I have concluded that a werebeast must be vengeance, however, is nothing to be trifled with.
symbolic of an omnivorous or carnivorous animal—
no pure herbivores have ever been found. Say goodbye Wereserpents, which come in two varieties: the
to your neighbor’s tales of a dreaded weremoose or venomous wereviper and the massive werepython.
crafty wererabbit. Wereserpents are heartless killers that prefer to
hunt other lycanthropes—wereravens and wererats
These phenotypes are: specifically—over ordinary beasts and people.

Werebats, opportunistic, hematophagous lycanthropes Weresharks haunt the oceans and freshwater seas of
often confused for vampires by the uneducated. the world. Some are worshiped as messiahs by the
dreaded sahuagin.
Werebears, whose curse heightens territoriality, pride,
and sense of duty. Werewalruses are familial creatures, gentle yet selfish
hedonists who prefer the path of least resistance.
Wereboars, sadistic lycanthropes that delight in
spreading their curse to others. Werewolves, the most vicious of all lycanthropes, the
legends of which stretch back to antiquity.
Werecats, a broad group that contains werecheetahs,
werelions, weretigers, and the elusive werejaguar. For ease of reading and reference, I have broken
Werecats are haughty creatures driven neither down each phenotype into its own category. Each
toward evil or good, but vanity. category features details on the creature’s instinc-
tive natures and personality, vulnerabilities, social
Werecrocodiles are heartless, patient, and strangely behaviors and common habitats, and the level of
forgiving predators. Prey that escape their initial danger posed by an encounter with such a creature (on
attack rarely provoke a second ambush—but the a scale of 1 through 10). I assume, if you are reading
hunter that dares try to kill a werecrocodile earns a these notes, you are doing so in preparation for an
terrifying enemy. engagement and shall plan accordingly. Should you be
ambushed or caught unprepared, expect the level of
Werefoxes delight in intrigue and often act as spymas- danger to increase by a factor of 5 for each phenotype.
ters or puppeteers. They often have good intentions
but justify any cost in achieving it.

21

Werebats sport of it. The werebat relishes in its ability to inflict
others with the fear of the unknown, striking in dark
One of the most common phenotypes I have come alleyways or atop distant rooftops, where their form
across in my travels, the werebat populates caverns and can easily be mistaken for that of a vampire by terrified
passages in the Underdark throughout the world. Many onlookers. To those werebats who live outside of a
cultures have found their own names and descriptors structured society, their gluttonous nature can prove an
for such creatures, though they all share a particular easy identifier to seasoned hunters. Large areas devoid
trait: they are often mistaken for vampires at first sight. of fauna or farmland stripped bare of livestock can
indicate the presence of a werebat infestation.
Werebats are cunning creatures who use their
vampiric appearance to great effect when negotiating Werebat
territory or chasing prey. Hunters who mistakenly
assume they are hunting a vampire might, for example, Vulner abilities
present a holy symbol or pungent herbs as a means to
enter the werebat’s domain safely, only to be torn apart Like all lycanthropes, werebats have a natural aversion
by the creature dwelling inside, their preparations inac- to silver—most notably arrows and other weapons that
curate and costly. can piece their thick hides. Werebats are also vulner-
able to the consumption and burning of skullcup (scul-
Werebat Nature leteria), which, when inhaled, can cause extreme pain,
vomiting, and eventual death. A common tactic to rid a
Werebats are naturally aggressive creatures, and can cave of werebats is to enter with a lantern and a fistful
operate during daylight hours, though they are most of sculleteria, and upon sighting the creatures, plunge
active around dawn and evening—the twilight hours, the skullcup bundle into the lantern’s oil and leave it to
as many call it. As these creatures are hematophagous burn, flushing out the cave within a matter of minutes.
predators, they don’t require killing their victims in
order to feed, requiring instead a liter of blood each day Werebat Behavioral
to survive—but many still choose to kill merely for the
Tr aits

Werebats prefer to live in tight-knit large groups
known as cauldrons. Some may choose instead to live
in solitude, but when threatened, they still seek out
others of their kind for protection. A cauldron has a
strict hierarchy of leadership, in which age and wisdom
are valued (slightly) more than raw power. The oldest
werebat possesses an extensive knowledge of political
powers in the region, which they use to manage the
cauldron’s societal behaviors, allowing them to better
blend into cities undetected.

Werebat society lives akin to nobility,
masquerading as such to maintain
their vampiric standing amongst
their subjects on whom they
feed. A single cauldron can
span hundreds of acres,
incorporating multiple
towns in which the cauldron
rules from behind the
curtain as members of the
upper class.

22

Spreading the Curse Particularly, it appears that the Beast Within
manifests slightly differently in these creatures, leading
Werebats take great care with whom they bestow their their hosts to believe they are in some way blessed by
curse upon. Unlike werewolves who can infect others the disease, instead of cursed by it. Werebears see them-
with reckless abandon, the only way to be infected selves as nature’s guardians given form, and take on
by a werebat is to be bitten by one via a set of sharp the role of shepherds, wardens, and guides for those
extending fangs. Thus, the werebats ensure any newly who find themselves lost in the vast wilderness which
infected lycanthropes have these fangs removed, lest populates their regions.
they spread the curse by accident. However, these fangs
regrow every few weeks, and so continue to be removed Whilst yes, I can admit that the werebear is, for the
until the infected individual learns to master their Beast most part, tipped toward acts of good grace and
Within’s urges, which can take months or even years. charity for the downtrodden—even going so far as
to actively hunt other, more malicious lycanthrope
Werebats are an interesting phenotype. While most phenotypes—most, if not all of the individuals I
spread their curse through infection alone, I have have encountered have displayed a rather eccentric,
noticed that a natural equilibrium develops, should holier-than-thou attitude. Which is by no means
too many of their kind propagate in one area. uncommon among people, though usually, I find
True werebat couples might appear to be unable this to be most prevalent (and frustrating) in
to conceive, while other strains might engage in paladins and druids. To see a lycanthrope adopt
bloody brawls, their tensions raised from a lack of the same mannerisms does raise an interesting
food, until enough of the werebats are either killed question: can this curse be used for the betterment
or flee to pastures new. Perhaps removing the of mortalkind? A small element of myself believes it
livestock from a prosperous area, if only for a tenday could be possible, though just because an individual
or two, might cause a destabilization within a insists on campaigning for a righteous cause does
cauldron’s ranks enough to reveal their true nature not immediately mean they themselves are on a
to the populace? righteous path.

Werebears Werebear
Vulner abilities
While most of my studies into lycanthropic behavior
suggest that these beasts of the night—or at least, Though oddly righteous in nature, a werebear is still
their Beasts Within—are no more than ravaging, evil a lycanthrope, and thus when needed, I have found
creatures rife with animalistic hatred and hunger, the silvered weapons to prove effective in their removal.
humble werebear is a phenotype that defies such expec- Additionally, when a lycan family offered me a place
tations, even going so far as to aid my companions and I to rest while I was hunting down a banshee haunting
in defeating other evils in their habited regions. their ancient grove, I found their home to be devoid of
iron. Most of their cooking was done over an open fire
To say werebears are good creatures might prove on spits, and food was served to me with wooden bowls
to be a bit of a stretch, but there is no doubt in my and utensils. Though I have never needed to put the
mind that this particular phenotype appears to have theory to the test, this suggests werebears may also be
great capacity for actions bordering on the caring exceptionally vulnerable to iron.
and have shown themselves to be of a protective and
docile nature. In my search for an effective anathema, I have found
atropa belladonna, crushed into a paste and applied to
Werebear Nature cuts of meat, to be functional enough to at least weaken
the werebear’s Beast Within when performing the
Like other phenotypes in this tome, a werebear is still Ritual of Cleansing. Whether a large enough dose of
plagued by the Beast Within’s demand for mortal flesh. this can prove fatal to the creatures remains to be seen,
However, those who bear the bear’s mark appear to but given the flora’s poisonous nature, I don’t expect it
have a natural grasp over this hunger that far exceeds should prove anything less than so.
other phenotypes. So much, in fact, they are able to
focus entirely on hunting other beasts for sustenance,
as opposed to villages filled with innocents.

23

Werebear Behavioral Additionally, when living within a non-infected
community, werebears are not shy about revealing their
Tr aits curse, seeing the community as a whole as part of the
sleuth and to be protected and cared for as such.
I have had limited experience with the werebear in
comparison to other lycanthrope phenotypes, mainly Werebears living in isolation also appear to retain
due to their docile nature. Rarely do I come across a their sense of community, drawing as little from the
werebear that is immediately hostile, and rarer still are land as is needed, and tending to their groves or relic
the reports which arrive on my lap telling of werebear sites of importance as a groundskeeper would. Should
attacks on the local populace. Yet this tome would a passerby require aid, it is not uncommon for the
not be complete if I didn’t at least apply what small werebear to offer assistance for a short time, helping
knowledge I have gleaned from my meetings with the traveler along their journey before returning to their
the beasts into its pages. Most werebears are solitary usual duty. However, it is unlikely for the werebear
creatures, as duty—or a delusion thereof—often drives to reveal its true nature; therefore be mindful of any
a werebear to sacrifice the bonds they have already individual tending to a sacred or hallowed site with
made. But there are, of course, exceptions to the rule: a lack of iron tools. While they might not pose an
werebears that choose to forge clans or families, immediate threat, sudden insults or damage to their
however few and far between. Such family units are sacred sites may inadvertently induce a trigger, and it is
commonly referred to as sleuths, no doubt a moniker always worth being prepared, should the Beast Within
taken from their Ursidae kin. determine you to be a threat.

Werebears can be found living in villages near fresh- The Apex. The werebear apex is a creature I have
water rivers and ancient sites of sacred value, usually only encountered once, and hope to never do so again.
adopting the occupation of fisherfolk or hunters. I was fortunate, at least, that my life was not deemed

24

important enough for the creature to extinguish. As to Spreading the Curse
why, I don’t know, but to this day, the beast remains
one of the few creatures I have not been able to slay, and Werebears actively refuse to spread their curse to others
not for my lack of trying. unless the prospective inductee has proven them-
selves to be trustworthy and dedicated to a righteous
This is a creature that is born of extreme grief cause. Infecting another creature requires the curse to
and loss—a creature that has lost everything they be transmitted through a bite—something a werebear
had throughout their life, including those they held actively avoids in combat unless in a rage-induced state
most dear. I recall aiding the creature as I hunted for of anger. From my understanding, there is also no way
the whereabouts of Count Gideon Myre, a powerful for a werebear to bestow their curse upon their children.
vampire with an army of the dead under his command. When protecting a village, the sleuth chooses a new
Little did I know that the werebear who offered me protector to bear the curse only when needed, believing
her services in hunting Myre was doing so to avenge it to be a burden few should ever shoulder.
the death of her wife and daughter. Had I known what
terrible misery was to befall her, I would never have It is always wise to remember, should you encounter
accepted her aid. Upon slaying the vampire general an aggressive werebear: take note of their attack
who served under Count Gideon, I saw her eyes become pattern. Are they attempting to bite you? Then
devoid of emotion and color. Her sadness melted into remove their head with silver. Are they only using
uncaring nihilism as we progressed up the blood- claws or other weapons? Then there is chance
soaked steps to face the Count, her form growing for negotiation. Most likely, the beast is only
ever more powerful with every step. By the time we attacking a means to protect something they hold
had defeated Myre’s last undead regiment, she had dear, and thus can be reasoned with to find an
succumbed to an incredible transfiguration, unable to amicable solution.
shift back into her humanoid form and bristling with
power I have never seen in the likes of a werebeast to
this day. Little did I know this transformation was to be
the first and only time I would experience the might of a
werebear apex in its full, terrifying glory.

She slew the vampire with ease, tearing his body in
half as I lunged for the vampire’s coffin and destroyed
it. It was only then I realized this creature was no longer
interested in a cause for good. As the beast locked eyes
with me across the stone-laden halls, I knew she had
to be slain. But alas, she shrugged off my blows with
ease, turning away only briefly to recover from the dried
atropa belladonna thrown across its features, then struck
me with an extraordinary strength I had only seen in
the likes of the largest storm giants.

I returned to face the apex thrice more, each time
with a group of seasoned adventurers at my side willing
to end the beast’s suffering. And thrice more we fled,
broken and defeated, from those bloodied halls. The
power of an apex is something I have faced before, but
nothing had prepared me for the trials this partic-
ular beast presented to me. It is a grave burden
indeed, to know she still stalks the lands, and
the graver still to see the result of such grief
made manifest.

25

Wereboars Wereboar Nature

Throughout my travels, never have I experienced a host Where to begin with these malignant creatures?
of creatures as aggravating, frustrating and problematic Wereboars have a simple, violent nature, one which
as wereboars. These impetuous swine delight in sowing reflects the swine with which they share kinship. While
misery and pain wherever they go, plowing through appearing docile at first, a wereboar is likely to trample
countryside and towns alike with a menacing fury. you into the ground as soon as it has the opportunity to
do so. Many wereboars prefer to remain in their beast
A single wereboar alone proves to be a troublesome state, destroying farmland, upturning delivery carts,
foe, filled with a dark malice akin to that of a demon or and sowing chaos and misery purely because they can.
devil. In herds, these creatures transform from barn-
raiding pests to a tide of roaring hooves that can flatten It is unwise to attempt to open negotiations with
small villages in a matter of hours. wereboars, as there is nothing they appreciate more
than to invite unwary adventurers into their homes
While I have stressed many a time throughout under the guise of friendship and gut them in the
this journal that the lycanthropic disease need middle of the night.
not be the end of a creature’s life, and that there
are methods in which to cure—or at least live Wereboar
with—the disease to bear a fruitful existence, I fear
this may not be the case for the wereboar. Cruel, Vulner abilities
simple-minded, and violent for the sake of violence,
it is recommended to remove a wereboar infestation Wereboars are susceptible to silvered piercing weapons,
as quickly as possible. Should a recently infected such as spears and pikes, but appear more resilient to
host appear a candidate for cleansing then so be those that bludgeon their opponents to death, most
it, but any lycanthrope that has lived for more likely because of their thick hides and stout builds.
than a week with the curse has very little chance However, the most effective means of overcoming this
of redemption—and thus will likely need to be put resilience appears to stem from ancient weaponry used
to the sword. to hunt boars in early generations—a symbolic weapon
used to both pierce the defenses of the lycan’s hide, and
also strike at the Beast Within itself. A branch of fine
oak, carved into a traditional spear or arrow with a head
of sharpened stone, has proven not only to circumvent

any defenses the wereboar presents,
but also appears to strike fear into
the beasts themselves. This can be
used both to intimidate wereboars
before they attack, or even to force
them to flee an engagement.

26

Regarding their anathema, I have found charred chosen target. Once the tuskherd arrives at the city,
camphor a fine method of ensuring their demise. they throw themselves against its walls, forcing their
Though the camphor can still be detected amidst raw way through the defenses and reveling in the destruc-
meat, mixing the charred remains with water (or better tion they have wrought. After a few hours, any surviving
yet, blood) and spreading it across a path known to members of the tuskherd—now exhausted from the
be crossed by wereboars is the most viable method I migration—choose a location in which to set up a new
have found for masking its scent. Additionally, should home, either within the ruins of the city itself, or within
the wereboar not consume the mixture immediately, the surrounding countryside. Over time, the tuskherd
its squalid nature means that once the wereboar has swells to breaking point with new members infected
walked through the camphor once, the mixture quickly from the previous migration, and the cycle begins anew.
sticks to their underside and can be taken back to the
wereboar’s tuskherd like ants unknowingly returning Spreading the Curse
poison to their queen.
Wereboars delight in spreading their lycanthropic
Wereboar Behavioral phenotype to other creatures, relishing the ensuing
chaos a new infection can bestow on a small, unpre-
Tr aits pared village. Many wereboars go out of their way to
infect adventurers during combat, even leaving them
Urban wereboars live in squalor, frequenting dark, alive upon their defeat, so they can watch their newly
muddy locations such as sewers, caverns, and swamps infected members retreat to the safety of a nearby
near to civilization. Their cousins, wild wereboars, can village to recuperate, completely unaware of the disease
be found populating wild areas across all regions, from now flowing through their veins.
icy tundra to tropical forests, but are most commonly
found in wide open grassland, relatively close to an In my experience fighting the wereboar menace,
accessible food source, such as a farm. Rarely alone, I have noticed they exhibit a particular hatred
these foul creatures choose to live in large groups of werebears and werewolves, most likely due to
of between twenty or more, known as a tuskherd. their shared habitats. This can be used to some
Members of the tuskherd opt to remain in their beast advantage, given the creatures are quick to leap into
forms for as long as possible, giving in to their Beast an unthinking rage at the sight of one or the other.
Within’s murderous urges and solving many societal Should you be preparing to remove a tuskherd
issues with brute strength and violence. No one before it is ready for a migration, consider drawing
wereboar rises to become warchief of a tuskherd for its attention to a local werewolf population to help
long. Instead, a group of four or five individuals oversee thin their numbers before finishing them off.
the tuskherd’s activities and answer directly to the
warchief, but remain mostly inactive unless instigating
a migration.

Migrations. Every year, the tuskherd’s brutality
reaches a breaking point, where the rate of violence
becomes so high that the tuskherd risks tearing itself
apart in a wild fury. To combat this, a number of indi-
viduals, strong of mind and body, rise above the
group to help direct their aggression outwards—this
is known as a migration. During the migration, the
warchief chooses a distant city, many miles away, for
the tuskherd to focus their aggression on. What ensues
is a vicious, bestial display of raw brute strength, trans-
formed into a mass of howling roars which echo across
the landscape like the coming of an avalanche. And like
an avalanche, the tuskherd charges as one, decimating
anything in their path as they move toward their

27

Werecats Werecat Nature

The werecat phenotype spans a great many variants, The Beast Within manifests within werecat subpheno-
though I have carefully categorized each I have encoun- types as a blighted, prideful arrogance. Whilst I have
tered into one of four distinct subphenotypes: namely found werecats to not be inherently driven to evil, it is
the werecheetah, werejaguar, werelion, and weretiger. this arrogant pride which often lends them to perform
Each werecat subphenotype shares a particular disdain more selfish actions, even to the detriment of their
for outsiders and an acute obsession with being as own kin. Many werecats live with the belief that all
destructive as possible without injuring others. revenge, however petty, is a necessary act to ensure
they maintain their prideful ways. The sharp defacing
Note from van Richten: I find myself questioning of a beautiful painting, offhand destruction of a potted
whether this particular phenotype is more plant, or even something as simple as moving a neigh-
susceptible to demonic possession due to its inherent bor’s keys to inconvenience them throughout their day
chaotic nature, though I also find cats in general to are all acceptable forms of revenge to a werecat.
be questionable as beasts, given their love of murder
and destructive behavior. I have yet to uncover the However, there are benefits to a werecat’s pride—
reasoning behind these traits, and thus I have been should it be placated and nurtured, the Beast Within
forced to accept the conclusion that felines and can be easily tamed, if only for a few hours. During this
feline-kin must share a similar ancestry naturally time, one can utilize a werecat’s considerable talents,
tainted with raw chaotic magic. especially if coin is involved. I have been witness to
many werecat mercenary groups among adventuring
parties, and each has proven to be extremely useful,
both in skirmishes and all-out conflict—though it
is always wise to remember a werecat’s nature leads
them to ensure their own survival over others. Placing
a werecat in a life-or-death situation is a quick way
of ensuring the creature abandons you at their first
opportunity.

Werecat

Vulner abilities

All werecat subphenotypes share a common vulner-
ability to obsidian-laced weaponry; however, my
research has shown each has a particular anathema
weakness, unique to its particular subphenotype.
Werecheetahs are particularly susceptible to the ground
powder of the adansonia fruit, and need not consume
it to suffer its effects; often inhalation is enough for the
poison to do its work.

Werejaguars suffer from an interesting toxicity issue:
mercury. Even the slightest exposure to this partic-
ular chemical can leave the creature in intense agony.
However, unlike other phenotypes, the werejaguar is
unable to sense small increments of this chemical when
in raw meat, making tuna a risky meal. However, should
the werejaguar’s hunger overtake them, placing a trap
laced with raw tuna is something few creatures of their
type can resist.

28

Dried gum taken from the acacia drepanolobium safe, suitable habitat in which to live. These habitats
is the anathema I have found to be most effective vary depending on the werelion leading the pride, but
against the werelion subphenotype, though it requires most prefer wide open plains, grasslands, or savannah
consumption of at least half a pound of the flora for it regions in tropical or temperate climates. Their choice
to be deadly enough to dispatch them. The thorns of of habitat often brings the werelion into contact with
the acacia drepanolobium have also proven themselves the werecheetah, the fastest of the four subpheno-
to be effective when fired from a blowgun, but only as types. Similarly, the werecheetah also values leader-
a means of escape, as the damage dealt by such a thorn ship amongst their own kind, but takes a more coop-
is only strong enough to dissuade the werelion for a erative approach, joining with other werecheetahs to
few minutes. When traveling through lands likely to form groups known as coalitions. Though werecheetahs
be populated by werelions, it is wise to purchase a bag prefer to live in solitude, the safety the coalition offers
of acacia drepanolobium gum from a merchant as soon drives them to establish a home within a three-day
as possible and keep it on your person at all times, as radius of another werecheetah, forming a wide net of
the scent alone can prove putrid enough to a werelion’s territory that can span entire countries. Out of all the
senses to allow you passage unimpeded. subphenotypes, I have found the werecheetah to be the
most organized and least driven by individual self-in-
Finally, I have found the weretiger’s anathema to terests. I have even seen them bartering with locals and
be none other than the ginseng root. When dried and offering assistance to other lycanthropes as a means to
crushed into a fine powder, simply touching the root ensure their survival, though these cooperative efforts
to the weretiger’s skin is enough to cause great pain almost always lend themselves to be more beneficial for
and irritation. A weretiger that consumes a full ginseng the coalition.
root is likely to be dead in a matter of minutes, and thus
these creatures rarely remain in a local populated by This brings me to my studies on the final werecat
ginseng trade. subphenotype, the werejaguar. Out of all the subphe-
notypes, the werejaguar has shown to be the most
Werecat Behavioral chaotic, wild, and unpredictable. Their Beast Within
takes great pride in ambushing prey and killing it with a
Tr aits single bite from their powerful jaws. Through my obser-
vations, it appears the werejaguar does not get along
Each werecat subphenotype has particular behavioral well with any other subphenotypes, but struggles the
traits, which helps to distinguish them. The weretiger, most with the weretiger. The werejaguar makes their
for example, is a solitary individual which revels in home in suspended treetop structures, adorned with
the thrill of the hunt, proving to be a ferocious athlete the trophies of their kills. Such trophies are also hung
when given the opportunity to join competitions, and from trees in the nearby area, marking their relatively
extremely territorial once settled in a region. A wereti- small territory with a clear, if grisly statement. Due to
ger’s territory spans over ten square miles. Any villages their preferred jungle habitat, the werejaguar’s hunting
in the territory are expected to pay tribute to the grounds often collide with the weretiger, which can
weretiger in exchange for their protection, usually in cause great strain on the inhabitants who reside there,
the form of a competition, sport, or hunt in which the especially if the werejaguar knows the locals are paying
weretiger can participate. tribute to their hunting rival.

The weretiger’s solitary behavior is a stark contrast
to the polyamorous nature of the werelion, whose pride
can feature several consorts at once. The weretiger
and werelion’s Beast Within shares a similar trait—
the desire for victory. However, while the weretiger
feels the drive for solitude and sates the Beast Within
through the thrill of the hunt, the werelion seeks
victory in leadership of their pride. A werelion’s Beast
Within drives them to kill off any creatures that would
threaten the pride or its leadership, including other
werelions, and pushes them to ensure the pride has a

29

Spreading the Curse Werecrocodiles

All werecat subphenotypes loathe the prospect of While many believe the first lycanthrope phenotype
infecting others—not out of care for the individu- to be that of the infamous werewolf, I believe that in
al’s well-being, of course, but because each type fears reality, the werecrocodile was likely first to inherit the
being ousted from their territory by new competition. lycanthropic disease. Such creatures are as ancient
Occasionally, a weretiger might infect a host in order as they are deadly, bearing a resounding strength
to ensure they remain sharp and wise to any newly and resilience which can challenge even the bravest
developed traits the infected lycan might produce, but I and most prepared of adventurers. A werecrocodile
have never seen such a host survive longer than a week possesses the most powerful bite of any lycanthrope
or so before the weretiger kills them. Werelions are phenotype, capable of crushing bone, brick, and stone
extremely xenophobic, refusing to accept any outsider in a mere instant. The creature’s only saving grace is
into their pride unless there is an extreme degree of their strange merciful nature—should you find yourself
trust, and thus always seeks to kill those they may have able to escape a werecrocodile’s grip and flee, you
infected with their curse, lest they return to challenge can do so safe in the knowledge you are unlikely to be
the werelion’s seat of power. The most likely subpheno- followed. This “mercy” is out of no sympathy for their
type to infect a creature would be the werejaguar, due lost prey, however, but rather a celebration of a worthy
to their volatile nature, but even these wild creatures try escape and deserved victory.
to restrain themselves from bouts of rapid infection—
mostly by tracking down fleeing hosts and killing them
outright. Should an individual exhibiting a werecat
infection return to their village, they place the entire
population in grave danger, not only due to the risk
of a sudden transfiguration trigger, but because the
very existence of a newly infected creature can draw in
nearby werecats like moths to a flame. I have experi-
enced firsthand the ferocity and devastation caused by
a werecat seeking to defeat their prospective replace-
ment—a fight with such desperation can only ever
lead to a village’s wanton destruction as the werecat
attempts to eliminate their competition.

30

Werecrocodile Nature Werecrocodile

The werecrocodile’s lycanthropic disease reduces its Vulner abilities
host to a hollow shell with muted, bleak emotions. The
Beast Within’s grasp on such a creature is extremely A werecrocodile cannot be harmed by modern
strong, driving its host to see love and empathy as the materials. Such an archaic curse bears a mighty resil-
enemy of all things. Those fortunate enough to survive ience to iron, steel, and even silver itself. Instead, I have
a werecrocodile’s bite and unfortunate enough to have discovered the answer to the question of vulnerability
been infected with their curse almost immediately can only be found by looking backward through time,
begin to exhibit an odd, bleak melancholy, coupled to a mineral which shares the werecrocodile’s ancient
only with a complete disinterest in the affairs of others. lineage: flint.
These symptoms can present themselves within an
hour of the encounter, making an infection easy to spot Be mindful of approaching a werecrocodile with
for those with a trained eye, such as myself. such a weapon, however. There is no reason in this age,
with so many other materials available, for a group of
Interestingly, this curse does not cause the host to adventurers to travel with flint in their possession. At
become devoid of emotion, but instead simply numb least, this is how the werecrocodile sees it. In the beast’s
to it. A werecrocodile can feign tears, sadness, grief, eyes, there is only one reason a group would wield such
remorse and even regret, should they choose to, though archaic weaponry—to kill something equally as old.
once the curse has taken hold, each emotion holds no
more meaning to the werecrocodile than presenting a A werecrocodile’s anathema is the mysterious
delicate flower to a salmon. magical root of the mandrake, which should be ground
into a paste and applied to the creature’s open wound
I have come up against my fair share of to ensure their demise. Ingesting the mandrake root,
werecrocodiles throughout my life as a hunter of while harmful, is not always enough to kill a werecroc-
the damned and the devilish, and each time I have odile outright, making it useful indeed for performing
barely escaped with my life. Though powerful and the Ritual of Cleansing.
manipulative, what the beast believes to be their
strength—their lack of emotional response—has Werecrocodile
also proven to me to be their greatest weakness.
The creature lures their prey in close by feigning Behavioral Traits
weakness, regret and fear, only to strike when
the hunter’s guard is down. Interestingly, upon Werecrocodiles are very solitary individuals who
the loss of their emotional responses, the beast make their homes in sewers, rivers, freshwater lakes,
holds no capability to recognize a falsity when and coastal settlements. Such individuals aren’t able
one presents itself. Thus, it can be easy to entrap to blend into society well, and often take the role of
a werecrocodile, in both humanoid and bestial groundskeepers, cemetery workers, or morgue assis-
form, by manipulating them into believing you are tants. Such roles have a tendency to be both unso-
paralyzed with fear or brashly overconfident in ciable and invisible in the eyes of society. Working in a
your abilities. The creature believes they are above morgue, in particular, also offers the lycanthrope easy
us ‘lesser’ mortals… believes they can outthink and access to a steady, mostly fresh supply of food.
outmaneuver us at every turn. Yet in each one of
my encounters, my saving grace when combating The werecrocodile ensures they only takes their fill
these monstrosities has always been the same— of a hunt, saving their energy and rarely killing more
crocodile tears of my own. than necessary. Prime targets for a werecrocodile’s
wrath include travelers who go missing when sailing
or crossing the coastlines, and explorers delving into
uncharted, swampy territory. Take care to note any
mysterious disappearances in such areas. Should there
be a common pattern, possibly associated with a partic-
ular river, lake or coastline townsfolk consider a bad
omen, it is likely to be the work of a werecrocodile.

There are two particular types of werecrocodile in
addition to your standard beast: the menace and the
apex. I feel it is important to clarify that whilst each

31

lycanthrope phenotype has its own apex strain, only The Apex. Each apex strain of lycanthrope requires a
a few are worthy of additional expansion. Most are particular event to occur in order to manifest; however,
exceptionally powerful, and all are exceptionally rare, few require such interplanar interaction as the apex
but each still retains the habits of their lesser born kin. werecrocodile. As the creature’s emotional state dimin-
I leave a note here for only specific cases: those which ishes, so does a small portion of their soul. Eventually,
I feel require a particular grace or specific method of a werecrocodile who steeps in their apathy for too long
handling. Or, as the case was for the werebear apex, succumbs to the Beast Within’s machinations, trans-
as a warning to never approach such a beast with the forming into an empty husk which draws upon the
intention of removing their head unless flanked by a power of the Shadowfell for sustenance. Such creatures
small army ready to die for the cause. no longer hunger for the flesh of mortals but for their
emotions, becoming a virulent disease exuding an
The Menace. The menace is a subtype of werecroc- aura of graying dread wherever they roam. Should this
odile which strays from the creature’s normal solitary creature be allowed to establish a lair, their connec-
behavior to instead step into the shoes of a sword- tion to the Shadowfell forms an anchor through which
for-hire, traveling the region looking for mercenary other vicious creatures can seep. Abandoned doorways,
work. Whilst my experience of these individuals has empty alleyways, hollow trees, and bleak waters can all
so far been amicable, it is still wise to retain a sense of become entrances to this sorrowful plane—entrances
awareness when approached by such a being. A partic- through which all manner of horrors lie in wait.
ular individual I partnered with allowed me to spend
a number of hours discussing at length the nature of Like many lycanthropes, the werecrocodile is able
the Beast Within, which he claimed to have forged a to hold sway over ordinary beasts with which they
dominant bond with over the years, allowing him to share kinship. Alligators, caimans, and crocodiles
maintain his sense of self. Menaces, he claimed, only all follow a werecrocodile’s instructions with
give in to their lycanthropic calls during moments of relative ease, though few lycans choose to keep
extreme panic, though each appears to have a particular them around, seeing them as unnecessary mouths
trigger, which they keep well hidden. to feed, especially in a coastal town where such
beasts aren’t a common sight. Should there be an
While much of the information my partner abundance of such beasts devoid of their coloring,
provided on the topic was already knowledge I it is likely due to the influence of an apex, which
had obtained through my years of research, a should be dealt with as soon as possible.
particularly interesting factoid I was made aware
of is the werecrocodile menace’s personality. As Spreading the Curse
their dominance over the Beast Within grows, so
does their sense of self, suggesting that perhaps, the Werecrocodiles, being isolationists, don’t usually have
curse’s controlling aspects can be overturned by an the opportunity to spread their infection. Additionally,
individual of strong enough willpower. those who come hunting for the creature, or those
upon whom they feed, are usually killed after being
subjected to the creature’s harrowing death roll. Those
who escape likely do so without being bitten, due to
the creature’s oddly merciful nature. Only a creature
capable of enduring a werecrocodile’s bite and strong
enough to escape their death roll become bearers of the
curse, allowing the Beast Within to propagate inside
an already potent host and transform them into a
heartless, remorseless killing machine.

32

Werefoxes Werefox

The trickster phenotype, werefoxes are deceitful, Vulner abilities
cunning adversaries. Small in number and uncommon
in comparison to their werewolf kin, I feel their details Werefoxes are effectively harmed by silver weapons.
are worthy of inclusion in this journal due to their odd, However, should you find yourself unprepared for a
manipulative mannerisms, which, while intended for werefox encounter, these creatures are also vulnerable
good, can cause instability across entire political land- to physical manifestations of their ancestral trickery:
scapes merely by accident. The werefox can be found most notably the sharpened fangs of another vulpine.
lurking amidst noble courts, playing intricate political
games for their own amusement. The werefox’s anathema is the common juniper
berry, of which ingestion can prove fatal. A liquid
Werefox Nature concoction of a single juniper berry, shredded bamboo
shoots, and blue-tinted flora blended with fresh water
The werefox’s Beast Within manifests itself as a nonvi- can prove less poisonous, making it a perfect when
olent hunger for political status, taking pleasure in acts performing a Ritual of Cleansing.
of charity and righteousness, but in the most destruc-
tive manner possible. Poison, information, and words
of intrigue are the werefox’s tools of trade—tools which
they wield with alarming effectiveness. Those infected
with the curse of the werefox quickly adopt these skills
as second nature, finding delight in playing harmless
pranks on their neighbors before transitioning toward
more noble causes, such as fighting for the down-
trodden or righting a political or economic injustice. I
have found the curse to heighten the host’s emotional
state considerably, drawing similarities with fey and
elven beings in their sudden increase of vanity and envy
of others. Should a werefox feel their ego bruised or
insecurities unveiled, they pursue the invoker of these
emotions with a dreaded ire, spending months or years
on a scheme with which to exact revenge.

I myself have come across the ire of the werefox
many a time when passing through the vast forests
bordering the Feywild. These creatures, while
inherently driven to perform acts of good, do so in
such a deceitful manner many result in doing more
harm on their altruistic journeys. Bystanders are
particularly at risk, whom they draw into their
schemes to use merely as tools to complete their
complex ploys. Take care when encountering a
werefox. While these vulpine humanoids can be
helpful in your adventures, it is wise to always
assume them to be untrustworthy. Lying and deceit
is not only in their nature, but the foundations on

which their curse manifests.

33

Werefoxes refuse to set foot in locations littered with The Puppeteer. A particularly potent werefox,
juniper berries, as their scent is too extreme for should they give in entirely to their Beast Within and
the vulpine to endure for any particular length of surround themselves with other co-conspirators,
time. Should you encounter a particular individual can lose sight of their own smaller plots and instead
acting overly excitable or friendly, especially to become engrossed with vast conspiracies spanning
new people, try offering a hand in greeting while entire empires. I dubbed these creatures puppeteers—
retaining juniper berries on your person. It an apt name when you consider the interwoven strands
is extremely unlikely for a werefox to be able of political, economic, and personal narratives they find
to resist shaking your hand in acceptance themselves entangled within. Werefoxes who develop
of the greeting, especially if you appear to be of into puppeteers leave their humble lives behind in
noble blood, but the scent of juniper so close to search of something more, convinced their abilities
them causes their grip to tighten far more than is must be used for the good of their collective societies.
necessary. I have used this technique many times These individuals move from town to town as bards or
when meeting nobles. It has become second nature swords-for-hire (though they rarely involve themselves
to me and is extremely reliable. with overt violence), whispering tales of revolt and
orchestrating coups to overthrow corrupt monarchs.
Werefox Behavioral Like other werefoxes, the puppeteer fails to see the
Tr aits larger scale of damage they risk bringing to the region.
Inciting a war with a neighboring kingdom in the
Werefoxes prefer to live alone, but close enough to name of freedom, for example, can lead to ruin in both
society that they can interact, scheme, and otherwise countries, while ousting a particularly fearsome ruling
meddle with impunity. Many werefoxes see themselves tyrant might instead allow a new, more conniving indi-
as righteous vigilantes, outing corrupt nobles and liber- vidual to rise to power who was worse than the last.
ating populations—even if said individuals didn’t wish
to be liberated. Werefoxes also prefer the finer things in Werefox Burrows. A particular phenomenon I
life, exhibiting a lifestyle of grandeur or excess similar to have encountered in large cities is the act of werefox
that of fey creatures, such as those partaking within the adoption. Specifically, a werefox might perform a char-
Seelie Court. A werefox’s home is almost always located itable act to help save homeless children left on the
near a stream of fresh water, and their gardens are well- streets, giving them a safe place to call home, free from
tended, fed and blossoming all year round. To outsiders, threats of violence. In return, the children act as spies
the host of this jester’s curse is amicable and friendly, for the werefox, aiding them in their many schemes.
happy to involve themselves with the community, but Should one particular child be of age and prove them-
never comfortable with visitors for long. A sociable selves to be of the correct mind, the werefox might
recluse, as it were. Werefoxes aren’t without contin- choose to pass the curse’s mantle onto them, instead of
gency plans for their schemes. Should you manage to bearing their own child. Many of these homes can be
capture one, expect it to be a trap. And never, under any found beneath ruined buildings, tucked away in small
circumstances, accept food if offered to you. apartments down a back alley, or in some other nook or
cranny of the city, visible, yet always unnoticed, earning
them the moniker of a burrow.

34

Spreading the Curse

Werefoxes spread their curse through their bites. While
not overly powerful like the jaws of a werebear or were-
crocodile, a werefox’s canines stretch out into fine
needle-like points, making them capable of piercing
leather or slipping between links of chainmail with
ease. Fortunately, as these creatures abhor violence,
werefox infestations are all but unheard of. Instead, a
werefox might choose to settle down with a family and
bear a child to continue their legacy, or infect a single
individual whom they have deemed conniving enough
to continue carrying their mantle when they pass.

Be mindful when passing through cities on the hunt
for a werefox. While they themselves are unlikely to be
watching your every move, should they suspect you to
be plotting to stop their plans, you might find your-
selves bumping into a particular child on more than
one occasion, their eyes and ears always waiting for the
next tidbit of information they can bring back to their
waiting parent.

I have had the good fortune of meeting such
a burrow in my time spent researching
werewolves in Darkhold, much to my surprise.
The burrow contained a number of homeless
children, now given purpose, tutelage,
and safety, along with their three
adoptive werefox parents. Though my
introduction to their werefox nature led
to some conflicting problems, particularly
involving the ruling noble, I was able to resolve
the issue amicably, forging an agreement
with those involved to both better the economic
policies within the city and cleanse all three
werefoxes from their eccentric curse. The
parents now run the Vulpine Academy, an
orphanage and school specializing in raising
awareness of homelessness, and funded by
that very same noble—who conveniently
stepped down from his ruling position after
our meeting. An act of goodwill, I’m sure,
ensuring the population never learned he
had lycanthropes running rampant in his

city during his rule due to terrible
mismanagement.

35

Werehyenas Werehyena Nature

Ah yes, the wretched werehyena. I have nothing but A werehyena’s host is assailed night and day by the
hatred for this foul phenotype. These are creatures so demands of their Beast Within, which drives them to
enraptured by the evil which resides within their curse perform horrific acts of bloodshed to sate their hunger.
that there is rarely a chance of saving them. At least, I Should these acts be ignored or otherwise go unsated,
have yet to encounter more than a handful of individ- the Beast Within torments its host with sudden jolts
uals afflicted with this phenotype whom I have found of pain across their body, which can go on for hours at
not only approachable, but receptive to the Ritual of a time. In my observations of this strange dominating
Cleansing. I have found it better to simply remove these behavior the werehyena curse exhibits in its hosts, I
creatures as I discover them, lest their kind fester and have found that most, if not all, werehyenas are subject
multiply into a cacophony of grisly howls and bloodied to this torture at least once or twice a day. Eventually,
fangs, hungry for the flesh of the innocent. those who succumb to the curse’s malign influence
are overwhelmed by the pain it inflicts, causing the
creature to cackle endlessly as a means to tolerate
the Beast Within’s influence. Only upon feeding or
inflicting harm on others have I noticed the cackling
stop, suggesting that these actions alone are the only
methods in which a werehyena can find solace from
their unbridled torment.

Naturally, this initial observational analysis would
suggest the host is unable to fight against the Beast
Within’s vile nature—however, this is rarely the case.
A werehyena’s Beast Within is, at first, relatively easy
to subjugate, and even the weakest of minds can hold
some sway over their triggers, seek out the necessary
aid, and relieve themselves of the curse. However,
the werehyena disease is born of the demon prince
Yeenoghu’s dark magic, and rarely seeks out a creature
who does not already harbor deep evil within them.
These individuals, when presented with the might
of the lycanthrope curse, accept the Beast Within
willingly, allowing their evil nature to present itself in
its full, foul glory. The Beast Within, upon bonding with
its host entirely, drives them to seek out other werehy-
enas and servants of Yeenoghu, reveling in the destruc-
tion and madness such a journey provides, all the while
tormenting the shattered fragments of its host’s soul,
driving them to perform ever more evil acts in order
to be sated.

36

The werehyena’s curse heightens the host’s Werehyena Behavioral
dishonesty and causes them to exhibit exceptionally
deceitful and cowardly behavior. I have never Tr aits
witnessed a werehyena fight fair or show mercy to
their opponent, nor have I seen one actively succeed Werehyenas prefer to make their homes in savannahs
in killing their target without first subjecting them or deserts a few hours travel from a nearby settle-
to torment. Should you come across an individual ment, choosing to travel into said settlements in their
who exhibits a particular taste for dishonesty humanoid forms to obtain food without arousing
or cowardice, or one who finds any joke—no suspicion from passing adventurers.
matter how terrible—entertaining, it is wise to
first perform three of my six aforementioned steps These malign creatures live in large gatherings
for lycanthropic detection as subtly as possible. known as cackles. However, such gatherings offer
Should you suspect the individual has been recently no more welcome or trust to their members than a
infected with the werehyena curse, I advise taking passerby on the street, and are formed primarily by the
action immediately to remove it with the Ritual drive of the Beast Within in order to maintain safety.
of Cleansing. Should the curse already be seated Graveyards and recent battlefields are a particularly
for more than forty-eight hours, the likelihood favored haunt for a cackle, and one must be careful
of successful removal without a blade is reduced when fleeing such locations, lest you find yourself
considerably. After seventy-two hours, the only cure ambushed and consumed by the cackle’s roaming scav-
I have found successful is death. engers, eager to pick off weakened combatants and drag
their screaming bodies back to the rest of their kin as
Werehyena living food.
Vulner abilities
Werehyenas have no loyalty to any other creature
The werehyena is exceptionally vulnerable to silver and than themselves, despite gaining their strength from
weapons laced with copper tips. When werehyenas numbers. A cackle of werehyenas is capable of defeating
are found lurking in urban settlements, they generally much larger foes, and when hunting together, the were-
avoid industrial sectors or areas laden with copper hyena’s inherent cowardice is suppressed, at least for
piping. Thus, when hunting werehyenas, the safest a short time. Should the cackle be scattered, it doesn’t
places of rest—though rarely the quietest—can always take long for each individual member’s cowardice to
be found near shipyards and construction sites. return, though unless the cackle is reduced to a number
at least half its original size during a conflict, such a
Regarding the creature’s anathema, I believe the defeat is only effective for a short time. Before long,
phoenix dactylifera, crushed into a fine paste and mixed the cackle is sure to reunite and return to the site of the
with cuttings of raw meat, is most effective. So much encounter, eager for a second attempt at victory. When
so, in fact, that should a werehyena’s prey have ingested not unified by combat, however, a cackle quickly breaks
the paste a few hours before meeting an untimely down, suffering daily bouts of infighting and political
demise, any werehyena who consumes the tainted meat destabilization within their ranks. To minimize this
is likely to die before seeing the following sunrise. infighting, I have found that a cackle always sports an
odd number of individuals to ensure any communal
vote can never have a tied result. However, I have
also noticed this particular bureaucratic stance has
a tendency to result in the death of the werehyena
unfortunate enough to be given the deciding vote on a
matter—thus, it is always a scramble to choose sides as
quickly as possible to avoid drawing the cackle’s ire.

Glorified by Gnolls. Werehyenas are highly prized
by gnolls, who believe them to be the ultimate sacri-
ficial beast with which to please Yeenoghu. Should a
cackle encounter a band of gnolls, the werehyenas are
treated like gnolls of noble birth—being washed, fed,
groomed and cared for as important members of the

37

gnoll war party, and rarely thrown into the forefront Spreading the Curse
of battle alone. The lycans are adorned with grisly
trinkets and bloodied trophies from the gnolls’ raids— Knowing there is strength in numbers, werehyenas
then the gnolls take the unfortunate creatures to a attempt to spread their curse to as many individ-
shrine of Yeenoghu and sacrifice them at the shrine’s uals as possible, often leaving survivors when raiding
altar of bones. settlements purely as a means to propagate their own
existence. These newly infected hosts, unless cured
Like gnolls, werehyenas are not the most intelligent quickly, find themselves inexplicably drawn to the
breed of creature I have encountered in my travels, cackle’s next gathering, where they are drawn into the
and are easily manipulated by outside forces into ranks with no questions asked. Those who fend off
doing their bidding. Corrupt nobles, necromancers, the Beast Within’s demands and effectively subjugate
and demonic overlords can all be found directing it are still subject to this urge, but can uncomfort-
a cackle toward a particular goal, be it destruction ably ignore it for as long as the Beast Within remains
of a settlement, assassination of a rival, or as a dormant. Should you encounter a rare specimen such as
distraction for meddling adventurers and hunters this, I suggest having them lead you in the direction of
like myself. While not always the case, a cackle the cackle, though the closer the individual gets to the
observed to be operating with the utmost efficiency gathering, the harder the urges are to ignore.
in a region is no doubt under the influence of a
greater force, whether they are aware of it or It appears werehyenas also exhibit an increased
not. Such cackles have predictable movements, fertility—enough so that if a sterile individual is
however, which can serve as a starting point for infected with the lycanthropic disease, such sterility
investigations which many adventurers simply often reverses at a rapid pace. I have witnessed certain
subjects even produce offspring at an increased rate,
overlook in their attempts to save experiencing shorter pregnancies than their ancestry
as many lives as they can. would suggest is possible, much to the confusion of
their families. It is wise to investigate any such reports
of villages appearing to exhibit sudden population
booms, especially if those hamlets border deserts or
savannahs, or are commonplace thoroughfares for
passing trade caravans.

Once the werehyena’s curse has successfully
infiltrated a populace, it is only a matter of time
before the community begins to feel the call of the
cackle. Should enough of the population respond
to this pull at once, it can spark mass pilgrimages,
transforming entire settlements into ghost towns
overnight. I myself have encountered more than my
fair share of these movements, though fortunately
I was able to track each one down and dissolve the
growing cackles with creative applications of my

phoenix dactylifera anathema mixtures. Should you

have the chance to prevent such infections before
such a critical point, I certainly advise you to do so,
as the alternative is… tiresome, to say the least.

38

Wer er ats Wer er at

The greedy, selfish, and exceedingly wealthy often find Vulner abilities
themselves victims of the malicious wererat, as these
creatures are attracted to the fat, swollen coffers of high Wererats, being exceptionally careful creatures, are
nobility. Unlike other lycanthropes I have encountered, difficult to track and even harder to kill reliably. Quite
the wererat’s Beast Within hungers for flesh of the dead symbolic of their rodent heritage, the wererat exhibits
and dying, and thus many of their kind can be found a dogged resilience to death, capable of avoiding many
working lowly positions in or around medical struc- attacks, and having an innate resistance to conventional
tures. Each wererat has a drive for more, however— poisons. Such creatures also appear to be immune
more meat, more land, more power. Wererats who reach to disease, or at least act as asymptomatic carriers.
such heights, or are already at positions of power when Fortunately, these creatures dislike silver as much as
infected, find themselves enamored by their superiors, any other lycanthrope in my findings, though when
coveting the political or physical strength exhibited by attempting to administer an anathema, their frustrating
their host’s kind. resilience shines yet again. I have tried many different
concoctions over the years, but none have proven
Wererat Nature reliable enough to be effective more than a handful of
times. I shall list them below, but take care, dear reader:
Wererats are lowly creatures, wise and cunning, but administering an anathema to a wererat could prove
physically weak and easily frightened. Their Beast extremely effective, or have no effect at all, but should
Within hungers for the taste of dead flesh, driving these the wererat be aware of the anathema, they shall likely
squalid creatures to feast on carrion or fresh corpses feign their death anyway as a means to escape you.
whenever they find the opportunity to do so. These
gratuitous acts of consumption cause many adven-
turers to mistake groups of wererats for ghouls and
avoid them—a mistake wererats use to their advantage
wherever possible.

In my observations of these fascinating creatures,
I have found their hosts to live in constant terror,
jumping at the slightest sound and scurrying away into
dark streets or houses like their rodent cousins. This
paranoia, as I have come to understand it, stems from
the fear of the Beast Within being discovered. To be
more specific, I’m of course speaking of the creature’s
cursed nature, not necessarily their monstrous alter-
ego. Should a host believe themselves to be hunted,
tracked, suspected of wrongdoing, or otherwise at
risk of losing their political status, the Beast Within
drives the wererat to flee when possible. Should the
wererat believe, however, that fleeing would also result
in a loss of power and prestige, the creature attacks
as soon as the opportunity presents itself. This attack
might manifest in the form of a political assassina-
tion or bloody tavern brawl, but one thing is almost
for certain—no matter how it begins, the wererat shall
have long fled from the scene before the culprit can
be determined.

39

Possible anathemas include the following: Wererat Behavioral

• The berries of the hedera helix, dried and mashed into Tr aits
a dark paste
Wererats opt to live in cramped spaces where enemies
• Diced samples of digitalis purpurea, soaked for three and predators are unable to reach them. Wererats living
days in a mixture of cat urine and river water in poverty can often be found in underground warrens
beneath the walls of large cities, while those living
• Powdered citrus root, dried in sunlight the morning lavish lives do so in high towers, away from prying eyes
after a full moon and ears. Ironically, it is easier to locate wererat hosts
should they be living lavish lifestyles, as their strange
• My personal liquid of choice: crushed nerium behavior (often excused as eccentricity) and insistence
oleander in a draught of white wine and sea salt. on one-too-many guards at their door prove a good
I have found this to be the most effective due to indicator of an infected body.
the frequency of wererats in places of nobility. It is
extremely easy to convince highborns that such a Mischiefs. Wererats prefer to live in close-knit,
strange, salted drink is of exceptional exotic value, secretive groups of trusted members, which I have
and the stronger the wine, the harder the oleander is appropriately named mischiefs. It is wise to assume
to detect. To avoid the death of uninfected partakers every major city has at least one mischief infesta-
of this wine, however, it is imperative the dosage of tion beneath its streets, though most are harmless
oleander in the cask be lower than 2 grams overall; enough to be left alone—unless the mischief grows
even so, innocent drinkers are still likely to exhibit too large to remain in secret. These larger congrega-
acute nausea and vomiting, but are unlikely to die tions can manifest as licensed guilds, usually connected
unless one of them consumes the entire barrel. to various thieving organizations. These mischiefs are
extremely hard to uproot, as most of their members
I advise always bringing at least three different are not infected, and instead paid for their services as
anathemas with you when hunting a wererat you would a common thief. Whilst the mischief is still
infestation. Should a wererat consume a particular larger than most, once it finds purchase in a city and can
anathema and live, there is a large chance for their establish itself above ground, it isn’t long before newly
body to develop immunity—one which then lurks infected hosts begin searching for additional locations
in others of their lineage, should they later spread in which to establish their own warrens under the
their infection. guidance and blessing of the wererat-run guilds popu-
lating the city.

Members of the mischief support one another and
are always on the lookout for potential dangers. Guests
are never invited into the homes of wererats, lest they
discover their Beast Within. Instead, it is common to see
such individuals host get-togethers outside in crowded
spaces, where they can slip away unnoticed, should
they feel at risk.

I have walked entire streets of cities populated by
wererats. Whilst doing so is rarely dangerous to the
common passerby, should you do so in the dead of
night alone or bearing weapons, expect to be quickly
dispatched and your body ground up for meat before
dawn’s first light.

Where there is one wererat, there are many. To
assume otherwise is to invite a foolhardy death.

40

Spreading the Curse Wer er avens

Wererats are extremely careful about whom they The timid, cautious wereraven is a common sight
bestow their curse upon, lest their existence be revealed throughout Darkon, lurking in densely forested areas
to the surface-dwellers above. Should an individual and populated settlements. As their Beast Within drives
be accidentally infected, the entire mischief turns these skittish creatures to perform acts of good, I find
their attention to them, setting upon them in a savage myself far less inclined to eliminate them, should other
display of tooth and claw until their target is no more. lycanthropes already be in the area. That said, it is
Should an infected manage to escape the wererat’s wise to remember that though the wereraven appears
warrens intact, it isn’t long before the mischief’s best humble, cautious, and not at all confrontational,
and most murderous are dispatched to eliminate them. the nature of their curse also drives them to become
paranoid, greedy, and obsessive, often to the detriment
Wererats born to true wererat parents are usually of those around them.
one in a brood of four to six, sometimes more. These
newborns transfigure between their humanoid and Wereraven Nature
bestial forms on a whim, unable to control their urges
until later in life. Because of their aggressive nature, few The wereraven’s Beast Within is an interesting amal-
children survive their siblings to adulthood. Those that gamation of obsession, greed, paranoia, curiosity, and
do are well-equipped for the dangers of adventuring, benevolence upon those they surround themselves
making them powerful members of their mischiefs. with. Similar to the wererat, the Beast Within drives the
wereraven to acts of thievery and secrecy, though unlike
I have encountered a fair few wererats in my the aforementioned rodentkind, these lycanthropes
journeys through the vast, gloomy citadels of delight in sharing such trinkets they hoard with others,
Darkon, populated as it is by desperate townsfolk often bestowing gold stolen from the cart of a passing
clinging to the small threads of hope their clergies noble into the lap of a homeless pauper. Such creatures
provide. Such creatures are often infected through are seen as both good and bad omens, however, as the
no fault of their own, confused and skittish to all wereraven’s curse is not wholly good in nature. I have
who approach them, unless you do so with gold seen its Beast Within convulse at the sight of a grudge,
in hand. Should you encounter a newly infected forcing the wereraven’s host to perform calculated acts
wererat, it is wise to show a small mercy and of vengeance against those they believe have slighted
offer the host a chance for redemption through
the Ritual of Cleansing—either by their own
hand, or if necessary, by force. Killing an infected
host too readily only serves to increase the
mischief ’s paranoia, making it more difficult to
root out the source amidst an easily panicked and
dismal population.

41

them. Unlike the werecats I have mentioned previously, Wereraven Behavioral
however, a wereraven does not delight in simple acts
of petty revenge. Instead, they bide their time, mulling Tr aits
over every conceivable plan and plot until they settle
on an act they deem an equal measure to the slight. Wereravens, as mentioned previously, covet trinkets
This might be as simple as stealing a pouch of gold and objects of value, which drives them to reside in or
from a dishonest trader, or as terrible as the murder of a near densely populated locations of trade, where they
guard’s loved one as vengeance for the accidental death can easily amass such items for their own means and
of the wereraven’s own kin. distribution. A wereraven resides in a small dwelling,
usually as high above the ground as possible, and might
A wereraven never forgets a grudge, no matter take flight in the middle of a cloudy night to visit other
how small. While these grudges can usually be wereravens living nearby. Such dwellings might include
alleviated by offering tribute to the creature as a treetop structures, hidden within large canopies, high-
token of apology, the tribute itself must always class noble quarters overlooking city views, or simply
match that of the original offense. This can prove… the top floor of a stack of houses, such as an attic space.
tricky when you encounter a group of wereravens
who each demand tribute in equal measure. I can Whilst most wereravens blend into society as
assure you, dear reader, that a lot of gold was lost farmers, traders, thieves, and pickpockets, I have known
from my pouch that day. Though fortunately, it some to sell their abilities to others for coin, adopting
did allow me to prevent the needless death of a the occupation of spy. These individuals mask their
farmer who, after very little convincing, decided lycanthropic abilities behind a facade of spiritual or
to hang up his hunting gear for the foreseeable druidic magic to barter in the most extreme of secret
future. Ironically, he is still repaying that debt to me truths—political espionage.
to this day.
Kindnesses. These cautious individuals often flock
Wer er aven together in small family groups consisting of seven or
Vulner abilities more members, calling themselves a kindnesss. While
a collection of lycanthropes has never, at least in my
There is little to say regarding the wereraven’s vulnera- experience, been considered anything but a nuisance, it
bilities. Fortunately, unlike a few choice phenotypes on is interesting these phenotypes have adopted a moniker
this list, the feathery fiend detailed here has the same for their congregations associated with nonviolence.
disdain for silver as other lycanthropes. The creature’s Upon further study into these kindnesses, I have also
anathema, nothoscordum bivalve, is also a considerably discovered the individuals within the group go to great
unremarkable and commonplace flora, found growing lengths to ensure any disputes are handled as quietly as
alongside roadsides and gardens across Darkon. It is possible to ensure their presence remains undetected by
surprising that the wereraven feels comfortable enough the mortals they walk amidst.
within a crowd to live nearby locations with such ready
access to their anathema, though given their penchant Seers. While rare, I have in my travels encoun-
to remain in hiding, I expect this is something many are tered a subphenotype of wereraven which perceives
willing to risk for their comforts. the past, present and future simultaneously. The
Beast Within haunts its host with clouded visions of
catastrophe, victory, and fortune, drawing upon the
creature’s already heightened paranoia to fuel this divi-
nation magic. I believe this is merely another machi-
nation of the curse which plagues so many creatures
throughout the world. Though these wereravens are
capable of peering beyond the veil of time itself, their
Beast Within silences their voice upon regurgitation
of their experiences, forcing them to speak only in
cryptic, confounding riddles to their peers and barring
them from ever truly sharing what they have witnessed
with another.

42

A kindness of wereravens is usually led by an Wereserpents
experienced, charismatic member whom the others
defer to for guidance and negotiations. Should you I believe the vicious, cold-hearted wereserpent subphe-
wish to garner information on the whereabouts of notypes to be the rarest of all lycanthropes. So rare, in
other lycanthropes in the region, it is wise to barter fact, I have barely any research at all to fill these stained
these details from a kindness’s leader; many harbor pages. Alas, dear reader, should you find yourself in
deep-seated grudges against other phenotypes, conflict with one of these maligned beasts, you shall be
and may especially be open to such negotiations if forced to do so with little information from myself—
presented with trinkets of particular rarity or value. though those of you that know me will be unsurprised
Alternatively, you could also offer the kindness a at my ability to nonetheless expound at length within
secret of your own in exchange for the information this tome. And should you manage to uncover more
you seek, though it is wise to not mention where about these mysterious creatures, ensure you expand
you gleaned such knowledge when hunting your my work accordingly, so later generations may benefit
marks. Should tales of your untrustworthiness from our shared experiences.
and betrayal reach the ears of these feathered
phenotypes, I can guarantee revenge will not Other hunters I have discussed these elusive
be far behind. creatures with are still under the belief they share some
sort of kinship with the dreaded yuan-ti. Whilst I have
Spreading the Curse no reason to entertain this theory, it does make me
wonder if we merely cannot find more wereserpents to
Wereravens outright refuse to spread their curse study because we are looking in the wrong places. Alas,
willingly, but can be convinced to do so to a willing I shall continue my exploration into these topics and
outsider, should they prove themselves to be trust- apply what knowledge I have gathered whilst leaving
worthy enough to bear the voice of the Beast Within. a few pages extra for you to apply additional infor-
Family units are limited to two or less true wereraven mation later.
children, and cared for carefully and quietly, ensuring
any triggers are handled as secretively as possible. Wereserpent Nature

The curse of the wereraven, like many phenotypes, Our research into wereserpent lineages is ongoing,
is spread through their piercing bite—as transfigured though I theorize that due to the creature’s rarity and
wereravens do not have teeth, their bites appear as their innate hatred of other lycanthropes, it is unlikely
small incisions, likened to a stab wound. These wounds a wereserpent chooses to spread their curse willingly.
are usually located on the victim’s back, accompanied After all, the more creatures infected with the curse
by deep scratches from avian claws. there are, the more likely it is for the wereserpent to
find themselves in an unnecessary, attention-drawing
So secretive are the wereraven cults which conflict. Be wary of any individual who exhibits such
propagate Darkon, that before evicting a member cautious behavior—these individuals, out of all lycan-
from a kindness, other members entirely remove the thrope phenotypes in this tome, are the most difficult to
creature’s ability to infect others by removing the uncover. Their anathemas are hard to come by, if all but
host’s teeth when in mortal form. When a toothless impossible, and their patience for remaining in hiding
wereraven transfigures into their lycanthropic form, far outweighs that of any other creature I have encoun-
this results in an entire loss of their beak, which tered to date.
is replaced by two segments of hardened chitin
forming a mask. Be wary of such masked avians, There are two distinct subphenotypes of wereser-
for they shall no doubt be as trustworthy as a silver- pent—the python and the viper—both as vicious as
tongued thief. the other. Each shares a particular nature distinct to
this particular phenotype—the drive by their Beast
Within to hunt other phenotypes. Whilst my studies
have found the wererat and wereraven to be a wereser-
pent’s primary target due to their cunning, tricksome
ways, a wereserpent never misses an opportunity to
harm another of their lycanthropic cousins, making
them the only phenotype on this list to pose an active

43

threat to every other lycan strain simultaneously, Werevipers. As a werepython’s Beast Within gathers
including themselves. joy from crushing the life out of their unfortunate
victims, the few werevipers I have encountered appear
The wereserpent’s Beast Within drives its host to be to share a similar enjoyment from watching their
cold and vicious. Those infected with a wereserpent’s prey convulse and expire from their venomous bites.
curse almost immediately begin to exhibit a disso- Additionally, while I cannot be sure of the accuracy of
ciation with their societal surroundings, becoming this statement, it is likely the wereviper shares their
disinterested in the emotions of others and happy to physical traits with that of venomous snakes, most
step over their needs if it means easier access to their notably the cobra, similarly to how the werepython
own desires. exhibits traits from their constricting cousins.

Werepythons. I have found werepythons to be I recall the creature I fought (and fortunately
the more commonplace of the two subphenotypes, defeated with a clever administering of their
thus I have managed to study these creatures, or at anathema) also shrunk in size when their
least encounter them, a few times moreso than their humanoid host transfigured. Whether this is true of
viper counterparts. The werepython exhibits all the all werevipers I am unsure, though it is something
physical attributes of their squamata cousins, including worth noting for future encounters.
hardened scales and a strong body used to constrict
foes, and their Beast Within appears to exhibit a natural
hatred of the werejaguar.

I have encountered werepythons as large as twenty
feet in length, but have learned their apex variants
can grow to be even larger—upwards of forty feet!
Take care should you encounter such a powerful
beast. Like other werepython subphenotypes, their
tactics first and foremost are likely to include a
potent constriction, so spells allowing
for quick escape
are advised.

44

Wereserpent Wereserpent
Behavioral Traits
Vulner abilities
As mentioned previously, very little is known about
I have only ever managed to dispatch a wereserpent wereserpents, and even less has been noted of experi-
when wielding an axe with a silvered head, and only ences regarding their nesting habits. All wereserpents
then through decapitation—a symbolic gesture born that I’ve encountered have been in close proximity to
from the ancient saying prolific with all serpentine pubs and squalid settlements, and their most common
creatures. That is to say, “cut off the head of the snake, mortal prey appears to be drunks, likely due to the ease
and the body shall die.” Should you find yourself in in which they can hunt them. The Beast Within appears
combat with a wereserpent and unable to access such to drive these creatures to become calculating, patient
a weapon, the blood of a werejaguar or the injected hunters, willing to remain in their transformative states
venom of another wereviper is enough to silence a for many days at a time before striking their targets. I
wereserpent. Fortunately, I was returning to provide recall observing a werepython stalking their target for
samples from a werecat hunt when I found myself at least a tenday before eventually closing in for the kill.
attacked by the werepython mentioned in my notes.
My administering of the werejaguar blood was very A wereraven kindness once informed me of a nest
much an unforeseen boon that turned the tables in my of wereserpents they were at war with in one of the
engagement of the beast. Whether this anathema can larger trade settlements in Darkon. The information
be relied upon in future encounters I cannot say. Given proved to be accurate, though it’s still up for debate
the potent nature of the wereviper’s venom, however, whether my explosive entrance into their sewer
I’m confident that it is especially useful to have a vial lair interrupted their actual habitat or merely a
on your person, as it has proven fatal to many other meeting place in which I was fortunate enough to
creatures. Simply dipping your piercing blade into the find them all congregating.
vial once and landing a blow is enough to stagger even
the most gargantuan of foes—a tactic I have come to Spreading the Curse
use sparingly when faced against larger, more imposing
lycanthropes. Thanks to my combined research with other fellow
hunters, I have concluded that wereserpents transmit
their infection through their fanged bite. Thus, the first
thing you must do when encountering a wereserpent,
even before attempting to perform a Ritual of Cleansing,
is to remove the host’s prominent canine teeth. If your
target has already transfigured into their lycanthrope
form, forcing the creature to bite down on driftwood
is an effective means to pin their fangs long enough to
dislodge them.

45

Weresharks The wereshark is a fierce, fast, aggressive predator, as
unrelenting in their attacks as the torture they endure
It came as a great surprise to me to learn the Beast from their Beast Within. Examining this particular
Within’s curse had spread so far as to have an oceanic phenotype in more detail has offered a unique angle on
variant. In my time exploring the coasts of Darkon, I how the lycanthrope curse manifests, suggesting the
had heard whispers of a dread predator, worshiped by Beast Within’s personality does not simply imprint on
the sahuagin and hunted at every turn by the myste- the host upon infection, but is in itself an imprint of
rious tritonfolk civilizations which populate the coral the beast’s own mannerisms, heightened over years of
regions many miles offshore. It was in my second year constant development.
of study into these creatures, aboard the merchant
schooner Swift Waves, that I had the opportunity to Wereshark Nature
finally confront this walking tale of terror.
The wereshark’s Beast Within torments its host
Such was the onslaught of the attack that I found endlessly, filling them with dread, anxiety, panic, and
myself wondering whether I would survive. While yes, a compulsion to keep moving, lest a larger predator
I have stared death in the face many times, encoun- hunt them down and feast on their hardened flesh.
tering this savage beast of the seas presented me with Weresharks appear to despise peace and happiness in
a new appreciation for the familiarity of ground-based all its forms, as their torment prevent them from feeling
engagements. The creature assailed us relentlessly until such emotions themselves. Instead, the wereshark’s
we finally defeated them, my quick thinking sparing the nature is that of constant, unrelenting carnage. Many of
lives of many crewmates, and sending the creature into these creature’s hosts completely lose themselves to the
the briny deeps from whence they came. Beast Within over time, their bloodshed never enough
to sate the curse’s demands. The few lucid hosts I have
managed to cleanse of this disease have all spoken of
how their Beast Within infested their minds with anger,
malice, and a vicious bloodlust akin to that of a shark
in a feeding frenzy, granting them no peace even when
asleep. Dreams became nightmares for these individ-
uals, forcing them to obsess over the destruction of
others even as their bodies healed from the previous
day’s chaos.

Interestingly, however, weresharks exhibit an
unusually calm nature unless provoked, able to reel in
their triggers with ease. Many maintain their humanoid
forms, taking occupations leading them away from
meat-related activities and into the depths of civilized
society—though always near a body of water large
enough for them to swim in for at least an hour per day.
Should a wereshark’s host be exposed to fresh blood,
they struggle to maintain composure, much like a
vampire—an interesting characteristic which appears
prevalent in all wereshark strains, regardless of their
stage of infection or origin. Thus, the most effective
means to induce a wereshark’s trigger is to present
them with a liter or more of fresh blood; if you use too
little, the wereshark can keep its predatory nature under
control long enough for the host to remove themselves
from the situation.

46

Wereshark moonlit nights at sea, where they make preparations
to hunt much larger foes. The draw of a bloody battle-
Vulner abilities field or whale carcass is almost impossible to resist to
a wereshark, especially if the location is near salt water
Upon my first encounter with a wereshark, the tales and the blood is still fresh. Blades form around these
spoken to me by the suspicious sailors on board locations much like schools of sharks circling sinking
resulted in the creature’s effective defeat. Whilst I boats, with the ensuing bloodshed attracting additional
plunged my silvered dagger repeatedly into the beast’s members over time.
broad chest, it was only a strike from a fishing spear
which finally killed them. Examining the spear more Messiahs. Should a wereshark spend their life being
closely, it appeared to not only be a family heirloom, worshiped by the sahuagin, the resounding faith which
likely as old as a shark itself (and probably hunted pours into them can create a divine link with the crea-
its fair share), but the spear’s head was crafted from ture’s dread god, Sekolah. These infused weresharks
petrified wood, sharpened to a fine, serrated point. It are rare but powerful, controlling armies of sahuagin
is this petrified wood, symbolic of the living fossil that and spreading their infection to a select few to act as
assailed us aboard the Swift Waves, that the wereshark extensions of the wereshark’s will. These ‘blessed’
fears. Should petrified wood be crafted into a piercing sahuagin lead the messiah’s dread armies to assail
weapon, such as a dagger or spear, it makes an excep- port towns and fishing villages, establishing small
tionally effective means to deliver a wereshark to domains across coastal regions and amassing more
their death. followers to the messiah’s cause. Fortunately, should
belief in the messiah falter, so too does the divine magic
Should you wish to cure a host of this blighted curse, with which they have been infused. Thus, the easiest
the wereshark’s anathema is the root of the rhizophora way to defeat a messiah is not through might, but
tree, commonly known as the mangrove. Boiled in salt through propaganda.
water and crushed into a fine paste, a large enough
dosage of this anathema can easily kill any wereshark The Apex. I have mentioned a few times throughout
strain. Use sparingly and with caution when performing this book of my brief encounters with lycanthropic
the Ritual of Cleansing. apex strains, and I feel I must do so again here. The
wereshark apex is one of the few lycans powerful
Wereshark Behavioral enough to rival the apex of the monstrous werebear,
though I have (thankfully) never experienced an
Tr aits encounter which shared both beasts. The warning
I must provide regarding the apex wereshark is not
Wereshark strains are considered to be sacred to the only their strength and speed, but their legendary
sahuagin, and many of their kind flock to locations rife status, and the dangers such legendary tales offer to
with hosts of the curse. Weresharks, from my experi- those weresharks in power. In my studies uncovering
ence, rarely set foot on land located more than a few firsthand accounts of this creature, I have learned a
miles from a large water source, making them excep- wereshark apex is capable of living for vast lengths of
tionally rare in larger inland settlements. I have encoun- time, shrugging off all but the most powerful of blows.
tered a few solitary weresharks lurking within the Fortunately, throughout the apex’s life, they lurk in
sewers of such municipalities, though few survive the depths of the sea hunting creatures as large and
long in these habitats when encountering other lycan- imposing as them. An apex is rarely encountered by
thropes, such as the werecrocodile, who also call these mortal kind. To become an apex, however, a wereshark
locations home. must consume one. Thus, should a messiah decide to
extend their lifespan and influence further, they might
Blades. Weresharks, while often solitary indi- launch a crusade to hunt down such an apex beast
viduals, do band together when hunting larger foes. for their own gain, dragging nearby port towns into
When such a group meets, it is known as a blade, for their hungry war and leaving devastation and chaos
together, the creature’s razor-sharp teeth are capable in their wake.
of shearing through the hide of almost any oceanic
creature, regardless of size. A blade gathers near sites
where blood has been spilled, seeking out any surviving
victims and feasting on them in a wild frenzy, driven on
by the howls of their Beast Within, or meeting under

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Should you choose to hunt a wereshark, the easiest
means is to first locate the site of a recent bloody
conflict. Should this be unavailable, amassing
at least a gallon of blood and pouring it over a
pile of fresh fish close to a body of water shall
have the same effect, though ensure the area
is laced with silver and fecal matter first. While
this provides protection from other meddling
creatures, the wereshark will ignore such warning
signs, should there be enough blood to cloud their
better judgment.

Spreading the Curse

When a wereshark strikes, they can transmit their
curse through their bite—but should one attack, they
always go for the kill, leaving behind far more bodies
than infections. Additionally, true weresharks actively
refuse to procreate, as their Beast Within prevents them
from remaining as an active parent in the child’s life.
Children born with the wereshark curse are natural
swimmers, capable of remaining at sea for long periods
of time with no ill effects; such children are incapable
of crying, and they learn to speak at a much later age
than their peers. Wereshark children are often found
abandoned in rivers or along beaches and taken into
care, where it is only a matter of time before their trans-
figurations trigger. Thus it is seen as a bad omen by
sailors to rescue a silent child found adrift at sea, lest
they turn out to be a wereshark in disguise.

Wereshark children, if checked early for the
curse, can be cured of it much more easily than
one infected later, as the Beast Within remains
mostly dormant within the child until they
begin to mature. Thus, the Ritual of Cleansing
is not only effective, but highly recommended.
Just ready yourself when inducing an early
transformation—a juvenile wereshark is much
smaller than their adult counterpart, but equally
as dangerous.

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Werewalruses Werewalrus

The natural hated foe of the dreaded wereshark, the Vulner abilities
werewalrus curse draws its host to icy waters, driving
them to establish themselves in such arctic conditions Other than being requested to clean up their act, a
as a pack hunting predator, far from populated cities. werewalrus can be harmed using traditional silver,
Such creatures are strange in their drive to hunt down or weapons crafted from the skeletal remains of killer
and defeat weresharks, even allying themselves tempo- whales and other creatures that would prey on ordinary
rarily with other adventurers, should it mean removing walruses in their natural habitat. Consuming flour or
another wereshark from the watery depths. the seeds of the amaranthus plant puts the werewalrus
into a sluggish, red-eyed state, of which it takes an hour
Werewalrus Nature or longer to recover from. If a werewalrus consumes
enough amaranth in one sitting, it is extremely likely
The Beast Within which first guides the werewalrus to suffer an entire organ shutdown—thus making this
approaches its host as a friend, docile and caring, before delicate summer flora an effective anathema.
slowly infesting their mind with selfish thoughts and
hedonistic desires. Such cursed individuals find them- Werewalrus
selves shirking responsibilities in favor of simple
pleasures, and should the job at hand not entertain Behavioral Traits
them, becoming expert procrastinators.
Werewalrus live together in large congregations called
In my observations of these slow, lazy creatures, I rookeries. These rookeries can consist of anything
have found that only a true life-or-death situation can between five to over a hundred cursed individuals, and
effectively rouse a werewalrus from their idle lounging, it is far more common to see such gatherings increase in
such as the presence of a wereshark or other equally numbers should their habitat be threatened by a greater
dangerous event. Once they are roused, they respond number of predators than usual, or by the presence of
with a sudden, overt gusto, overcompensating for their a large wereshark population. Sahuagin, worshipers of
lethargy by hyper-focusing on their task with incred-
ible diligence. Settlements populated by werewalrus
appear relaxed and friendly upon first visit, but soon
the creature’s true nature is revealed: structures suffer
from extreme rot or damp in the frigid conditions,
while places of worship are left unserviced in prefer-
ence of glimmering restaurants and vast celebrations to
nothing in particular.

In my time traveling across the world, I have come
into contact with many werewalrus settlements,
easy as they are to spy from the back of any
whaling ship. Upon my approach, I was greeted
with open arms, happy to be received for both my
coin and general assistance around the village. But
upon refusing their offers of hospitality (including
offers of being infected myself to join them), the
creatures soon turned violent. It appears their
transfigurative triggers are induced merely by the
refusal to join in their revelry; thus, it is always
wise, should you find yourself surrounded by these
incredibly powerful creatures, to leave before they
become too attached to you. About a day should
do it. Shorter if you appear to share their Beast
Within’s irresponsible personality.

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the wereshark, also find themselves at odds with were- The Apex. Though I have not faced an apex in my
walruses, and hunt them whenever they can. Should time spent curing the werewalrus rookeries of their
the sahuagin believe themselves numerous enough to curses, I have heard mention of the apex’s legends
remove the rookery entirely, a large underwater assault through conversations with the local populace here in
might be attempted; however, I have yet to see an attack the arctic tundra. They say there is no way to kill a were-
succeed, such is the sudden and abject ferocity of the walrus apex, and that should one arise, they do so with
werewalrus’s protective nature of their kin. a tyrannical intent to rule over all other creatures in
the region. A few old stories mention a climactic battle
Interestingly, though these creatures are selfish, I between the wereshark and werewalrus apex strains,
have noticed they share many mortal values regarding though in each tale, the victor remains… inconclusive.
family matters. A pair of true werewalrus might have What I have come to understand, however, is that to
upwards of four or five children, all of whom share their become an apex, one must first find and kill a wereshark
parent’s lazy, slow disposition and irresponsible work apex. If there is truth to these stories, it would explain
ethic. However, should their home require protection where the creature’s ancient rivalries began, and why
or maintenance to support a loved one, this appears the sahuagin are so intent on destroying them.
to be enough of a trigger for the entire rookery to get
involved, though most repairs are simply patch jobs— Spreading the Curse
and thus the cycle returns again every few weeks.
Werewalrus are exceedingly good at spreading their
Frostbiters. I feel it is important to mention that curse, mostly due to it being spread through close
alongside the typical apex, about which I have only proximity contact with their large tusks. When in
a fragment of information, there also exists a variant their humanoid forms, werewalrus hunt using the
strain of the werewalrus I have named the frostbiter. severed tusks of their fallen brethren, making even their
This curse only appears to manifest on innately magical non-transfigured forms a dangerous threat to outsiders.
creatures or those connected to a particular frigid
environment, such as druids of the arctic circles, but What makes the werewalrus curse most promi-
heightens the selfish nature of the beast to far outweigh nently problematic, however, is their intentions when
their idle attitudes. A frostbiter not only exhibits the infecting others. A werewalrus believes the key to their
means to control ice magic but uses it to carve out vast inherent disease is not to seek a cure, but to find others
kingdoms and castles within arctic tundra, of which with which to share it. This makes infected hosts much
they crown themselves ruler. Such frostbiters rule as more resistant to the offer of a cure, with other were-
tyrants over their lands, even going so far as to track walrus often inviting them into their family units and
down weresharks and subjugate them under their rule caring for them before infecting them, eager to share
for their own entertainment. Fire is exceptionally useful their responsibilities with new individuals who share a
against a frostbiter, as are weapons forged from the similar personality.
antlers of reindeer.
Remember, fellow reader, that even if a werewalrus
settlement appears friendly, it can very quickly
become a kinship to the infected. And by that time,
if you are not infected and ready to join them, it’s
very likely you soon will be. Always sleep with silver
in a breast pocket if resting in a location you believe
to be infested with werewalrus, lest you awaken to a
fresh cut and a sense of selfish overindulgence.

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