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

Think you can handle a werebear hug? Or maybe you're just here for the were-rat cheese jokes? This week on the RPGBOT.Podcast, we're going fur-deep into lycanthropes in D&D and Pathfinder! From the terrifying to the downright ridiculous, we're talking werewolves, were-tigers, and, yes, even were-penguins. Brace yourself for: Full-moon transformation tips Curing curses (spoiler: wolfsbane doesn't smell great) Debates on infinite polymorph (trust us, it's a thing) And a healthy dose of "What on earth were they thinking?" were-creatures Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe howl at the moon a little. Summary In this beastly episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts go fur-deep into the intricate and endlessly entertaining world of lycanthropes in D&D and Pathfinder! Dive in as they explore everything from the mythic origins to the quirky mechanics of these furry (and occasionally ferocious) creatures. Werewolves? Check. Werebears? Absolutely. Were-rats and were-tigers? You bet! They tackle the unique alignments, behaviors, and lore for each type, uncovering surprising personality traits—who knew a werebear's alignment could be so… complex? But it's not all snarls and bites. The hosts serve up plenty of laughs as they debate the absurdity of "lesser-known" werecreatures found in games like Dwarf Fortress. Who wouldn't want to face off with a were-penguin or a were-carp? They delve into the gameplay challenges of becoming a werecreature, including the dreaded curse, healing dilemmas, and whether the whole "infinite polymorph" theory is a brilliant hack or a cursed nightmare for DMs everywhere. From strategies for curing lycanthropy to tips for players eager to bring their inner were-creature to life, this episode packs in all the storytelling and character-building advice you need to make lycanthropy a howling success in your campaign. It's filled with insights, clever lore, and plenty of tabletop antics, so tune in, grab your wolfsbane, and prepare for a conversation that's part D&D myth and part midnight monster mash-up. Warning: May cause uncontrollable howling and urges to challenge nearby werebears to arm-wrestling. Links DnD 3.5 d20SRD.org DnD 5e Monster Manual ( affiliate link ) Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft ( affiliate link ) Pathfinder 2e Monster Core ( affiliate link ) Wolfsbane Pathfinder 1e Archives of Nethys - Lycanthropy RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes How to Play Werewolf 1 How to Play Werewolf 2 How to Play Werewolf 3 How to Play Werewolf 4 How to Play Werewolf 5 Other Stuff Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters Bebop and Rocksteady Dwarf Fortress Street sharks Them! Wikipedia: Belladonna Takeaways Lycanthropes bring both terror and intrigue to storytelling, with rich lore and mythology that deepen gameplay. D&D and Pathfinder offer unique mechanics for lycanthropy, with natural lycanthropes having more transformation control. Werebears are portrayed as nature's reclusive guardians, while were-rats and were-tigers have surprising alignments and clan dynamics. Lycanthropy's alignment shifts and curse mechanics add complexity to character arcs, often sparking moral dilemmas. Infinite polymorph mechanics and silver's role in combat highlight the quirks of playing (and fighting!) lycanthropes. Pathfinder allows for more player lycanthropy options, while D&D's lycanthropes lean toward evil alignments and Constitution-based curse resistance. Humorous moments—like Dwarf Fortress's random were-creatures—shine a light on the creativity of game lore and design. Hosts emphasize consent in curse-spreading, while cures like Belladonna add urgency and spice to the challenge. Lycanthropy creates both low-level threats and high-level triviality, urging balance between storytelling and gameplay simplicity. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It's a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon , where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games Twitter: @GravenAshes YouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateur Amateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati