Prestige Class Preview: Yscar Lycanthrope

Yscar lycanthropes can come from any class, though monks and clerics are common for their willpower, and rogues for their stealth abilities. Ultimately, however, any who bear the mark of Yscar may eventually become a lycanthrope, though few even among the lycanthropes master shapeshifting. Most lycanthropes falter long before the rigors of actual metamorphosis, spending their remaining days as monstrous figures.

Lycanthropy is possible outside of the Yscarites, though lacking the intense mental and spiritual regime of the cult most lycanthropes descend into madness. A few true Bascarites have stumbled upon the path as well, but usually die to either their own recklessness or the paranoia of the other Blood Moon cultists. Though “natural” lycanthropy is rare compared to genetic inheritance or use of the Mark of Yscar spell, enough legends exist of lycanthropy passing on through bites that even Yscar the Elder considers it possible. Lycanthropic bloodlines exist in every major race, despite constant attempts to stamp out the disease.

Like their Bascarite nemeses, the Yscar lycanthropes can appear virtually anywhere, regardless of racial, geographical, or political boundaries. Though they prefer low profiles, their mutations ensure their eventual discovery. Indeed, the Yscarites usually move with such secrecy and speed that many assumed the heresy was responsible for the Assassins’ Strike. A few of Yscar’s students have struck out on their own, either flush with their newfound power or terrified of it.

Class Features

All of the following are class features of the Yscar lycanthrope prestige class.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Yscar lycanthropes gain no new proficiencies with weapons, armor, or shields. Advanced members of the prestige class usually disdain the use of such equipment, as their transformations often destroy equipment being worn. Yscar lycanthropes receive additional training in the use of any of their natural weapons.

Monstrous Form: There is no mistaking an Yscarite lycanthrope, as beginning on the path forever marks the adherent. Upon taking a level of Yscarite lycanthrope, the character’s type permanently shifts to monstrous humanoid (Bascaron). While any number of cosmetic changes may occur (such as scales, animalistic patterns of fur, vestigial webbing of toes or fingers), the only significant products of this metamorphosis are the addition of darkvision (at a 60 ft. range) and the growth of a natural weapon, any one of a set of claws, fangs, or horns, or bony spurs at the ankles, knees, wrists, or elbows. Horns deal 1d6 bludgeoning damage, while the rest deal 1d6 slashing/piercing. Excepting low-light vision, the lycanthrope retains any previous racial features. Additionally, the Yscarite lycanthrope can no longer die of old age, though he otherwise ages as normal. Yscarite lycanthropes neither gain nor lose any additional ability points after achieving venerable age.

True Form: The first true test in mastering shapeshifting is not in the dynamic displays of assuming a variety of new and terrifying forms, but rather in returning to the familiar. Though Yscarite heretics learn this when their elders transform them into other shapes, other lycanthropes learn it through trial and error as they deal with the side effects of their own abilities. At second level, whenever the lycanthrope’s body has transformed into another shape, he may make a Concentration check (DC 15) to revert to his monstrous form. 

Beast Form: As the lycanthrope grows in understanding of his abilities, he can not only control when he transforms, but also the form itself. At third level, the lycanthrope may make a controlled transformation by making a Concentrate check (DC 13 + 3x Challenge Rating of the creature he wishes to transform into) and taking a full round action, the lycanthrope transforms into any creature of the animal, beast, or vermin types. He retains all his mental facilities including his natural Int and Wis scores, his skills and feats, and any spellcasting (though his new form is unlikely to be able to use verbal or somatic components), but replaces his size, type, speed, Str, Dex, and Con abilities (and racial bonuses or penalties to related skills) with those listed in the creature’s entry in Monsters & Lairs, and gains any special attacks and qualities of the creature itself.

More Unique Features of the Yscar Lycanthrope are featured in the full Accordlands RPG!