After some thinking regarding how wolves are in real life, I have some points to make for a werewolf’s alignment.
As it’s written in the Monster Manual, werewolves are listed as Chaotic Evil. However, in the wild, wolves follow a strict social hierarchy, which would give them a more Lawful disposition.
My question is how it was determined that werewolves have their alignment as it’s noted. Is it a result of pop culture and folklore, or is it a condition of their more monstrous nature?
I would presume the alignment represents a trope. Werewolves are kinda known for transforming into a big 'ol monster and ripping things(and other creatures) to shreds. Being Chaotic Evil is a quite generous alignment in that case, it almost sounds unintentionally evil, like acting on uncontrollable impulses. I think most monsters that have a near humanoid IQ are self aware enough to establish any alignment listed as the way they conduct themselves but, certain alignments may be a rarity in their natural surroundings/community.
I would agree with the idea that Wtfdndad presents as the creature afflicted has no control over portions of its life when it is forced to change into its monstrous hybrid form. Once that transformation happens the creature would be acting on its bestial instinct, and not on will driven rationale. If part of a pack of werewolves, led by an Alpha that has better control of their "gift", that alignment might change dependent upon culture of the pack, and reactions with their environment (game, fresh water, un-encroached territory) and with other cultures. More akin to the pack of wolves that you mention.
Regarding how monsters are listed, I tend to treat the entries in the MM as a template for the DM to work with instead of a constraint. If the DM is allowed to alter any portion of a statblock, why not the alignment portion?
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“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” - Mark Twain - Innocents Abroad
A Wolf is of neutral alignment in D&D as most other beasts. A Werewolf is a cursed existence and described as a "savage predator" that can't control its bloodlust during the fullmoon i.e it hunts for sport. This definitely sounds a lot like the standard Werewolf trope to me.
After some thinking regarding how wolves are in real life, I have some points to make for a werewolf’s alignment.
As it’s written in the Monster Manual, werewolves are listed as Chaotic Evil. However, in the wild, wolves follow a strict social hierarchy, which would give them a more Lawful disposition.
My question is how it was determined that werewolves have their alignment as it’s noted. Is it a result of pop culture and folklore, or is it a condition of their more monstrous nature?
I would presume the alignment represents a trope. Werewolves are kinda known for transforming into a big 'ol monster and ripping things(and other creatures) to shreds. Being Chaotic Evil is a quite generous alignment in that case, it almost sounds unintentionally evil, like acting on uncontrollable impulses. I think most monsters that have a near humanoid IQ are self aware enough to establish any alignment listed as the way they conduct themselves but, certain alignments may be a rarity in their natural surroundings/community.
I would agree with the idea that Wtfdndad presents as the creature afflicted has no control over portions of its life when it is forced to change into its monstrous hybrid form. Once that transformation happens the creature would be acting on its bestial instinct, and not on will driven rationale. If part of a pack of werewolves, led by an Alpha that has better control of their "gift", that alignment might change dependent upon culture of the pack, and reactions with their environment (game, fresh water, un-encroached territory) and with other cultures. More akin to the pack of wolves that you mention.
Regarding how monsters are listed, I tend to treat the entries in the MM as a template for the DM to work with instead of a constraint. If the DM is allowed to alter any portion of a statblock, why not the alignment portion?
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” - Mark Twain - Innocents Abroad
A Wolf is of neutral alignment in D&D as most other beasts. A Werewolf is a cursed existence and described as a "savage predator" that can't control its bloodlust during the fullmoon i.e it hunts for sport. This definitely sounds a lot like the standard Werewolf trope to me.