I have been searching D&D for years on how to create a "Wolfman" type character for D&D. I've come across several species of Lycan-like creatures(Werewolves, were-Tigers, etc), but not wolfmen.
As an example when trying to explain what I want, I talk about lizardmen and Dragonborne, how they have the humanoid builds, but the creature's features. Dragonborne can't transform into dragons. Lizardmen can't change into humans or lizards. So I want to create a wolfman that can't transform into anything. It would look like a werewolf's hybrid form from birth until death. Tails are optional.
My question is, has anyone done this before? And if so, what stats did you use? My idea was a concept of a Fighter or Ranger, wearing light to medium armor for mobility purposes. Maybe have a bite and/or claw attack(From the wolf stats), but still use standard weapons if desired (swords, daggers, crossbows). Standard to large humanoid size, around 6'6" at the tallest. Also, possibly some heightened senses, like smell and hearing. Basically combine the wolf's traits and standard human traits? Any help or advice you can give will be greatly appreciated.
I know I just saw this, but tabaxi are cat people, and that's similar. They get dex and cha increase, as well as a climbing speed and claws. Leonin can work, though they are lion people. They get con and strength increase, as well as a roar (re-flavour as a howl) and I'm not sure about bite or claws.
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Official rules can only go so far. If he wants to get into Homebrew territory, he can go with anything he wants. Maybe the Shifter would make a good base at least.
We're already entirely in homebrew territory if you don't want to use an existing demi-human race flavored as "wolfmen", so I'd leave it at that.
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You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.
Tabaxi mechanically would fit a lot of what you're describing, though their climb speed may not be appropriate for a wolf. Same with Lizardfolk, with reservations about their breath holding and swimming. Finally, Bugbears could be a pretty good fit, with no edits needed? Or Orcs, their advancing mechanic would work good on a stalking wolf.
If you're going to build a Lycan from the ground up, some options on the menu might include:
Bonuses to Strength, Dexterity, or Wisdom - I don't think of wolves as particularly hardy, though they are strong, fast, and good hunters. Maybe +2 Dex, +1 Strength or Wisdom?
Perception as a racial skill, possibly even with advantage on checks based on smell?
A strength-based d6 natural weapon bite, or strength-based d4 natural weapon claws?
Speed 35?
Maybe a once-per-day Howl ability (keyed off of Strength? Constitution?) that causes a fear effect against creatures it chooses within 30 feet?
Or maybe some very limited racial spellcasting? Can cast Hunter's Mark once/long rest using their racial feature?
I wouldn't necessarily hand out all six of those, I think one or the other of those last two bullet points would work but not both.
If one is looking for an Official, homebrew-free option, the leonin from Theros are likely one's best bet. A more burly, muscle-focused critter than the tabaxi, and one with a roar that can easily substitute for a howl as well as 1d4 claws and proficiency in a Wolfman-y skill. Say "I'm using the leonin stat block, but the character is a wolfman, not a lion man, and the Leonin language is Wolfman instead", and you'd likely be close enough for government work.
If homebrew is on the table, use the leonin or the tabaxi as a base and adjust. Look at the subclass options from the Order of the Lycan blood hunter as a good base for wolfman-y abilities that are basically official, or as suggested earlier, check out the shifters as a similar sort of race. probably Keen Smell, the 1d4 claws, and whatever else makes it feel wolfy to you.
Thanks for all of the advice! I am looking into the Leonin Stat Block. It makes a lot more sense as opposed to my "Homebrew Mix-n-Match", which was basically rolling a human ranger and adding the Hybrid Werewolf's stats and attacks. For all the other humanoid animal characters, I wonder why we only got "Werewolf" and not wolfman. Oh well. Thanks again.
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To err is human. Now roll for Initiative.
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I have been searching D&D for years on how to create a "Wolfman" type character for D&D. I've come across several species of Lycan-like creatures(Werewolves, were-Tigers, etc), but not wolfmen.
As an example when trying to explain what I want, I talk about lizardmen and Dragonborne, how they have the humanoid builds, but the creature's features. Dragonborne can't transform into dragons. Lizardmen can't change into humans or lizards. So I want to create a wolfman that can't transform into anything. It would look like a werewolf's hybrid form from birth until death. Tails are optional.
My question is, has anyone done this before? And if so, what stats did you use? My idea was a concept of a Fighter or Ranger, wearing light to medium armor for mobility purposes. Maybe have a bite and/or claw attack(From the wolf stats), but still use standard weapons if desired (swords, daggers, crossbows). Standard to large humanoid size, around 6'6" at the tallest. Also, possibly some heightened senses, like smell and hearing. Basically combine the wolf's traits and standard human traits? Any help or advice you can give will be greatly appreciated.
To err is human. Now roll for Initiative.
I know I just saw this, but tabaxi are cat people, and that's similar. They get dex and cha increase, as well as a climbing speed and claws. Leonin can work, though they are lion people. They get con and strength increase, as well as a roar (re-flavour as a howl) and I'm not sure about bite or claws.
'The Cleverness of mushrooms always surprises me!' - Ivern Bramblefoot.
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Maybe it's just me but, Shifter race seems like it's exactly what you are talking about.
I was thinking that, but it was a transformation that gives them the best abilities. (claw, bite and smell).
'The Cleverness of mushrooms always surprises me!' - Ivern Bramblefoot.
I'll worldbuild for your DnD games!
Just a D&D enjoyer, check out my fiverr page if you need any worldbuilding done for ya!
Official rules can only go so far. If he wants to get into Homebrew territory, he can go with anything he wants. Maybe the Shifter would make a good base at least.
We're already entirely in homebrew territory if you don't want to use an existing demi-human race flavored as "wolfmen", so I'd leave it at that.
You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.
Tabaxi mechanically would fit a lot of what you're describing, though their climb speed may not be appropriate for a wolf. Same with Lizardfolk, with reservations about their breath holding and swimming. Finally, Bugbears could be a pretty good fit, with no edits needed? Or Orcs, their advancing mechanic would work good on a stalking wolf.
If you're going to build a Lycan from the ground up, some options on the menu might include:
I wouldn't necessarily hand out all six of those, I think one or the other of those last two bullet points would work but not both.
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If one is looking for an Official, homebrew-free option, the leonin from Theros are likely one's best bet. A more burly, muscle-focused critter than the tabaxi, and one with a roar that can easily substitute for a howl as well as 1d4 claws and proficiency in a Wolfman-y skill. Say "I'm using the leonin stat block, but the character is a wolfman, not a lion man, and the Leonin language is Wolfman instead", and you'd likely be close enough for government work.
If homebrew is on the table, use the leonin or the tabaxi as a base and adjust. Look at the subclass options from the Order of the Lycan blood hunter as a good base for wolfman-y abilities that are basically official, or as suggested earlier, check out the shifters as a similar sort of race. probably Keen Smell, the 1d4 claws, and whatever else makes it feel wolfy to you.
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Thanks for all of the advice! I am looking into the Leonin Stat Block. It makes a lot more sense as opposed to my "Homebrew Mix-n-Match", which was basically rolling a human ranger and adding the Hybrid Werewolf's stats and attacks. For all the other humanoid animal characters, I wonder why we only got "Werewolf" and not wolfman. Oh well. Thanks again.
To err is human. Now roll for Initiative.