Shapechanger. The werecaterpillar can use its action to polymorph into a catterpillar-humanoid hybrid or into a giant caterpillar, or back into its true form, which is humanoid. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
Crawling arms. The werecaterpillar has a climbing speed while in its Hybrid or Giant Caterpillar form.
Keen feelers. The werecaterpillar has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on touch.
Pupate. When the werecaterpillar has consumed a sufficient amount of food, it can pupate. It forms a hard cocoon around itself, increasing its Armor Class to 16. While in this form, the werecaterpillar cannot take actions or reactions until its pupation is finished, a whole month after it begins. When the pupation is done, the werecaterpillar has transformed into a werebutterfly.
Multiattack (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). The caterpillar makes two attacks, only one of which can be a bite.
Bite (Catterpillar or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage and 5 (1d8) poison damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with werecaterpillar lycanthropy.
Shortswords (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Hand Crossbows (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Constrict (Hybrid or Caterpillar Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (2d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage and target is Grappled.
Description
To carry the Werecaterpillar lycanthropy curse is to bear the potential for a horrific metamorphosis. Werecaterpillars tend to live in seclusion, in wild places with heavy vegetation. Where they can spend the necessary months or years gorging themselves on plant matter to achieve their next form.
Many werecaterpillars see the metamorphosis as a spiritual journey, and their next form as achieving a sort of enlightenment. Others see their curse as an abomination, due to the nightmarish appearance it gives their hybrid form. In an attempt to hasten the process, many a werecaterpillar feasts on the flesh of the living. To do so is a monstrous act, and werecaterpillars who practice this are considered Chaotic Evil.
Werecaterpillars prefer to find a place of isolation and safety, especially when they engage in their pupation. Pupating leaves a werecaterpillar incredibly vulnerable, so security is key. Occasionally werecaterpillars will seek companionship to guard and keep them during their pupation. The process is long, but attractive to most werecaterpillars. Few however choose to forgo the metamorphosis, choosing to remain in their caterpillar form.
After the month-long pupation, a werecaterpillar emerges as a werebutterfly.
Player Characters as Werecaterpillars. If a player character is bitten by a werecaterpillar or a werebutterfly they can be infected by the werecaterpillar lycanthropy. A character with the curse sets their Dexterity to 15 unless it is already higher. They also gain access to the werecaterpillar’s bite attack. Dexterity is the attack modifier for this attack. A werecaterpillar’s hybrid form gains additional arms and legs and a crawling speed equal to the character’s walking speed. The additional arms allow for additional carrying. Characters can wield two weapons with the two-handed property, or four weapons that require one hand to wield.
Comments