The Lychomancer

The variant of werewolves in Cult of Aois is the Lychomancer.

Requirements: 12 STR, 12 CON, 12 WIS
Prime Requisites: CON, WIS
Hit Die: D8
Attacks/Saves/Experience Chart: as cleric
Weapons/Armor: weapons as fighter, armor is leather or lighter.

The Path of Lychomancy is abhorred by civil society. Lychomancers are walkers of the wilds, savages in darkness, and callous warlocks. Well, so say the legends at least. Those who know better call them werewolves or skin changers. The ignorant know them only as wolf demons of hunger. While the Lychomancer shares some spells with the cleric, the Lychomancer is barred from many cleric spells and abilities (at the DM's discretion). Lychomancers have a few unique spells in their repertoire, but may never turn or command undead. Additionally, Lychomancers cannot be lawful of any variation.

Instead of heavy armor proficiency, the Lychomancer may only wear skins of the creatures he has hunted himself for armor. The Lychomancer may assume a "demon form" a number of times per day equal to the Lychomancer's level. A point of luck may be spent to fuel an additional demon form use per day. Generous DM's will add a character's wisdom modifier to the number of changes per day, as well. Once transformed, the Lychomancer remains in the form so long as he is currently endangered or a danger is perceived to be eminent. The transformation happens immediately as a free action in a grotesque and noisy fashion.

Unfortunately inside the demon form there is an unquenchable hatred and rage. Allies within the vicinity of a demon formed Lychomancer are subject to his agression if absolute restraint is not exercised. Once started, the rage is carried with an immense momentum. The Lychomancer may direct his rage, but he must rage still. In order to not rend his allies limb from limb, the Lychomancer must choose a sacred Road and follow its tenants well. But on a full moon, sometimes even the tenants cannot quell the lunar madness. 

The Road of Sanctity:
1. Eat every kill.
2. Protect the wilds.
3. Advise the Pack.
>Hide/Move Silently on a 1-3 of a d6 (dex mods apply)
Track on a 1-3 on a d6 (wis mods apply)
An additional +1[-1] Armor Class
Access to Sanctity spell list.

The Road of Moon:
1. Never abandon a hunt.
2. Destroy law.
3. Protect the pack.
>Track on a 1-3 on a d6 (wis mods apply)
Hide/Move Silently on a 1-3 of a d6 (dex mods apply)
An additional +1 Attack Bonus
Access to Moon spell list.

*The benefits of the chosen Road persist while the the Lychomancer is in any form. Only if a committed tenant is broken will the Lychomancer lose the benefits.


So long as the Lychomancer maintains his chaotic status he may assume a "beast [aka wolfman] form." He most easily casts spells in beast form and gains a static 15 strength while beast form is assumed (unless already higher). This 15 STR carries over into Demon form as well. The beast or demon formed Lychomancer may also make an additional bite or claw attack for 1d4 damage every turn if he has a free hand/ or face to do so. 


The Lychomancer's appearance is horrific in the beast and demon forms, so the DM might want to apply penalties or bonuses to social situations while the Lychomancer is transformed. But even in human form, Lychomancers smell fear, which might grant a bonus in circumstances involving intimidation or lie detection. Like magic users, Lychomancers are particularly at risk for their bodies becoming Lychanids. 


Part two details the Lychomancer's transformations.