Paladin Werewolves

[fireinthedust]

So yes, Paladins eventually can't get Lycanthropy when they're higher level.

My question: what about if they get it earlier in their lives, DON'T get it cured before they get the immunity ability. What happens? They're not going to get it, but does the gaining of said level remove the curse? Does it lie dormant? Or do they still need the curse removed after the level gain, they're simply immune to getting it *again*?

My reason is that it would be fairly cool to have a Paladin who keeps his oaths for fear of his werewolfism coming out.


Thoughts?

 

[Khairn]

From the Beastiary

Lycanthropes are humanoids with the ability to turn into
animals and animal-humanoid hybrid shapes. Natural
lycanthropes are born with this ability and have perfect
control over their shapechanging. Aff licted lycanthropes
contract this ability like a curse or disease from another
lycanthrope; they sometimes change form involuntarily.

I think the concept of a Paladin holding his bestial alter-ego in check is great. I think he would have to start as a natural lycanthrope, and then have an additional reason why he goes "all twilight" in his animal form. Maybe his mind simply can't deal with his altered state and he freaks out ... teenage angst ... manipulation by some other entity? Or maybe its simply a test or pennance from his deity for a past trangression?

 

[Diamond Cross]

Is that quote from 4e?

 

[fireinthedust]

He said Bestiary.

Thanks, but I don't mean Natural Lycanthropes. I meant afflicted Lycanthropes, the classic "even a man who's just and says his prayers by night..." style Wolfman types.

This is sort of a RAW question: does going up a level remove the curse for Paladins when they get that trait?

 

[Diamond Cross]

No, because Werewolves are always Chaotic Evil. So that means a Paladin would lose his class because a Paladin must have an alignment of Lawful Good.

 

[the Jester]

Hmmm, I haven't read the PF rules but I'd rule 'no, it doesn't', because ruling otherwise robs the party of a chance for some really cool roleplaying opportunities.

N.B. My 1st character in the first years-long campaign I played in rather than ran was a 1e paladin... who ended up getting almost killed, losing months of memory and being afflicted by lycanthropy. He died before I figured out what was going on, though.

 

[DogBackward]

No, because Werewolves are always Chaotic Evil. So that means a Paladin would lose his class because a Paladin must have an alignment of Lawful Good.

Actually, those afflicted with lycanthropy only change alignment the first time they willingly assume their different form. So the Paladin would only lose powers if he gave in and wolfed out.

As for the original question, technically the Paladin would still have the curse, but be immune to its effects.
But that's no fun, so I'd prolly rule differently.

 

[Relique du Madde]

I like to glance at lycanthropes in more of a shades of grey view.

That being they are only CE if they fully allow their beastial nature to take control and then actively hunt and feed upon sapient life forms or kill for pleasure or just because they can. As long as the paladin does not subcome to the lycanthrope's chaotic evil nature by causing wanton death and destruction and feasting upon human flesh then there is no alignment slip (since a dragonborn or a wildshaped druid can bite a chunk out of person, claw the hell out of them, or kill someone in self defense without turning chaotic evil ).

I should also point out that since the character is a paladin, there has to be some checks and balances and a measure or restraint that would prevent him form slipping out of his alignment. That being, if the character changes routinely overcome challenges he could easily handle without changing forms, or if he is needlessly changing forms (especially due to the form's empowerment), then yeah, his alignment will slip.

 

[kitsune9]

I had a paladin who got afflicted with lycanthropy early on. Since he didn't have control, he went on a feeding frenzy, and not only had to get that cured, but then went out to take care of the families of the lives he ruined. Of course, the DM, being the cruel guy he was, had a lot of fraudsters come and make claims too, so my guy got completely cleaned out. However, the church he served considered it a just atonement and he found favor with his god once again. That was a fun campaign.

 

[fireinthedust]

I like to glance at lycanthropes in more of a shades of grey view.

That being they are only CE if they fully allow their beastial nature to take control and then actively hunt and feed upon sapient life forms or kill for pleasure or just because they can. As long as the paladin does not subcome to the lycanthrope's chaotic evil nature by causing wanton death and destruction and feasting upon human flesh then there is no alignment slip (since a dragonborn or a wildshaped druid can bite a chunk out of person, claw the hell out of them, or kill someone in self defense without turning chaotic evil ).

I should also point out that since the character is a paladin, there has to be some checks and balances and a measure or restraint that would prevent him form slipping out of his alignment. That being, if the character changes routinely overcome challenges he could easily handle without changing forms, or if he is needlessly changing forms (especially due to the form's empowerment), then yeah, his alignment will slip.

My issue with that is twofold:

1) Werewolves should be evil. Unless it's a Twilight campaign, or WoD, deciding they're okay like everyone else (but that there are werewolves who use their powers for evil) basically makes them another race. This loses the flavour and the curse aspect of lycanthropy.

2) Paladins shouldn't be able to use bestial powers. They're chaotic powers. Basically you'd have a Paladin who could use Barbarian Rage powers, and that can't be okay for Paladins. Not that they can't have emotions, but we're talking about wielding the powers of "the beast within". This should be similar to "wielding the powers of crack-cocaine for good". It's not a Paladin sort of thing.