I mean, that’s a base D&D assumptions problem, not a specific to my version of lycanthropy problem. But, sure, I could definitely see the common folk being distrustful of Druids and other non-lycanthrope shapeshifters.
Cool, thanks!
I think that’s the issue with D&D lycanthropy. Don’t want to make it a class feature where it’s the purpose of the character or do you want to make it a problem, or something in-between? Each one comes with a different possible solution.
I wanted to make it a problem. Or, rather, a double-edge sword, because suddenly gaining a dozen HP worth of regeneration that only your party member with the silver sword can turn off when you get KO’d in a fight is actually kind of a huge buff, and there are a lot of precautions you can take to mitigate the risk you might pose to your party. I wanted it to be something the group has to take significant steps to plan around, but is ultimately more beneficial than harmful, without the potential harm ever completely going away. And I think this design accomplishes all of those goals. We’ll see, cause like I said, I’ll be using this mechanic in my new campaign. If it turns out to be horribly unfun in practice, I’ll take it back to the drawing board.
Personally, I think the easiest fix is just the DC checks - it almost kind of depends if you have a PC who has a good Cha save bonus.
Easiest fix to what?
Yes, well I set the DCs the way I did because I want it to still be pretty likely for high-Charisma characters to shapeshift under the full moon. The idea is for the better approach to be to try to avoid having to make the save in the first place - staying in a Hallowed place during the full moon, or avoiding sleep for a few days. Failing that, at least taking precautions to shore up the chance of failure, like casting Protection from Evil and Good on the lycanthrope party member before they go to sleep, or making those potions to grant advantage, or at least saving a use of Inspiration. Maybe bringing some manacles to make them wear when you rest. And in the case that they do fail, making sure someone has Calm Emotions or Moonbeam prepared, or that everyone in the party has a silvered weapon available. Preferably all of the above. The lycanthrope character’s Charisma save bonus alone should not be enough to reliably avoid the threat they pose, at least not during the full moon. You might be able to get away with it on the new moon, maybe the crescent. Maybe even gibbous if you have a really stacked Charisma save. But in general, it should be a problem you tackle through mitigation steps rather than just stats.
Oh, I see. Yeah, that would be the first thing I’d try. I actually already edited the opening post to drop the DCs by 5, because that seems to be the consistent feedback I’m getting.
I really like the flavor and details of it - I would totally use that for a Ravenloft campaign!
