TIRRAN Lycanthropes
No, these are not your greasy kids’ stuff werewolves from popular TV series and movies.
Long ago, the story goes that a wizard named Massin became embroiled in some foul arts, and mistakenly created three races of men that are not men any longer. Some resemble wolves, some resemble jungle cats, and others resemble bears.
These Children of Massin are able to change themselves from their animal form to their human form at will, making them a type of lycanthrope.
Changing form is entirely painful, since the bone structures have to be reknit, and the process takes 10 minutes on average. It is also based on the character’s willpower rating (in the TIRRA game). If the character cannot bring himself to perform the change, they must wait for two minutes before they can attempt it again.
Note that the transformation does not increase or decrease mass, just the shape and appearance of the body. The mental faculties are still intact as well – as long as the character makes a successful saving throw to return to previous form. If a character seems “stuck” in either form (the Willpower of the character is checked on a dice roll) there is a chance that the character will become agitated, perhaps panic, and possibly go on some sort of spree or rampage.
Some of the animal DNA provides some advantages for these characters, and perhaps some disadvantages as well. The specifics are discussed in the TIRRAN Rulebook but some general comments are below.
There is nothing that marks a lycanthrope as anything other than human while in human form. For instance, Panthum cannot retract or extend their claws – they have normal fingernails. They do retain perception bonuses however, for vision, hearing, and so on. It is also important to remember that lycanthropes of different types in the same room will undoubtedly discover each other’s secret in rather short order. Some speculation is that they smell each other, or that they sense some other signs. When you ask one, they will simply tell you that they just know.
This may cause problems as the Panthum enslaved both the Borundi and the Mongrim years ago, and tensions are still often quite high. The Mongrim are sworn to keep the Panthum at bay, and the Borundi try to maintain the peace if they can. The instinct between Mongrim and Panthum is to be quite hostile. This can be controlled with a willpower check, some gentle conversation, and the fear of being found out as a lycanthrope in man’s society.
Before you ask, the lycanthropes can definitely have sex in either human or animal form. Reproduction only occurs in animal form, and with one of their own kind. No half-breeds are known to exist.
Borundi
The Borundi are extremely conscious of their honor, and the honor of their clan and kinsmen. In human form, the Borundi are easily larger than average. They are grateful for whatever food or drink is available with no particular diet needs. Their thoughtful insight and deeper voices sometimes enable them to accept duty as ambassadors, court advisers, personal guards, or merchantment of renown.
When in animal form, Borundi are bear-shaped, but retain the same approximate size and weight as in their human form.
Panthum
When in animal form, the Panthum are much like a large jungle cat. Panthum have great reflexes, and a bonus to night vision. They prefer to travel in a group of their own kind, or by themselves. They seldom eat vegetables or fruit unless it seems unseemly not to do so. They prefer just meat, or a good bread and cheese, perhaps some wine, and a stout thin blade.
Mongrim
The Mongrim are a folk who live in the moment, don’t plan much for the future, and take life at ease. So in an emergency, plans may be thrown together quickly, so they can get back to their lives.
The Mongrim love to travel far, and are amiable friends with men in their travels. They love a quick joke, subtle humor, a hearty meal, and lots of ale. You’ll not find a more fearsome and loyal friend, a more humble squire, or tireless travel companion. It might be said that a Mongrim companion might be your best friend.
The downside is that they can suffer from a perceived short attention span. There may be a tendency to wander off or engage in an untimely conversation. They are not known as having a good head for business or numbers. Some poets and singers however, have long been suspected of having been of Mongrim origin.
So, how much mischief could you get into while playing a lycanthrope character designed this way?
