Werewolf
Medium Monstrosity (Lycanthrope) · · CR 3
- Monstrosity (Lycanthrope)
- Medium
- Tier 1
CR 3 medium monstrosity (lycanthrope), chaotic evil — that's Werewolf. Native to forest, hill, and any. Sourced from Monster Manual (5.5e 2024) and Monster Manual (5e 2014).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 3
- Type
- Monstrosity (Lycanthrope)
- Size
- Medium
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Forest, Hill, Any
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5.5e 2024), Monster Manual (5e 2014)
Ecology
Werewolves dwell in forests, hills, and rural villages where pack-life is sustainable. They feed on game, livestock, and occasional humanoid prey. They reproduce via curse-bite, infecting victims who transform within days. They live human lifespans plus curse-extension. They share territory with mundane wolves, often leading wild packs during full moons. Their pack-structure mirrors wolf-pack hierarchies, with alphas commanding loyalty. Their villages are often blamed for disappearances, sometimes accurately, sometimes scapegoated by hostile neighbors. Their pelts are fireproof and prized.
Behaviour
Werewolves are pack-oriented, fiercely loyal, and aggressive. In human form, they hide their nature, often within tight-knit communities. In hybrid or beast form, they hunt cooperatively, exploiting pack tactics. They take pride in pack bonds, viewing solo lycanthropes with pity or scorn. They follow alphas without question. They retain memories across forms, allowing complex social maneuvering. Their full-moon transformations are involuntary, creating tragic moments when hidden werewolves lose control among loved ones.
Origin
Lycanthropy was created by Malar, the demon prince of the hunt, who cursed mortals with bestial dual natures. Werewolves trace their curse to a mortal hunter who slew Malar's sacred wolf, receiving the punishment of becoming what he killed. The curse spreads via bite, with infection rates highest during full moons. Werewolves are the most common lycanthropes, due to wolf-population overlap with humanoid civilizations. Their pack-instinct is genetic, present even in newly cursed individuals.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Werewolf
- What is the challenge rating of Werewolf?
- Werewolf's challenge rating is 3. A party in this band suits an early or mid tier-1 group.
- What type of creature is Werewolf?
- Werewolf is classified as a monstrosity (lycanthrope) in D&D 5e, medium size.
- Where does Werewolf live?
- Werewolf's listed habitats include Forest, Hill, Any.