A hut deep in the wilderness, home to an unruly host. By Bill Qualls
Lycanthropes
Mostly based on myth
The word Lycanthrope is derived from the Greek word Lukanthropos, meaning "wolf person". In d&d, Lycanthropy is the overlapping word for half beasts and half humanoids. Werewolves stem from medieval christian folklore, where people were accused of witchcraft and the ability to turn into wolves in the full moon. Similarly to the later Salem witch trials. Werebears come from Ancient Nordic and Germanic cultures with similar histories to to werewolves, but their myths came before other lycanthropes. Wereboars are derived from the El Chupacabra or "Goat sucker" myths from Mexico where some descriptions of the creature being that off a humanoid like boar with three blood sucking tusks. Wererats could come from the "Goblin rat" Yo-kai myths from Japan, where they have a lot of the same characteristics. Weretiger myths come from India, where they are described as living on the outskirts of farms and eating livestock.
Werebears are the strongest, and most good of all lycanthropes. They live as hermits away from civilization, where they can protect the forests that they call home. Werebears are described as being tall, burly, and hairy in there humanoid form, and half bear half humanoid with large tusks and builds in there hybrid forms.
Wereboars are Lazy brutes with ill tempers that live in family groups in remote forests. In humanoid form they have short-stiff hair, stout builds, and large Canines. In Hybrid form they have the same characteristics but now have sharp claws, six canines, and leathery pig-like features.
Wererats are the smallest, and weakest of all lycanthropes. They live in small gangs in cities and sewers. There humanoid forms are scrawny and twitchy with wired hair. In there hybrid form they gain rodent features and claws as well as spotted facial blemishes.
Weretigers are Sly, cunning hunters living on the outskirts of jungle settlements hunting for food and resources. There humanoid form is uptight and groomed outfitted with hunting supplies. There hybrid form gains Feline features, as well as a slender and muscular build.
Werewolves are the most animalistic of all lycanthropes. They tend towards dark forests and form packs with other wolves. There humanoid form is muscular with disproportionally large shoulders. While there hybrid form gains a thick hide and the completion of a dire wolf.
In Mythology
Werewolf attack by Lucas Cranach in 1512