Lycanthrope (starting race)

Lycanthropes ( are a new race specific to SLASH'EM. Werewolves are always chaotic and can play as a barbarian, ranger, rogue, or undead slayer. Lycanthrope characters offer a very different play experience from the other races.

Starting Properties
Lycanthropes start with the following attributes:
 * Regeneration
 * Lycanthropy (Werewolf)
 * Drain resistance
 * Polyself
 * The Eviscerate technique

Any silver weapons that may be generated in part of a Lycanthrope's starting inventory are reverted to their non-silver counterpart. (Such as with Undead Slayers).

Lycanthropic characters generally have excellent physical stats, but poor mental ones. The following table contains the maximum initial stats for a Lycanthropic character.

Regeneration and Nutrition
Starting as a Lycanthropic character can be exceptionally difficult, especially early in the game, as all Lycanthropic characters begin with the regeneration intrinsic. (Not hungerless.) While this can make many early fights significantly easier, the small nutritional value of the corpses of enemies in the first few levels of the Dungeons of Doom may cause problems for Lycanthropic characters just starting out. Often it's better to make for the first level of the Gnomish mines or Sokoban than to stay near the first few levels of the dungeon, at least until you have a good stockpile of rations.

Lycanthropy
Lycanthropic characters, as the name suggests, have intrinsic and incurable Lycanthropy. Specifically, they are werewolves. This comes with all the benefits and downsides that the intrinsic have, with a few exceptions:


 * A lycanthropic character will only change about every 100 turns per experiance level. At higher levels this will be indicated by "You feel less in control of yourself"
 * A natural Lycanthrope, like a Doppleganger, will remove non-cursed body armor when they change form. Cursed armor will still be destroyed as normal.
 * When transformed, a Lycanthropic character will have hit dice equal to his current level. This allows him to have more HP while in wolf form than a character of another race with the Lycantrhope intrinsic.
 * If killed in wolf form, you transform back into your humaniod form with half of your base HP missing. This includes deaths by food poisoning.
 * You can excercise and increase your stats.
 * Your AC is significantly lower while transformed, averaging at -4.

There are particular downsides of being transformed:


 * You cannot wear armor. (But you can wear accessories)
 * You cannot engrave.
 * You cannot open doors.
 * You cannot apply items.
 * You cannot force locks.
 * Your carrying capacity is significantly reduced.

It is possible to throw items, such as daggers or potions, while transformed.

Polyself
Lycanthropes start with the ability to change between Lycanthropic and Wolf form at first level, however using this ability requires 20 power. All polymorph effects on a Lycanthropic character simply switch them between Lycanthrope and Wolf forms.

#monster
When in wolf form, you can spend 10 power to summon a few wolves or winter wolf cubs to aid you in battle as pets. Winter wolf cubs in particular are fairly potent as allies, as they are able to grow into a fairly potent Winter Wolf.

Early Game
Early on, it pays significantly to become familier with the ins and outs of the limitations of your wolf form. Oftentimes it is best to simply dump your primary weapon and armor right when you begin, to save both space and time when the first transformation occurs. Body armor is weighty, and nearly worthless until you have the ability to freely control when you transform. Keep any daggers you start with, and save up as many others as you can safely carry in a single stack. Every one of the Lycanthropic classes bar Barbarian can reach Expert in daggers and they can be thrown even while a wolf form. Use this to your advantage to soften up enemies at range before fighting them in close quarters. If you get in trouble the techniques Eviscerate and Berserk can be used in a pinch to prevent an untimely death against a stronger foe (For example, a single Soldier Ant or Yeti when you are level 7). Don't be afraid to use #monster to get a few times to get get a small pack of wolves either.

Your first major challenge as a Lycanthrope is finding enough non-perishable food in order to avoid starving to death thanks to your innate regeneration. This is normally best done by either rushing for the first half of the Gnomish Mines or Sokoban, depending on your play style. The Gnomish mines are much easier to reach as a low-level character, and the resulting gnome and dwarf corpses there can keep you fed while you collect rations and other food. Sokoban is harder to reach, but it's guaranteed to have at least five ration items and either an Amulet of Reflection or a Bag of Holding (Both of which are immediatly useful to a werewolf), as well as a number of wands, potions, and rings.

Once you have a steady food supply, your main goal should be to find a Ring of polymorph control to gain full control over when you change so you can wear your Ascension kit. Ideally you should stash anything you can't carry or use in wolf form and simply stay as a wolf unless you need to use your hands (To open a door or bag).

One you have a Ring of polymorph control, your game will play pretty much like any other except for the Lycanthrope benefits. Fast regeneration, guaranteed pets, (Winter wolves make fairly potent pets through midgame), and #youpoly to remove cursed armor. This, added to innately high physical stats and two race-specific techniques, can lead to a very potent character from mid to endgame.