Bloodlust

Lycanthropes ordinarily retain control over their own behavior. However, from time to time, they suffer involuntary transfigurations stained by extreme violence, hunger, and malice. These episodes, caused by losing control to their Beast Within, are called bloodlusts. A bloodlust occurs when:

• A lycanthrope is triggered into a bloodlust (see the “Transfiguration Triggers” section below).
• A lycanthrope transfigures for the first time in their life.
• A lycanthrope currently resisting their curse transfigures into their beast or hybrid form without successfully controlling the curse.

   

Transfiguration Triggers

A bloodlust can be triggered by dramatic phenomena, as described below. When a bloodlust is triggered, the lycanthrope must succeed on a Charisma saving throw, the DC of which is determined by the trigger. On a failed save, the lycanthrope immediately shapeshifts into their hybrid form (no action required). There are four types of triggers:   Change. A lycanthrope’s bloodlust is infamously triggered by a rare act of great change, such as the rising of the full moon, a once-in-a-century storm, the turning of seasons, a solstice, or a passing of a comet. It is impossible for a lycanthrope to resist this trigger, and the lycanthrope does not need to witness this phenomenon to be triggered by it. This bloodlust lasts for 1d6 + 6 hours or until the triggering phenomena has passed. By succeeding on a DC 20 Charisma saving throw, the lycanthrope can delay their transfiguration by 1d10 × 6 seconds, after which they transform.   Danger. A bloodlust can be triggered whenever a lycanthrope is harmed, even by their own hand. The lycanthrope must make a Charisma saving throw if any of the following events occur:

• The lycanthrope suffers a critical hit (DC 10 or half the damage the lycanthrope takes, whichever is greater).
• The lycanthrope starts their turn with half their maximum hit points or fewer (DC 15).
• The lycanthrope regains 1 or more hit points after having been reduced to 0 hit points (DC 20). On a failed save, the bloodlust occurs, lasting until all known threats have been eliminated or driven off,
• until 1 hour has passed, or until the lycanthrope is affected by a calm emotions spell.

    Emotion. An intense emotional response—rage, fear, or even love—can trigger bloodlust. Examples of emotional triggers include: 

• Suffering from the frightened condition.
• Spells and effects similar to crown of madness and enemies abound that incite the lycanthrope into a rage.
• The death (or threat thereof) of a loved one, the unexpected treachery of a trusted comrade, or the birth  of one’s child.

To resist an emotional trigger, the lycanthrope must succeed on a DC 15 Charisma saving throw. On a success, the lycanthrope is immune to emotional triggers for the next minute. A bloodlust triggered by emotion lasts for 1d10 minutes or until a calm emotions spell is cast upon the lycanthrope.    Hunger. The longer a lycanthrope goes without satisfying its hunger, the more likely they are to enter a bloodlust. At dawn, if a lycanthrope has not satiated its hunger for at least four days prior (including the food it has missed out on), it must succeed on a Charisma saving throw or enter a bloodlust. The DC to resist this trigger equals 10 + the number of days it has been since the lycanthrope ate its fill. The sight or taste of blood can also trigger a hunger-induced bloodlust if the lycanthrope has not sated its hunger.    

During a Bloodlust

A lycanthrope attacks with wild abandon while lost in a bloodlust. It struggles to distinguish friends from foes and is concerned with eliminating any present threats (real or imagined), satisfying its hunger, and venting its wrath, rage, and resentment upon other creatures—in that order. During this phase, the Beast Within—which is controlled by the Dungeon Master—determines the lycanthrope’s actions in accordance with its alignment.   The Beast Within is merciless and often chooses the nearest enemy to attack, switching only to slay weaker ones nearby. It is neither mindless nor simple-minded and chooses the most vicious and efficient options when attacking other creatures. Whenever the Beast Within acts on an urge counter to its host’s desires, the lycanthrope may attempt a Charisma saving throw to refrain from that act. The Dungeon Master adjudicates the DC (minimum 10).   Below are two examples of what a lycanthrope can do to influence the Beast Within during a bloodlust:

• The Beast Within attempts to slay a loved one. The host makes a Charisma saving throw to redirect its attacks this turn against another creature within reach, provided there is another possible target for the attack.
• To distinguish allies from enemies during a bloodlust, the host makes a Charisma saving throw. On a success, the Beast Within prioritizes attacking other nearby creatures.