How Does One Become So Beastly

[Jez]

I'm sure I'm not the first to encounter this: one of my players wants to be a werebear like Beorn. How do player characters gain the ability to become werebears? As far as I can tell this ability isn't an option, but I thought I'd check.

And if it is possible, and something that can be earned like a Cultural Virtue, would there be other werecreatures that could be assumed? If so what animals do you think are appropriate?

[poosticks7]

Well TOR's take on Beorn's skinchanging is that he is the only one (and his descendants).

So.... Start as Grimbeorn.

[Scafloc]

I think the closest you can come is the Beornings virtue, "brothers to bears" or something like that (can't remember the proper name), but that only allows the character to assume a spirit-bear form at night time, if I remember correctly.

Beorn is sort of unique in Middle-earth, that's the impression I have. However if you really wanted to include some sort of were-creature transformation, from a cultural virtue, I'd propose you start looking at the virtue mentioned above and take it from there. But I don't think shape-shifters should be all to common, as I recall not even Grimbeorn could turn into a bear, could be wrong on that one though.

[Scafloc]

Well TOR's take on Beorn's skinchanging is that he is the only one (and his descendants).

So.... Start as Grimbeorn.

I was wrong on that one, then

[Rich H]

... If you wanted to introduce it into your campaign though GB, then an option may be to use the mechanics/system in Darkening of Mirkwood (on page 103) with regard to the Werewolf curse on a PC. You'd have to re-skin for a bear but it may give you some ideas as to the mechanical advantages.

[Dunkelbrink]

I had the same request from a player... Probably because most players come from a high fantasy background and not being too familiar with the TOR setting.

But (spoiler alert), the Darkening of MIrkwood delivers an interesting option on the subject (almost); have a look at page 103 (Dying of the light adventure).

[Jez]

I think also Radagast being a "master of shapes" implies that it is a power that one can learn somehow, and at some point, master.

In the ME game I ran years ago one of the woodelf bowman had developd a relationship with The Lord of the Eagles and was slowly learning the art of the were-eagle. He had a nemesis in the form if a were-raven. Cut his three archery fingers off, he did. I'm trying to think if another shape changing incident.... Doesn't Luthien change her visage to become a vampire bat to smuggle Beren out of Utumno? My memory might be shaky here...

[Glorelendil]

I think also Radagast being a "master of shapes" implies that it is a power that one can learn somehow, and at some point, master.

In the ME game I ran years ago one of the woodelf bowman had developd a relationship with The Lord of the Eagles and was slowly learning the art of the were-eagle. He had a nemesis in the form if a were-raven. Cut his three archery fingers off, he did. I'm trying to think if another shape changing incident.... Doesn't Luthien change her visage to become a vampire bat to smuggle Beren out of Utumno? My memory might be shaky here...

I am under the impression that Luthien was creating illusions, not shape-changing.

[Mytholder]

Luthien definitely flies while wearing the vampire bat's skin, so it's not just illusion.

[Mim]

Gareth, you raise a great point that I've struggled with concerning the game's version of Vampires.

Do you interpret a certain bat fane (granted you can't write her up for the game because of legal issues) to be the only reason for her flight?

If not (presumably), what was your reasoning behind the Secret Shadows & their dark powers?