Can a Werewolf Become a Vampire in D&D? A Deep Dive into Lycanthropy and Vampirism
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Yes, a werewolf can become a vampire in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), though it’s not as straightforward as it might seem at first glance. The core rule is this: lycanthropes, including werewolves, are humanoids and therefore, susceptible to vampirism. However, the rules do not combine the powers of both species. The lycanthrope becomes a vampire, losing their lycanthropic nature. Think of it as an either/or transformation, not an “and” situation.
Understanding the Mechanics
The key to understanding this lies in the mechanics of how vampirism and lycanthropy function in D&D, particularly in 5th Edition (5e).
- Vampirism: Becoming a vampire typically involves a vampire’s bite reducing a creature’s hit point maximum to zero, followed by burial. The individual then rises as a vampire spawn under the control of their sire.
- Lycanthropy: This is a curse that transforms a humanoid into a creature capable of shifting into an animal form (like a wolf for werewolves) or a hybrid form, granting enhanced physical abilities and, sometimes, specific vulnerabilities.
- The Conflict: The mechanics of D&D treat these as separate conditions. When a werewolf succumbs to vampirism, the vampiric template overwrites the lycanthropic template. The werewolf is no longer a werewolf; they are a vampire who was a werewolf. This is crucial. You don’t get a being with both werewolf and vampire powers. The individual would now follow the rules for a vampire and not be able to turn into a wolf or hybrid form.
The Folklore vs. D&D Interpretation
The information suggests that in some folklore, a werewolf who dies will rise again as a vampire. In D&D, the process of rising from the dead as a vampire is due to the mechanics of becoming a vampire spawn. The fact the individual was a werewolf before is ultimately irrelevant, they will not become a hybrid creature.
The Challenge of Becoming a Vampire
Transforming a lycanthrope into a vampire is, however, a difficult endeavor. A vampire would need to bring a werewolf to the point of death from their bite, and the individual has to be buried and rise as a vampire spawn. This makes turning a lycanthrope challenging but not impossible, if the vampire is strong enough and the target vulnerable enough.
The Consequences: What Happens Next?
After becoming a vampire, the character loses all lycanthropic abilities, such as shapeshifting and lycanthropy-related immunities. The individual now has the typical vampire traits of weaknesses to sunlight, wooden stakes, and the need for blood. It’s a dramatic shift. While a werewolf might have been a powerful melee combatant with heightened senses, a vampire might be more strategic, using charm and fear as weapons, on top of melee combat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Werewolves and Vampires in D&D
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the intricate relationship between werewolves and vampires in D&D:
1. Can a vampire be infected with lycanthropy in D&D 5e?
No. Vampires are undead and therefore immune to lycanthropy. The rules state that you become undead during the bite. Therefore, you can not become a lycanthrope afterwards.
2. What races can become vampires in D&D?
In D&D 3.5e, any humanoid or monstrous humanoid creature can become a vampire. In 5e, any humanoid can also become a vampire, typically after being drained of blood by a vampire’s bite. Dwarves, elves, humans, gnomes and tieflings can all be transformed.
3. Is there a god of vampirism in D&D?
Yes, Kanchelsis is the Lord of Vampires and is heavily associated with blood and magic.
4. Can you mix werewolf and vampire?
No, D&D generally does not support a hybrid creature with both vampire and werewolf powers. When a werewolf becomes a vampire, it loses its lycanthropic abilities and becomes a vampire, as detailed above. Some stories may have hybrid beings but in D&D, they are treated as separate entities.
5. Can D&D vampires go in the sun?
No. D&D vampires have Sunlight Hypersensitivity. They take 20 radiant damage at the start of their turn in sunlight and have disadvantage on attacks and ability checks in sunlight.
6. Can a Tiefling become a werewolf?
Yes, any humanoid race, including Tieflings, can become infected with lycanthropy. They can take on wolf forms or hybrid forms.
7. What is a half-vampire half-werewolf called?
Generally, hybrid creatures with the power of both werewolves and vampires are referred to as Were-pires or Vaewolfves in fiction. In D&D, however, this is not a creature type that exists. The individual is a vampire, not a mix of both.
8. What happens if a vampire bites a werewolf?
In D&D, if a vampire’s bite reduces a werewolf’s hit point maximum to zero, the werewolf can be buried and rise as a vampire spawn.
9. Can D&D vampires drink animal blood?
The rules do not specify the effects of animal blood on vampires in D&D. This is left to the DM’s discretion. Generally, it’s understood that a vampire’s bloodlust prefers humanoid blood.
10. Are vampires always evil in D&D?
Yes. A vampire’s alignment is always evil. Any alignment the individual had in life is lost and they take on an evil alignment.
11. What kills vampires in D&D?
Vampires in D&D are vulnerable to sunlight, running water, and radiant damage. Piercing them with wooden stakes or destroying their resting place is also effective. The best way to defeat them is to use charm immunity, sunlight spells, radiant damage, and find their resting place.
12. What happens when a vampire dies in D&D?
When a vampire dies, it reverts to its true form if it died in any other form. If it died in mist form, it can no longer speak, act or manipulate objects.
13. What language do vampires speak in D&D?
Vampires speak a unique language called Vampiric, known for its complex syntax and grammar and used for communication and spellcasting with other vampires.
14. Do D&D vampires bleed?
Yes, according to the information given, D&D vampires do indeed have blood in their body.
15. Who is the oldest vampire in D&D?
In the original D&D, Strahd von Zarovich was the first Vampire. In later editions, the origins of vampirism are less clear, linking to the life-draining kiss of a succubus or the creation of Orcus, with Haemnathuun the Blood Lord being another potential source.
Conclusion
While the allure of a hybrid werewolf-vampire creature is tempting, D&D’s rules make the matter clear. A werewolf can become a vampire, but doing so causes them to lose their lycanthropic abilities and become a true vampire. D&D’s mechanics treat these as transformations rather than combined states, maintaining a separation of these supernatural forces. Understanding these mechanics is essential for D&D players and DMs crafting their own stories within the game world.