Beware the Jackalwere: AD&D’s Shape-Shifting Nightmare Unleashed

Discover the dark lore of the Jackalwere—an elusive, shape-shifting predator that hunts unsuspecting adventurers. Learn how to wield this cunning foe in your next AD&D campaign.

Today’s podcast suggestion comes from LeroyD20 on X.

The Jackalwere is a rare and dangerous creature known for its ability to shift between a jackal and human form. Driven by chaotic evil, it roams the lands, targeting humans for their riches and lives. Its gaze holds a magical sleep-inducing power, making it even more threatening in ambush situations. With a high intelligence and the ability to wield human weapons, the Jackalwere is a cunning and deadly foe that adventurers must take seriously. Despite its humanoid form, only iron or magical weapons can harm it, making it a challenging opponent in combat.

Highlights

• 🐺 Shapeshifter: The Jackalwere can switch between a jackal and human form, making it a master of deception and infiltration.

• 💤 Sleep-inducing Gaze: Its gaze works like a sleep spell on unsuspecting creatures, allowing it to incapacitate foes before attacking.

• ⚔️ Resilient: Only iron or magical weapons can hurt it, adding an extra layer of difficulty for adventurers.

• 💡 Intelligent and Cunning: The Jackalwere is highly intelligent, often using strategy and ambushes to achieve its goals.

• 👥 Pack Hunter: Sometimes found with normal jackals, making it more dangerous when encountered in groups.

Key Insights

• 👹 Chaotic Evil Alignment: The Jackalwere’s evil nature drives it to murder humans and steal their riches, motivated by malice.

• 🏠 30% Chance in Lair: There’s a decent chance it will be encountered in its lair, which could be filled with treasure and danger.

• 🎯 Single Attack: While it only has one attack per round, its 2-8 damage combined with its sleep-inducing gaze makes it deadly in combat.

• 💰 Treasure Type C: The Jackalwere might be guarding valuable loot, making it an attractive target for adventurers seeking wealth.

• 💀 Jackal Companions: There is a 20% chance that it may be encountered with regular jackals, increasing its threat level.

Example that I read (of course even when I write things out, I modify it when reading lol)

"You've been traveling the desolate roads for days now, the sun setting behind the mountains as the chill of night begins to creep in. It's quiet, save for the occasional rustling in the brush nearby. Suddenly, you hear a voice—a man, calling for help from the side of the road. He looks injured, battered, but there's something...off about him.

Despite your instincts, you let him sit by the fire, offering food and shelter for the night. He speaks little, his eyes gleaming strangely in the firelight. As the night wears on, one by one, your companions begin to feel drowsy. Your head grows heavy, but you resist the urge to sleep. Suddenly, the stranger’s form begins to change, fur spreading over his skin as he shifts into a jackal-like creature.

Those who succumbed to the sleep fall to the ground, helpless. The Jackalwere grins, ready to strike. With a sinister growl, he lunges at you, but you're ready. You shout for your allies, weapons raised, knowing that iron or magic will be your only hope to survive this deadly ambush."

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