WEREWOLVES

Singular: Werewolf (WHERE-wulf)

Plural: Werewolves (WHERE-wulves)

“Werewolf” is a blanket term for any of two different types of canine shifters: Lycanthropes and Lycatenae. Lycatenae are those transformed by another werewolf’s infectious bite, are generally more feral and bend more easily to primal instincts, and as a result are more likely to see their canine traits as a curse than a gift. Lycanthropes, meanwhile, are those who have passed down their lycanthropy through generations. These werewolves often have extensive familial training and traditions regarding their canine forms, higher control over their shifting and canine demeanour, and tend to consider their lycanthropy a “gift from the gods”, or as an advantage in hunting and fighting behaviours, than as a curse. Werewolves are often part of big families (“packs”) and lycanthropes pass down their heritage to their children (lycatanae usually do not). It is a point of pride for a werewolf to have a large family with many practicing werewolves. There are many rich werewolf families who are popular amongst other werewolves for this reason. The werewolf species is one of community, even among lycatenae, who tend to find packs to care for each other during difficult full moon cycles and defend each other from hunters and predators.

All werewolves can take on three forms: Their “true” form– That of their “base species” (human, elf, etc), often sporting sharp nails, pointed canine teeth, and thicker body hair; their wolf form, a quadripedal, standard-looking though much bigger wolf; or a hybrid form– a large, bipedal canine form that is a mix of traits of their true and wolf forms. This is the most common shape for a werewolf to take when changed by the moon or against their will. During full moons, werewolves’ senses are heightened and upon the touch of moonlight they will be shifted into their wolf or hybrid form. Well-trained and disciplined werewolves are able to resist this change, but this is a skill that takes time and resolve. Many solitary werewolves (usually lycatenae) do not have access to training for this ability and will instead completely lose control during a full moon. In their canine form, werewolves have deadly, sometimes infectious, bites, sharp claws, heightened canine senses and the ability to communicate with other canines. They are formidable fighters, but in the light of the moon or when overtaken by adrenaline have the potential to lose control and revert to primal states. They are also extremely weakened by silver, are burned by touching it, and can be killed easily with any weapon made of or lined with silver.

ADDS 10-20 YEARS.

Average lifespan

WOLF TRANSFORMATION, CANINE SENSES.

species abilities

NONE.

PATRON DEITY