Lycanthropy

The creature of the genus Lupinius has always been one fraught with mystery and fear among those who call it by its common name, Werewolf. Interestingly, the nature of a Werewolf comes from a virus in the system, mutating the genes of the affected individual to suit the climate or environment. (Said virus is undergoing classification). While any creature can become infected by the "Werewolf virus", humanoids are the only ones affected by it, with transmission being only through the bite of an affected creature. The most common recipient of the "Werewolf Virus" is the Human (Homo Sapiens), however, Elves aren't safe safe from affliction. 
As of now, there are two subspecies of werewolf; The Common Werewolf (Lupinius Venatorus), and The Greater Werewolf (Lupinius Nobilis). The Greater Werewolf boasts increased strength and full control over the transformation, however the disease is hereditary. The Common Werewolf is at the mercy of the lunar cycle when it comes to their transformations, only transforming upon a full moon. The Common Werewolf disease is spread by bodily fluids while in the werewolf form. 
Usually they have an improved healing factor that allow them to recover from almost any injury at a rapid pace except when that injury is from silver or a silver-plated weapon. The healing rate is even faster when they're in their wolf form. They boast advanced hearing and smell, but is boosted even further in their wolf form. 
== Description ==
The Werewolf while transformed is described to be 2.6 meters in hight, and possessing brown, black, or grey fur. Disproportionately long arms with razor sharp claws are also described, with a common attack trait being the Werewolf swinging its arms wildly. Red to yellow eyes are the normal for afflicted, and this is an easy way to spot an afflicted individual. Werewolves are restless by nature and can go without sleeping for weeks. Bags under the eyes and constant tiredness are another easy way to spot an afflicted person. If you were to shine a light in their eyes, light would be reflected and shine back. 
As a given, individuals while in the docile state are described to be perfectly normal, albeit the red or yellow glowing eyes may come across as uneasy. After a transformation, the afflicted individual is said to feel queasy, and possess a bleeding nose, gums, and other orifices. Fur sprouting from the ears, while unusual, is not unheard of. 
=== Werewolf Diet ===
A Lycanthrope's diet is mostly carnivorous, however, a starving Werewolf will be able to survive on berries, grass, leaves, and foliage. The main delicacy among the Lycanthropic horde is human flesh, which is usually eaten after a long hunting trip. 
Werewolves have a natural addiction and allure to human flesh, consuming it gives them a high like no other and can cause withdrawal if not consumed for too long. But, the temptation can be overcome through discipline and/or medication. 
Chocolate is poisonous to werewolves, they are not able to metabolize theobromine substances effectively. A werewolf eating chocolate can lead to Nausea, increased heart rate, increased thirst and lethargy. Consumption of chocolate will not kill a werewolf however.
== Werewolf society ==
Werewolves, by nature, are social creatures, preferring to form packs of 5-9 with other affected individuals. However, there have been cases of Werewolves who have formed powerful families and alliances throughout the known world. The latter are almost always of the Greater Werewolf subspecies, given that they control their Lycanthropy. A werewolf in an urban environment is almost always hunted down and killed, however, a clever Lycanthrope can survive off the residents for as long as necessary. 
 
=== Greater Werewolf society ===
Greater Werewolf society was contained within several tribes or packs. Such as the silvermoons, witherfangs and bloodmoon tribes. What tribe you were in didn’t matter, but if you wanted to take the alpha spot you had to request a duel with the alpha, and then fight them in your human forms.
Category:Disease
Category:Races
Category:Traveler's Era