Hounds

==Overview==
The Lycanthropes or Hounds as they are typically referred to as are a specialized nobility class in Tranquies. They double up as the country's main defense against foreign invasion and as local law enforcement. Although, in actuality they do very little beyond intimidate those around them into submission and by extension keep crime rate low. Hounds typically present themselves as cold and strict, keeping the appearance as a solider on duty while in public. In fact, Hounds try very hard to avoid communicating with humanoids as whole, opting to speak in the long-dead language of Olde Tranquiesan and refusing to use tradespeak unless absolutely necessary. 
== Biology ==
Hounds always pass their lycanthropy to their children. The gene does not appear to mutate or change no matter how many family lines it goes through. So long as at least one parent carries the gene the offspring will always possess lycanthropy and just as potently. Despite being considered a hybrid, they do not appear to suffer from hybrid infertility. Lycanthropy begins to manifest in Hound pups between the ages of 10-12. Shifting throughout their lives leads to "mutations" to their "human" biology, their bones fuse together leading to conditions such as crowded teeth, spinal deformities, and enlarged palate and jaw. Despite being descended from wolves, they appear to have the same dietary needs as humans. Hounds often vary between 5'10"-6'0"+ (shortest runt was reported at 5'7"). A hound's nails consist of thick keratin and several nerves and blood vessels, it is advised they remain unaltered. A hound's body hair is relatively human in texture, but grows in excess regardless of sex. Hounds have a heightened sense of smell and hearing, with an ability to see in the dark. Hounds are resistant to most non-magical damage and show resilience and strength far superior to their non-lycan counterparts. Shifting is inherently tied to a Hound's emotional state, it being reported that it may happen involuntarily if in any heightened state.
A Hound's default state is lycan, meanwhile their altered state would be their humanoid form. A Hound post-shift is reported to be slightly smaller than a dire wolf. There is only one type of wolf in Tranquies, called Lyulf. Lyulfs look identical to a Hound after shifting, oftentimes making it difficult to tell the difference between the two based solely on appearance. 
In an effort to shirk their duties, some Hounds have been known choose to stay permanently shifted, although it is not without consequence. Within 2-3 weeks of staying shifted without break, a Hound may lose their ability to return back to their "human form" (called lyulfen meich). This "permanently altered state" is referred to as permewig.
Hounds internal body temperatures make them ideal for surviving through Tranquiesan winters. Even as Lyulfen Meiches they require no extra provisions in order to survive. This excessive heat is thought to be the reason for the accelerated healing, the blood itself seems to assist in cauterizing superficial skin wounds. Hounds steam as they heal due to the heat of their blood interacting with the air.
As a Hound transforms, their bones will break to accommodate the new form. The outer layer of skin will burn due to excessive heat produced while shifting, and will regenerate new skin fitting for the transformation. Hounds who train from childhood to adulthood have a far smoother transition due to their bodies already having been broken and healed over while their childhood plates have not been fused with. Ideally, a Hound nearing adulthood will have their entire body changed and honed for seamless transformation. 
==Responsibilities==
Little is known of what a Hound's training entails. It is intended to be kept secret and passed down exclusively to those of their lineage in order to prevent leaks to foreigners. Public knowledge is that they are trained in emotion suppression and combat.
During the first week of spring, Hounds are expected to clean up thawing corpses of those whom died due to the cold before they've completely thawed in an effort to stave off diseases. They are tasked with moving outside their respective sectors, seek out the corpses, and burn them at large. For this, Spring may be referred colloquially as "Ash season".
== Politics ==
While recognized as noblemen, Hounds are hold very little political sway nationally. Instead, Hounds are entrusted to protect and control their local sectors. Each Hound clan is designated a sector to govern for themselves while the Druid Circle handles global affairs. 
Hounds are expected to have a litter around every five years, although it is not enforced. This is to ensure the Hound population stays steady, and allows for a consistent influx of new trainees. Hound children are considered property of Tranquies, and as per the law they are forbidden from leaving Tranquiesan land. Hounds are also forbidden from holding employment outside of their birthright as to not distract from their training or sway where their loyalties lie. 
== Lore ==
The creation story of Hounds varies depending on whom you speak to. The most accepted story (and most vague) is the Hounds were a gift granted by Muddenmotter in order to keep Tranquies peaceful. Their sole duty was to protect in the inhabitants and fight in order to ensure humanity would never have to. 
There is some dissent in regards to how that came to be. Some believe the Hounds were always present in Tranquies from its founding, while others believe this was a gift bestowed specifically to the druids after settling. There appears to be no clear opinion from the Druids either as of to what may have actually occurred, 
There are what some consider to be fringe theories that the Hounds are far more sinister than the government lets on. Old and considerably outdated myths said that Hounds were known to be violent without reason, even attacking and eating inhabitants of Tranquies for seemingly no reason. Although, those theories have lost credence over the years as there has been no such recorded incident since Tranquies's founding, nor do the Druids even acknowledge such myths. 
The officially recognized Tranquiesan founding states they are descendants of the wolves said to have brought lost civilians to safety in the winter back in the country's early development. 
Druids believe that Hounds are superior to themselves as "[their] wildshape is a pale imitation to what a Hound inherently is." They are firmly of the belief that their voluntary subordination is a sign of deep trust and exemplifies a deep bond between nature and humanity. Hounds are believed to be the middleman between the two worlds. 
Category:Organizations