Werewolf

**Werewolves** are a supernatural species with the ability to shapeshift into two forms different from their human appearance; a typical wolf, and a bipedal-human-wolf hybrid. Their most notable abilities can only manifest at night and disappear during the day, but they retain their physical capabilities. Unlike most other supernaturals, werewolves have no instinctual inclination towards humanity and can integrate well. But like humans, there are often those who seek harm against others, particularly those they view as inferior.

## History

The breed currently known as werewolves, appeared at some point in Europe through unknown means, spreading quickly through reproduction and victimizing the European population. Frequent hunts against them led to the development of smarter tactics to prevent their utter destruction, with some integrating themselves with normal human society. By the time of the British Empire's apex, werewolves had faded largely into folklore and mythology, with few incidents that would cause the genocide of their kind at the hands of humans who knew, the Gods, or any other supernatural species that wished them ill will.

## Characteristics

### Behaviour

Despite their status as wolf shapeshifters, werewolves have behavioural patterns that more closely resemble those of humans rather than wolves. Unlike normal wolves, werewolves do not gather in packs instinctively and would rather live among humans due to their own comfort, usually forming their own communities within human society. Their communities are often more secretive than most and help support each other. They are able to do this as, unlike vampires or other monsters, werewolves are able to peacefully live among humans.

While they can live peacefully, there are occasions were a community of werewolves have grouped together outside of human society and would come into conflict with locals. The conflicts they face can be the result of not having enough food, territorial claims, or the community itself is geared more towards violence and belief in their own superiority. Communities that choose the way of violence are often hunted down either before they take extreme action, or afterwards when they have been noticed.

### Appearance

When they shapeshift into their normal form, or "Moon Wolf", they seem like larger and more muscular than other breeds of Gray Wolves who share many of the traits associated with the species. The primary difference that sets the Moon Wolves apart is the noticeable lack of fur on their bodies. While they do have fur, it is not enough to protect the average wolf from the cold and would make one think of them as diseased. When the light of the moon shines down on them, their eyes become pale white and shine in the dark of the night.

Full Moon Werewolves are more humanoid in appearance, their bodies in a bipedal position with digitigrade legs when standing up right and their wolven head. They have long arms and legs that are proportional to their bodies that are larger than their human forms, usually ranging to 6 - 7 feet in height. Like the Moon Wolves, the Full Moon form has less fur than their size would suggest, with it barely covering their leathery hides. Their fangs and claws are noticeably larger and sharper than their canine counterparts; while the claws themselves are ever present, they can be increased in size for offensive or defensive purposes, easily capable of tearing into the flesh of most mammals.

## Powers & Abilities

* **Werewolf Physiology**: The bodies of werewolves are at their peak operating condition due to the magic influences on it. They cannot be afflicted by diseases and their ageing process is slow compared to humans, living an average of 200 years. Their healing capabilities and general physiology allow them to make use of the strength of an ordinary human to their maximum and not experience fatigue.
* **Shapeshifting**: While under the influence of moon light, werewolves are able to shapeshift into the form of unknown wolf species. They are only able to shapeshift during this period and will be unable to turn back into human form until the next night if they are caught in daylight. During the full moon, Werewolves instead turn into a hybrid form of a humanoid wolf.

### Weaknesses

* **Mortality**: Despite being supernatural, werewolves still have the bodies of mortal humans and can be killed through means available to ordinary humans. However, their regenerative healing factor can allow them to survive things that would be fatal to humans. Anything that would kill a human quickly can kill a werewolf.