Lycanis-Lapaster

Also known as Lakals in the Anomalous Security Community are the North African and Arabian variant of Lycanthrope. Being a fairly uncommon sub species the majority of their population is confined to Egypt, Libya, Saudia Arabia, and Sudan though they can be found across the globe in isolated instances. Much like their cousins packs of Lycanis-Lapaster have near seamlessly merged with society filling roles across the work force from grave keepers to doctors. There is a large variety in where Lycanis-Lapaster stand in society with some packs being nomadic, wandering the deserts and mountains where as others sit firmly at the tops of Abnubite cults based in Cairo. This large variety in positions that Lykals fill in society lead to a large variety of interactions throughout history with the cases often revolving around Nomadic Lykals descending of travellers.

Lycanis-Lapaster can seemingly trace its species origin to the Myth of Anubis though as with much Lycanthrope history this is hotly debated by scholars in the anomalous world. With a smaller population its quite evident that unity among the subspecies is a must with much of their family groups and packs being made up predominantly Lycanis-Lapaster. This does not mean they are not a large part of other subspecies cultures however as Lycanis-Lapaster are revered throughout the Lycan world as the canine guardians of the dead.

### Lycanis-Lapaster Appearance and Attributes

Given the geographical area in which the majority of Lycanis-Lapaster are found it is not surprising to learn that thier bestial form strongly resembles that of the African Wolf. Much like their cousins the canine form of a Lykal gains only a small amount of height with its body being mostly in proportion though twisted and stronger. Controversially it seems as if some Lycanis-Lapaster also have access to magic due to the powers of individuals known as Abnubites. Though it is unknown wether this is a sub species specific ability as how the Abnubites conduct their rituals is a closely guarded secret.

Given the areas in which Lycanis-Lapaster first originated its no wonder to discover that thier sub species is predisposition for roaming large distances. Whilst humans found the Sahara Desert impassable Lycanis-Lapaster found it to be prime hunting ground. This ability to trek long distances and survive in the harshest heat of desert sun has allowed Lycanis-Lapaster to cement itself in modern times. This mix of desert dwelling tribe and vicious canine hunter made Lycanis-Lapaster feared when sailing through the dune seas of the deserts of North Africa.

The ability for Lycanis-Lapaster to trek great distances is further emphasised with many individuals spending their lives traveling the world as merchants or priests. In many Lycan communities the arrival of a Lykal merchant or an Abnubite priest is a joyous occasion met with minor celebrations.

### Lycanis-Lapaster Origins

Much is unknown about exactly when and where Lycanis-Lapaster was first created though most Lycan sources cite Anubis as thier patron deity or farther figure. Most sources accept that the most likely first mass transformation of Lycanthropes was by Anubis during his gift of ritual funeral care to humanity. This myth be it true or not has heavily effected the course of Lycanis-Lapasters history with most individuals see kings roles in funeral care seeing it as a holy act. It does seem that unlike other sub-species Lycanis-Lapaster is instead primarily made up of single instances of individuals transforming.

Unlike their cousins it seems that instances of Lycanis-Lapaster is traditionally not transformed as a punishment as is more often than not granted to people who are in need of assistance. Though it is presumed fragments of Anubis are responsible for many transformations in the modern age it does seem as if there is another deity with a soft spot for Lycanis-Lapaster.

### Lycanis-Lapaster Cultural and Religious Demigraphics

Due to the smaller population size members of the sub species Lycanis-Lapaster have a disproportionate representation within their religions and organisations. In religions such as Abnubinism Lycanis-Lapaster makes up the majority of its followers, though similar behaviour is observed in Arcadianism with its priests that practice funeral care disproportionately being Lycanis-Lapaster. Lycanis-Lapaster are also disproportionately more likely to follow Islamic faith, this is almost certainly due to the cementation of the species in North Africa and Arabia.

Many Lycanis-Lapaster wish to follow the teachings of their farther Anubis, seeking out roles in funeral care such as Grave Wardens or Funeral Directors. This is true in both human and Lycan society with many of the finest funeral care services in Egypt being run by Lycanis-Lapaster. This reverence of funeral care displays itself no better in the modern interactions many humans have with this sub species. Many a foolish grave robber or bumbling architect has been assaulted by a stoic Lycanis-Lapaster that has stood guard over their ancestors graves for years. Lycanis-Lapaster will often intervene if they witness any desecration of burial grounds regardless of faith or culture. In fact many of the tombs across Egypt are home to small groups of Lykals that have vowed to guard the rest of the dead for as long as they live. This reverence of burial grounds has lead to incidents in the past in which Lykals will attempt to reclaim stolen artefacts from museums or private collections. Fortunately in the modern day most artefacts that Lykal cults wish to reclaim have either been returned or are too well guarded to steal.

### Lycanis-Lapaster Common Form

In the vast majority of instances of Lycanis-Lapaster are Cynocephaly, gaining thier Lycanthropy from birthright or as a gift from their patron deitiy. This has allowed Lycanis-Lapaster to work successfully as a homogeneous species with many of them holding the same values and shared common appearance. Though some do use Serkik Lycanthropy this was far more common in ancient times, with a staggering 97% of Lycanis-Lapaster being Cynocephaly. This does lead to many Lycanis-Lapaster feeling some how superior to their more common cousins with many citing Cynocephaly being the only true and correct form of Lycanthropy. This is a similar to views on Lycanthropy held by Lycanis-Aureus.