Werewolves

Werewolves are a species of shapeshifters that can be found in the Umbra Werewolves are the result of a mystic condition known as lycanthropy. Lycanthropy can be contracted through countless means the most common of which is surviving an attack by another werewolf while others including preforming perverse rituals upon oneself or making a deal with a demon. However, others are born with the condition some are the result of a union between two werewolves others are due to a family curse. Other strange causes of lycanthropy include being a seventh son, being born under a full moon, or drinking rainwater out of the pawprint of a wolf under the light of the moon. Werewolves have the ability to shapeshift between two different forms which are as follows.

**Forms**

Werewolves have the ability to shapeshift between two different forms which are as follows.

**Humanoid**

This form closely resembles an average human with the exception of having 30 percent more body hair which typically resembles that of wolf or other canines and 10 percent more muscle mass. Werewolves often manifest hair underneath their hands and under their skin in this form. It is common for those who have caried the curse for some time to possess some wolf like features or traits.

**Lupine**

The lupine form resembles a typical Hollywood werewolf a cross between man and wolf. This form is the most varied and each is different. Werewolves enter this form every full moon and go on a murderous rampage. While in this form the Werewolf gains the primal instinct of the wolf while retaining most of their mortal mind. Werewolves in this form are far more resilient to damage through they are extra vulnerable to silver and wolfsbane.

**Biology**

Werewolves have a bizarre anatomy and supernatural biology.

Transformations can take anywhere from several hours to several seconds depending on how old or experienced the werewolf is. The first transformation always takes place during a full moon. Before this first change the werewolf will consume large amounts of food and liquid gaining large amounts of weigh becoming bloated and fat. The extra body mass will then be used to fuel the transformation. This transformation is always into the lupine form. After this the werewolf will slowly gain more and more control over their transformations which will become quicker. Transformations are often affected by the phase of the moon, the changing of seasons, and the emotions of the werewolf while more experienced werewolves can change shape at will. Werewolves have a highly potent immune system and healing factor which grants them near invulnerability to most ordinary weapons and illnesses, but they are deathly allergic to silver and can be warded off by crosses. Through werewolves are far from immortal they are very difficult to destroy or kill and many live for centuries or more. The origins of lycanthropy are believed to date back at least a thousand years with the first confirmed case being recorded during the Middle Ages and many myths and folktales pointing to the existence of werewolves being far older while others believe that lycanthropy is an unexplained scientific phenomenon. Werewolves have been wiped out several times throughout history however the curse has never been fully destroyed always resurfacing like a plague or virus. This is in part due to the great many ways in which one can contract the curse. Humans and other animals instinctually distrust and avoid werewolves often unconsciously. Both male and female werewolves become highly sexually aroused and violent around and during full moons. During the full moon werewolves will instinctually attack as many humans as possible and if possible, mate with another werewolf and further spreading the curse of lycanthropy. Werewolves have an unsuasible thirst and hunger for the flesh and blood of mortals just as Judas consumed the body and blood of Christ.

**Others**

Werewolves have complicated relationships with the various other sentient species of Earth which have been summarized below.

**Vampires**

Vampires and werewolves have had a long history of both uniting together against humanity and fighting over humanity as they are both hunters and enemies of humanity but also rely on humanity to survive and reproduce. Vampires and werewolves have many similarities and thus both compete for many of the same ecological and social niches. Vampires generally view werewolves as inferior beasts while werewolves see vampires as weakling parasites and leeches if they are even aware of their existence.

**Changelings**

Werewolves and changelings are generally unaware of each other however changeling and werewolf packs will occasionally fight over territory. This always results in a quick and body victory for werewolves.

**Great Old Ones**

Through the few great old ones are concerned or even aware of werewolves. The few werewolves who encounter or learn of such entities lose what little sanity they have left and reject the horrible knowledge contain within their human mind for the blissful ignorance of the wolf. Such werewolves are reduced to nothing more than mindless animals.

**Humans**

Humans have been both predator and prey to werewolves being both the hunter and hunted. Humans serve a werewolves primary means of reproduction turning them into more of their kind and human mages occasionally contract lycanthropy from perverted rituals or infernal dealings. Werewolves are also known to kill or cannibalize humans on occasion. Such cases are often mistaken for animal attacks or the workings of a deranged madman.

**Watchers**

Most watchers view werewolves as a dangerous mistake and fearfully watch on as the plague of lycanthropy spreads across the creation of god.