Werewolf

Werewolves are individuals afflicted by the Lycanthropy curse.

On Alohomora werewolves can only be turned, and the trait is not hereditary.

## GENERAL APPEARANCE

Werewolves do not look any different from a regular human during the majority of their lives. They maintain all of their human physical characteristics. When it is close to the full moon (a few days before to a few days after) they can look rather pale, frail, and sickly in general, as the transformation is very hard on one's body. (This is easily mistaken for simple illness.) It's very common for werewolves to struggle to maintain a healthy weight.

Werewolves still have scars from the attack that turned them into a werewolf, as werewolf scars never disappear. They can also have additional scars from self inflicted injuries (for those that don't consistently take the wolfsbane potion).

Due to the harsh nature of the forced transformations werewolves are prone to appear older then they really are, and will gray much faster. (Though this can be prevented/slowed by taking good care of your body, eating healthy, etc.)

During the full moon they will undergo a forced transformation into a large wolf. The color of their coat varies by the werewolf. While it can be difficult to spot to the untrained eye there are a few characteristics that separate them from your normal wolf. They have shorter snouts, smaller paws, and their tails are tufted.

## PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Werewolves will transform on the night of the full moon (when the moon rises and the sun is fully set) each month. The days leading up to their transformation and several days after are usually very uncomfortable for werewolves, and can present itself with extreme restlessness and illness. The transformation itself is quite painful and once fully transformed they will forget their humanity unless they have taken the Wolfsbane potion that night. Once transformed they will be compelled to hunt humans (again, unless they took the potion). If they can not find a human they are likely to inflict harm on themselves. They are extremely aggressive to any humans they find, but practically harmless to animals and creatures that can not be turned into werewolves (including other demihumans). The companionship of those they will not attack (animals, or demihumans that can't be turned) can help sooth their desire to hurt themselves.

Werewolves have severe ADHD in their youth and can be quite restless. They will never do well in confining places, or being indoors for long periods.

Werewolves have a high preference for meat, even when human. They also prefer their meat on the very rare side. They are also naturally drawn to the night, but have no problems with sunlight.

## MAGICAL ABILITIES

Werewolves do experience stronger senses (hearing, smell, taste, sight) when human. This is no where near as good as when in wolf form but it is stronger then the average human's.

Werewolves also have a very slight animal affinity when human. In particular, it appears that animals are able to sense werewolves, even when the werewolf is human. So animals are not aggressive to werewolves (even when human) by that fact alone. This doesn't mean animals won't act aggressively, just simply that animals do not feel threatened by werewolves in general. (Meaning they may still be aggressive if you acting aggressive to them, or are just a bad person). This does make it easier for werewolves to build bonds with animals then the average witch or wizard.

Werewolf bites/scratches do not clot/close naturally. It takes a special mixture of powdered silver and dittany to seal a wound inflicted by a werewolf. If it isn't sealed, even the smallest injury from a transformed werewolf can be fatal.

Werewolves do have a "sixth sense" for each other. When meeting they can sometimes know immediately, or at the very least will realize soon after, if the other is a werewolf.

(the following is not a normal trait and will require staff permission) Werewolves that completely give into their wolf nature (such as Fenrir Greyback) can take on werewolf like abilities even when it isn't a full moon. While being bitten or scratched won't transform you, it wont clot without the powdered silver and dittany mixture. It will also give the one wounded a few wolfish traits (such as a preference for meat).

## THE BOND

A rare phenomenon that can happen between two werewolves. The Bond has been studied and researched extensively but there is still much unknown about the true cause or how it works. There are many theories as to how the bond is formed though many have been disproven or still remain unable to be proven until more cases come forward. A common factor that has been documented is that the werewolves were transformed during the same lunar cycle (while not necessarily the same year, they were both transformed during a July full moon for example).

The bond is not romantic in nature. When formed, two werewolves will share a uniquely deep connection. This connection goes beyond friendship, or love. A werewolf's bondmate is their other half, and they will feel void without the other in their life after meeting. Some bondmates will never be more then platonic life partners, but it can also be romantic.

Losing your bondmate can be a crippling and traumatizing experience for a werewolf. It will be much like losing a limb, like a piece of you is missing. They will never fully recover from the loss.

Most werewolves never bond, or find their bondmate.

## WEAKNESSES

Contrary to popular believe they do not have any problem with silver. Though mixture of powdered silver and dittany do seal wounds inflicted by Werewolves to prevent the victim from bleeding to death.

The transformation itself is extremely painful, as is the transformation back into a human. They will also experience several days of illness prior and after their transformations.

## SOCIETAL STATUS

   Werewolves have often been met by extreme prejudice and distrust in the Wizarding world. In the past many attempts have been made to control, outlaw, and even exterminate Werewolves. It was extremely difficult in the past for Werewolves to find decent jobs even when they were full qualified for the position due to their condition.

Since the Second Wizarding War the world has seen great improvement to the treatment of Werewolves in society. Laws have been made to prevent discrimination against these people, and programs have been created to help Werewolves come to terms with themselves and to also find others like them to form lasting and important friendships. There is still some discrimination and persecution though, especially from older Wizarding families.

A common misconception about Werewolves was also recently proven false, which has greatly improved Werewolves standing in society. It was previously believed that lycanthropy was genetic and could be passed down to their offspring. Recent studies have shown though that the offspring of Werewolves do not inherit any of the traits. With this myth now proven false many Werewolves have been able to start families with no fear of potentially passing on the ailment.

Claustum de Lupus, an inn and resource for werewolves, also opened in early 2000. With this program in place, many werewolves are now able to go through their monthly transformations in relative peace, and receive many other important resources. Thus, Werewolf attacks are currently at the lowest they've ever been and the public's opinion of lycanthropy has greatly improved.

## MUGGLE WEREWOLVES

Muggles can be turned into werewolves, but the chance of surviving is extremely low. In fact, there have only been a dozen or so muggle werewolf survivals in the past 20 years! This is greatly due to the fact that the only way to close a werewolf bite/scratch is the powdered silver and dittany mixture. It is much easier for witches and wizards to receive the medical aid necessary to clot the wounds. When muggles have been attacked in the past it is usually accidental, or intentional and no other wizards/witches are around to help get the muggle the aid they need to survive. This is why their survival is quite low; Muggles usually pass away before the magical world is aware of the attack.

On Alohomora we permit muggle werewolves but these must be discussed with staff prior to attempting so that we can help come up with a scenario that will ensure your character(s) gets the magical aid they need to survive.