Werewolves

Jade Canino in her fully transformed state.

Werewolves, commonly confused with Lycans, are a species of shapeshifting humanoids with the ability to transform into a wolf. The werewolf shares many physical and cultural similarities to its' sister species, the lycan. It is debated whether lycans are a subspecies of werewolf instead, but the two are more widely regarded to be separate entities.

## Characteristics

In the most basic sense, werewolves are humans who transform into wolves on the full moon. They are fully sentient while in wolf form, and are able to learn to control their transformations at will (with the exception of those infected by Lunar Madness).

Werewolves are on average 7.6 ft tall if female and 8.3 ft tall if male. They are carnivorous faculative bipedals. Werewolf coats come in a variety of natural fur colors and patterns, though the color typically depends on the individual's natural hair color in human form. While transformed, werewolves almost always have striking yellow or amber eyes, though other colors have been reported over the years.

While in humanoid form, a werewolf can be identified by their distinguishable characteristics. Features to note would be sharp canine teeth (sometimes leading them to be falsely identified as Vampires), eyes that seemingly glow in dark lighting, and pointed ears, though depending on the surrounding populus this may not be a reliable clue. Werewolves also tend to be relatively hairier than other humanoid species.

### Weaknesses

Silver and the wolfsbane flower, also known as monkshood, are the two most noteable weaknesses a werewolf has. They are also two of the main ingreedients in the most common cure for lycanthropy.

Silver works to dampen, prevent, or even reverse a werewolf's transformation, and many individuals living amongst humans or in otherwise unaccepting communities use silver jewelry as a method of controlling their transformations and breakouts. Silver has been found to prevent full moon transformations, however it is ultimately up to the individual's tolerance of the metal as to how effective it can be. An individual may be able to use silver as a way of "curing" their lycanthropy for some time, however the risk of suppressing one's nature for so long is a violent and painful transformation as their inner wolf can no longer be held back.

Wolfsbane is used as a way to physically weaken a werewolf, often by coating weapons in wolfsbane extract to maximize the effectiveness. It is poisonous to werewolves and extended or excessive exposure to the plant can cause physical illness, and in extreme cases, death. Upon ingesting wolfsbane, a werewolf might feel sluggish or fatigued, as well as nauseous, light-headed, or hot. The effects set in almost instantaneously, making this flower an excellent deterrent.

### Transformations

Werewolves are affected by the moon's phases and are forced to transform on the night of the full moon. On the two to three nights leading up to the full moon, a werewolf will become increasingly more and more wolf-like each night as the moon nears its full illumniation. The transformation last from moonrise to moonset, during which a werewolf reaches their full wolfy form. On the following two nights they will also transform, but to a much lesser degree than as they did leading up to it.

Many werewolves are able to learn to control their transformations and are able to transform at will. This takes practice and is able to be learnt by every individual, though it may come more naturally to some. Werewolves can also instinctually transform at moments of great emotional or physical distress, though this transformation is not as complete and does not last as long.

## Becoming a Werewolf

* full moon ritual
* consume werewolf blood
* does not work any other night

## Culture

### Ancient Times

"Ancient times" refers to the time period spanning from the creation of the werewolf species to about the 18th century.

### Modern Times

"Modern times" refers to the time period starting at the 18th century to present day.

#### Social Hierarchy

While most packs still retain the Alpha/Beta ruling dynamic, they have completely done away with the concept of Omega and have turned the system into a less-aggressive, non-fight-to-the-top society.

#### Religion

Due to the mixing of cultures, many werewolves consider themselves eclectic; they follow many or a combination of many different religions and/or belief systems. The original werewolf religion Lunism has survived and is still practiced by a large majority, though its numbers are dwindling.