Lycanthropy

## Relevant People

### Nature

Essence-based curse that makes the afflicted more animalistic and transforms them under a full moon.

### Relevant Titles

Were-Beast, Were-Wolf, Were-Bear, etc., Alpha

## Common Knowledge

There are some people who are more beast than mortal, who under the glow of the full moon transform into terrifying monsters.

## Affected Regions

Lycanthropy affects all areas of Temporis where mortals live, as anybody has the potential for lycanthropy affliction.

## Related Groups and People

Lycanthropes or were-beasts are, by definition, people inflicted or gifted with Lycanthropy.

The Wolven Forest is a safe haven for all were-beasts, so long as they agree to live peacefully in a community with others.

Some people dedicate their lives to seeking out and eliminating were-beasts, and such people often form large groups of were-beast hunters.

## Overview

### Summary

Lycanthropy is a curse inflicted upon a person’s essence and soul. Though the term originally refers to were-wolves, lycanthropy has many different strains that each relate to a different beast. Such strains include were-boars, were-bears, were-monkeys, were-sharks, and were-vultures. The afflicted receive a small to moderate boost in physical power, and exhibit some animal-like traits depending on the strain of lycanthropy (for example, a were-wolf may grow patches of fur or a set of dog ears, a were-monkey may grow a prehensile tail, etc.).

### Lunar Transformation

Regardless of the strain, those afflicted with lycanthropy transform under the light of a full moon. This transformation varies by strain, but involves an increase in size and muscle mass. The afflicted also take on more characteristics of their strain’s beast, with fur, scales, or feathers covering their entire body and their head morphing to appear more like the animal in question.

While in this transformed state, were-beasts are significantly stronger, have thick skin that can shrug off some attacks, sometimes gain the abilities associated with their animal (heightened sense of smell, gills for underwater breathing, wings capable of flight, etc.), and acquire an unnatural penchant for the consumption of meat. This hunger often causes outbursts of violence in the afflicted.

### Method of Spread

This curse is not transmitted from parent to child. A person afflicted with lycanthropy must receive it from another person who already has it. Lycanthropy is spread by devouring a person, often in beast form, but leaving them alive. The curse will prevent this mortal wound from killing the target, but will latch onto them.

## Social and Cultural Impact

Lycanthropes are usually ostracized by their society of origin for their outbursts of violence and extreme differences, so many attempt to keep their new urges and lunar transformations a secret. Some nations have laws ordering the execution or capture of lycanthropes, while other places simply have cultural norms and prejudices against them.

Some lycanthropes view their curse as a gift that empowers them, others see themselves as doomed, it depends on the person and their outlook.

Lycanthrope groups usually break down into a hierarchy, often led by an “alpha” who is considered the strongest. This can apply even in situations where this social model does not reflect the animal their strain mimics.

Were-beasts are a popular figure of folklore and myths, as well as written stories.

## Founding and History

Lycanthropy and its various strains have no known origin, but may have first appeared long before the fall of Old Binturia.

## Further Information

* Essence
* Souls
* Were-beast
* Wolven Forest