Lycanis-Pictus

Only found in Africa these Lycanthropes are some of the most powerful of the entire species. Being strongly related to Lycanis-Simensis(Striders) grants Lycanis-Pictus to be used as elite warriors by their packs. Exceedingly rare the Lycanis-Pictus are almost never encountered outside of military campaigns or colonisation attempts. Much like their strider kin Lycanis-Pictus acts as a force of self defense for rarely seen Lycanthrope packs.

### Lycanis-Pictus Appearance and Attributes

The most noticeable trait of Lycanis-Pictus are their immense height, with most instances standing at around seven feet tall they often dwarf their cousins. This increased height is paired with steel tearing strength, their canine form hulking with muscle these Lycans are true tanks. More often than not Lycanis-Pictus are encountered leading or being supported by a large group of striders creating a near unstoppable force. The fur of these titanic Lycanthropes is speckled with browns and blacks giving them one of the most distinct coats out of their cousins. It’s easy to see how these towering wolves would easily reach the head of a pack though more often than not Lycanis-Pictus instances are used as type of shock troop. A seven foot tall wolf hurtling toward your ranks is more than enough to make even the sternest soldiers flee.

Though incredibly tall and strong a Lycanis-Pictus can still move at absurd speeds. This is paired with a large amount of agility making Lycanis-Pictus truly formidable opponents. Though they do not move any where near as fast as their strider cousins an average human would never be able to outrun one. Often the sight of one of these twisted beasts is enough to make the average man flee for their lives. Unlike their cousins Lycanis-Pictus does not retain much of their intelligence whilst transformed leading to many instances to be near feral attacking friend and foe alike. It seems as if whilst transformed local canines and striders are almost attracted to the area leading to chaos whenever one of these Lycans transforms. Being a near tank with the support of Striders and African hounds has lead to such groupings being categorised as a Wild Hunt. Neither bullet nor bayonet can halt the changing mass of snapping canine jaws echoing the howls of the damned.

Much like their Strider kin Lycanis-Pictus only transform into their canine form in order to defend their homeland. This often results in Lycanis-Pictus only being seen in the most dire of battles, being used as a deciding factor that has often lead to many an invaders defeat. It is not uncommon for an invading army to loose tens of men whilst fighting a single instance of Lycanis-Pictus, with companies of men needed to even hope to harm one. Fortunately for the world Lycanis-Pictus are only found in Africa, meaning that the chances of running into one as a casual civilian are exceedingly rare.

### Lycanis-Pictus Origins

The Origins of Lycanis-Pictus are lost to time with virtually no information on when or where the first instances appeared. It is presumed that much like their local Strider cousins that Lycanis-Pictus are created as a means of defense. Another theory is that Lycanis-Pictus are created by proving ones worth to their gods through marital prowess. This idea of warrior by trade is almost universal among Lycanis-Pictus with them being some of the finest hunters and soldiers even in their human form. Being exceedingly rare its no wonder as to why these Lycans are talked about in hushed tones among Anomalous Security Companies.

### Lycanis-Pictus Cultural and Religious Demigraphics

With Lycanis-Pictus being so rare its hard to gain a true understanding as where they commonly stand in greater society. It is common however to see Lycanis-Pictus acting as chief warriors or veteran enforcers among Strider packs. On occasion Lycanis-PIctus are see as chief or leader of strider packs though this only seems to be during times of war. Religiously Lycanis-Pictus practice whichever faith is custom to their pack or tribe. As far as we know there has never been a Lycanis-Pictus following an official or recognised faith. This has lead to the theory that Lycanis-Pictus are only created under very specific circumstances which further could explain why these entities are so rare.

### Lycanis-Pictus Common Form

Lycanis-Pictus can seemingly only take the form of a Cynocephaly, with no known instances of any form of Lycanthropy. This is strange among Lycan species as often their ranks can be made up of any form of Lycanthrope. Once more this lends credence to the theory that Lycanis-Pictus are created from some of the finest Afro-Lycan bush warriors. It is also known that attempting to become a Lycanis-Pictus using Serkik Lycanthropy will result in the individual being permanently trapped within their canine form. This often quickly leads to the death of the individual as their brain is overwhelmed by the madness of a feral beasts mind.