Serkik Lycanthropy

Serkik Lycanthropy is obtained by using a Thuamturlogical ritual to create an Arcane item known as a Serk. This is done by the individual hunting an animal of their choice with a pelt large enough to cover the majority of their frame. This pelt will then be adorned with arcane iconography and imbued with power thanks to the help from the individuals patron deity. These Serks are often made from the pelts of animals in which the individual sees desirable qualities. The most common Serks are created from Wolves, Bears, and Deer, though more obscure pelts are also used. In the instance of a wolf serk the Lycan individual is referred to as a Lyserker.

It may be no suprise to some to learn that Serkik Lycanthropy is incredibly popular in pagan and Druid cults. This method of Lycanthropy has been used to great effect in times gone by with warriors using such Serks being known as Berserkers. Serkik Lycanthropy was used heavily throughout Central and Northern Europe before the expansion of Abrahamic religion, with instances of Serkik Lycanthropes being encountered by forces such as the Romans. Serkik Lycanthropy was still used as common tactic in warfare up until the mid 6th century, though still in use today it has fallen out of favour due to the effects of its long term use,

Individuals who make regular use of their Serk will begin to become addicted to its effects, craving the sweet release of their bestial form. This becomes dangerous as long term use of Serks will cause the individual to begin losing control of their bestial form. More problems arise due to the method in which one actually operates their Serk. In order for Lyserkers to transform they must first strip naked and then place their pelt upon their shoulders. Though this seems convenient in order for a Lyserker to transform back into their human form they must return to the clothes that they were wearing before their transformation. This can lead to a Lyserker being trapped in their canine form permanently if they can not located their clothes. It’s this flaw in the method that makes Serkik Lycanthropy a less than desirable way of obtaining such a power. Fortunately for some individuals its the successive transformations which directly lead to the degradation of their control. This means that if the individual has only transformed a small amount of times before they will be able to retain a vast amount of control over their bestial form.

Lyserkers look unlike any other form of Lycanthrope with their canine forms being adorned with arcane symbols the same of which they decorated their serk with. This distinct appearance of being adorned in arcane tattoos whilst in a canine form has also been adopted be humans in many cults. Often a Serkik Lycans canine “tattoos” will resemble similar body art worn by their peers within their group. In some more modern Neo Druid cults many Serkik Lycanthropes have experimented with creating elaborate body art by decorating their Serk. Many of these Lyserkers view this form of expression as true art and will often make additions or alterations to the Arcane symbols on their Serks in order to present themselves in their artistic vision.

Unsuprisngly a Lyserkers Serk can be destroyed which effectively makes the individual human once more, though they will now struggle to re obtain their Lycanthropy. It seems as if this may be a punishment for allowing ones Serk to be destroyed as many of there attempts to recreate their lost Serk will be rendered dismal failures. It should also be noted that Serks are person specific, meaning that they can only be worn and used by the individual that created them. Placing a random Serk upon your shoulders will keep you warm on a cold winters night but will not grant you with the power to transform into a Lycanthrope.