Weremole

### Intelligence

Human or beast-like, depends on many factors, such as the generation in which the weremole was born.

### Range

Underground of forests and cities ( Northern Kingdoms / Nilfgaard )
 Underground of the Far North.

### Prey

Subterranean creatures
Humans and other surface creatures ( if their territory is threatened

### Predators

Wererats (?)
Other therianthropes
Witchers

**Weremoles**, also known as **heterocephathropes**, are an uncommon type of therianthrope. These creatures have the ability to transform into either full or half-mole rats, often exhibiting heightened senses, particularly in their sense of smell, which they use to navigate their subterranean environment.

## Vulnerabilities

Like other therianthropes, weremoles are generally resistant to traditional weapons made of steel, but are particularly vulnerable to silver. In fact, silver has been known to cause significant harm to weremoles, often resulting in severe burns or even death.Other vulnerabilities are also cursed oil and fire.

## Behavior

Weremoles are known to be mostly solitary creatures, preferring to live alone in underground burrows and tunnels. They have been known to be particularly aggressive when their territory is threatened, and will fiercely defend their homes against any perceived intruders.

Weremoles are most commonly found in rural areas, where they can live without much interference from humans. However, in urban areas, they are often found living in the sewers or underground tunnels, where they can scavenge for food and avoid detection. In cities, they may come into conflict with other therianthropes, such as wererats, who also dwell in the sewers.

Weremoles are not typically considered a threat to humans, as they are generally reclusive creatures who avoid human contact whenever possible. However, if threatened or cornered, weremoles can be extremely dangerous due to their formidable strength and sharp claws. Their underground habitat has also given them the ability to navigate through narrow spaces and quickly dig their way out of dangerous situations, they are often viewed with fascination and even admiration by some scholars. Their unique abilities and solitary lifestyle have made them a subject of interest among scholars and researchers, who seek to understand their behavior and biology.

Some weremoles are able to retain their intelligence and even develop unique cultures and societies within their underground habitats. These weremoles have been observed exhibiting advanced communication skills, using a combination of vocalizations, body language, and even scent marking to communicate with one another. They also possess a deep knowledge of their environment, using their heightened senses to navigate and locate food and water sources. Despite their advanced intelligence, these weremoles still share many of the same physical characteristics as their more feral counterparts, such as sharp claws and a keen sense of smell.

Interestingly, some weremoles have even been observed exhibiting pack-like behavior, working together to take down larger prey or defend their territory against other subterranean creatures. This social behavior is unusual for therianthropes, who are typically solitary creatures. However, it appears to be a common trait among weremoles that have retained their intelligence and formed underground societies.

Weremoles that have retained their intelligence and formed underground societies do not have hierarchical societies like wererats. Instead, they operate on a more egalitarian basis, with each individual contributing to the group's survival in their own way. Some may specialize in hunting, while others may focus on food storage or burrow maintenance. Despite their lack of hierarchy, these underground societies are still able to function effectively, relying on a combination of communication, cooperation, and a deep understanding of their subterranean environment.

## Transmission of the disease

It is believed that there are three ways in which one can acquire heterocephathropy. The first and most common method is through a curse, similar to other therianthropes, the second way is by inheriting the condition from a weremole parent and the third method of acquiring heterocephathropy would be through a weremole bite.

Unlike other therianthropes, it is known that weremoles from the second generation onwards lose their human-like intelligence and the ability of reverse their transformation. This loss of intelligence and inability to reverse their transformation is a unique characteristic of weremoles and sets them apart from other therianthropes. It is believed that this adaptation to their subterranean environment and the development of their animal instincts is the cause of this phenomenon. As they spend more time living as mole rats and relying on their animal instincts for survival, their human-like intelligence gradually fades away.

## Types of Weremoles

* Weremole Warrior : These weremoles are larger and more muscular than their counterparts and have been known to engage in combat with other therianthropes and underground predators.
* **Common Weremole** : The most well-known and widely studied type of weremole.
* Snow Weremole: A variant of the curse present in the Far North regions.
* Giant Weremole: A type of weremole that is much larger than the average weremole, often growing to the size of a small horse. They are known for their immense strength and ability to tunnel through solid rock.

## Trivia

* Common **Weremole** is a Cursed One class monster featured in *The Witcher: Monster Slayer*.