Lycanthropy Report

**Lycanthropy Report** is an Item.

## Uses

**Lycanthropy Report** is a note that contains information about lycanthropy ("Read"). It can also be consumed in exchange for Paper ("Erase").

## How to Obtain

It is possible for a pet to collect a **Lycanthropy Report** during adventures in Project-E.

Pets that visit the Corrupt Sector might find the **Lycanthropy Report** after repairing the corrupt sector.

### Etymology and History

The term "lycanthrope" originates from the Greek words "lykos" (wolf) and "anthropos" (man), historically referring to the mythological concept of humans transforming into wolves.

The term "lycanthropy" has since been repurposed to denote the drastic transformation of infected animals into monstrous forms, regardless of their original species.

The earliest observations of animal lycanthropy date back to ancient civilizations. Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese scriptures contain descriptions of domesticated animals, particularly cats and dogs, exhibiting characteristics of larger animals. These changes were initially ascribed to divine intervention or mystical phenomena.

It wasn't until the discovery of the Hollow Earth, and the animals that live there, that lycanthropy was confirmed as a viral condition.

### Biology and Transformation

Lycanthropy is caused by the Lupine Morphological Transformation Virus (LMTV), a unique retrovirus that integrates into the host's genome and initiates a series of dramatic physiological changes.

Upon infection, the LMTV lays dormant within the host's cells until activated, typically by emotional stress. The activation of the virus triggers a complex process that causes rapid, widespread alterations in the host's body. Bones reconfigure, muscle mass significantly increases, and sensory abilities enhance.

Despite the violent nature of the transformation process, it does not lead to lasting physical harm to the lycanthrope. This is due in part to a secondary effect of the virus that grants the host an extraordinary regenerative ability, aiding recovery from transformation-related injuries.

The virus-induced transformation is temporary, with the lycanthrope reverting to their original form after a period of roughly 4-6 hours, but there have been cases where the transformation persists for days.

### Impact on Human Society

Lycanthropy is currently confined to a single island - Poppy Seed Pet Island - where the Lupine Morphological Transformation Virus (LMTV) was first identified. This unique geographical isolation has significantly shaped the island's society, animal stewardship practices, and biosecurity measures.

Pet ownership and animal stewardship on the island have evolved to accommodate the unique needs of lycanthropic animals, and osland veterinarians are developing specialized knowledge and practices to ensure the health and well-being of these animals.

The island's isolation has necessitated strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of LMTV to other regions. No animal is allowed off the island, and humans are subject to several health checks and a quarantine period to ensure the virus remains contained to Poppy Seed Pets Island.

### Conclusion

Lycanthropy, while rooted in the ancient mythologies of human transformation, is a confirmed viral phenomenon exclusive to the animal kingdom. Confined to Poppy Seed Pets Island, the phenomenon is caused by the Lupine Morphological Transformation Virus (LMTV), which leads to dramatic physical transformations in animals.

The island's strict biosecurity measures reflect a global commitment to balancing the necessity of human travel with the importance of maintaining global biosecurity.

LMTV provides a remarkable example of the power of viruses and their ability to shape not just biological life, but also societal structures, cultural norms, and regulatory systems. Its study offers rich insights into viral evolution, zoonotic potential, and our adaptive capabilities as a society when faced with extraordinary biological phenomena.

*(Hm?? There's something scribbled here: "Wolf's Bane + Silver Bar + Aging Powder"...)*

## Action: Erase

Erasing a **Lycanthropy Report** will turn it into Paper.