Werewolves

[Mari]

Lycanthropes

"We humans fear the beast within the wolf because we do not understand the beast within ourselves"---Gerald Hausman

Stories of shifters have existed since Yalanzens fist stepped onto the planet and began to call it home. Like most races, Lycanthropes can trace their roots back to those first human settlers. The main difference, that even the lycanthropes have forgotten is that they stemmed from a group of Yalanzens that had been genetically altering their DNA on the generation ships before landfall. By the time they hit the planet their DNA was sufficiantly mutated for the environment of the planet to do the rest.

All that lycanthropes really know is that they have the ability to change their shape from human to another animal. They think it has to do with the ability to turn a mental switch on in their minds and few realize it is because they are accessing a gene sequence in their makeup that has been there for a very long time.

Lycanthropes have varying degrees of transformation, from partial shifts that allow them to enhance one sense or skill to a half way form that is a bipedal creature, the kind usually seen in horror films today, to that of a full creature. Each of these forms requires years to master fully and some never attain the needed self discipline to control their shifting. Many roam around in their bipedal form tearing up the countryside on full moons with scarce a thought of the damage left behind.

Lycanthropes can be made via bite or birth. Birthed lycanthropes are considered more skilled because they are raised to know what they are and the responsibilities that come with it. It is sad to say but the horror stories of animal attacks are usually perpetrated by those who have been bitten wolves that lack the self control to lock themselves up once a month or at other times.

Werewolves do their best to avoid Yalanzens though there have been cases where a werewolf takes a Yalanzen spouse. In cases where the Yalanzen spouse is female, there is a ninety percent chance that if she conceives a child, she too will become a lycanthropes due to the connection with her unborn child. In any case, most mothers become werewolves in order to make the birth process as easy as possible.

Lycanthropes are the original survivalists and can often be found associating with Witches for needed supplies since many share the same views on nature and the environment. A werewolf is far more likely to live off the land rather than depend on a gadget to do their work for them. In this they are like the Yalanzens. Its rare for them to need much in any case, when you can single handedly plow your own field do you really need to worry about a motorized plow?

Basic Abilities:

• Shifting - Lycanthropes can shift between a Bi-pedal Animal form and a human form. Some Lycanthropes can even shift into a massive version of a normal creature, however that is a gift granted only to those who are one with nature and the spirit of the creature they can shift into. Contrary to popular belief, lycanthropes can shift whenever, however on the full moon they have no choice and become a bit more rabid.
  
• Immortality - Lycanthropes are immune to all forms of disease and poison other than Wolfsbane and Silver. They will live eternally if not killed by these two things.
  
• Enhanced Physiology - Due to their "Gift", Lycanthropes have enhanced senses, reflexes, strength, and speed. In terms of speed they are not quite as fast as Vampires, however their strength far surpasses that of a Vampires. A Lycanthrope can smash through brick, concrete, and even iron without much physical harm depending on their age. Age, like their vampire neighbors, brings them strength. Lycanthrope also heal from all non-fatal wounds, however silver and wolfsbane leave scarring.
  
• Dominance - Alpha lycanthropes, those chosen by fate, can control others by pushing their will onto them. Lesser lycanthropes are forced into submission, however most Alpha's prefer not to do this if they can help it. The only thing that can in turn do this to an Alpha is the Animal Spirit (The King). (Alphas Only)
  

Advanced Werewolf Abilities:

• Durability
  
• Healing
  
• Pack Summoning
  
• Speak with Animals
  
• Howl
  
• Poison Claws
  
• Tenacious grip
  
• Tracking
  
• Marksmanship