Barlow

Werewolves are never born, only created. The lycan curse is spread through the blood and saliva of a transformed beast; it’s a rare condition, for one must first survive an attack. On the night of a full moon, the afflicted involuntarily shift into massive, terrifying bipedal wolves with a thirst for blood. The transformation cannot be prevented, and it is agonizing. Some may experience migraines, body pains, and a sense of dread prior to a full moon. Different moon types may affect the afflicted unpredictably.

While presenting as human, lycans have a tendency to be broad-bodied and muscular. They may prefer to travel alone, to maintain their human lives, or to fully embrace the wolf and form tenacious packs.

Barlow trades width for heightened senses. When the moon is round, his fur is creamy with black flecks. It’s rough, scrappy, and matted. He stands at eight and a half feet tall at the tips of his tufted ears. His incisors are four inches long, and he has claws to match such intimidation. Beastial instincts are impossible to ignore, so while Barlow has some control over his actions, it is severely limited.

Contagious Bite Lycanthropy can only be passed by a shifted beast during the full moon. If one survives an attack but has been in contact with lycan blood or saliva, they may become afflicted. A newly blooded lycan is frenzied during their first full moon, which cannot happen the night of infection. Strength & Senses A shifted beast has keen senses, more powerful than the average wolf. They are well adapted to darkness and can smell fear. Acutely aware of their surroundings, it is difficult (but possible) to hide from a lycan. Supernatural strength allows them to decimate obstacles and run at breakneck speeds.

Rage Insatiable bloodlust is the driving force of this condition and the reason for their violence. While shifted, a lycan cannot be reasoned with, as their only desire is to harm. They are territorial and typically attack on sight, even if the target is another of their kind. Amnesia Upon sunrise, the afflicted has no memory of their shifted state. Injuries carry over to the human form, occasionally resulting in death but more commonly causing full-body muscle soreness. The aftermath of the full moon is psychologically difficult for the afflicted–mental disorders are not uncommon.