Garou
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Just like the creature itself, the Cajun legend of the Rougarou can take on multiple forms. Originally derived from French stories of the “loup-garu,” or “wolf man,” the monster is most commonly described as a bayou-dwelling werewolf with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp teeth. The beast is usually said to be a cursed man who must shed another’s blood in order to break its spell and re-assume human form, but the tale varies according to the teller. In some versions, the Rougarou can turn its victims just by locking eyes with them; in others, it takes the form of a dog or pig rather than a wolf. Still others paint it as a shape shifter that can assume different human and animal forms at will. Because it can switch its appearance so easily, some even conflate the creature with the legendary Skunk Ape of southeastern U.S. swamp lore.
In most Louisiana parishes, the Rougarou myth is employed as a kind of cautionary tale. Children are told that the fiend will come for them if they don’t behave, and Catholics are warned that it hunts down those who break Lent. In modern times throughout Cajun Louisiana, the beast has developed several consistent characteristics: it’s described as standing between 7-8 feet tall, has horrible sharp teeth, and glowing red eyes.
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The CurseRougarou As with others of his kind, Ryker is at the mercy of the waxing and waning of the moon. When the full moon is at its peak, he shifts into a monstrous, bi-pedal beast, devoid of any human ability to think or to reason. In modern times throughout Cajun Louisiana, the beast has developed several consistent characteristics: it’s described as standing between 7-8 feet tall, has horrible sharp teeth, and glowing red eyes. Those who bear the curse experience heightened senses, cravings for raw meat, animal-like dreams and unexplained blackouts, particularly around a full moon.
Shape-ShiftingCan shift into different animal forms at will, just like the rougarou of lore. Most commonly takes the form of a four-legged, feral version of his transformed state.
Heightened SensesLike other werewolves, his senses are heightened even in his 'default' human form. Ryker has found his sense of smell, in particular, to be exceptionally helpful for police work.
WeaknessesWith the good, comes the bad. Silver and wolfsbane are potentially fatal in high doses to Ryker no matter what form, just like his fellow werewolf brethren. Smaller amounts are still harmful, and even a small dose of silver can result in a burn or a taste of wolfsbane can knock him out.
The assured ways to kill a rougarou, are by fire and decapitation, which works on pretty much everything else too. -
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