Werewolf: The term "werewolf" is a common descriptor for humans with the rare and coveted ability to transform into a wolf or a therianthropic hybrid wolf-human form known as a greater or hybrid form, or True form by some. The metamorphosis is a closely guarded secret, and werewolves will do whatever it takes to keep their existence hidden from the general public. Despite their fearsome reputation, werewolves are not inherently evil, but rather represent yet another facet of the complex and diverse world of the supernatural.
The relationship between werewolves and humans is a complicated one, filled with danger and uncertainty. While some werewolves are fiercely protective of their human counterparts, others see them as prey to be hunted and consumed. Still, there are rare cases where werewolves and humans have formed close bonds, though such relationships are always fraught with tension and risk.
Lycan: Lycanthropes or Lycan are a rare breed with the ability to transform into a powerful and imposing wolf-like creature. Most Lycanthropes can shift at will, granting them an immense advantage in battle. Their transformations are imbued with incredible strength, speed, and agility, making them formidable hunters and warriors.
Lycans are said to be nearly impervious to harm, with wounds healing almost instantly. Their strength is such that they can easily overpower a dozen men with a single swipe of their clawed hands. Their senses are enhanced beyond human comprehension, allowing them to track prey across great distances and in pitch darkness.
The physical appearance of Lycanthropes is a mesmerizing blend of human and wolf traits, featuring powerful musculature, keen senses, and razor-sharp claws. Their fur can range from a light sandy color to a deep, almost black shade, to fiery reds with piercing eyes that glow with an otherworldly intensity. Their howls are often described as haunting and melancholic, echoing through the night with an eerie beauty.
Despite their physical prowess, Lycanthropes are not invincible. They have weaknesses like any other creature, particularly when in their human form. Many struggle to control their transformations, with the beast within threatening to overwhelm them at times.
Bitten: In contrast, to their Lycan counterparts those who are bitten or turned struggle with their newfound powers and the instincts that come with it. Furthermore, the process of turning can be a traumatic experience for many, leading to a loss of control and an inability to harness their newfound abilities. This often leads to a period of instability and unpredictability, with their feral side taking over making it challenging for newly turned Lycans to navigate the complexities of their new existence.
This can manifest in many ways based on the type of Lycan one has been bitten by, some still have the ability to change forms at will, while others can only change during the full moon, or worse cannot control their change, or their feral nature when the moon is full. While much of this can be overcome some are not strong enough, their human mind breaking and leaving them little more than a crazed beasts.
While both natural-born Lycans and those who have been turned possess incredible abilities and strengths, and incredibly enhanced senses there are clear differences between the two. Natural-born Lycans often have a stronger connection to their wolf form and are raised with an innate understanding of their powers, leaving many who have been as feral and lone wolves, the type of Lycans that are known to terrorize a community.
Cycanthropes:These legendary beasts are said to be the result of an unholy union between a man and a cursed wolf. They are creatures of great power, possessing the strength of a wolf and the cunning of a human. Unlike Lycans, they only have two forms: that of a human and their massive wolf form. Even though they are relegated to being on all fours, they still stand taller than most humans and are much larger than the wolf form of their Lycan cousins.
Unlike other lycanthropes, the transformation of a Cycanthrope is not limited to a mere physical metamorphosis. The very essence of the creature changes during transformation, imbuing it with supernatural abilities that defy human comprehension, speed, strength, and extraordinary senses that match that of any Lycan, even without a greater form.
Despite their formidable powers, the Cycanthrope is not without weaknesses. Most are vulnerable to silver, which can weaken their healing abilities and even kill them in large enough quantities. Iron is also said to be effective against them, as is the case with many supernatural beings. Fire is their bane, as it can cause their transformation to become unstable, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Bitten:There are two distinct groups - the natural born and the bitten. Those who are born with the gift of transformation are considered to be the purest of their kind, with their powers passed down through generations of their bloodline. They are often revered as powerful leaders and warriors, with their instincts honed from a young age and their control over their transformations well-practiced.
In contrast, the bitten Cycanthropes are those who have acquired their powers through an attack or a deliberate transformation. Though they too possess the strength and speed of their kind, they often lack the finesse and control of the natural born, leading to a wilder and more unpredictable nature. The trauma of their transformation often leaves them struggling to come to terms with their new identity, leading to a greater likelihood of aggression and violence.
The natural born Cycanthropes are deeply in tune with the rhythms of nature, with a strong affinity for the elements and a deep understanding of the balance of the world around them. They are often called upon to protect their communities from natural disasters and to heal the sick or injured. In contrast, the bitten Cycanthropes may find themselves disconnected from the world they once knew, struggling to control their transformations and the primal urges that come with them.
Unlike the natural-born Cycanthropes that have had years of training and practice to hone their skills, allowing them to transform at will and maintain a semblance of control over their actions in their beastly form. The bitten, however, often find themselves at the mercy of their transformations, with little control over when or how they occur. This can lead to dangerous situations where the Cycanthrope may lose themselves to their primal instincts and cause harm to themselves or those around them.
Ultimately, both the natural born and the bitten Lycans and Cycans have their own strengths and weaknesses, with each bringing their unique talents to the world around them. It is up to each individual to determine how they will use their gifts and how they will navigate the challenges that come with their transformations.
The Many Breeds of Wolves
Therian: Legend has it that the Therians were born from the union of wolves and the very elements of mother earth herself. They are a unique breed of werewolf with the ability to shift between three forms: human, wolf, and their True form, or greater form as many call it. Unlike many other werewolves, the Therians are essentially immortal and have no weakness to silver. However, even with their extreme healing capabilities, they can still be killed by normal means such as beheading or dismemberment.
Despite their monstrous appearance, the Therians possess a distinct moral code, society, and culture that sets them apart from many other races. Their connection to their wolf is unparalleled, giving rise to a number of powerful abilities including almost supernatural senses, among them is the ability to communicate with wolves and even other canines, through a sixth sense. The ability to feel emotions, smell and taste what they taste, and see through the eyes of their cousins and brethren. Even if they do not share a language they have a way of speaking through that emotional bond that can transverse over great distances and is greatly enhanced for packmates.
Therians Unlike other werewolves, they can ONLY breed to repopulate and cannot create more of themselves through the typical "Turning." Their saliva even possesses healing properties rather than poison as many call it, that can turn humans.
Therians are both bipedal and capable of standing tall and straight like any human, with double-jointed knees and elbows allowing them to easily drop down to all fours and run with the speed of a quadruped. Therians' instincts and senses are shaped by their animalistic nature, giving them a feral edge and a more ready stance in battle. Their long tongues and maws don't seem to hinder their communication and can easily speak in human tongues.
Once mighty rulers of vast territories the entire earth if you heard it from them, the Therians were forced to retreat into the shadows as humans emerged as a dominant force. Today, the only (known) Therian clings to what little remains of their ancient traditions on the fringes of society. Yet, he refuses to give up the fight for their culture and way of life.
Wulver: Deep in the wilds of Scotland, there are legends of a creature known as the Wulver. These beings are said to be half-man, half-wolf, and with a coat of fire. Unlike other lycanthropes, the Wulver is said to be benevolent, kind, and gentle, often helping those in need.
The Wulver are said to live in remote areas of the Scottish wilderness, in caves or hollows among the rocks. They are said to be solitary creatures, rarely seen by humans, but when they do interact with humans, they are known to leave offerings of fish and game for those in need.
Despite their fearsome appearance, the Wulver are known to be protectors of the wilds. They are said to keep the balance of nature in check, ensuring that the creatures of the forest thrive and remain in harmony. They have been known to guide lost travelers through the wilderness and to protect those who are in danger from predators or harsh weather.
Faoladh:Once in the dark forests of Ireland, the Faoladh did lurk. These ancient beings, thought to be extinct, are a rare breed of cycanthrope with the ability to transform into both human and wolf forms, known as Faoladh. Though having gone into hiding as humans centuries ago sightings of the Faoladh are rare, and those who claim to have seen them are often dismissed as fanciful storytellers. However, for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these ancient beings, the memory of their majestic presence lingers long after they have disappeared into the shadows.
Their wolf form has long reddish-brown fur and tall, slender legs with a distinctive feature is the tuft of long, dark hair that runs down its back and forms a mane around its neck. Their ears are large and pointy, and it has narrow snout and sharp teeth. They are truly a sight to behold, standing tall on their elongated legs, with a distinctive black mane running down their back. Their wolf form is both imposing and majestic, with piercing yellow eyes that seem to glow in the darkness.
The Faoladh were once guardians of the ancient forests of Ireland, protecting the land and its inhabitants from harm. Their supernatural abilities were revered by the people, who believed that the Faoladh possessed the power to heal and protect. However, as time passed, the people forgot about the Faoladh, and the creatures were forced to retreat into the life of the humans allowing everyone to believe they had gone extinct.
