Werewolf

Werewolves are the most common were-beast encountered in Aion. While myths and legends vary in their details, most describe werewolves as humans with the ability to shapeshift into wolf-like creatures, especially around the full moon.

Basic Information

Anatomy

In their human form, werewolves appear physically identical to normal humans. However, when transformed their bodies elongate and sprout thick fur all over. Their facial features shift to more canine proportions with a longer snout filled with sharp teeth. Their hands and feet sprout vicious claws useful for hunting and combat. Their senses of smell and lowlight vision become heightened to a wolf's level.

Genetics and Reproduction

Lycanthropy is passed through bites from an infected werewolf. The offspring of two werewolves will also be werewolves. Reproduction can occur in either human or wolf form. Pregnancy and maturity rates are faster than humans.

Growth Rate & Stages

Young werewolves reach maturity in their mid-teens, around the same time frame as humans. During puberty, they start to manifest signs of their dual nature such as growing facial hair or claws in human form. Full control over shapeshifting takes years to develop.

Ecology and Habitats

Werewolves live among human societies but also feel more comfortable in woods and wildernesses where they can run freely in wolf form. They typically organize into loose packs for protection, hunting and social purposes.

Dietary Needs and Habits

In human form werewolves can eat a normal human omnivorous diet. In wolf form their predatory instincts take over and they crave fresh meat and raw flesh which they actively hunt down. They still require a balanced diet incorporating both forms' needs.

Biological Cycle

The full moon is the strongest trigger forcing transformations in werewolves, due to myths interpreting the celestial body as a symbol of wild, untamed nature. However, werewolves can also shift at will according to emotions like anger or during certain seasons.

Behaviour

Werewolves in human form behave as ordinary people but struggling with a primal inner nature. In wolf form predatory and territorial instincts dominate although individuals still retain aspects of their own mind. Pack behavior becomes important for structure and cooperation. During transitions between forms they experience immense pain.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Werewolves exhibit a blend of human and wolf-like facial features. In their human form, their faces often have a strong and defined bone structure, with sharp cheekbones and a pronounced jawline. Their eyesare usually vibrant and intense, with colors ranging from shades of blue, green, or brown. In their lupine form, their facial structure elongates and becomes more wolf-like. Their snouts protrude, their noses become black and wet, and their teeth transform into sharp fangs. Their eyes retain their intense coloring but take on a more predatory appearance, with a distinct glow during the night.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

All senses are greatly heightened in wolf form, from sights adjusted for lowlight to a keen sense of smell. They can detect threats and track prey or enemies from miles away. In human form, remnants of these abilities remain slightly stronger than normal.

Civilization and Culture

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Vampires - Longstanding enemies and rivals due to opposing natures
Drow - Viewed with distrust due to drow predation
Humans - Live cooperatively but secretly due to fear of persecution
Elves - Viewed with distrust just like Drows.
Goblins - Indifferent unless threatened, then protective of territories
Dwarves - Mutual distrust due to differing cultures and territorialism
Orcs - Potential rivals depending on orc nature, otherwise neutral
Beastkin - Kinship with more bestial races, less so with more humanoid

Genetic Descendants

• Lycan

Lifespan

150-200+ years

Average Weight

180 to 250 pounds (male)
140 to 200 pounds (female)
300 to 400 pounds (male; lupine form)
400 to 500 pounds (female; lupine form)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Werewolves display a range of fur colors and patterns, influenced by both their human and wolf heritage. Common fur colors include shades of brown, gray, black, and variations in between. Some individuals may have unique markings on their fur, such as stripes, spots, or patches of different colors. These markings often reflect their lineage and can be used to identify specific werewolf packs or families. In their human form, these markings can manifest as birthmarks or subtle patterns on their skin, linking them to their lupine heritage.