The Dogtown Wolfmen

New England folklore is filled with stories about witches, ghosts and the Devil himself, but there aren’t very many about werewolves. Although the French Canadians of Vermont and Maine tell some tales about the loup-garou you don’t find many werewolf stories in southern New England. One of the few comes from Dogtown on Massachusetts’s Cape Ann. Dogtown is surrounded by strange coincidences, many unsurprising as New England folklore is often filled with stories about witches, ghosts and even the Devil himself. However this isn’t about them, This is about a different myth, one that is all to real in the Post-War torn traumatic world of Nuclear Boston. But first a little about Dogtown. . .

DOGTOWN- PRE-WAR

Dogtown is located between Gloucester and Rockport on Cape Ann, Massachusetts. In the late 17th and early 18th century it was a village of about one hundred families, who had settled on the plateau as a refuge from pirates and the British navy. Settlers began moving to the area in 1693, mainly because the spot’s inland locale granted protection from pirates and from hostile native peoples who were understandably annoyed at the uninvited guests. At its peak (around 1750-1800), Dogtown played host to around 100 families. After the war of 1812 the coastal areas became safer, and most villagers moved to Rockport and Gloucester. Most farmers moved away from Dogtown as fears of coastal attacks were dwindling and new roads were being opened between Rockport and Gloucester. This is when all the trouble started. As respectable families took off, their abandoned homes began filling with vagrants and unsavory people looking for a place to lie low.
As a result only a handful of widows, independent-minded women and vagabonds remained, were they soon acquired a reputation as witches. The feral dogs they kept for protection gave the village its name. A now abandoned community founded by colonists as defense against pirates, Dogtown lost its population and quickly became refuge for the feral dogs. And these canines were not the only things reportedly spotted in the area. Early settlers of the area reported astounding levels of wolf activity. According to the late folklorist Richard Cahill, the local Agawam Indians stated that their ancestors actually possessed heads like dogs and that eating a special local plant could allow anyone to adopt the same canine features. In March 17, 1984, a Boston resident claimed that he witnessed a gigantic animal roaming the cliffs near Dogtown. He thought it might be a mountain lion, but local wildlife officials insist no mountain lions live on Cape Ann. Before the bombs dropped, Dogtown became a rugged 3,000 acre park where visitors could see the village’s abandoned cellar holes and roam the trails and tangled forest surrounding the unfortunate town. The terrain was known to be treacherous, however, as old homestead foundations were known to give way underfoot, and many have reported the area to be disorienting.

DOGTOWN POST WAR

Post war Dogtown became as much a ghost town has it had in its heydays. Often only occupied by people passing by, even after the bombs dropped this not-too-popular hiking spot that is poorly mapped and easy to get lost in over the years, has had its fair share of many spooky sightings: multiple reports of a large wolf like creature were seen in the area. Described as a “gray monstrous dog-like animal… with big teeth and foaming at the mouth.” this supposed sighting of what many described to be a “werewolf” kept many people out of the area. And it did not stop there. Hunters would sometimes encounter mutilated carcasses of massive animals, including Yao Guai lying half-eaten in the deep grass, their throats ripped open by massive claws. Often times there are stories of hunters disappearing in the woods, and of strange, unnatural howls that echoed through the forests at night. Over time as more and more attacks on both wildlife, livestock and humans persisted, Local settlers marched into the Dogtown forest to put a end to the attacks, what they found was more then they had anticipated…

Enter the Dogtown Wolfman!

Name

Werewolf

Alias

Wolfman, loup-garou, lycanthrope, lycan.

Measurements

Male- 6 ½ feet + (shoulders)

Female- 4- 5 ½ feet +(Shoulders)

Weight

Male-400-500+ lbs

Female- 300-400+ lbs

Biotext- Evolutionary History.

Werewolves are one of the most well-known folklore creatures of all time, arguably only rivalled by that of the vampire or dragon in popularity and recognition, but their origins remain shrouded in mystery. With no obvious relatives in the fossil records, at least any who have been discovered as of yet or probably ever will again, no one officially knows how, why or even when the werewolf came to exist or why it has made a sudden and rather abrupt entry into the post-apocalyptic world bestiary. Some speculations include the possibility of an extinct member of the Hyaenida or, more likely, a canid ancestor, who went extinct thousands of years ago during the last half of the ice age.
Overtime changes in environment, shaped the werewolf into what it is known for today. One Suggestion which is often favored amongst biologists is the idea of an early, possible offshoot of today’s modern jackal, that evolved in Africa, at a time when early humans and hominids were at their most numerous and diverse. An African rift valley and/or the surrounding region would have been the best cause for the sudden evolutionary changes the werewolf had gone through. Dense forests with thorny undergrowth, wet mountains, cliffs and volcanic rocks, would have favored a beast with dexterous hands and feet, while an upright stance would have also helped with balance on narrow ledges, while confusing yet also relatively stable ground that was at least partially flooded with random deep pools, too narrow for the standard wolf or hyena to swim through, favored bipedal wading.
Most importantly, lots of both apes and monkeys (including chimpanzees, gorillas, australopithecines, baboons and even Dinopithecus) living in ancient Africa would have caused the werewolf to associate the smell of primates with food, leading to the speculation and reasoning as to why werewolves will often target humans as food. It is theorized that, as time went on, werewolves spread out from Africa, following early humans through North Africa (where they became the inspiration for Anubis) to Europe (werewolves) and Asia (partial inspirations for things like aswang, kitsune and inugami), and even across the Bering Land Bridge into North America (Michigan dogman).
However, following the ice age when great apes became rare in Africa, the werewolves died out in their original homelands, and were outcompeted by the less specialized hyenas, big cats and - ironically enough - jackals. In Asia, India’s constant northward movement and the raising of the various mountain plateaus also led to less large prey, and like in Africa, most of the bigger, juicier simian prey (such as gigantopithecus) died out, leaving mostly the smaller, faster macaque monkeys and humans (who by this point would’ve been wise to the werewolves’ tricks). In Europe, although there aren’t really any native primates, like in China, the sudden boom in agriculture meant a very large number of livestock, including sheep and goats, thus sustaining werewolves who could ambush the hapless creatures from the woods, especially in mountainous regions. In North America the werewolves would’ve been mostly outcompeted in their niche of "woodland ambush predator that kills with brute force” by the less specialized sabre-tooth cats. However, after the saber-toothed cats’ extinction, They would subsist mostly on deer and humans.

Biology-Body Composition

Werewolves tend to be more toned looking, but this isn’t always the case as a fat werewolf is just as possible, though uncommon given their metabolic nature. Internally, the werewolf’s body operates slightly differently from a normal mammal but nothing too drastic that it would actually alert or alarm most.

Heart Lung Temperature

Werewolves typically have a faster resting heart rate then some animals, but not alarmingly so, and typically have a higher body temperature, resting anywhere between 98.6F to 104F. The werewolf’s lung capacity has also increased over the many evolutionary years, with the slightly increased size of the chest cavity, which gives them greater overall stamina for long distance running or for fast sprint runs. The heart rate also increases to provide more oxygen to the body overall, with the temperature of the werewolf approaching closer to a normal wolf temp of 104F during a sprint. However, at these temperatures, they run the risk of overheating, so many only sprint in short bursts.

Eyesight Smell Hearing

The Hearing in werewolves is extremely acute, allowing the werewolf to hear way better and at higher frequencies due to the ears becoming more accepting of sounds. The sense of smell has also become greatly enhanced thanks to the increased size of the nasal cavity.
When downwind, they can smell and track something nearly 2 miles away, with their nose being able to pick out distinct odors based on scent. With this enhanced scenting abilities, they are able to tell many things about the scent they are tracking just on smell alone, such as if it is injured or not, if it is afraid, aroused or any other natural state.
Next to scent, hearing is also another key feature that the werewolf gains. Like many Canids, their sense of hearing increases greatly with the auditory range going up allowing them to hear frequencies that normal humans can’t. The range they can hear at, of course, depends largely on the terrain, with them being able to hear up to 6 miles in forested areas and 10 miles in an open plains area with few obstructions. Perfected eyesight also allows them to see movement much easier and for more light to come in during the night time hours allowing for greater night vision. Unlike common Canids or similar creatures however, they retain their ability to see in color (provided they have no vision abnormalities to begin with) thus giving them an advantage over normal Canids.

Locomotion

Werewolves can walk on all fours or two legs with a slightly hunched position, and still retain the fine motor skills able to grip and hold. The slightly added length of their fingers and toes allows them to have a better grip on surfaces, allowing them to hold on better on rugged terrain. A werewolves increased stamina also allows them to run for long distances as well. When on all fours they can sprint up to speeds from 35 to 40 MPH when the need arises for short distances, with the ability to leap to heights of 6 to 8 feet, just like a wolf.

Claws Skulls Teeth

A werewolf normally uses their claws for gripping. As far as weapons go they serve well, but often times, striking tough materials and surfaces can result in the ripping out the claws. The skulls of werewolves are massive for their size, large and heavy providing anchorage for the powerful masseter and temporal jaw muscles.
The teeth are heavy and large, being better suited to crushing bone than those of other extant canids, though not as specialized as those found in hyenas. Its molars have a flat chewing surface, but not to the same extent as in the coyote, whose diet contains more vegetable matter. The canine teeth are large but mostly used for display, but point slightly backwards, giving rise to the idea that they might also be used to hold on to struggling prey, or provide added leverage in disputes.

Fur

Werewolves who live in more northern climates such as those who migrated to places such as Appalachia are known to have very dense and fluffy winter fur, with short underfur and long, coarse guard hairs. Most of the underfur and some of the guard hairs are shed in the spring and grow back in the autumn period. The longest hairs occur on the back, particularly on the front quarters and neck. Especially long hairs are on the shoulders, and almost form a crest on the upper part of the neck. The hairs on the cheeks are elongated and form tufts. The ears are covered in short hairs, which strongly project from the fur. Short, elastic and closely adjacent hairs are present on the limbs from the elbows down to the calcaneal tendons.
The winter fur is highly resistant to cold; a werewolf in northern climates can rest comfortably in open areas at −40° by placing their muzzles between the rear legs and covering their faces with their arms. Their fur provides better insulation than dog fur, and does not collect ice when warm breath is condensed against it. In warm climates, the fur is coarser and scarcer than in northern individuals. Females tend to have smoother furred limbs than males, and generally develop the smoothest overall coats as they age. Older individuals generally have more white hairs in the tip of the tail, along the nose and on the forehead. The winter fur is retained longest in lactating females, though with some hair loss around their nipples. Hair length on the middle of the back is 60–70 mm (2.4–2.8 in). Hair length of the guard hairs on the shoulders generally does not exceed 90 mm (3.5 in), but can reach 110–130 mm (4.3–5.1 in).

Diet and Hunting Techniques

Like many canines and canine like creatures, werewolves are carnivorous predators. Although werewolves primarily feed on medium to large sized ungulates such as moose, elk and bison, they are not fussy eaters. Smaller sized animals that may supplement their diet include marmots, hares, badgers, foxes, weasels, ground squirrels, mice, hamsters, voles and other rodents, as well as insectivores. They are frequently known to eat waterfowl and their eggs. When such foods are insufficient, they prey on lizards, snakes, frogs, rarely toads and large insects as available. In times of scarcity, they will readily eat carrion, often hanging around slaughterhouses, or stealing kills from men. Although social animals, single or mated pairs typically have higher success rates in hunting than do large packs, with single individuals having occasionally been observed to kill large prey such as moose, bison and muskoxen unaided.

Steps to a werewolf’s hunting style:

• Locating prey

Werewolfs often search of prey through their power of scent, chance encounter, and tracking. They typically locate their prey by scent, though they must usually be directly downwind of it. When a breeze carrying the prey’s scent is located, they will stand alert, and point their eyes, ears and nose towards their target. In open areas, They may precede the hunt with group ceremonies involving standing nose-to-nose and wagging their tails. Once concluded, the wolves head towards their prey.

• The stalk

Werewolves often attempt to conceal themselves as they approach prey, but due to their bulk this is often hard. If the creatures manage to successfully stalk their prey, and the gap between predator and prey closes, they will quicken their pace, wag their tails, and peer intently, getting as close to their quarry as possible without making it flee

• The encounter

Once the prey detects the wolves, it can either approach the wolves, stand its ground, or flee. Large prey, such as moose, elk, and muskoxen, usually stand their ground. Should this occur, the wolves hold back, as they require the stimulus of a running animal to proceed with an attack. If the targeted animal stands its ground, the wolves either ignore it, or try to intimidate it into running

• The rush

If the prey attempts to flee, the wolves immediately pursue it. This is the most critical stage of the hunt, as wolves may never catch up with prey running at top speed. If their prey is travelling in a group, the wolves either attempt to break up the herd, or isolate one or two animals from it.

• The chase

A continuation of the rush, the wolves attempt to catch up with their prey and kill it. When chasing small prey, wolves attempt to catch up with their prey as soon as possible, while with larger animals, the chase is prolonged, in order to wear the selected prey out. Despite their stamina, werewolves usually give up chases after 1–2 km (0.62–1.3 mi) due to risk of exhaustion, though one wolf was recorded to chase a deer for 21 km (13 mi).The actual killing method varies according to prey species. With large prey, mature individuals usually avoid attacking frontally, instead focusing on the rear and sides of the animal. Large prey, such as moose, are often killed by biting large chunks of flesh from the soft perineum area, causing massive blood loss.
Despite common misconceptions, As far as speed is concerned, werewolves are faster runners but they don’t move faster than the eye can see. Werewolves tend to use stealth and misdirection when they are stalking a target and this can lead to some believing that the werewolf is faster than the eye can see. They prefer to attack from the flank or rear on the target, instead of head on, so they can use their jaws for a quick kill on the target instead of a long, drawn out fight. They are quite agile though and able to move out of the way of attacks provided they can see it coming.

Social

The werewolf is a social animal, whose basic social unit consists of a few mated pairs- Including the Alpha’s, accompanied by the pair’s adult offspring. The average pack consists of a family of five to 11 animals (one to two adults, three to six juveniles and one to three yearlings), or sometimes two or three such families, with exceptionally large packs consisting of up to 42 wolves being known. In ideal conditions, mated pairs produce pups every year, with such offspring typically staying in the pack for 10–54 months before dispersing. Triggers for dispersal include the onset of sexual maturity and competition within the pack for food. Werewolves tend to be highly territorial animals, and generally establish territories far larger than they require to survive in order to assure a steady supply of prey. Territory size depends largely on the amount of prey available and the age of the pack’s pups, tending to increase in size in areas with low prey populations or when the pups reach the age in which they can eat the same as adults.

Ranks Explanation of Ranks

• Alpha

Alphas are the dominant werewolves of a pack. One or two alphas oversee leadership of the pack as a whole. In a pre-established pack, somebody becomes the new Alpha either when the old one steps down and gives it to them, or they kill the old Alpha. A dominant personality, often bold and confident. Usually must have the physical ability to back up their rank. Others look up to them as a paragon; they command respect and obedience from those around them. Male or female individuals or both can be alphas.

• Beta

Betas often act as second-in-command to the reigning alpha of alphas. These are the individuals that the Alpha trusts above all others, and will often take control of the pack if the Alpha is incapacitated or has to leave the territory.

• Omega

The lowest rank in any wolf pack. Omegas are submissive by nature. Their role is to keep peace among other members and quell conflict. However despite common misconceptions they are not treated lowly as many speculate, especially in Werewolf packs, as all members are treated equally, though some tend to have more freedoms then others.

Trivia

• Scientist’s have often have wondered where the human like qualities in werewolves come from. It was only recently been speculated that it may come from an advanced form of mimicry that they developed over the course of their evolution to perfect their hunting of primates.

• Werewolves have the ability, or a reminiscent ability similar to the locking mechanisms in a horses leg, that allows them to keep their fingers, and therefore their claws outstretched for as long as they need.

• Werewolf Packs are nomadic when they need to be, unlike predators who tend to stay in their lands even when food is scarce an only move when they absolutely need too, werewolves will readily go on the move in search of food, unless they have pups. The only time they ever truly bunker down in one area is if there is a ready supply of food. These are normally areas like “animal highways” were no matter the season the animals will chose this path to take. And the pickings only get even better when migration turns around.

• On a few documented occasions, werewolves have been spotted coexisting near or with a wild wolf pack. Little is known about the circumstances leading to such co-habitations between the otherwise rival species but it is postulated that in times of sparse prey, lone werewolves will follow a pack of wolves and help them bring down larger game. The wolves, recognizing the werewolf as non-hostile advantage will allow the werewolf to partake in hunts and even allow them to feed alongside the pack in successful kills. Not all such symbiotic relationships end peacefully however and many wolves remain leery around the werewolf, sometimes leading to fights. In addition to co-hunting with Common Wolves, Werewolves have also been known to co-hab with mongrel packs, and it has often been rumored though rarely documented that they will actively adopt orphan pups who have either been abandoned or who’s parents have been killed.