Werewolf

"We are the children of Scatha" - Tost Icemane

The werewolves of Thanna are a fearsome and mysterious breed of creature. What little is known about them has been pieced together from folklore and legend, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Werewolves are large, muscular creatures with thick fur that ranges in colour from white to black. They have long snouts, sharp teeth, and powerful claws. Their eyes are yellow or red and glow in the dark. They typically stand about 7 feet tall and weigh between 400 and 500 pounds.

Genetics and Reproduction

Werewolves are born, not made. The condition is thought to be hereditary, passed down through the family line. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim and there are many who claim that the bite of a werewolf is what causes the transformation.

Growth Rate & Stages

Werewolves are said to reach full size at about age fifteen. They experience their first shift in during puberty and can shift at will from then on. They live for about 50 to 70 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Werewolves are apex predators. They typically live in forested areas, but can also be found in mountainous regions. The lunar cycle seems to have an effect on their behavior, as they are more likely to be aggressive and hunt during a full moon.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Werewolves are omnivores. Their diet comprises small mammals, birds, and sometimes larger prey. As well as fruits, grains, and nuts.

Biological Cycle

Werewolves go through three life stages: pup, juvenile, and adult. Pups can be born in litters of up to three but are more often individual births. They are blind and deaf at birth and rely on their mother's milk for nourishment. Juveniles are weaned at about six months old and begin to eat solid food. At this stage, they also begin to develop their hunting and scavenging skills. Adults are fully grown at about age fifteen. They are fully independent and livein clans.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Werewolves have keen senses of smell and hearing. They can also see in the dark.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Individual Werewolf names typically reflect the characteristics of the creature, such as strength, speed, or ferocity and are often adapted from nouns in the native Scatha Bearn language. For example, the name 'Tost' means 'Silence' and 'Mara' is taken from the word 'Maraigh' meaning 'to slay'.
Clan names most often reflect physical attribution e.g. Icemanes reflecting the white hair and fur of the clan or 'Stoneclaw' focusing on their strength. In some cases, the name is a reference to the Goddess Scatha, such as 'Night', 'Moon' or 'Shadow' combined with a physical attribute or a reflection of the clan's geographical territory, such as a 'Lake' or 'Glen' e.g. 'Shadowtongue' or 'Nightgrove'.

Major Organizations

Werewolves typically live in family clans of between twelve and one-hundred-fifty individuals. These clans are led by a Council of Elders (Gerontocracy), with the most senior or wisest  having the most weight when making decisions for the clan.
Final decisions are made on a majority vote, however, each elder may go against the council's decision and lead their kin and others who would follow them. This usually leads to a division and eventual separation of the clan.
It is not unusual for the two clans to skirmish over territory and resources but large-scale wars between factions are rare.

A Wolf Prayer to The Moon

"Scatha, Great Wolf of the Moon

Hear my prayer and grant me strength

Guide my pack through the dark forest

And protect us from our enemies

Bless us with your silver light

And watch over us as we hunt

under the light of your eye."

Scientific Name

canis lupus familiaris

Lifespan

50 years

Conservation Status

Werewolves are not currently considered endangered. However, they are hunted by humans for their fur and body parts, which are used in traditional medicine. They are also killed for sport and to protect livestock. In some areas, they are considered a pestilence and are actively hunted and killed.
However, there are some who believe that werewolves should be protected, as they are a part of Thanna's natural history and play an important role in the ecosystem. SEE The Brotherhood.

Average Height

8ft

Average Weight

450 pounds

Geographic Distribution

• The Ice Mountains
• The Umbral Forest

Religion

The Werewolves of the The Umbral Forest are said to worship the moon, a deity dubbed 'Scatha' in the native tongue of the wolf.
The moon is said to be Scatha's eye, and it is through this all-seeing eye that the werewolves believe their deity watches over them. There are various ceremonies and rituals associated with Scatha, all of which revolve around the phases of the moon. The most important of these is the 'Changing', a rite of passage in which young werewolves are transformed into their adult form.

Clans

The wolves of the Umbral Forests and the Ice Mountains are said to live in family clans, including the Nightfrosts, the Moonshadows, and the Icemanes.