Lamiai

The English word "lycanthrope," used for a half-human, half-animal were-creature, such as a werewolf or werebear, comes from Lykaon, a king of Arkadia, who is said to have been the first of their kind. Lamiai legends state that Lykaon was turned into a wolf after offering his own son as a human sacrifice to Zeus.
Lykaon had fifty sons and at least three daughters: Kallisto, Dia, and Psophis. Most of his line are wolf-formed lycanthropes, although there are other species that pop up at random in the bloodline, and Kallisto was a werebear follower of Artemis who was later invited to become the Horai of the night in her bear form, attended by her son, Arktus.
Lamiai, as described in ancient sources, lack some of the traits common to modern werewolf depiction. Their bite is not necessarily infectious. They have no special sensitivity to silver. They don't necessarily change form in response to a full moon, although they do enjoy hunting by moonlight. They have human and animal forms but don't have a transitional form half-way between human and animal. They consider it poor sport to hunt other humans, although a few bad apples have given their line a bad reputation.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Injuries taken in animal form transfer into their human form.

Genetics and Reproduction

A trait that's inherited rather than being passed through an attack or infection.

Growth Rate & Stages

In the Lamiai coming of age ceremony, an adolescent takes on the form of a wolf and lives in the wild for nine years. They hunt, and may deliver fresh kills to their home village, but if they taste human flesh in that time, they are not allowed to shift back. Only by refraining from attacking humans can they be allowed to rejoin Lamiai society.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Most Lamiai are fond of raw meat.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Heightened sense of smell.