Ossory

Ossory are often mistaken for Werewolves, but they're actually more closely related to selkies . They're mostly human, but have wolfskins that they can wear to become wolves. Every 7 years, they are compelled to put this skin on and become a wolf for a full year.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Ossory are either fully human or fully wolf in morphology. As they shed their skin, their body becomes human. As they put the skin back on, their body becomes wolf.

Genetics and Reproduction

Ossory reproduce sexually. Some say they can produce Werewolves by bite, but this hasn't been confirmed due to their rarity and hesitance to cooperate with such an experiment.

Biological Cycle

Ossory have an odd compulsion to don their wolfskin and live as a wolf every 7 years. Legend says this is a curse caused by Abbot Natalis.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Ossory live in family groups called packs. They're hesitant to join Human society, feeling most comfortable in the wilds.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Ossory originate from the Ossory kingdom of Ireland, hence the name. During the Nordic invasion of the British Isles, some ended up mixing with the Vikings. One came with the Vikings to the Americas, and spawned a pack there. Ossory are extremely rare and have strong family bonds.

Average Intelligence

Ossory are of equal intelligence to humans, but have somewhat more bestial minds. They're far more comfortable living in the wilds, and often don't even consider Humans special, sometimes treating them as prey items.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Some knowledgeable people consider them to be useful potential friends, and will offer food or services in exchange for knowledge or protection. Some knowledgeable hunters consider their skins to be a prized trophy above all others.

Civilization and Culture

Common Dress Code

Ossory tend to wear few or sometimes no clothes. Those that want to interact with human society may dress like the Humans around them.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Ossory practice ancestor worship, and treat Laignech Fáelad, the first ossory as their patron deity.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Human

Conservation Status

This species is endangered.