Werewolf Gestalten

Werewolves have access to four distinct Gestalten (German for forms, sing. Gestalt), each with unique physical, mental, and magical characteristics:

1. Human Gestalt: While appearing indistinguishable from ordinary humans, werewolves in their Human Gestalt possess heightened senses, particularly an enhanced sense of smell.
2. Beast Gestalt (Wolfman): A hybrid of human and wolf, characterized by enhanced strength, wolf-like facial features, and sharp claws.
3. Wolf Gestalt: A full transformation into a standard-sized wolf.
4. War Gestalt: A towering, hyper-muscular figure standing 7 to 8 feet tall with wolf-like features and heightened aggression. This Gestalt is both the most powerful and the most dangerous.

Transformations are a fundamental aspect of the condition, with the War Gestalt being particularly difficult to control, especially during full moons.

Symptoms

Human Gestalt:

• Enhanced senses, particularly an acute sense of smell.
• Subtle physical advantages, such as quicker reflexes and slightly above-average strength, though not to the degree of their other Gestalten.

Beast Gestalt:

• Increased physical strength and speed.
• Growth of wolf-like fur and facial features.
• Hands become claws; feet transform into paw-like structures.

Wolf Gestalt:

• Full transformation into a wolf, with heightened instincts.
• Retains full human intelligence but with enhanced sensory perception.

War Gestalt:

• Heightened aggression and a berserker-like mindset.
• Immense physical power but with diminished rational thought.
• Risk of losing control if maintained too long.

Treatment

Spending at least two hours in a non-human Gestalt reduces the risk of uncontrolled shifts or rage episodes.

Prognosis

With experience, werewolves can learn to control the timing and nature of their transformations, particularly for the Beast and Wolf Gestalt. However, the War Gestalt remains dangerous, with only the most disciplined or ancient werewolves able to shift in and out of it at will.

Type

Magical

Parent

Lycantrophy

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Extremely Rare