Lycanthropy of Shadows

Lycanthropy of Shadows is a myth known around the Umbra community. It is infamous regarding the legends regarding Umbra going berserk in the new moon.

Summary

Once in every new moon, a fog appears on the outskirts of a city or town. The ancient ones warned the young shadows not to step into the fog no matter what. If any dares to step into the mist, they will be stricken with a curse for breaking the taboo of the shadows.
First, they will lose their light as they start to take on a form of a monster. Then, they lose the knowledge of the world given to the moonlight as their hearts sank into the depths of the darkness. Thus they lose their judgment and morals and start attacking anyone whether they are friends or foes.
Then on the eve of the new moon, their sentience and individuality as completely disappear as all it leaves is a monster prowling in the shadows of the fog forever.

Historical Basis

The myth comes from the reports of Umbra being stricken by Shadow Mutation, a genetic condition that causes any Umbra to lose control of themselves and their monster forms. The many cases caused several Umbra to create an urban legend based around the transformed Umbra that prowled around the outskirts of Kuroi and Gate cities.

Spread

Most of the rural cities of Kuroi knew the myth of the Lycanthropy, especially in Umbraculum. Some Umbra in Arcanum City who moved from those cities also knew of the myth, which also creates a tradition revolving around blowing the fog away from the city.

Cultural Reception

Some humans and other races remained skeptical about the myth itself to the point that medical researchers and historians delved more into the Shadow Mutation to see the connection between the myth and the cases revolving around the Umbra affected by it.
Regardless, the myth slowly becomes mainstream to the people of Arcanum City to the point there are several novels and shows revolving around the myth.

Date of First Recording

1995

Date of Setting

1990

Related Species

• Umbra