Lycanthrope

There are very few constants across the entire world of Covenant. These places have different creatures, different histories, even completely different understandings of the nature of magic. One of the very few things that can always be counted on is said to be one of the oldest of all curses: the curse of lycanthropy.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Lycanthropes of all kinds are shapeshifting creatures, possessing three different forms. The creature's true form is that of the humanoid they used to be before contracting the curse. The other forms are that of a human-animal hybrid, and a pure animal form based on the type of lycanthropy.
The curse of lycanthropy is passed on by the bite of the afflicted. When affected, the one bitten will change upon the next full moon. They then change under every full moon. Some are born as lycanthropes, and far from the curse it normally is, it is instead a part of their nature.
These creatures in their hybrid or beast forms bear animalistic strength and swiftness. They do, however have a few weaknesses. Lycanthropes are burned by the touch of silver, and are also fatally allergic to belladonna, even those from lands where the herb doesn't grow.

Varieties

Werewolf

Werewolves are the most common of all lycanthropes, and many find them synonymous with the concept, itself. They can be found primarily in Skogsmark, Acitern, and Polisia. Those who become werewolves gain great strength, even if they don't become as strong as other varieties.
While all lycanthropes are vicious in their own way, few have the savagery of the werewolves. When under the influence of the curse, it's not uncommon for werewolves to deliberately hunt down those closest to them, and viciously mauling them. They are known to hunt humanoids almost exclusively compared to other prey.

Wererat

While not the most common of lycanthropes, wererats are the most widespread. They can be found in urban centers across the world. Unfortunate souls who become wererats gain some measure of rodent-like grace.
Like rats, wererats often choose to hide in urban centers. They tend to congregate in sewers and in harsher neighborhoods of cities. Unlike rats, wererat packs often take great pains to control their population. They do this in the name of secrecy, to prevent discovery by adventurers and monster hunters.

Werebear

Werebears are a form of lycanthrope unique to Skogsmark. They are particularly associated with Bjornland although there is also a population in Fasach. There are few humanoids as strong as one afflicted with the werebear curse.
Werebears are solitary creatures, rarely congregating with others of their kind. All lycanthropes can display aggressive behavior and werebears are no exception. However, when acting instinctually, they tend to avoid people, preferring instead to hunt animals.

Weretiger

Unique to the continent of Duanjia and spread equally across Jiayuan and Sokoku, weretigers are one of the rarest forms of lycanthropy. When a person is cursed by the bite of a weretiger, they gain the unparalleled grace of their feline form.
Weretigers are the most solitary of all lycanthropes with most living far from civilization. Very few are willing to pass their curse on to others, seeing others more as competition than anything else. Weretigers are not very particular about their prey, stalking anything or anyone that cross their path.

Werecrocodile

The only non-mammalian lycanthrope found in Covenant, werecrocodiles are found almost exclusively by the rivers of Nahrica. They are more common in Kemet than Sakkal, where they are associated with the crocodile-headed god Sobek. Werecrocodiles gain a toughness far beyond most humanoids.
Werecrocodiles often find themselves drawn to the water, even in their humanoid form. During their transformations, they are always found in the nearest water feature, preying on those who get too close. They tend to be very territorial, violently keeping away those who get too close to their homes.

Werejaguar

Few outside of these creatures' native Cipactli have even heard of the dreaded werejaguar. Due to the island's isolation, few outsiders ever encounter them and most Cipactlins dare not speak of them. One who becomes a werejaguar gains incredible grace and swiftness.
By their instincts, werejaguars are patient hunters, spending hours if not days stalking their prey. Many find themselves if the service of the cult of the chaos god Tezcatlipoca, either through blackmail or through the adoration they receive due to their sacred status. Of course, this association with Tezcatlipoca often leads to their demonization by the population as a whole.

Behaviour

For the most part, the overall personality of a lycanthrope is unaffected. The behavior associated with their particular type of lycanthropy usually only surfaces when they have changed form. Indeed, it is very possible that the afflicted person is initially unaware of their transformations, or even that they have been cursed.
Over time, it is possible that the lycanthrope takes on more animalistic personality traits after living with the curse. Some claim this is due to a bleeding of the magic into a person's true self. Others, however, claim that this is due to the lycanthrope internalizing their condition that has been a part of them for so long.

Lifespan

As base creature

Average Height

Varies by type/base creature

Average Weight

Varies by type/base creature