Lycanthropy

Transmission & Vectors

Lycanthropy, the curse of the werewolf, can be transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected lycanthrope. When a person is bitten or wounded by a werewolf during its transformed state, the curse is transferred, initiating the transformation process. It's worth noting that the curse is not transmitted through regular contact or exposure but requires the exchange of bodily fluids, typically saliva or blood, through a wound.
Once the curse takes hold, the individual affected will experience the agonizing and uncontrollable transformation during a full moon, turning into a werewolf. The cursed individual, now a lycanthrope, can, in turn, spread the affliction to others through similar means.
Precautions such as healing the wounds immediately or using spells to cure diseases can prevent the spread of lycanthropy. However, once the transformation has occurred, the curse becomes more deeply ingrained, and a more potent magical remedy or intervention is often required to break the curse entirely.

Causes

The cycle of lycanthropy typically begins with an encounter between an infected lycanthrope and an uninfected individual. This usually occurs during a direct attack when the lycanthrope, often a werewolf, bites or scratches the victim. The condition's initiation is closely tied to the presence of the full moon, a powerful celestial event that triggers the transformative effects of the curse.
Environmental factors, especially the phases of the moon, play a crucial role in the activation of lycanthropy. The curse tends to manifest most strongly during the full moon, forcing the infected individual to undergo a dramatic and involuntary transformation into a lycanthrope. The heightened magical influence of the full moon appears to catalyze the curse, causing the afflicted person to lose control and succumb to the beast within.
While the curse may lie dormant during other phases of the moon, the full moon acts as a catalyst that amplifies the curse's effects, resulting in the iconic werewolf transformation. The environment, particularly the celestial configuration, becomes a key factor in the cycle of lycanthropy.

Symptoms

Lycanthropy manifests in several distinct stages, primarily triggered by exposure to a lycanthrope's bite or scratch and influenced by environmental factors such as the phases of the moon. The stages are as follows:

1. Incubation Period: After being bitten or scratched by a lycanthrope, the victim enters an incubation period. During this time, which can last from a day to several weeks, the curse is dormant, and the individual may show no apparent symptoms.
2. Initial Symptoms: As the full moon approaches, the victim begins to experience initial symptoms. These might include heightened senses, increased aggression, and vivid dreams or nightmares. The changes are subtle but mark the beginning of the curse's influence.
3. Transformation: The most dramatic stage occurs during the full moon. The infected person undergoes a painful and involuntary transformation into the associated lycanthropic form, such as a werewolf. This process is often accompanied by a loss of control, and the individual becomes a danger to themselves and others.
4. Post-Transformation Effects: Following the transformation, the person reverts to their original form with little to no memory of their actions as a lycanthrope. They may wake up in unfamiliar locations, surrounded by evidence of their rampage.
5. Repeat Cycles: The cycle repeats, with the lycanthrope transforming during subsequent full moons. However, over time, the individual may gain some control over their transformations, especially if they receive guidance or training.
6. Permanent Affliction: In some cases, a victim might become a permanent lycanthrope, gaining the ability to transform at will outside of the full moon's influence. This often requires embracing and mastering the curse.

Treatment

Lycanthropy, once contracted, is notoriously difficult to cure. However, there are steps to manage and subdue the condition, particularly for those who acquired it through a bite or scratch. It's important to note that individuals born with lycanthropy typically require extraordinary measures such as a wish spell or divine intervention to be free of the curse.

1. Wolfsbane Tincture: Wolfsbane, when properly prepared into a tincture, can temporarily suppress the symptoms of lycanthropy. Regular consumption during the days leading up to and during the full moon can help the afflicted maintain control during the transformation.
2. Silvered Weapons: Weapons made of silver are known to cause significant harm to lycanthropes. While not a cure, silvered weapons can be used to subdue a lycanthrope in its transformed state. It is essential to incapacitate the individual without causing permanent harm.
3. Magical Restraints: Enchantments and spells that restrict movement or transformation can be effective in preventing a lycanthrope from causing harm during a full moon. These magical restraints should be designed to withstand the creature's enhanced strength and resilience.
4. Rituals and Blessings: Certain rituals performed by knowledgeable clerics or druids, combined with divine blessings, can offer a degree of control and even reduce the frequency of transformations. These rituals often involve beseeching a deity for mercy and guidance.
5. Seeking a Cure: A quest for a cure may involve locating ancient texts, consulting wise sages, or seeking out magical artifacts with the power to break the curse. This could be a central theme in an adventurer's journey, providing both challenge and purpose.

Prognosis

• Initial Infection: The process begins with the transmission of the lycanthropic curse, typically through a bite or scratch from an infected lycanthrope. The initial infection might not show immediate symptoms, and the individual may remain unaware of the impending change.
• Latent Phase: Following infection, there's a latent phase where the individual carries the curse but doesn't experience noticeable effects. This period can vary, and some may go through weeks or even months without apparent changes.
• Pre-Transformation: As the next full moon approaches, symptoms intensify. The afflicted may experience heightened senses, increased aggression, and changes in appetite. Emotional turbulence often accompanies this phase.
• Transformation: During the full moon, the lycanthropic transformation occurs. The individual morphs into the associated creature (wolf, werebear, etc.). This phase is characterized by loss of control, with the transformed entity acting primarily on primal instincts.
• Post-Transformation: After the full moon wanes, the individual reverts to their normal state. They may have little to no recollection of their actions during the transformation, experiencing guilt or confusion. This post-transformation period can lead to psychological distress.
• Intermittent Control: Subsequent transformations are typically tied to the lunar cycle. Some individuals may exhibit partial control during these phases, learning to manage the condition to varying degrees. Others might struggle with erratic transformations.
• Permanent Lycanthropy: In some cases, repeated transformations can result in a more permanent state of lycanthropy, where the individual has less control over their changes. This stage often leads to social isolation and increased danger to those around the afflicted.
• Death or Immunity: In rare instances, the lycanthrope might succumb to external forces during a transformation or become immune to the effects over time. Death during the full moon is not uncommon, either due to self-inflicted harm or external intervention.

Sequela

Lycanthropy, a supernatural affliction rooted in the transformative power of the moon, introduces various pathological conditions and complications as it progresses. In the initial stages, victims may endure heightened aggression, sensory changes, and an increased appetite leading to malnutrition. As the condition advances, the physical toll of the monthly transformations can result in severe fatigue, muscle strains, and injuries sustained during uncontrollable episodes. Moreover, the psychological strain of losing control, coupled with potential guilt or remorse for actions committed during transformations, contributes to deteriorating mental health. In the later stages, those unable to gain control over their lycanthropy face social isolation, and the constant battle between their human and beastly instincts can lead to anxiety and depression. Additionally, recurrent transformations can strain interpersonal relationships, as the afflicted individuals grapple with the fear of harming loved ones.

Affected Groups

All humanoids that are not currently afflicted with a stronger Curse.

Epidemiology

Lycanthropy typically spreads through bites or scratches inflicted by an infected lycanthrope during a full moon. However, certain conditions and events can exacerbate the transmission of this condition, leading to outbreaks or epidemics. Heat waves, which might intensify aggressive behavior in lycanthropes, could contribute to increased incidents of attacks. Fertility festivals, where large crowds gather, could become breeding grounds for transmission if an infected individual is present. Immigration and travel, especially in regions with documented lycanthropy cases, might facilitate the geographic spread of the condition. Additionally, walks in the forest, where encounters with lycanthropes are more likely, pose a risk for potential exposure. The condition's spread can be influenced by both environmental factors and human activities, creating scenarios where lycanthropy could escalate beyond isolated cases.

Cultural Reception

The cultural reception of lycanthropy is often one of fear, superstition, and prejudice. Afflicted individuals are viewed with suspicion and trepidation due to the uncontrollable nature of their transformations, especially during full moons. Communities may harbor deep-rooted fears of lycanthropes, associating them with dangerous beasts and potential threats. This fear often leads to ostracization, discrimination, and sometimes even violence against those suspected or known to be infected. Legends and folklore surrounding lycanthropy contribute to the stigmatization, portraying these individuals as cursed or monstrous. In some cultures, efforts may be made to eliminate or quarantine those with lycanthropy to protect the community from perceived threats. Overall, the cultural reception is shaped by a mix of folklore, fear, and a lack of understanding about the condition's true nature.

Type

Magical

Origin

Divine

Rarity

Rare

Affected Species

• Half-Orc
• Aarakocra
• Dragonborn
• Dwarf
• Eladrin
• Orc
• Kobold
• Half-Elf
• Elf
• Tabaxi
• Gnome
• Aasimar
• Yōkai.
• Goliath
• Genasi
• Lizardfolk
• Tiefling
• Halfling
• Human