Lycanthropy (Lie-Can-THROW-pee)
The infection known as 'Lycanthropy' can be spread amongst animals and humanoids alike; reports from various orders such as the Brotherhood of the Silver Sword and The Chapter of Devils indicate it's discovery in beasts of the wild, creatures of Fey nature, and just about every humanoid-like creature on the face of Kermoria.
The origins of Lycanthropy are a myth; the peoples of Northguard claim that Locastro, an ancient giant chieftain, was granted power from a mysterious source and brought Lycanthropy into the world. There is no known truth to this, but there is no evidence to dispute it, either. However, it appears to be spread through scratches and bites, from those infected to those who are not.
Regardless of it's source, Lycanthropy can manifest in many forms; the most common form is for a humanoid to be infected as a were-wolf or a were-bear, transforming (sometimes against their will) into a wolf or bear-like creature, often going into a bloodthirsty rage when doing so. Other forms are known to exist, including sharks, bipedal rats, and there are even reports from the Hallowed Order of a sect of peoples who could shift into a mammoth-like entity and wreak havoc on villages with their massive size.
Whilst in their animalistic form, Lycanthropes (as those subjected to it's curse are known) are highly resistant to damage, even some types of magic and spells. However, one universal truth amongst them is that they have an aversion to silver, suffering increased damage from it, as well as many times being physically afraid of those wielding it or presenting it.
Many, but not all Lycanthropes, can control their powers, shapeshifting at will from one form to other. However, there are some who can not, and are forcibly shifted by events around them; for many, during fight-or-flight responses, pain responses, or even the smell of fresh blood or a fresh kill. Additionally, most are forcibly shifted during the lunar cycle of Katamba, the black moon; when it rises to full, many can not control themselves and their powers, and are shifted forcibly into their bloodthirsty forms.
There is no known cure for lycanthropy outside of exceptionally powerful magics; some herbs and tinctures are said to slow it, or make the shifting less painful or more easily controlled, but no herb can stop the curse. Even with these options available to them, many are afraid to come forward seeking help, afraid they will be killed (or worse) because of the disease.
The origins of Lycanthropy are a myth; the peoples of Northguard claim that Locastro, an ancient giant chieftain, was granted power from a mysterious source and brought Lycanthropy into the world. There is no known truth to this, but there is no evidence to dispute it, either. However, it appears to be spread through scratches and bites, from those infected to those who are not.
Regardless of it's source, Lycanthropy can manifest in many forms; the most common form is for a humanoid to be infected as a were-wolf or a were-bear, transforming (sometimes against their will) into a wolf or bear-like creature, often going into a bloodthirsty rage when doing so. Other forms are known to exist, including sharks, bipedal rats, and there are even reports from the Hallowed Order of a sect of peoples who could shift into a mammoth-like entity and wreak havoc on villages with their massive size.
Whilst in their animalistic form, Lycanthropes (as those subjected to it's curse are known) are highly resistant to damage, even some types of magic and spells. However, one universal truth amongst them is that they have an aversion to silver, suffering increased damage from it, as well as many times being physically afraid of those wielding it or presenting it.
Many, but not all Lycanthropes, can control their powers, shapeshifting at will from one form to other. However, there are some who can not, and are forcibly shifted by events around them; for many, during fight-or-flight responses, pain responses, or even the smell of fresh blood or a fresh kill. Additionally, most are forcibly shifted during the lunar cycle of Katamba, the black moon; when it rises to full, many can not control themselves and their powers, and are shifted forcibly into their bloodthirsty forms.
There is no known cure for lycanthropy outside of exceptionally powerful magics; some herbs and tinctures are said to slow it, or make the shifting less painful or more easily controlled, but no herb can stop the curse. Even with these options available to them, many are afraid to come forward seeking help, afraid they will be killed (or worse) because of the disease.
Type
Magical
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