Lycan
The Lycans are a supernatural race of humanoid beings capable of transforming into bipedal wolf-like forms at will.
Basic Information
Biological Traits
In their human forms, they are almost indistinguishable from other normal humans. A notable distinguishing factor however, is that on average they tend to be larger and more muscular. At this base-level, their physical conditioning is at superhuman level, equal to that of the vampires in terms of strength and speed. In their werewolf forms however, the lycan’s physical capabilities are amplified. They are much faster and stronger in this form while still fully capable of producing speech. Lycans derive their nutrition from the consumption of meat.
Lycans can, on average, live up to 400 years of age - twice that of humans. Furthermore their enhanced physiology enables them to regenerate from wounds, although there is a limit to this. The duration of healing depends on the severity of injury. Broken bones can be healed within seconds while more fatal injuries can take longer. Missing limbs cannot be regenerated. These durations are quickened in their Lycan form, although in both cases, the regeneration consumes a lot of nutrition and can leave a Lycan low on energy - once again depending on the extent of injury.
Additional Information
Social Structure
On Nightblood, lycans live in a society that is very analogous of a monarchy. The main leader of the race is known as “the Alpha” who is well respected and feared among the population. Almost always male, the Alpha lives in a large city which is known as his “main pack”.
Other, smaller towns and cities populate different areas all over Nightblood, which are referred to as smaller packs or just packs. Each of these cities has its main governor or representative, known as the pack leader. Each pack leader is directly subservient to the Alpha.
While a peaceful species for the most part, the lycans have a culture that is quite militaristic. Political positions are not only associated with mental capability, but also physical and military prowess at the same time. Therefore the Alpha, by this logic, would be the single most dangerous lycan out of the entire species until he dies or is usurped via challenge. Similarly, each smaller pack’s leader is chosen for their fighting prowess and capability as a battlefield tactician.
Having moved far beyond their stone age-like living standards, lycan scientists who have performed research into technology have performed tremendous advancements such as in the discovery and synthesis of new materials. The BLOODHOUND armour for example is almost weightless, and provides protection on the level of the humans' kalgenite, which itself is extremely durable. Ranged weaponry has also surfaced due to joint vampire-lycan research and development.
Lycan cities are quite unique. While their architecture consists of stone-built structures, underneath this mirage hides many technological upgrades integrated into these homes for comfort as well as ease of life. Despite this, lycans live in conditions that would be considered very “rough” for other species, due to their inherently militaristic and ferocious nature.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Common on Nightblood
Average Intelligence
Lycans are not as technologically industrious or talented as their Human forerunners. There is however nothing stopping a Lycan from honing their intelligence in uncommon skills for their race.
Civilization and Culture
History
Nothing is known about where lycans came from, though it is quite possible that the race had a progenitor much like the vampires did. Due to the fact that both races appeared at around the same time and grew empires at similar rates, it has been theorised that both progenitors must have been related or have known each other in some way.
Unlike their vampire neighbours, lycans expanded their empire through procreation alone as they lacked the means to convert humans. They also shared a much less friendly relationship with the humans at the time, seeing them nothing more than food. Eventually both empires grew until they encountered one another and war erupted soon thereafter.
The war raged on for centuries, resulting in the collapse of both empires due to the mass amounts of death and destruction caused. Their populations to disperse all over the globe. Some resorted to building their own small villages and towns free of conflict, while other groups still held prejudices against each other and continued fighting until they had wiped each other out.
With the passage of time, humanity out-progressed both vampires and lycans and history continued as we know it today, well into the 21st century. By this time, both vampires and lycans and other supernatural races on Earth remained hidden in the shadows and became the subject of myths and folklore.
This all changed when the 100-Year War started, whereupon all supernatural races inhabiting Earth revealed themselves and fought alongside humanity against the demonic threat. After that, interspecies relations developed and evolved well into the 28th century. Now, many lycans live among humans normally, while Nightblood is considered the joint capital of lycans and vampires - their leader being the Alpha Lycan, Ducard.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Once had a long rivalry with Vampires, but the two now live commonly side by side. Nearly all Lycans are perfectly civil with their neighbours, however a few pureblood lineages may still be uptight and hold to the ancient hatred.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Homo Lupus
Lifespan
400
Average Physique
Muscular, Large
Geographic Distribution
