Lycanthropy

An inherited or acquired condition that turns the bearer into a were-creature. While the name "lycanthropy" is derived from a term for "wolf", lycanthropes come in many different kinds: In addition to the typical werewolves, there are werebears, wererats, weretigers, wereboars, and more.

Transmission & Vectors

Transmission vectors vary. The most common is through a bite from a lycanthrope. Lycanthropy is also an inherited condition, with those born with the condition considered "natural" lycanthropes.

Symptoms

"Afflicted" lycanthropes, those who acquired the condition through injury or similar means, typically show no symptoms until the next full moon, at which point they involuntarily change into their animal form and go wild. They return to their natural form once the night is over, with no memory of the events of the night.

Sequela

Natural lycanthropes, and afflicted lycanthropes who have gained control of their affliction, can change between their natural forms, animal forms, and hybrid forms at will. Those who have had the condition for a long time tend to develop physical traits reminiscent of their animal forms, with werebears being large and well-muscled, werewolves being lithe and athletic, and all types being unusually hairy.
Lycanthropes may also tend towards particular moral alignments depending on their animal form. Werewolves and wererats are most commonly chaotic evil, werebears are usually lawful good, and wereboars and weretigers lean towards neutrality.

Type

Supernatural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired & Congenital

Rarity

Rare