Lycanthropy

Lycanthropy is a curse passed on via the bite of an already cursed being, the result of which is that those who carry the condition transform into vicious, bloodthirty, feral beasts often resembling bipedal versions of the animal they transform into under the conditions laid out by the curse. It is unknown exactly how lycanthropy originated, but the accepted theory is that it is originated with a coven of hags, and various strains of the curse have been refined since.
The exact nature of the beast that a cursed individual transforms into is a direct result of the type of lycanthrope that they were bitten by. Common types include wolves, boars, rats, tigers, and bears.
The view of the general populace towards those affected by the curse of lycanthropy varies depending on the culture and beliefs of the region. In some societies, particularly in Imirus and Iosse lycanthropy is viewed as a curse or punishment for sins committed by the individual or their ancestors. Those affected may be shunned, ostracized, or even hunted down as dangerous beasts. In portions of Fea, however, lycanthropy is seen as a gift or a sign of divine favor, and those who possess it may be revered or even worshiped.
There are also ranges of superstitions and beliefs surrounding lycanthropy. Some believe that silver is the only way to kill a werecreature (while not the only way, silver is an effective tool against a lycanthrope), while others may hold that only certain rituals or spells can cure the condition (it is a notoriously stubborn curse to cure entirely, and sometimes passes doown to future generations). The general populace of Valine holds beliefs about the behavior and personality of those with lycanthropy, such as that they are prone to uncontrollable rage or that they possess supernatural powers.
Overall, lycanthropy is viewed with a mixture of fear, fascination, and superstition by the general populace.

Transmission & Vectors

Transmitted via bite, in extremely rare cases the curse resurfaces fully in the progeny of a lycanthrope even after several generations (more often, this manifests in the form of the Weretouched).

Causes

While in some areas thought to be a disease, lycanthropy in fact stems from a curse placed upon individuals, households or even entire villages by spiteful witches or hags.

Symptoms

Once infected there are no warning symptoms, the first time an individual knows for sure that they are infected is when they transform under the conditions of the original curse.

Treatment

Healing lycanthropy is possible, but extremely difficult since it requires tracking down someone who participated in the original ritual or one of their descendants and having thme willingly participate in a counter ritual to the one that specifically created that line of the curse.

Prognosis

Lycanthropes can live normal lives outside of the times when they transform. However, unless measures are taken to isolate and restrain them during the times they manifest their bestial side, they are likely to both kill and curse others, and must live with those consequences.

Prevention

Being bitten by a lycanthrope does not mean with certainty that the curse is transmitted. The body fights lycanthropy much like it would a disease or virus, so anything that boosts an individual's immunity or provides magical protection may help stave off the curse. Some beings may even have a magical version of natural immunity to the curse. Though a niche area of study certain magical scholars have learned enough about lycanthropy to create specific artifacts designed to protect from the curse.

Epidemiology

In a sense, lycanthropy became endemic across Valine via the growth of the weretouched population and their milder, controllable, and natural fluxing abilities. However, true "outbreaks" of lycanthropy stem from a new curse or a lycanthrope entering an area unchecked and infecting an individual of a community. Left unchecked, the curse of lycanthropy will spread exponentially in an area unless the cursed beings are driven away, contained, or killed.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare