Lycanthropy

Lycanthropy is a condition in which an individual possesses at least two forms, one humanoid and one animalistic. Some, though not all, also have the ability to shift into a form that is a hybrid of the two. While it formally only refers to werewolves, in practice the term lycanthropy is used to refer to all werecreatures.

Condition

There are two broad categories of lycanthropes - those for whom the condition is innate and inherited, and those who were cursed with lycanthropy or bitten by a werecreature. The former group typically has much better control over their transformations, sometimes through rarely even to the point of being able to suppress it during full moons, while the latter rarely display any such command of their abilities and in fact are prone to changing without realization in moments of extreme stress or emotion.

While most afflicted lycanthropes live uncontrollably violent lives, those who were born with the condition are generally much better at managing their issues and living within broader societies. Those of either category who do not die from violence typically have somewhat extended lifespans, compared to their ancestry as a whole, but the stigma directed at them should their nature become known often works directly against this.

Lycanthropes are typically quite hardy and resistant to physical injury, if with a notable weakness to silver.

Types

The majority of lycanthropes are werewolves, but also extant across Kishar are were-boars, -bears, -dinosaurs, -tigers, -sharks, and others. These are typically somewhat regionally constrained. Whether inherited by birth or bite, new lycanthropes always take a similar form to those who were the origin of their affliction.

Prevalence on Kishar

Lycanthropy has at least some presence everywhere on Kishar, but a much greater one in certain regions or amongst certain peoples. It is relatively common in Rothurland and Talgazan, as well as within the descendants of peoples from these lands like the Bronze-Armed of the Chaskan cost and the Fjarri of the Wounds. This is similarly the case with the various disparate groups of Brightmarch, the Laqto Rainforest, and as far east as Talmithe. Inherited lycanthropy is endemic amongst the hobgoblins of the Stormlands, and especially those in the northern regions of Kad and Vukararn.

Cultural views

Most societies and cultures abhor lycanthropes, seeing them as unpredictable, dangerous, and ceaselessly violent creatures, but this is not universally the case. Rothurlandic and Talgazan werecreatures are not inherently persecuted but rather are frequently celebrated, as lycanthropes in these lands are often skilled and valued warriors and leaders. This acceptance is such that many communities have special reinforced structures for lycanthropes to take shelter during full moons, so that even those who cannot control their urges still do not risk harming others.