Some facts about Lycanthropes (ALL Shifters):

• "Lycanthropy" refers to the genetic, non-magical transformation of humans into animals.

• Some lycanthropes are born (mentioned in the details of the species when that's the case), others are infected via a bite or scratch from another lycanthrope.

• Spending too much time in animal form may lead to permanent physical changes (e.g., eye color, voice, or fangs). In severe cases, the individual may become stuck in a "wolf-man" hybrid form.

 

Key Characteristics of Lycanthropes:

1. Aging:

• Most shifters and lycans age like normal humans, including in life expectancy.

• Exceptions: Swanmanes are essentially immortal. Other lycans who serve vampires also acquire longevity through their bond.

2. Birth:

• Most lycanthropes are not born but made through infection. This is due to the transformation process disrupting pregnancy.

• Exceptions: Weretigers have developed a way to carry pregnancies to term, though this method is not shared with other species. Weredogs and swanmanes are exceptions in different ways.

3. Contagion (Infection):

• Lycanthropy is contagious through bites, scratches, or exposure to tainted blood.

• Once infected, lycanthropes are immune to other illnesses, including other strains of lycanthropy.

• All weres are contagious.

4. Physical Abilities:

• Lycanthropes are faster, stronger, and more resistant to damage than humans.

• Recovery from wounds (except from silver or fire) is quick, and even severed limbs can regrow if not severed by silver.

• They have highly acute senses in human form as well.

• They are allergic to silver and experience pain from it, though some may be resistant or even use it to pierce themselves.

5. General vulnerabilities:

• Silver: Causes painful wounds, slow healing, and scarring. Amputation with a silver weapon prevents regrowth unless treated with a non-silver weapon.

• Fire: Like silver, causes slow healing and permanent scarring.

• Destruction of vital organs (heart, brain) results in death.

• Other specific vulnerabilities may be mentioned in the page of the species.

 

Alpha Weres:

• Some shapeshifters ascend to "alpha" or "master" status, which gives them power similar to that of a master vampire.

• Alpha traits may include:

  • Ability to resist shifting, though not entirely during a full moon.

  • Resistance to psychic abilities, such as vampire's gaze or emotional feeding.

  • Control over the speed, extent, and violence of their shapeshifts.

  • Power to force or prevent other shapeshifters from changing form.

  • Some alphas can share power through blood or healing abilities.

  • Alpha weres may have offensive metaphysical abilities, particularly noticeable with tigers.

  • An alpha leader may have a metaphysical bond with their group, allowing them to control or sense the group's activities but also exposing them to threats.

 

Interaction with Vampires:

Reaction to Vampire’s Call:

• Lycanthropes are highly susceptible to being mentally called and controlled by vampires who can command animals, attracting the lycanthrope's beast instinct.

• Stronger lycanthropes, especially alphas, may resist the vampire’s call or shield others from it.

• Some alpha shapeshifters may resist a vampire's gaze, depending on their relative power.

• Once a lycanthrope donates blood to a vampire, they may be susceptible to the vampire’s control unless overridden by a stronger call.

• Only a Master vampire can create an animal (Were) servant.