The Lycanthrope

[Mr. P]

"Lycanthrope" is the combination of the Greek words for "wolf" (lukos) and "man" (anthropos). As a general definition, lycanthropes are humanoids who possess the ability to shapeshift into another creature, similar to the Nahualli. The difference between the Nahualli and Lycanthropes is that lycanthropy is inherited through generations and, on a night of a full moon, lycanthropes suffer pain if they resist shifting until they are forced to change forms.

Lycanthropy is inherited through generations of lycanthropes only. Interbreeding between species is not effective and, in the case of humans, can be fatal. The offspring of lycanthropes spends the first few years of their life in their non-human form, and afterwards, they have to be taught to shift.

Lycanthropes have the ability to take on their non-human form during the entire spectrum of the moon phases, but their strength and endurance weakens around the full moon and their attitude usually sours. During the time up until the full moon, a lycanthrope feels the urge to shift more strongly than before. If the lycanthrope chooses not to change during a full moon, they will suffer pain that causes nausea, headaches, and fever until they change forms.

A lycanthrope's forms range from human to animal and somewhere inbetween. They are selectively able to shift parts of their body, but the form directly between human and animal is very uncomfortable to stay in. A lycanthrope has an animalistic side of their personality that is constant no matter what form they are in.

Although there may be many types of lycanthropy, werewolves are the most commonly heard of, closely followed by werecats. Both types have increased senses (including nightvision) and, in their human appearance, may have characteristics that mimic their non-human counterpart (i.e. hair color, stocky or narrow face, etc.).

The Lycans (werewolves)

• Usually of European descent, especially from the central and northern countries.
  
• Have exceptional smell and hearing.
  
• Are interpersonal and tend towards societal groups.
  
• Have a resemblance to Eurasian, Iberian, Italian, and Tibetan wolves.

The Mai (werecats)

• Usually of Asian or African descent, especially from western Asia (bordering at Kazakhstan and Pakistan and moving westward) and northern Africa; can be of southern European descent.
  
• Have exceptional hearing and eyesight.
  
• Can be interpersonal or intrapersonal, depending on group.
  
• Have a resemblance to lions, leopards, and cheetahs (but not snow leopards).