Werewolves

According to their own myths, Werewolves (or Weres, as they call themselves) first appeared in the world when a human woman lay with an alpha male wolf. From this union were born five children: Fenris, Lagertha, Rainar, Coyote and Martin. The children had the appearance of normal humans at birth, but as they grew, they took on more wolf-like aspects until they became an amalgamation of both species. As they spread across the primordial world, so did their children and their children’s children. Soon their descendants gained the ability to change between the man and the beast, becoming Werewolves as we know them today. The Five Children, as they came to be known, are now seen as the Gods of the Weres.

In Ancient times, the different races retreated from the rapid advance of the human race, becoming myths and legends in their own right. Werewolves were no different, but had more trouble concealing themselves than the others. Their savage natures often forced them into conflicts with humans, but they were often misidentified as other mythical creatures such as Bigfoot or the Black Beast of Exmoor. However, as man’s secular mind grew, more and more Werewolves found that mankind was more likely to blame themselves for Werewolf attacks than believe in the shape changers. In time, Werewolves evolved into three sub races, or ‘Clans’.

This all changed during World War 2, when the different races were discovered and used as weapons by each side. After that conflict, the Grand Alliance was formed to secure rights for all races, but Werewolves still have a somewhat deserved reputation to be highly unpredictable, and therefore dangerous. Restrictions are placed on when and where they can transform, as well as what they are allowed to hunt. This is in order to protect themselves and their potential prey. Those in the Guild are given greater free rein than most and therefore it is extremely popular with Werewolves wanting to ‘break loose’.

Fenrisians

Fenrisians are the most numerous of the Were Clans, and the wildest. They take their name from Fenris, the oldest and most powerful of the Five Children. Fenrisians tend to hail from Scandinavia, Russia and Central Europe, and are known for their love of hunting, feasting and drinking. In the Guild, they are used in a mixture of roles but are mostly found where the fighting is thickest.

Therian

Werewolves from the Therian clan have a strong connection to nature and the wild places of the world. They are known to prefer solitude and seclusion to human towns and cities, but are also the widest ranging of the species. Therians can be found across Africa, the British Isles, Asia and Oceania. Some Therian exhibit a divergence from the normal wolf aspects of the species, and reports have been had of Werecats, Wererats and even Weresharks. These deviations are treated with some suspicion by normal Werewolves, but they are still accepted as part of their race.

Leshen

Even amongst such a race as the Weres, Leshen are considered savages. Over time, they seem to have lost the ability to switch back to human form, instead remaining a beast for their entire lives. In this aspect, they are more akin to primordial Werewolves than their modern brothers and sisters. Leshen therefore live in almost complete isolation from the modern world, protected in their isolation by the Grand Alliance. In return, a select few are called upon to serve in the Guild and in doing so, guarantee protection for the rest of their tribe.

Biology

Werewolves have evolved a rare trait to change their physiology to mimic Humanity, the most extreme example of phenotypic plasticity in the natural world. A Werewolf’s cells contain the enzyme Lycanthrope, which can trigger a rapid transformation in the physiology of the creature, including changes in organ mass, hair growth, muscle density and bone structure. This transformation is not a painless one, and sometimes result in death if the Werewolf is not strong enough. This transformation is done consciously, so baby Werewolves must learn how to transform to and from their Beast form. It is believe that this trait devolved over millions of years in order for the predator to hide from its main competition, Mankind, rather than to improve its ability to hunt. Werewolves also tend to be slightly longer living than Humans and have been recorded to live up to 100+ years. Most Werewolf families tend to operate on a pack mentally, forming close knit family groups that stay in contact for life, with the alpha male and female being replaced by pre-chosen successors when they pass away.

Costume Requirements 

All Werewolves are required to have a mask covering at least 50% of the face, as well as a pair of LARP safe Claws. An OOC character bag is recommended to carry these around when not transformed. 

Special Rules 

Transformation - Most Werewolves have two forms: Human and Beast. As long as they are conscious, they may transform between these two forms. This requires Concentration, in which the player must change into their mask and claws. The transformation is not painless, and players are required to role-play this. Whilst transforming, the Werewolf is immune to all damage and immobilising effects that would normally break Concentration until the transformation ends. The Beast form must appear and sound more feral and animalistic, but no character intelligence is lost in this form. Werewolves cannot undergo more than one transformation every 5 minutes. 

In addition, certain skills on a Werewolf’s skill tree cannot be used in Beast form and vice versa. These skills are listed below for the skills that can only come into effect and can be used when in a specific form. Note, as Leshen only have one form this skill split does not apply to them, although when it comes to wielding weapons with their claws they are responsible for making sure they wield them safely:

 * indicates this skill has a prerequisite that must be bought first

Please note that any Weapon Effect skill bought by Werewolves can be used with Claws.