Welcome to the first lesson. Today, we will look at the ways to become a shapeshifter and the common misconceptions between shapeshifters and werewolves. We will also briefly look at the most important information every shapeshifter needs to remember beforehand.
Let's look at some main differences between werewolves and shapeshifters.
The main issue most shapeshifters face is the common disregard of their true nature and often being refer to as 'werewolves'. Although both werewolves and shapeshifter often take the same shape (wolf), they are nothing alike. Not all shapeshifters turn into a wolf. Majority of shapeshifters have absolutely no control over what shape they will always take, but most commonly they are assigned to be wolves. Werewolves, however, take a shape of a mix between a human and a wolf.
Werewolves are almost always aggressive after turning and look for an easy way to kill anything and anyone. This is very different from shapeshifters. Shapeshifters, or wolves (how we are prefer to be called), always keep their human sense and are only aggressive when hunting or protecting other pack members or their mate. Wolves are extremely humane and they understand the basic complexity between bad or good. They would never attack a human unless in a life-or-death situation.
Werewolves are unable to keep a straight and clear mind when changed. Most werewolves don't recall them changing and don't remember anything from the time they were in the wolf shape. This differs from the wolves as we remember everything and are able to communicate with other wolves through telepathy. Most wolves are able to communicate with people through the doglike behaviour.
This is another major difference between werewolves and shapeshifters, and this difference is the time and circumstances of turning. When it comes to werewolves, they only change their shape during the full moon and at midnight. They are strongly connected and influenced by the moon. Wolves, however, are able to turn at any time they want. Most newbies (shapeshifters that are new to shapeshifting and have not mastered the skills yet) can get influenced by the moon as a result of strong magnetic forces, but this is not a rule. The full moon doesn't affect the experienced wolves.
Werewolves, not only walk on the two back legs, but are also quite tall, usually much taller than wolves. Most werewolves, including the famous Professor Lupin from the Harry Potter series, was about 1,8m (6ft 2in) tall in the werewolf form. When it comes to wolves, we need to look at the two major categories: wolves and Quileute shifters.
Quileute shifters - these shapeshifters are descendants of the Chief Taha Aki. Taha Aki was banished by a spirit warrior called Utlapa. As the legend goes, one day Taha Aki left his body to search for anything, which may pose a threat to his tribe. Utlapa followed him and possessed his body and then cut his owns body's throat to prevent Taha Aki's return. Utlapa used this to do unspeakably vile things to his people with Taha Aki being unable to stop this. One day, however, Taha met a beautiful wolf, and after asking him to share its body, the wolf agreed. Taha, in the wolf form, rushed to the village and after being recognised by his people, fought and killed Utlapa and took back his tribe. All of Taha Aki's children were able to transformed into wolves. All members of this pack are a direct descendants of Taha Aki. These wolves are usually much taller than standard wolves and faster. Some members are between 1.8 - 2m (6 to 7 ft) tall.
Wolves - The most common type of shapeshifters. They have a similar height and appearance of the common grey wolf: 100 - 110cm (3.0 - 3.6 ft). They rarely are taller than that although they are much more muscular than regular wolves (non-shapeshifters). Wolves are often mistaken with the regular grey wolves due to the very small differences in the appearance. The easiest way to spot a shapeshifter among all wolves, are the eyes. Wolves have very humane eyes, often in the same colour as their human eyes. The fur of the wolves is often similar or identical to the natural hair colour they have in the human form (e.g. blonde hair - grey fur, brown hair - brown or black fur). They are not as fast as the Quileute wolves, however they have a very similar strength and jaw pressure.
Regular wolf's eyes. Werewolves also have wild eyes.
Shapeshifter wolf's eyes.
Members of the Quileute wolf pack are usually much larger than wolves.
There are many theories available as to how one becomes a shapeshifter. Let's look at the most common reasons for us to exist:
By birth - almost all wolves cannot choose to be shapeshifters. To be born as a shapeshifter your parents don't have to be them, and often they are not. Most shapeshifters have either ancient ancestors (e.g. Quileute shifters) or it's caused by the way their genes form. Their transformation is usually triggered by puberty or the excessive amount of stress for a long period of time.
By bite - some groups of wolves, which are native to North America only, have become shapeshifters by being bitten by a shapeshifter or a werewolf. This is rather rare, however, because no human can survive a werewolf attack and no shapeshifter would ever attack a human without a reason. The transformation is being triggered usually straight away after being bitten but sometimes it can happen after a few months after the attack. NOTE: not everyone who has been bitten will automatically become a shapeshifters. The bite injects a venom, which is almost always unable to affect the human body in any way and it's quickly destroyed by the immune system. If the body, however, accepts the venom, then the transformation is possible.
By murder - among the shapeshifters, there is one group of wolves (and they usually live together in a pack as most shapeshifting packs disapprove of them) that became shapeshifters after killing someone (accidentally or purposely). These wolves are usually extremely egocentric and evil. Their population is extremely low, with less than 50 individuals currently alive. They are known for attacking other shapeshifters and killing them on spot to gain more pride and prove their strength. The current pack of these wolves is rather quiet with their alpha trying to control the pack and prevent their reputation being destroyed even more.
How do you know you are a shapeshifter? Well... it's quite obvious. When you hit puberty you will see some major changes in your behaviour, and I am not talking about hormones. You will see that you are more and more chaotic and unable to remain calm. Getting rid of anger will become almost impossible. Then, one day you will see that your anger becomes almost uncontrollable and destructive and then... you will automatically turn into a wolf. Afterwards, you will also automatically turn back into your human shape, probably due to the emotions of shock and fear growing up in your mind. After this incident, you will find yourself changing into a wolf uncontrollably every few days and weeks. It would be wise of you to head to the nearest forest when you feel it coming to prevent from being spotted by people. Most newbies can be smelled from miles, so don't be surprised when someone will turn up to your house or come to you in the forest and offer you support. In this way, you will automatically join the pack - your new family. In there, you will be offered training, support and your own position in the pack. You will be taught everything you will need to know, starting with the methods to control your anger and transformations. You will also learn how to transform at will. Almost all the information will be discussed in the upcoming lessons in this class to give you a clear start to your life as a wolf.
You are still unable to control your anger so find some relaxation methods - yoga, green tea - anything works. Make sure you do some calming exercises and take a few deep breaths before lashing out in an argument. Try to avoid arguments at all cost if possible.
Moon calendar. As a newbie, you should have a full moon calendar. Your emotions are still uneven and they will probably stay uncontrollable for some time. Most newbies need at least a year to stop being influenced by a moon, so make sure you get yourself a moon calendar. Make sure all your curtains/blinds are down during the full moon so it will not trigger the transformation and increase of anger.
Find support if you feel you need it. All forest rangers are aware of wolves and never ever hunt them down. If you need help ASAP, reach out to your local forest ranger and they will direct you to the nearest wolf pack, which will always accept you and offer the required support and training.
ALWAYS RESPECT ALL MEMBERS OF THE PACK!! As you have just joined the pack, you will need to learn about the pack and its hierarchy, however you should ALWAYS listen to all the members of the pack, and never disrespect them. You will learn all about the pack in the fourth lesson.