House Ailurus

0 Tomes0 Tourneys

House Chiroptera

1 Tome0 Tourneys

House Lapin

2 Tomes3 Tourneys

House Meles

0 Tomes3 Tourneys

House Mollusca

1 Tome1 Tourney

House Sauropoda

1 Tome1 Tourney

Werewolf

Bestiary February 2023 Prompt 26. Predator

Werewolves are a species of werebeast who are totemically connected to the Wolf Totem, the Dog Totem, or the Coyote Totem. Most werewolves are able to shift into a bestial and/or half-bestial form at will. Some will also shift if certain personal triggers — such as a particular moon phase or becoming angry — occur. A particularly common trigger for werewolves is shifting at the full moon.

Basic Information

Anatomy

In human form, werewolves are indistinguishable from an average human. They may have wolf-like features, such as long canines, large irises, or a broad nose, or a wolfish disposition, but they are human otherwise.   In beast form, werewolves are physically no different than an average wolf, dog, or coyote. Mentally, though, they still retain their personhood and can make decisions as they would in any other form.   Totemically, all werebeasts can sense another of their kind with their normal senses. As the therianthropic abilities of werebeasts are not scientific in nature, they cannot be detected through any sort of physical or genetic examination.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like most werecreatures, werewolves can choose to reproduce as a human or as the animal type they are. To do the latter requires that their partner also be a werebeast. Regardless of how a werewolf chooses to reproduce, they are prone to conceiving twins or even triplets.

Growth Rate & Stages

Werewolf offspring, known as pups, can be birthed in either human form or in beast form. Pups born in beast form transform into a human toddler around three months after their birth, and remain in that form for the remainder of their life unless a werecreature themselves.   Werewolves mature and grow at the same rate as a human after shifting.

Ecology and Habitats

Most werewolves prefer colder environments thanks to their thick fur, but those connected to the Coyote totem in particular can be found almost anywhere in the world.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Werewolves are omnivorous in their human forms much like a normal human would be. In their beast form, however, they are carnivorous and often feed on game animals such as deer and moose. Most werewolves will have diets high in meats and other proteins no matter their form to avoid digestive upset.

Biological Cycle

Many werewolves will shed their inner coat in warmer weather. This is a cause of contention for those who prefer neat living areas, as the fur can be found everywhere even with frequent brushing in half-beast and beast forms.

Behaviour

Werewolves typically have extremely strong pack-bonding instincts and very often take multiple pets over the course of their lives. They may bond closely with any partners they have.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Werewolves tend to have an excellent sense of smell in their half-beast and beast forms. Their human form tends to have an average sense of smell. Their eyesight is usually average or good in all their forms, but some werewolves have been known to need glasses. Werewolves also have a keen sense of hearing in their half-beast and beast forms, being able to hear at a range much larger than a human's. Again, this sense is average in human form.
This article is a work in progress, and may be subject to changes.
 
This article is part of a series related to streaming the Game of Tomes. For more information, see Streaming Game of Tomes.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Homo belua lupus
Lifespan
As human
Conservation Status
Werewolves are uncommon, but not rare amongst werebeasts as a whole
Related Organizations

Totems

Wolf

The Wolf totem is steadfastly loyal, strategic, and playful in nature. This totem often has a puppy-like energy during play, but can switch to a strong leader in an instant, should the situation call for it.  

Dog

The Dog totem is steadfastly loyal, playful, and energetic in nature. This totem has extremely strong pack-bonding instincts. They are a follower rather than a leader.  

Coyote

The Coyote totem is mischievous, witty, and has a sense of humour that often takes jokes too far. Their "jokes" can and will involve body counts many times. Their wit is almost exclusively reserved for tricks or getting them out of trouble.


Cover image: Werewolf Header by moonflower with Canva

Comments

Please Login in order to comment!