Werewolves, also known as lycanthropes, are a diverse group of demi-human species capable of shapeshifting between human and canine forms. In their canine form, they strongly resemble rabid wolves, although certain subspecies may display unique traits that deviate from typical canine characteristics, such as a bipedal stance or the lack of a tail.
Even in their human form, werewolves exhibit physiological traits similar to wolves and share a profound cultural association with them. Known for their strong interpersonal bonds and loyalty, werewolves form packs with other members of their subspecies. These packs serve as the core of their social lives, and individuals often consider close relationships outside the pack, including those with humans, as honorary pack members.
Werewolves are usually classified within the Infernalis kingdom of the Émile standard for demi-human taxonomy, due to their cultural connection with the underworld and the influence of the Will of the People. Werewolves are rarely considered animal-folk as despite their adjunct nature between human and mundane animal, their animal traits are not merely superficial. The generalized form of werewolves, which may shapeshift between a human and any other particular animal, are generally referred to as werebeasts or therianthropes, and share much in common with their respective species of werewolves, aside from the specific animal they transform into and inherit behaviors from.
Though second to vampires, werewolves are among the most populous species in the Greater Offetstine Area and globally, accounting for approximately 2–3% of the global demi-human population.
Physiology
Lycanthropy in many werewolf subspecies is congenital, such that the offspring of two werewolf parents are likely to be werewolves as well. Additionally, a werewolf parent and a human parent have a high chance of producing a werewolf child. Lycanthropy can also be transmitted through infected wounds, usually occurring when a werewolf attacks a human. This transmission process is analyzed as akin to disease epidemiology.
Werewolves typically have the ability to transform at will, although some subspecies are compelled to shift into their canine form under specific circumstances, particularly during the full moon. Transformation can vary across subspecies, with some experiencing autonomous shifts beyond their control, while others can smoothly transition between human and wolf forms, retaining full consciousness. Certain subspecies have distinct identities in both human and canine forms, with disjoint memories and personalities, where their canine forms align with their inner sense of freedom as a human.
Culture
Culturally, werewolves typically form tight-knit packs, often symbolizing relationships between sires and exhibiting a strong sense of kinship and territory. These packs are not always familial, but often consist of close relations like family members, romantic partners, and other trusted individuals. Pack members are expected to be allies in combat, as werewolf packs may skirmish with each other, and relations between packs are often quite vitriolic. Being included as an honorary pack member is regarded as a significant honor and symbol of trust.
Lycanthropic culture is often likened to a band society, where pack members view each other as equals. While most werewolf packs do not have designated leaders, occasionally one is chosen for conflict resolution or to facilitate efficient combat operations, as a fully egalitarian model can lead to unwanted bureaucracy. Pack members share a strong fraternal bond and rarely hold persistent anger or disdain towards each other, often drawn together by the magic of their lycanthropy. Many werewolves perceive their canine form as an extension of their identity and hold strong cultural ties to wolves and other canine creatures. Consequently, they consider themselves born of the wilderness and believe they are closer to nature than humans.
Real life
In the real world, the term "lycanthropy" (as a truncation of "clinical lycanthropy") is commonly used to refer not to a werewolf as the notion exists in fantasy fiction, nor as it exists in Offetstine in particular, but to a human individual who believes, due to a psychological affectation, that they exhibit such traits.
Furthermore, in the real world, the term "therianthrope" is occasionally used by the furry community to denote individuals who have a strong spiritual or psychological association with a particular animal.