Appearance:

Lycanthropy is a genetic disease spread by infected wild wolves, werewolves, and hereditarily. Only humans, bilineal human-dwarves, and orcs can be affected. As a result, their stature/height range is reliant on whatever species they are, alongside their tendencies to store, gain, or lose muscle and fat. Being exposed to moonlight or certain magical items will cause a werewolf to gain "wolf-like" features and renewed stamina.

A transformed werewolf will be mostly covered in a coarse layer of hair (save for their face, ears, palms, fingers, soles, and toes). The hair is about the same texture as an individual's body hair, though thicker and with less of a tendency to curl. It tends to be the same color as one's hair, though blonde is not seen, and grey or white hair has been seen in individuals with a differing hair color (especially when wolves of the region possess such coats). Dark blue or dark green hair has rarely been seen in orcs. Often, a color different from one's typical hair growth will begin to faintly appear in one's hair when not transformed, too. Orcs grow far thicker hair than humans, and bilineal dwarves will grow thick facial hair as well, regardless of their untransformed capability. When transformed, eyes often seem to lack any scelera (though this is physically untrue), as the iris appears very large to accommodate for a large pupil; eyes will also appear to "glow" when they reflect light, as werewolves possess nocturnal vision. Transformed eyes will match the color of an individual with brown or amber eyes, but otherwise change to appear brown, amber or yellow. Similar to hair, an individual with lighter eyes may experience a darkening or color shift of the eyes over time when not transformed. While unfounded, some claim that untransformed werewolves can be identified by larger irises and yellowed or discolored scelera. Others claim that yellowed or discolored and unevenly worn nails can identify a werewolf, which is also unfounded but could be caused by regular time spent outside.

Lycanthropy is, in and of itself, a genetic disorder, but is considered especially distinct from others. Werewolves are susceptible to the same genetic disorders as their original species, including ones which impact one's appearance such as albinism, dwarfism, heterochromia, and vitiligo. The likelihood of such conditions is the same as it is in a werewolf's original species. Many unseen disorders (harmless or not) often go undiagnosed and are passed down, especially among smaller communities and settlements. Lycanthropy also tends to pass more quickly among smaller populations, both infectiously and genetically. Occasionally, such conditions can cause infertility, either due to their nature or their incompatibility with other species.

Distinguishing Features:

Werewolves possess the same hair growing capabilities of their original species, though born werewolves are often capable of growing more, or thicker facial or body hair.

When transformed, a werewolf's ears grow slightly larger and, if not already pointed, to a point. They are usually prominent enough to stick out somewhat from the front. The tip of the nose and, occasionally, part of the bridge will darken and slightly change in texture, alongside gaining a slightly damp feeling to the touch. The upper and lower canine teeth will grow sharper and more prominent, occasionally protruding from the mouth. In orcs, tusks and canines not only grow sharper and more prominent, but so too do the closest bicuspids. An individual's nails will slightly thicken and grow to a point. More commonly in those born with lycanthropy, the fingers and palms will lengthen, alongside the toes and soles; some find it more comfortable to walk on tiptoes as a result. Squatting on one's toes or soles becomes easier, and balance increases. Either no tail is grown, or a small one/two segment tail will grow.

A werewolf's transformation is slow, but relatively painless, especially after they become accustomed to it. The eyes will feel the most strain, alongside lengthening appendages and a growing tail, but they are also the first changes which occur. The ears and nose will then change, and the hair will gradually grow throughout the process. The teeth grow first in orcs, but last in others, and eventually the jaw adjusts to the constant shifting. The process generally takes about an hour to under two hours, in conjunction with the gradual setting of the sun unless the individual is unnaturally exposed to moonlight or magical items (which hasten the process, but can also make it painful). The transformation back takes the same amount of time, and begins with the gradual shedding of hair. Often, a werewolf will choose to transform outside because of this. The transformation process will occur in reverse, and all of the newly grown hair will be completely shed.

Werewolves do not need to sleep if they transform. They will feel rested and rejuvenated, and have heightened stamina, increased pain tolerance, and gain nocturnal vision. Their hearing and sense of smell will also improve, though not exactly to a wolf's level.

Werewolves cannot survive on vegetarian diets.

Silver will cause lasting damage to werewolves, and bypass their newfound pain tolerance. Wounds made with silver that break the skin barely heal, and have immense scarring around them once they do. Blistering and severe third-degree burns will occur around the wound. Damage from blunt silver will only cause second to third degree burns on the surface of the skin. A werewolf wounded by silver in the daytime will not experience such severe wounds, but silver wounds on the surface of the skin will cause rashes, and silver wounds which break the skin will cause mild burning and abnormal amounts of scarring. Healing potions usually suffer from a diminished effect on transformed werewolves, as hair growth and abnormal healing patterns can interfere with the process.

Compatibility:

Human werewolves can have children with dwarves, elves, and nymphs, but lycanthropy has an extremely slim chance of passing to bilineal dwarf children, and no others. Bilineal human-dwarf werewolves can have children with humans, dwarves, elves, and nymphs, but lycanthropy is not passed down. Orc werewolves cannot have children with any other species.

Read more about bilineal individuals here.

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