Werewolf - Creature Conpendium - The World Arcanum
y colleagues and myself had many discussions regarding the study of the werewolf for this compendium, as Lycanthropy is best classified as an affliction, rather than an actual creature. Yet after thorough investigation, we now believe its inclusion within these pages is appropriate.
Lycanthropy is a rare affliction which, for some reason as yet unknown, only affects those of human descent. A person, man or woman, afflicted with Lycanthropy, is generally unaware of the circumstance, and exists within polite society by day. As night falls however, the individual transforms into a werewolf.
Werewolves are gigantic, bi-pedal creatures. They are covered head to toe in thick fur and bear a distinct resemblance to the vicious garoul. The strength of a werewolf equals that of an ogre and its sharp claws and powerful jaws enable it to eviscerate its prey effortlessly.
Once in werewolf form, they become mindless killers, attacking and devouring anything and anyone they happen upon. As morning dawns, human form is resumed and they awaken, unaware of what has happened in the night, but often covered in blood or surrounded by the dead remains of their loved ones.
A person thus afflicted rarely survives for long. In most instances, they are discovered and destroyed, or killed while in werewolf form, at which point they revert back to their human shape, revealing their true identity. In rare instances, an individual infected with Lycanthropy is able to exist undetected for a longer period of time. Once the disease has been present for several years, the werewolf transformation becomes permanent and human form is no longer attainable, even through death.
It has long been debated how the disease is spread from one individual to another. Some believe that it is through a gypsy curse, others that it is through the werewolf's bite. From our studies, we have determined that the latter is true.
The origin of the disease is not known, and according to our research, pre-dates written history in Arcanum. It has been speculated that Lycanthropy was a more virulent disease in years past as ancient tomes bear record of packs of werewolves roaming the countryside. No true cure, aside from death, has ever been found. Although in recent years, rumors have abounded that the Master Mages of Tulla may possess a cure for Lycanthropy.
