Weretype: Canis Lupus
Canis Lupus - also known as lycanthropy, or simply werewolf - are one of the most commonly known forms of Weretypes. It is a curse that is inflicted upon an individual by a carrier of said curse. There are variations to the way it afflicts its carriers, which will be detailed below. Lycanthropy is a popular subject in modern day media, but there are various inaccuracies with the actual curse.
The Spread of the Curse
The origins of Weretype curses go far back in history, to an ancient place where magic reigned. It's believed the curse was crafted by witches to spite their enemies. These days, it is assumed that no current magic user is actively spreading the curse, but rather every Weretype is just the result of the curse's spread from one carrier to another.
In the case of lycanthropy, the carrier is able to inflict another with the curse through special circumstances; They may be able to bite or scratch their target during an emotional high. This is a type of fight-or-flight response their body enacts as a defense mechanism, as if they are in a situation where they must escape a more powerful predator by spiting them with a shared curse.
Classifications
Lycanthropy can vary from person to person, and the reason why is unknown.
Intermediate
Using a human as an example, the carrier would have more human features still present, but with fur covering a majority of their body, and ears becoming more pointed. This classification stands out more for humans, but may not stand out if the carrier is already an animal with fur.
Anthropomorphic
In which a carrier transforms into what is essentially themselves as an anthropomorphic wolf. Their skeletal structure goes through some alteration in the process, but largely their anatomy remains unchanged. For example, a human would not have a muzzle, instead just a wolf nose where their human nose would be. In that sense, this classification would not stand out unless an observer has a good understanding of animal anatomy.
Bestial
A unique and considerably more dangerous category, these carriers transform fully into a feral wolf with a matching brain, leaving them very much a wild animal. This classification is likely to have the approximate mass of their original form, rather than being the size of an actual wolf.In all cases, the carrier has some noticeable changes in appearance when they are in their original form; Their teeth still feature fangs, and the pupils of their eyes appear different from that of a human.
Moonlight, its Misconceptions, and its Dangers
Modern science is not able to identify what causes it, but it is generally accepted that moonlight gives off an aura that induces the transformation, meaning that the carrier does not have to be aware that the moon is out to experience the transformation. Depending on the individual, a transformation can be painful or painless - it depends on how the curse affects that particular body's pain receptors. Bestial carriers, in particular, are known to experience more pain, as their body is going through a more extreme anatomical shift.
Another popular belief is that the full moon is the sole provider of the transformation, meaning that those afflicted with the curse only experience it on specific nights. The curse affects each carrier differently, and there are cases where its effects are so light that it really does take a full moon to change them. However, those with a more hefty infliction, who transform under any moonlight, will experience a dangerous phenomenon if they stare directly into a full moon.
Under the influence of the full moon, these individuals become more like feral animals, acting akin to a bestial carrier with survival instincts, and experience a constant feeling of paranoia that causes them to act defensively. This is a dangerous state for carriers to be in, as they are likely to attack others and spread the curse. It is advised that those suffering from lycanthropy be aware of the moon phases and remain indoors during a full moon.
The Abilities of Werewolves
Those afflicted may experience variations of the following:
Sharpened Teeth: The fangs associated with the wolf form appear in the carrier's original form, though some variance may occur between carriers, such as the size of the fangs.
Nightvision: Regardless of form, a distinct wolf-like pupil can be seen in the eyes, which look subtly different from humans but may be less noticeable in other species. Eyesight does not generally differ from the norm, but the carrier may be able to see well in low lighting conditions.
Enhanced Smell: A natural boost in the sense of smell, which carries over to the carrier's original form.
Enhanced Hearing: In wolf form, one will have a boosted hearing ability with their new ears.
Sharpened Nails: Regardless of the carrier's original form, fingernails and toenails will become longer and sharper in their wolf form, made of a harder material that allows them to easily pierce skin if not properly filed. Applications such as nail polish are carried over between the forms.
Enhanced Stamina/Endurance: Regardless of the carrier's physical health, their wolf form will be more agile, capable of running speeds and jump height that they otherwise wouldn't manage. Even in their original form, they may see higher endurance.
Regeneration: While not guaranteed with every carrier, there are those whose healing rate can vary. In some miraculous cases, they may heal minor injuries within days, if not hours. Others may more likely see a faster rate than the average human.
Enhanced Body Temperature: Regardless of the carrier's original state, they will see a body temperature increase that matches wolves, which benefits them in colder weather.
Moonlight Cortisol: Those with this affliction may find themselves favouring the night life, as they often feel more energised in the moonlight, comparable to caffeine - it is believed this may be related to whatever aura causes the transformation. Said boost is also heightened during a full moon phase, and depending on the carrier, it may be like the negative effects of too much caffeine.
Wolf Aura: A phenomenon that is hard to pin down, in which the carrier is able to notice when they are in the presence of other carriers. Studies believe it's a type of survival instinct that aided those in forming packs in the wild - to carriers today, it's an indescribable sense that something is unique about a person or animal.
Focused Transformation: A rare ability that depends on the physiology of the carrier, but it is indeed possible to take control of one's ability to transform and hold one of the forms regardless of the time of day - albeit with a constant focus required to keep that form.
Weaknesses
One of the more common things used in media is a silver bullet, or silver in general, as a means of piercing the skin and curing the carrier while killing them in the process. This belief has its roots in how silver was used in holy acts, however it does not have any relation to the mineral itself - it is merely the holy magic doing its work.
Rather, the most effective tool used to harm the carrier is a plant known as Aconitum napellum - it goes by several names, but the most popular is Wolfsbane. In general, this flower carries a poison that is very dangerous to living creatures, and while it has no antidote, it is possible for unafflicted individuals to be treated for it and make a recovery. However, the poison interacts with carriers in a way that intensifies the poison, making it kill within seconds. This plant must be avoided at all costs, and as such, is forbidden within Gastenworth's walls.
It is unclear as to whether Wolfsbane can be used to cure lycanthropy since it kills those afflicted, but poisoned carriers have been known to revert to their original form upon death.