Lycanthropes

Werewolf, a common lycanthrope.

Lycanthropes are those afflicted with the magical disease lycanthropy. These humanoids are cursed with an alternate, animal form, into which they must transform when the moon is full. The most common lycanthropes are werewolves, wererats, and werebears, though wereboars and weretigers are not unheard-of.

Some lycanthropes are able to assume a hybrid form, mingling animal and humanoid into one. Some are able to control the affliction and only change shape when they wish to, while others without the control do so automatically under a full moon or when they take damage in a fight.

The disease lycanthropy can be passed down from parents to their children, or through the bite of a lycanthrope while in animal or hybrid-form. If bitten, someone can attempt to cure themselves by eating a concoction made from Wolf's Bane, a poisonous weed.

Because they usually kill indiscriminately, lycanthropes are generally feared by the public. There are some places where they are welcomed, and villages full of nothing but lycanthropes do exist. The goddess Elshawen has a special interest in lycanthropes - she herself was an elven werewolf while a mortal. She is now the goddess of change and the moon, and so watches over lycanthropes as well.