THE HOUNDS Werewolves are humans who transform into wolves or other large canids. Those skilled in transformation can also shift partway, becoming clawed, furred, dog-headed near-humanoids. They are made more powerful and more vulnerable both by the full moon, and must transform then - they have no choice. They heal most injuries quickly, are stronger than humans, and unless killed, can easily live for two full centuries before old age claims them. But apart from that, the different varieties are quite distinct.
Ulfsarkr - Warwolves The Ulfsarkr, or war-wolves, are berserkers. Capable of lifting 2000 kg, or pushing/pulling 5000 kg, their wolf-form is that of a direwolf, or a massive hound or mastiff. In combat, Ulfsarkr are immune to pain and fear. They immediately regenerate any wounds caused by unsilvered weapons. Their instincts about people, weather, and behavior are as sharp as a wolf’s. However, during the full moon, they are in a constant state of boiling rage. They can only turn others when raging - in battle or during the full moon, this is far more likely to lead to death than to conversion. Their howl inspires panic, fury, or confusion. Their emblem is a grey wolf on a red field.
Ashina - Weirdwolves The shamans or weirdwolves, Ashina packs are more in touch with nature than any other wolf. They have access at all times to wolf-like senses. Their wolf forms are that of natural wolves or coyotes, and their strength and speed match them, but do not supernaturally surpass them. Only magic or wolfsbane can harm them - unpoisoned conventional attacks have no effect. During nights of the full moon, they revert fully to natural wolves, with only the intelligence and understanding of natural wolves. Weirdwolf witchcraft can invoke curses (necessary for them to transform others, but also calling bad luck or illness); manipulate weather and tides, cause hallucinations, spiritual visions, or call ghosts. Their emblem is a sky-blue wolf on a white field.
Ombrandanti - Wraithwolves The Ombrandanti become pitch-black wolves, hyenas, or jackals which move with supernatural stealth and speed (up to one hundred kph). They can communicate with other animals. Even in human form, they radiate an aura of fear. However, even in human form they are light-sensitive, and they are powerless in sunlight. During the nights of the full moon, they slumber, sending out their shadows as clairvoyant astral travelers and wraiths. This leaves their bodies vulnerable; however, they can strike fear and madness with these shadows, invade the dreams of their targets, and see events transpiring hundreds or even thousands of miles distant unseen themselves. Only in their shadow forms does their bite transform others. Their emblem is a black wolf on a muted gold field.
Werewolves
Werewolves are humans who transform into wolves or other large canids. Those skilled in transformation can also shift partway, becoming clawed, furred, dog-headed near-humanoids. They are made more powerful and more vulnerable both by the full moon, and must transform then - they have no choice. They heal most injuries quickly, are stronger than humans, and unless killed, can easily live for two full centuries before old age claims them. But apart from that, the different varieties are quite distinct.
Ulfsarkr - Warwolves
The Ulfsarkr, or war-wolves, are berserkers. Capable of lifting 2000 kg, or pushing/pulling 5000 kg, their wolf-form is that of a direwolf, or a massive hound or mastiff. In combat, Ulfsarkr are immune to pain and fear. They immediately regenerate any wounds caused by unsilvered weapons. Their instincts about people, weather, and behavior are as sharp as a wolf’s. However, during the full moon, they are in a constant state of boiling rage. They can only turn others when raging - in battle or during the full moon, this is far more likely to lead to death than to conversion. Their howl inspires panic, fury, or confusion. Their emblem is a grey wolf on a red field.
Ashina - Weirdwolves
The shamans or weirdwolves, Ashina packs are more in touch with nature than any other wolf. They have access at all times to wolf-like senses. Their wolf forms are that of natural wolves or coyotes, and their strength and speed match them, but do not supernaturally surpass them. Only magic or wolfsbane can harm them - unpoisoned conventional attacks have no effect. During nights of the full moon, they revert fully to natural wolves, with only the intelligence and understanding of natural wolves. Weirdwolf witchcraft can invoke curses (necessary for them to transform others, but also calling bad luck or illness); manipulate weather and tides, cause hallucinations, spiritual visions, or call ghosts. Their emblem is a sky-blue wolf on a white field.
Ombrandanti - Wraithwolves
The Ombrandanti become pitch-black wolves, hyenas, or jackals which move with supernatural stealth and speed (up to one hundred kph). They can communicate with other animals. Even in human form, they radiate an aura of fear. However, even in human form they are light-sensitive, and they are powerless in sunlight. During the nights of the full moon, they slumber, sending out their shadows as clairvoyant astral travelers and wraiths. This leaves their bodies vulnerable; however, they can strike fear and madness with these shadows, invade the dreams of their targets, and see events transpiring hundreds or even thousands of miles distant unseen themselves. Only in their shadow forms does their bite transform others. Their emblem is a black wolf on a muted gold field.