The curse of the werewolf is a shadowy and ancient enigma, its origins veiled in the mists of time. While stories of werewolves often evoke fear and horror, their existence is far from mere folklore. The curse has touched many corners of the known world, with its manifestations more commonly found on the eastern continent of Agera. Though spoken of in whispers and tales, werewolves are a reality, embodying the savage nature attributed to them, if not surpassing those expectations.
Across various regions, the stories of werewolves are met with a mix of fear, fascination, and apprehension. However, the land of Vikholm holds a unique presence within the werewolf lore. Deep within the ancient forests, an Order of guardian werewolves, the Howlguard, stands as protectors of the land, vigilant against foreign intruders. Their methods may be brutal, and their territory is approached at one's own peril. Only the wood elves and the Evergreen Queen of Vikholm possess the ability to freely direct and communicate with these enigmatic guardians, fostering a mutual understanding that maintains the balance between their kind and the realm they defend.
Beyond the borders of Vikholm, sightings of werewolves are few but significant. Often appearing in the midst of remote countrysides, these creatures can leave a trail of destruction in their wake before local authorities can intervene. The curse spreads swiftly, leaving the wounded transformed in its wake. In the Vache Kingdom and the Silver Dominion, werewolves are actively hunted, a precautionary measure to prevent the curse from further disseminating. Their presence is rarely documented within the Nagan Empire or the Kami Concord, leaving one to wonder whether the curse has yet to reach those lands or whether it has been contained by some unknown force.
In the knightly realm of Rivermond, stories of werewolves are interwoven with tales of knights battling their own kind. The curse presents itself as both a burden and an opportunity, with some warriors embracing it as a blessing or a calling. Similarly, in the northern land of Kalamar, a warrior's fascination with the curse can lead them to seek out its transformation, embracing the dual nature it entails. These tales highlight the complexity of human response to such a powerful and enduring curse. In the desert lands of the Khein Dynasty, werewolves are rare and shrouded in cautionary tales. Whispers circulate of the western forests as places to avoid, for within them, the curse may linger, waiting for unsuspecting souls to stumble upon its malevolent embrace.
The Curse
Individuals afflicted with the werewolf curse possess a unique and formidable set of attributes that distinguish them from regular mortals. The curse bestows upon them the resilience to endure a wide array of physical assaults. Traditional weapons, including bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing, are met with a remarkable resistance by their bodies. This resistance enables werewolves to shrug off these forms of attacks to a degree that would incapacitate or severely wound ordinary individuals.
Moreover, the supernatural nature of the curse extends to magical weaponry to some degree. Werewolves display a heightened resistance caused by various magical weapons, showcasing their innate ability to withstand even the arcane and ethereal forces that would otherwise inflict great harm upon them. This resistance is indicative of the curse's profound impact on their bodies and their newfound connection to a realm beyond the mundane.
However, in the realm of vulnerabilities, silver stands as an enigmatic exception. Werewolves, despite their formidable defenses against conventional and magical weaponry, are uniquely susceptible to silver. This metal holds an unnatural power, enabling it to cut through the hide and defenses of a werewolf with an efficiency that defies explanation. The origins of this vulnerability remain shrouded in mystery, prompting speculation about its relation to the supernatural forces that underlie the werewolf curse.
The physical attributes granted by the curse further contribute to the werewolves' exceptional prowess. Their strength is greatly enhanced, allowing them to exert power beyond the limits of a regular human. This strength is complemented by heightened speed and agility, attributes that enable them to move swiftly and nimbly in various environments. They can sniff out their prey with extreme accuracy. As if that were not enough, werewolves possess a natural ability to heal from wounds at an accelerated rate. This remarkable regenerative ability ensures that they can endure battles and recover from injuries that would be debilitating or even lethal to others.
Shapeshifting
The shapeshifting abilities of werewolves are a fundamental aspect of their nature, a potent manifestation of the curse that courses through their veins. Werewolves possess the ability to shift between two distinct forms: their humanoid form and their wolf form. However, the attitudes towards shapeshifting vary depending on the region and culture in which they reside.
In the land of Vikholm, where the Howlguard is situated, a unique perspective on shapeshifting exists. These werewolves often prefer to remain in their wolf forms as a means of self-respect and as a demonstration of their place in the land. In their wolf forms, they find a connection to their natural surroundings and a sense of unity with the wilderness. Their wolf-like appearance is revered as a testament to their status as protectors and enforcers of Vikholm's boundaries. The choice to embrace their wolf form is a conscious decision that reflects their identity and commitment to their role as defenders of their homeland.
Outside of Vikholm, particularly in other regions of Agera, the shapeshifting abilities of werewolves take on a different perspective. It is more common to find werewolves living their lives predominantly in their humanoid forms. In these regions, the balance between their human and wolf aspects may shift, and they often choose to present themselves as humans to better integrate into society. This form of integration may be driven by a desire to escape persecution or simply to navigate the complexities of a human-dominated world.
The existence of Wolfmen, offspring born to female werewolves that lack the ability to shapeshift, adds another layer of complexity to the werewolf narrative. These individuals exhibit characteristics akin to wolves, with features such as wolf-like heads, fur-covered bodies, and claws in place of nails. Their humanoid standing and wolf-like attributes make them distinct from both humans and fully transformed werewolves. Often, Wolfmen find themselves on the fringes of society, struggling to find their place within the larger werewolf community. Some have forged their own path, banding together to form nomadic packs, taking on roles as merchants or sellswords, and navigating a world that often views them as outsiders.