Ravenous Hunger: The Werewolves of Nightborn

Fangs & Fury

We are Animals. Some of us are closer to their primal nature than others. Then there are those who have more in common with the monsters in the dark than those who cling to the light. Werewolves and Therianthropes (Werecreatures of any animal affinity) have existed in myth and legend as far back as humanity had myth and legend. They have existed since before the invention of the written word and possibly co-existed with us since the evolution of homo sapiens. Humans have a Primal Fear of vicious beasts, somethings left behind by our ancestors when they would huddle near a fire to escape the darkness. And yet, we all share a connection to the natural world and some of use even feel a deeper connection to the supernatural where humanity meets instinct and we can hear the howl of the wolf inside of us. There are those who walk among use whose inner beast has been unleashed. These protean creatures go by many names and have been rarely understood, as their Origins are nearly as varied as the forms they take.

Bestial Origins

Not all Werefolk change into wolves, though that is a common expression of a shapechanger’s existence. Technically, Werewolves are not shaping their form into wolves (Canis Lupus), but rather expressing long dormant genetic memory as interpreted via one form of magic or another as a true incarnation of uncompromising fear and primal dread. This means, while a shifter can appear to be an imposing hybrid human-wolf, -feline, -alligator, etc. none of the species they appear to emulate actually match the characteristics of a real species, at least not as cataloged by modern science. There are multiple ways someone may become a Lycanthrope, and some of the more common ways are as follows:

Loup-Garou – Once bitten and put through the fever trial, which if they survive, they join the pack as a full-fledged member. This Origin behaves like a supernatural disease passed on via body fluids which only the strongest survive.

Chimera – Cursed by a being of immense power and otherworldly mien, such as a Fae, Old God, or Eldritch Entity. Chimera must spend their lifetime in restitution for violating some ancient law or arcane slight.

Ravenous – Those who committed atrocities against humanity yet were never punished may awaken the Beast inside without supernatural assistance. They are rewarded with insatiable hunger and unending pain.

Ridden – The Beast rides these unfortunate souls who are possessed by an entity which uses them to wreak havoc on the corporeal world. Many Ridden seek a balance and accord with their rider, lest they be torn apart.

Therians – Magicians who have found a ritual using claws and fang of animals to scar their flesh and unlock the Beast, in a possibly misguided quest for power.

Insatiable Hunger

One characteristic all Werefolk have is a taste for Human Flesh. Cannibalism is the only way they fuel their powers and without it, they lose control, killing indiscriminately or eating parts of their own body if nothing else is available. This Hunger can be quelled with raw Animal Flesh, but this is not very effective and requires vast quantities. Many packs seek alternative ways to meet their dietary needs, so graverobbing and other similar methods are common. Eating Human Flesh powers up the Werefolk. Each Origin has affinity for a different suit of powers. Lamia Nightborn scholars have recorded the following Werefolk Powers from their research and dealing with the Changers:

Wyld – Powers over Nature, the Land,