Werefolk

Humanity’s relative frailty to the other major races of Rhodenia has always been its primary weakness. In Age of the Wizard-Kings, a great deal of arcane research was poured into discovering means to overcome this shortcoming, and many of the spells used by today’s mages to enhance one’s physical capabilities stem from these efforts; however, none are quite so extreme in their effects as the blessing/curse of lycanthropy. Long ago, one of the Wizard-Kings sought to reinforce his army by afflicting his troops with this blessing/curse - a spell so potent that it fundamentally and permanently transformed the very being of those upon whom it was cast. These lycanthropes - Werefolk, as they came to call themselves - possessed the power to shapeshift at will into bestial half-men, half-wolves, gaining incredible strength and agility in the process, while yet retaining their Human intellect and reasoning.

Despite the great physical prowess they possessed, life for the Werefolk was nonetheless a sad one, for they were reduced to being warrior-slaves in the service of their masters. Considered grotesque, inhuman, and thoroughly disposable by their very creators, the Werefolk took naturally to the teachings of the Almighty, and when the forces of Sairis and the Church began their crusade against the Wizard-Kings, they were quick to rise up against their masters. The Werefolk of contemporary Rhodenia descend from these brave souls - the blessing/curse being hereditary - and though many fear their bestial half-nature, none can doubt their loyalty to the Crown and Church. Although they tend to congregate on

the border towns and fringes of the Empire, Werefolk have proven themselves time and time again stalwart defenders of its ways, and faithful adherents of the Almighty’s teachings. While the Sairis College of Magic considers lycanthropy an arcane condition and werefolk a sub-race of Humanity, Werefolk themselves maintain that they are a unique and distinct people.

Contrary to common belief, the moods of Werefolk are not in any way dictated by the moon; however, they do possess night vision and greatly enhanced scent in were-form, and can hunt prey with ease in the darkness that handicaps many other races. As Werefolk grow older and more capable of controlling their transformation, they can partially display their bestial features without fully yielding to their wolven form. While Werefolk do not enjoy any noteworthy advantages in their Human form, they are nonetheless distinguishable outside were-form as those afflicted with the blessing/curse tend to boast sharper canine teeth, elongated and curved finger & toenails, and be more hirsute than their Human kin; however, most Werefolk - having grown accustomed to their bestial nature - often exhibit behaviors that other Humans find off-putting. Stories abound of Werefolk, upon being invited to a lordly manor to celebrate a successful hunt, diving into their meals with their hands instead of using utensils. Even in Human form, Werefolk display pack-like behavior, and seem to possess a second sense for coordinating attacks in combat.