Werwulf

A werwulf (Old Ælgish: "man-wolf"), or occasionally lycanthrope (Lykos: λυκάνθρωπος lukánthrōpos, "wolf-person"), is a human with the ability to shapeshift into a hybrid wolflike creature after being placed under a curse or affliction caused by the bite or scratch from another werewolf with the transformations occurring on the night of a full moon. Early records for this ability or affliction, called lycanthropy, were written by ancient scholar Petros.

The persecution of werwulfs and the associated werhobs, Old Ælgish for half humans, is an integral part of the "monster-hunt" phenomenon all over the Western Continent as well as the Eastern Regions. The case of Eòsaph MacMharcais (1289) led to a significant peak in both interest in and persecution of supposed werewolves, primarily in the Kingdom of Ælgis and Kingdom of Veranoir.

Attributes
Werwulfs are known for their aggressiveness, animalistic urges, superhuman speed and strength and the ability of falling on their feet from high falls. They are immune to damage caused by ordinary weapons due to an extreme healing factor and are known to being vulnerable only to silver objects, such as a silver bullets or blades. This negative reaction to silver is so strong that the mere touch of the metal on a werewolf's skin will cause burns. They are known for bonding with wolves, which will become loyal to the Werwulf even after this one reverts back to their Human form. Usually in these cases the abilities are diminished in human form. After returning to their human forms, werewolves are usually documented as becoming weak, debilitated and undergoing painful nervous depression.

Folklore
It's unknown how humans found the knowledge to become a werwulf. Various folk methods for becoming a werewolf have been reported throughout history, one of the simplest being the removal of clothing and putting on a belt made of wolfskin. In other cases, the body is rubbed with a magic salve made by a Wicca. Drinking rainwater out of the footprint of the animal in question or from certain enchanted streams were also considered effectual modes of accomplishing metamorphosis. The Scandian writer and scholar Thoroard Grindsson says that the Scandian werewolves were initiated by draining a cup of specially prepared beer and repeating a set formula. Ruthen poet and monster hunter Ralston, in his Songs of the Ruthen People, gives the form of incantation still familiar in Ruthania. In Geornia, Veranoir and Volkmar, it was said that a man or woman could turn into a werewolf if he or she, on a certain Wednesday or Friday, slept outside on a summer night with the full moon shining directly on his or her face.

However, the most widely accepted way to gain the powers of a werewolf was proposed by Head Inquisitor Antino Petricca in 1334, who suggested the transformation was supposedly accomplished by demonic allegiance for the most loathsome ends, often for the sake of sating a craving for human flesh.

The curse of lycanthropy was also considered by some scholars as being a divine punishment. Ancient literature shows many examples of Gods or saints allegedly cursing those who invoked their wrath with lycanthropy. Such is the case of Deodato, who was turned into a wolf by the Goddess Gerea, as punishment for slaughtering one of her own sons. Those who were excommunicated by the Church of All Saints were also said to become werewolves.

Remedies
Various methods have existed for removing the werewolf form. In antiquity, the Ancient Lykons believed in the power of exhaustion in curing people of lycanthropy. The victim would be subjected to long periods of physical activity in the hope of being purged of the malady. This practice stemmed from the fact that many alleged werewolves would be left feeling weak and debilitated after committing depredations.

In medieval Helmany, traditionally, there are three methods one can use to cure a victim of lycanthropy; medicinally, usually via the use of wolfsbane, surgically, or by exorcism. However, many of the cures advocated by medieval medical practitioners proved fatal to the patients. Ahmadian belief holds that a werewolf can be cured of its ailment by striking it on the forehead or scalp with a knife. Another belief from the same culture involves the piercing of the werewolf's hands with nails. Conversion to Saintology is also a common method of removing lycanthropy; a devotion to St. Cuthbert has also been cited as both cure for and protection from lycanthropes.