Lycanthropic Creatures

Lycanthropic Creatures are cursed canine creatures whose origins all lead back to an unknown mythic originator named Lupus Dei, who was the first of their kind, within Dark Blaze.

Lupus Dei spread his curse across the globe before mysteriously disappearing. Lycanthropy can be spread through either a curse, or by being transmitted through biting or scratching from somebody who is also infected by lycanthropy. Due to the savage nature of most werewolves, it is rare that somebody is infected with lycanthropy through being bitten or scratched.

Although lycanthropic creatures are classified as cursed creatures, due to their inter-connection and subjection under Lupus Dei, they are classified as a speices unto themselves.

Background:
Darryl M. Finch-Ellis wanted to have lycanthropic creatures within the novel and so researched into the mythology of lycans from various regions and sources. He decided to keep the tradition of making them cursed creatures and more in line with the larger variant, as opposed to that seen in An American Werewolf In London or the wolfman type seen in The Wolfman.

For the catalyst of the lycanthropic creatures, Lupus Dei was created.

Origins:
All that is known about the lycanthropic creatures is that the first of their race was Lupus Dei, and that their originating was a curse, which could also be transmitted by biting and scratching when the cursed individual was within their lycanthropic state.

Sub-Species:
Lupus Dei is a singular species unto himself and is more powerful than an apex-werewolf.
 * Feral Werewolf
 * Apex-Werewolf

Powers & Abilities:

 * Increased speed.
 * Super strength.
 * Increased hearing.
 * Super sense of smell.
 * Super durability.
 * Transform into a lycanthrope during full moons.
 * Immortal (apex-werewolf only).
 * Superiority over lesser lycanthropes (apex-werewolf only).
 * Terror over strigoic creatures (due to sense).
 * Increased tracking skills.
 * Can transform into a lycanthrope whenever they want (apex-werewolf only).

Weaknesses:

 * Holy water.
 * Fire.
 * Silver.
 * Cast-iron.
 * Palo Santo.
 * Mountain Ash.
 * At the full moon's behest.

Trivia:

 * Lupus Dei from Latin to English means "Wolf God".
 * Brecca the Black was named after Breca the Bronding from the Beowulf poem.
 * The werewolves were based on the more larger kind seen in Dog Soldiers and Underworld as opposed to the werewolf types seen in The Wolfman and An American Werewolf In London.