Appearance
Lycans are wolf-like beings, albeit much larger than standard wolves, and far more menacing and muscular in frame. This makes them more likely to be mistaken for a bear than a wolf. The reflective property of their large eyes can make it appear as if they’re glowing in the dark. Their claws and fangs are rather large, and they walk on all four legs. Their coats can be any color or combination of colors typically found on wolves. However their eye color in Lycan form directly correlates to their rank within their pack.
Abilities
Lycans can transform to and from both human and lycan form at will, save for the full moon when their shift into their lycan form is forced upon them at around midnight, when the moon is at its highest point in the night sky.
Lycans physically age slower, have incredible immune systems, and intensely fast metabolisms. As a result their temperature tends to run warmer than other species, which can cause alarm if they find themselves in the ER.
Lycans possess the ability to regenerate, healing faster than humans. While beneficial, this ability is not powerful enough to heal fatal wounds. Their regenerative abilities simply mean it may take a day for a papercut to heal, opposed to the 2 or 3 of their human counterparts.
Lycans also possess exceptional reflexes, speed, strength, and agility compared to other species. This can make them top athletes in their human form, however in their lycan form these abilities, especially their reflexes, strength, and speed, are intensified.
All lycans can communicate with other lycans telepathically while in their lycan form. This ability, however, does not extend to their human form.
Lycans have incredibly heightened senses. While intense in human form, these sense are even more so in their lycan form. Due to these overwhelming senses, most lycans tend to be prone to alcoholism, and due to their incredibly fast metabolisms, lycans can drink a lot. This proclivity is directly attributed to dulling these senses, while also being a result of a lycans heightened emotions. These heightened emotions are why lycans are known to be so temperamental and aggressive compared to other species.
Gifts
Gifts are unique abilities granted to born lycans at around puberty, and granted to turned lycans at the time of their first prophecy. These abilities are not chosen by the lycans themselves, but chosen by their ancestors.
Gifts are typically an offensive, defensive, passive, or mental power. They can range from common to rare, and the side effects of using said abilities can range from minor to severe depending on the abilities rarity and power.
With proper training, effort, discipline, and time, gifts can be advanced, either improving said gifts power, or unlocking new tiers of said ability. This sometimes results in lycans developing new and/or additional powers related to their gift. This can take years of dedication depending on the ability.
Hierarchy
Rank within a pack is directly associated with eye color in lycan form. Alphas possess white eyes. Oracles possess blue. Warlords and Viragos possess yellow eyes. Warriors posses green, and New Blood possess brown eyes.
New Blood are lycans that have yet to discover their gift, and are the lowest rank within a pack. So this rank makes up the youth and newly turned of a pack. Once a New Blood has discovered their gift, they will automatically rank up to Warrior status within the pack.
Warriors make up the bulk of the pack. This is the second lowest rank within a pack, only superior to New Bloods. However warriors possess the most freedom within a pack. When it comes to a warriors role, that can be determined by the warriors themselves. While most tend to vie for the role of Warlord/Virago, others focus on cultivating other skills, or exercising their talents. Some choose based on interest, but others choose based on their ancestor given gift. For example a warrior with an offensive gift may seek to train into becoming a Warlord or Virago. But a lycan with a nurturing heart may find more joy in caring after their packs young. However, warriors that possess healing, empath, or medium gifts lack the freedom of their warrior brothers and sisters. These lycans are obligated into training as Oracles, and typically work closely with their packs Oracle to refine their craft. These lycans are referred to as “Potentials”, and as a result of their position, are typically viewed in higher esteem than other warriors.
Warlords (male) and Viragos (female) are a packs most adept warriors, possessing exceptional combat skills in both their human and lycan form. They are known to be the most temperamental and aggressive of the pack, and are responsible for training Warriors into exceptional fighters. Warlords/Viragos are typically known as a packs protectors. Only Warriors can become Warlords/Viragos, and only Warlords/Viragos can become Alphas. There are usually less Warlords/Viragos than there are Warriors. Depending on a packs size, there may be anywhere from one, to ten or even twenty (for massively large packs) Warlords/Viragos within a single pack. In ancient times, a Warlord/Viragos purpose was to protect a packs Oracle exclusively. But through evolution and as a direct result of increasing threat from enemies, their role has expanded to include the protection of all. This is typically achieved by training Warriors to the best of their ability. Lycans in the presence of their Warlords and Viragos are likely to become a bit more aggressive. Warlords/Viragos are superior to Warriors and New Blood. This is a leading rank known as “one of the three” or “the sacred three”, referencing the top three ranks within a pack. These ranks are to be respected by their subordinates.
Oracles are a packs connection to their ancestors. This rank possesses the largest arsenal of abilities. They don’t possess one gift, but three. Oracles are minor healers, empaths, and mediums all in one. Their medium and empath abilities tend to be more advanced than their healing abilities, however. In rare cases Oracles can possess a fourth ability. This is a direct result of an Oracle not being made from a potential. They are viewed in equally high esteem to a packs Alpha, and in times of prophecy and certain spiritually oriented rituals, they can be viewed in even higher esteem than a packs Alpha. Oracles are known as the caretaker of a pack. They are more focused on the spiritual well being of their packmates, however, and are the only rank that can provide prophecy. They are a packs spiritual connection, and a direct link to a packs ancestors. There is only ever one Oracle in a pack, and Oracles are a superior rank to Warlords/Viragos, Warriors, and New Blood. Oracles are the most sacred rank within a pack, so much so that in times of war, protecting Oracles and Potentials are a packs immediate priority. Lycans in the presence of their Oracle are likely to feel more spiritually bonded to one another. This is a leading rank known as “one of the three” or “the sacred three”, referencing the top three ranks within a pack. These ranks are to be respected by their subordinates. Oracles have a presence. When an Oracle enters a room, lycans of all ranks, pack and otherwise will all sense it.
Alphas are the leaders in the pack. This is the highest achievable rank within a pack, and all wolves are subordinates to their Alpha, for which there can only ever be one. Alphas are the most adept Warlords/Viragos, making them the absolute top fighter within a pack. This rank is known to carry the largest burdens. They must be hyper aware at all times of all of their packmates, and are mentally encumbered by duty and responsibility. They are the strongest and wisest of the pack. They know where a packs enemies are at all times, and are a packs protector, leader, and caretaker in one. When a pack is out drinking and celebrating, an Alpha is mentally mapping escape routes and locating the next threat. The only rank occasionally superior to the Alpha is the Spiritual Leader, specifically during spiritually oriented rituals and times of prophecy. Lycans in the presence of their Alpha are likely to feel empowered. This is a leading rank known as “one of the three” or “the sacred three”, referencing the top three ranks within a pack. These ranks are to be respected by their subordinates. Alphas have a presence. When an Alpha enters a room, lycans of all ranks, pack and otherwise will all sense it.
Becoming a Lycan
There are two ways to become a lycan. You can either be born a lycan, which means both of your parents must also be lycan. Or, you can be turned. Only humans can become lycans, and only via the bite or scratch of an Alpha or Warlord/Virago in their lycan form, on the night of a full moon. The transformation period for a human bitten or scratched lasts until the following full moon. They will grow increasingly ill, prone to hallucinations, and experience intense fatigue until their first shift on the following full moon.
Relationships
Lycans can mate with many lycans, but can only be mated to a single lycan at one time. These relationships are similar to dating or marriage in humans, however, these relationships are far more intense. To be mated to another lycan is to be their “first”. This means their “first choice”, their “first mate”. This bond can be made at any time between two willing participants, with or without an accompanying ritual. And while similar to marriages and dating, two mated lycans can split up, it is less likely due to the intense bond that is formed between two firsts. This bond is far more intense and spiritually rooted than that of a typical human union. And the cans and cannots of lycan relationships differ from typical human unions. Lycans are known to be promiscuous, which is directly attributed to their inclination to produce offspring. A lycans labido is intense, and it’s not uncommon for lycans to sleep around with other lycans, even if they’re a part of a mated pair. However, this is not typically considered a betrayal among lycans. Lycans will make firsts of the ones they are in love with, but this only spiritually binds them. Physically a lycan is free to do whatever, or whomever they desire. However they are far more likely to mate with their first exclusively or more often than other lycans. It is also common for lycans of all ranks to desire to mate with the alpha in pursuit of strong offspring, or the Oracle in pursuit of spiritual blessings during times of hardship.
Spirituality and Prophecy
Lycans are incredibly spiritual beings. They seek out what is known as prophecy many times throughout their lives. This prophecy comes from their ancestors, but can only be delivered by an Oracle in and intimate one on one ceremony. How this prophecy is received and how the ceremony is performed can be different for every Oracle and every Lycan. The purpose of this prophecy is typically to provide guidance, but can serve many purposes. Lycans can seek out prophecy to ask their ancestors questions, to ward off evil spirits, to seek protection over themselves, their family, or pack, etc…
Lycan Names
Lycans are granted names, otherwise known as their ‘’True Name’’. These names are typically obtained when a lycan first discovers their gift, and how this name is chosen depends on the pack. In the Pacific Pack, the name was chosen by the ancestors during a lycans first prophecy. In Reprisal, a lycan may choose their own name. In other packs the Alpha and/or Oracle may choose a lycans name, or it may be granted by a lycans parent or teacher. There are many other ways a lycan may obtain a lycan name, and some packs even follow themes. This name is used among other lycans, pack and otherwise, and it is considered disrespectful for any other species, including humans, to refer to a lycan by their lycan name. It is also considered disrespectful for subordinate lycans to refer to their superiors by any name other than their lycan name, unless they are intimates.
Lone Wolves
Lone wolves are lycans without a pack, and an anomaly. A lycan without a pack can feel that loss, as a lycan is spiritually connected to their packmates in way unlike any other species. To be without a pack is to be completely lost and profoundly lonely. It is a pain that cannot be described, only felt deeply by lycans that have been so unfortunate as to find themselves branded as "lone". Because no lycan would choose a life as a lone, it is a punishment reserved for the worst criminals, thus most packmates tend to view lones as betrayers and untrustworthy. This was until a few years ago, when tragedy resulted in Alphas and Oracles being murdered across the globe, resulting in thousands upon thousands of lone wolves. Now they are are seen as victims instead of victimizers and are more easily welcomed into packs. This also means that Alphas and Oracles are somewhat rare, and packs are fewer and farther between.
Weaknesses
Lycans can be poisoned by wolfsbane. This plant severely weakens a lycans advantages and abilities. Administer enough and a lycan can become violently ill, incapable of shifting, unable to use their ability, and as a result of prolonged exposure a lycan can die a rather violently painful death. This substance leads to weakness to the point of immobility, blindness, deafness, the plant itself can burn the skin of a lycan, and if consumed, inhaled, implanted or injected into the body of a lycan, they will grow increasingly unwell, similar to that of the transformation illness, prone to hallucinations, intense fatigue, and violent illness.
Silver is also a common weapon used against lycans. It combats their regenerative abilities and burns their flesh, making it impossible for wounds to heal.
Miscellaneous
Lycans are incredibly bonded to their pack, and all display incredible loyalty to said pack. In both human and lycan form they crave red meat, especially the flesh of magical beings known as witches and warlocks. Their craving for witches and warlocks can be so intense it’s nigh impossible to control, especially for lower ranked lycans. This craving is rooted in the evolution of the species.
While the above information is universal among all lycans, all packs are run differently. Most packs, for example, mate the Alpha and Oracle in a type of arranged marriage in order to produce the strongest offspring, however, not all packs are made the same, and some may differ from this norm. Thus you are likely to come across packs with their own customs, rituals, lifestyle and beliefs that differ from what you've come to know from The Pacific Pack and Reprisal.
Red eyes have been done and are considered an incredibly rare condition. DM for more information.
Dual ranked lycans have been done and are considered a very rare occurrence. DM for more information.
The supernatural history as it was, and the supernatural history as most lycans believe it to have happened are two different things. DM for more information.
"The Pacific Pack" and "Reprisal" are significant packs in the Blackridge Mesa AU history. DM for more information.
Terminology
Shift: To transform from human to lycan, or from lycan to human.
Turn: To turn a human into a lycan via the bite or scratch of a warlord/virago or Alpha on a full moon.
Universal Lycan Sayings
"Red eyes, dead ties."
Originates from lycans that have actually obtained red eyes, which is an incredibly serious and rare condition where a Lycan has been spiritually cut off from their Gods/Ancestors. However, it's more commonly used to reference anything in excess, particularly a Lycan that has had too much to drink, hasn't gotten enough sleep, or has been partying too much. It typically means "you've had enough", "time to stop", "get some rest".
"Heed the three."
Originates from the tale of the original three (the first oracle, warlord, and alpha) and their trek into the woods, where they were betrayed by The King. (However, in the Lycans version of the story, the betrayer was not the king, but Lilith.) Typically means "to take a chance", usually used when a Lycan is expecting a particularly grim outcome. It's intended to be used to remind particularly overzealous lycans that they should take caution. This saying can sometimes be used ironically. If, for example, a Lycan is attempting something bold, another might use this saying in a supportive and congratulatory way. As if to say ''forget the risk''.
"Howling at the eclipse."
(Variations: "Howling at an eclipse moon." "Howling at a blind moon." "Howling at a black moon.")
This saying basically means ''to fall on deaf ears''. It's typically used when a Lycan is being stubborn, but can also be used in other situations. One example would be when a Lycan absorbed in a task so deeply nothing else and no one else can pull their attention.
"Gods on the wind."
This saying references The Ancestors. (When the wind is howling lycans believe it's their ancestors calling them.) Depending on the situation, they may believe the sound is a warning or approval. This saying can be used when the wind howls as a way of acknowledging their ancestors call. But it can also be used to reference a Lycans belief of what their gods would approve or disapprove of. For example, if a Lycan was considering quitting drinking, and another disapproved, they might say ''gods on the wind'' as if to say "I don't think the ancestors would approve". Tone is everything with this saying, because on the flip side, if a Lycan casually announced they were going to receive prophecy, another might say "gods on the wind", perhaps accompanied by a friendly nod, as if to say ''the gods are with you", ''the Gods approve", or "good idea". Lastly, this saying can be used as a comfort. If a Lycan was going on a long journey, either physically or spiritually, others might say ''Gods on the wind'' to wish them a safe journey, or to remind them that no matter where they go, the gods are with them.
Note: It's not uncommon for "Gods on the wind." to be met with a yipping sound in response when used positively.
"The stars see."
This saying references The Ancestors. Most commonly this means "come what may" or "what happens will happen". This saying is can be used when a Lycan ignores the potential loss or gain of any particular situation, as if to say ''I accept the ancestors plan for me". Lycans believe when they die they join their ancestors in the stars, eternally bound to the sky with their beloved moon. Because of this they believe the stars are ''watching'' them. This saying can also be used as a warning against bad karma. If a Lycan has done or is planning to do something immoral or dishonorable, another might say "The stars see." as if to say, ''the gods are always watching."
"Sink your fangs." /or/ "Lick your fangs."
This saying is typically used when showing another Lycan something interesting/intriguing/shocking/etc... So, for example, if a Lycan was featured on the front page of the newspaper for winning a hot dog eating contest, and they were proud of said achievement, they might hold up the paper to another and say ''sink your fangs'' as if to say "look at my accomplishment". This saying can be used in all kinds of complimentary and prideful ways as well. For example if a particularly attractive woman walked into the room one Lycan might say to another ''sink your fangs...'' while nodding in her direction. Translated this would mean ''wow, she's stunning''. The word ''your'' can be replaced with ''my'' if a Lycan is specifically proud of their own physical appearance. This can be spoken as a personal compliment or as a way of getting others to acknowledge their attractiveness, and is typically used by female lycans but not exclusively.
"Until next moon."
Roughly translated this means ''until I see you again'', originally this was used when lycans were to be parted for an extended period of time outside of their typical grouping rituals, and can still be used this way. However, this is more commonly used as a general ''goodbye''. A Lycan might say it to another after drinks as if to say ''until we drink again''. Another might say it after a run to their running companions as if to say ''until we run again''. This saying is widely used but particularly special because it highlights a Lycans inability to accept being permanently parted from another. Lycans believe they're all connected, even after death, thus ''until next moon'' indicates that there will always be a next moon.
"Chase the prey."
This is usually used when referencing a Lycan doing something particularly useless/tedious/unnecessary. So if a Lycan is dicking around, another might say "stop chasing the prey", as if to say ''stop what you're doing''. However it can also be used to reference a Lycan engaging in their typical behaviors, notably behaviors that are disapproved of, shameful, or typical. So if a Lycan typically spends their nights at the bar, and another asks another where they are, they might say "Oh, he's chasing the prey." as if to say ''where do you think?" or ''Where he usually is."
"Jaws up."
An incredibly common "cheers." Most packs tend to have their own variations of this, or their own ''cheers'' in general. However this one can be used in the absence of packmates, or in the presence of outsiders.