Werewolf and world info
Nov. 2nd, 2012 01:30 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wolfmdSmall edits and additions may appear as time goes on but for now, it is complete!
Very brief history of Weres:
Weres have existed almost as long as humans have and myths and stories about them appear in almost every culture on earth. In some of the oldest nomadic hunter-gatherer tribe have a group of Weres was greatly beneficial to hunting--there are many cave paintings and statuary to this effect. In Egypt Weres were initially well respected and believed as blessed by whichever god who was associated by that particular animal. Many Egyptian Weres became priests and lived quite well. The Greeks were tolerant but suspicious and the Romans were much the same until Christianity took hold. There are arguments about how the strong prejudice against Weres in Christianity began but the final result was that Weres were ranked with witches and the damned by the middle ages and killed when they were found. Similar patterns were found in much of Europe and Russia.
In Africa, the status of Weres often depended on species and local culture. Some, for example, were very accepting of were hyenas but others treated them much like all Weres were treated in Europe. In India Weres of herbivore strains, especially wild cattle, were often considered holy while carnivorous Weres were strongly disliked. In much of Asia one of the most common types of were to be represented in stories were foxes, and stories ranged from beneficent messengers of gods and spirits to evil and human-eating monsters. In Japan, additionally, the tanuki Weres were often depicted in stories--tanuki and foxes both being quite common in Japan. In much of Asia (including India), however, the persecution and prejudice never reached the levels of medieval Europe.
In North America coyote Weres were the most well-known and general reception of Weres varied greatly from tribe to tribe. This resulted in Weres often moving and attempting to be accepted among more were-friendly tribes.
The general trends have influenced almost all Weres to be very cautious about revealing themselves as Weres. Secrecy is to be maintained as much as possible from humans, and this includes avoiding creating other Weres (though the virus was not discovered until the 20th century the usual methods of transmission from human to human were figured out long ago).
Were Society and Pack Structure)
Weres tend to be very social and most strains live in groups, though size and amount of contact with other groups varies. Groups often are tiered, especially in modern times, but very loosely organized. The most important group in any were's life is their immediate pack (though terms for this very among strains). Predator and prey strains can live closely together in peace though they often choose not to, and rarely interact particularly closely except as necessary. As an example, Dire Wolves (and other wolf and coyote species) tend to organize themselves like this:
Conclave--the greater regional group including many different species. In modern times the regional conclaves report to the Greater American Conclave (which in turn is part of the loosely organized International Confederation of Weres)
Tribe--the cultural environment the Weres directly live in. This includes other Were clans and humans with the same cultural practices and language. (Other strains, especially in Europe, may not have this tier at all and go directly from clan to conclave)
Clan--the larger group of Weres, consisting of several packs with the same strain. Often this includes the entire extended family of the majority of the Weres in the clan.
Pack-- the smallest unit. It varies in size from two or three individuals to a small extended family. Because of the practice of children leaving to form their own packs usually no more than two, or at the most three generations are included. The elderly may choose to join the packs of their children or grandchildren--this can help with loss of core members due to death and provide more support and a wealth of information to be taught.
Pack structure:
The smallest pack is two individuals. Even in species that are usually solitary, the virus increases social urges and behavior naturally found in humans, so every species has some social structure. Weres from social species get this increase twofold. The core of the pack may be close relatives (called a questing pack) or a "mated" pair and in these cases the individuals are very close in authority. In practice, most Werewolf packs start out as a questing pack and add on two to four individuals to this. These individuals will become the core of the pack and not separate without very strong reason (crimes, mostly) or death. "Marriage" is very loose among Weres and many Weres (with a few strains as exceptions) practice some form of polyamory. It's not uncommon for relatives to share one or two mates and/or for all of the non-related members of the core group to have some level of physical relationship (incest is a massive taboo; similarly any children of the core group, regardless of actual parentage are considered as siblings). Many Weres consider physical relationships to strengthen bonds between the group. Individual tastes come into play and some Weres are far more monogamous than others.
In groups larger than two a power structure develops. One or two members of the core become de-facto leaders (even if many decisions are discussed with the whole group) and are automatically deferred to by the others. There are only three statuses even in the largest packs (with a temporary fourth status of "new" that lasts until a stranger were is fully a part of the group), that of leader(s), core (or, other adults), and children (newly infected fall into this for at least the first few months). The leaders are primarily concerned with the welfare of the rest of the pack and act as peacekeepers or therapists as necessary. Final decisions are often left to the leaders and the leaders usually take initiative in group activities (trips, hunting, etc). Leaders are very protective and somewhat possessive of their packs, especially children and newly infected. The core supports the leader and all members assist in the smooth daily life of the pack and the care and education of the children. In times of peace and prosperity many packs are pretty democratic (There is a saying that "A wise leader listens to the words of the pack.") but in times of difficulty or persecution the leaders take a more active role and will take more risks and go further afield to see that the pack remains strong and healthy.
Dire wolf strain:
Dire wolves are slightly larger and much heavier built than other extant wolf species. The average Dire wolf would be roughly the size of a large grey wolf but stockier and heavier. They have much larger teeth, a bigger head with more powerful jaws, and broader shoulders, but shorter, more compact limbs. On average a Dire wolf would stand about 2.5 to 3 feet at the shoulder with a length of about 5-6 feet (including tail) and weighing between 130-190 pounds. Dire wolves are slower and specialized on hunting larger, less fleet prey that grey wolves didn't have the bulk to bring down as successfully. Being in direct competition with human hunters of large game and of a good size meant many opportunities for strain transfer to humans and a lower mortality rate (25-30%) to quicken the spread.
The Dire wolf Strain is almost exclusively confined to the Americas, though an increase in travel has spread the strain slightly. Clans of Dire Wolf Weres are scattered among many Native American Tribes, though linguistic evidence suggests that they may have once all belonged to a single tribe that spread out due to persecution tens of thousands of years ago and was adopted into other tribes at later dates. This, however is only somewhat supported. Presently thriving clans are found among several Californian tribes, and some southern tribes, most often coexisting with clans of other Weres. There are also isolated packs in other areas.
A were Dire Wolf can be told apart from the original species several ways. The top of the skull is slightly more curved, supporting a larger brain and the chest tends to be deeper. Weres also usually have longer legs--enough that some can be mistaken for extremely large Grey wolves at a distance. The front paws are also larger than in natural specimens. On the whole, a woman of average height and build will be the size of an average Dire Wolf and a man of average height and build is noticeably larger--up to half again the size of an average Dire wolf. There was a case of a basketball player who was infected and close to twice the size of average in his wolf form (a little over 5 feet at the shoulder); this is presumed to be the upper limit.
Virus:
It’s an endogenous retrovirus called HROF, Human Rapid Onset Fever (In most of the medical community only the initial stage is documented—Weres try very hard to keep themselves hidden). Most mammal species can be dormant carriers as well as some avian species, but there is no evidence of any type of carriers among reptiles, amphibians or fish. With the exception of primates, a dormant carrier species will, once infected, have the virus come loose from the previous fused DNA from the previous carrier and fuse to their DNA--creating a new strain. In most carrier species the virus is not consistently spread to offspring, keeping the carrier population within any given species relatively low but steady enough not to die out except for extinction.
Humans are an active carrier species and once infected, then become "Weres" and gain animal characteristics and transformations but also pass on the virus in the original strain due to a genetic anomaly shared by most primates that retains the previous dormant carrier's DNA rather than losing it. This is also why humans transform. (See the section on primates and throwback strains for more details)
The virus is spread by contact with infected cells (through blood, and other fluids and also eating recently killed meat: freezing and/or cooking to an internal temperature of above 130 degrees F usually kills the virus). “Virulent” in humans: newly infected have a 35% (may be a little lower or much higher depending on strain) chance of death during initial active infection (modern medical technology and care reduce the rate). After initial infection the virus becomes endosymbiotic and is genetically passed to all offspring. Less than .0001% of humans will naturally render the virus dormant, but they remain dormant carriers and must be careful not to spread infection.
Benefits of the endosymbiotic stage: increased stamina and strength (relative to size) and a greatly increased immune system. More speedy healing than humans (at fastest injuries can heal in half the time). Also much better senses, though which sense is keenest usually depends on the strain.
Drawbacks: Suffering uncontrolled, painful transformations for up to 2 decades (high emotions can trigger and also usually connected to the lunar cycle—no one knows exactly why the link exists but female Weres are also at their most fertile closest to either the full moon or new moon). Even once the Were learns to control their transformations they feel the urge on a cycle and suppressing it is mentally and physically uncomfortable—it can advance to exhaustion and worse if they suppress it too long. Heightened instincts and high infection rates (ie Weres must be supremely careful not to infect others willy-nilly). Even saliva can infect though this is much less likely without saliva-blood contact or during active infection. Metabolism is very high and transformation is an additional huge energy drain so massive amounts of food (usually protein) are required to remain healthy. Strains with the largest size differences have the highest rate of infected mortality and the most obvious size differences in human form.
Signs of the endosymbiotic stage (these set in after the first transformation):
In human form: slightly elongated canines (carnivorous mammal strains only), ears may be slightly pointed or stick out a little (usually not overly noticeable unless you know what to look for. Bat strains have this most prominently). Weres are slightly hairier than usual (especially across the shoulder blades and down the spine) in mammal strains or have some feathering on the back in avian strains. Hoofed mammal strains often have unusually thick toenails and larger and/or more than the usual amount of molars. Horned and antlered strains may have small protrusions on the head but usually small enough to be hidden by hair/hats. Depending on strain human forms can be either unusually massive or unusually small. (Bat strains are the smallest and many born bats have “Were” dwarfism)
In animal form: smaller strains are always larger than the native animal and larger strains are usually smaller than the native animal. Medium strains (generally between 100-600 pounds) have the most size variation, depending on human height). Proportions can sometimes be a little odd-- heads are sometimes larger (to manage the brain). Fur/feathers may be thin and/or unusual colors. Eyes are also often unusual colors.
Selected strains: (animals below ten pounds or over a ton are almost unheard of: exception bats and Aurochs)
Most canids, several of now extinct natural species. Domesticated dogs are uncommon (and only the larger breeds: hounds mostly) and foxes are less common than wolves, wild dogs, jackals and coyotes.
Most large felids including several species of saber toothed cat. Domestic cats are very rare.
Hyenas: all extant species and several extinct species represented. Most common strain in Africa.
Many hoofed animals (domesticated horses and cattle are rare). Strains less common than most carnivorous strains. Deer most common, with a population in the UK of Irish Elk (known for being exceptionally tall as humans: Irish Elk were close to a ton). A small clan of Aurochs in Scotland are the same (but even bulkier (aurochs are over a ton)). Wild horses and relatives next. Bovines and relatives next
Bears: most species are represented but black bears are more common
Mustelids: only otters, badgers, wolverines and largest skunks.
Rodents (quite rare): Only beavers, capybara, and the largest species of porcupines
Marsupials: carnivorous more common than herbivores (Tasmanian wolf and devil, carnivorous kangaroos and marsupial lions all present). Kangaroos are the second most common. Comparatively uncommon but most common strains in Oceana.
Birds: several of the largest raptor and owl species somewhat common, including many of the larger, extinct species (such as Cuban Giant Owl, and Titan hawks). Condors, vultures, and large seabirds and larger penguins also have documented strains. Haast’s Eagle common in Oceana. Giant Teratorn (throwback) strain occurs in Argentina and more modern Teratorn species also occur in the Americas. Very large flightless birds include ostrich, moa, cassowary, elephant birds, Genyornis and relatives (dromornithids).
Sea mammals: several species of seals and sea lions (myths of selkies), porpoises, smaller dolphins (porpoises and dolphin strains are rare but are considered responsible for mermaid myths). Pretty rare.
Bats: really really rare and give rise to legends of super huge bats. Flying foxes are the most common strains but vampire bats have the highest rate of infection (and also the highest rate of death 95%). Most born bats suffer from were-dwarfism. Tend to have pronounced, sharp teeth. May be somewhat related to some vampire myths and more directly related to the chupacabra myth.
Extinct animal strains: many ancestors of the animals above and others that have since become entirely extinct are present but the most notable have already been mentioned.
On primates and throwback strains: Humans are the only primates that will become active carriers of the virus but most primate species will render the virus dormant and become carriers who will pass the unchanged strain onto offspring and other primates--the virus retains the "strain" of the original carrier species the primate caught it from. This trait is only shared by primates and humans and hasn't been found in any other species. Conversely to dormant carrier humans, a very small percentage of primates (it is most common in Chimpanzees) will become active carriers but the mortality rate is extremely high so Weres of other primate species are all but unheard of. However, due to this trait in primates where the original DNA is retained and passed on unchanged, as long as the dormant virus continues to be passed on it can last millions of years, crossing between different primate species, and in this way it's possible for a throwback strain to develop in humans when introduced into a human. The most well-documented case of a throwback strain is the Argentinean Giant Teratorn strain which managed to survive in several different primate species long enough to start a population of infected humans. Australia's lack of native primate species makes it one of the few places with no throwback strains whatsoever, though some species seem to have survived well past when science commonly accepts their extinctions and resulted in some of the rarer strains. There are no throwbacks found earlier than the Miocene and most throwbacks date from the Pliocene. Pleistocene strains are not considered throwbacks as most of these were transferred directly.
The stages of initial infection:
Stage one: pain and heat/inflammation at the site of entry (if ingested or from sex this stage is abdominal pain--what increase in temperature and inflammation is often undetectable except for equipment.) It may last anywhere from a couple hours to a couple days.
Treatment: painkillers, rest, hydration and very high caloric food.
Stage two: severe fever and all-over aches. The fever rises very fast (often soaring to or above 106 F if left unchecked) and vomiting, diarrhea and disorientation are often present. Lasts one to four days.
Treatment: aggressive cooling of the fever and hydration (food at this stage is vomited back up)
Stage three: In addition to the fever which continues, convulsions and seizures. Loss of consciousness common. Respiratory or cardiac arrest is a danger--60% will experience it at least once. Half of those will recover spontaneously but the rest will require intervention. Other organ functions may also stop briefly but rarely long enough to require intervention. This lasts two-three days.
Treatment: preemptive life-support may save lives. 24 hour monitoring is vital. The fever must still be controlled.
Stage four: Coma. The fever reduces to new non-life-threatening levels (though because of the virus, most Weres have a body temp of 103 or higher, and physiological changes to support the new temperature) and the risk of arrest is nil. Patients that make it to this stage almost always recover. Lasts three days to a week.
Treatment: supervision and fluids are required. Getting nutrients into the patient's system will speed recovery.
Stage five: recovery. Consciousness returns and temperature assumes the new basal temperature. Food can be given again and stress is to be avoided. Time varies greatly.
Treatment: food, fluids and lots of rest. Education is important.
Stage six: first transformation. This will set in the changes in physical appearance. Transformation in either direction is intensely painful and usually followed by a burst of adrenaline and other reinforcing hormones. This burst gives something of a natural high--new weres may react unexpectedly to this but most experienced Weres become used to the feelings.
The cycle of transformations:
All Weres transform, or at least feel a strong urge to transform, on a cycle. This cycle is almost always approximately a lunar month and transformation usually occurs at either the new or the full moon. Packs will eventually develop some level of synchronization of their transformations, if not everyone transforming at the same time, it will often split along sexes with the women transforming at one time and the men transforming at another.
(On a related note, forced synchronization can also happen, when a Were holds off their transformation until pack members do. Doing this a few times usually resets the cycle, but it is extremely difficult and exhausting to do.)
No one knows the real reason for the link between the lunar cycle and transformation, but the going theory is that like the tides, transformation is influenced by gravitational and electromagnetic forces. This is supported in that the strongest, most varied tides happen during the full or new moon, which coincides with almost all transformations and that the perigee (when the moon is closest to the Earth) can cause additional transformations in very young or very new Weres. A perigee coinciding with a new or full moon in studies has been shown to make it impossible to hold off transformations in all Weres.
During the few days leading up to their time of transformation most Weres feel increased appetite and energy with an additional burst of energy the day of, so long as they've been eating well the rest of the month. Younger and inexperienced Weres may even be effected to the point where they cannot sit still and become distracted and, for lack of a better word, hyper.
The days directly after transformation are related to conditions. A well fed Were who has gotten ample food before and during transformation may keep the energy boost for a few days, but lack of food will cause lethargy and exhaustion.
Very brief history of Weres:
Weres have existed almost as long as humans have and myths and stories about them appear in almost every culture on earth. In some of the oldest nomadic hunter-gatherer tribe have a group of Weres was greatly beneficial to hunting--there are many cave paintings and statuary to this effect. In Egypt Weres were initially well respected and believed as blessed by whichever god who was associated by that particular animal. Many Egyptian Weres became priests and lived quite well. The Greeks were tolerant but suspicious and the Romans were much the same until Christianity took hold. There are arguments about how the strong prejudice against Weres in Christianity began but the final result was that Weres were ranked with witches and the damned by the middle ages and killed when they were found. Similar patterns were found in much of Europe and Russia.
In Africa, the status of Weres often depended on species and local culture. Some, for example, were very accepting of were hyenas but others treated them much like all Weres were treated in Europe. In India Weres of herbivore strains, especially wild cattle, were often considered holy while carnivorous Weres were strongly disliked. In much of Asia one of the most common types of were to be represented in stories were foxes, and stories ranged from beneficent messengers of gods and spirits to evil and human-eating monsters. In Japan, additionally, the tanuki Weres were often depicted in stories--tanuki and foxes both being quite common in Japan. In much of Asia (including India), however, the persecution and prejudice never reached the levels of medieval Europe.
In North America coyote Weres were the most well-known and general reception of Weres varied greatly from tribe to tribe. This resulted in Weres often moving and attempting to be accepted among more were-friendly tribes.
The general trends have influenced almost all Weres to be very cautious about revealing themselves as Weres. Secrecy is to be maintained as much as possible from humans, and this includes avoiding creating other Weres (though the virus was not discovered until the 20th century the usual methods of transmission from human to human were figured out long ago).
Were Society and Pack Structure)
Weres tend to be very social and most strains live in groups, though size and amount of contact with other groups varies. Groups often are tiered, especially in modern times, but very loosely organized. The most important group in any were's life is their immediate pack (though terms for this very among strains). Predator and prey strains can live closely together in peace though they often choose not to, and rarely interact particularly closely except as necessary. As an example, Dire Wolves (and other wolf and coyote species) tend to organize themselves like this:
Conclave--the greater regional group including many different species. In modern times the regional conclaves report to the Greater American Conclave (which in turn is part of the loosely organized International Confederation of Weres)
Tribe--the cultural environment the Weres directly live in. This includes other Were clans and humans with the same cultural practices and language. (Other strains, especially in Europe, may not have this tier at all and go directly from clan to conclave)
Clan--the larger group of Weres, consisting of several packs with the same strain. Often this includes the entire extended family of the majority of the Weres in the clan.
Pack-- the smallest unit. It varies in size from two or three individuals to a small extended family. Because of the practice of children leaving to form their own packs usually no more than two, or at the most three generations are included. The elderly may choose to join the packs of their children or grandchildren--this can help with loss of core members due to death and provide more support and a wealth of information to be taught.
Pack structure:
The smallest pack is two individuals. Even in species that are usually solitary, the virus increases social urges and behavior naturally found in humans, so every species has some social structure. Weres from social species get this increase twofold. The core of the pack may be close relatives (called a questing pack) or a "mated" pair and in these cases the individuals are very close in authority. In practice, most Werewolf packs start out as a questing pack and add on two to four individuals to this. These individuals will become the core of the pack and not separate without very strong reason (crimes, mostly) or death. "Marriage" is very loose among Weres and many Weres (with a few strains as exceptions) practice some form of polyamory. It's not uncommon for relatives to share one or two mates and/or for all of the non-related members of the core group to have some level of physical relationship (incest is a massive taboo; similarly any children of the core group, regardless of actual parentage are considered as siblings). Many Weres consider physical relationships to strengthen bonds between the group. Individual tastes come into play and some Weres are far more monogamous than others.
In groups larger than two a power structure develops. One or two members of the core become de-facto leaders (even if many decisions are discussed with the whole group) and are automatically deferred to by the others. There are only three statuses even in the largest packs (with a temporary fourth status of "new" that lasts until a stranger were is fully a part of the group), that of leader(s), core (or, other adults), and children (newly infected fall into this for at least the first few months). The leaders are primarily concerned with the welfare of the rest of the pack and act as peacekeepers or therapists as necessary. Final decisions are often left to the leaders and the leaders usually take initiative in group activities (trips, hunting, etc). Leaders are very protective and somewhat possessive of their packs, especially children and newly infected. The core supports the leader and all members assist in the smooth daily life of the pack and the care and education of the children. In times of peace and prosperity many packs are pretty democratic (There is a saying that "A wise leader listens to the words of the pack.") but in times of difficulty or persecution the leaders take a more active role and will take more risks and go further afield to see that the pack remains strong and healthy.
Dire wolf strain:
Dire wolves are slightly larger and much heavier built than other extant wolf species. The average Dire wolf would be roughly the size of a large grey wolf but stockier and heavier. They have much larger teeth, a bigger head with more powerful jaws, and broader shoulders, but shorter, more compact limbs. On average a Dire wolf would stand about 2.5 to 3 feet at the shoulder with a length of about 5-6 feet (including tail) and weighing between 130-190 pounds. Dire wolves are slower and specialized on hunting larger, less fleet prey that grey wolves didn't have the bulk to bring down as successfully. Being in direct competition with human hunters of large game and of a good size meant many opportunities for strain transfer to humans and a lower mortality rate (25-30%) to quicken the spread.
The Dire wolf Strain is almost exclusively confined to the Americas, though an increase in travel has spread the strain slightly. Clans of Dire Wolf Weres are scattered among many Native American Tribes, though linguistic evidence suggests that they may have once all belonged to a single tribe that spread out due to persecution tens of thousands of years ago and was adopted into other tribes at later dates. This, however is only somewhat supported. Presently thriving clans are found among several Californian tribes, and some southern tribes, most often coexisting with clans of other Weres. There are also isolated packs in other areas.
A were Dire Wolf can be told apart from the original species several ways. The top of the skull is slightly more curved, supporting a larger brain and the chest tends to be deeper. Weres also usually have longer legs--enough that some can be mistaken for extremely large Grey wolves at a distance. The front paws are also larger than in natural specimens. On the whole, a woman of average height and build will be the size of an average Dire Wolf and a man of average height and build is noticeably larger--up to half again the size of an average Dire wolf. There was a case of a basketball player who was infected and close to twice the size of average in his wolf form (a little over 5 feet at the shoulder); this is presumed to be the upper limit.
Virus:
It’s an endogenous retrovirus called HROF, Human Rapid Onset Fever (In most of the medical community only the initial stage is documented—Weres try very hard to keep themselves hidden). Most mammal species can be dormant carriers as well as some avian species, but there is no evidence of any type of carriers among reptiles, amphibians or fish. With the exception of primates, a dormant carrier species will, once infected, have the virus come loose from the previous fused DNA from the previous carrier and fuse to their DNA--creating a new strain. In most carrier species the virus is not consistently spread to offspring, keeping the carrier population within any given species relatively low but steady enough not to die out except for extinction.
Humans are an active carrier species and once infected, then become "Weres" and gain animal characteristics and transformations but also pass on the virus in the original strain due to a genetic anomaly shared by most primates that retains the previous dormant carrier's DNA rather than losing it. This is also why humans transform. (See the section on primates and throwback strains for more details)
The virus is spread by contact with infected cells (through blood, and other fluids and also eating recently killed meat: freezing and/or cooking to an internal temperature of above 130 degrees F usually kills the virus). “Virulent” in humans: newly infected have a 35% (may be a little lower or much higher depending on strain) chance of death during initial active infection (modern medical technology and care reduce the rate). After initial infection the virus becomes endosymbiotic and is genetically passed to all offspring. Less than .0001% of humans will naturally render the virus dormant, but they remain dormant carriers and must be careful not to spread infection.
Benefits of the endosymbiotic stage: increased stamina and strength (relative to size) and a greatly increased immune system. More speedy healing than humans (at fastest injuries can heal in half the time). Also much better senses, though which sense is keenest usually depends on the strain.
Drawbacks: Suffering uncontrolled, painful transformations for up to 2 decades (high emotions can trigger and also usually connected to the lunar cycle—no one knows exactly why the link exists but female Weres are also at their most fertile closest to either the full moon or new moon). Even once the Were learns to control their transformations they feel the urge on a cycle and suppressing it is mentally and physically uncomfortable—it can advance to exhaustion and worse if they suppress it too long. Heightened instincts and high infection rates (ie Weres must be supremely careful not to infect others willy-nilly). Even saliva can infect though this is much less likely without saliva-blood contact or during active infection. Metabolism is very high and transformation is an additional huge energy drain so massive amounts of food (usually protein) are required to remain healthy. Strains with the largest size differences have the highest rate of infected mortality and the most obvious size differences in human form.
Signs of the endosymbiotic stage (these set in after the first transformation):
In human form: slightly elongated canines (carnivorous mammal strains only), ears may be slightly pointed or stick out a little (usually not overly noticeable unless you know what to look for. Bat strains have this most prominently). Weres are slightly hairier than usual (especially across the shoulder blades and down the spine) in mammal strains or have some feathering on the back in avian strains. Hoofed mammal strains often have unusually thick toenails and larger and/or more than the usual amount of molars. Horned and antlered strains may have small protrusions on the head but usually small enough to be hidden by hair/hats. Depending on strain human forms can be either unusually massive or unusually small. (Bat strains are the smallest and many born bats have “Were” dwarfism)
In animal form: smaller strains are always larger than the native animal and larger strains are usually smaller than the native animal. Medium strains (generally between 100-600 pounds) have the most size variation, depending on human height). Proportions can sometimes be a little odd-- heads are sometimes larger (to manage the brain). Fur/feathers may be thin and/or unusual colors. Eyes are also often unusual colors.
Selected strains: (animals below ten pounds or over a ton are almost unheard of: exception bats and Aurochs)
Most canids, several of now extinct natural species. Domesticated dogs are uncommon (and only the larger breeds: hounds mostly) and foxes are less common than wolves, wild dogs, jackals and coyotes.
Most large felids including several species of saber toothed cat. Domestic cats are very rare.
Hyenas: all extant species and several extinct species represented. Most common strain in Africa.
Many hoofed animals (domesticated horses and cattle are rare). Strains less common than most carnivorous strains. Deer most common, with a population in the UK of Irish Elk (known for being exceptionally tall as humans: Irish Elk were close to a ton). A small clan of Aurochs in Scotland are the same (but even bulkier (aurochs are over a ton)). Wild horses and relatives next. Bovines and relatives next
Bears: most species are represented but black bears are more common
Mustelids: only otters, badgers, wolverines and largest skunks.
Rodents (quite rare): Only beavers, capybara, and the largest species of porcupines
Marsupials: carnivorous more common than herbivores (Tasmanian wolf and devil, carnivorous kangaroos and marsupial lions all present). Kangaroos are the second most common. Comparatively uncommon but most common strains in Oceana.
Birds: several of the largest raptor and owl species somewhat common, including many of the larger, extinct species (such as Cuban Giant Owl, and Titan hawks). Condors, vultures, and large seabirds and larger penguins also have documented strains. Haast’s Eagle common in Oceana. Giant Teratorn (throwback) strain occurs in Argentina and more modern Teratorn species also occur in the Americas. Very large flightless birds include ostrich, moa, cassowary, elephant birds, Genyornis and relatives (dromornithids).
Sea mammals: several species of seals and sea lions (myths of selkies), porpoises, smaller dolphins (porpoises and dolphin strains are rare but are considered responsible for mermaid myths). Pretty rare.
Bats: really really rare and give rise to legends of super huge bats. Flying foxes are the most common strains but vampire bats have the highest rate of infection (and also the highest rate of death 95%). Most born bats suffer from were-dwarfism. Tend to have pronounced, sharp teeth. May be somewhat related to some vampire myths and more directly related to the chupacabra myth.
Extinct animal strains: many ancestors of the animals above and others that have since become entirely extinct are present but the most notable have already been mentioned.
On primates and throwback strains: Humans are the only primates that will become active carriers of the virus but most primate species will render the virus dormant and become carriers who will pass the unchanged strain onto offspring and other primates--the virus retains the "strain" of the original carrier species the primate caught it from. This trait is only shared by primates and humans and hasn't been found in any other species. Conversely to dormant carrier humans, a very small percentage of primates (it is most common in Chimpanzees) will become active carriers but the mortality rate is extremely high so Weres of other primate species are all but unheard of. However, due to this trait in primates where the original DNA is retained and passed on unchanged, as long as the dormant virus continues to be passed on it can last millions of years, crossing between different primate species, and in this way it's possible for a throwback strain to develop in humans when introduced into a human. The most well-documented case of a throwback strain is the Argentinean Giant Teratorn strain which managed to survive in several different primate species long enough to start a population of infected humans. Australia's lack of native primate species makes it one of the few places with no throwback strains whatsoever, though some species seem to have survived well past when science commonly accepts their extinctions and resulted in some of the rarer strains. There are no throwbacks found earlier than the Miocene and most throwbacks date from the Pliocene. Pleistocene strains are not considered throwbacks as most of these were transferred directly.
The stages of initial infection:
Stage one: pain and heat/inflammation at the site of entry (if ingested or from sex this stage is abdominal pain--what increase in temperature and inflammation is often undetectable except for equipment.) It may last anywhere from a couple hours to a couple days.
Treatment: painkillers, rest, hydration and very high caloric food.
Stage two: severe fever and all-over aches. The fever rises very fast (often soaring to or above 106 F if left unchecked) and vomiting, diarrhea and disorientation are often present. Lasts one to four days.
Treatment: aggressive cooling of the fever and hydration (food at this stage is vomited back up)
Stage three: In addition to the fever which continues, convulsions and seizures. Loss of consciousness common. Respiratory or cardiac arrest is a danger--60% will experience it at least once. Half of those will recover spontaneously but the rest will require intervention. Other organ functions may also stop briefly but rarely long enough to require intervention. This lasts two-three days.
Treatment: preemptive life-support may save lives. 24 hour monitoring is vital. The fever must still be controlled.
Stage four: Coma. The fever reduces to new non-life-threatening levels (though because of the virus, most Weres have a body temp of 103 or higher, and physiological changes to support the new temperature) and the risk of arrest is nil. Patients that make it to this stage almost always recover. Lasts three days to a week.
Treatment: supervision and fluids are required. Getting nutrients into the patient's system will speed recovery.
Stage five: recovery. Consciousness returns and temperature assumes the new basal temperature. Food can be given again and stress is to be avoided. Time varies greatly.
Treatment: food, fluids and lots of rest. Education is important.
Stage six: first transformation. This will set in the changes in physical appearance. Transformation in either direction is intensely painful and usually followed by a burst of adrenaline and other reinforcing hormones. This burst gives something of a natural high--new weres may react unexpectedly to this but most experienced Weres become used to the feelings.
The cycle of transformations:
All Weres transform, or at least feel a strong urge to transform, on a cycle. This cycle is almost always approximately a lunar month and transformation usually occurs at either the new or the full moon. Packs will eventually develop some level of synchronization of their transformations, if not everyone transforming at the same time, it will often split along sexes with the women transforming at one time and the men transforming at another.
(On a related note, forced synchronization can also happen, when a Were holds off their transformation until pack members do. Doing this a few times usually resets the cycle, but it is extremely difficult and exhausting to do.)
No one knows the real reason for the link between the lunar cycle and transformation, but the going theory is that like the tides, transformation is influenced by gravitational and electromagnetic forces. This is supported in that the strongest, most varied tides happen during the full or new moon, which coincides with almost all transformations and that the perigee (when the moon is closest to the Earth) can cause additional transformations in very young or very new Weres. A perigee coinciding with a new or full moon in studies has been shown to make it impossible to hold off transformations in all Weres.
During the few days leading up to their time of transformation most Weres feel increased appetite and energy with an additional burst of energy the day of, so long as they've been eating well the rest of the month. Younger and inexperienced Weres may even be effected to the point where they cannot sit still and become distracted and, for lack of a better word, hyper.
The days directly after transformation are related to conditions. A well fed Were who has gotten ample food before and during transformation may keep the energy boost for a few days, but lack of food will cause lethargy and exhaustion.
