The @Lycans condition traces its origins back to the ancient Age of Monsters, long before the Demon Age and the rise of the Twelve Saints. During that distant era, the world was filled with strange and powerful creatures born from the clash between the divine monster of light and the monstrous entity of darkness.
Among the many horrors unleashed by the Monster of Darkness was a curse that allowed mortals to transform into powerful wolf-like beasts. This transformation granted incredible strength, heightened senses, and savage combat ability.
These cursed warriors became known as Lycans.
Originally, the curse was created as a weapon—turning mortals into feral fighters capable of battling monstrous threats in brutal close combat. But the power came with a dangerous price.
The beast within was not easily controlled.
Not every race can be infected by the Lycan curse. The transformation only affects certain humanoid bloodlines.
The races capable of becoming Lycans include @Human, @Elf, @Gnome, @Halfling, @Dwarf, giants, and @Clownfolk.
Other races such as @Beastfolk, @Reptilefolk, @Dragonborn, @Plantfolk, and many others are immune to the infection.
Scholars believe this limitation exists because the curse was designed to corrupt races with humanoid physiology rather than those already shaped by animal or magical origins.
Lycanthropy spreads through blood transmission.
The curse can be passed through a bite from a lycan or by sharing blood with one. When infected blood enters the body, the transformation slowly begins.
The infection does not transform a victim immediately. Instead it progresses through several stages.
During the early stage of infection, victims begin experiencing strange physical and sensory changes.
They develop a powerful hunger and may begin eating far more than usual. Their senses become unnaturally sharp—hearing distant sounds, smelling things from far away, and noticing subtle movements others cannot detect.
Their bodies begin growing stronger and more restless.
At this stage, the curse is still relatively easy to remove. A simple lesser restoration spell can cleanse the infection before it fully takes hold.
However, many victims fail to recognize the symptoms in time.
As the infection advances, the victim’s connection to the moon grows stronger.
When the moon rises, especially during full moons, the infected individual begins to lose control over their body and mind. Their instincts become wild, their thoughts aggressive and primal.
Eventually they transform into a werewolf-like beast, becoming a true lycan.
At this stage, the individual often enters a state of feral madness. They may attack animals, destroy property, or even harm other people without fully understanding what they are doing.
Once the curse reaches this stage, removing it becomes much more difficult.
It requires powerful magic such as Remove Curse or Greater Restoration to restore the victim to their original state.
If the curse is never cured, it can pass to future generations.
Children born to infected parents may inherit the Lycan condition naturally, meaning they are born with the ability to transform rather than acquiring it through infection.
These individuals often have a greater chance of learning to control their transformations compared to those who were infected later in life.
Not all Lycans remain feral beasts forever.
Some individuals develop the ability to control their transformation. This control depends heavily on the mental strength and willpower of the person.
A strong-willed individual may eventually learn to transform without losing their mind. Others require years of practice and guidance before they can master the beast within.
Mistakes are common during this process. Many Lycans accidentally lose control several times before finally learning to restrain their instincts.
Because of this danger, experienced Lycans often help newly infected individuals learn control during the early stages.
For most of history Lycanthropy was considered a terrible disease.
Victims were feared, hunted, or killed before they could spread the curse.
However, during the closing years of the Demon Age, the @The Kingdom of Wolfenstein began to view Lycans differently.
Under the legendary warrior Fenrir von Wolfenstein, Lycanthropy was embraced as a symbol of strength and pride rather than a curse. Fenrir himself possessed the ability to transform into a powerful werewolf and proved that the beast could be mastered rather than feared.
From that point forward, many citizens of Wolfenstein saw Lycan blood as a mark of power.
Lycan warriors became a major part of Wolfenstein’s military culture, turning the curse into a badge of honor rather than a disease.
Today Lycans remain a controversial presence across the world.
Some kingdoms still treat them as dangerous monsters. Others, especially Wolfenstein, celebrate them as powerful warriors capable of protecting their people.
Regardless of how society views them, every Lycan lives with the same struggle—the constant battle between their human mind and the primal beast that awakens under the moon.
For some, that struggle ends in madness.
For others, it becomes the source of their greatest strength.