Lycanthropes

Lycanthropes, also known as Lycans or werewolves, were creatures that were afflicted with Hircines curse. For the most part, they appeared to be their natural race. However, their eyes were often bloodshot, and short tempered. Older, more experienced werewolves were better at hiding their true nature.

Though slightly stronger when in their natural forms, Lycanthropes could still be killed by conventional means. When transformed, they were able to withstand considerably harsher punishment. They were extremely vulnerable to silver, though they could be killed by other means.

Though many members of the Circle, the group that governed the Companions, were lycans, many other packs roamed throughout Skyrim. These packs were more violent than the companions, most of them becoming bandits, or working as mercenaries. Others simply became fully feral, forgetting or not wanting to change back to their natural forms.

By 4E 205, there were dozens of Lycan packs throughout Skyrim and the rest of Tamriel. They competed with the vampires of the Bloodlet throne for food, though several packs dedicated themselves to defending the mortals from the coven. The vampires believed the Lycans to be little more than animals to be hunted down. This lead to many conflicts between the vampires and the werewolves.

Notable Features
When in their natural form, werewolves were nearly indistinguishable to their fellow mortals. However, there were a few signs that marked them as different. For example, Lycans eyes were almost always bloodshot, and they were fairly short tempered. Even in their normal form, they were capable of using slightly enhanced strength. Older, more experienced werewolves could conceal these signs. Vampires, however, could always recognize a Lycan, and vice versa.

When in their werewolf form, Lycanthropes were considerably more formidable. They had wolf like fur, fangs, and snouts. However, their claws were much sharper, and slightly longer. They could easily tear through flesh and some light armours. The claws on the Lycans fingers and toes also allowed them to climb along walls, and up trees. Lycan jaws were extremely strong, and a bite from them caused severe injuries.

Lycan bodies became denser and more muscular when the change overcame them. Even smaller individuals became rather intimidating. They could fall from heights without taking damage, move at faster speeds, and they regenerate wounds much faster than humans.

Types of Lycans
There were two 'main' types of Lycanthropes, Though they shared the same basic traits, both kinds had several important differences.

Feral Lycans
Feral Lycans were werewolves that had been bitten by another feral. They were either unwilling or unable to regain their natural form. They were often more violent than their High Lycan counterparts. They assaulted and fed on travelers and weren't afraid to attack heavily armed patrols. Feral packs were often large, due to the high rate of turning among bitten individuals. Many of these packs took up residence in Falkreath and Markarth holds. Because of this, smaller villages in the holds closed their gates well before dusk. Eventually, several villages accepted the protection of the Bloodlet throne.

Ferals were fiercely territorial, although they were known to be calmer around 'high' Lycans. They were shown to come to the aid of high Lycans, in several instances. Physically, the ferals were slightly larger, and more muscular than their high counterparts. They also ran at higher speeds and could climb quite efficiently as well. Their bodies did not revert to their natural form upon death.

High Lycans
High lycans were those that retained the ability to retake their human form. Unlike feral lycans they were smaller in number and less muscular. They were still stronger than the average mortal, but weaker than their counterparts. Unlike ferals, High lycans were willing to work with other packs, and even non-werewolves. If slain in their beast form, they will revert to their natural form.

Behaviour
Most Lycanthropes, when in their natural form, were usually irritable, and anti-social. The exception to this is when they are among their own kind. They accepted one another, and often formed groups. These groups often became packs that roamed the wilderness. Though some shed all trappings of civilization and hunt both human and animal prey, other packs dedicate themselves to defending the civilizations they are no longer part of.

Notable packs
Bloodwind pack-Based in Falkreath hold

Iceborn pack- Based in The Pale

Moonfang pack- Based in Whiterun hold

Grimclaw pack- Based in The Rift

Vargs' Legion-Based in north eastern High Rock.

Notable Lycans
Beron Gjorim

Jorin Galtor

Haevest Beerm

Thonita Redbloom

Varg