Continuing on from the last few blog posts is Rule #6 in my strange world of werewolfery. 

Rule #6: A child conceived from the union of two lycanthropes (i.e. during mating season) will develop lycanthropy when  the child biologically becomes an adult. 

I have previously proposed that two people with lycanthropy cannot get near one another without involuntarily changing into werewolves and fighting to the death; however I also posited that this rule could be trumped by two lycanthropes shacking up during mating season. So then, what of their offspring?

Congenital lycanthropy will not manifest itself in the child until puberty. As such the parent lycanthrope must be very careful because there is no love among creatures as evil as werewolves. Once the lycanthropic gene expresses itself in the child (at puberty) the child and lycanthrope parent must part ways forever lest they both involuntarily change into werewolves and fight to the bitter end.

The properly raised child will not need a guardian when the time comes. With some preparation the youngster will set off in the world mentally ready. Such children, when raised with care, have a built-in lycanthropic advantage of being independent and precocious. 

Continuing on from the last few blog posts is Rule #5 in my strange world of werewolfery. 

Rule #5: Werewolf mating season trumps Rule #4 . Werewolf mating season is the only time two people with lycanthropy can be in close proximity without sparking involuntary transformation into their werewolf selves. 

Again, I must credit my friend James for this one. It's a fun little twist on Rule #4, which you might recall states two lycanthropes can NEVER be in close proximity to one another. If this happens they will involuntarily change into monsters and fight to the death. 

But - there's always a 'but' - human existence has ALWAYS had the impulse for progeny. Werewolves are partly human, so would they not too feel this most human of drives? Therefore, once a year, during mating season, two lycanthropes can shack up and make puppies. Of course after the season is over the couple must part or Rule #4 will kick in.

But what about the offspring of lycanthropic unions? They too could have "congenital lycanthropy" (coolest term ever) and therefore be prone to Rule #4 when being raised by their mother. Well, ol' Frank has an answer for that too. Wait and see Rule #6.

Continuing on from the last two blog posts is Rule #4 in my strange world of werewolfery. 

Rule #4: Lycanthropes are not like wolves, and do not muster or gather in packs. Persons with lycanthropy should never be within immediate proximity to one another, as each lycanthrope will involuntarily and instantly change into their werewolf form and do battle. This rule trumps Rule #3.

Although werewolves are not like wolves, they do have a "lone wolf" mentality. That is to say, when they come into contact with one another they will battle as werewolves, driven by a berserker-like rage. The fight is very often to the death unless the defeated beast can escape.

There is no room for two or more werewolves within a hunting area. Too much attention is brought to them if there are too many beasts concentrated in one area; possibly explaining why lycanthropes have evolved to hate any others from entering their hunting area.

When two or more lycanthropes are close to one another they begin to feel symptoms. For example, a person afflicted with lycanthropy could be walking in broad daylight to the store when suddenly they sense something is not right. Sweat begins to collect on the brow, and their mood quickly turns dyspeptic.  The closer the lycanthropes get to one another they begin to notice each other's scent. Once within several yards of each other each person will be overcome with a deep-rooted and maddening rage, quickly followed by involuntary transformation into werewolf form. The beasts will tear and bite at each other until only one is left standing, unless the weaker can somehow escape. 

Hopefully this won't happen while grocery shopping or standing in line at the Post Office.

As I mentioned in my last blog, I came up with some parameters to dictate how my werewolves behave. Having some werewolf limitations, as I see it, doesn't make the beast less terrifying, but rather prevents the creation of a creature that is so super-human it is boring. Case in point: del Toro's 2010 Wolf Man movie (again, refer to my last blog). I think a good starting rule is the tried and tested rule of affliction.  

#1: Anyone afflicted with lycanthropy will become a werewolf.

Such persons are known as lycanthropes. If that word is too polysyllabic for you then I suppose you can employ the term "lycan" (sigh). Lycanthropy slowly makes one become evil. Period. There is no such thing as good and heroic werewolf in my world. If you desire to consume that kind of post-Buffy supernatural reality I strongly suggest you try other websites.

Next, I must emphasize that the vast majority of people afflicted with lycanthropy cannot handle it, especially once they realize the full gravity of what they are becoming. Only the minority survive the first year or two, and accept not only their new reality, but all the consequences that accompany it. These folks very often grow into powerful beasts, of whom I sometimes refer to as veteran werewolves.

#2: A person with lycanthropy is weakest during the new moon, and strongest at the full moon.

This rule works in degrees. For example, after the full moon as the lunar cycle progresses to the new moon phase, the lycanthrope's overall energy slowly lessens. His/her energy declines, as does their stamina and virility. Of course, as the days tumble towards the full moon, they become more energized, hungry, and attractive. 

#3: Even the most veteran and able of lycanthropes cannot voluntarily transform into a werewolf on the new moon.

Conversely, during the night of the full moon even the most veteran and able of lycanthropes cannot resist transforming into a werewolf. This rule, when viewed with Rule #2 in mind, suggests that it is harder to voluntarily change into a werewolf as the new moon approaches, and easier as the full moon approaches.

Stay tuned for more... oh wait, before I go I must credit fellow werewolf enthusiast James for helping me shape these rules and the ones I will post in future blogs.