Wolves are interesting creatures mythologically. Their higher symbolism takes on forms of honor, loyalty, and fierceness while the lower takes on trickery, deception, and bloodlust. In the lands of Sigg there is little difference. Wolves can often be seen as both bad and good omens and many people groups and families take the wolf as their symbol.

wild wolves

"Deep woods host the most malicious packs of devils cloaked in fur. Where these is one, many more lurk closely in shadow." -- Excerpts from 'Travel in the Northern Reaches', in the Scripta Rota.

Wild wolves roam in packs ranging from a lone wolf up to twenty. Generally wolves stay away from human settlements and seek refuge in the forests. In times of drought when prey animals may be scarce, wolves will risk picking off lone travelers and villagers who aren't on their guard. Generally the packs seen near villages consist of standard wolves averaging the size of a large dog.

Journeying in deep woods, one may encounter wolves of enormous size known as dire wolves. A dire wolf is more intelligent, more aggressive, and stronger than typical wolves. These wolves are of the same root as a typical wolf as they can be found among normal wolves as a leader of a pack. Generally the birth of a dire wolf is an anomaly and the dire wolf's parents will be regular wolves or a mix of dire and regular.

Dire wolves have been known to be the trained pets of certain fae creatures who are able to communicate primitively with animals. These trained dire wolves are mostly loyal as long as they are fed, but have been known to lash out at their masters.

wolf-dogs of the old-world shepherds

"The oldest race of men on Sigg, the Shepherds continue their lives in the same way they have for generations: living off the land in primitive nomadic homes, herding swaths of sheep, and training their wolf-dogs as fierce and loyal companions." -- Excerpts from 'Nomadic Peoples of the Siggian steppes', in the Scripta Rota.

The old-world shepherds are widely known for their taming of their famous wolf-dogs. Little difference between wild animal and these working dogs can be seen. Strangely they are only able to be raised by these shepherds despite many trying to acquire a wolf-dog pup for their own use. These wolves protect their masters and sheep faithfully, being willing to die violent death in protection. They also exhibit the ability to ward off wild wolves and ensure the flock is under care without violent conflict.

werewolves

"By the time I had reached him, it was too late. He has taken on a wild look in his eye and his teeth were sharp. It was only moments before a wicked transformation occurred - joints cracked, skin tore, teeth gnashed, and a beast emerged from the horror." -- Excerpts from 'Dark Afflictions', in the Scripta Rota.

Werewolves are terrifying creatures believed to be created by the consuming disease known as lycanthropy. This disease can be carried by all manner of beasts, but seems to be most common among a handful of mammals one of which being wolves. This affliction begins by the mingling of blood and saliva of a victim and an infected wolf. Once infected, the victim experiences high body temperature, tooth growth, strange animalistic dreams, and a decrease in cognitive function. After completion, the disease will overcome the victim causing them to suddenly and violently metamorphosize into the form of a wolf, completely indistinguishable from typical wolves in physical appearance, mental capacity, and behavior. This transformation is followed by a violent and crazed blood lust which is sated once the werewolf consumes human flesh.

There are other stories of werewolves being creatures of fae origin from which the disease first sprung. These fae werewolves are man-wolf hybrids with cognitive abilities of a man. Legends tell of that these fae may take the form of a wolf, man or any combination of a form in-between, making them tricky and deceptive as they hunger for men's flesh. Others argue this form of fae creature is not fae at all, rather the result of the disease on its victim if the victim perishes before the transformation occurs, giving this parasite-like disease full control over the body.

All werewolves experience a strong repulsion to wolvesbane. They have a resistance to normal forms of attack, being unharmed by normal weaponry made of bronze, iron, or steel. A silvered weapon used to strike a werewolf will harm as expected of a normal weapon. When stuck with silver (unless completely crazed or rabid) werewolves may flee.

cynocephaly

"The man had the head of a wild dog, exhibiting no other forms of such anywhere on his body. His fellow villagers explained he appeared this way when he arrived as a wayfarer many years ago. They vouched for his hard work and giving spirit. He spoke in an educated manner and asked well formulated questions, seeking truth about the message I brought to the village. I blessed him and shared with him the true words of the Divine." -- Excerpts from 'My Testimony', in the Scripta Rota.

Not to be confused with werewolves, it is recorded in the Scripta Rota that men with dog or wolf heads having no other form of animal about their body participate and live in human society. These cynocephalus' have a strong form of amnesia regarding their early life. Many stories recount them emerging from the wilderness and joining a town or village, proving themselves to be a hard worker and trustworthy, then being accepted after many years as one of the community. Their origins are unknown, but skeptics think them to be the foul trickery of fae.

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