In the Alters’ World (and the series of books found here), creatures of legend reveal themselves to the world. Born through genetic abnormalities, defects and mutations, the Alters have lived for centuries as outcasts of human society, hiding their true nature from the world while colorful stories have been written by many to describe what they’ve seen. How are these creatures different from what was described in the stories? What relationship do they have with humanity? Every entry of the Alterpedia will delve into a new creature from around the world. This week we cover:

Werewolves

Long has man been concerned with the concept of people being able to transform into animals. These creatures have been seen throughout history in depictions of tall and dark attackers pouncing on helpless women in…

Art

Film

And Literature

These depictions are often inaccurate, filled with myths, hearsay and teenage wet dreams. However, the truth behind the creatures is not far from the majority of these portrayals.

Having a reactive A-type Cell, were-creatures, what are officially known as “Metamorphs”, have a tendency to undergo partial or total transformation according to external stimuli. However these changes are slightly different both in nature and cause from that of standard belief. Some examples of these changes are listed below.

The Transformation

Mythology

Werewolves are said to undergo a complete transformation into a wolf-like being with complete muzzle, pronounced teeth, claws, relocated ears and a changed skeletal structure resulting in a more bestial appearance reminiscent of a wolf or other creatures (examples of legend including jaguars, bears and other dominant predators depending on region of the world). These creatures are often based on the most dominant predator of the region and are nearly identical to the animal of origin.

Be they wolves

Jaguars

Or Rockstars

Alters

Metamorphs undergo severe changes due to rapid hormone shifts. These changes are dramatic and range in severity depending on the level of hormone shift and the time allowed for the changes to occur. Of these, the most common changes are

Nail Growth

Hair Growth

Insomnia and Irrational Behavior

None of these changes result in full wolf-like form or complete transformation into any other animal (though they may be mistaken for or behave like these animals as examples above show). Rather, they appear to be more like humans with animal-like features.

Silver 

Mythology

Werewolves are said to be immune to most form of injury. According to myth, the only way to kill a werewolf is to shoot them with a silver bullet.

Alters

In truth, Metamorphs do in fact have severe allergies to several things. Among these allergies are wolfs-bane and silver. Contact with these causes severe allergic reactions which could result in severe rashes, hospitalization and even death. As for bullets… well it’s a bullet.

The Moon 

Mythology

Werewolves are prone to transformation under the light of a full moon, making their rampages a nocturnal rampage on the brightest night of the month.

Alters

Metamorphs are prone to multiple day transformations as a result of any major hormonal shift ranging from stress or illness to regular hormonal shifts due to monthly cycles. These monthly cycles can coincide with the cycles of the moon, but it is not absolutely necessary. In essence, the Metamorph’s transformation is dependent primarily on mood, lifestyle and PMS/IMS.

So remember, don’t believe the myths. These are not soulless killing machines or horny native boys. These are people in the throws of a momentary illness. If you would like to show support for their plight, or are a werewolf yourself and would like to seek support for your condition, please, join the Alters United Support Group.

Remember, man’s best friend…is himself.

And if you’re having one of those nights and feeling a little grumpy and furry, go ahead and give my books a look! They’re better than attacking people… sometimes.