Werehyenas

General Overview

The werehyena, also known as the bouda, bultungin, or kaftar depending on the particular myth, is a type of therianthrope, i.e. someone with the ability to shapeshift into an animal or animal-human hybrid. In this case, the species of choice is the hyena. Unlike the werewolf, which are considered more often than not human at heart, werehyenas are more animal than man. They are believed to be either born with the ability to shapeshift into a hyena or as hyenas that are able to disguise themselves as humans. Additionally, werehyena are not chained to the moon like werewolves. Instead in most myths they are able to control their transformation, whether that be by an innate ability, through the use of a magic stick, the scattering of ashes, or with the power of the evil eye.

The myth, which originated in North Africa, of the werehyena is dark by nature and based in prejudice and misinformation. In Africa, blacksmiths, and by proxy Jews (as they were often in that trade), were believed to be bouda, and hyenas essentially became the boogeymen of Africa. Werehyenas were said to enjoy the taste of children and enjoyed all manners of illicit activities, such as luring unsuspecting victims from their homes, grave-robbing, pillaging, and cannibalism. All in all, they were considered vile creatures and an air of fear and hatred surrounded them.

The Clans

Scavenge Clan is a female led, semi-nomadic tribe of werehyenas. With nearly 50 individuals, they’re one of the largest clans in the U.S. Within the last decade, they made their way back to the Crescent City, taking up residence just outside New Orleans and coming into town to do business.

Like their hyena brethren, they have a strict matrilineal hierarchy, and it’s enforced with an iron fist. Ranking is passed down by birth mother to child unless otherwise disputed. The Fangstooth family have long held their position as leaders, with the reigning alpha being Shade Fangstooth. Her daughter Lark is the next in line for the throne, much to the disliking of many members as she’s a bit of a spoiled brat.

With that said, tension within the Clan has run high as of late. Cliques have formed, and violence is commonplace, with disputes more often than not turning bloody. Despite it all, they are a loyal and close knit bunch. Family is everything, and they’re stronger together. One way they reinforce their bonds is through family hunts. Every year, they gather together as one clan and have a large scale ceremonial hunt known as the Culling.

Relations outside the Clan can be tense at times due to their territorial nature. They also have a longstanding feud with werelions, their archenemies.

Physical Description

Human. Diverse with really the only shared characteristic being that they tend to have more body hair than the average person

Hyena. Identical to the spotted hyena, the largest of the three species at upwards of 100 pounds; Dog-like in appearance with a sturdy build and sloping back; light to dark brown fur with spots; long, muscular neck holding up a massive skull tipped by round, slightly pointed ears and having a powerful jaw full of conical shaped teeth; males and females are nearly identical

Magical Abilities

Quasi Immortal. Technically immortal, immune to the effects of illness and aging, and cannot die by any conventional means. Though shifters do not live forever, and typically last for several hundred years, the oldest known shifter being around 900 years old.

Therianthropy. Ability to shapeshift into an animal form at will.

Advanced Healing. Heals almost instantly unless wounded by certain mystical items.

Evil Eye. Ability to place a curse of misfortune or injury on someone through a malevolent glare, usually manifesting when one looks at another with an envious eye. This isn’t really an ability that can be controlled, but more of a side effect of being a werehyena.

Strengths

Enhanced Strength. A lot of their power is in their jaws with a bite force that can crush bones with ease.

Enhanced Speed & Stamina. Known as endurance hunters, their skillset is more stamina over speed.

Enhanced Senses. Sharp night vision and keen sense of hearing and smell

Weaknesses

Silver. Highly vulnerable to silver as it counteracts their accelerated healing.

Wolfsbane. Also known as aconite or monkshood, this potent herb burns and severely weakens them upon contact and if ingested can most definitely be lethal.

Nazar. An amulet, talisman, or charm that wards off the ill effects of the evil eye

Sensory Overload. Due to their enhanced senses, they can be overwhelmed by loud noises or intense smells.

Emotions. Strong emotions can sometimes lead to accidental shifting and animalistic outburst. Worst case scenario, one could become permanently stuck in their hyena form.