Lycanthropy (Religion)

Lycanthropy is a denomination of the Kin of the Blessed Bloodlines. Its followers, usually referred to as Lycans, are people who have had their bloodlines blessed with Lycanoir's blessing of Wolves. They value camaraderie and toughness, sparring, liquor, technology, and meat. They often hold ceremonies for important full moons, such as the first full moon of the month.

Beliefs
Those who are blessed by Lycanoir believe strongly in the physical prowess of individuals and community action, with most scoffing at the ideas of individualism and intellectualism.

Aggression
Lycans believe that aggression is a symbol that a person is born to become a Lycan preacher. Oftentimes, those who are the most aggressive gain the favor of Lycanoir fastest. However, this aggression ends when it comes to those of equal or higher status, as it is taboo and disrespectful to be aggressive to them. The only cases where aggressive behavior towards one of equal or higher status is seen as acceptable is when it is done to protect one's honor, or is done in sparring.

Meat and Liquor
Lycans believe that meat is the superior food source, often refusing to eat any non-meat food item unless it is their only option or it is out of respect. However, eating non-meats is not taboo, and there are even some Lycans who only eat non-meats in protest of the common diet. These Lycans are often referred to as Vecans, a combination of the word "Vegetarian" and "Lycan".

However, Lycans are very big on drinking. It is rare to find a Lycan who isn't at least tipsy most of their day, and even rarer to find one who rejects drinking. Liquor is seen as sacred as it is said that the burning taste of most alcohols cleanse the soul of sin.

Togetherness
Lycans are big in pack mentality, often recognizing someone as a leader of their group and supporting them loyally. Rarely, this occurs with people who aren't Kin, usually only occurring when someone has a lot of power or is admired significantly by a Lycan. Lycans prefer to stay together, viewing their collective strength as the power they need to get things done.

Technology
While most view Lycans as savage for their brutality and focus on strength, most Lycans seek progress over war. In fact, a majority of Lycans find themselves in a profession such as blacksmithing or bartending. They often specialize into a craft, and commit themselves to it as much as they can. They often embrace new technologies, seeing rejection of technology as a foolish decision made by those stuck in their ways.

Weddings
Lycan weddings are small, private celebrations of the partnership of two people. If the two people getting married are of differing bloodlines, their wedding is a combination of those two bloodlines' wedding ceremonies. Hard liquor, raw meat and sparring are common at Lycan weddings. A Lycan preacher is required to hold a wedding with a Lycan.

Funerals
Lycan funerals are small events. Rather than focusing on the death of the Lycan, they focus on their life and the accomplishments they made. Hard liquor is often handed out and respect for the dead is demanded. It is considered to be nigh unforgivable to not attend the funeral if one said they would be there.