MTG Wiki
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The first two printed werewolves had the creature type '''Lycanthrope'''. Lycanthrope (from the Greek λυκάνθρωπος: λύκος, lukos, "wolf", and άνθρωπος, anthrōpos, man) was obsoleted in the [[Grand Creature Type Update]], when the <c>Lesser Werewolf</c> from ''[[Legends]]'' and the <c>Greater Werewolf</c> from ''[[Homelands]]'' became Human Wolves. <c>Treacherous Werewolf</c> from ''[[Judgement]]'' never even had the subtype Lycanthrope.
 
The first two printed werewolves had the creature type '''Lycanthrope'''. Lycanthrope (from the Greek λυκάνθρωπος: λύκος, lukos, "wolf", and άνθρωπος, anthrōpos, man) was obsoleted in the [[Grand Creature Type Update]], when the <c>Lesser Werewolf</c> from ''[[Legends]]'' and the <c>Greater Werewolf</c> from ''[[Homelands]]'' became Human Wolves. <c>Treacherous Werewolf</c> from ''[[Judgement]]'' never even had the subtype Lycanthrope.
   
A special '''Werewolf''' subtype was (re)introduced for the classical Horror set ''[[Innistrad]]'', and the three old cards were updated with that subtype. While these earlier werewolves were all [[black]], the new [[Double-faced cards|double faced]] Werewolf cards from Innistrad were [[red]] or [[green]]. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/mm/159|C'mon ''Innistrad'', Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 05, 2011}}</ref> <ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/mm/163|Were the Wild Things Are|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 03, 2011}}</ref> <ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/mm/177|Dancing in the ''Dark Ascension'', Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 09, 2012}}</ref>
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A special '''Werewolf''' subtype was (re)introduced for the classical Horror set ''[[Innistrad]]'', and the three old cards were updated with that subtype. While these earlier werewolves were all [[black]], the new [[Double-faced cards|double faced]] Werewolf cards from Innistrad were [[red]] or [[green]]. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/cmon-innistrad-part-1-2011-09-05|C'mon ''Innistrad'', Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 05, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|feature/were-wild-things-are-2011-10-03|Were the Wild Things Are|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 3, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|feature/dancing-dark-ascension-part-1-2012-01-09|Dancing in the ''Dark Ascension'', Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 09, 2012}}</ref>
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==Storyline==
 
==Storyline==
 
===Ulgrotha===
 
===Ulgrotha===
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[[Emrakul]]s corruption tended to affect the two aspects of the werewolves asymetrically. They might seem normal in human form, but physically and mentally warped in wolf form, or vice versa. In the later stages of corruption, the more corrupted side took over and the werewolves lost their ability to transform at all.<ref name="Art of Innistrad"/>
 
[[Emrakul]]s corruption tended to affect the two aspects of the werewolves asymetrically. They might seem normal in human form, but physically and mentally warped in wolf form, or vice versa. In the later stages of corruption, the more corrupted side took over and the werewolves lost their ability to transform at all.<ref name="Art of Innistrad"/>
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====The Krallenhorde====
 
====The Krallenhorde====
 
The Krallenhorde is Innistrad's largest howlpack. The Krallenhorde has existed in some form for decades, composed of anywhere from fifty to over two hundred werewolves depending on the availability of prey and the phase of the moon. The most heterogeneous of howlpacks, Krallenhorde includes a mix of repentant and wanton werewolves, and has drawn members from all provinces of Innistrad. The Krallenhorde survived the [[Cursemute]] intact. <ref name="Art of Innistrad">[[James Wyatt]] 2016, "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Innistrad]]''".</ref>
 
The Krallenhorde is Innistrad's largest howlpack. The Krallenhorde has existed in some form for decades, composed of anywhere from fifty to over two hundred werewolves depending on the availability of prey and the phase of the moon. The most heterogeneous of howlpacks, Krallenhorde includes a mix of repentant and wanton werewolves, and has drawn members from all provinces of Innistrad. The Krallenhorde survived the [[Cursemute]] intact. <ref name="Art of Innistrad">[[James Wyatt]] 2016, "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Innistrad]]''".</ref>
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====The Mondronen howlpack====
 
====The Mondronen howlpack====
 
This howlpack, about 60 in size, was known for using a dark form of magic. They stayed away from civilzation and staying to farmlands, rural communities, and remote monasteries. With Avacyn's protective wards getting weaker, the Mondronen got closer to cities. After the return of Avacyn, the howlpack was dissolved. <ref name="Art of Innistrad"/>
 
This howlpack, about 60 in size, was known for using a dark form of magic. They stayed away from civilzation and staying to farmlands, rural communities, and remote monasteries. With Avacyn's protective wards getting weaker, the Mondronen got closer to cities. After the return of Avacyn, the howlpack was dissolved. <ref name="Art of Innistrad"/>
  +
 
====The Leeraug howlpack====
 
====The Leeraug howlpack====
 
A relatively small and tight-knit pack of Innistrad's most vicious werewolf predators. The Leeraug were unique in that they hunted under the black night of the new moon, rather than transforming when the moon was full. They favored the flesh and entrails of children, and often stole into homes and orphanages through chimneys or windows left ajar. After the return of Avacyn, the howlpack was dissolved. <ref name="Art of Innistrad"/>
 
A relatively small and tight-knit pack of Innistrad's most vicious werewolf predators. The Leeraug were unique in that they hunted under the black night of the new moon, rather than transforming when the moon was full. They favored the flesh and entrails of children, and often stole into homes and orphanages through chimneys or windows left ajar. After the return of Avacyn, the howlpack was dissolved. <ref name="Art of Innistrad"/>
  +
 
====The Vildin Howlpack====
 
====The Vildin Howlpack====
 
An especially infamous group of werewolves that appeared aftre the end of the Cursemute. It is said that this howlpack calls into its ranks only those humans who have committed murder before becoming a werewolf. <ref name="Art of Innistrad"/> They dwell in the Natterknolls of [[Kessig]] and the [[Stensia]]n Highlands.
 
An especially infamous group of werewolves that appeared aftre the end of the Cursemute. It is said that this howlpack calls into its ranks only those humans who have committed murder before becoming a werewolf. <ref name="Art of Innistrad"/> They dwell in the Natterknolls of [[Kessig]] and the [[Stensia]]n Highlands.
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====Wolfir====
 
====Wolfir====
 
[[Avacyn]] offered repentant humans afflicted by the lycanthropic curse a special place at her side. If they promised to serve as guardians of humanity, she would transform their curse, fusing the two warring aspects into a single noble creature. Many accepted her offer, and she transformed them into the <b>wolfir</b>. The transformation was mostly reversed when Avacyn came under the influence of [[Emrakul]].<ref>{{NewRef|magic-story/gaze-blank-and-pitiless-2016-03-09|A Gaze Blank and Pitiless|[[Ken Troop]]|March 9, 2016}}</ref>
 
[[Avacyn]] offered repentant humans afflicted by the lycanthropic curse a special place at her side. If they promised to serve as guardians of humanity, she would transform their curse, fusing the two warring aspects into a single noble creature. Many accepted her offer, and she transformed them into the <b>wolfir</b>. The transformation was mostly reversed when Avacyn came under the influence of [[Emrakul]].<ref>{{NewRef|magic-story/gaze-blank-and-pitiless-2016-03-09|A Gaze Blank and Pitiless|[[Ken Troop]]|March 9, 2016}}</ref>
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====The Silverfurs====
 
====The Silverfurs====
 
A ragged handfull of the remaining Wolfir have formed a kind of virtuous howlpack. They are led by [[List of secondary characters#Innistrad|Johanna and Pavel]].
 
A ragged handfull of the remaining Wolfir have formed a kind of virtuous howlpack. They are led by [[List of secondary characters#Innistrad|Johanna and Pavel]].
  +
 
====The Dronepack====
 
====The Dronepack====
 
After the death of Avacyn, the Somberwald became a hunting ground for the '''Dronepack''', a group of werewolves that had succumbed to the flesh-warping powers of [[Emrakul]].
 
After the death of Avacyn, the Somberwald became a hunting ground for the '''Dronepack''', a group of werewolves that had succumbed to the flesh-warping powers of [[Emrakul]].
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==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
* The [[werewolf]] mechanic [[transform]], and the ''Innistrad'' theme of double-faced cards with day/night sides, was designed after [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werewolves werewolf legend], [[humans]] who turn into monsters when a full moon is present at night.<ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/ld/160|Werewolves Gone Wild|[[Tom LaPille]]|September 16, 2011}}</ref>
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* The [[werewolf]] mechanic [[transform]], and the ''Innistrad'' theme of double-faced cards with day/night sides, was designed after [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werewolves werewolf legend], [[humans]] who turn into monsters when a full moon is present at night.<ref>{{NewRef|latest-developments/werewolves-gone-wild-2011-09-15|Werewolves Gone Wild|[[Tom LaPille]]|September 16, 2011}}</ref>
 
* The [[instant]] <c>Moonmist</c> transforms all Humans. (This only affects double-faced cards, though, since only they can transform.)
 
* The [[instant]] <c>Moonmist</c> transforms all Humans. (This only affects double-faced cards, though, since only they can transform.)
* On April 6, 2012 (which featured a full moon) a [[Double-faced tokens|double-faced token]] was released as a special [[FNM cards|FNM card]]. It fittingly represented a 1/1 human on one side, and a 2/2 [[wolf]] on the other. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/arcana/938|The Double-Faced Token|[[Monty Ashley]]|March 28, 2012}}</ref>
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* On April 6, 2012 (which featured a full moon) a [[Double-faced tokens|double-faced token]] was released as a special [[FNM cards|FNM card]]. It fittingly represented a 1/1 human on one side, and a 2/2 [[wolf]] on the other. <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/double-faced-token-2012-03-28|The Double-Faced Token|[[Monty Ashley]]|March 28, 2012}}</ref>
 
* <c>Kessig Wolf Run</c> portrays the homeland of Wolves and Werewolves alike.
 
* <c>Kessig Wolf Run</c> portrays the homeland of Wolves and Werewolves alike.
 
* <c>Full Moon's Rise</c> is an [[enchantment]] that grants bonuses to werewolf creatures.
 
* <c>Full Moon's Rise</c> is an [[enchantment]] that grants bonuses to werewolf creatures.

Revision as of 12:51, 15 August 2016

Werewolf is a creature type, which represents instinctive, seemingly human creatures which can transform into bloodthirsty wolf-like beasts. Werewolves are often attributed superhuman strength and senses, far beyond those of both wolves and humans, or most sapient bipeds.

Card history

The first two printed werewolves had the creature type Lycanthrope. Lycanthrope (from the Greek λυκάνθρωπος: λύκος, lukos, "wolf", and άνθρωπος, anthrōpos, man) was obsoleted in the Grand Creature Type Update, when the Lesser Werewolf from Legends and the Greater Werewolf from Homelands became Human Wolves. Treacherous Werewolf from Judgement never even had the subtype Lycanthrope.

A special Werewolf subtype was (re)introduced for the classical Horror set Innistrad, and the three old cards were updated with that subtype. While these earlier werewolves were all black, the new double faced Werewolf cards from Innistrad were red or green. [1][2][3]

Storyline

Ulgrotha

Ulgrotha was home to powerful beasts inhabiting the land of the Dark Barony. When someone survived a bite from one of these creatures, the victim would become a werewolf loyal to the one who bit him or her. The corrupt wizard savant who gave Eron the Relentless his immortality was made into the first greater werewolf as punishment by Baron Sengir, and became the baron’s loyal servant.

Dominaria

Greater werewolves are also present on Dominaria and can be found in the region of Upper Videnth. During the Ice Age, many such lycanthropes traversed the expanding ice shelves from the northern supercontinent to Terisiare.

Innistrad

Werewolves prowl the Innistrad province of Kessig, sometimes alone and sometimes in packs. [4] Hunter's Moon is considered to be the time when werewolves are the strongest. Since there are more humans hunting and traveling in the woods during these months, werewolf attacks are more prevalent. The humans believe the attacks have something to do with the season itself, although there are no more werewolves at this time than any other time of year.

Emrakuls corruption tended to affect the two aspects of the werewolves asymetrically. They might seem normal in human form, but physically and mentally warped in wolf form, or vice versa. In the later stages of corruption, the more corrupted side took over and the werewolves lost their ability to transform at all.[5]

The Krallenhorde

The Krallenhorde is Innistrad's largest howlpack. The Krallenhorde has existed in some form for decades, composed of anywhere from fifty to over two hundred werewolves depending on the availability of prey and the phase of the moon. The most heterogeneous of howlpacks, Krallenhorde includes a mix of repentant and wanton werewolves, and has drawn members from all provinces of Innistrad. The Krallenhorde survived the Cursemute intact. [5]

The Mondronen howlpack

This howlpack, about 60 in size, was known for using a dark form of magic. They stayed away from civilzation and staying to farmlands, rural communities, and remote monasteries. With Avacyn's protective wards getting weaker, the Mondronen got closer to cities. After the return of Avacyn, the howlpack was dissolved. [5]

The Leeraug howlpack

A relatively small and tight-knit pack of Innistrad's most vicious werewolf predators. The Leeraug were unique in that they hunted under the black night of the new moon, rather than transforming when the moon was full. They favored the flesh and entrails of children, and often stole into homes and orphanages through chimneys or windows left ajar. After the return of Avacyn, the howlpack was dissolved. [5]

The Vildin Howlpack

An especially infamous group of werewolves that appeared aftre the end of the Cursemute. It is said that this howlpack calls into its ranks only those humans who have committed murder before becoming a werewolf. [5] They dwell in the Natterknolls of Kessig and the Stensian Highlands.

Wolfir

Avacyn offered repentant humans afflicted by the lycanthropic curse a special place at her side. If they promised to serve as guardians of humanity, she would transform their curse, fusing the two warring aspects into a single noble creature. Many accepted her offer, and she transformed them into the wolfir. The transformation was mostly reversed when Avacyn came under the influence of Emrakul.[6]

The Silverfurs

A ragged handfull of the remaining Wolfir have formed a kind of virtuous howlpack. They are led by Johanna and Pavel.

The Dronepack

After the death of Avacyn, the Somberwald became a hunting ground for the Dronepack, a group of werewolves that had succumbed to the flesh-warping powers of Emrakul.

Notable Werewolves

Trivia

  • The werewolf mechanic transform, and the Innistrad theme of double-faced cards with day/night sides, was designed after werewolf legend, humans who turn into monsters when a full moon is present at night.[7]
  • The instant Moonmist transforms all Humans. (This only affects double-faced cards, though, since only they can transform.)
  • On April 6, 2012 (which featured a full moon) a double-faced token was released as a special FNM card. It fittingly represented a 1/1 human on one side, and a 2/2 wolf on the other. [8]
  • Kessig Wolf Run portrays the homeland of Wolves and Werewolves alike.
  • Full Moon's Rise is an enchantment that grants bonuses to werewolf creatures.
  • Sometimes other humans can shapeshift in other creatures than wolves. Odyssey has a light werecreature theme with Dirty Wererat and Werebear, which were both native to Otaria. These are Human Rat and Human Bear respectively.

References

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  5. a b c d e James Wyatt 2016, "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Innistrad".
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  8. Template:NewRef