It's a legendary curse, that's why. Everyone's heard about it, one version or another, and they tell others, and it goes on and on. But it's not exactly an easy curse. I mean, we must remember that we're dealing with both energy and matter here, and both must be transformed. That is quite a bit to expect of something as simple as a curse to accomplish. Curses follow patterns, and that again, presents us with problems. Not to mention the initial energy investment, and the fact that, depending on the choices made at the cursing, this can be either an endothermic or exothermic reaction.

So let's discuss a few of the misconceptions and get rid of them, shall we?

The first, of course, is the idea of the 'werewolf'. Yes, it does happen, but it is not a true restriction of the curse. In fact, any animal form, or rather, any lifeform within the same kingdom, is available to choose from. Crossing kingdoms is even more complicated, and not recommended for a curse. Most true artists like to give the curse a twist by making the 'animal' form one that reflects the personality of the recipient. This does not have to be coded statically, it can dynamically query the aura of the recipient and conform accordingly. This fits in with the second point.

Which is the idea that the transformation is tied to the moon. Often it is, these days, however, that was not it's original form, nor is it necessarily preferable. The original, and considered by many better, form of the curse conformed to the cycle of the recipient. This makes it far more of a nuisance. Specifically, the first recorded instance of this curse was on a woman, and it matched her mentrual cycle, however, it is not restricted to a physical cycle. A mental or spiritual or even social cycle works just as well. There is at least one recorded case of a were curse that triggered when it's bipolar recipent went into a manic phase. Internal cycles are preferred, not only because of the personal touch (after all, we are cursing people here), but because, in the end, it requires altogether less energy than an external cycle, although an external cycle is more dependable.

The third misconception is that a were cursed person is stronger or faster than normal in either form. In their Biped form, they are like they always are. And in their animal form, they are like that animal, except they retain the higher level of awareness, and intellect, and of course, their own heart, spirit and soul. Why do they go savage and lose control then? They possess the same mental capacity, but a completely different set of instincts, and initially lack the preparation and training to control those instincts. Not to mention the years of evolution that have tempered said instincts into useful configurations.

So, you see, the were curse is really a very varied and interesting curse, allowing for some particularly splendid torments.

Alright, that's the bell. Go through pages 40 through 112 in your text, please. Next class we'll be discussing chain letters.

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2001-10-30 - A less trying curse.
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