2025 Mar 26: Orcish Werewolves

 It is said, that on the island of Karsos, in the mountains lives a tribe of Orcs, among whom the most strange custom is observed. Every year, on the night of the first full moon after the spring equinox, a man or woman who has come of age that year is chosen by lots. The young person must come down from the mountains, take off their clothes, and swim to the neighboring island of Niktea. Once there the young Orc is transformed into a wolf, and they must remain on that island for nine years. After the nine years are up, they can swim back to Karsos, and if they haven't attacked anyone during their years as a wolf, they turn back into an Orc, and can rejoin their tribe. Otherwise they remain a wolf forever.

 Of course some people are skeptical about this tale, saying that nine years is much too long of a time to be away from home, and asking what kind of idiot would harm someone under these circumstances. But it is worth noting, that the Orcs of Karsos do have many rather large wolves living amongst their tribe, which seem to be just as, if not more tame than loyal hounds. When asked about these wolves, the Orcs often say that they are their brothers and sisters, and they treat any offer of buying a wolf from them as a serious slight. 

It is also said that sometimes the Orcs who successfully return to their original form after the ordeal can sometimes retain the ability to turn into a wolf, and that they can pass this power on to their offspring, though that is not a guarantee. According to some, the great Orcish warchief Melnaos was such an individual, and his descendants in the royal family of Melnapolis sometimes sneak out of their fortress, and hunt deer in the form of wolves. Other times they hunt the enemies of their city, harrying them like deer, and tearing them apart with their fangs.

Is there a truth to these claims? Who knows. But if one meets wolves in Orcish lands, one would be wise to treat them with respect, as nobody knows if they might actually bear the soul of an Orc inside them, whom their kin is surely prepared to avenge in the most bloody fashion.