Mythic Origins
Myths regarding hyenas that turn into men and vice versa are prevalent through much of North Africa and parts of the Middle East. It was believed that magicians and witches were able to transform into these creatures at will but another, rather odd, African superstition placed the blame of were-hyena attacks almost solely at the blacksmith’s door, as it was thought that blacksmiths were particularly prone to becoming Werehyenas. This was taken to the extreme in Ethiopia, where people genuinely believed that all blacksmiths were witches or wizards known as bouda who could transform into hyenas at will. Ethiopian Christians typically accused Ethiopian Jews of being bouda, spreading rumors that they unearthed Christian corpses and consumed them. Since Jewish men in Ethiopia were also, rather conveniently, often blacksmiths, it is commonly thought that one belief arose from the other.
Since, in all cases, werehyenas could control their own transformation, they could theoretically appear at any time, but preferred to change under the shadow of night. When not stalking prey, they were known to engage in all sorts of distasteful activities, including grave-robbing, cannibalism, pillaging, and making horseshoes (they are blacksmiths after all).
In the Kunari language of the former Bornu Empire, which once occupied much of the territory around Lake Chad, they were referred to as bultungin or literally “I change myself into a hyena”. This inevitably led to a lot of pronoun confusion, as people were never quite sure whether they were being accused of being a Werehyena or whether their friend was in fact just confiding about being a Werehyena themselves. It was traditionally believed that a handful of villages in the region, such as Kabultiloa, were occupied entirely by these creatures.
Leadership & Social Structure
There are two broad categories for groups of Werehyenas, which represent two different styles and attitudes as well as cultural norms. Sometimes referenced by the phrases Cackle or Clan, based on the caste level being referred to. A Cackle denotes a group of High Caste Werehyenas while a Clan references a group of Low Caste Hyenas. Regardless of Caste, a group of Hyenas is almost always matriarchal, with the strongest female dominating other females and leading the male hyenas as their Oba.
High Caste
A group of high caste Werehyenas is known as a Cackle by others, but called an Alaka among themselves . High caste hyenas are very rigid in their social structures and infection is never done accidentally. If a member of a High caste infects someone unintentionally it is a crime that can be punished by death.
In an Alaka, the Oba is entitled to mate with as many other hyenas as she pleases, but she will usually appoint an Ayaba, an official consort and one whom has the power and duty to check her decisions. The Ayaba does not have any official power, but is regarded as a Truthspeaker, whose obligation it is to speak the truth to the Oba in order to keep the Alaka safe and whole and who cannot be punished for doing so. The Ayaba may only mate with the Oba and breaking this is cause for death as well as the death of the Ayaba’s lover.
The Oba typically appoints between one and three enforcers from the female hyenas which impose, regulate, and control other hyenas in the Alaka.
- Oni - The first enforcer who is the Oba’s right hand and her most trusted confident.
- Kayode - Second enforcer.
- Ayodele - Third enforcer
The Alaka typically has a wise man or woman who remains neutral in challenges and serves as the healer or mystic known as the Ogun.
Low Caste
A group, or Bouda, of low caste hyenas is typically organized along whatever guidelines pleases the Oba. This can resemble corporate structure, gangs, or other organized crime hierarchies. It is also likely that in low caste hyenas, there will be a male leader known as the Khaftar, who governs until a stronger female appears to take over the leadership of the Bouda.
The Oba or Khaftar of a Bouda can designate other positions, typically reserved for enforcers, bodyguards, and the occasional mystic.
General Traits & Abilities
Werehyenas possess the same unsettling aura that normal hyenas do, leaving people near them feeling uneasy. Their laughter and voices possess unusual powers that can further unsettle others or even inflict physical pain if the Werehyena wishes. Some telepathic abilities let them communicate with their own kind to coordinate attacks, or to influence the dreams of others.
Inherently scavengers, they are extremely aware of their surroundings. This lets them identify the weakest person in the area as well as sense beings in the Shadowlands and Astral realms. Overall, hyenas are intimidating and use this to their advantage.