Dens and Nests: Werebeast Dwellings

Werebeasts live in many different dwellings. Some werebeasts are covert, hiding in cities amongst civilian populations. Others live deep in the heart of nature. No matter where werebeasts live, they instinctively seek out similar comforts in their dwellings. Many werebeasts continue to live in houses, but these comforts - dens and nests - are found consistently throughout all werebeasts, regardless of the animal they are tied to.

Dens

A werebeast's dwelling is referred to as a den. Dens are safe locations that the beast covets to be their territory - any stranger who violates this without permission is subject to the protective instincts of the werebeast. And they are violently protective of their space. This instinct is believed to be caused by the need to protect the POPs they are formed in, as POPs are open wounds in the fabric of space-time that can do little to protect themselves. If another werebeast tries to claim their territory, the offended werebeast enters a blind rage until the offender is dead, submits to the offended's superior strength or is chased from the territory for good. Or, the offended werebeast is killed, and the offender claims their territory.

Nests

Nests are a hidden space within dens that the werebeast sleeps. They can fall asleep in no other location and spend a great deal of time crafting their nests. Supplies for nests vary based on personal and animal tastes, ranging from soft blankets to foliage to dirt. All nests include personal effects from those closest to the werebeast, such as clothing, toys and family heirlooms. Personal effects are coated in the scent of their owners and act as a pacifier to protective instincts. Having these scents nearby reassures the werebeast that those closest to them are nearby and safe, even when they are not, allowing the werebeast to rest.