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somerndmguy Since: Aug, 2009
#2: Mar 22nd 2011 at 9:51:32 PM

An anthropomorphic wolf?

If you need a race name I definitely would go for any variation on the genus name, "Canis", or the species, "lupus" Canids, Lupines, etc.

But I'm a traditionalist.

Zolnier The Odd Lad from A suspiciously dull shop Since: Apr, 2009
The Odd Lad
#3: Mar 22nd 2011 at 10:11:22 PM

[up]Alera could dibs on Canis. Name them Chancy's, or Lon's.

Life's Gonna Suck When You Grow Up... But Is It That Great Now?... Also I'm Skylark2 now.
MattII Since: Sep, 2009
#4: Mar 22nd 2011 at 10:45:08 PM

Anthropomorphic wolves aren't werewolves, a werewolf is basically a creature that can transform between a wolf appearance and a human appearance. As for names, Canids and Lupines are indeed fallback names, as is Cynocs, though it's a less well known one. If you're going for the 'huge and rabid' style you could use Aenocs or Ayers. beyond that, use your imagination, the word gnoll has no connection with the family Hyaenidae, yet everyone who hasn't been living under a rock for the past decade will know that it is an anthro hyena.

Diamonnes In Riastrad from Ulster Since: Nov, 2009
In Riastrad
#5: Mar 22nd 2011 at 11:49:43 PM

Depending on the setting, you could get away with scientists calling them "Homo (whatever, a word related to Lupe)" and everyone else calling them "Them big furry bastards".

However, if it's a fantasy setting, disregard the insomniac.

My name is Cu Chulainn. Beside the raging sea I am left to moan. Sorrow I am, for I brought down my only son.
LoniJay from Australia Since: Dec, 2009 Relationship Status: Pining for the fjords
#6: Mar 23rd 2011 at 3:08:06 AM

[up] Sorry, pet peeve here. Homo refers to the taxonomic group containing humans, chimpanzees, and the like. If your animal is not a great ape it has no business taking that genus name.

If you must bastardise the human scientific name, use 'sapiens'.

Be not afraid...
annebeeche watching down on us from by the long tidal river Since: Nov, 2010
watching down on us
#7: Mar 23rd 2011 at 3:17:50 AM

[up] No, it doesn't. Homo is even more specific than that and refers to creatures such as Homo Erectus. It's a genus.

Humans and Chimpanzees share the family hominidae, but they don't share a genus.

  • Might I suggest Canis erectus, or Canis lupus erectus, for a scientific name?

edited 23rd Mar '11 3:19:25 AM by annebeeche

Banned entirely for telling FE that he was being rude and not contributing to the discussion. I shall watch down from the goon heavens.
LoniJay from Australia Since: Dec, 2009 Relationship Status: Pining for the fjords
#8: Mar 23rd 2011 at 3:19:35 AM

[up] Ah. I stand corrected, then. smile

Be not afraid...
TheBorderPrince Just passing by... from my secret base Since: Mar, 2010
Just passing by...
#9: Mar 23rd 2011 at 6:29:23 AM

Wulver maybe? The word comes from Scotish folklore were it is a creature that looks like an anthrophomorphic wolf. (Human body, wolf head, fur and perhaps a tail.) It is said to be quite friendly unless provoked, sometimes even helping humans. (Look at the other Wiki for more info.)

I use them in some stories, my wulvers are a Totally Not a Werewolf ProudWarriorRace with every Scotish, Irish and Viking stereotype possible thrown in just for fun.

I reject your reality and substitute my own!!!
theLibrarian Since: Jul, 2009
#10: Mar 23rd 2011 at 9:03:01 AM

Wulver maybe, though I'm now thinking about just calling them wolves. Unfortunately, that would probably confuse readers into thinking "regular wolves".

Canae, perhaps? If anyone wants to know what the reason for this is, I'm writing a story that's a bit like The Dresden Files, except the protagonist is a dragon instead of a wizard. It takes place in New England where various mythological creatures from several pantheons of mythology (mostly Asian and European) all live.

TheBorderPrince Just passing by... from my secret base Since: Mar, 2010
Just passing by...
#11: Mar 23rd 2011 at 4:31:59 PM

If You call them Canae, why not have some fun with The Battle of Cannae in 216 BC. So why not use Punics(Have purpure as their signature colour) or Hannibals (Have them being good fighters and believe they are blessed by their god(s)) as slang for them.

Alternative, in the case of Canae, have a slang name hinting at Aincent Rome and perhaps even the she-wolf that raised Romulus and Remus?

edited 23rd Mar '11 4:33:11 PM by TheBorderPrince

I reject your reality and substitute my own!!!
stingerbrg Since: Jun, 2009
#12: Mar 23rd 2011 at 4:40:09 PM

Cryptozoologists who look into sightings of humanoid wolves call them wolf-folk (at least, one does).

theLibrarian Since: Jul, 2009
#13: Mar 23rd 2011 at 5:03:37 PM

That's not a bad idea...Although they are wolves, not dogs, so maybe something with "Lup" in it.

Anaheyla Since: Jan, 2001
#14: Apr 2nd 2011 at 10:18:04 PM

Steve. Just for the sake of being different. The Steve race. Stevian culture/language/what have you. A group of Steves is called an Awesome.

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