Preparation.

Pacifying a werewolf may sound very noble and heroic at first glance... It's not. It's messy, tiring and bound to go south similar to best laid plans imploding in our faces. Werewolves as known in popular media, are some form of shifters. Supernatural strength and bestial instincts guiding their actions and the actual beast coming out to play when the full moon shone across the sky.

While I could confirm this, it would not be completely untrue. Werewolves, or shifters, can shift as per their wishes even when there's the absence of the full moon. The strength they have in human form is greatly diminished from their bestial form. Transforming during diminished moon phases and exerting themselves leaves them greatly weakened and after certain point very weak. So it is avoided by the shifters.

But, in this case, there appeared to be a werewolf with no qualms shifting constantly. It indicates either the shifter is packless, which is rare, young or very ****.

During deep emotional or stressful moments, the shifter turns to their bestial form as a defensive mechanism. Which in turn drives them in deep states of paranoia, increased emotions whether they be fear, sadness, hunger or anger.

I had, from personal experience, pacified some shifters who were in deep pain and confused. Although how I'd stumbled on that fact was a different story altogether.

Sighing, I heaved an old, worn tome onto my desk. A Guide To Courtesies For The Wandering Soul By Valor The Wanderer.

Softly brushing its cover with my hand, I thought of how I had found it with other two in my childhood home. Dilapidated floors, web coverd ceilings, thick layers of dust all through that place... I shook my head. It had been few years I had rid of that place from my life and it would stay that way.

Thumbing through the pages, I found the section about shifters and started reading:

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Of Shifters and Their Ways

"Shifters, those folk who walk a path between man and beast, can be a perplexing sort. Remember, they are not mere dogs, though some may resemble them in their bestial form. Avoid, at all costs, any canine-related puns or jokes. Trust me, their humor is far more…rugged.

Shifters are fiercely territorial. Never, under any circumstances, intrude upon a pack's den without express invitation. A loud, unexpected greeting might startle them, causing an unfortunate incident. Should you find yourself near a den, offer a respectful distance and a small offering of raw meat, preferably venison.

Their senses are heightened, so strong scents can be incredibly irritating. Avoid heavy perfumes, garlic (a particular aversion), and, for mercy's sake, do not attempt to approach a shifter with a skunk in tow.

Shifter cubs are fiercely guarded. Never, ever approach a cub without the express permission of the mother or the Alpha. A stern growl is their way of saying, "Back off, human."

Respect the Alpha. They are the leaders of the pack, and their word is law. A small gift of respect, such as a rare herb or a well-crafted hunting knife, can go a long way.

Should a shifter become agitated, offer them space. A calm voice, a soothing apology, and a slow retreat are your best course of action. If they are particularly irate, a small offering of honey or strong spirits might help to appease their temper.

Remember, Shifters are wild creatures at heart, and their ways may seem strange to us. But with a little courtesy and understanding, you can navigate your encounters with these fascinating beings without incident."

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Although the tone and some courtesies here were a little old here, it was useful knowing than being ignorant. Shaking my head, I continued to refresh my knowledge on shifters to prepare better for tomorrow.

After the do's and don'ts, I had to heave up another old tome, The Wayfarer's Guide to Staying Alive Among the Strange By Valor The Wanderer.

Another one by the same author and it was just as useful. Somedays I wondered who this fellow was, why were his books in that house and where could I get more. Seeing the way he wrote, it was clear he was from olden times. And the landscapes he described sometimes matched suspiciously to some in US and some across the world. Turning several pages, I found what I was looking for:

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Of Shifters and Survival

"Should you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of a Shifter becoming hostile, remember that discretion is the better part of valor (yes indeed). Shifters are rarely solitary creatures, and a prolonged struggle with one will undoubtedly draw the attention of the pack.

Their strength is prodigious, their senses razor-sharp, and their instincts honed by millennia of survival. Never, I repeat, never, attempt to outmuscle them. Their agility and ferocity in their bestial form are truly a sight to behold.

Should you find yourself engaged in an unavoidable conflict, your best strategy is to tire them out. Shifters, despite their formidable strength, are not immune to fatigue. Feint, dodge, and lead them on a merry chase, all the while keeping a watchful eye for escape routes.

Never, under any circumstances, falter or show weakness. A display of fear will only embolden them. Maintain a strong front, even if your knees are trembling. If possible, attempt to negotiate a peaceful resolution.

Should negotiation fail, and you find yourself facing a lone Shifter, seek enclosed spaces. Their strength can be countered by restricting their movement. Aim for the ribs, a well-placed blow can disrupt their breathing.

If you have prepared for such an encounter, a well-timed application of a sedative or a potent sleep-inducing potion can prove invaluable, especially if they are in their bestial form.

Remember, survival is paramount. Do not hesitate to employ any means necessary to escape with your life. But always, always, strive for a peaceful resolution. For even the most fearsome Shifter prefers a life without unnecessary conflict."

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I rolled my at some puns but nonetheless nodded as I recalled various times I had used some these methods to stop shifters. Modern day convenience had introduced multitudes of ways to apply the so called peaceful methods of this author. Tranquilizer darts for example. Though it did get harder when they wore metal plating their fur. I frowned at that thought.

Nonetheless, I did inventory of my, ah, pacification supplies.

Rummaging through the box, I counted my tranquilizer darts, jumped up firecrackers that ignited on impact and produced a deafening sound, etc.

Opening the cooler with cooling ward, I took out a metal box. Opening it, I took the talismans and spread them out on the floor. There were Reinforcement, Harden, Quell and finally a ritual spell engraved on parchment called Lull.

Reinforcement and Harden went on my cane. A nice upgrade for cane, however temporary it would be. The wooden can now would be more resilient and would pack extra punch, without extra weight.

The ritual spell, Lull, was more of an expensive option in my armory. This spell took time to make, not just the spellforms I had to draw, materials... Most important was the amount of mental exhaustion it left me with. It was not like talisman crafting, which I could make more frequently. Moreover, like talismans it degraded when in use and also on the shelf. So not worth keeping it for long time in store.

The ritual spell also had my drop of blood, so I just had to tear the paper, think of the target and utter the spell name. And well, hope the target's willpower didn't completely outstrip mine.

Quell went on my overcoat, considering it was fall anyways it wasn't that strange. Now fall damage or bluntforce would be reduced, until the talisman tore anyways. Not to mention the tearing my overcoat would suffer. I thought about it, and slapped on the reinforcement tag on the overcoat, now the metal box empty. The talisman function definitions were a little broader...it would work.

Closing the closet door, I sat at my desk and pulled last of my 3 tomes, The Wayfarer's Grimoire of Expedient Magic By Valor The Wanderer.

"Let's see, what do you have to say about useful magics, Valor. Though I'm no traveler..."