OOC: Expanded Notes: Methods of Restraint
The Order currently allows its werewolves a relative amount of freedom (compared to previous years) when they aren't being experimented on and when they aren't nearing the full moon. However, in exchange for being able to freely mingle with others within the confines of the island, precautions must be taken. Werewolves who cannot be made to accept any precautions, or on whom the precautions are thought to be entirely ineffective, are sequestered in a special area and forbidden from having contact with others.
The most common precaution is the collar. It comes in two basic varieties: a solid metal ring, and a slightly more comfortable metal chain. The metal may vary depending on a werewolf's weaknesses.
The basic premise is the same for both kinds. The collar is just loose enough on a human neck that it doesn't cause problems. However, transformed werewolves tend to be bigger, including having thicker necks; they could strangle themselves if they change.
The collar has no clasp and is too tight to be pulled over one's head. The collar is intended to be worn day and night, whenever a werewolf is outside of certain designated areas or hasn't had permission to remove the collar.
The metal is sealed together around the neck with, well, a certain seal; none of the werewolves have access to the removal method, and must go to a staff member to have it taken off. Collars are always removed before the night of the full moon.
There have been instances of werewolves transforming and managing to break the collars themselves before it's too late, but those were mostly werewolves unaffected by the metal. Some varieties of collars are said to be able to shrink and strangle the werewolf by magic, but as far as most are concerned, it's just a rumor that the staff brushes off.
Lavi has a chain-type collar primarily made of iron. (It's been coated to prevent rust.) There is another thin sheet of iron and a tiny silver rose cross covering the link that was sealed.
A lesser but still relatively common precaution (not used alone) is the use of metal embedded through and under the skin. These can range from normal sorts of piercings (like earrings) to more invasive measures (like lacing silver beads underneath the skin).
This method is meant to reduce the urge to change -- directly or by making them feel ill -- and to make the process painful as a deterrent.
The more invasive procedures are often done to sequestered werewolves whether they like it or not, although it's not limited to them.
The simple piercings can usually be removed by the werewolves themselves.
Lavi wears a pair of iron earrings (like the collar, coated to prevent rust).
Some werewolves with more organic weaknesses (e.g. mountain ash or wolfsbane) are required to be in contact with whatever their weakness is for at least part of the night. If the weakness is edible, they might have to eat a little (not enough to cause serious harm). Someone has to witness this to confirm exposure.
There are other methods, but those are the most common, and other kinds of control tend to be based on those basic concepts.