>>767205related to something different, the 'were-' part is mostly only in name to distinguish the ones who can change between forms from those who can't.
i don't know what it would be for the mr. roach here specifically but for Florence, for example (picrel), it's a defense mechanism based in anger or fear (which turns into anger for her anyway). It *can* be done on purpose if you learn how as Florence has to make weaving & building stuff, and keeping people away from you much more convenient
