Do I have to be a werewolf to be a Companion? It looks like I can't do Companion quests unless I do Silver Hand and be a werewolf. Sounds like being a Vampire . . .
Or, am I way off base?

Yes you have to be a werewolf in order to contiune the Companion's questline.

They do let you cure yourself fairly quickly.

it is a little frustrating to be sure. I can not wait to see more options modded in for that questline...

That is bad news and good news, I think. Thanks for quick replies. Umm, does being a Werewolf svck?

Not really you get a 100% disease resistance and unlike in Morrowind you are no longer bound into becoming a werewolf every night. Instead you get to choose when you want to become a werewolf though it's a once per day thing. You do lose any sleep related perks such as well rested and lovers comfort though.

Thanks again . . . That helps. My character, first in Skyrim, is a really good guy. Maybe he shouldn't do this and I should wait until I am a slightly evil mage/thief.

As Kodlak Whitemane and Farkas will tell you, for some it's seen as a blessing, for others a curse. Unlike being a vampire, nobody will attack you on sight, but if you change into a werewolf in public, it will be reported and you'll have a bounty on your head. I didn't see any practical advantage to being a werewolf. You can use the ring of Hircine from a quest out of Falkreath to change into a werewolf temporarily, but there are restrictions, if I recall correctly. Just be sure to gather several witch heads when the time comes in a later quest, so that you will have the option of curing yourself.

being a werewolf doesn't automatically make you bad ... just a badass.

Yes, but at the end of the quest line you have the option of curing yourself. So you don't have to stay a werewolf forever.

i found it awesome for traveling looong distances where you havent been to before. The speed is great. the fact that they gave you the choice to be one when you wanted is also great, i wouldnt have cured myself if i knew how crappy the rest perks are in skyrim before.(i never slept until late in the game)