Post by Tulf on Jul 20, 2015 0:16:23 GMT
SHAPESHIFTERS INTRODUCTION
A step to the side from werewolves and their kin are the beings that live around the world as personifications of animal; beings that populate myths everywhere – therianthropes. Although their natures vary as much as the animals they resemble, for simplicity’s sake they are referred to simply as ‘Shapeshifters’. While there are many unique varieties, particularly evidenced by the animalistic youkai of Japan and the shapeshifters of the night known in African myth; they all share their connection to particular species of animal and their ability to shift between the form of that beast and that of a human. They are probably the most wide-ranging Mystic Kind, and often the most subtle given their human guises.
As they appear in myths around the world, Mystic Kind have been able to live amongst humans for centuries without interrupting the guise of the supernatural until recent times; simply slotting in neatly as humans in everyday life. Unlike werewolves, their culture tends to be a lot more varied than simply depending on tribe; as even amongst the youkai the bird-like martial arts masters of the tengu are vastly different to the mythical merchants of the raccoon-like tanuki. These differences are even more clear in different parts of the world as some seem more similar to werewolves than other shapeshifters, such as the more domestic-based canine cyanthropes referred to in Greek and Chinese lore or the therianthropes referred to in Indian tales of weretigers. However, these still tend to differ significantly to werewolves in their general lack of transferal of the ability in any viral fashion, and have their own traits and origins that are not similar enough to connect the Mystic Kind under the same title.
However, while mostly benevolent enough to simply live amongst humans, many therianthropes in the past have congregated and created their own alliances and gangs behind the scenes where they live – it is both a way for them to connect with others with their problems and a way for them to clash over them as well. Eventually, this had often lead to houses of different or just assorted shapeshifters fighting under the noses of everyday humans akin to gang feuds; which have only gotten more open now that the supernatural are more accepted. Many shapeshifters in the current generation are still drawn into these conflicts by their families and friends, but many also leave behind these shackles – often at the cost of their respect and heritage.
On the other hand, some of these groups have sunk far deeper instead of emerging on top with the revelation of the supernatural – they have become secret societies akin to the Leopard Society and Crocodile Society; delving into the animalistic natures of their supernatural heritage instead of embracing their humanity. Despite the stereotype of primitive shapeshifters and werewolves said to have these attitudes, many of these people masquerade themselves with normal lives and typically do not even make their superhuman nature known in the first place… which only makes them far more dangerous than the gangs, at least to the innocents of the world.
SHAPESHIFTER LIMITATIONS
- Given their wide variety, shapeshifters have very few specified traits or weaknesses as a whole – however, individual examples typically do have defined traits and weaknesses in their myths. Do you research, everyone!
- Cannot be turned into any other supernatural kind.
- Can learn and use Ki.
- Can learn and use Magic.
- Can take on the form of an animal and the form of a human.
- Cannot take on the form of any other animal.
GENERAL SHAPESHIFTER SKILLS/ABILITIES LIST
Please do note you can make your own Skills and Abilities. These are just suggestions.
Skills: You may take up Skills from the Human list from here.
Abilities:
Name: Shapeshifting
Description: The capacity to turn from the form of an animal to the form of a human. At E rank this is a change from human to a typical wild example of the animal, taking a minute to complete; albeit typically coming with some nausea from the change. Please describe your character’s animal form either here or in the appearance section.
At D rank, the shapeshifter is able to complete the transformation in thirty seconds with no nausea; to the point of being able to do so while still moving. At C and upwards, the shapeshifter can take a second form; typically representing a mix of human and animal traits or an enhanced example of their animal form. At B rank, the shapeshifter’s animal form is an ideal example of the animal and supernaturally capable. At A rank, the shapeshifter can intersperse their human form with their animal features with split-second transformations; conjuring the animal’s limbs or natural weapons and armour on a whim (albeit scaled to their human body).
Rank: A~E