Puka

Pukai (singular Puka) are a type of shapeshifting Fae who take on traits of particular animals. They typically draw their power from emotion. Even while most Pukai can assume nearly Human forms, they always have what is referred to as a Tell. This Tell is one or more animalistic features (most commonly ears or a tail) which the Puka in question cannot shift to become more Human-like.
There are many sub-types of Pukai, including Lykans, Leporids, Kitsune, and more.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Pukai in their Human forms are generally indistinguishable from Humans, with the exception of their Tells. For instance, a Leporid might always have rabbit ears, or a fluffy white tail, or both. A Lykan might have a lupine tail or eyes. Some Pukai even have extended, furry, animalistic legs or really big, fluffy feet.
In their half-forms, Pukai resemble anthropomorphic versions of their corrosponding animal type.
In full animal form, Pukai often have Tells as well. Their eyes tend to be unusually coloured for that species, and often display metallic shades. Occasionally their fur is also an unusual colour; perhaps pitch black, green, or shining white.
Pukai can transform any and all parts of their bodies between their animal and Human forms, such as manifesting a single paw, or even manifesting hands with opposable thumbs and no claws in their animal forms, though their Tells never go away.
Neither Human nor animal form is the "natural" form of a Puka. They are capable of sustaining either form, or some blend thereof, for extended periods, and will not shapeshift into any particular form if killed or knocked unconscious, unlike some legends and myths would indicate.
Pukai have an inborn allergy to silver. While this does not have the mythological effects of, say, shooting a Lykan with a silver bullet, they will develop rashes or hives upon skin contact, and can get very sick if silver is ingested or injected. Some will react with anaphylatic shock.

Genetics and Reproduction

Pukai in Human form are capable of coupling with Humans with no adaptations, though crossbreeds are rare, and Changelings (half-Human, half-Fae) often suffer from hormone imbalances that can lead to severe depression. In their animal forms, they are theoretically capable of coupling with their animal type as well, though most Pukai find the idea of coupling with any non-sophant abhorant.
The gestation period of Pukai is similar to that of Humans, with the difference only being discernable over a broad statistical range, as Pukai gestation tends to be slightly longer.

Ecology and Habitats

Pukai were clearly among the dominant species of Taemi, and thus display a similar range of habitats to Humans, with their intelligence allowing them access to environments that are not naturally preferred. They do have tendencies that reflect their animal types in the choices of those habitats when possible, however. Kitsune prefer closed terrain such as forests, while Lykan prefer spaces that encourage a broad range for the grazing animals wolves hunt.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Pukai are omnivores, just as Humans are, but lean to a preference that reflects the dietary habits of their associated animal. There isn't a Leporid born who doesn't enjoy good, leafy greens, or a Lykan who will say no to a rare steak. In animal forms, they usually eat a similar diet to that animal, and can, if necessary, survive on that diet almost indefinitely, as long as they don't shift back to Human form too often.
It should be noted that shapeshifting is a physical effort somewhat akin to running for brief periods, and requires calories to enact. A starving Puka will have difficulty summoning the energy to shapeshift.

Behaviour

Pukai behaviour is often influenced by their animal type. Lykans are family-oriented, social, and protective; Kitsune are mischievous and quick-witted; Leporids are clever, social, and lusty.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Pukai have generally organized themselves into Clans which represent their preferred animal form (ie Lykan and Leporid). These Clans are then headed by a House, such as the Lykan House Gicela and the Leporid House Lapin. The House leading a Clan can change over time.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Pukai often benefit from an improved sensory package as "borrowed" from their animal type, especially if they have related Tells. Leporid hearing, for example, tends to the exceptional, as does the Lykan sense of smell. They must have manifested the necessary sensory organ to take advantage of the improved sense, however. A Leporid who has not transformed their ears does not benefit from the improved hearing.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Many significant Clans that rule nations that came from the world of Taemi are Pukai, including House Lapin, a Leporid clan that rules The Queendom of Lastua, and House Gicela, a famous clan of Lykan warriors who support Lapin's rule.

Gender Ideals

As a general rule, Pukai don't tend to put a lot of stock in gender in terms of assigning cultural roles. This might be because magic is available to most Fae, so assuming power based on size, muscularity, or a variety of other such factors simply isn't as relevant to them. Often, one of the markers of a Puka who got involved in human history or mythology before The Alignment was that they flaunted Human gender conventions.
There are exceptions, depending on the nature of the animal a given Puka transforms into, which, to some degree, influences personality and behaviour. Leporids, for example, tend towards matriarchies, because lagomorphs do.

History

All Pukai can trace their lineage back to the world of Taemi through their dominant bloodline, as Taemi is the homeworld of all Fae.

Queen Sable Aradia by HeroForge

Queen Sable Aradia, the Leporid Puka monarch of Lastua

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Fae

Scientific Name

Homo taemi metamorpha

Lifespan

80-90 years

Related Organizations

• House Gicela