Shifter
Shifters are often viewed as the union between two worlds. For some, they are the union between the animalfolk of Avestra and humanoids such as Elves and Dwarves. For others, they are the union between Lycans and non-Lycan pairings. Whatever the case, the Shifters are children of two worlds and can draw upon the strengths of both. However, sometimes they also gain the detriments of both as well.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A Shifter can appear as any species their parents belong to, taking on their features as well. Sometimes, they do have However, when they choose to awaken their animalistic side, their appearances begin to shift as they summon features related to the animal they are attuned to.
- Beasthide Shifters appear to be hardier, thanks to their connection to bears and boars of the wild. Their skin is tougher, able to sustain blows that would rend lesser men.
- Longtooth Shifters call upon the wolves, bearing fangs that allow them to tear through flesh and even armor just as well as a Lunari does.
- Swiftstride Shifters are connected to cats or rats, giving them slender builds that allow them to move faster and even slip away from enemies without being hurt.
- Wildhunt Shifters call upon wolves, rats, tigers, and other animals known for either tracking their prey or using guile instead of strength.
Near places where Reptilian or Bird animalfolk live, there are said to be shifters that draw upon these attributes as well, sometimes being mistaken for Yuan-Ti or creatures such as harpies.
Growth Rate & Stages
A shifter born of an animalfolk and non-animalfolk union usually take their growth and lifespan from a combination of their parents. Some develop at the same rate as Lunari, Humans, and Elves but others can age even faster, burning out their lifespan just as fast as well. Shifters born of Lycan blood usually reach adulthood by age 10 and live to about 70 years.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
All Shifters have the ability to see in the dark in shades of grey thanks to their animal heritage. However, Wildhunt Shifters are the only ones who have more of an advantage on using their wisdom to recall or perceive this around them. It's impossible for others to catch them unaware as well.
Civilization and Culture
History
Shifters arrived on Avestra as races like the Alomri, Gnolls, and others developed alongside the non-animalfolk of Avestra. Their eventual union gave birth to these children who took traits from both their parents but could also summon a bestial side locked deep within them. At first, not many were sure what to make of them but as time went on, they came to accept them. Shifters are very much like Half-Elves and Half-Orcs in that they've been part of their parents' history, serving as the background elements.
However, Shifters have another version of themselves born from those cursed with Lycanthropy having children with those that aren't. These Shifters aren't bound to the animal side of their parents, able to choose their own animal power that they wish to call upon. In lands where they appeared, Shifters weren't as common, causing fear and persecution to spread for their kind. It was only when animalfolk and Shifters born of them spread to these lands that they were able to be free of the stigma upon them but they still face some challenges from those past viewpoints. But both sets of Shifters search for a home for themselves where they can live in peace, whether it be among civilization or among nature undisturbed by the former.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Shifters are often accepted by their parents except for those born to groups such as the Lumin Orcs. As such, they usually have a good relationship with them and even follow their ways for their entire lives or leave to find a path for themselves. Lycantouched Shifters hold no loyalty to their parents whether they be shifters or not as the fear others hold deep down makes them distant from the other races. However, they mainly try to stay as fair and neutral as they can.
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