Shapeshifters
Homo Permūtatio
Shapeshifters are the result of a very rare quirk of Human birth. Likely due to exposure to incredible amounts of magic during pregnancy, they are able to mold their entire body effortlessly, as if they'd spent numerous lifetimes studying the magics to accomplish the same feat.
It is inherently impossible to describe average Shapeshifter appearance, save to say that they do tend to have a single form they identify with most closely, and any that are legally a part of the Divided are marked with a magical rune that can be detected no matter what form they take.
Physical Attributes and Appearance
Shapeshifters' 'default' biology is that of a normal Human. This does not mean that is all that they are, however. Some magical aspect to them, which no physical manifestation of has been found, allows them to transform and warp their body to whatever whim they might wish. This allows them to appear, and even function to a significant degree, as any other species of the Divided if they wish. They can even transform themselves in ways that don't appear in any other race without magical transformations. Typically most Shapeshifters have a single 'default' form that they stick to unless there's reason to change, but some prefer to change their appearance, body, gender, or even race, on a more frequent basis. The single static thing about Shapeshifters, at least those who are legally part of Divided society, is a magical rune that can be detected no matter how they change their form.Magical Attributes and Skill
Shapeshifters are fairly average at most magic, save for Telepathy, Biomancy (except Transformation, though using that isn't technically considered magic for them) and Dimensional magic. They are slightly below average in terms of Elementalism, as well. Their spiritual reserves are a bit lacking, but their regeneration is quite impressive. Their fine control is quite good, but their large-scale control abysmal. They are also fairly vulnerable to magic.Senses and Perception
Shapeshifters, by default, have only normal Human senses. However, they are able to augment these by molding their body to have any other sensory organ they wish, even ones that would be entirely alien to other Divided. They do still require a simple spell to perceive invisible magic forces.Genetics and Reproduction
Shapeshifters are able to reproduce normally, but their children tend to be born as if they were a normal Human, unless the other parent was also a Shapeshifter. Occasionally, Shapeshifter children will be born to a pair of Human parents.Growth and Lifespan
The nature of how Shapeshifters grow and develop still needs huge amounts of study to understand. Until a scarce century and a half ago, Shapeshifters were by necessity secretive about their nature. Even now many still remain that way, and tracking them is extraordinarily difficult for obvious reasons. From those who have been legally accepted into the Divided and tracked as they age, their development seems to be vaguely similar to Humans'. Their puberty takes around 7 to 10 years to begin, and physical maturity takes until around 16 to 19 years to achieve. Their mental maturity seems to develop remarkably quickly, taking only until 17 or so years old to develop. Due to their nature, however, a Shapeshifter could choose to form their body into that of an adult from the earliest age they are able to control their powers properly. It is unknown how this type of alteration to natural aging would affect them long-term, but it is assumed to be part of why many illegal Shapeshifters tend to be rather... unhinged. The average lifespan of Shapeshifters has not been determined, and is potentially infinite given that they can simply shapeshift any damage to their body away in instants. This may have deleterious effects in the long run, but that is currently unknown.Naming Traditions
Shapeshifters' names are no different than Humans, other than the fact that the illegal Shapeshifters still in society tend to adopt entirely different pseudonyms for themselves, which are often outlandish or quirky in several ways.Culture and Customs
The standard for Shapeshifters is to have one form that they stick to the vast majority of the time, or else change between several as Humans would change outfits. They can usually be recognized by their mannerisms and speech no matter their form.Dietary Needs
While Shapeshifters don't have any specific dietary needs, they do tend to eat quite a lot more than would be expected.Etiquette Tips
Shapeshifters typically have one form that they stick to most of the time, much like a Human might have a favorite jacket or shirt. Changing forms in front of people can be a bit disconcerting or gross, so it is typically done away from others' view.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
