Shifters / Lycanthropes

Perhaps the most feared of the mortal species, Shifers are a unique form of life on Earth in that they are made and not born. Any species may become a Shifter when afflicted with the magic that causes it, and said magic can affect different individuals in a wide variety of ways. One common effect, however, is that Shifters gain the ability to Shapeshift- hence their name- into an anthropomorphized animal of the same size. However, this transformation is not under their control, and can be triggered by a variety of circumstances.

For the most part, Lycanthropes do not recall their experiences as their animalistic half, but it is known to researchers that the most skilled Shifers are capable of retaining their mind during their transformations, giving them both their memories and far greater agency as a beast than their less experienced fellows normally possess.
While some Shifters are feared for the aggressive, fearful, or dangerous shapes they take during their transformations, others take forms that may charm, mystify, or amuse onlookers. Different varieties of Shifters may be called by different names, and these monikers vary by region and culture. In addition, the circumstances under which Shifters undergo their transformations are just as variable as the circumstances that lead to their affliction, making them unpredictable companions...even to themselves.