Shapeshifters

Transmission & Vectors

The shapeshifting ability itself cannot be transmitted anymore than any other affinity, but it is possible for the physical changes to be passed on from parent to child as it seems to be genetic. This is unlikely since the condition often makes procreation difficult or cause the child to be stillborn. The child, if it survives, will manifests similar traits to the shapeshifting parent.

Causes

This condition is merely the byproduct of the incompetent use of one's shapeshifting affinity or the passed from a forebearer with the affinity.

Symptoms

The disfigurement is unique for every individual, depending on their initial intention, strength and how long they applied their affinity. This ranges from a single eye socket to wings to tentacle fingers.

Treatment

Some cases are mild enough that plastic surgery can undo the change while more complicated changes may require a full operation. However, others are simply too much for surgery.

Prognosis

There are three stages following the change: first, the critical stage in which the afflicted person enters a comatose state as their brain experiences severe shock from, you know, the fact that it has extra lungs and gills now. The person will either enter the second stage–adaptation–or die if the changes are too severe. Adaptation indicates that the brain is changing itself to accommodate this new organ. In the third stage, the person will usually wake up if they do at all, after which they will have to learn to use the additional limb/organ.

Affected Groups

Hypothetically, if everyone had absolute control over their affinities from birth, this condition would be nonexistent. However, given that this is not the case, combining the inherent difficulty of mastering an affinity with the immense amount of skill required to use this particular ability means that practically every human with this affinity is afflicted with this condition, until they are able to master it.

History

As long as the affinities have existed, so has this condition... however long ago that is. 

• Famous warrior berserker - battle axe? 

Cultural Reception

They are sometimes feared and ostracized as the changed appearance can be gruesome, but sometimes respected as spirits or even deities. In fact, old myths regarding demons, giants etc. were likely referring to people with the condition.

Type

Physiological

Origin

Mutated

Cycle

Chronic, Congenital

Rarity

Uncommon