Hengeyokai

Lifecycle

• First 100 years lived solely in animal form
• Enter adolescence after 100 years, gaining shapeshifting abilities
• Can live beyond 200 years
• Memories of animal life become vague after transformation

Subraces

Hengeyokai have dozens of different subraces based on the animal they are connected to. For example: Cat, Dog, Crab, Crane, Fox, Carp, Monkey, Hare, Racoon, Rat, Sparrow and many more.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Hengeyokai possess three distinct forms:
Animal Form

• Appears identical to a natural animal of their type
• Limited to 2-3 feet in length
• Indistinguishable from normal animals except through magic or careful observation

Hybrid Form

• Stands as tall as a local human (5-6 feet)
• Retains animal features like fur, feathers, tails, or wings
• Bipedal with fully functional hands
• Weight ranges from 100-140 pounds

Human Form

• Appears as a typical local human with subtle animal features
• Maintains same height as hybrid form
• Usually smaller and slighter than average humans

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivorous, with preferences matching their animal type. Each subrace favors foods natural to their animal form:

• Sparrow Hengeyokai prefer grains and seeds
• Cat Hengeyokai are heavy meat-eaters

Behaviour

• Naturally mischievous and fond of playing tricks
• Value freedom and independence
• Avoid long-term attachments
• Share personality traits with their animal type
• Deeply resent imprisonment or cages
• Form close bonds only with those who earn their trust

Civilization and Culture

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

• Live alone or in small nomadic bands (up to 20 individuals)
• Avoid large settlements
• No formal clan structures
• Equal status between males and females
• Often serve as protectors of local communities
• Adopt local customs and languages
• Avoid positions of authority

History

Hengeyokai trace their origins to unions between humans and shapeshifting animal spirits from the Feywild. Their existence represents a bridge between the material world and spirit realm, possessing qualities of both.
It is documented that Hengeyokai resulted from rare unions of love between nature spirits and mortal humans, similar to spirit folk origins. This connection to both physical and spiritual realms defines their unique abilities and social position.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Feywildians

Scientific Name

Henge'quessir (Changing People)

Origin/Ancestry

Spirit-Human unions

Lifespan

200 years

Average Height

5-6 feet

Average Weight

100-140 pounds