Keracore

The second branch of the 'Mimracore' family, the Keracore are descendants of the long extinct Manticore. This species is influenced by animals it sees, encounters, and/or consumes, which grants them the ability to copy and morph into an animal-like beasts. Reminiscent of their ancestor the Manticore, fully grown Keracore gain three animal 'segments'. These segments are not restricted to family, and are instead based on environment and experience. The humanoid form of the Keracore will display their animal-like parts in various stages, ranging from minor cosmetic differences to becoming a bipedal version of their other form.
Keracore are a pack-minded species that prioritize their community over all else. And in the old ages were known to lead violent crusades against those that they felt had wronged their kin. Because they believe in the safety of community above all else this species is naturally aggressive when encountering strangers for the first time, regardless of personality or disposition. This instinct makes them poor candidates for diplomats and other political positions, and as such communities have a 'You bite we bite back.' mentality. The people of this race are staunch believers in maintaining ecosystems and the environment, and protest the sedentary nature of farms and ranches. Before becoming cultured to the rules and ways of the Union, the Keracore would burn down and abandon farms every three years to 'ensure that the natural way of life is maintained'. Nowadays this practice has been shunned and abandoned, but it is not uncommon for farms to be sold off to families and left to the elements.
In greater society Keracore occupy a great range of professions, and many work surprisingly well in the entertainment industry. These people are naturally equip for jobs in the law enforcement and security industry, and disadvantaged in the culinary or modeling world. Because of their biology Keracore have a hard time finding clothing in general society, and as such value tailors and brands dedicated to their anatomy.

Basic Information

Growth Rate & Stages

This species grows at a rate slightly slower than humans, and fully matures at the age of 38. The Keracore experience three metamorphoses throughout their lives.
The first occurs around the eight to ten year mark, where the lower body segments into its chosen animal. This metamorphosis is considered to be the most painful, as the legs and lower limbs are often broken and rearranged to accommodate the physical changes. This segment is referred as 'The challenge of the Body', and dictates the pain tolerance that a Keracore will develop.
The second metamorphosis happens alongside puberty, which usually starts around 14 to 17 years. The upper body of the Keracore segments along with the natural progression of puberty unlike the other two segments. This secondary change is not as painful as the first, but often cause deep, aching pains along the site of segmentation for the duration of the transformation. As with the first, the secondary metamorphosis is called 'The challenge of the Mind', and often spurs personality and behavioral changes.
The third and final metamorphosis will always happen on a Keracore's 23rd birthday, and is processed as a literal cocoon of core fibers and magic. The shortest of the three, the third segment takes around two weeks to a month to complete. It is not restricted to a certain section of the body, and transformations can range from horns and or claws, to additional limbs such as tentacles and wings. Called 'The challenge of the Soul', this metamorphosis creates a Keracore's mana reserves and magic tolerance.

Genetic Descendants

• Chimedea

Origin/Ancestry

Manticore