Beastkin

Grotesque Chimera of Man & Beast

Those cursed things, wrought of naught but hubris. By God's hand, let their false lord perish beside them.

- Human Clergyman

The Curse of the Beastkin

The Beastkin is a chimera-like being, typically non-sentient and of grotesque form. They are oft feared by Man and beast alike, and their silhouette is easily discernible from any natural creature.
Although Beastkin are generally monstrous in nature, a rare few retain their sentience. These few are forlorn; they wander the overgrown paths of the world with little companionship and the knowledge that they can never truly reintegrate into human society.
Some view this affliction as blessing rather than curse. There are those who pursue this chimera-like state for a variety reasons, one of which is rumored popular among the occult breed. These individuals seek to paint themselves in the image of their God. To survive such a rite with mind intact would mark one as unquestionably devout.

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Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Humanity
• Other species of choice

Lifespan

• Variant

If the individual retains sentience, then Beastkin will generally live out the remainder of their life that they would have as a Human unless hunted.

Geographic Distribution

• Variant

Beastkin are far and few between and are not typically organized in settlements. There are only three approximate known Beastkin population centers which house beings of a similar variant.

Notable Civilizations

• Unknown
• Unknown
• Unknown

Basic Information

Anatomy

The anatomy of Beastkin are dependent on a multitude of factors. Although those viable for reproduction have become similar by the generation as "impurity" is bred away, no lone Beastkin may be considered of similar breed to another.

- Beastkin: An Experiment in Rapid Evolution

Complexity

The complexity of the ritual in the creation of a Beastkin will also affect its final outcome. In keeping with the Law of Equivalent Exchange, the more drastic the desired mutation is, the greater the "sacrifice" will be to perform a transmutation affecting the human form.
An oft-cited example is the addition of a handful of scales to the body, versus changing one's entire body to resemble a scaled being. The less complex the transmutation, the higher the probability is of the expected result becoming the actual result.

Willingness

While not known if as affective as the other two categories, the willingness of the person whom the rites center around also appears to matter in the final outcome. Research from ancient alchemists seems to lead to the conclusion that the greater the willingness of a subject is to endure human transmutation, the higher the likelihood is that their mind will remain intact Some suggest that as the mind rebels against transmutation, it suffers irreversible trauma in the process.

Knowledge & Skill

As with any craft, the knowledge and skill of the artisan matters. Even master alchemists would find themselves facing extensive difficulty shaping the flesh of beings to create such a chimera. To say the least, the creation of Beastkin is for the most part a lost art, and likely for the better. It is a very closely guarded secret by the few who retain the teachings of the ancients, and is never spread willingly outside their circles.
The inexperienced Alchemist could easily find themselves faced with such outcomes like a mess of liquidated flesh adorning their wall, or a hungering monstrosity ready to kill.

The Beast

It would be remiss to not mention what will determine the anatomical goal: the beast itself. Of course, the anatomy of Beastkin will differ as each combines the characteristics of Man and the beast of choice of either the Alchemist or, if voluntary, the subject.