Post by The Game Master on Mar 27, 2013 18:55:32 GMT -8
Shifters
A group of people whose genes, through the generations, underwent a strange mutation. This mutation has given rise to those who can change their form from human to a different creature, and is completely and utterly hereditary. Though almost completely identical to humans, Shifters are defined by their naturally pointed teeth. They’re a rare group and are often looked upon with wonder and curiosity, though some will ridicule them as being impure, despite their blood being completely human.
Most Shifters can take on two-three different forms, though there are some very talented ones that can take on five, while others that have less skill can only take on one. No Shifter has ever been known to go over five forms; it appears as though five is the maximum number that their bodies have the capacity to change into. All Shifters have the ability to achieve five forms; this can be done through much meditation, practice, and determination. Inevitably, however, the first one or two forms Shifters learn to imitate are innocuous and common animals.
It is often difficult to determine if you are faced with a Shifter or to tell when a Shifter you know has changed form, as their transformations are perfect. The only thing that reveals the fact they are not the true creature they're being is their eyes; their eyes never change no matter what form they take, always looking the same. Blue eyes will forever remain the same exact shade of blue, even when the Shifter is being a swallow, for example. While in a different form, Shifters do retain human speech. This allows them to communicate with others. Another way to discover a Shifter is upon their death, as the individual will revert back to their original form.
The forms that a Shifter can take on are completely random. More often than not, they will not have a single form in common with their parents. Forms include non-magical animals and only non-magical animals, and usually they are only able to take on forms up to the size of a large horse. There is absolutely no correlation between a Shifter’s forms and where they were born, their personality, or personal preference. Experienced Shifters can tell from a long look what creatures a beginner Shifter has the potential to take on, but these predictions are only accurate 70% of the time.
