> [!infobox] > >> [!caption] >> ![[example-shifter.png]] >> Art of a vulpue shifter, Kazuki by XYuninoX/xsnowtailx > ###### Biological Information > | | | > | ---- | ---- | > | **Type** | [[Humanoid]] | > | **Subspecies** | - Caneir (wolfkin)<br>- Felisel (catkin)<br>- Leprea (rabbitkin)<br>- Aveis (birdkin)<br>- Anoura (frogkin)<br>- Cerhuv (deerkin)<br>- Lacert (lizardkin)<br>- Vulpue (foxkin)<br>- Vespiro (batkin) | > | **Vision** | Darkvision | > | **Abilities** | - Shifting<br>- Other (varies) | > > ##### Physical Information > | | | > | ---- | ---- | > | **Size** | Medium | > | **Lifespan** | 70-150 years | > | **Average height** | 5'4" - 5'8" | > | **Distinctions** | Animalistic features | > > ##### Sociocultural Information > | | | > | ---- | ---- | > | **Language** | (sometimes) Primordial | > | **Planes** | Material Plane ([[Syphora]]) | > | **Notable members** | - [[Cecillion Oora]] (anoura)<br>- Torchwick (leprea)<br>- Yuzuki Ito (vulpue)<br>- Kazuki Kenta (vulpue)<br>[[Fenn]] (caneir) | **Shifters**, also known as beastkin, is a blanket term for a wide variety of different races whose origins and powers originate and are drawn from the same place. Although there are many kinds of shifters, the trait they share amongst themselves is that they are all born with an innate ability to shift their form into that of a large, animalistic beast. From wolves to frogs, there is immense variety in this seldom-found race. Due to the nature of what a shifter is, many of these categorizes will be quite long-winded.   <br> ## **Description** #### **Appearance ...** The appearance of a shifter _vastly_ depends on which they are, and although some are incredibly similar in their features (such as caneir and vulpue), there are identical details that they all share. For example, all shifters are bipedal [[humanoid|humanoids]] with two eyes, ears, arms, and legs, as well as sharing multiple traits amongst each other; Including human-like hands and (typically) skin tones, animalistic tails and ears (excluding anoura), animal-like legs and feet, and having patches of fur, hair, scales, or patterns on the skin throughout their body. In most cases, they'll even share small details in relation to their animal counterpart, such as animal-like eyes, webbed or clawed fingers, or unnatural mouths or teeth. To see more in-depth descriptions of each shifter, refer to the subspecies section further below. In addition to the outward appearance of a shifter, each one is born with an innate ability to shift into a far more bestial form depending on the shifter they are with the use of a kynstone; Channeling their soul through it and morphing. From enormous rabbits to monstrous bats, each form varies in shape and animal, but share several key characteristics when they shift. In this state, they have heightened strength, mobility, abilities, and are even capable of speech (with altered voices, in most cases). Although these forms resemble the beast in which they originate, their forms are far more unique and, in some cases, monstrous than an average animal. For example, a leprea may have an elongated body with large claws, whiskers, frightening eyes, and abnormal ears or spiky fur. In most instances, this form also alters the shifter's clothing or armor to fit its new appearance.  #### **Personality ...** Similar to their appearances, the personality of a shifter _also_ depends on that in which they are. However, they all share one trait in common—Shifters tend to be reclusive; Tucked away in the many corners of nature where they can be free to embrace their animalistic nature and seldom found by those in commonplace society. That does not, however, mean they are rare. Far from it, in fact. There are even a few that have found themselves indoctrinated into such societies depending on the place, such as the felisel of the [[Kingdom of Ithor]]. Meanwhile, some sit in complete solitude from society, such as the anoura. But no matter the shifter or their status, it is common for a person to live their life without so much as setting an eye on a shifter. Shifters have a proclivity towards more animalistic behaviors that are more befitting their ancestry. Although such behaviors vary amongst civilization or individual, most act as such. From speaking primarily in growls and grunts to simple reactions such as whimpering or scratching while feeling endangered. Additionally, these traits are very often heightened whilst a shifter takes on their bestial form—So much so in some cases that their behavior reflects that of an animal so closely that they become dangerous or unruly. It isn't uncommon for societies of shifters to have some form of retaliation or precautions for such outbursts.   ## History #### **Origins ...** Believed to have been the spawn of the [[Prime Deities|Prime Deities']] adoration for nature, shifters are renowned for having an innate understanding of not magic, but nature and the natural order in which it resides...  #### **Society ...** Although some types of shifters are far more common than others, such as the caneir and felisel to the anoura and vespiro, their beliefs overlap in many ways. Though some societies of shifters may not practice these beliefs, these are the foundation of their culture; Said to be the spawn of the Gods' love of creation and nature, each has a primary deity in which they worship. [[Auero]], to the caneir; [[Cylia]], to the felisel; [[Angea]], to the leprea; [[Khor]], to the aveis; [[Seiyu]], to the anoura; [[Nothrih]], to the cerhuv; [[Ra'thori]], to the lacert; [[Horheus]], to the vulpue; and [[Viskari]], to the vespiro. Additionally, most shifters will vow their loyalty and strengths to what they call their Sacred Ancestor—A creature or being long before their time who ascended past that of a mortal shifter and achieved spiritual awakening or unbound their soul. It is said that any shifter can reach the status of a Sacred with enough training or awakening. However, each species of shifter has their own Sacred Ancestor. Fenrir, for the caneir; Nekomata, for the felisel; Al-Mi'raj or Wolpertinger, for the leprea; Fenghuang or Wuchowsen, for the aveis; Whowie, for the anoura; Sadhbh or the Four Stags, for the cerhuv; Salamandra, for the lacert; Kitsune, for the vulpue; and Camazotz, for the vespiro. <br> <br> ## Powers, abilities, and subspecies #### **Caneir ...** Also known as wolfkin, caneir are shifters with wolf-like traits such as canine ears, legs, feet, and tails, clawed hands, sharp teeth, canine-like eyes, and patches of fur. Although not all caneir have every one of these traits, they will have a majority of them...  <br> #### **Felisel ...** Also known as catkin, felisel are shifters with cat-like traits such as...  <br> #### **Leprea ...** Also known as rabbitkin, leprea are shifters with rabbit-like traits such a rabbit ears, legs, feet, and tails, buck teeth, patches of fur, and noses reminiscent of a rabbit. Although not every leprea will have every trait, they will have at least have a majority of them, but all of which having ears and tails. Their skin can vary from porcelain to dark browns, and their hair and fur can vary between whites, blacks, browns, oranges, and greys with patterns reminiscent to that of actual rabbits. Tending to inhabit woods and grasslands, most civilizations of leprea reside in areas of dense vegetation—Namely parts within the [[Kingdom of Ceilunea]], like its lush grasslands and meadows. However, they do not solely reside in such places and can be seldom-found in mountainous reaches, wetlands, tropics, or even deserts. With the use of a kynstone, leprea are able to shift into a large rabbit form—Often so big they rival the height of a [[human]]. With massive, quadrupedal bodies, leprea in this form are exceptionally agile and are capable of climbing sheer cliffs with relative ease. They also have heightened hearing, to the point they can catch small noises that may be unheard to the average ear, even when drowned out by other noises. It is said that those who ascend to a sacred Al-Mi'raj or Wolpertinger are far larger with horns, wings, fangs, and exceptionally large ears.  <br> #### **Aveis ...** Also known as birdkin, aveis are shifters with bird-like traits such as...  <br> #### **Anoura ...** Also known as frogkin, anoura are shifters with frog-like traits such as amphibious, having webbed fingers and frog-like feet, unnatural skin colors and patterns, lack of external ears, frog-like pupils, and wide mouths with frog-like tongues that can extend up to 10 feet. With skin tones that can vary from earthy browns, tans, and ivory to greens, yellows, and blues, most anoura mimic the appearance of their animal counterparts, especially in pattern and appearance. Currently residing in a sole tribe hidden somewhere in the [[Aucerian Ocean]], anoura are often seen as a mere myth to those who even know their name; It is said that their civilization is known only to their species—A beautiful island that flourishes with nature and culture alike, said to have been chosen by [[Saia|the Goddess]] herself to protect the gate of Hell. As with every shifter, anoura are able to channel their souls at will through something known as a kynstone; Shifting into a frog form of varying size and shape, but typically larger than the average [[human]]. Although uncommon, if a child anoura should do as such, their form will be much smaller and, in most cases, resemble some form of tadpole. However, these forms are often far more unique and, in some cases, monstrous than normal frogs. It is said that those who ascend to a sacred Whowie have much longer forms with tails, multiple limbs, and several eyes. Traditional anouran clothing consists of woven fabrics, cord, net, and jewelry made from oceanic materials like seaweed, plants, and shells. Their attire is often very exposed, and tends to expose far more than is accepted in normal society.  <br> #### **Cerhuv ...** Also known as deerkin, cerhuv are shifters with deer-like traits such as...  <br> #### **Lacert ...** Also known as lizardkin, lacert are shifters with lizard-like traits such as...  <br> #### **Vulpue ...** Also known as foxkin, vulpue are shifters with fox-like traits such as fox ears, tails, legs, and feet, sharp teeth, claws, and fox-like pupils—But not all of these traits are shared with every vulpue (except ears and tails). Their skin tones vary from pale white to dark browns, similar to [[human|humans]], but their hair and eye colors tend towards whites, blacks, browns, yellows, and oranges. It's said those descended from sacred Kitsune also have unnatural markings in their fur such as blues, yellows, or reds. Vulpue are often hidden civilizations, hiding around the corners of commonplace society and during seldom appearances, causing mischief or aiding those in need, no matter the climate. Most are said to live amongst the islands of ... and are said to be one of the most endangered of the race. Channeling their souls through a kynstone, vulpue shift into a fox form that can vary in shape and size—Especially those descended from sacred Kitsune, who are said to be capable of altering their size at will. Due to the scarcity of their race, most vulpue have heightened spirituality, especially when they shift. This results in their forms adopting exceptionally unique markings, traits, and larger tails. In this form, they have such a heightened sense of surroundings they can see behind themselves. It is said that those who ascend to a sacred Kitsune have spiritual markings, wispy fur, up to nine tales that represent their age, and are followed by ghostly fires. Sacred Kitsune are believed to be the only shifter capable of true shape-shifting; Being capable of altering their form beyond that of a beast.  <br> #### **Vespiro ...** Also known as batkin, vespiro are shifters with bat-like traits such as...   <br> <br> ## Notable shifters #### **Valkion ...** > [!caption|right] > ![[gallery-fenn-2.png|190]] > Art of Fenn by skeletaunt ##### **PCs ...** - [[Yuzuki Ito]]: A vulpue bard with sacred blood from ..., adventuring alongside [[Kazuki Kenta]] and [[Fenn]]. - [[Kazuki Kenta]]: A vulpue barbarian with sacred blood from ..., adventuring alongside [[Yuzuki Ito]] and [[Fenn]]. - "Finley" Torchwich: Sailing the high seas; a leprea cleric of the grave. <br> ##### **NPCs ...** - [[Cecillion Oora]]: An anoura ranger who currently sailing the high seas as captain of a ship. - [[Fenn]]: Druid of spores and caneir with fey blood, resulting in an abnormal appearance. <br> <br> ## Trivia - Each term for the shifters originate from the latin word for their animal—In order; canis, felis, lepus, avis, anura, cervus, lacerta, vulpes. and vespertilio.