Beastfolk

Beastfolk, sometimes called Shifters, are a rare humanoid species that have innate animalistic traits, usually mammalian, from simple mutations of animalistic ears and fur, to drastic full body transformations. Beastfolk have strong Fey connections and are rarely born naturally. They are rather a mutation found in an existing species.   Beastfolk have many possible origins, they can be the offspring of parents with lycanthropy, but they can also be created from failed lycanthropy attempts. Beastfolk have also been known to be created after individuals have received blessings from Gods, or curses from the Fey.   Beastfolk can theoretically originate from any humanoid species on Exorsia, but they are almost exclusively of human origin.   Beastfolk are commonly confused for monsters or Lycanthropes and are shunned or hunted because of it, forcing them to live on the outskirts of society. Many Beastfolk find homes within druidic communities because of this.   Beastfolk with specific animal-like traits are sometimes considered their own subspecies as they are capable of transferring their genetics to offspring. These subspecies are usually called *animal-name*folk, but some have their own subspecies name and associated traits:  

• Hadozee: Beastfolk that resemble apes, with prehensile tails and flap-like wings used for gliding.
• Harengon: These Beastfolk resemble rabbits and hares, with tall ears and an affinity for jumping.
• Loxodon: Sometimes called Pachydan, these Beastfolk resemble Elephants, with powerful builds and trunks.
• Tabaxi: Sometimes called Leonin, these Beastfolk resemble Cats, from Big Cats to House Cats, with claws and enhanced agility.
• Ursine: These Beastfolk resemble Bears, with powerful builds and deadly claws.

Appearance:

  Beastfolk usually resemble their origin species but with animalistic traits, these can include more body hair than usual, long sharp teeth, animalistic ears and eyes or claws instead of fingernails. Sometimes the animalistic traits can be quite drastic, with some Beastfolk resembling bipedal animals, with no visual trace of their origin species.

Maturity:

  Beastfolk usually live as long as their origin species does, usually around a century for humans, they also mature at the same rate too. Though certain subspecies of Beastfolk have been known to live far longer, particularly Loxodon who can live for around 450 years.

Reproduction:

  Beastfolk reproduce similarly to Humans, with their offspring almost always carrying the Beastfolk gene.