Shifter

Traits
Shifters resemble human beings in practically every way unless they are in their bestial form. Their bestial form often reflects the same colors as their human form and vice versa--a skunk shifter might have black and white hair, for example. There is no way to tell a shifter in human form from another human unless one can connect to their life threads (usually something only a doll mage/pupamancer can do). They have no animal smell, only an individual scent. If a creature with strong scenting ability were to run into one, they would not be able to distinguish them from any human scent, although they would be able to pick out that individual's scent if reasonably familiar with them.

Lifespan
80-90 years.

Culture and Society
There are small tribes of shifters dotting the northern part of the continent, though they usually stay away from the south, where they are most hated. Shifters are taught by their Elders to hate and fear humans and don't often consort with them. Some groups of shifters find it customary to cut a notch on one of their limbs for every kill they ever make. A shifter with many "stripes" is called an Elder. How many constitutes an Elder is varied between tribes, but most ask for over a hundred. A shifter is considered an adult after his or her first kill and they mate for life--shunning the Nalavigne way of taking harems and many spouses.

History
Shifters have been living in Nalavigne for hundreds of years, and nobody knows how they really came to be (see Lore below for how they are believed to have come into existence). However, they have always been looked down upon and there are groups of humans that seek them out, hoping to eradicate them. They aren't typically bought or sold as slaves due to their ability to shift--and escape--although it is said that the head of magical research may have created an instrument that inhibits the ability to shift.

Lore
Shifters are seen as abominations, as the story of their birth comes from man and animals having sexual relations. Because of this, they are viewed as unclean and impure. Some parts of the world actively hunt shifters. Nalavigne is one such part of the world.

Religion
No religion, but they are close to and commune with nature. They do not believe in the gods.

Abilities
Shapeshifters can transform into small to medium sized animals, such as domestic cats, wild cats, weasels, dogs, wolves, foxes, badgers, rats, chipmunks, skunks, ferrets, racoons, owls, songbirds, ravens, doves, birds of prey. They cannot shift into large animals like bears and they cannot shift into mythical creatures like dragons, unicorns, or phoenixes. If the creature you want your character to shift into is not on this list, please ask a staff member before creation or you may be asked to change your character's shifting creature.

Restrictions
None.