Beasts & Werebeasts

Those who are part beast and part humanoid take on many different shapes and forms. Some, generally called weres, are cursed by the moon. A were's strengths and weaknesses wax and wane like the very body their curse reflects. Other, often less powerful beastkin display homages to their lineage at all times. This can manifest in a number of different ways from fur to extra appendages, to any number of combinations of beast and humanoid. Because of their more animalistic natures beastkin and weres tend to have trouble fitting in with normal society.

Those that are affected by the moon shapeshift into a different form when the moon is at it's fullest. There are various types of weres so while one particular individual may shift into a wolf-like form another may shift into something more feline. Other times a were may shape shift due to extreme emotions such as anger or fear. While shapeshifted weres strength and stamina but may not have full control over their actions. Additionally, weres are harmed by silver and wolfsbane regardless of form.

Beastkin differ from weres in that they are not affected by the moon and do not shape shift according to the moon's phases, however, beastkin in general are not as physically strong as weres though there are few exceptions. Some beastkin can shapeshift into a more feral form that reflects the animal that makes up their lineage. Learning to do this takes time and practice as well a basic understanding of natural magic. While shapeshifted beastkin may be affected by spells and abilities that particularly target feral animals however they gain access to the natural defenses that their base animal has (for example a wolf beastkin would shapeshift into a wolf and gain a wolf's bite attack).

Creation Story

When the Hunt made beasts, beasts of all shapes, sizes, and any number of traits were created. These beasts roamed the lands for many years after the creation had been finished but they didn't serve much of a purpose other than to breed and eat one another. Some of the other races attempted to eat or tame some of the beasts with varying degrees of success. Some of these beasts were even more agressive than all of the others. Their agression was non-stop without any sort of reprieve. Seeing the unbalance, the Moon stepped in. The strongest of the beasts were laid upon a curse that would limit their strength when the blessing of the moon was not upon them. Others were given sentience and the bodies of a man but retained parts of their animal lineage as a reminder of the past.

Place in the World

Beastkin and werekin are often outcast from society. Many find it hard to live among the other races and tend to live either in solitude or in villages outside of civilication generally controlled by one pack or group.