Post by Blink on Feb 2, 2018 0:18:41 GMT
Skin Changer
These have long since appeared in human myths and legends. They have gone by many names and here they are known as Skin changes. Skin-changers refers to the metamorphosis of humans into animals. Skin Changers are very different than your average Werewolves, given that their shape-shifting is not caused by the phases of the moon, instead, they are able to shift at will, though there are instances where the shifting happens uncontrollably due to their environment or temperament. Skin-changers live among but outside normal culture. They have their own rules. They are stronger, faster, and more primal than humans. That leads to their worlds being violent and passionate.
History:
According to legends, skin-changers are as old as human civilization similar to the vampire. There is a story that gets passed down in generations of the creation of Skin changes. That once they were the strong warriors of the tribe. Who wor animal hind witch in time the gods blessed the worriers and game them the strength of the animals they work. Thus giving them the ability to change into said animal to help protect/hunt for their tribes.
Over the centuries, skin-changers have become increasingly more domesticated, a growth that has allowed them to hide within the human population. Kin changers have the tendency to remain under the radar and keep themselves unknown. Although many supernaturals know of their existence, it is exceedingly difficult for them to be recognized as unusual in their human forms, and only easier in their animal forms. Werewolves can sent them after a recent shift or if familiar with other shifters, though to vampires the scent is too faint for them to pick up when in human form.
Skin changing 101:
Skin-changers have a genetic trait that is passed down through each family as a dominant combination of genes. Skin-changers can transform into one animal only. The animal that they will be able to transform into will be selected based off of their parents’ shifts. This is usually passed down through generations. So If an individual has one skin changer parent, they will have a 50% chance of inheriting that parent’s shift. A skin changer who has two parents of the same shift will have 100% chance of inheriting the shift of his or her parents. However, if a skin changer has two skin changing parents with different shifts, they will inherit the more dominant species.
Humans outside of the pack won't have the carrier genes so their offspring cannot have a shifting gean. There are carriers within packs that don't have the ability to shift. One cannot become a shapeshifter from being bitten by a shapeshifter.
Transformation:
Because skin-changers are born with their abilities, they tend to have more control over their transformation than werewolves. When shifting, it is not a painful transformation and their first transformation occurs during childhood or adolescence. This is usually triggered by a dramatic event in their life or the release of hormones at puberty. Transformations are quick with shifters and some can even master the transformation quickly. Even despite these differences, many confuse wolf shifters for their werewolf cousins. While they can shift at any time when in their animal form they must behave like that animal, so while they may be able to think like a human, they are unable to speak like one. When they do change into the animal counterparts they will be the equal of a normal size animal. (So there size is no bigger than a normal wolf for example).
Breeding/Mating:
Skin-changers do not follow any standard mating practices. Those who live in packs may or may not have specific pack traditions, such as mating ceremonies. Some skin changes do, however, participate in the practice of Marking.
Skin-changers Mark there mates, This usually happens in a ceremony like a wedding for humans. To claim their mate skin changers must bite them on the neck the bite will leave a mark that will fade in time, what is left is an invisible marking of sorts that other shifters can sense that tells them that the person has been claimed.
This is not done without much thought and consideration. As marking each other they will become linked and it is even said they can feel there other halves die.
Much like werewolves, Skin changes will experience periods of estrus, rut, and nesting. These periods are commonly referred to as mating cycles. During these periods, the skin-changer is fertile and able to breed. During all other time frames, it is difficult for a skin change to become pregnant. Mating cycles happen every 12 months for around 6 weeks. Depending what pack you belong to depends on when this is. Pregnancy would last the same as a human 9 months.
Family and Social Life:
Skin-changers broadly live in social circles this is usually referred to as a pack/flock, depending on what type of animal they change into. Though the modern day has been hard on many supernatural communities. Skin-changers have adapted and still tend to live in the same area as other pack members. This is due to their ease to blend in with other humans.
Pack Hierarchy:
A pack is lead by the Alpha.
This usually is passed from parent to offspring, so one family could have been a leader of a pack since the pack was created. In cases where there are no offspring, the former alpha usually picks a closely related wolf with the talent and strength to take the position. An Alpha does not possess any special skills that other members of the pack do not have. however, generally speaking, they are the most dominant of the group and can force others to submit in their presence.
Although unusual, a pack member can challenge the current alpha for the position. Fights over the role will usually leave the losing party broken physically, often with serious though not fatal wounds. Despite the fearsome nature of these conflicts, it is assumed that a challenge is always for the good of the pack, so the vanquished is very rarely punished further than the sting of defeat.
It is rare for a female to be an Alpha pack. More traditional packs view women as less dominant and weaker than male Skin changers, however more progressive packs have adopted a more tolerant system that does not discriminate against gender or sex. The rules still apply to females interested in an Alpha role - they must be able to prove themselves worthy for the position by challenge or they must inherit the position through their bloodlines. When it comes to inheriting positions in the case of multiple offspring, the residing Alpha will select which offspring will follow in his or her footsteps, generally selecting the oldest unless incompetent.
An Alpha is seconded by a Beta.
These skin changes generally resemble an Alpha, however, for one reason or another, their dominance is overpowered by the individual who has taken lead as Alpha. This could also be by choice - if one particular skin changer is inline to successfully become Alpha but elects not to, they can comfortably fall back into the Beta position and assist directly. Beta skin changers can also be hand selected by Alpha’s themselves, and that is often encouraged in more progressive pack models.
Most Alphas have at least one Beta, but this is entirely dependent on the size of the pack. There is no limit to the number of Betas an Alpha may have, however the Alpha should understand that he or she must limit the amount of individuals who have authoritative command within his or her pack. Betas are often involved in pack politics and in foreign pack affairs.
Third in the hierarchy are the Gamma and Delta.
These Skin changers are often responsible for carrying out repercussions to those who do not obey the Alpha’s law. Some Deltas are considered aggressive, others calculating, but there are no real qualities that define who a Delta is more than loyalty to their Pack. Some Deltas have military training, others do not - but they are valuable to the Alpha in times of unrest or war with a rival pack. Deltas are in charge of coordinating and executing militaristic actions along side of the Alpha. The Delta also may act as a bodyguard for the Alpha in his or her time of need.
The Gamma is often called the Guardian and is responsible solely for educating the younger or new members of the pack on customs, traditions, and history.
Omegas are outside of the rank structure and are generally considered a type of healer within the pack.
Omegas are unique rare. A pack is lucky enough to have one Omega every generation. Omegas can be male or female.
Omega’s have the unique ability to pacify emotions within a pack. It is generally a passive talent, though experienced, older Omegas can more directly affect a skin changers emotions if they are acting too impulsively. Omegas come in handy when dealing with hostile situations and they often accompany Alphas and Betas to many interpack functions. It is important to note that the pacification of emotions works best upon members of the pack that the Omega belongs to, however outside skin changers will experience the effects of this skill to a lesser extent.
Elders provide the pack with guidance and are outside of the basic pack hierarchy, however they still obey and respond to the Alpha’s dominance.
Elders provide the Alpha with whatever guidance he or she may need during their course as Alpha. Most Elders were prominent pack members in their youth, including previous Betas and Alphas as well as vocal members of the community. The roles of the Elders in every pack will vary based on pack structure.
Weaknesses:
As skin changers are not too different from humans, their basic weaknesses are the same. They can get shot and bleed, though they do heal faster.
Strengths:
Skin changers are generally attuned even in human form to have traits akin to their animal form. This can manifest as improved speed and cunning in a fox, strength and fortitude in a bear, or regal bearing and ferocity in a lion. All skin changers tend to be above average in all regards as compared to their human counterparts.
Skin changers Regeneration: Skin changers have the ability to recover from physical wounds on their own. This will require a much longer time to recover when more extensive damage. Slight cuts and scrapes will take only a few hours to heal, whereas broken bones and deep, lacerations can take a few weeks.
NEED SOME MORE WEAKNESSES
Lifespan and Aging:
Skin changers have a longer life expectancy than humans. Though It is uncommon to see a skin changer live passed the age of 150 years. With when they first shift their ageing slows making then look younger for longer.
Important Site Notes About Skin changers:
At this time, skin changers can only be any living animal species. Skin changers can only be one kind of animal - individuals who shift into multiple species also will not be accepted.
History:
According to legends, skin-changers are as old as human civilization similar to the vampire. There is a story that gets passed down in generations of the creation of Skin changes. That once they were the strong warriors of the tribe. Who wor animal hind witch in time the gods blessed the worriers and game them the strength of the animals they work. Thus giving them the ability to change into said animal to help protect/hunt for their tribes.
Over the centuries, skin-changers have become increasingly more domesticated, a growth that has allowed them to hide within the human population. Kin changers have the tendency to remain under the radar and keep themselves unknown. Although many supernaturals know of their existence, it is exceedingly difficult for them to be recognized as unusual in their human forms, and only easier in their animal forms. Werewolves can sent them after a recent shift or if familiar with other shifters, though to vampires the scent is too faint for them to pick up when in human form.
Skin changing 101:
Skin-changers have a genetic trait that is passed down through each family as a dominant combination of genes. Skin-changers can transform into one animal only. The animal that they will be able to transform into will be selected based off of their parents’ shifts. This is usually passed down through generations. So If an individual has one skin changer parent, they will have a 50% chance of inheriting that parent’s shift. A skin changer who has two parents of the same shift will have 100% chance of inheriting the shift of his or her parents. However, if a skin changer has two skin changing parents with different shifts, they will inherit the more dominant species.
Humans outside of the pack won't have the carrier genes so their offspring cannot have a shifting gean. There are carriers within packs that don't have the ability to shift. One cannot become a shapeshifter from being bitten by a shapeshifter.
Transformation:
Because skin-changers are born with their abilities, they tend to have more control over their transformation than werewolves. When shifting, it is not a painful transformation and their first transformation occurs during childhood or adolescence. This is usually triggered by a dramatic event in their life or the release of hormones at puberty. Transformations are quick with shifters and some can even master the transformation quickly. Even despite these differences, many confuse wolf shifters for their werewolf cousins. While they can shift at any time when in their animal form they must behave like that animal, so while they may be able to think like a human, they are unable to speak like one. When they do change into the animal counterparts they will be the equal of a normal size animal. (So there size is no bigger than a normal wolf for example).
Breeding/Mating:
Skin-changers do not follow any standard mating practices. Those who live in packs may or may not have specific pack traditions, such as mating ceremonies. Some skin changes do, however, participate in the practice of Marking.
Skin-changers Mark there mates, This usually happens in a ceremony like a wedding for humans. To claim their mate skin changers must bite them on the neck the bite will leave a mark that will fade in time, what is left is an invisible marking of sorts that other shifters can sense that tells them that the person has been claimed.
This is not done without much thought and consideration. As marking each other they will become linked and it is even said they can feel there other halves die.
Much like werewolves, Skin changes will experience periods of estrus, rut, and nesting. These periods are commonly referred to as mating cycles. During these periods, the skin-changer is fertile and able to breed. During all other time frames, it is difficult for a skin change to become pregnant. Mating cycles happen every 12 months for around 6 weeks. Depending what pack you belong to depends on when this is. Pregnancy would last the same as a human 9 months.
Family and Social Life:
Skin-changers broadly live in social circles this is usually referred to as a pack/flock, depending on what type of animal they change into. Though the modern day has been hard on many supernatural communities. Skin-changers have adapted and still tend to live in the same area as other pack members. This is due to their ease to blend in with other humans.
Pack Hierarchy:
A pack is lead by the Alpha.
This usually is passed from parent to offspring, so one family could have been a leader of a pack since the pack was created. In cases where there are no offspring, the former alpha usually picks a closely related wolf with the talent and strength to take the position. An Alpha does not possess any special skills that other members of the pack do not have. however, generally speaking, they are the most dominant of the group and can force others to submit in their presence.
Although unusual, a pack member can challenge the current alpha for the position. Fights over the role will usually leave the losing party broken physically, often with serious though not fatal wounds. Despite the fearsome nature of these conflicts, it is assumed that a challenge is always for the good of the pack, so the vanquished is very rarely punished further than the sting of defeat.
It is rare for a female to be an Alpha pack. More traditional packs view women as less dominant and weaker than male Skin changers, however more progressive packs have adopted a more tolerant system that does not discriminate against gender or sex. The rules still apply to females interested in an Alpha role - they must be able to prove themselves worthy for the position by challenge or they must inherit the position through their bloodlines. When it comes to inheriting positions in the case of multiple offspring, the residing Alpha will select which offspring will follow in his or her footsteps, generally selecting the oldest unless incompetent.
An Alpha is seconded by a Beta.
These skin changes generally resemble an Alpha, however, for one reason or another, their dominance is overpowered by the individual who has taken lead as Alpha. This could also be by choice - if one particular skin changer is inline to successfully become Alpha but elects not to, they can comfortably fall back into the Beta position and assist directly. Beta skin changers can also be hand selected by Alpha’s themselves, and that is often encouraged in more progressive pack models.
Most Alphas have at least one Beta, but this is entirely dependent on the size of the pack. There is no limit to the number of Betas an Alpha may have, however the Alpha should understand that he or she must limit the amount of individuals who have authoritative command within his or her pack. Betas are often involved in pack politics and in foreign pack affairs.
Third in the hierarchy are the Gamma and Delta.
These Skin changers are often responsible for carrying out repercussions to those who do not obey the Alpha’s law. Some Deltas are considered aggressive, others calculating, but there are no real qualities that define who a Delta is more than loyalty to their Pack. Some Deltas have military training, others do not - but they are valuable to the Alpha in times of unrest or war with a rival pack. Deltas are in charge of coordinating and executing militaristic actions along side of the Alpha. The Delta also may act as a bodyguard for the Alpha in his or her time of need.
The Gamma is often called the Guardian and is responsible solely for educating the younger or new members of the pack on customs, traditions, and history.
Omegas are outside of the rank structure and are generally considered a type of healer within the pack.
Omegas are unique rare. A pack is lucky enough to have one Omega every generation. Omegas can be male or female.
Omega’s have the unique ability to pacify emotions within a pack. It is generally a passive talent, though experienced, older Omegas can more directly affect a skin changers emotions if they are acting too impulsively. Omegas come in handy when dealing with hostile situations and they often accompany Alphas and Betas to many interpack functions. It is important to note that the pacification of emotions works best upon members of the pack that the Omega belongs to, however outside skin changers will experience the effects of this skill to a lesser extent.
Elders provide the pack with guidance and are outside of the basic pack hierarchy, however they still obey and respond to the Alpha’s dominance.
Elders provide the Alpha with whatever guidance he or she may need during their course as Alpha. Most Elders were prominent pack members in their youth, including previous Betas and Alphas as well as vocal members of the community. The roles of the Elders in every pack will vary based on pack structure.
Weaknesses:
As skin changers are not too different from humans, their basic weaknesses are the same. They can get shot and bleed, though they do heal faster.
Strengths:
Skin changers are generally attuned even in human form to have traits akin to their animal form. This can manifest as improved speed and cunning in a fox, strength and fortitude in a bear, or regal bearing and ferocity in a lion. All skin changers tend to be above average in all regards as compared to their human counterparts.
Skin changers Regeneration: Skin changers have the ability to recover from physical wounds on their own. This will require a much longer time to recover when more extensive damage. Slight cuts and scrapes will take only a few hours to heal, whereas broken bones and deep, lacerations can take a few weeks.
NEED SOME MORE WEAKNESSES
Lifespan and Aging:
Skin changers have a longer life expectancy than humans. Though It is uncommon to see a skin changer live passed the age of 150 years. With when they first shift their ageing slows making then look younger for longer.
Important Site Notes About Skin changers:
At this time, skin changers can only be any living animal species. Skin changers can only be one kind of animal - individuals who shift into multiple species also will not be accepted.
MEL @ ADOXOGRAPHY