Shifters & Lycanthropes
Some beings are not born as monsters, but become them.
Lycanthropy and similar transformations blur the line between person and creature, binding an individual to a second form driven by instinct, hunger, or curse. Whether inherited, inflicted, or awakened, these changes rarely come without consequence.
Those affected often retain fragments of who they were, but control is never guaranteed. In some cases, the transformation is temporary. In others, it becomes a permanent part of their identity.
Shifters are the descendants of lycanthropes, carrying diluted traces of the ancient curse within their blood. Unlike true lycanthropes, they do not lose themselves to uncontrollable transformation, but can instead draw upon their bestial heritage in moments of stress or combat. In these moments, their features sharpen, their instincts heighten, and the boundary between person and beast briefly thins. For most, this dual nature is not a burden, but a defining trait, one that shapes how they move through the world, think, and survive.
Known Forms
Were-Rat
A smaller and more subtle form of lycanthrope, were-rats are often associated with stealth, survival, and adaptability. They move easily between civilized spaces and hidden places, blending into environments where others would be noticed.
Unlike more overtly violent transformations, were-rats can remain concealed for long periods, making them difficult to identify until it is too late.
Notable Individuals
Kris Hoyt - Were Rat
An individual encountered by the party who carried the traits of a were-rat, demonstrating the complex nature of these transformations.