Shapeshifters are portrayed differently in different stories, so I will explain how mine function.
Shifters, in regard to the wolves, cats, bears, and foxes are enhanced humans blessed with animals spirits.
They started as groups of powerful warriors blessed by gods/goddesses with animal spirits that enhanced their senses and healing, further advanced their strength and speed, and gave them longer life expectancy- and of course gave them the ability to shape-shift.
This is why their inner beast can speak and has their own name.
This is why the wolfless, bearless, catless and foxless children of shifters are still stronger, faster and have better senses and healing than humans. They just can't shift or personally trace a matebond on their own.
The animal spirits choose their human counterpart, and most of them have had several human counterparts over their long existence. When their current human dies, they can choose another whenever they wish. Not all animal spirits choose new counterparts immediately after, some wait years, decades- even centuries before choosing another. There are animal spirits that have only had one or two human counterparts in the thousands of years they've existed. (This is why some inner beasts talk to their humans like they are children, because they are significantly older.)
Quick facts about Animal Spirits
- they are what determines the appearance of the were-form, not rank or personality.
- some spirits are born to be leaders, and they choose humans with powerful and high ranking bloodlines.
- they chose their own names
- some animal spirits were bonded to each as mates, so they can influence a new mate bond.
- Not all animal spirits are distinctly male or female, which means the animal spirits can choose both male and female counterparts if they wish.
YOU ARE READING
Species Guide
Siêu nhiênThis is my little book that helps describe my version of the species I use in my stories. Check it out if you have any questions or are just curious! 😁
