'Critterfolk(s)'
Overview: a magical race of known for their animalistic-characteristics, colored fingers and heightened senses.
Animal Traits
Triangular Irises
Colored Fingers
Humanoid Limbs
History
Said to have descended from intelligent animals transformed by the magic of early Humanoid Spellcasters, Critterfolk are a population of resilient people who harness their animal-born abilities to excel in manual and practical work.
Abilities
INSTINCT MAGIC AFFINITY
Born with traits of their animal counterparts. Their animal traits act as natural vessels for Instinct Magic, enhancing their physical senses.
HEIGHTENED SENSES
Critterfolk are known for their heightened senses and physical prowess, possessing strength, agility, and sensitivity far beyond that of most other races. Each Critterfolk inherits traits from their animal lineage — some can retract claws for combat, others breathe underwater or move with exceptional speed, depending on their origin.
Anatomy
* Animal Features
* Humanoid Limbs across all sub-species
* Triangle Pupil Shape
* Multiple-Subspecies
* Colored Fingers across all sub-species
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Critterfolks are the descendents of animals that evolved into humanoid forms through the help of magic, retaining distinct animal features as part of their transformation. Their appearance closely resembles their animal counterparts, and they come in various subspecies based on the type of animal.
PARTIAL SHAPESHIFTING
As previously stated, Critterfolks are able to partially shapeshift, granting them added adaptations that can assist them in specific environmental conditions such as swimming, flying, digging, breaking apart obstacles or self-defense. These forms, if used for prolonged periods, are often physically taxing, requiring Critterfolks to rest before transforming once more. Each critterfolk subspecies are noted to display different forms depending on the species:
Mammals
Avians
Aquatics
Reptilians
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Arms and Hands enlarge as claws retract to become more prominent
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Fur becomes more noticeable around limbs, chest and face in this form
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Claws in this form can inflict twice the damage, strong enough to split obstacles in half.
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Arms morph into wings, granting them the ability to fly temporarily
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Feathers may become more noticable around limbs and face in this form
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Body weight becomes lighter and adjusts to wind pressure, allowing them to fly naturally
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Additional fins and scales may appear on the Limbs after being submerged in contact with water
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Some aquatics’ scales may be more reactive when underwater, causing them to glow
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Swimming mobility is greatly increased while in this form
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Hands enlarge while fingertips grow suction-like padding that allows them to stick to walls and ceilings
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Body becomes more flexible and activates camouflage, allowing them to blend into the environment
REACTIVE SHAPESHIFTING
Due to magic altering the species’ biology over a long time, Critterfolks are unable to return to their animal forms. However, critterfolks are noted on being able to partially shapeshift when triggered by strong emotions — like anger, protectiveness or joy — leading to a reactive shapeshifting. These changes reflect their animal nature: for instance, Avian critterfolks may puff their feathers when stirred by intense feeling. Just as emotions fade, so too will the partial transformation once the individual calms down.
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