SHAPESHIFTER ABILITIES

[matheus liddell.]

SHAPE CHANGE

Lycanthropes can assume at least two forms - human and animal. Many can also assume a "hybrid" form that is bipedal with animal characteristics or even transform a small part of their body at will (for example, "growing" fingers into claws).

Changing between forms takes a great deal of energy; most lycanthropes must feed immediately after changing to animal form and collapse into a comatose state for several hours after returning to human form. Stronger lycanthropes do not need to feed immediately or collapse, but are extremely tired.

Lycanthropes who spend too much time in animal form may not be able to shift back completely. As a result, some of the lycanthropes may have fangs or voices or eyes resembling their animal form, even when in human shape.

CONTAGION

Lycanthropes' bodily fluids are contagious, but only when the lycanthrope is in an animal or hybrid state. Lycanthropy can be also be passed along by getting a bad batch of lycanthrope vaccine.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

All lycanthropes are extremely fast, strong, and resistant to damage. Lycanthropes' strength appears to depend somewhat on their actual size and somewhat on their level of supernatural power.

Lycanthropes can recover from almost any wound other than that caused by silver weapons.

Lycanthropes have extremely acute senses, even in human form.

Lycanthropes are effectively allergic to silver and feel physical pain from even skin contact.

REACTION TO VAMPIRE'S CALL

Lycanthropes can be "called" and commanded by a vampire with the ability to call their species of animal. Sufficiently powerful lycanthropes can resist a vampire's call, or even interfere with the call, preventing the vampire from calling other lycanthropes or animals.

Similarly, sufficiently powerful shapeshifters are able to look vampires in the eyes without being affected by their mental powers.

---

ALPHA WERES

Some shapeshifters reach "alpha" or "master" status, a power level similar to that of a master vampire. Alpha shapeshifters may display some of the following traits:

The ability to partially shapeshift, for example shifting hands into claws, or even "cosmetic" shapeshifting - shifting bones or flesh simply to alter appearance.
The ability to force other shapeshifters to change form, or to prevent them from doing so.
Some shapeshifters can share their power with others by allowing them to feed on the shapeshifter's blood.