Shifters

Shifters are a race of humanoids, primarily found in the Vanemwood of Unsere, with animalistic traits and can transform into even more bestial forms.

Chapter 1: Protectors of the Vanemwood
In the vast Vanemwood of northern Unsere, there exist many druidic circles, ancient Krovi burial sites, hunting grounds of numerous beasts of every description, and of course the ever beautiful (and ever ominous) presence of the fey. Among these exist the Shifters. While their exact origins are unclear, it is generally accepted that Shifters have a deep connection with the fey, with many mistakenly believing them to be creatures of the Feywild themselves. Others believe them to be the result of some god's (usually Wodea's) curse or blessing.

Broadly similar to lycanthropes (though both groups would generally deny it), Shifters are humanoids who bear the traits of beasts. Unlike lycanthropes however, a Shifter always bears a least some traits of an animal, with those bestial traits only becoming more pronounced when they transform, or "shift." Moreover, unlike lycanthropes, Shifters are fully in control of their transformations, and they do not pass their nature on by way of biting or the transferance of blood. Shifters procreate primarily in the same manner as most mammals. Children born with at least one Shifter parent are always Shifters themselves, though they may share some physical traits from both parents. Most Shifters bear some resemblance to dwarves, elves, Folk or Krovi, though there have been instances of Shifters with traits from other races as well.

Shifters do not have a single unified society, instead existing as various tribes scattered throughout the Vanemwood. Unlike the Krovi clans, who while independent generally share a unifying culture and set of beliefs, each Shifter tribe is individually distinct with their own dialects, social customs, religious and politicala beliefs, artwork, traditions both martial and marital, and even fashion. Indeed, if there is any one unifying cause between the Shifter tribes, it is that the Vanemwood is to be protected from outsiders. The reasons for this protection vary from tribe to tribe, with some believing the Vanemwood to be theirs by birthright or a matter of superior blood, while others believe it is their sacred duty. Others still simply do not like the idea of rowdy neighbors moving in and cutting down the neighborhood. Some tribes will allow outsiders to travel through their lands so long as they do so respectfully and don't overstay their welcome, while other tribes have a strict policy of kill on sight when it comes to foreigners. Whatever their particular reasons and wherever they fall on the spectrum of tolerance, the Shifters of Vanemwood are one of the greatest contributing factors to the region's lack of colonization by the great nations of Unsere.