Graisha:

The "graisha" are shapeshifters who have lost control over their magic, and like the were-beasts of folklore, their transformations are subject to the phases of the moon. The power comes from a magic inherent in the realm, which finds an outlet in men and women born with the affinity for wielding that magic. However, it is not always easy to control. Though they are able to transform into the guises of beasts, if left unchecked, they may be unable to "tame" this gift, and end up half-animal themselves -- thus, graisha.

Some can take on up to two or three different forms if the magic flows strongly enough. Usually though, they have only one alternate form, yet even as humans, some aspects of their animal identities remain.

This could be anything from slitted cat's eyes to claw-like fingernails; or, in more extreme cases, wings, tails, or even the head, torso, or limbs of their animal-half. (Note: The wings of the Empyreans and the aquatic aspects of the Atlantean race are common among all members of that race, and are not to be mistaken for trademarks of the graisha).

This ability flows strongest in the Sylvan race. Men and women usually exhibit the signs at puberty, such as becoming short-tempered and more aggressive, or displaying a tendency towards violence, a strong sexual drive, or general moodiness. The first change occurs around this time, invariably on the night of a full moon, and often they will possess little or no memory of what happened while they were in beast-form.

Nor will they ever be fully human again. Even after the first change, their bodies will display some aspect of their bestial side, and this may grow more pronounced as time passes. The more they become like animals in nature and temperament, so will they become in form. The "wilder" graisha are typically the ones who look more like animals and less like humans. And because they exert so little control, the change can become instantaneous. They can shift easily from human to animal, depending on their mood or state of mind. The return to human form is not so easy.

It is these "wild" graisha who dance along the edge of being consumed. Once their minds are more animal than human and their magic has grown too far out of hand for them to control it, they are on the path to consumption. After a few years, they may be unable to turn back at all -- trapped in animal-form, and thus "tapped" -- no longer able to wield their magic.

Those who attempt to quell their bestial natures and retain their humanity can learn to block the change, but at times it will still overwhelm them. For them, the transformation is more difficult and painful, yet the advantage is that they are less often overcome by the savagery of their animal halves, and can pass for human more readily.

Though rare, a few can even learn to suppress their bestial sides enough to become fully human once again. They have then passed from the state of being controlled by their magic, to being in control of their magic. Rather than graisha, they earn the status of a shapeshifter, or "ferine."

Uusally, only within Sylvan and Atlantean cultures do graisha hold an honored status. Most others are cast out for the danger they represent; forced to live in the wild like their animal brethren, or dwell in the only city that allows everyone within its boundries: Haven. Even there, though, they are faced with prejudice, fear, and dislike, so it is little wonder that most prefer the solitude of the wild. Sometimes, small groups of them will form "packs," but this is rare unless the members are of a similar animal type.

Among the Sylvans, graisha are the hunters and providers for their tribes, and are honored for their close ties with the animal spirits. Atlantean graisha may be feral, but that animal nature is rarely deemed dangerous, and so they remain a part of 'productive' society. Only the shark-graisha are cast out as a rule.

The common animal-types for each race are as follows (Note: all animals in red must be applied for to the staff):

Also, be sure to visit the Shapeshifting FAQ Page written by Spirit-Whisperer@Aether.

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