Species

[Kirien Melantha]

Listed here are the many species that may be encountered in the world of My Own Shadow. Note: it's possible to have mixed blood; people like this are called "Halfers" and more information on them can be found here.

I. Gifted Ones
II. Faeries
III. Lycans
IV. Vampires
V. Dragons
VI. Demons
VII. Djinn

One may also roleplay a normal human. Human characters are often members of The Corporation or The Shadow Police.

[Kirien Melantha]

I. The Gifted Ones The Gifted Ones are the descendants of the original humans who uncovered 'The Artifact' (click here for more information). On the surface, there is little difference between a Gifted One and a normal human being. However, there is quite an extraordinary difference on a cellular level. The energy-producing mitochondria in a Gifted One are much more efficient than those of a normal human. This results in an excess amount of energy being produced. The body gets rid of this energy in a variety of strange and powerful ways, producing the 'Gifts' these people develop.

[Kirien Melantha]

II. Faeries While many myths about faeries are, in fact, myths, there is some truth in them. They are small, but they can shapeshift into a larger, humanoid form. They have butterfly wings, but they can hide them when in their human form. All faeries are closely in tune with nature, but this doesn't mean they particularly hate city life. They can also commune with at least one Aspect of nature. This means that they can speak with the Aspect, and ask it to respond in a variety of ways. This could be something as simple as "calling the wind" to create a breeze, or something as difficult as ordering fire to form into the shape of a cougar. The harder the order, the less likely it is that the Aspect will answer. Aspects include the natural elements, as well as plants, animals, and different kinds of weather. Weaker fae can only command minor parts of their element, and it may only be marginally responsive. This ability gets stronger over time, but is never quite guaranteed to work. Faeries are heartrendingly beautiful, always have pointed ears, and may be highly promiscuous in nature. This trait is strong in all tiers of their society. Fae society is matriarchal, and their Queen may choose one King or several consorts - whichever she prefers. Men aren't quite oppressed, but it is obvious who's really in charge.

Advantages: Faeries can create "glamors," or powerful illusions thought to be created by the dust that gathers on their wings. Faeries are immortal and do not age past adulthood. They heal slightly faster than usual, but do not regenerate. Faeries can fly, even in their "human" forms. To do so, their wings must be visible. Faeries are ethereally beautiful. Faeries are usually tied to a specific aspect of the natural world, one close to their personality. Fae can communicate with the element by "speaking" with it, though the responsiveness depends on the strength of the faerie. Faeries are immune to illness and disease, but not mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Disadvantages: Faeries are physically weaker than the other races. When small, a faerie can be easily eaten or squished. Faeries do not change forms quickly. All faeries must answer to the Queen, or risk being exiled. Faeries do not have complete command over their aspects - they may be difficult to control or refuse to respond outright.

[Kirien Melantha]

III. Lycans Men and wolves once lived together, many years ago. The men would learn the ways of the wolf, and the wolves the ways of the man. Soon, the unique traits of these two species began to mix, until neither was simply wolf or man. These were the first lycans, also known as werewolves or loup-garoux. A lycan looks like a human on the surface, albeit an extremely fit one. Within them exists an "inner wolf," and they can access that at any point. An experienced lycan can effortlessly change from wolf to man, and back again. While in wolf form, they can communicate only with other members of their pack, through a unique form of telepathy. There are also hybrid forms, in-between wolf and man. They are more powerful, but extremely draining, so lycans generally can't stay in them for long. Lycanthropy can be spread from person to person. It's uncertain exactly how this process works, but generally those bitten or attacked by a lycan turn at the next full moon, if they are not properly treated. Lycans turned this way can have their lycanthropy removed through the a medical procedure, but this is dangerous and difficult. Once a month, a lycan is forced into wolf form by the full moon. It calls to the wolf, and ignoring the call and refusing to turn can drive a lycan mad.

Advantages: Stronger than an average human Enhanced senses of sight, smell, and hearing Shapeshifting between wolf and human forms Pack bonding - wolves in a pack can communicate via telepathy Regeneration Disadvantages: Lycans are vulnerable to silver; any contact with it will make them ill. When untreated, wounds sustained from silver weapons are usually fatal. Simply being touched by silver burns and can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, etc. The lycan must transform during the full moon, or the wolf within them will drive them mad. Wolf instincts occasionally overwhelm a lycan, resulting in socially awkward behavior. Lycans have shorter lifespans, due to the stress that the drastic transformations put on the body. Lycans may also age quicker, such as having gray hair at an early age. Demons, half-demons, djinn, and vampires are immune to lycanthropy.

[Kirien Melantha]

IV. Vampires A vampire is created, never born. All the blood must be drained from the victim, either ingested by the turning vampire or by other means. Then, the vampire must transfer its own blood into the victim. When this process is complete the victim becomes a vampire. Vampires have increased strength and speed, and they don't feel pain since they are effectively dead. They don't possess any Gifts unless they had them before they were turned, and Gifts will not emerge or evolve. Every vampire has an "Anathema" - a symbol, object, feeling, or person from their previous life that meant a great deal to them. Once they are turned, even the sight or thought of their Anathema becomes intensely painful to them. The belief that crosses, garlic, mirrors, holy water, and such repel vampires is likely a result of these once being a vampire's anathema.

Advantages: Immortality Unearthly beauty Superhuman strength, speed, and sense of smell Regeneration Can be revived through a ritual if their ashes are not spread following death Disadvantages: Anathema Vampires must consume blood regularly. The longer a vampire goes without feeding, the greater their chance of experiencing blood lust, the uncontrollable desire to drink blood. Younger vampires are also more susceptible to blood lust. Contact with any amount of sunlight will set a vampire aflame. Vampires can avoid burning by fully covering themselves with dark material or staying in a completely dark place. Vampires can stay awake during daylight hours, but doing so is exhausting. A burning vampire will turn to ash unless the flames are immediately put out. Vampires may consume normal food and drink, but they must cough it up later, as they cannot digest it. However, many vampires find the taste of normal food comparable to that of ash, dirt, or sand. Demons, half-demons, and djinn are immune to vampirism.

[Kirien Melantha]

V. Dragons Dragons have two forms: a large, reptilian creature capable of grinding stones to dust with its claws; and a small, humanoid form. The human form looks virtually identical to a normal human being, but as a dragon uses more of their natural gifts, their dragon form becomes more and more apparent. One's hair might stiffen to be like spikes, his skin might get scaly, or his eyes might look reptilian. If he continued to use draconic abilities, he would unwillingly transform into his dragon form. Dragons have naturally tough skin, to such an extent that it's very difficult to wound them by conventional means. Their blood is also resistant to most outside effects. Their scales, claws, and teeth have proven stronger than any man-made metal. A dragon's mind is a fortress; they are immune to illusions and memory manipulation, and it is difficult to read their thoughts. Dragons can breathe flames, though they must regularly eat charcoal in order to sustain the ability. There are different types of dragons, but they all suffer from one fatal weakness: dragon's bane. The fumes from this plant can kill even some of the strongest dragons instantly, and can cause a variety of other ill effects (See here for more details). Dragons can live for up to one thousand years, though most live about half as long, and all dragons become slower and less energetic with age. However, they also become more physically resistant and intelligent, making a roused ancient dragon a formidable opponent.

	Silver - physically weaker than the other dragons, but mentally sharper, the silver dragons are the merchants of the dragon world. In addition to fire breath, they can also produce an icy mist that freezes objects on contact. However, they must consume snow/ice/etc. to do so, and may not have the ability to breathe fire and ice at the same time.
	Forest - the slowest and most defensible of any dragon, they're known to be overly relaxed and prone to substance abuse. They often take residence in wooded areas, and rarely meddle with the affairs of others. They can breathe a soothing mist that heals wounds and helps plants grow, but must regularly consume sugar to do so. This does not interfere with their flame breath.
	War - the most vicious of the dragons, a war dragon must kill all its siblings upon hatching in order to survive, though in rare cases a war dragon may spare a sibling. This sibling would become "bonded" to their protective sibling. All war dragons are unusually spiny, their talons are longer and stronger than normal, and they move slightly quicker than other dragons.
	Royal - the royal dragons are supposedly the rulers of all dragonkind, though little is known about the draconian government. Most people would recognize them as traditional dragons. They are seemingly balanced in all aspects, but if they are able to rule over the other dragons, they may have other hidden talents.

[Ϛ Christopher Nightingale]

VI. Demons. Demons have no connection with any mortal afterlife. They are from a place in another dimension known as Legia, a world eerily similar to Earth. They were originally brought to this dimension by means of supernatural rituals, but have naturally increased their population since through reproduction. The rituals used to bring them to this plane are long-forgotten, but The Academy uses banishment to Legia as a last-resort punishment for unlawful demons. Demons come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some have "true forms" and "human forms." Some are simply humanoids. Suffice to say that if you can imagine it, there's probably a demon that looks like it. All demons have a special, inexplicable connection with something in this realm. This natural ability is called a Trait, and is somewhat similar to a Gift. Only one male and one female demon may have the same Trait at the same time (to see what Traits are available, see the Traits List

[/b]).

Demon do not age, and are slightly stronger, faster, and more resistant to injury than humans. Demon bodies are entirely composed of "Legion." Named for their home world, these microscopic creatures are not unlike mitochondria, and are controlled by a hive mind similar to the human subconscious. They are able to take almost any shape or appearance at will, and when a demon is harmed they simply lose Legion. A demon can also expend their Legion in order to temporarily increase their powers.

In order to remain alive and in our plane, or to create more Legion, demons must absorb life force. This means that they must feed from something alive. This could be a plant, animal, human, faerie, dragon, etc., though humans are the most suitable option.

The act of absorbing life force can be committed through a variety of procedures, but traditionally, a demon will form a pact with a human. In exchange for the demon's protection or companionship a human provides their life energy to the demon. All that is necessary to form a pact is the verbal agreement to be made, and for the human to consume a small amount of the demon's Legion. From then on the demon is bound to his word, and will receive a portion of the human's life energy automatically when they are near each other.

Demons can also absorb the energy from the cells of various living things just by touching them, but this is less effective than a pact. There are ways of absorbing ambient energy from the surrounding area without physical contact, but very few demons ever figure this out, let alone master the process.

The life force demons sap is transferred to their "Heart." While demons will bleed the pure form of Legion if injured (which resembles blood, but comes in a variety of colours), they have no actual circulatory system. The Heart is more like a battery, storing and distributing life force to the demon's entire body. Thus, while demons are very difficult to kill, any part of them separated from their Heart for an extended period of time will die, and if the Heart is destroyed, the demon is no more. Demons can regenerate their Hearts if they are injured and not destroyed, but at a much slower rate, as they would essentially be running on a broken battery.[/td][/tr]

[tr][td][/td][td]Advantages:

• Possess a unique Trait which is often equivalent to a Gift.
  
• Quick regeneration.
  
• Aging is a choice.
  
• Some demons can change physical form at will, including creating weapons from their Legion.
  
• Demons can't be suffocated, as they needn't breathe air.
  
• Incredibly hard to kill, as you have to destroy every bit of a demon's Legion, or separate or destroy the heart.

Disadvantages:

• Must live on the life force of others.
  
• Can be forced into forming a pact.
  
• Can be drained completely of energy, and thus ejected from the world
  
• Some demons can be easily identified, or hideously ugly.
  
• Have great negative social stigma.
  
• Legion are susceptible to extreme cold, and a demon may not be able to function if exposed to it for long.

Demons are a restricted species. In order to roleplay a demon, you must send an admin a roleplay sample of you using your demon's Trait and/or demonic abilities.[/td][/tr][/table]

[Ϛ Christopher Nightingale]

VII. Djinn The mysterious Djinn have existed for as long as there is recorded history, though their numbers are few. No one knows for certain their true origins, or their purpose. They simply exist, and always have. Djinn are made of pure energy, but they are capable of shaping themselves into any physical or metaphysical form that they desire. By all accounts they are impossible to kill or even injure. However, they do not often meddle in the affairs of mortals and are even less prone to violence, usually preferring disappearance to confrontation, so not many have had the chance to try. Their one glaring weakness comes in the form of "Lamps," though these objects come in many different forms and are very rarely lamps. If someone is in possession of a djinn's Lamp, they become the djinn's master, and the djinn must grant their every wish. Luckily for the world, djinn are extremely elusive, and protective of their Lamps, and no one of evil intention has yet captured a djinn. The Lamps themselves are mysterious devices, popping into existence with the creation of a new djinn. The djinn cannot teleport them or destroy them, and they must spend a lot of time close to them or they will begin to lose their powers, and thus, their lives. Lamps appear to be semi-sentient, or at least automated, as they are known to change their appearance over time to become more modern objects. Some lamps, though, stubbornly stick to ancient forms, suggesting defectiveness or perhaps personality.

Advantages: Djinn can grant the wishes of others, though they will usually choose not to. Most rules regarding this are hand-picked by the djinn itself, though it is said that there is a code of honor amongst them. All djinn are immortal, and nearly indestructible. It would take an incredible amount of force to even injure them. Djinn are able to teleport themselves and other people or objects with ease, usually accompanied by a puff of smoke. Djinn are incredibly strong, and much faster than a human, regardless of the form they choose to take. Disadvantages: A long life and odd powers lead to most Djinn being mentally unstable, with a higher and higher chance of developing psychological problems and eccentricities as time passes. If someone can find the djinn's Lamp, they will have absolute control over the djinn. Djinn have no power over their Lamps. A djinn cannot grant their own wishes or those of another djinn. Djinn are a restricted species. In order to roleplay one, you must PM an admin your request.

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