| Status: | Vulnerable |
| Reputation: | Prevokable |
| World(s): | Y Branch |
| Habitat: | Anywhere |
About
Symbiotic Shapeshifters are the rarest of the three known species. As with common shapeshifters, they can transform into anything they want, sentient creature or not. However, they need a constant supply of oxygenated blood, so they use animals as hosts to keep them alive. They use a thin, goop-like connection for this, like a stretchy tube that allows blood to pass from the host to the shifter.
They can pass from host to host at will, and often do this to travel long distances.
Origins
As with all shapeshifters, the origin of how they came to be able to change shape is unknown. However it is known how this particular species came to be.
Due to a blood defect somewhere in their ancestry that caused them to be unable to get enough oxygen, they had to resort to using animals to keep them alive. Over generations this evolved into a necessity of the species. Blood type doesn't effect them, so they were able to use anything or anyone as a host.
Dogs and cats were a common choice at first, but soon they would choose any creature they found interesting.
Other
Humans
Recently, S. Shapeshifters have tried to use humans as hosts more than animals. Authorities across the Y Branch have cracked down on this and banned any symbiote shifter to use a human. Many still use humans and many humans take care to hide their shifter friends.
Superpowers
The host can gain unusual powers from the shifter. Telepathy between the host and shifter is common, as well as multiple way telepathy if the shifter is connected to other people at the same time. Other abilities include the shifter being able to change the appearance of it's host a little, such as face shape and features, add "claws" and strengthen muscles.
Inanimate
As long as it's still connected to the host, the shifter can become most inanimate objects, like jewellery, jackets, scarves, knives etc.
In some cases, it's known that shifters have become shields to protect their hosts.
Subspecies
On YROU1, a subspecies of symbiotic shapeshifter has been bred specifically for body modification of humanoids. It's expensive and dangerous, so patients are strongly adviced to have wills and very good insurance. Downsides are you will have to live with a small symbiotic friend for as long as you want the modifications.
Gallery
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