Beastfolk

Origins

Beastfolk are spread throughout the familiar lands and can be found in every corner of the world. They tend to adopt the cultural identity and norms of the nation they reside. That being said, there exists a beastfolk-only society with its own unique culture and class systems. There is an unspoken reverence within the beastfolk for those who still have strong bestial blood that flows within them, thus looking far more like the animal they are derived from but possessing greater strength. In many places, the blood purity of a beastfolk directly translates to the rights they have, with those pure getting less. However, fame and heroism often reduce prejudice, but not always. Beastfolk often are seen as unskilled and unable to do skilled labor, and are often instead used as slaves or simple workers, though some have become established knights even against the odds.

It is believed that Beastfolk originated during an ancient war during an age of myth and high magic. They are soldiers created from animals by humans during the age of myth, elevated to sentience and great strength by the sorcerers of old. Ancient records and paintings portray them as far more bestial than how they appear now; it seems like their physical form has turned towards a more humanoid form than outright animalistic. After the war had ended, the ancient beastfolk began to lose purpose, rampaging and spreading around the world, now able to be found everywhere.

Biology

Beastfolks are elevated from their bestial state and granted humanoid features. They could breed with their animal counterparts or with humans; they could also breed with other humanoids, such as hellspawns and elves, but since not as compatible, thus fertility remains low. All beastfolk are born looking like the animal they are elevated from; a snakefolk would hatch from an egg looking like a snake and eventually grow humanoid features. Oftentimes, people might accidentally adopt a beastfolk baby without knowing they would grow into one. The more beastfolks reproduce with humanoids, the more diluted their blood will be, and thus the more humanoid their children will look as well. This can go on for generations and generations, to a point one might hold a very small percentage of beastfolk blood and features, but at a certain point, it stops, and they can never truly become human, no matter how hard they try.

Wulffolk

From their ascendance, wulffolk tails wag as much as dogs and wolves do, meaning their body act separately from their lips, and it is almost impossible for them to lie. All wulffolk are unable to consume chocolate, and it could be quickly fatal if they were to consume any.

Catfolk

Catfolk have been known to purr like a cat would. Catfolk also have a life span slightly less than that of a human.

Insectoid Class

The most feared as well as the one treated with the least value of all the beastfolk. Insectfolk ranges from monstrously powerful to entirely disposable depending on the species. This is a unique classification since insectoids tend to have higher concentration of beastblood no matter the parent's race.

Pureblooded Beastfolk

Beastfolk with 80% or more beastblood are considered pureblooded. They are usually far larger, stronger and more in touch with their animal instincts. They are feared because many of them lack human empathy and emotions, making them extremely aggressive and more in line with their intended purpose of being bloodthirsty soldiers of a time long gone.

Civilized Beastfolk

Beastfolk with lower than 80% beastblood are considered civilized and acceptable in most societies. They are ill treated in most communities and are seen as pets, serfs or lesser citizens. It is extremely rare for a beastfolk to have magical potential, but they generally have much higher physical aptitudes than ordinary humans, making them excellent warriors or laborers.