Metamorphs

Metamorphs are a sub species of humans in the Forlorn Universe.

Abilities and Traits
The Metamorphs are aptly named for their ability to transform into a creature. They only have the ability to change their shape into a single creature, they are not shape shifters who can transform into any form they desire. This alter form is designated from their birth, and is said to be selected by the nature of the Metamorph's very soul. Limitations exist on the Metamorph's transformation ability. They can only transform for a certain period of time, which is affected by both their experience and the severity of the transformation. For example, if one were to transform into a bear, he would maintain his shape for much longer than one who would transform into a Dragon. This time limit causes them to revert back to their human forms involuntarily, and locks their transformation ability until it has reset. The reset usually takes twice as long as the maximum transformation time. These two limitations can be eliminated if one devotes themself to praticing the art of phasing between their two forms, but it is extremely rare to find Metamorphs who have complete control over their forms.

History
The Metamorphs were created upon the human race's reinvention through the eyes of the Gods, after the Meldum people were all but wiped out by the evil Demon God Gemwrithe. There was a genetic mutation, which created two seperate sub species of humans, the Lodust and the Metamorphs. The Metamorphs were exceedingly more rare than the Lodust to begin with, appearing only once out of one hundred humans, as opposed to the Lodust one out of every twenty. The Metamorphs were left alone by the other humans, because initally their power was attributed to magic, not a genetic trait. For this reason, combined with their rarity, they managed to escape persecution and are mostly tolerated by humans. There have been several noteworthy Metamorph groups, chiefly among them an assassin group called the Canus Court, composed of entirely wolves.