Mammalians

Warm-blooded vertebrates distinguished by the possession of hair or fur, and the ability to secrete milk. They adorn paws, hands, or hooves, along with varying types of tails, antlers, horns, and other notable appendages depending on whatever species they descended from.

Amphibians

Cold-blooded vertebrates that are comprised of frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. They’re seen both in aquatic and terrestrial environments due to possessing both lungs and gills, alongside three-chambered hearts for oxygen production, however their organs have not developed enough for permanent water breathing, a trait that remained consistent albeit the accelerated evolution caused by their habitats.

Piscians

Commonly cold-blooded (sometimes warm-blooded/mesothermic depending on the type) vertebrates that possess gills and fins and inhabit water. Minor fins decorate their arms and legs, and they possess a tailbone that sometimes exceeds the standard humanoid length, allowing for large tails to stick out their rear end. Similar to Reptilians, they have iridescent scales and gills, though despite having visible gills, they cannot permanently breathe underwater. It is believed that due to spending more and more time on land during their evolution to interact with their cousin species, their gills have become less effective over time.

Reptilians

These include snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and tortoises. They are distinguished by having dry scaly skin and typically lay soft-shelled eggs on land. Similar to their primal ancestors, they can be identified through colorful or neutral toned scales, tails, tympanic membrane ears, and potentially venomous components which are typically housed within their oral region.

Avians

Warm-blooded, feathered vertebrates that include ducks, grebes, pigeons, falcons, and sparrows. Unlike standard avian fauna, Avian Beastfolk can only glide, as their natural bodyweight often exceeds the limits of one's ability to ascend.  However, they’re known for their hollow bones, ability to grow feathers, with the occasional beak!

While all of these classes have their own distinct traits, one trait all Beastfolk have in common is an Echo Mark, similar to a pontils mark in glassblowing. It appears as three v-shaped lines on the base of their nape, signifying an evolutionary shift. Beastfolk also have an affinity for a “sixth sense” giving them the ability to detect Nimoria's magnetic field, also known as magnetoreception. It is a deep-rooted instinct for navigation; a common trait found in their ancestors across many different taxonomies. This is like an internal compass, allowing them to orient themselves and migrate over long distances.

Morphean

Capable of fluidly shifting between an animal form, a humanoid form, and an in-between hybrid state. Often mistaken as Ferans or Taurians. Their connection to the Chorus is the strongest among stable Beastfolk, making them deeply attuned to magic, spirits, and ancestral forces.

Faintblood

Beastfolk who have become so diluted with other ancestry that their physical forms resemble a humanoid's almost entirely, except for minor lingering traits such as slitted eyes, elongated nails, animal-like ears, tails, fangs, patches of scales or fur, or unique vocalizations. They cannot shapeshift and have the weakest affinity for resonance. Often mistaken for humans or elves, leading to cultural conflicts over identity. Some Halfbloods embrace their heritage, while others struggle with being caught between two worlds.

Taurean

Have humanoid upper torsos but animalistic lower bodies. They cannot shapeshift but possess great physical prowess due to their unique anatomy. Typically retain quadrupedal legs or animally inclined ones (as with satyrs or highly distinct creatures), making them visually striking and often treated as symbols of raw strength or divine ancestry.

Feralean

Often seen as the “purest” of the Beastfolk by traditional standards. Beastfolk with permanently humanoid torsos but animalistic heads and limbs, possessing no shapeshifting abilities. Their resonance affinity is moderate, allowing them strong instincts, heightened senses, and a deep spiritual connection to their ancestors but no magical transformations.