Wild Folk

Origin
The Wild Folk, also simply known as the Folk, or, though more often as an insult, Wildings, are a species which appeared about 2,000 years ago. They are said to have emerged from the woods, with, for a long time, no knowledge of their origin being available. However, it has been discovered that they are the result of several generations of multiple cults using magic to make themselves more at one with nature. This resulted in changes in the DNA of each generation, in which they spliced in traits of various animals. The splicing has long since ceased, but it is forever a part of the DNA of these individuals.

History
These individuals have actually had more of an impact on the culture of the world, rather than its events. In recent years, there has been an interesting fondness among Humans of the cat-like members of this species, which are often referred to as Nekos. There are a few who embrace this, actually enjoying living under the rule of a master. However, it is a rather poor idea to attempt to put a collar on most individuals of this species, as one is likely to end up being clawed open.

Besides this, they have been found to be quite capable fighters, and are thus popular in most armies, mostly as special forces units.

Appearance
The members of this species can have numerous different appearances. They are generally humanoid, with certain animal features. The ears are almost always animal. It is not uncommon for them to also have the eyes, and tails of their animal. Claws are not unheard of among feline individuals.

Each individual has a certain animal that their DNA is mixed with. Feline individuals have cat ears, tails, and claws. Deer individuals may have small horns, the ears, tails, and often, especially strong legs (no, they do not have hooves). Bears tend to be large and powerful, hairy individuals, with bear ears, but no tails. However, they do not have claws. There are very many other variations, but that also means that there are too many to list here. It does, however, seem that the Folk are limited to mammalian species naturally. Other types can be achieved, such as Reptiles, who are known to have claws and are venomous.

The Folk tend to be from 4.5, to 6 feet tall, though individuals such as those that are part bear are reported to reach 6.5, and VERY rarely, 7 feet tall.

Behavior
The Folk vary greatly, often being similar to the animals that they share traits with. Canines tend to like to live in groups, and will defend eachother with their lives. Felines are more solitary and playful. Bears are generally good natured, but a serious force to be reckoned with if angered, along with liking their space and solitude at times.

The Folk neither see themselves as superior, nor inferior, to other species. They do, however, often detest Human expansion, and hate seeing what mankind has done to nature in its years of dominance.

Abilities
The abilities of the Folk vary depending upon their animal. Wolves, Felines, and other lighter species are fast and strong. Felines generally possess deadly claws. While these individuals cannot quite match Vampires in terms of raw strength, they are a match in speed and mobility.

The larger, heavier species, such as Bears, can match Vampires in terms of strength, but tend to lack the speed. All in all, they are still a force to be reckoned with.

All Folk possess powerful senses of smell and hearing, as well as quite often sight. Certain ones, Felines especially, are known to possess night vision as well.

Weaknesses
For all their strengths, the Folk do have their weaknesses. First, one of their strengths can also be a weakness. They are sensitive to extremely loud, high pitched sounds, as well as bright light, especially if it is flashing, such as strobe lights. Extremely strong scents are also extremely debilitating. Tear gas can be downright deadly.

In addition to this, the Folk do tend to be rather prone to their fight or flight reflexes. They will revert to this often if surprised, if they become very nervous, or if they become afraid.

Diet
The diet of the Folk varies, depending upon the individual. Felines, Canines, and other predatory individuals are carnivores. Deer, Rabbits, and other vegetarians are, well, vegetarians. They do, however, tend to need to eat more than the average Human, due to them burning more calories.

Lifespan/Lifestyle
The Folk are known to be quite diverse in their habitats. Canines are known to as often live as gangs in cities, as they are as tribes in the wilderness. Felines can be cat burglars, or solitary mountain hunters.

The Folk generally have the same lifespan as that of a Human, tending to live 80 to 90 years, but with a few individuals actually managing to reach 100.

Reproduction
The Wild Folk are rather interesting in their choices of mates. They can mate with any of the Werewolf species, which includes Werewolves, Lycans, and Wendigos. In this case, even if the Folk is not a Canine, the child can result as a Canine type. They can also mate with Humans, which is generally 50/50 as to whether the child will be a Wild Folk or a Human. Mating with a Naga or Mer can result in a Reptile type Wild Folk child. If two Folk of different animal types mate, the child will be one or the other, with it being a 50/50 chance either way. Wild Folk sit well with a fertility rate of 40%.

Death
Wild Folk are said to go to a beautiful paradise after death. A land of rolling hills, glistening water, and beautiful scenery. A place where there is no hunger, no pain, only happiness. None have ever come back from this paradise, so there is no real way to confirm its existence.

Ranks
Rank E - Runt - These individuals are either quite young Folk, or those cursed with weaker genes. They have the ears of their animal, but are generally less physically capable, being only a real danger to normal Humans.

Rank C - Soft Tooth - These individuals tend to be younger, usually in their late teens. They are physically capable, but generally have much to learn still. This name also applies to individuals who have little experience in combat in general.

Rank B - Beast - Individuals who have reached full maturity, as well as having gained experience in combat and/or hunting. They are quite capable, able to defeat most Humans in close combat.

Rank A - Apex - Very powerful Folk, these individuals are known to be leaders among their kind. They are capable of great feats, and can overpower all but the most powerful of Humans. They are also known to have extremely loyal animal companions.

Rank S - Lord of the Forest - Extremely rare individuals, they have the ability to command the inhabitants of nature themselves, being able to call upon the aid of birds and beasts as they need. They are also extremely capable and experienced.