Chimera

Thought of as the most monstrous of Monsters due to their mixed looks, Chimeras have a history of being considered bad omens among humans. Their overall reception has been poor; the only Monster that truly rivals it is the Vampire, due to their similarities in being considered "against Life itself." Certainly the variety of their kind, and the expanse of the habitats they can live in, lend well to this fear. Still, the stigma against them has been lessening as the years pass and more Chimeras live among humans, and the discovery that they're useful for their hardiness and adaptive natures.

**A Chimera can be a combination of any 2-3 extant animals.** This can be any pre-existing "chimera" as well - sphinx, griffin, nue, manticore, wolpertinger, etc. Creatures like the qirin would fall under the wheelhouse of Chimera as opposed to Dragon.

### Mandatory Changes

* A primary animal trait - the body of a lion (can be bipedal or something more taurish, as in the case with centaurs), the head of a jackal, legs of a hare, the carapace of a lobster, etc. The "bulk" of an animal, essentially. Animal parts should be based on extant animals, but cosmetic features like coloring and patterning can be mixed or exaggerated.
* A secondary animal trait - the wings of a bat or eagle, a snake for a tail, the horns of a ram, hooved feet for an animal that doesn't ordinarily have it, fangs of a venomous animal, a scorpion's stinger, etc. "Extra" characteristics.
* Patches of fur, feathers, scales, discolored skin, etc. depending on their primary and secondary animals. These usually form around areas with the traits - feathers on the shoulders/back of someone with wings, fur on hands/forearms, lower half, etc.
* Like all other Monsters, Chimera will also take a more monstrous appearing form during full moons. This can include further growth of fur/feathers/scales/etc, limbs getting longer or larger, and a greater bulk of the Chimera's form to give a more beastly quality to their figure. An already monstrous creature becomes more terrifying in this state, and Chimera are perhaps the most likely to succumb to their feral instincts due to the clash of creatures that they're composed of. Monsters of the Chimera kind are recommended to keep a level head, and to not fight their natures or the changes they face.

* The main "nature" of their primary animal trait - independent but sleepy cats, loyal to a fault dogs, witty and clever foxes, nocturnal bats and owls, etc.

### Optional Changes

* Further evolution of existing animal traits - for example, wings growing larger and more feathers covering the body, legs turning more bestial, a tail if one doesn't already exist, etc.
* A tertiary animal trait - generally on the same level of "importance" as a secondary animal trait. Wings, feet, claws, fangs, tails, etc.
* The main "nature" of their secondary or tertiary animal trait. These aren't as strong as the primary animal trait's nature, but manifest when opportunities for them present themselves.
* Mythological characteristics that go with certain Chimera - such as the stereotypical Chimera's ability to breathe fire, a cockatrice's ability to spit killer venom, a sphinx's riddles, etc. Chimera that share the same animals as mythological chimera can have these as well, but in smaller doses.
* Possible psychological changes that come with their respective animals, though they may be slightly at odds with each other, depending on the combination of animals that a Chimera is. This could entail predatory nature juxtaposed against a prey animal's instinct, for example.
* Chimera who have completed most of their changes can choose to shift into an animal form that is based most on their primary animal but can have small features of their secondary or tertiary animals. This shift is difficult to master if the Chimera has not accepted their own Monster form (if they are still fighting against their Monster instincts and changes), and it is easier during the full moons.

### Strengths

* Chimeras have the typical traits of whatever they're made of - for example, the mythological chimera has the strength of a lion, the cunning of a goat, and the venom of a snake, as well as the ability to breathe fire; a sphinx of has the cleverness of a human, the strength of a lion, and the flight of an eagle; and so on. Due to the unique nature of every Chimera, players are free to customize these strengths (and weaknesses) in a way that makes sense for their particular choice of hybrid. For any powers that may affect the world or the game, please contact a mod first to discuss.
* **Extremely adaptable to circumstances** due to their multiple animal parts.
* **An advantage to intimidation**; while dissuaded due to the already tenuous acceptance of Chimeras in society, they do still invoke a great fear in people, and can use this to their benefit.
* **Increased survivability.** Chimeras are meant to last, and enjoy the benefits of not being as weak stamina-wise or as delicate as other Monsters when it comes to physical combat; they're second only to Dragons and certain Turnskins.

### Weaknesses

* **More susceptible to magic** - not the Cwyld, but to magic in general, such as illusions, charms, poisons, curses, etc. - due to their odd genetic makeup.
* **Distrusted by most natives on sight.** Chimeras have an inherent "wrongness" about them in the eyes of many, similar to necromancy, so it's harder for them to be trusted on their own; a partner to vouch for them (or keep an eye on them) helps somewhat.
* **Shares the weaknesses of Monsters with similar aspects** - a Chimera with bird- or water-based animal properties will be weak to electricity, a Chimera with insect properties will be weak to fire and ice, a Chimera with reptile properties will need to balance their internal temperature or risk hibernating for good, etc.