Shapeshifters

Shape-shifters, often mistaken as werewolves, are an ancient warrior species created by Buri, the Norse god, to fight curses placed on humanoids such as Vampirism or Lycanthropy . Shapeshifters transform into a certain animal. They descend from the original fifteen Shape-shifters, each with a different animal spirit. Becoming a Shape-shifter is a family honour as only one child can inherit the ability.

The families that descended from the original warriors were able to inherit the ability through a tradition known as 'Tempore Mutationem' where one child is selected to drink the family blood from the family's chalice giving them the gene of their ancestors.

Shapeshifters mostly refer to their animal as an inner spirit but some accept that they are the same as the beast inside.

## Phasing

The instinct to phase is only triggered when the Inheritance ritual is completed. There's no exact age to determine whether the member is old enough for the gene to activate, only the judgement of the previous generations of 'Shifters'. The transformation generally occur roughly when a boy reaches manhood, and is accompanied by a sudden growth spurt lasting for about two months. Only males were believed to be able to phase until the transformation of **Leah Clearwater**, which surprised everyone.

The transformation can happen at any time, and is not dependent upon a full moon, unlike the . In new shape-shifters, the change is involuntary, since they have not yet learned to control it. Phasing often occurs due to a loss of temper.Transformation or "phasing" is a sudden and violent process. The initial transformation seems to be triggered by anger and in order become human again, the shape-shifter needs to calm down and concentrate on phasing back to human form. However after time shape-shifters begin to be able to control the phasing meaning it becomes voluntary and can be triggered when desires yet from time to time anger may still result in a phasing.

## Attributes and Limitations

### Speed

Shape-shifts reach great speed, depending on their animal some reach speed in excess of one hundred miles per hour, which allows them to outrun motor vehicles. Being compared to vampires, they are very similar in their supernatural speed. It is stated that a fast shifter can outrun an average vampire and, conversely, a fast vampire can outrun an average shifter. This indicates they are quite equal in their speed. Even in their human forms, shape-shifters are easily faster and have greater endurance than all humans, some shifters have even been rumoured to reach thirty miles per hour or more while maintaining their endurance. **REFLEXS**

### Strength

While in human form, their strength is near- superhuman, In their animal form, not only are they much larger than the regular animal, they are also supernaturally stronger. In this form, their strength is incredible and nearly equivalent to that of a vampire. A full pack can easily overpower and kill any vampire.

### Physiology

Shape-shifters have a body temperature of about 108°F (42°C) .This high temperature allows the shape-shifters to withstand very cold weather and makes it difficult for them to become overheated. It also makes it very difficult for vampires to harm them in combat, due to vampires being extremely sensitive to high temperatures. The shape-shifters can heal and regenerate very fast and completely. While not immortal if they choose to quit phasing, these capabilities allow them to continue fighting even after serious injury. In some cases, however, this accelerated healing can be detrimental.

While their skin is much more durable than that of a human being (to the degree that the bones in Bella's hand are broken when she punches Jacob in the face), it is not granite hard like a vampire's. In their wolf form, their fangs are strong enough to penetrate a vampire's skin. The wolves bear an animal scent that makes them unappetizing to vampires, making it easier for vampires to resist the temptation caused by their blood.

### Senses

The senses of shape-shifters rival those of vampires. Like vampires, they can see, hear and smell things from miles away. Their sense of smell is so adjusted to help them identify their one enemy, vampires. It is not clear whether it is heightened in other circumstances, but they certainly know vampires at a distance, finding their smell sickly sweet and repellent.

Shape-shifters' eyes are extremely sharp and can see very far. Jared is known to have the best sight in the pack. Their sense of sight is known to be ten times better than the average human, twice as good as the average bird of prey's. It is unknown if shape-shifters can see into the invisible spectrum of light, like . Even in their human form, a wolf can easily recognize a vampire. They see much more than the characteristic paleness, eye colour, and beauty. To wolves, a vampire appears reflective and angular, almost like moving crystal.

They all have excellent hearing even in their human forms.

### Pack Behaviour

In their wolf forms, shape-shifters show the general behaviour of their titular animals, though they retain their human intelligence, memories and character, up to and including showing their human eyes. Pack members are also telepathically linked with each other, enhancing their coordination during hunts and fights but allowing little or no privacy at any time. The Alphas of two different packs are able to communicate telepathically, and can control what thoughts they share, while the subordinates of different packs don't show this ability.

The dominant male, the Alpha, can force the other pack members to obey his orders against their will. So can the Beta, though he can't command his own Alpha. Even if it's implied, it is unknown whether this characteristic is also extended down the pack hierarchy.

Alpha status is related to lineage, with Sam being the exception due to Jacob, the born Alpha, having no interest in leading the pack. However, should a genetical Alpha be unavailable, it is possible for a pack to select a new Alpha from, possibly, its ranks. Though possible, it is not known whether a lower-ranking pack member can challenge the Alpha for status. Jacob never uses his voice to impose his will on his pack mates, even if he has a stronger power than Sam.

In *Breaking Dawn*, it is found out that is able to mentally shield a whole pack of shape-shifters by focusing solely on its Alpha, with the protection cascading down through the ranks. A comparison with a computer net appears therefore obvious, suggesting that a pack does not simply operate as a highly integrated group of intelligent and trained wolves but is almost a neural net with multiple consciousness foci operating together, the Alpha's being the coordinator. This link may also make them vulnerable to mind-based powers, making them easy targets to mind attacks.