The Lunar Codex
"We are the children of two worlds—neither fully human nor wholly beast, but something greater than both. Under Luna's silver gaze, we remember what humanity has forgotten: the sacred bond between predator and prey, the wisdom of the hunt, and the strength found in the nation." —Speaker Fenris Moonclaw, Speaker for the Grand Assembly

 

ESSENCE OF THE SHIFTED BLOOD
Therianthropes are beings caught between two forms, blessed and cursed by ancient bloodlines that tie them to Luna's eternal dance. An unnatural mutation of human and beast, they possess no magic in the traditional sense, yet their very existence defies natural law. Their power flows not from spells or incantations, but from the preternatural disease they bear that empowers primal instincts honed across generations, predatory wisdom passed down through cellular memory, and an unbreakable connection to the lunar cycles that govern their dual nature.

Circles organize themselves not by territory alone, but by the ancient strains that define their beast-soul: the proud Canid who rule through strength and majesty, the cunning Panthera who survive through loyalty and intelligence, the mighty Ursids who stand as solitary guardians, the swift Murids who thrive in shadow and silence, the keen-eyed Avids who see all from above, and the rare but feared Hyaenids and Reptilians whose very existence marks them as apex predators among predators.

The Coalition
The Coalition is a structured yet decentralized organization of Therianthropes bound by a shared purpose: their kind's protection, education, and advocacy. Formed in response to centuries of persecution, isolation, and misunderstanding, The Coalition operates as both a support network and a diplomatic entity, ensuring the survival and coexistence of Therianthropes in a world that often fears them.

 

Core Functions and Goals

1. Mutual Protection—The Coalition maintains a rapid-response system for any Therianthrope in danger. Whether providing safe houses, extracting members from hostile situations, or providing legal defense, the organization ensures that no member is left to fend for themselves.​

2. First Shift Assistance— One of the most vulnerable moments for any Therianthrope is their first transformation. The Coalition assigns experienced mentors to guide new shifters, preventing accidents, trauma, or exposure that could threaten their safety.

3. Emergency Aid— If a Therianthrope is injured, homeless, or otherwise in distress, the Coalition provides medical care, financial assistance, and relocation services to ensure they recover and regain stability.

4. Information Sharing—Different Coalition groups—called Circles—stay in close contact, sharing knowledge on shifting techniques, legal loopholes, medical advancements, and security risks. This ensures that no single group operates in isolation, and every Therianthrope benefits from collective wisdom.

5. Public Relations and Advocacy—The Coalition recognizes that ignorance breeds fear. To combat misinformation, it engages in outreach through public speeches, radio interviews, and television appearances, advocating for understanding between Therianthropes and humanity. Some members work directly with lawmakers, scientists, and media figures to shift public opinion and secure legal protections.

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Structure and Leadership (Coalition)
The Coalition functions as a widespread umbrella organization—unified in purpose, yet decentralized in structure. While it is guided by the overarching leadership of the Council of Masters, each local branch operates with a degree of autonomy, maintaining its own governance while remaining committed to the core values and principles that define the Coalition as a whole.

 

• Council of Masters: respected Therianthropes from various regions and backgrounds. These Therianthropes are never seen in a city, no one even really knows where they actually live. If… IF… they are called to a particular branch for some reason, then things have gone very, very wrong, and someone is likely to die.

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• Speaker: responsible for external communication

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• Guardian: who oversees security and crisis intervention.

  • In Bridgeport, this is Marie Pippins. Marie is a werewolf. She is a former Marine and takes the safety of the Therianthropes in the city very seriously. That being said, she is very open-minded and willing to give respect where it is returned.

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• Scribe: who records history and preserves knowledge. 

  • ​In Bridgeport, this is Caelus. Caelus is a wereleopard. He is quiet and reserved, preferring to watch and listen like the cat he is. 

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• Mentor: who leads each of the Circles of Therianthropes within a city. They guide the new Therianthropes, handle dispute mediations, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Circles.

  • ​These are open to any Therianthrope in the city who rises to a high enough rank to lead that particular Circle.

 

Philosophy and Challenges (Coalition)
The Coalition walks a delicate line between secrecy and visibility. While it strives for human acceptance, it also understands the risks of exposure. Rogue factions, government agencies, and radical anti-shifter groups pose constant threats. Additionally, not all Therianthropes agree with the Coalition’s methods—some believe in full integration with humans, while others advocate for total separation.

Despite these challenges, the Coalition remains steadfast, believing that unity is the key to survival. It is more than an organization; it is a promise that ensures no Therianthrope stands alone.

 

Rules of the Coalition

1. Protect Your Own.  No Therianthrope stands alone. Defend and support each other—physically, legally, and emotionally.

2. Guide the New.  Every new shifter must be mentored. The First Shift is hard and must be handled with care and wisdom.

3. Share Knowledge, Not Secrets.  Information is survival. Circles must communicate and collaborate. Isolation is a threat to all.

4. Respect the Circle, Honor the Council.  Follow your city's leadership. The Council only intervenes when things have gone very wrong.

5. Stay Hidden, Speak Wisely.  Balance secrecy and advocacy. Never endanger the Coalition through recklessness or exposure.

6. No Harm Without Cause.  Do not attack humans without necessity. Violence draws heat, risks exposure, and betrays the Coalition’s purpose.

 

"The moon calls to us all, but each bloodline answers in its own voice. The Panthera roars with royal authority, the Canids howl in a harmonious chorus, the Ursids grunt with ancient wisdom, while the rare bloodlines whisper secrets that chill the soul. Remember: we are not monsters to be feared, but apex predators to be respected. Under Luna's light, we are exactly what nature intended us to be." —From "The Shifting Truth," sacred text of the Lunar Conclave

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::: General Therianthrope Advantages :::​

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These powers are available to all Therianthrope upon their turning.  No matter what strain of Therian one is, these powers are consistent. These powers grow more powerful with each player as they grow.​

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• Built Tough:  Therianthropes receive a passive +2 Body bonus.  This also grants them a natural immunity to most human illnesses.  This immunity does not extended to weaponized pathogens or poisons.

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• Heightened Awareness: Therianthropes possess a sharp instinctual awareness of their surroundings. They can sense the presence of other therianthropes and nearby threats or intruders, even if they are not directly visible or heard.  This awareness extends to physical threats and subtle cues like environmental shifts. [+1 Intelligence]

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::: General Therianthrope Disadvantages :::

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• Silver/Silver Nitrate Vulnerability: Even brief contact with silver causes intense physical pain, triggering an immediate, sharp reaction. Wounds inflicted by silver weapons heal much more slowly than injuries caused by other materials. The silver interferes with their regenerative abilities, making the healing process much more drawn-out and painful. In some cases, silver-inflicted wounds can leave permanent scars or lasting damage.

  • Therianthropes are vulnerable against Silver or Silver Nitrate.  All damage inflicted from this  source is Doubled.

  • This vulnerability does not ignore resistances.

 

• Full Moon Compulsion: A powerful, uncontrollable force that affects all therianthropes, drawing them to transform into their animal forms during the full moon. As the moon reaches its peak, their primal instincts intensify, overwhelming their ability to remain human. This compulsion amplifies their aggression, senses, and predatory urges, causing them to lose self-control.  

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• Frenzy: This instinct is deeply tied to their animal nature and often surfaces at times of heightened emotion, stress, or danger. It can trigger an aggressive or combative response, especially when they perceive a threat or challenge, making it difficult to control their reactions.

  • During moments of extreme emotion, Therian must roll [Willpower vs DC 10] to avoid frenzied state which forces them into their Dire Form and unable to control their actions.​

  • When in Frenzied state, Therianthropes take +1 Mental Damage.  The list below are the Specific Emotions that trigger this effect:​

    • Anger​

    • Arousal

    • Fear

    • Grief

    • Humiliation

    • Physical Pain

  • When In Frenzied state, Therian cannot tell the difference between Friend and Foe after transforming.  They MUST attack whomever is closest to them.  State lasts for the scene or until Therian is incapacitated.

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