General Information and a Description
An odd race of creatures, these wolf-like beasts have been cursed for as long as anyone can remember. They are generally not the favorite creature of many people, and tend to be avoided. Their true form resembles a large wolf in shape and structure. It is very possible for them to come in a striking array of colors, but most have dark-colored fur with navy blue or dark red tips. Though they have yellow eyes, many are born blind and remain blind for the rest of their lives. This has led to an increase in their sense of smell and hearing. Perhaps the most interesting fact of these creatures is the fact that the name "Skin-Walker" is a derogatory term that has stuck over the years. The name "Skin-Walker" comes from the cursed form these beasts transform into during the day: a bipedal lanky humanoid figure with pale, wrinkly, and hairless skin. Their humanoid legs are similar to that of animals, which forces them to walk hunched over to keep themselves from falling. Even with a more human-like shape, Skin-Walkers cannot form words, and the best thay they may be able to manage would be nothing short of a gurgling growl. Their true name has been lost to the passing of time.
Skin-Walkers, as mentioned before, resemble large wolves. They have a thick, stout frame that mirrors a bear's, but their fur, tail, skull, and other outlying details imitate that of wolves. Skin-Walkers run on broad, wide-set paws that make them, while heavy, sure in their footing. Adults take on this bear-wolf appearance, while the hatchlings look more like young wolves. For each stage, fur tends to be a dark brown or nearly black gray. Either navy blue or maroon fur line the tips of their pelt, giving them an odd "aura"-type outline when seen in the moonlight. A row a sharp, yellowed teeth line both jaws of adults. In cursed form, the Skin-Walker's fur becomes white and pale, much like their naked, wrinkly skin. They stand up on two legs, with their hind legs staying more animal in structure, but becoming elongated and humanoid. Because of the animal structure of their legs, Skin-Walkers have a hunched-over posture. Their snout flattens into their face, but they keep the sharpness of their teeth. While they may resemble humans from a distance, it's easy to distinguish them via communication. Skin-Walkers do not have as developed vocal cords, and thus they can only speak in growls and snarls.
The eggs are a simple dark brown in color, a plain gradient. They are somewhat heavy, but not so much that people would automatically pick up on it. A tuft of dark fur, near the color of navy blue, is sticking out of the top, in a fashion that is similar to a mohawk. During the day, it does not change at all.
The hatchlings are like differently colored direwolves. They act and play like normal wolves, not yet aware of their... predicament. As they grow, their bone structure becomes more sturdy and bear-like, starting to resemble the adult's bone structure. The hatchling's fur, from birth, is already like it's parents, and will continue to stay the same. During the day, they change into scrawny, human child-like beings. Though they might not take much note of it now, as they grow older, their resemblance to a human child becomes less and less until they reach adulthood.
Egg Description
This egg has a tuft of navy blue fur sticking out of it.
Hatchling Description
This hatchling resembles a dark-furred young direwolf, but during the day it takes on a sickly, scrawny shape.
Adult Description
The young wolf-like beast has an odd trait--during the day, it changes into an ugly humanoid-like creature. People tend to shy away from it, but having been raised by a mage, it doesn't attack humans or other animals like a wild Skin-Walker would. Instead, it hides mostly during the day, and you have a hard time of finding it. Only at night, when it's back in it's true form, does it hunt and otherwise prowl about.
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Notes
They are meant to be a sort of reverse werewolf.. And I was flipping through some Native American lore and information, and came across the term "skin-walker", which refers to a person who has the ability to change into an animal. I liked it, and I think it fits as a derogatory name for this relatively disliked creature.
I aimed to create not a creature that people would like for it's appearance or description, but instead a creature that, in general, people would dislike. :3 I don't think it worked, since I rather like them myself, and if I don't win this contest, I'll use this race for roleplays.
I don't even expect to win, but I'm doing this for fun.Yes, they were inspired by Ursula Le Guin's A Wife's Story. :3 Props to you if you've read it.
