Shapeshifter

Shapeshifters are an old and versatile species, known for their ability to perfectly imitate any living being they come into contact with. They are most known within the Galactic Security Institution, though some also work with the Galactic Union.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A Shapeshifter's appearance is mainly unknown to most, as shapeshifters don't need to reveal their appearance to their own kind. They are confirmed to be at least bipedal.

Shapeshifting

Shapeshifters have the ability to take forms of creatures that they’ve had previous physical contact with. The act of shapeshifting takes energy, and there is a limit in size that they can shapeshift into.
Creatures that are too large for a shapeshifter can cause overexertion, which can cause serious injury or death if they attempt to hold the form for too long, if at all.
Shapeshifters can take the form of creatures that are too small, but will be unable to stay in said form.
Shapeshifters can only steal the form of creatures that are alive, meaning if a creature is already dead there is no chance the shapeshifter can take their form. They are unable to take forms from other shapeshifters, or take another shapeshifter's "true" form.
If a shapeshifter is stuck in a form for a long time, it can difficult for them to shift into other forms though this can be restored with physical therapy.

Authentic Adaptation

Shapeshifters have the potential to push themselves to make their internal appearance as convincing as their outer appearance. However they are unable to revert back to their true form. There has been little research into this development as it's not been necessary and mostly frowned upon.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Shapeshifter senses adapt depending on what they've shapeshifted into, however their most important sensory is touch.
Shapeshifters are able to tell whether or not an entity has shapeshifting abilities (not necessarily the same species) and contact with their own species is described to feel like a feedback loop.
As a side effect of this they are able to tell who non-shapeshifters are by physical touch.
Illness or injury can dull this ability, which can cause distress to the afflicted shapeshifter.

Behaviour

Identity

Shapeshifters hold a lot of importance in keeping their true identity and form.
It is recommended for Shapeshifters who are undercover or hiding to revert to their true form, or change forms every once in a while so they don't lose themself in the identity they are using at the time.
Shapeshifters will become greatly distressed if they are unable to revert to their true form anymore.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Shapeshifters are able to eat most foods that are edible to other species, though they have a preference to higher caloric items.
Cooking is rare for their kind, though there are few that do after they realized they can maximize their caloric intake.
It is widely debated on the morals of eating other species that are sentient, as some have no qualms while others will refuse.

Shapeshifters need to eat at least 5000 cals per day if they wish to shift into other forms.

Interests

It is very easy for shapeshifters to develop strong fixations on very specific subjects and build large collections related to it which has given them a bit of a reputation for being hoarders.

Tasks

When given tasks or orders, shapeshifters expect them to be specific and will get annoyed over vague and/or unclear orders.

Alternative Names

Mimics

Conservation Status

Low Concern

Average Height

5'10"

Geographic Distribution

Wide spread

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Due to their abilities, Shapeshifters are mainly distrusted by others species, though many galactic organizations are not against using them as infiltrators or observers.
This has led to feelings of superiority for some, looking down on all non-shifting species. Others are equally distrusting and detached, unwilling to reveal their true nature to non-shifting species.
The few that look favourably on or have developed attachments to various people/species in general still have the fear deep down that they will not be accepted if they revealed themselves.
It is extremely rare for a non-shifter to ever see the true form of a shapeshifter as it requires a huge amount of trust.

Calories	Description
6000 < cal	Able to frequently shapeshift with little trouble, increasing past this point can allow a shapeshifter to attempt larger forms if needed.
5000 cal	Able to shapeshift to a point, no need for sleep, except for conserving energy.
2500 cal	Unable to shapeshift, need frequent sleeps to conserve energy.
< 2000 cal	Decreasing past this point will eventually cause form destabilization and death.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Shapeshifters are given their first name at birth, which is considered their "true" name. They will then add to their name with important names they've either adopted/stolen/given from others or given themselves.
Some shapeshifters will castaway names they they feel don't fit them any more, however it is extremely frowned upon to cast away a true name.
Older shapeshifters are more likely to have longer names, however this is not always the case as some will stick with specific names for a long time.

Common Dress Code

The majority of Shapeshifters wear a space-adaptive bodysuit, that can shift alongside their body. Traditional clothing consists of loose-fitting clothing that can easily adapt to shapeshifting.

Courtship & Relationship Ideals

Shapeshifters like to show off in an attempt to impress potential bondmates, whether being strength, reflexes, shapeshifting ability, etc.
While shapeshifters prefer longterm bondmates, it is not uncommon for more short term arrangements to occur, especially if one if assigned to work elsewhere.
It is common for shapeshifters to join family units and/or develop romantic feelings with other species, which is accepted though not taken seriously. Attempting to have a bondmate of another species is ridiculed.

Pranks and Playfighting

Shapeshifters will pull pranks and jokes on each other that may seem harsh or overly mean to other species.
Playfighting with one another is also encouraged as it helps keep their reflexes in check.