Anthropomorphs

Countless mortal legends tell of men who become beasts, wild animals with the intelligence of man, and murderous shapeshifters bound to the phases of the moon. Most of these legends are complete fabrications, but they reach into a collective subconcious memory of the beings known as anthropomorphs.
Anthropomorphs begin life as mortal humans or animals who are bitten or by some other means infected with a strain of the virus that ties all of their kind together. Those so infected most frequently simply die, either at the claw of the anthropomorph who initially infected them or by the initial ravages of the virus. Should the mortal or animal proove resilient enough to survive the virus forever lives within them, resulting in a number of traits, some universal and others varying depending upon the strain.
All anthropomorphs for example share an extended natural lifespan, resistance to diseases and most toxic substances, a lethal allergy to Silver, and a powerful augmentation to their sympathetic nervous system. This last point produces physical characteristics which vary, sometimes dramatically, based onthe individual viral strain. Most will produce more body hair and see an increase in muscle mass, but some see even more dramatic changes such as bone structure, facial features, or even the growth of a tail. These traits are the common source for concepts such as werewolves or ratfolk. These traits become far more prominent during times of stress, giving rise to the idea of shifting into a beast.
Many anthropomorphs are able to pass for human in daily life, albeit visually striking ones, but when their adrenaline is pumping it's impossible to miss the truth of them. It is for this reason that many anthropomorphs choose to live in supernatural communities where they have no need to hide their nature. Unfortnately in most communities they are treated as lesser beings, often considered little better than humans. Nevertheless, their physical strength does tend to afford them at least a measure of safety, if not respect, so most are able to bear it. There are growing equality movements though, often allied with local Morloks, which are becoming difficult for the council members to ignore.