Therion Syndrome

The Therion Syndrome is an artificial, pseudo-magical condition created by the Precursors. Originally a bioweapon, it is able to turn humanoids into monstrous beasts, either permanently or temporarily depending on the strain applied to the specimen.

History
During the late ... Epoch, the Mochaistos city-state waged war against the Argyragon, the richest and largest city-state at the time, over the possession of a valley caught between their territories. While it has never been determined where this valley was located, it was said to be of great value, rich with minerals, ores, and lush farm land.

Appearance
In their humanoid form, Therion are indistinguishable from their unaffected humanoid counterparts, and usually possess no physical or psychological advantages other than their ability to shift into their stronger, bestial form. They respond normally to injury and illnesses, but tend to be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and most drugs and Poi.

Once transformed, however, Therion are a sight to behold. Standing between 2,5 to 3,3 meters tall and weighing up to 700 kilograms, they are among the largest terrestrial predators on Eyremos. They are long-limbed and humanoid in shape, but due to their heavy, muscular upper body, their prefer to move around on all fours, usually balanced on the knuckles. A Therion's fur takes after the head hair of their humanoid form in color, although it has been recorded that variations in thickness and hue occur across the body, creating markings and patterns. Actual head hair is changed into mane during the shift, which is coarser in texture and able to be erected via small muscle movements on the neck and shoulders. Another place where this 'mane fur' is found is at the tip of their tails, which grows up to 100 to 115 cms long.

Their paws are thick and elongated, with feet made for digitigrade walking and hands strengthened for extensive slashing power. Claws on both paw sets are restractable and while short, are thick, hooked and exceptionally durable, known to cut through metal with relative ease.



Transformation
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Alpha (Beastmage)
Contrary to what their name suggests, Therion Alphas aren't actually assume the beastly shape themselves. Also known as "Beast Mages", they are magickally gifted individuals with the unique ability to tame and control Therion, and were developed alongside the original proto-Therion to act as their handlers.

Proto-Therion
Before being unleashed upon the battlefield, the Therion Syndrome went through a lot of trial and error which produced an assortment of ineffective and failed variants. Although the term proto-Therion usually refers to the successful final results, these

Perma-Therion
After the downfall of the Precursor civilization, the proto-Therion were free to roam Konis, unapprehended by any humanoid resistance. While most Therion evolved into the vicious, unstable shapeshifters known today, a few of them disappeared into the more remote regions of the continent, where they formed tribes with warrior cultures that embraced the beast, allowing them to erase their human nature and live in harmony with their animalistic one, thus evolving into a species of sentient, permanently bestial Therion.

Famous Therion

 * Sprite Cinders, a female Therion and ex-Skylax soldier, most known for her
 * Zero Cameron, a male Alpha and son of Blake Cameron
 * Krajar DiVoo, better known by their alias "Clickjaw", a possessed Therion with cannibalistic tendencies