SWANMANES | Home

SWAN MANE LEADERS IN VERO

Queen: Anna Alderidge (the.cat)

King: Lucien (puddle.enthusiast)

Swanmanes: Choice Food

Swanmanes are a mysterious group of shapeshifters, born or cursed with the unique ability to transform into swans, both in physical appearance and in power. While shapeshifters are often categorized into various species based on the animal they embody, swanmanes are among the rarer types, with no more than six of them residing in any major city across the United States at any given time. They represent a balance of beauty, grace, and strength. They are also known for their attractive scent, making them a fine meal for most predators, and their blood is known to have calming effects akin to Valium.

The lineage of swanmanes is structured around a cycle, with one Swanking (the male leader) born into each generation, destined to take the throne and rule over the swanman community. Traditionally, each Swanking is paired with a Swan Queen, his mate who is both his equal and counterpart in power.

Swanmanes are almost exclusively female. The few male exceptions (known as Drakes) are born specifically for the task of rulership over the swanmanes, although their level of power varies. Despite the number of living Drakes, only one rules over the swanmanes at a time, known as the Swan King. Power varies among swanmanes, and occasionally, there are Swan Queens.

Swanmanes are often dismissed as unimportant by the shapeshifter community, except as food (metaphysical or otherwise). Drakes (and possibly the manes, although the latter is unknown) have unusually long lives, even for shapeshifters, living to be hundreds of years old.

Because swanmanes are not exactly lycanthropes, they don't interact with their animal nature in the same way. They do not have to shift on the night of the full moon, and traditionally, the one night a month that swanmanes shift is beneath the new moon. However, this is ritual rather than physical necessity, and a swanmane can skip their flight beneath the dark moon if there's a good enough reason to do so.

Shifting is effortless for a swanmane, unlike lycanthropes who are often exhausted after shifting. Swanmanes can shift when they choose—it's very rare for a swan to shift accidentally or against their will, and it only happens under extreme fear or pain.

Swanmanes do not have a separate beast inside them as infected lycanthropes do. Instead, the bird-self is woven into their nature and personality. This can be an advantage, as they never have to battle their bird for control of their body. However, it is also a disadvantage, as they can never fully separate their bird nature from their reactions.

Swans are prey animals. This is significant: swans are prey animals. They often struggle to interact with predator shapeshifters, most of whom are lycanthropes. When confronted with a predator, a swanmane will instinctively want to flee. This reaction can lessen with time and familiarity, but it always remains to some extent. As such, swanmanes generally avoid lycanthropes. However, their prey nature makes them uniquely suited to serve as blood donors to vampires. Bird blood is considered a delicacy by many vampires due to its thin, sweet nature. It is common for swanmanes to place themselves under the protection of the vampire court in exchange for donating their blood.

The unique nature of swanmanes allows them to bear children if they choose, and most do. Swanmanes are “built to breed,” and it’s not uncommon for a swan to have four, five, or more children throughout their life. They are given a chain necklace that ties them to the King and Queen just before their first flight.

The greatest gift of the swanmane is flight. No one without wings can understand what it is to fly. It is a bliss, a freedom, and a desperate joy that can never be wholly explained.

Physical and Transformational Abilities

Although not as physically dominant as more predatory shapeshifters, such as wolves or big cats, swanmanes possess remarkable control over their transformation abilities. They are not subject to the pull of the moon, unlike werewolves, allowing them to shift at will without being forced into their animal form during specific phases. When in their swan form, they embody the ethereal grace and beauty of their animal counterpart—majestic, powerful in flight, and able to glide effortlessly across bodies of water, embodying both freedom and elegance. The swan form is also enhanced by the supernatural traits of the Swanmanes, with an aura of magic and mystery that emanates from them.

For male swanmanes, the process of transformation becomes more pronounced with age. Once they reach a certain maturity, their human hair begins to be replaced by fine, delicate feathers. These feathers start small but grow over time, eventually covering the individual’s scalp and shoulders. In their swan form, the feathers that replace their hair take on an almost otherworldly quality, radiating a soft glow or subtle iridescence that adds to their ethereal appearance. This transformation is a rite of passage that marks their readiness to assume their role in the community, whether as a ruler or protector.

Cultural and Societal Significance

Despite their beauty and control over their abilities, swanmanes are seen as less fearsome compared to the more aggressive and predatory shapeshifters. They are not often involved in physical confrontations, instead relying on their intelligence, grace, and leadership to maintain influence. Swanmanes are known for their loyalty to their own kind, and the Swanking is not just a title but a sacred duty to protect and lead their people.

While swanmanes are generally peaceful, they are also highly sensitive to imbalances within their society. The absence of a Swan Queen creates a certain level of unrest among them, as they await the emergence of the mate who will complete the cycle of power. Without the Queen, the Swanking is left to lead alone, which can strain the unity of their small but tightly-knit community.

The swanmanes’ presence in a city is often subtle—rarely drawing attention to themselves, yet always maintaining a watchful eye over the community they inhabit. Though few in number, their supernatural beauty and powerful magic make them unforgettable to those who encounter them.

In summary, swanmanes are an elegant and rare species of shapeshifter, with a fascinating blend of grace and strength, capable of transforming into swans at will. Their society is marked by a monarch-like system, with the Swanking and Swan Queen at its helm, though the absence of a Queen in the current generation adds intrigue to their story. Although not as physically formidable as other shapeshifters, swanmanes have unique abilities and a cultural significance that makes them a unique part of the supernatural world.

Origins of the Swanmanes

Creation of the First Swanmane: It is believed that the first swanmane was created by a witch’s curse cast on an arrogant European prince who had wronged her. The curse caused the prince to transform into a swan, and as a result, he stopped aging. This curse also tied him to the characteristics of a swanmane but prevented him from becoming a Swanking or Swanqueen, as he lacked the required birthmark for those roles.
Cursed Swanmanes: Those who become swanmanes through a curse cease aging immediately but are unable to hold leadership positions (such as Swanking or Swanqueen) due to the absence of a special birthmark. Their transformation is permanent, and the curse binds them to the characteristics of swanmanes, including their abilities and roles in society.
The Spread of the Curse: Over time, other cursed individuals began to find each other and mate, passing on the curse to their offspring. These offspring, although still cursed, were considered "natural" swanmanes. Unlike cursed swanmanes, natural-born swanmanes age much slower than humans, but they are still capable of producing a pair of rulers every generation—the Swanking (male leader) and the Swanqueen (female leader). These leaders are trained from a young age to take on their roles, which come with great responsibilities.

Mythology and Cultural References

Cultural Significance: Swanmanes appear in many cultures, including Greek, Roman, Norse, Irish, and Finnish legends. In these cultures, swans are often seen as symbols of transformation, beauty, and mysticism.
Notable Tales:
- The Irish Stepmother: An Irish tale tells of a stepmother who changed her children into swans for 900 years.
- Helen of Troy: It was believed that Helen of Troy was conceived by Zeus, who took the form of a swan to seduce or rape Leda, Queen of Sparta.

Natural and Cursed Swanmanes

Offspring of Cursed Swanmanes: Cursed swanmanes, over time, began to mate with one another, and their offspring were born with the curse as well. These "natural" swanmanes have slower aging processes than humans but still age, unlike cursed swanmanes who stop aging completely.
Swanking and Swanqueen: In each generation, two swanmanes are born with the responsibility to become the Swanking (the male leader) and the Swanqueen (the female leader). These rulers are trained from an early age to take on their leadership roles. Their bond is lifelong, and they are expected to govern their people with wisdom and grace, even if just as good friends.

Abilities of Swanmanes

Shifting: Swanmanes can shift into swan form at will and are not influenced by the moon cycle. Unlike weres, who experience a violent transformation, swanmanes shift smoothly without the need for unconsciousness or physical pain. This shift is a defense mechanism, as swans are prey for many supernatural creatures.
Silver Immunity: Swanmanes are immune to silver, as they are not weres, and silver does not harm them more than any other metal.
Reproduction: Swanmanes are capable of bearing offspring, unlike lycans. Offspring born to at least one swanmane parent will always be a swanmane.
Lack of "Beast": Swanmanes do not have an inner "beast" that governs them, unlike lycans. Instead of transforming into a violent, predatory form, swanmanes engage in formalized gestures of submission, such as bowing or curtseying to higher-ranking individuals.
Healing: Swanmanes heal at the same rate as humans unless they shift. If a natural-born swanmane is killed while shifted, they remain in swan form and do not return to human form. However, if a cursed swanmane is killed, the curse is broken, and they return to human form.

Weaknesses

Vulnerability to Cold: Swanmanes, being creatures deeply tied to water and their avian nature, are particularly sensitive to extreme cold. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause them to become sluggish, disoriented, and weakened, impairing their ability to shift or maintain control over their powers. In severe cases, they may even fall unconscious if exposed to ice or snow for too long.
Severe Injury to Wings: Swanmanes’ wings are integral to both their transformation and their ability to maneuver in combat. If their wings are severely damaged or disabled—especially in their swan form—they lose a significant portion of their agility and mobility. This makes them much more vulnerable to attacks, particularly from enemies who can exploit their weakened flight capabilities.
Magic Disruption: Swanmanes have a natural connection to water and elemental magic, which can be disrupted by certain magical barriers or anti-magic spells. Powerful mages or magical artifacts that disrupt elemental forces can nullify or greatly hinder a Swanmane’s ability to use their aquatic powers, heal, or shift forms, leaving them vulnerable to other supernatural beings.
Emotional Instability: Swanmanes are emotionally driven, particularly in their relationships with their families or mates. If they experience intense emotional trauma, grief, or stress, it can interfere with their control over their transformation. In moments of intense emotional strain, they may lose the ability to fully shift or even become overwhelmed by their swan instincts, leading to erratic behavior or an inability to protect themselves effectively.
Dependency on Water: A Swanmane is most powerful when in or near water, whether it be a lake, river, or ocean. If they are separated from water for an extended period, they become weaker, slower, and more vulnerable. They lose their ability to heal quickly or access their full range of abilities. Prolonged dehydration or distance from water can even lead to physical pain or deterioration of their swan form, rendering them incapacitated.

Physical Attributes and Forms

Appearance: Swanmanes are typically very pale, with a pink undertone to their skin. Over time, as they mature, their hair becomes feathery, and much of it is replaced by fine, soft feathers.
The "mane" aspect possibly indicating that this being's swan form is adorned with long, flowing feathers or an ethereal glow that makes it stand out from typical swan depictions, representing a deeper connection to magic or a higher status among shapeshifters.
Alternatively, the term "swan mane" might suggest that this creature has a mane of sorts—like that of a lion or horse—but made from swan feathers or some other mystical substance. The shifter could be a being with a powerful lineage or origin, with the "mane" symbolizing their strength, elegance, or nobility.
Swan Form: Swanmanes can shift into two main forms: a full swan form or a human form. In swan form, they are usually 5 to 6 feet tall when fully stretched, with a wingspan of 6 to 8 feet. Including the tail, they can reach lengths of 6 to 7 feet.
Third Form: There are rumors of a rare, third form that some powerful swanmanes can assume. This form is human in appearance but with wings in place of arms, giving them an almost angelic look. However, this form is exceedingly rare and rarely used, even by those capable of it.
Swanmanes can come in a variety of colours. The colour of their plume when fully shifted matches the natural colour of their human forms hair. Head, pubic, eyebrows etc.

Disclaimer: // Swanmane colours are purely for aesthetic purposes and have no IC baring on power level or abilities ICly. Other players may judge your character based on the colour you pick, but it will be solely because of superstition, experience and old wives tales.

Common colours :
White.
Grey / Silver.
Brown / Brunette.
Cream / Blonde.

Uncommon colours :
Multiple coloured plumage. ( This would reflect in their hair. A streak, highlights etc. )

Rare colours :
Black. ( Can have superstitions around this colour in swanmanes. Believed to be cursed, or a bad omen. )
Pink. ( Dusty light pink, not neon. )
Green. ( This is more black with a green iridescent shift in certain lights to appear green. )

Behavior and Combat

Territorial Nature: Swanmanes are highly territorial and will defend their home, family, or young fiercely. They will not hesitate to fight if their territory is encroached upon or their loved ones are threatened.
Combat Skills: Swanmanes are quick and agile, using their sharp beaks, long necks, and powerful wings to strike at enemies. Their beaks can cause serious damage, such as gouging out eyes, breaking fingers, or cutting through skin. They also use their claw at the back of their foot to sever tendons, particularly hamstrings, in battle.
Natural Prey Instinct: Despite their deadly combat abilities, swanmanes are naturally prey creatures. Their instinct is to flee from predators unless their territory or family is threatened. Only in such instances will they fight back with their full strength.

Mating and Relationships

Mating for Life: Swanmanes typically mate for life, with the male usually dying of depression if his mate leaves him. The bond between the SwanKing (Swanking) and the SwanQueen is sacred, even if not faithful as seen in most royal situations.
A Queen may perfectly rule without a King.
Role of the SwanKing and SwanQueen: The SwanKing and SwanQueen govern their people with wisdom, and their relationship forms the heart of the swanmane society. Their connection is vital for the stability and strength of their kingdom.

Swanmane Social Hierarchy and Terminology

Cobbe: The male leader of a swan group, beneath the King.
Cygnet: A weak or omega swanmane, typically one who was cursed but may work their way up through the hierarchy.
Cygninae: A swan family, including the parents and their offspring.
Cygnini: A swan group, which functions similarly to a pack or clan.
Cygnus: A moderate or beta swanmane, typically born to one cursed parent. These swanmanes are not as powerful as natural-born swanmanes but hold a place in the community.
Pen: The female leader of a swan group, beneath the Queen
Sonus: An alpha swanmane, born to two natural-born swanmanes, with a higher rank and greater power within the society.

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== SWANMANE POWERS ==
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OMEGA
This level is always by curse.
• As strong as a human.
• Doesn't age.
• Increased hearing, smell and sight.
• Reflexes 5x.
• They can smell other supernaturals but not sense them like other lycans do. Cannot tell what they really are.
• Will live forever unless killed or having the spell broken.

BETA
This level is for one who inherited the curse from one parent only or is someone who advanced from Omega stage through rp.
• Doesn't age.
• Increased hearing, smell and sight.
• Reflexes 8x.
• Shield: can use aura to protect themselves from psychic attacks (Moderate) and hide their true intentions.
• They can smell other supernaturals but not sense them like other lycans do. Cannot tell what they really are.
• Twice as strong as a human.
• Will live forever unless killed or having the spell broken.
.
MODERATE (choose 1 power from “Additional” list below)
This level is for one who inherited the curse from both parents or is someone who advanced from Beta stage through rp.
• 5x as strong as a human.
• Discern: can use the aura to figure out what kind of supernatural a creature is (if supernatural at all). This ability feels like a warm touch of water.
• Doesn't age.
• Increased hearing, smell and sight.
• Reflexes 10x.
• Shield: can use aura to protect themselves from psychic attacks (Strong) and hide their true intentions.
• They can smell other supernaturals but not sense them like other lycans do.
• Will live forever unless killed or having the spell broken.

ALPHA
Choose 2 powers from “Additional” list below
• 8x as strong as a human.
• Discern: can use the aura to figure out what kind of supernatural a creature is (if supernatural at all). This ability feels like a warm touch of water.
• Doesn't age.
• Increased hearing, smell and sight.
• Intermediate Form: may assume a hybrid form of a human with swan wings instead of arms.
• Reflexes 12x.
• Shield: can use aura to protect themselves from psychic attacks (Strong) and hide their true intentions.
• Sooth: can use the aura to charm or distract someone and force them to pay attention on their grace and nobility. The aura produces a calming and relaxing effect over those weaker than the swanmane.
• They can smell other supernaturals but not sense them like other lycans do.
• Will live forever unless killed or having the spell broken.

PRINCE or PRINCESS (Choose 3 powers - Strong level) - who are your parents? Our current Queen has no children.
• 8x as strong as a human.
• Shield: can use aura to protect themselves from psychic attacks (Strong) and hide their true intentions.
• Doesn't age.
• Increased hearing, smell and sight.
• Reflexes 12x.
• They can smell other supernaturals but not sense them like other lycans do.
• Will live forever unless killed.

QUEEN (Choose 3 powers from “Additional” list below - Alpha level) - CAPPED

There can be only one per territory - only go for this level if there's vacancy at the landing board, otherwise be ready for fight for the title according to the Guidelines aka with consent of current Queen (we have a player developing st towrds the position).
• Call: can summon one or all swans of the group. (inherent in King and Queen only)
• Shield: can use aura to protect themselves from psychic attacks (Strong) and hide their true intentions.
• 10x as strong as a human.
• Doesn't age.
• Healing: her tears can heal any wounds.
• Increased hearing, smell and sight.
• Reflexes 15x.
• They can smell other supernaturals but not sense them like other lycans do.
• Will live forever unless killed.

KING (Choose 3 powers from “Additional” list below - Alpha level) - CAPPED

There can be only one per territory - only go for this level if there's vacancy at the landing board, otherwise be ready for fight for the title according to the Guidelines aka with consent of current King.
• Call: can summon one or all swans of the group. (inherent in King and Queen only)
• Shield: can use aura to protect themselves from psychic attacks (Strong) and hide their true intentions.
• 10x as strong as a human.
• Doesn't age.
• Increased hearing, smell and sight.
• Reflexes 15x.
• They can smell other supernaturals but not sense them like other lycans do.
• Will live forever unless killed.
.
ADDITIONAL
• Cache: draw power from the group to enpower yourself.
• Call: can summon one or all swans of the group.
• Choke: drown someone in your aura, suffocating them to death.
• Discern: can use the aura to figure out what kind of supernatural a creature is (if supernatural at all). This ability feels like a warm touch of water.
• Intermediate Form: may assume a hybrid form of a human with swan wings instead of arms.
• Sense: can sense the auras of the group and know if anyone is under threat.
• Sooth: can use the aura to charm or distract someone and force them to pay attention on their grace and nobility. The aura produces a calming and relaxing effect over those weaker than the swanmane.