Shifters and Wildlings are both people of Ezrahn capable of transforming into some sort of animal form. These two groups of Were have one important distinction. While they both gain incredible abilities from the type of animal they become, Shifters retain all of their intelligence and consciousness. Wildlings embrace their animalistic nature, losing much of their humanity and sense of self until they change back into their humanoid form.

While being a Were doesn’t discriminate based on race (there have even been Dwarven or Elven Weres) the most common race to become a Were is human. Depending on the circumstances of their affliction, a new Were will experience a period of time where the animal side seems in complete control. This is most common amongst those who are bitten and turned by other Wildlings.

Wildlings encourage others to embrace the savagery of their animal form, mostly becoming predators such as large cats, wolves and bears. A Shifter is often someone who reveres nature and is granted their abilities directly from the Green Mother, and is usually a Druid or Ranger by profession. Ock’Thal has been known to grant beastly powers to some of his followers as well. Lastly, there are those who are simply touched by Ether. This last group usually goes mad from their contact with the chaotic force of the universe, losing all sense of themselves and becoming wholly a beast of chaos.