Hermaphaunt
| Species Type | Monster |
|---|---|
| Classification | Shapeshifting courtesan |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Associated Locations | Cordis |
| Affiliations | Independent; found in red-lantern districts |
| Notable Encounters | Icepick (SLAY) |
Description
- From: SLAY — Cordis. Great city, if you were into hermaphaunts, which Icepick was. Sometimes you wanted one flavor, sometimes the other. Or flavors you’d never experienced before. Of flavors no one had experienced before. Those shapeshifting courtesans got the job done.
Hermaphaunts are sex-fluid shapeshifters known for their seductive capabilities and transformative biology. Revered and feared in equal measure, they are often found working in high-end brothels and independent operations, especially in major cities like Cordis. A single Hermaphaunt may present as male, female, or blend characteristics of both — but their true form is unknown.
They are not illusions. A Hermaphaunt's body physically changes: flesh, voice, scent, and genitalia all adapt to the client's needs or desires — sometimes before the client is even aware of them. This biological alchemy is what separates them from common courtesans or glamoured creatures. Some hunters theorize their bodies produce filament from pleasure itself, and that they feed on this harvested energy over time.
Abilities
- True shapeshifting between male, female, and non-binary sexes
- Physical and chemical manipulation (pheromones, skin texture, scent)
- Psychosensory empathy — they can intuit or extract a client’s desires
- Filament harvesting (theoretical)
Known Weaknesses
- Silver laced with rue oil causes form-lock (prevents transformation for 60 seconds)
- Fire disrupts tissue cohesion during transformation
- Mirrors sometimes reveal previous forms if not fully shed
Hunter Slang
- “Velvetswitch”
- “Flavorjack”
- “Splitskin”
- “Silk bastard” (derogatory)
Cultural Notes
Hermaphaunts are often seen as divine or cursed, depending on region. Some religious sects in Lumencia believe they are descendants of a pre-human sex deity, while others see them as fleshwarping abominations. Despite this, they are protected by some urban laws — likely due to their clientele including judges, priests, and politicians.
Courtesan is the preferred term used by Hermaphaunts themselves. Use of slurs like “doxie” or “splitskin” in their presence is considered dangerous — they are capable of extreme violence when insulted or exposed.
