Shift

A shift is a type of mental or psychological change that is influenced by one's kintype and its experiences. These shifts come in various forms, and may be induced voluntarily, or happen involuntarily.

Terminology

 * Mental Shift - where an individual may feel the mental characteristics or instincts of their kintype. This may involve experiencing the fear of being around predators, or feeling the urge to communicate via howl. Mental shifts are the most common Otherkin experiences and can vary widely between individuals.
 * Dream Shift - where an individual transforms, or is already present as their kintype whilst dreaming. This can involve dreaming from a first or third perspective, and is one of the key resources for an individual to describe the physical characteristics of their kintype's appearance.
 * Phantom Shift - where an individual may feel a phantom limb, or a change from their standard body shape. This may come in the form of sensing a tail, or where one's hand may feel more like paws. In some cases it may also feel like one's human body is too large or too small.
 * Cameo Shift - were an individual may feel any kind of shift that doesn't correspond with their kintype. This may be reoccuring or not.
 * Spiritual Shift - A vague and personalised shift that can differ between individuals, with the core concept relating to spirituality in some way - whether that be aura, astral, or other.
 * Sensory Shift - where an individual perceives the environment around them with the senses of their kintype. Since human biology is not physically capable of changing on a whim, these shifts are based on perception of information.
 * Berserker Shift - also called a feral shift, where an individual loses control of their body and acts as their kintype in some way, including potential violent behaviours. General consensus is that this outlet is unhealthy and not recommended to pursue.
 * Physical Shift - when an individual physically shifts into their kintype. It is however scientifically impossible to physically shift and this term is largely discredited and unbelieved.

History
WIP

Resources
Types of Shifts