Introducing: Sivaan of Candlekeep

Storyteller, Scholar and Scribe

Biography:

Sivaan of Candlekeep (he/him, xe/xem) is a twenty-two year old transmasculine, genderqueer beast working as a freelance writer. With his B.A. in tow, this alterhuman of the arts and academia dedicates much of his life to an unending quest for knowledge. Although showing many signs of both otherkinity and therianthropy in his childhood, the keeper of this vault did not awaken as either until much later in his life. On April 25, 2024, Sivaan made peace with himself and awakened as Otherkin. As of December 26, 2023, Sivaan awakened as Therian as well. Although he still identifies with the aforementioned terms, Sivaan grew to prefer the term "alterhuman" for himself over time. While xyr journey of self-discovery had plenty of rough spots, he is proud of how far he's come and is more than pleased to share his vault with all adventurers!

As a member of our community, I am an alterhuman polymorph. My draconity serves as the core of my being, alongside my archaeosapience and my fictionkinity. I regard my alterhumanity to be mostly involuntary; I say "mostly" with my quoiian experience as an exception. I have been in the community for about two years now, however, I originally suspected of my alterhumanity when I was in middle school. Thanks to the encouragement of some friends in later my years, I revisited these suspicions and finally accepted my true self.

I have three distinct hearthomes: Candlekeep, the Sword Coast of Faerûn within a canon-divergent Forgotten Realms setting; post-Calamity Hyrule, which is mostly canon-compliant outside of a few personal details; and Lux Aurea within a canon-divergent Xadia. Due to my dragonsight, I'm well aware of my existences within each of these canons and how they relate to my noemata. In my werecard, I go into more detail on how my dragonsight affects my spiritual relationship with my alterhumanity. Another trait that translates across my hearthomes is my work as a scribe and/or scholar. I fulfill this role not only in Candlekeep, but in Lux Aurea and in Hyrule.

My livelihood as a scholar doesn't just stop at my hearthomes, either! I am very passionate about the preservation of history and cultural resources. As someone who deeply respects the work of archivists and aims to become one in the future, I created this website as a means to archive and preserve my own work. Additionally, I made this website to house ample resources for humans and nonhumans alike on the history, culture and experiences pertaining to alterhumanity. Since proper information on the alterhuman community is heavily underrepresented, I decided to make my neocities both a fun and educational experience for those who interact with it. While I don't necessarily consider them resources, I hope that my personal works also inspire you to explore the creative and academic sides of our community!

The following werecard is structured after classic werecards from early were, therianthrope and otherkin communities online. You can access the original template here. I recommend giving the archived werecards a look too!

Please note that I did omit some sections from the original template for internet safety purposes. Be sure to do the same if you intend on making a werecard of your own with the original template.

Werecard:

Earthen Name: Solomon. It is the name I chose upon transitioning. I consider it equal to my draconic name, so please respect it as you would with my draconic name.
Were Name: Sivaasonikaan, which is "Beast(ly) Wisdom" and "Beast of Wisdom" in Dovahzul. I go by Sivaan for short.
Phenotype(s): I am a draconic polymorph with over 40+ species. I'm primarily a Gold Dragon from the Forgotten Realms setting of Dungeons and Dragons. My other core species include: a draconic faun, much like a classical faun but with the parts of a dragon rather than a goat; an anymic sphinx, which originates from the Planescape and can alternate between two forms (anthropomorphic & fully animal); an anymic manticore, which can also alternate between forms like my being as a Sphinx and originates from Theros; an ailuranthrope, or a werecat, with alternating appearances (specifically a werelion, a werecougar and a weresphinx) and originates from canon-divergent Ravenloft; and a Zonai, originating from a canon-ambivalent version of post-Calamity Hyrule (BOTK/TOTK). You can familiarize yourself with my other species and labels at the Bestiary section of my website!
Shifting Ability: Metaphysical and psychological in quality. I am polyanima, meaning I am a polymorph whose shifts do not factor humanity as a default form. The closest thing I have to a default form is either my energy state as a polymorph or one of my core species. My "shifts" consist of me alternating between my various species, not me shifting in and out of my true self. Additionally, these shifts occur subconciously without choice. I am essentially in a constant state of change. Furthermore, my polymorphism operates on its own dichotomy: it recognizes species that are integral to who I am (such as my draconic species) and species that I can temporarily adopt the traits of. The former are listed within the link provided in my phenotype section. The latter are unimportant to my personal relationship experiences, solely existing as cameo shifts. Part of my metaphysical experiences and beliefs involve the concept of dragonsight from my original canon as a polymorphic Gold Dragon. Dragonsight would give me the ability to look into my being across multiple planes of existence. I do not retain this ability in the human body that I currently exist in; this is because I am not whole as a polymorph. I am constantly reconnecting with different fractures (species) that are relative to my being across different timelines and realities. Keeping track of these fractures helps me feel more whole over time. This is the not same as having past lives as my life is ongoing and spread across multiple existences.
Dream Territory: Originally, it was a historic castle or tower. To have ancient ruins and architecture embellishing my roost were perfect to me. Naturally, it had to be somewhere where I could store my hoard of knowledge and fly as freely as I wanted too. I am happy to confirm that for the most part, my hearthomes fit the bill. Candlekeep is especially satisfying in that regard!
Physical Description (Were): I have many forms on account of my polymorphism, so I will limit this section to my six, core species instead. As a Gold Dragon, I am nearly identical to most Gold Dragons as seen in D&D 4E and 5E (before the 2024 revision). The only exceptions to this are 1. the fact that my scales are warmer in complexion compared to my peers and 2. my face is more leonine in appearance and a little similar to an eastern dragon as seen here. As a draconic faun, my scales, horns and limbs as a Gold Dragon are present. My humanoid traits in this form match mine in this life, in which I am still visibly Black and style my hair in dreadlocks. My appearance as a sphinx involves a golden face mask that can be manifested by will, a leonine body with a mane of dreadlocks, golden claws, golden horns, four wings and two notable forms, one that is anthropomorphic and one that is fully animalistic. My appearance as a manticore involves a golden-bronze leonine body (almost armorlike), a mane stylized in form of dreadlocks that can emit sunlight, claws that also emit sunlight and heat, burning black eyes (like coals), four golden-bronze draconic wings (the insides of the wings consist of stardust and reflects the impact of supernovas across the cosmos), a large, golden scorpion's tail that secretes venom (when injected, venom burns the bloodstream of the recipient) and two notable forms, one that is anthropomorphic and one that is fully animalistic. My appearance as an ailuranthrope depends. As a werelion or werecougar, my fur is typically pitch black. As a weresphinx, my appearance reflects the one I have in my usual sphinx form. All three have a physique that range anywhere between a classic Hollywood Wolfman type of appearance to a physique similar to more humanoid were-creatures like in Van Helsing (2004) and Jughead: The Hunger (2017-present). Lastly, my appearance as a Zonai and its respective draconic form can be seen here and here.
Hobbies/Interests: Creative writing, reading, storytelling, book-collecting, dice-collecting, playing video games, playing Dungeons and Dragons, listening to educational podcasts (especially on anthropology, archaeology, mythology and folklore), watching nature documentaries, practicing vexillography (flag-making), and researching in archives and libraries.
Favorite Media Genre(s): Southern Gothic, Magical Realism and Fantasy (especially high fantasy and dark fantasy)
Favorite Movies: Castle in the Sky (1986), The Dark Crystal (1982), Daughters of the Dust (1991), Ganja and Hess (1973), The Prince of Egypt (1998), The Green Knight (2021), An American Werewolf in London (1981), War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) and Candyman (1992 and 2021).
Favorite Were-Movie: Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real (2004), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), Dragonheart (1996), Jurassic Park (1993), Spirit: Stallion of Cimarron (2002), The Lion King (1994), Malificent (2014) and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (2005).
Favorite Literature: A Visitation of Spirits by Randall Kenan, Let the Dead Bury Their Dead by Randall Kenan, Mama Day by Gloria Gaynor, Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, The Power of the Porch by Trudier Harris, The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo and The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
Favorite Were Literature: Dragonology by Dugald Steer, Fizban's Treasury of Dragons (DND), The Practically Complete Guide to Dragons (DND), Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Wings of Fire series, The original Warriors series, the Jughead: The Hunger comic book series and A Werewolf in Riverdale by Caleb Roehrig.
Favorite Were-Quote: "Thurisvant eth donsjeret!" It means: "Every lair has two ways out!"; it is a dragonborn saying that is an equivalent to the saying, "When there is a will, there is a way!". It is said during times of adversity, in which one will need to find another approach out of their situation. I've always liked this phrase from Dragonborn culture. I admire their tenacity!
Favorite Song(s)/Music Artist(s): Fantastic Negrito, Buffalo Nichols, Gary Clark Jr., Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Blood Orange, Dreamer Isioma, Frank Ocean, Yves Tumor, Survive Said the Prophet, Malice Mizer, Mystery Skulls, Glass Animals, Tame Impala, Nujabes, 2NE1, 2 Mello, Billie Calvinn and Tobi Perriáe.
Preferred Prey: Beef. I'm not crazy about steak filets, but I love all manners of beef dishes outside of it. Be it a stew, a philly cheesesteak or a bacon cheeseburger, the options are limitless. Poultry is a close second, but that's probably because I'm paritally a raptor bird.
Hunting Tips: When you're as big as me, stealth isn't much of an option. I suggest cutting off all possible routes for your prey to escape; that way, all that running they do will be for naught. They're tired and have nowhere to go, meanwhile you get some food for the day! That being said, if you can change form like me, you won't need to worry about that. I recommend taking the form of something that your prey is familiar with and doesn't fear in any way, then go in for the attack once they get close enough. Shoutout to venus flytraps for this level of genius.
Preferred Method of Attack: WOE, FIRE BLAST BE UPON YE!
Favorite Mythological Beast (That Isn't Myself): I am quite fond of centaurs, cervitaurs, nymphs and other nature spirits. I also enjoy the presence of sirens, but that's purely out of bias (my girlfriend is a siren).
Personal Alterhumanity: I have many points in my life in which my alterhumanity should have been clear, particularly my otherkinity and therianthropy. The downside was that these signs were quickly brushed off as phases at best, and even more targets on my back at worst. Growing up as a black, disabled and (then) questioning queer child, I already had a lot cut out for me in this life. Some of it was not all great, as you would imagine. Even so, I am glad that I'm able to embrace who I am now.

The first sign had been my first special interest, which was lycanthropy. I had a deep admiration for werewolves as a child. That admiration became so strong that I longed to be one. Of course, I would soon realize in my adult years that I am not specifically a werewolf but a werelion. Furthermore, I would soon realize that my leonthropy was my primary species either. A second sign of my alterhumanity, which was much more relative to who I am today, had been American Dragon: Jake Long. At the time, it was my favorite show as a kid. I loved watching his adventures as he shifted in and out of the human world, protected mythical beings great and small, and put his own swag on draconity. I admired him even more than werewolves. Hell, I envied him. How cool would to be for a secret fantasy world to exist in the Deep South, where I could regularly interact and protect mythical beings within my home? Other series like Trollz (2005), Winx Club (2004-onward) and various Scooby Doo adaptations had me longing for worlds beyond this one. Worlds of magic and adventure abound were all I wanted! On one hand, this partially sparked my love of writing. On the other hand, I can also see these days of my childhood as a late realization of where I truly belonged.

Entering middle school became a huge turn in life for my identity. For example, I became more familiar with what it meant to be a queer person and soon realized that I am bisexual. My discovery of alterhumanity was not as ideal, unfortunately. I first became familiar with our community through the term Otherkin. I learned of this term when I opened Vine one day. On my feed, an account posted a clip of Naia ōkami out of context. If that name doesn't ring a bell for you, Naia is the woman who's famously known for her line: "On all levels except physical, I am a wolf." That being said, you can imagine how disrespectful people were to Naia's identity within the replies. For me, I was curious if anything. I dug through the replies for context on what made Naia feel this way, and eventually noticed that the word "Otherkin" was mentioned in passing in context to the video. I decided to look into this identity myself. I had never been much of a spiritual person, but learning that there were individuals out there who were another species other than human made me feel something I had never felt before. It would linger in the back of my mind for a while. I would think of my past interest with lycanthropes. I thought of my admiration and jealousy towards Jake Long. I thought of my ongoing love for the fantasy genre as well. I thought of my desire to be in those worlds, act like anything other than a human and ultimately, be anything else than a human. Could I have been Otherkin all along?

I tossed and turned with the thought for so long. It wasn't any uncertainty that perturbed me, but the visibility of it. I felt like this experience was something that deeply resonated with me, but I feared how I would be perceived because of it. I know for sure that telling my immediate family was out of the question. Telling my friends was a hard maybe. Identifying as Otherkin with what little of an online presence I had was even more of a gamble. I distinctly remember how on one night, I had made an awakening post of sorts on my multifandom tumblr blog. I made it to announce that I was Otherkin and steadily piecing together my identity. After an hour of posting, I deleted it. I had never spoken on otherkinity, or any kind of alterhumanity or nonhumanity for that matter, again because my fears steadily consumed me. I was a child when cringe compilations and cringe culture in general were at an all-time high. The last thing I wanted was to share this part of myself, only to be excessively bullied for it. Besides, I was already experiencing a deeply sensitive time in my life for personal reasons. I decided to leave these thoughts alone, to lock them away and never acknowledge them again.

... That is, until, I entered my college years. Around the years of 2021 and 2022, I met a lot of new people in my life. One of which is a good friend of mine, Lysander. I met Lysander through a shared mutual on Twitter. We became fast friends through our connection to xenogender identities, gender hoarding and unique expressions of transmasculinity. At the time, I had identified as genderfluid and not genderqueer, which is something that we connected with as well. One key thing about Lysander is that it is otherkin. Otherkinity is a huge part of Lysander's identity as an individual, so much so that it is a major part of its queerness as well. In the midst of making flags on Twitter, I made a flag in connection to angels. It was around this time that through a lot of information shared by Lysander on otherkinity, and its own pride in being otherkin, that I had a heart-to-heart with myself.

Lysander's only a couple years younger than you, yet nothing is stopping it from embracing itself. Not even the worst anti-kin, "cringe"-claiming assholes online stop it from being open about its identity. Why can't you do the same?

I wound up DM'ing Lysander about it, specifically about questioning if I was otherkin again. I had expressed that I was likely an angel based on my connection to the gender I made... this was a half truth. I was indeed otherkin, but I was no angel. You can probably ask Lysander yourself, and it will tell you that I've had a rollercoaster of identity questionings and explorations until reaching where I am now. Telling Lysander, my partner and my friends about my otherkinity was the first step of the journey. It was on April 25, 2022 when I awakened to my alterhumanity. I was ridiculously happy with myself. I went on to meet even more awesome folks along the way like Cain, who is by far the coolest coyote shifter I have ever met.

As of December 26, 2023, I awakened to my animality as well. Early into my time in the alterhuman and nonhuman community, I had been under the belief that therians were exclusively earthen animals in mind, in spirit and in physicality, but I clearly had much to learn about my community at that point. I soon learned of fictherians, folcintera and theriomythic therianthropes along the way. I learned of paleotherians, pluritherians, and cladotherians too. It didn't matter where one fell in terms of labels, even if one didn't use labels at all; all that mattered was the community had been far more diverse than I first assumed. It was, and still is, amazing to see and learn from.

I realized that many of these categories applied to some of my theriotypes. I am technically theriomythic and a paleotherian among other things. While there are a good amount of earthen species that I realized I am, I find the distinctively mythic and/or prehistoric qualities of my other species to be an equally beautiful, unique experience in comparison.

Aside from both otherkinity and therianthropy, however, I've long realized that the broadness of alterhuman as a label feels so good. My prefered labels in this community are now Alterhuman and Transspecies. I am a draconic polymorph, first and foremost. I am not exclusively nonhuman, as I have fractures that are partially humanoid. Being an alterhuman polymorph is the end all, be all of my truth, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Not everyone will share the same experience as I do, as mine is only one out of thousands. In fact, nothing makes me happier than to dig through archives and read about all the different awakening experiences of weres, therians, elves, dragons and many more back in the years before my own awakening. I love learning from them, their histories, their journals, their joys and their sorrows. I love learning about them as I learn about myself. I cannot articulate the feeling that it invokes within me, but I can say this: I would not trade this experience for anything else in the world. I've met wonderful beings, beasts, creatures, critters and people as time goes on. Most importantly, my friends Lysander and Cain are always an inspiration to me as I further explore my place within this community. I truly would not be where I am now as an alterhuman without them.

Even now, just sharing my story with you is enough to bring me peace. Who knows, maybe sharing it here will give someone the same push I needed back in 2022. If that's the case, then don't be afraid to be yourself. I know that for some folks, it's safer to embrace your truth in secret. That's perfectly fine. I know for others, the idea is entirely too harrowing to consider but I promise you this: pushing past that moment of temporary fear for years of unapologetic self-acceptance will always be worth it over a lifetime of denial. All you need to do is unclip those wings and soar.