{| width="100%" |- valign="middle" || '''The Shapeshifter''' is an abomination of [[the Void]], an entity composed of Void and life [[Essence and Energies|energies]], whose primary and namesake ability is to change his shape to mimic nearly any creature. The Shapeshifter's normal form is that of a pale, violet-skinned humanoid male wearing a black-and-red coat over silk, Asian-themed clothing of the same colors. He wields a long katana partially forged with Void energy, enabling it to merge into his body freely; when not using another form, he attacks with it. This Shapeshifter has ties with [[Vire]] that are as yet unknown. He attempts to mimic the Void-King's indelible wit and charm, but consistently fails. Nevertheless he relishes his role as the cruel, sarcastic evil minion; and gladly carries out the orders of his unknown masters in the Void. |align="right"| http://sirwayne.taikaiwiki.com/wiki/shapeshifter.gif |} === History === The true number of Shapeshifters is unknown, but the Eternals are aware of at least three, counting the one that attacked Yume in ED 3526. The most well-known one was Yume's antagonist in her tournament, [[Rurouni Taikai I]], in ED 15. This Shapeshifter first tried to kill her, and then, failing that, manipulated her for unknown ends into nearly giving up her powers, which she had planned to do in order to be able to dream again. He was destroyed in battle against her, [[Saint]], [[Rubicante]], and [[Driscoll]]. That Shapeshifter was later known to have been created by Vire, though for what purpose only he knows for certain. For reasons that are also unknown, only one Shapeshifter has ever been brought into existence in [[the Multiverse]] at a time. The role of a Shapeshifter once there is to undermine the strength and stability of Multiverse-level organizations that oppose the Void, and primarily to weaken the fabric of reality in specific Core universes. As Shapeshifters are infused with a great deal of artificial Essence, they are capable of functioning outside the Void indefinitely. The Shapeshifter slain by Driscoll, for example, had been performing his duties for over a million years. === Abilities === Shapeshifters all have the power to alter their material form in various ways, though their powers diverge radically at that point. The current Shapeshifter tends to focus on his transformations, being able to nearly instantly take a form and then revert back to normal, whichever is most advantageous. He has access to millions of different creatures, and unlike many beings who change shape, seems to retain many of the supernatural powers of those creatures. While this power is theoretically extremely dangerous, there seem to be mysterious limits to it, as his effectiveness has thus far been unremarkable. The previous Shapeshifter used his transformative abilities sparingly, instead possessing strong psychic powers, used to manipulate and possess the minds of other participants in Yume's tournament, most notably [[Queen Zeal]]. The current Shapeshifter may have inherited some of these powers as well, as he has been able to affect Yume's mind, and prevent other Eternals from detecting him. Discounting his powers, each Shapeshifter is still a formidable opponent. They are ancient, powerful creatures of the Void, experienced in swordsmanship and possessing physical capabilities far beyond that of nearly any mortal or Eternal. A Shapeshifter prefers to use a katana, even when other weapons would serve him better, and tend to use strong, rapid slashing strikes to wear down a strong foe or dispatch a weaker one. === Quirks and Personality === As one of the creatures of the Void to possess sentience, let alone actual life energy, in which only a very few other beings, such as Vire, compare; the Shapeshifters are unique in the realms of non-existence. Each Shapeshifter adapts to "life" in the Multiverse proper in varying ways, typically by being excessively cruel and arrogant. The current Shapeshifter, having ties to the Void King Vire, strives to emulate his superior's more human attitudes, and fancies himself a sort of literary antagonist, trying hard to resist the typical cliches of villainy. He is quick with an insult or retort, clearly enjoying his capacity to think freely that almost no one else in the Void possesses; and smirks and postures down a path toward unknown ends. [[Category:The Void]]