Small Running Title
Kindred
Variiform Kindred
A Beastfolk Kindred defined by inherited metaphysical architecture capable of unusually divergent Ascension forms without changing underlying ancestry.
Ascensional Plasticity
Variiform Beastfolk are grouped by an inherited and metaphysical architecture capable of supporting unusually divergent Ascension expressions from a stable adult ancestry. Membership is not based on outward resemblance, and it does not include every Lineage whose Ascension changes its appearance.
The defining feature is inherited Ascensional plasticity: one complete adult Lineage may develop several substantially different permanent body plans, senses, environmental adaptations, or metaphysical capabilities through different Ascension paths while remaining the same Lineage. This is not free shapeshifting, and an unascended adult is neither juvenile nor incomplete.
Classification
Kavoren are presently the best-documented Variiform Lineage. Other Lineages may eventually be recognized, but the Archive does not create them for symmetry. Any future candidate must share the underlying inherited and metaphysical architecture and satisfy the ordinary compatibility standards used to define a Beastfolk Kindred.