Shifter Token

A shifter token is a piece of jewellery in the shape of an animal representing the giver’s shifter form. Traditionally, this piece of jewellery was made from fur, scales, or feathers that the giver had shed whilst in their animal form. These days it is frequently made from wood, precious metals and gemstones as well as organic elements. It could be any sort of jewellery, but rings, necklaces, tie pins, brooches, and bracelets are the most common. Non-magical citizens of Cendliand participate in the tradition by the addition of locks of hair formed into geometric shapes rather than animals.

Typically, it is given as part of a wedding or upon the official announcement of an engagement. The recipient tends to wear the token most of the time as a symbol of their devotion. Upon death, the token is added to the family collection held by the eldest daughter and displayed at family occasions such as the celebration of a birth or a coming of age party.

The tradition began when Queen Rhabeath Swiftail plucked her own feathers, rendering her flightless and bald for a time, to create a cape for her true love, Fertam Orta . He, in return, gave her five scales in the form of a cloak clasp.

As a new queen, Rhabeath refused to accept the proposed marriage to Prince Algerone Conwyn . According to standard practice at the time, the reigning Queen, chosen by The King’s Sword, would relinquish her right to rule by marrying a son of the former King and assume the title of Queen Consort. This act of rebellion sparked a civil war pitting Queen Rhabeath Swiftail against her nobles. Both suitors died in the war, and Queen Rhabeath Swiftail wore her cape with the clasp for the remainder of her life as a reminder that her heart belonged to Fertam Orta .

The Cape and Clasp are currently kept in the royal vault, but were brought out and sketched as part of an animated feature film about Queen Rhabeath Swiftail .