I was sitting in the dentist's chair the other day and for obvious reasons, my mind started wandering. Would shape-shifters be faced with the inevitable patch-work after a certain age? Would the "patch" they required as humans reveal itself after they'd shifted?
What if they lost a tooth? I would think an implant would be their choice because otherwise they might not have an important tooth. They'd need their teeth to help bring down dinner when they changed. But how would that change affect an implant?
I write erotic romance so alpha heroes (who are perfect physical specimens) have center stage but I did briefly use an older alpha who was having to deal with a challenge to his power. He was a very minor character but he will probably re-appear at some point in the series. To portray him realistically, should I give him a lost tooth? I gave my shifters the ability to heal from practically anything but they can't regenerate a limb so I'm thinking growing a new tooth would be outside the realm of possibility.
Would cosmetic surgery be out of the question? It seems reasonable that it might be easier to shift if the skin were looser. Hmmm...what do you think?
How would your shifters deal with aging gracefully? Or would they fight it tooth and claw?
Hugs,
Paris
5 comments:
This raises another question: how many shifters actually live long enough to reach old age? In my "universe," those that do gradually lose the ability to shift as the body wears out. They also put weight on. But dental work? Pacemakers? Organ transplants are probably out of the question, unless the donor is another shifter. This is definitely something to think about.
Which brings to mind an image of a vain cat-shifter who turns to the implants and botox once she hits 40. Where does the fake stuff go when she changes shape? Somebody write that scene, stat!
LOL! That's what I was wondering too;-)I'd forgotten that your shifters lose their ability to shift. Is that a hormonal thing? My shifters don't start to shift until adolescence.
Interesting to consider... it would all depend on their genetics and how their species/race had evolved and where...
Truthfully, aging has always seemed like an artificial restriction to me. There is scientific evidence to back that up. From studies some scientists believe 120 and beyond is really natural to the human race and they aren't talking decrepit. Further, there is evidence to suggest the human genome has been alter to make life spans shorter.
From my perspective, if you can shift and have the ability to heal, all bets are off as far as aging itself... but, again, it would depend on a lot of factors... genetics, environment, level of spirituality. There are Yogis who can regenerate their limbs.
Interesting information about the Yogis. I'd never heard that before. Yes, there are quite a few factors and one I hadn't considered was altering the genes. Inspiring stuff!
Hmmm, interesting. Aging and the elusive shifter, good question! My shifters age and die like anyone else, though good genes allow them to age gracefully. ;)
Post a Comment