Lem the Shapeshifter - Visual Protocol

This note serves as the Visual Protocol for Lem the Shapeshifter. In this document you will find what exactly makes Lem look like Lem.

You may refer to these rules to create derivative Lem forms. Check here for licensing information: Lem the Shapeshifter - Derivative Characters Licensing.

Immutable Visual Identity Traits

Body Type

Lem's body type is usually slim, unathletic and non-muscular. Some of his forms do feature more muscle, but it's never well-defined. There's some softness around his midsection and limbs. He has a relatively flat chest. The height varies, but most forms are below average for whatever he appears to be.

Nose

Lem's nose is light pink or peach.

Hair

• colour: light orange
• length: varies

Tail

Lem's tail is persistently relatively long and thin. The tip features an orange tuft, matching Lem's hair colour.

Eye Colours

• irises: typically light orange with hints of rose red
• sclere: white
• pupils: black

Fur Patterns

Lem's fur patterns change; in each form they appear in different arrangements. However, somewhere on Lem's chest one can find a persistent heart shaped fur patch. It is usually ivory, but in some forms it takes on the relatively darker light yellow tone.

Clothing Preferences

Lem’s wardrobe is dictated by a hyper-acute sensory profile rather than aesthetic tradition. Adherence to these material parameters is critical for the subject's stability. In the absence of environmental necessity, the subject defaults to a state of total nudity to eliminate tactile interference.

1. Material Exclusion Criteria (Prohibited & Restricted)

• Metallics (Restricted Exception): Direct contact between the subject's fur or epidermis and any ferrous or non-ferrous alloy is strictly prohibited due to adverse thermal conductivity. External metallic hardware (e.g., belt buckles, spiked collars, decorative clasps) is permissible solely under the following conditions:
  • Tactile Isolation: An approved synthetic polymer substrate must provide a continuous, impenetrable barrier between the metallic element and the subject.
  • Olfactory Neutralization: Due to the subject's extreme aversion to the olfactory signature of metal, all permitted metallic components must be hermetically sealed, clear-coated, or otherwise treated to prevent the emission of metallic odors.
  • Default Directive: If these isolation parameters cannot be guaranteed, all zippers, buttons, eyelets, and aglets must be composed exclusively of plastic, rubber, or silicone.
• Rigid Cellulose: Denial of denim, canvas, or starched linens. These textures are registered as abrasive.
• Variable Friction ("Tickly" Textures): High-loft fibers with low density (e.g., mohair, sherpa, raw wool) are prohibited. The subject rejects "wispy" tactile feedback.

2. Approved Textile Composition

Garments must utilize synthetic polymers optimized for uniform tactile consistency.

• High-density polyester fleece (Minky/Velour) providing a consistent, plush surface.
• Elastane blends, neoprene, or smooth-finish scuba knits.

3. Structural Configurations

Clothing must adhere to one of two acceptable pressure states to avoid sensory distress:

Configuration A: Total Compression

• Tight-fitting, seamless synthetic baselayers.
• Wide, encased elastic bands to provide grounding pressure.
• Objective: To mimic a continuous external membrane, eliminating fabric movement against the skin.

Configuration B: Heavy Drape

• Oversized silhouettes composed of heavyweight, fluid synthetics.
• Must possess sufficient mass to succumb to gravity immediately, preventing "fluttering" or light-touch sensations.
• Objective: To replicate the sensation of a weighted covering.

Persistent Accessories

Lem persistently wears the following items:

• A headband alternating two colours in a triangle pattern.
• A bowtie on his tail.