No, no, he certainly isn't a gargoyle based on that description. As for werewolves and werebears... Xingchen would hardly say that he turns into an animal, but some of his features do shift to a much more animal-like shape. "What if one doesn't turn into an animal, necessarily," he inquires, "But gains some of the traits of one?"

A beat, and then he thinks to add, "Canine traits, as far as I can tell. Oh, but please - do tell me if you need my assistance with any manner of cooking, I can smell such heat from here." He can't imagine the peril one must experience on a daily basis, to be so terribly flammable.