Shifter (shif-ter)

An endangered, nomadic race from a bygone era with a deep and unparalleled connection to the natural order of the planet. Shifters are sometimes called weretouched, as many believe that they are the descendants of humans and lycanthropes. Whatever their origins, shifters have evolved into a unique race. They are humanoids with a bestial aspect; while they cannot fully change shape they can temporarily enhance their animalistic features — a state they call shifting. A shifter walks on the knife’s edge between the wilds and the world around them. Do they embrace their primal instincts or the path of civilization?

The Beast Within

Early in childhood, a shifter forms a bond with a beast within: a totemic force that shapes their body and mind. Some shifters believe that these spirits are independent entities, and they may speak of Bear or Wolf as ancestors or guides. Most just see the beast within as a formidable expression of their inner nature, something that emerges over time as the shifter’s personality takes shape. The beast within is a pool of powerful instincts, and its influence is revealed by a shifter’s personality: a feline shifter may be cool and distant, driven by predatory instincts, while a shifter with a lupine spirit is drawn to find and protect a pack. When a shifter fully embraces this beast within they physically transform for a short time.

This bestial change is reflected by the shifter’s subrace. Four subraces are especially common:

Beasthide

Beasthides are often represented by a bear, elk, boar, or really anything tough and burly. They tend to be stoic, stubborn, and thick-skinned, ready to take on anyone who threatens their family.

Longtooth

These shifters typically have lupine traits and prefer to run with a pack and work as a team. Longtooths find comfort in surrounding themselves with companions.

Swiftstride

Swiftstrides are often predatory and feline in nature, leaping in and out of combat with speed and grace. However, a swiftstride shifter can also be represented by a cunning rat who darts through the shadows.

Wildhunt

Wildhunt shifters are born from any creature that tracks its prey. They can be fierce fighters, powerful hunters, and in some cases natural born leaders. Wise and calculated, these shifters are always prepared for the hunt.

While the beast within certainly has a physical impact on a shifter, it has a spiritual and psychological effect, as well. Two beasthide shifters share the same special ability, but if one has the aspect of the boar and the other is more like a bear, they’ll be quite different in personality. With any shifter, identifying the beast within is a crucial part of understanding their character.

Similar and Diverse

Shifters are similar to humans in height and build but are more naturally lithe and flexible. Their facial features have a bestial cast, with large eyes, flat noses, and pointed ears; most shifters also have prominent canine teeth. They grow fur-like hair on nearly every part of their bodies. The traits of the beast within affect a shifter’s appearance as well. A swiftstride shifter may have catlike eyes and a delicate build, while a beasthide shifter might be a massive brute built like a bear. While a shifter’s appearance might remind an onlooker of an animal, they remain clearly identifiable as shifters even when at their most feral.

The Journey Yet to Come

Over time the shifter population has gradually diminished, and shifters are now recognised as an endangered race. Much of the common populace believe them to be extinct or nothing more than a children's story, however on occasion a child is born with cat-like eyes or a fur-covered face, indicative of distant shifter lineage. Full blood shifter tribes are only known to exist in the wild grasslands of Eltera and Kasar, and the southern tundra's of Bricor. Many believe them to be nothing more than nomadic human travellers.

While they form powerful bonds to friends and kin, shifters place great value on self-reliance and freedom. It’s a shifter proverb to “always be prepared for the journey yet to come,” and most shifters strive to be ready for change or opportunity. Shifters have a natural inclination toward classes with a primal connection. A shifter barbarian draws their rage from the beast within. A shifter ranger indulges their urge to wander and hunt. A shifter rogue harnesses their own predatory instincts. But shifters can pursue any path or faith.

Shifter Traits

Ability Score Increase

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. You cannot increase an ability score above 20.

Age

Shifters are quick to mature both physically and emotionally, reaching young adulthood at age 10. They rarely live to be more than 70 years old.

Size

Shifters range from 5 to almost 7 feet tall, depending on their subrace. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Bestial Instincts

Channelling the beast within, you have proficiency in one of following skills of your choice: Acrobatics, Athletics, Intimidation, or Survival.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You discern colours in that darkness only as shades of grey.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character.

Shifting Choices

As a bonus action, you can assume a more bestial appearance. The transformation lasts for 1 minute, until you die, or until you revert to your normal appearance as a bonus action. When you shift, you gain temporary hit points equal to 2 x your proficiency bonus. You can shift a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. Whenever you shift, you gain an additional benefit based on one of the following options (choose when you select this race):

Beasthide

Stoic and solid, a beasthide shifter draws strength and stability from the beast within. Beasthide shifters are typically tied to the bear or the boar, but any creature known for its toughness could apply. You gain 1d6 additional temporary hit points. While shifted, you have a +1 bonus to your Armour Class.

Longtooth

Longtooth shifters are fierce and aggressive, but they form deep bonds with their friends. Many longtooth shifters have canine traits that become more pronounced as they shift, but they might instead draw on tigers, hyenas, or other predators. When you shift and as a bonus action on your other turns while shifted, you can use your elongated fangs to make an unarmed strike. If you hit with your fangs, you can deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike

Swiftstride

Swiftstride shifters are graceful and quick. Typically feline in nature, swiftstride shifters are often aloof and difficult to pin down physically or socially. While shifted, your walking speed increases by 10 feet. Additionally, you can move up to 10 feet as a reaction when a creature ends its turn within 5 feet of you. This reactive movement doesn't provoke opportunity attacks.

Wildhunt

Wildhunt shifters are sharp and insightful. Many are constantly alert, ever wary for possible threats. Others focus on their intuition, searching within. Wildhunt shifters are excellent hunters, and tend to become the spiritual leaders of shifter communities. While shifted, you have advantage on Wisdom checks, and no creature within 30 feet of you can make an attack roll with advantage against you unless you're incapacitated.

Shifter

Type - Humanoid
Size - Medium
Alignment - N/A
Preferred Terrain - Hills, Plains, Tundra
Abilities - Bestial Shift

Click here to return to Races of Aolara

-Beasthide Shifter

-Longtooth Shifter

-Swiftstride Shifter

-Wildhunt Shifter