Archetype Description
Mystic Beastshifters harness the essence of mythical creatures, granting them transformative powers beyond the natural world. Through intense study and communion with magical beasts, they unlock the ability to adopt forms imbued with supernatural abilities, bridging the gap between the mundane and the fantastical.
Class Features
Mystic Aspect (Su):
At 1st level, a Mystic beastshifter gains her first aspect—a category of magical beast to which her body and soul have become supernaturally attuned. She can shift into her aspect's minor form (see the Aspects below) for a number of minutes per day equal to 3 + her shifter level. The duration need not be consecutive but must be spent in 1-minute increments. Shifting into a minor form is a swift action, while ending the effect is a free action that can be taken only on the shifter's turn. Until a shifter reaches 9th level and gains the chimeric aspect class feature, she can assume only one minor form at a time. Shifting to a new aspect (or aspects, in the case of chimeric aspects or greater chimeric aspects) ends all minor forms currently manifested. The minor forms of aspects are not polymorph effects, and the shifter does not lose the benefits of a minor form while affected by polymorph effects.
As the shifter gains levels, she gains more aspects; she gains her second aspect at 5th level, a third aspect at 10th level, and a fourth at 15th level. Aspects are detailed in their own section starting on page 28.
This alters Shifter Aspect.
Mystical Shape (Su)
At 8th level, a shifter gains the ability to turn herself into the major form of one of her aspects and back again. This ability functions as beast shape III, but restricted to magical beasts, and except as noted here. The shifter can turn into the major form of only one of her aspects at a time. Using wild shape to change to a major form or back is a standard action that doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity. Often a particular aspect's major form grants abilities beyond the normal effect of beast shape III. Each major form details the abilities the shifter gains with that major form and at what level; she gains these instead of the form abilities from beast shape III, but she still gains beast shape III abilities that are size dependent.
A shifter loses her ability to speak while in animal form because she is limited to the sounds that a normal, untrained animal of that form can make, but she can communicate with other animals of the same general grouping as her form. She can also communicate in nonverbal ways with allies.
A shifter can use mystical shape for a number of hours each day equal to her shifter level + her Wisdom modifier. It need not be consecutive but must be spent in 1 hour increments. For abilities that function based on ‘uses of wild shape,' each hour of mystical shape counts as a use.
A shifters can take feats and other abilities that require wild shape; for the purpose of qualifying for prerequisites, her effective druid level is equal to her shifter level.
This alters wild shape.
Improved Mystical Shape (Su)
At level 10, a mystical beastshaper's mystical shape ability now functions as Beast Shape IV, but restricted to magical beasts.
Magical Beast Aspects
Ankheg Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, you gain a burrow speed of 10 feet and a +2 bonus on Perception checks. At 8th level, your burrow speed increases to 20 feet and Perception bonus increases to +4. At 15th level, your burrow speed increases to 30 feet and Perception bonus increases to +6.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
You assume the form of a large ankheg, gaining a base speed of 30 feet, a burrow speed of 20 feet, darkvision with a range of 60 feet, and a bite attack (1d6 damage). Additionally, your attacks deal an extra +1d4 acid damage. At 10th level, your bite attack increases to 1d8 damage and you gain the Spit Acid ability, being able to spit in a 30 foot line. Creatures struck by this acid take 1d4 acid damage per shifter level. You can use this once per day. At 15th level, your bite attack increases to 2d6 damage. Additionally, your major form gains the Acid Spray ability, allowing you to spit acid in a 30-foot line, dealing 1d6 acid damage per shifter level. You can use this a number of times per day equal to 1 + the shifter's Constitution Modifier.
The DC of the Reflex saving throw for the Acid Spit and Acid Spray to halve the damage is equal to 10 + half your shifter level + your Constitution modifier.
Basilisk Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, your gaze becomes unnerving, giving you a +2 bonus to Intimidate checks. At 8th level, your gaze becomes petrifying; as a standard action, you can target a single creature within 30 feet with your petrifying gaze. The target must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 10 + half your shifter level + your Constitution modifier) or be turned to stone for 1 minute. This ability can be used a number of times per day equal to your Constitution modifier. At 15th level, your petrifying gaze becomes more potent, turning the target to stone permanently on a failed save.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
At 8th level, you can assume the form of a medium Basilisk, gaining a base speed of 20 feet, darkvision with a range of 60 feet, a bite attack (1d8 damage), and a gaze attack. Any creature within 30 feet that meets your gaze must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 10 + half your shifter level + your Constitution modifier) or be turned to stone for 1 minute. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected by your gaze for 24 hours. At 10th level, your major form's gaze attack can turn creatures to stone permanently on a failed save. At 15th level, your major form gains the ability to use its gaze attack at a range of 60 feet.
Behir Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, you gain resistance to electricity 5. and 20 at 15th level. Additionally, you gain a +2 bonus on Reflex saves against effects that deal electricity damage. At 8th level, your resistance increases to 10 and your reflex bonus to +4. At 15th level, your resistance increases to 20 and your reflex bonus to +6.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
At 8th level, you can assume the form of a large Behir, gaining a base speed of 40 feet, a climb speed of 20 feet, darkvision with a range of 60 feet, and immunity to electricity. You also gain a bite attack (2d6 damage) and a constrict attack (2d6 damage). Additionally, you gain the ability to breathe a 30-foot line of electricity once per day, dealing 6d6 points of electricity damage. At 10th level, your major form gains the Swallow Whole ability. If you successfully grapple a creature of your size or smaller, you can attempt to swallow it whole. The swallowed creature takes 2d6 points of bludgeoning damage and 1d8 points of electricity damage per round. A swallowed creature can cut its way out by using a light slashing or piercing weapon to deal 25 points of damage to the behir's gizzard (AC 15). Once the creature exits, muscular action closes the hole; another swallowed opponent must cut its own way out. You can only swallow one creature at a time. At 15th level, your major form's constrict attack damage increases to 2d8, and your Swallow Whole ability can affect creatures up to two sizes smaller than you. Additionally, your breath now deals 12d6 electricity damage and you can use it every 1d4 rounds.
Blink Dog Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, you gain a +2 bonus on Survival checks and a +2 bonus to your CMD against disarm and trip attempts. At 8th level, these bonuses increase to +4, and you gain the Evasion ability. At 15th level, you gain the Improved Evasion ability.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
You can assume the form of a medium blink dog, gaining a base speed of 40 feet, low-light vision, and the Scent ability. You gain a bite attack (1d6 damage). Additionally, you gain the Blink ability, allowing you to teleport short distances as if using the blink spell and physical attacks and targeted spells have a 30% chance of missing. Likewise, your own attacks have a 20% miss chance, since you sometimes go ethereal just as you are about to strike. You can use this ability either as an immediate action for the defensive bonus, or as part of a move action for the teleportation effect. The range of your teleportation is 10 feet. You can use this ability for a total of rounds per day equal to your shifter level, which don't need to be consecutive.
At 10th level, your bite attack increases to 1d8 damage. The chance of missing against you is increased to 40% and you can teleport 20 feet. The penalty to your attacks while blink is active is now a 10% miss chance. Additionally your blink now also grants you half the damage from falling and +2 to attack rolls against creatures that can't see invisible creatures.
At 15th level, your bite attack increases to 2d6 damage. The chance of missing against you is increased to 50% and you can teleport 30 feet. You no longer have a penalty to your attacks while blink is active.
While Blink is active, Force effects and abjurations affect you normally.
Bulette Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, you gain a burrow speed of 10 feet. At 8th level, your burrow speed increases to 20 feet, and you gain tremorsense with a range of 10 feet. At 15th level, your burrow speed increases to 30 feet, and your tremorsense range increases to 30 feet.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
You can assume the form of a large bulette, gaining a burrow speed of 40 feet, darkvision with a range of 60 feet, and tremorsense with a range of 60 feet. You gain a bite attack (2d8 damage) and two claw attacks (1d8 damage). Additionally, you gain the Leap ability. When you charge, you can make an acrobatics check (DC 20). If successful, you jump towards the victim, ignoring difficult terrain and dealing four claw attacks, but no bite attack. At 10th level, your bite attack increases to 3d6 damage and it gains the Savage Bite ability, it applies 1-1/2 times its Strength modifier to damage inflicted with its bite attack, and threatens a critical hit on a 19–20 with the bite, and your claw attacks increase to 2d6 damage. At 15th level, your bite attack increases to 4d6 damage, and your claw attacks increase to 3d6 damage and when you charge you can move double your movement.
Chimera Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, you gain keen senses, granting you a +2 bonus on Perception checks. At 8th level, your senses become even more acute, and you gain the scent ability. At 15th level, your senses sharpen to supernatural levels, and you gain blindsight with a range of 30 feet.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
You can assume the form of a large Chimera, gaining a base speed of 30 feet, fly speed of 60 feet (average maneuverability), darkvision with a range of 60 feet, and a bite attack (1d8 damage), two claws (1d6 damage), and a tail slap (1d6 damage). You also gain a breath weapon usable every 1d4 rounds as a standard action, which deals 3d6 points of an energy damage of your choosing in a 15-foot cone (Reflex DC 10 + half your shifter level + your Constitution modifier for half damage). At 10th level, your breath now has a range of 20-foot. Additionally, you can use your breath weapon in a focused beam, making a ranged touch attack with a range of 60 feet. If the attack hits, it deals double damage (6d6 points of energy damage) but no longer affects creatures in a cone. At 15th level, your major form gains the ability to use your breath weapon every 1d4 rounds without the need to wait, and you gain immunity to fire and fear effects while in your chimera form.
Cockatrice Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, your attacks carry a petrifying effect. Any creature damaged by your attacks must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 10 + half your shifter level + your Constitution modifier) or be slowed (as the spell slow) for 1 minute. This ability can be used a number of times per day equal to your Constitution modifier. At 8th level, the petrifying effect of your attacks becomes stronger; the target must succeed on the same Fortitude save or be turned to stone for 1 minute. At 15th level, the petrifying effect of your attacks becomes permanent on a failed save.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
At 8th level, you can assume the form of a small Cockatrice, gaining a base speed of 20 feet, darkvision with a range of 60 feet, a bite attack (1d6 damage + petrification). Any creature hit by your bite attack must make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + half your shifter level + your Constitution modifier) or be slowed (as the spell slow) for 1 minute. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected by your gaze for 24 hours. At 10th level, your major form's petrification attack starts fossilizing the creatures it hits. Damaged creatures take 1d4 dexterity damage. A creature that is reduced to 0 Dexterity by it immediately turns completely to stone. Everyday, a successful DC 12 Fortitude save restores 1 Dexterity and breaks the petrification. At 15th level, the petrification is permanent if the creature's dexterity reaches 0.
Dragonne Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, your voice becomes powerful and persuasive, granting you a +2 bonus on Diplomacy and Intimidate checks. At 8th level, this bonus increases to +4. At 15th level, you gain the ability to mimic any voice or sound you have heard, allowing you to create auditory illusions as per the ghost sound spell at will.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
You can assume the form of a large dragonne. In this form, you gain a fly speed of 60 feet (good maneuverability) and a bite attack (2d6 damage) with the grab ability. You also gain two claw attacks (1d6 damage).
At 10th level, your bite attack increases to 3d6 damage, and your claw attacks increase to 2d6 damage. Additionally, you gain the Roar ability, unleash a devastating roar once per day as a standard action. All creatures except dragonnes within 120 feet must succeed at a Fortitude save (DC = 10 + 1/2 shifter's level + Constitution Modifier) or become fatigued. Those within 30 feet who fail their saves are also deafened for 2d4 rounds. This is a sonic effect.
At 15th level, your bite attack increases to 4d6 damage, and your claw attacks increase to 3d6 damage. which functions as the spell fear, affecting creatures within a 30-foot cone. Additionally, you can now use Roar once every 1d4 rounds.
Girallon Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, you gain a +2 bonus on Climb checks and a +2 bonus on grapple checks. Additionally, you gain a climb speed of 20 feet. At 8th level, your Climb and grapple checks increase to +4. Additionally, while active you grow a pair of extra arms and gain the Multiattack feat, allowing you to make secondary natural attacks at a –2 penalty. At 15th level, your Climb and grapple checks increase to +6. Additionally, you gain the Improved Multiattack feat, reducing the penalty for your secondary natural attacks to –1.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
You can assume the form of a large girallon, gaining a base speed of 30 feet, a climb speed of 30 feet, low-light vision, and four claw attacks (1d6 damage) and a bite attack (1d6 damage). At 10th level, your major form's claw attacks increase to 1d8 damage, and you gain the Grab ability with your claws. At 15th level, your major form's claw attacks increase to 2d6 damage, and you gain the Rend ability.
Griffon Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, you gain a +2 bonus on Perception checks and a +2 bonus on Acrobatics checks made to jump. Additionally, you gain low-light vision. At 8th level, your perception and acrobatics checks increase to +4. Additionally, you gain the ability to make a full attack at the end of a charge. At 15th level, your perception and acrobatics checks increase to +4. Additionally, you gain the Improved Critical feat with your shifter attacks.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
At 8th level, you can assume the form of a large griffon, gaining a base speed of 40 feet, a fly speed of 80 feet (average maneuverability), darkvision with a range of 60 feet, and a bite attack (2d6 damage) and two talon attacks (1d6 damage). At 10th level, your major form's fly speed increases to 100 feet (good maneuverability), your talon damage increases to 1d8. At 15th level, your major form's fly speed increases to 120 feet (good maneuverability), and your talon attacks gain the grab ability. When you make a successful talon attack, you can attempt a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If you succeed, you can fly off with the grabbed opponent at your full fly speed. Your fly speed is reduced to 60 feet (average maneuverability) while carrying a grabbed opponent. You can drop a grabbed opponent as a free action.
Gorgon Aspect
Minor Form
In this form, your skin gains a metallic sheen, granting you a natural armor bonus equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum +1). Your eyes take on a steely glint, allowing you to see in areas of shadowy illumination as if it were bright light, granting you low-light vision. At 8th level, the natural armor bonus increases to your Constitution modifier + 2. At 15th level, the bonus increases to your Constitution modifier + 4.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
At 8th level, you can assume the form of a large gorgon. While in this form, you gain a gore attack (1d8 damage) and a petrifying breath weapon usable once every 1d4 rounds. Creatures caught in the breath weapon's cone must make a Fortitude saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 your shifter level + your Constitution modifier) or be turned to stone permanently. You can use this breath weapon a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Constitution modifier.
At 10th level, your breath weapon's DC increases by +2. Your gorgon form becomes mightier. Your gore attack damage increases to 2d6, and your petrifying breath weapon's range extends by 30 feet. Additionally, your natural armor bonus in this form increases by 2.
At 15th level, your breath weapon's DC increases by an additional +2. Your gorgon form reaches its pinnacle. You gain the ability to cast stone to flesh at will on petrified creatures within 30 feet as a standard action. Your gore attack damage increases to 2d8, and your petrifying breath weapon's DC increases by +2. Your natural armor bonus in this form increases by an additional 2.
Hydra Aspect
Minor Form
In this form, your skin becomes scaly, offering resistance acid 5 and granting you a swim speed of 30 feet. At 8th level, your acid resistance increases to 10. At 15th level, your acid resistance increases to 20.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
At 8th level, you can assume the form of a large hydra. While in this form, you get one extra head (maximum 2), each capable of a bite attack (1d10 damage). For every two heads you have, you gain an additional bite attack. You also gain a regenerative ability, allowing you to regrow severed heads at a rate of two per minute. Additionally, you gain the swallow whole ability, enabling you to consume foes that you have pinned or grappled. Your natural armor increases by 4.
At 10th level, you gain another extra head (maximum 3), your bite attacks increase to 2d8 damage, and your natural armor bonus increases by 2. your hydra form becomes even more formidable. Your bite attacks now deal 2d10 damage, and your natural armor bonus increases by 2. You gain the ability to use your breath weapon, allowing you to spit acid at a target within 30 feet. The target must make a Reflex saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 your shifter level + your Constitution modifier) or take 6d6 acid damage. This ability can be used once every 1d4 rounds.
At 15th level, your hydra form reaches its apex. you gain another extra head (maximum 4). Your bite attacks increase to 2d12 damage, and your natural armor bonus increases by an additional 2. You gain the trample ability, allowing you to overrun opponents up to your hydra's number of heads, dealing 2d10 + 1-1/2 times your Strength modifier bludgeoning damage. Additionally, you can now use your acid breath weapon once every round.
Hodag Aspect
Minor Form
In this form, your skin toughens, granting you natural armor bonus of +2 and low-light vision. At 8th level, your natural armor bonus increases to +4 and darkvision 30 feet. At 15th level, your natural armor increases to +6 and darkvision 60 feet.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
At 8th level, you can transform into a hodag, a fearsome and mythical creature. While in this form, you gain a tail slap attack (1d4 bludgeoning and piercing) powerful claws (1d6 slashing damage) and a bite attack (1d8 slashing or piercing damage). You also gain the ability to sweep your tail behind yourself, obscuring tracks and making it difficult for enemies to trace you. Attempts to track you have their normal DC increased by +10.
At 10th level, your hodag form becomes even more menacing. Your tail slap now deals 1d6 damage and your claws deal 1d8 damage and bite attacks deal 2d6 damage. Additionally, you gain the ability to make a toss attack, similar to that of a hodag. Once per round, you can attempt to throw an opponent 10 feet through the air. The opponent must be at least one size category smaller than you. If the combat maneuver check succeeds, the opponent is thrown and falls prone.
At 15th level, your hodag form reaches its pinnacle. Your tail slap now deals 1d8 damage, your claws now deal 1d8 damage and bite attacks increase to 3d6 damage. You gain the ability to create an aura of fear, causing creatures within 30 feet to become shaken (Will save DC 10 + 1/2 your shifter level + your Charisma modifier). This effect lasts for 1 minute. You can use this once per day. Additionally, your toss ability can now affect opponents up to two size categories smaller than you.
Manticore Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, your body gains resistance to ranged attacks, granting you a +2 bonus to AC against ranged attacks. At 8th level, this resistance increases to a +4 bonus, and you gain a set of sharp spines along your back, allowing you to make a ranged attack (range 30 feet) dealing 1d6 points of piercing damage as a standard action. At 15th level, your spines become venomous; any creature hit by your ranged spines must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 10 + half your shifter level + your Constitution modifier) or be paralyzed for 1d4 rounds.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
You can assume the form of a large Manticore, gaining a base speed of 30 feet, fly speed of 50 feet (average maneuverability), darkvision with a range of 60 feet, and a bite attack (1d8 damage) and two claw attacks (1d6 damage). Additionally, your tail becomes a spiked mace-like appendage, granting you a tail slap attack (1d8 damage). At 10th level, your major form gains a powerful roar that can intimidate your foes. You can use this roar once per minute as a standard action; all enemies within 30 feet who can hear you must succeed on a Will save (DC 10 + half your shifter level + your Charisma modifier) or be shaken for 1d4 rounds. Creatures that are normally immune to fear effects are still affected by this ability. At 15th level, your major form gains the ability to launch your tail spikes at a range of 100 feet, dealing 2d6 points of piercing damage each. You can shoot up to six spikes in a single round, but they take 1d4 rounds to regrow.
Owlbear Aspect
Minor Form
In this form, your senses sharpen, granting you low-light Vision and scent. Additionally, you gain +2 to your perception checks and grapple combat maneuvers. At 8th level, you gain darkvision 30 feet, and your bonuses to perception and grapple increase to +4. At 15th level, your darkvision range 60 feet, and your perception and grapple bonuses increase to +6.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
You can transform into a large howlbear, a ferocious and relentless creature. While in this form, you gain powerful claws and a bite attack (1d8 damage). You also gain the howl ability, allowing you to emit a terrifying roar. Creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 your shifter level + your Charisma modifier) or become frightened for 1 round.
At 10th level, your howlbear form becomes even more fearsome. Your claw and bite attacks now deal 2d6 damage and you gain the rend ability. The DC of your howl ability increases by 2, and affected creatures are frightened for 1d4 rounds on a failed save.
At 15th level, your howlbear form reaches its pinnacle. Your claw and bite attacks increase to 3d6 damage and you gain the rake ability. The DC of your howl ability increases by 2, and affected creatures are panicked for 1d4 rounds on a failed save. Additionally, your aura of fear now extends to 60 feet. Creatures within this range must succeed on a Will save or be shaken for 1 minute.
Remorhaz Aspect
Minor Form
At 1st level, your body temperature increases significantly, making you resistant to cold environments. You gain Cold Resistance 5. At 8th level, this resistance increases to Cold Resistance 10. At 15th level, you gain Cold Immunity.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
You can assume the form of a large remorhaz. In this form, your body becomes incredibly hot, dealing 2d6 fire damage to any creature that touches you or attacks you with a natural weapon or unarmed strike.
At 10th level, the damage from your body temperature increases to 4d6. Additionally, you gain a bite attack (2d6 damage) with the Swallow Whole ability, allowing you to swallow Medium or smaller creatures whole, dealing automatic bite damage each round.
At 15th level, the damage from your body temperature increases to 6d6. Additionally your bite attack increases to 3d6 damage.
Stymphalidies Aspect
Minor Form
Your senses become incredibly keen, granting you low-light vision. Additionally, Some of your skills become sharper, allowing you to gain a +2 bonus on Perception and Fly checks. At 8th level, the bonuses increases to +4. At 15th level, the bonuses increases to +6.
Major Form (Beast Shape III)
You can transform into a large Stymphalidies, a deadly and agile avian creature. While in this form, your wings grant you a fly speed of 60 feet (poor maneuverability). You gain razor-sharp talons, allowing you to make two talon attacks (1d6 damage each), two wing attacks (1d6 damage each) and a bite attack (1d8 damage). Additionally, you gain the Glare ability. As a standard action, in any area of normal or brighter light, you can ruffle your metallic feathers to blind all creatures within 30 feet. Affected creatures must succeed on a Fortitude save or be blinded for 1d4 rounds. The DC for this save is 10 + 1/2 your shifter level + your Constitution modifier. You can use this ability once per day, plus one additional time per day for every 5 shifter levels you possess.
At 10th level, your Stymphalidies form gains an upgrade. Your talon attacks now deal 1d8 damage each, and your wings now cause bleed (1d6). You can also use the Wing Razors ability. As a standard action, you can beat your wings, flinging two large, feathered shards at a single target within 50 feet. These wing razors deal 2d6 points of damage and cause the target to bleed. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to your Constitution modifier.
At 15th level, your Stymphalidies form reaches its pinnacle. All your attacks in this form cause bleed (not stackable). Your Glare ability's save DC increases by 2. Additionally, your fly speed improves to 120 feet with poor maneuverability. You can use the Wing Razors ability an additional time per day.
