Shifter

Shifters in Etharis are beings that have been cursed in a way that blurs the line between lycanthropy and human. Untrusted and even hunted in certain parts of the world, these beings have adapted to living on the edge of society, with very few able to blend into towns and cities for long. Very few scholars are aware of the existence of Shifters and the few that are speak of their place in the world even before the elder races walked Etharis. Whatever the case, the common folk see them either as cursed lycanthropes, trickster faeries, or a curious specimen to dissect depending on where they are discovered.
Early in childhood, a shifter bonds with the beastial curse within itself, and this force shapes their body and mind as they grow. The fragment of the curse passed down to them through their parents imprints feral instincts upon their psyche befitting the curse's type; a feline shifter might be calm and distanced, while a lupine shifter might feel the need to protect a pack. At a certain point in their lives, shifters reach a level of harmony between the curse and themselves, allowing them to manifest a beastial, or weretouched, form.

Shifter Traits

• Age: Relatively the same rate as humans.
• Size: Medium
• Speed: 30 ft
• Shifting: As a bonus action, you can assume a more bestial appearance. This transformation lasts until you die, or until you revert to your normal appearance as a bonus action. You also gain additional benefits that depend on your shifter subrace, described below.
• Languages: Common

Subraces

Because of the wide variety of lycanthropic curses present within the world, there are an equally vast amount of shifter types. They look relatively human, elvish, dwarven, or something similar, but with the addition of animal features. In addition to this, all shifters have the ability to manifest more pronounced beastial aspects befitting their kind of curse. For example, a Tortle Shifter might have a naturally hunched back, but when they shift, an actual shell appears on their back.

Beasthide

Stoic and solid, a beasthide shifter draws strength and stability from their curse. Beasthide shifters are typically tied to the bear or the boar curse, but this subrace could come from a lycanthropic curse of any creature known for its toughness.

• Natural Athlete: You have proficiency in the Athletics skill.
• Ability Score Increase: Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
• 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 can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
• Shifting Feature: Once per short or long rest, you gain temporary hit points equal to id6 + your level + your Constitution modifier (minimum of 1 temporary hit point) when you shift. While shifted, you have a +1 bonus to your Armor Class.

Longtooth

Longtooth shifters are fierce and aggressive, but they form deep bonds with their friends. Many longtooth shifters have canine lycanthropic traits that become more pronounced as they shift, but they can also come from tiger, hyena, or other kinds predatory lycanthropes.

• Ability Score Increase: Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.
• Fierce: You have proficiency in the Intimidation skill.
• 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 can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
• Shifting Feature: While shifted, you can use your elongated fangs to make an unarmed strike as a bonus action. 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. Once per short or long rest, when you shift, you gain temporary hit points equal to your level + your Constitution modifier (minimum of 1 temporary hit point).

Swiftstride

Swiftstride shifters are graceful and quick. Typically the result of feline lycanthropy, swiftstride shifters are often aloof and difficult to pin down physically or socially.

• Ability Score Increase: Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
• Graceful: You have proficiency in the Acrobatics skill.
• 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 can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
• Shifting Feature: 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. Once per short or long rest, when you shift, you gain temporary hit points equal to your level + your Constitution modifier (minimum of 1 temporary hit point).

Wildhunt

Wildhunt shifters are sharp and insightful. Many are constantly alert, ever wary for possible threats. Others focus on their intuition, utilizing the curse within to sharpen their senses. Wildhunt shifters are excellent hunters, and they also tend to become the spiritual leaders of shifter communities. They are usually the result of lycanthropy from a hawk, rat, mole, or other wise were-animal.

• Ability Score Increase: Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and your Dexterity increases by 1.
• Natural Tracker: You have proficiency in the Survival skill.
• 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 can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
• Shifting Feature: 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. Once per short or long rest, when you shift, you gain temporary hit points equal to your level + your Constitution modifier (minimum of 1 temporary hit point).

Loxodon

For purposes of character building on D&D Beyond, remember to use the Loxodon as your actual race; but remember that you have to be shifted to use racial features that rely on a beastial apparatus such as the Loxodon's trunk.

Loxodon shifters are big, tall, sturdy beings with tusklike teeth, limbs like a tree trunk, and a hardy disposition. After the shift, they might have full elephant tusks and a trunk. Their lycanthropic ancestry comes from the were-elephant and their rarity makes them highly sought after by collectors.

• Ability Score Increase: Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
• Powerful Build: You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
• Loxodon Serenity: You have advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed or Frightened.
• Natural Armor: You have thick, leathery skin. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 12 + your Constitution modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.
• Keen Smell: You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception), Wisdom (Survival), and Intelligence (Investigation) checks that involve smell.
• Shifting Feature - Trunk: While shifted, you can grasp things with your trunk, and you can use it as a snorkel. It has a reach of 5 feet, and it can lift a number of pounds equal to five times your Strength score. You can use it to do the following simple tasks: lift, drop, hold, push, or pull an object or a creature; open or close a door or a container; grapple someone; or make an unarmed strike. Your DM might allow other simple tasks to be added to that list of options.
  Your trunk can’t wield weapons or shields or do anything that requires manual precision, such as using tools or magic items or performing the somatic components of a spell.

Leonin

For purposes of character building on D&D Beyond, remember to use the Leonin as your actual race; but remember that you have to be shifted to use racial features that rely on a beastial apparatus such as the Leonin's claws.

Leonin shifters are broad shouldered, often bearing manes of hair, and sharp teeth. These shifters come from the lycanthropic curse of the were-lion and are proud, noble, and fierce by nature.

• Ability Score Increase: Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
• Speed: 35 ft (this replaces the original Shifter walking speed).
• 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 can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
• Hunter's Instincts: You have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Athletics, Intimidation, Perception, or Survival.
• Daunting Roar: As a bonus action, you can let out an especially menacing roar. Creatures of your choice within 10 feet of you that can hear you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of you until the end of your next turn. The DC of the save equals 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
• Shifting Feature - Claws: While you are shifted, your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you can deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Harengon

For purposes of character building on D&D Beyond, remember to use the Harengon as your actual race; but remember that you have to be shifted to use racial features that rely on a beastial apparatus such as the Harengon's Lucky Footwork.

Born of a peculiar were-rabbit lycanthropic curse, Harengon shifters are slight of build, swift on their feet, and keen of senses, with extremely strong leg muscles, even when they aren't shifted. Curious in nature and often a more docile than the other shifters, Harengon keep themselves alert for any threats, avoiding combat if possible.

• Ability Score Increase: Increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1.
• Hare Trigger: You can add your proficiency bonus to your initiative rolls.
• Leporine Senses: You have proficiency in the Perception skill.
• Rabbit Hop: As a bonus action, you can jump a number of feet equal to five times your proficiency bonus, without provoking opportunity attacks. You can use this trait only if your speed is greater than 0. You can use it a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
• Shifting Feature - Lucky Footwork: While shifted, when you fail a Dexterity saving throw, you can use your reaction to roll a d4 and add it to the save, potentially turning the failure into a success. You can’t use this reaction if you’re prone or your speed is 0.

Owlin

For purposes of character building on D&D Beyond, remember to use the Owlin as your actual race; but remember that you have to be shifted to use racial features that rely on a beastial apparatus such as the Owlin's Flight.

Often nocturnal and blessed with extremely keen eyesight and silent movement, Owlin shifters are phenomenal predators and wary creatures blessed with plumes of silent feathers. Even when they aren't shifted, an Owlin shifter might still have a piercing gaze with owl-like pupils and inexplicable feathers in their hair or elsewhere on their body.

• Ability Score Increase: Increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1.
• Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 120 feet of yourself as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.
• Silent Featheres: You have proficiency in the Stealth skill.
• Shifting Feature - Flight: While you are shifted, you have a flying speed equal to your walking speed thanks to your wings. You can’t use this flying speed if you’re wearing medium or heavy armor.

Aarakocra

For purposes of character building on D&D Beyond, remember to use the Aarakocra as your actual race; but remember that you have to be shifted to use racial features that rely on a beastial apparatus such as the Aarakocra's Flight and Talons.

Created from various kinds of were-avian lycanthropy curses, Aarakocra shifters are nimble aerial predators that can fly the daytime sky and hunt their targets with ease. Even when they aren't shifted, these shifters are known for having incredibly sharp nails, almost like talons, and are usually of a lighter build to better accommodate their flight.

• Ability Score Increase: Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
• Speed: 25 ft (this replaces the original Shifter walking speed).
• Shifting Feature - Flight and Talons: While shifted, you have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor. Additionally, your talons are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them while you are shifted, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Tabaxi

For purposes of character building on D&D Beyond, remember to use the Tabaxi as your actual race; but remember that you have to be shifted to use racial features that rely on a beastial apparatus such as the Tabaxi's claws.

A product of a potent feline form of lycanthropy, the Tabaxi shifter hunts for prey silently, pouncing at the opportune moment. Mostly lanky and lithe in build, these shifters are capable of quick dextrous movement, but retain a sense of cat-curiosity and aloofness.

• Ability Score Increase: Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
• Darkvision: You have a cat’s keen senses, especially in the dark. 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 can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
• Feline Agility: Your reflexes and agility allow you to move with a burst of speed. When you move on your turn in combat, you can double your speed until the end of the turn. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you move 0 feet on one of your turns.
• Cat's Talent: You have proficiency in the Perception and Stealth skills.
• Shifting Feature - Cat's Claws: While you are shifted, your claws extend and allow you to have a climbing speed of 20 feet. In addition, your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Tortle

For purposes of character building on D&D Beyond, remember to use the Tortle as your actual race; but remember that you have to be shifted to use racial features that rely on a beastial apparatus such as the Tortle's Shell Defense and Claws.

Even stranger still are the Tortle Shifters, beings born of a peculiar were-turtle curse. The details of this rare type of lycanthropyare scarce at best, but they seem to be one of the least aggressive forms shifter, mainly valuing the simple life and not plagued by any rampant hunger. When they aren't shifted, Tortle shifters are bulky fellows, built like a brick wall and hard to knock down. They might have a heavily hunched back and sturdy limbs, but look even stouter once they've shifted.

• Ability Score Increase: Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
• Survival Instinct: You gain proficiency in the Survival skill.
• Hold Breath: Your lycanthropic organs allows you to hold your breath for up to 1 hour at a time.
• Natural Armor: Due to your shell and the shape of your body, you are ill-suited to wearing armor. Your shell provides ample protection, however; it gives you a base AC of 17 (your Dexterity modifier doesn’t affect this number). You gain no benefit from wearing armor, but if you are using a shield, you can apply the shield’s bonus as normal.
• Shifting Feature - Shell Defense and Claws: While you are shifted you can withdraw into your shell as an action. Until you emerge, you gain a +4 bonus to AC, and you have advantage on Strength and Constitution saving throws. While in your shell, you are prone, your speed is 0 and can’t increase, you have disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws, you can’t take reactions, and the only action you can take is a bonus action to emerge from your shell. Also while you are shifted, your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.