Weretouched

Weretouched, thought to be the offspring of a lycanthrope father, have developed into a distinct race. They are humanoids with a bestial aspect; while they cannot completely change shape, they may momentarily augment their animalistic traits, which they refer to as fluxing. Each weretouched lives on the precipice between the wilds and the rest of the world. Do they follow the path of civilization or their primordial instincts?
A weretouched establishes a link with a beast within them as early as childhood, a totemic power that molds their body and psyche. Some people who have been touched think that these spirits are separate beings and refer to them as ancestors or guides. Most people just perceive the beast within as a terrible manifestation of their inner character, something that arises as the weretouched's personality develops. A weretouched's demeanor reveals the beast within, which is a pool of intense instincts: a feline weretouched may be cold and aloof, driven by predatory instincts, but a weretouched with a lupine spirit may be attracted to locate and protect a pack.
When a weretouched truly accepts the beast inside, they undergo a brief physical transformation. The ethnicity of a weretouched reflects the beast within. There are four ethnic groups that are very common:

• Beasthide are sometimes associated with the bear or boar, which are stoic, obstinate, and thick-skinned.
• Longtooth have lupine characteristics and tend to run in packs.
• Swiftstrider are usually carnivorous and feline, although they may also be a sneaky rat darting through the shadows.
• Any creature that tracks its prey gives birth to Wildhunt weretouched.

While the beast within a weretouched has a physical influence, it also has a spiritual and psychological implication.
Two Beasthide weretouched have the same remarkable ability, but if one has the boar's aspect and the other has the bear's, their personalities will be drastically different. Identifying the beast within any weretouched is a vital aspect of knowing the character.
In height and structure, weretouched are comparable to humans, yet they are generally more lithe and flexible. Their faces have a bestial quality to them, with big eyes, flat noses, and pointed ears, and most of them have pronounced canine teeth. Almost every portion of their body is covered with fur-like hair.
A weretouched's appearance is also influenced by the beast within. A Swiftstrider weretouched may have catlike eyes and a delicate physique, whereas a Beasthide weretouched might be a colossal behemoth with a bear-like build. While a weretouched's appearance may resemble that of an animal, even at their most wild, they are readily recognized as weretouched.
Weretouched may be found in rural regions across Valine, where they frequently coexist with humans. Weretouched place a high importance on self-reliance and independence, even if they develop strong ties with their friends and family. "Always be prepared for the journey yet to come," is a weretouched saying, and most weretouched try to be ready for change or opportunity.
Weretouched people have a natural affinity towards classes that have a primordial link. The beast within a weretouched Berserker is the source of their wrath. A weretouched Ranger follows his or her instincts to roam and hunt. The predatory impulses of a weretouched Rogue are harnessed. Weretouched can follow any path or creed.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Weretouched people don't have their own language and typically live in mixed societies. Their names are often linked with those of other civilizations in the area. Many weretouched people choose to use "wandering names" with strangers and preserve their own names for friends. These are usually related to a physical or psychological characteristic.
Weretouched Names: Badger, Bear, Cat, Fang, Grace, Grim, Moon, Rain, Red, Scar, Stripe, Swift, Talon, Wolf

Weretouched Ranger

Lifespan

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

Average Height

Varies widely based on the bestial ancestry of the weretouched.

Average Weight

Depending on the weretouched's bestial heritage, it varies greatly.

Related Ethnicities

• Beasthide
• Longtooth
• Swiftstrider
• Wildhunt

Weretouched

Ability Score Increase Varies by Ethnicity

Size Medium

Speed 30 ft.

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Weretouched Traits

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Darkvision

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You have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.
Fluxing

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As a bonus action, you can assume a more bestial appearance. This 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 your level + your Constitution modifier (minimum of 1 temporary hit point). You also gain additional benefits that depend on your shifter ethnicity, described below. Once you flux, you can't do so again until you finish a short or long rest.
Weretouched Ethnicities

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The beast within shapes each weretouched physically and mentally. The four major ethnicities of weretouched include Beasthide, Longtooth, Swiftstrider, and Wildhunt. Choose an ethnicity for your weretouched.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common.