Shifter

Shifters, sometimes called “the weretouched,” are descended from humans and natural lycanthropes, now nearly extinct on Khorvaire. Shifters cannot fully change shape but can take on animalistic features—a state they call shifting. Shifters have evolved into a unique race that breeds true. They have a distinct culture with its own traditions and identity.

The personality and behavior of shifters are influenced by their animal natures. Many are boorish and crude, while others are quiet, shifty, and solitary. Just as most lycanthropes are carnivores, shifters have a predatory personality and think of most activities in terms of hunting and prey. They view survival as a challenge, striving to be self-reliant, adaptable, and resourceful.

Shifters are basically humanoid in shape, but their bodies are exceptionally lithe. They often move in a crouched posture, springing and leaping while their companions walk normally alongside. Their faces have a bestial cast, with wide, flat noses, large eyes and heavy eyebrows, pointed ears, and long sideburns (in both sexes). Their forearms and lower legs grow long hair, and the hair of their heads is thick and worn long.

Many races feel uncomfortable around shifters, the same way they feel around any large predator. Of course, some grow to appreciate individual shifters despite their natural aversion, and halfl ings in general get along well with them. For their part, shifters are accustomed to distrust and don’t expect better treatment from members of the other races, although some shifters try to earn respect and companionship through acts and deeds.

The fact that none of the dragonmarked houses includes shifters cements their place outside the mainstream of society.

Most shifters incline toward the druidbased religion of the Eldeen Reaches, believing in the divine power of the earth itself, the elements, and the creatures of the earth. Those shifters who revere the pantheon of the Sovereign Host are drawn toward the deities Balinor and Boldrei, while other shifters follow the Traveler. Shifters rarely worship the Silver Flame.

Shifter Traits

  • Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
  • Size. Shifters are about the same size as humans. Your size is Medium.
  • Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
  • Darkvision. Your lycanthropic heritage grants you the ability to see in dark 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.
  • Shifting. On your turn, you can shift as a bonus action. Shifting lasts for 1 minute or until you end it on your turn as a bonus action. While shifting, you gain temporary hit points equal to your level + your Constitution bonus (minimum of 1). You also gain a feature that depends on your shifter subrace, described below. You must finish a short or long rest before you can shift again.
  • Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan.

Beasthide

  • Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
  • Shifting Feature. While shifting, you gain a +1 bonus to AC.

Cliffwalk

  • Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
  • Shifting Feature. While shifting, you gain a climb speed of 30 feet

Longstride

  • Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
  • Shifting Feature. While shifting, you can use the Dash action as a bonus action.

Longtooth

  • Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 1.
  • Shifting Feature. While shifting, you can make a bite attack as an action. This is a melee weapon attack that uses Strength for its attack roll and damage bonus and deals 1d6 piercing damage. If this attack hits target that is your size or smaller, the target is also grappled.

Razorclaw

  • Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
  • Shifting Feature. While shifting, you can make an unarmed strike as a bonus action. You can use your Dexterity for its attack roll and damage bonus, and this attack deals slashing damage.

Wildhunt

  • Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
  • Shifting Feature. While shifting, you gain advantage on all Wisdom-based checks and saving throws.
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