Description
First came the shapeshifters, creature that could change their shape at will, an innate ability perfect for all sorts of trickery and impersonation. This ability was very taxing to the humanoid bodies and mind. The rate of survival of that race was significantly low and other races did not accepted them very well. The gods decided to tone down the amount of changing, limiting it to some of the body parts only. Thus the shifter race was born. Laia with her unwavering love for animals imbued the transformation with nature magic, guiding the transformation towards animal types. This design was later stolen by Oromne to create the Unknown. Shifters did not have as many numbers as the other races. They formed good relationships with races that preferred the wilderness rather than large cities, such as Goliaths, Firbolgs and Wood Elves. At start their transformation would trigger over emotional changes, but as generations passed with the help of druids, they managed to fully control their transformation. Shifters are similar to humans in height and build but are typically more lithe and flexible. Their facial features have a bestial cast, often with large eyes and pointed ears; most shifters also have prominent canine teeth. They grow fur-like hair on nearly every part of their bodies. While a shifter’s appearance might remind an onlooker of an animal, they remain clearly identifiable as shifters even when at their most feral.
Origins
Their creators were Krevor and Laia
Genetics
Shifters have no genetics that push them towards a specific alignment but they are very rarely lawful, as their animal instincts push them towards neutrality or chaos.
Lifespan
Shifters live around 65 years.
Homeland
Also found in
Reputation
Shifters are often misunderstood as many humanoid think of them as werewolves and are afraid of them. Despite their many years of existence, their low numbers and quiet lifestyle leaves many questions about to others.
Alive/Extinct
They are alive until the 4th era.
Shifter Traits
As a shifter, you have the following racial traits.
Ability Scores: Increase your Wisdom by 1.
Creature Type: You are a Humanoid.
Size: You are Medium.
Speed: Your walking speed is 30 feet.
Bestial Instincts: Channeling the beast within, you have proficiency in one of the 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 colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.
Shifting: 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 2 × 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 benefits based on one of the following options (choose two when you select this race):
Beasthide: You gain 1d6 additional temporary hit points. While shifted, you have a +1 bonus to your Armor Class.
Longtooth: 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:. 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: 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.
Languages: Your character can speak, read and write (writing requires INT score 6 or higher) Common and one other language of your that you and your DM agree is appropriate for your character's backstory. A list of languages and their regions can be found in Languages.