Shifters
MPMM p32
Shifters
The frenzy of the wild, the might of the earth, one may say only animals experience these base instincts. They are fools to ignore what lies deep within every mortal, those same visceral responses that drive our day to day life hidden by society. Along the leylines and places of power, the spirits of the land have the power to yet spur the beast within, and those dubbed shifters have had this beast awakened.
Spirit Guided, Heart Driven
Mortals rarely choose to explore the world of spirits. Rarer still do those that seek answers ever make contact. Nature spirits are those who most often choose to connect with mortals, some of whom, called shifters, are conferred a gift from the spirit realm. Some cultures consider the shifter's gift a blessing, others a curse. Most receive their gifts at birth, but a shifter can come into existence at other times in life when the mortal soul reaches beyond the material plane.
Some spirits restore life to the sick and dying, others seek a stronger bond with the natural world, and others simply happen across a mischievous spirit on the wrong side of the oak. Whatever the inciting incident, shifters walk the line between mortal civilization and the infinite wilds. All mortals have a beast of instincts within their very hearts, but when it is tempered and drawn out a great deal of changes occur. A shifter may find themselves adopting traits of their inner beast, some may appear unchanged from their lineage. Regardless of the outward appearance, a shifter can unleash their newfound self and further adopt the visage of their spirit animal.
Friends Across Worlds
Some spirits are kind enough to bond with a host, allowing the mortal to adopt their own powers for short bursts of time. Mutations in shifters of this variety are much rarer, as the source of the change does not lie within themselves, instead in the spirits alone. When they fully tap into their bonded spirit’s power it is common for the aura of the spirit to manifest around them. While this change does not affect them outwardly, they are now eternally bonded with said spirit, a dual consciousness shared between them. If you would like your spirit to bond with your shifter, converse with your DM on how you would like your bond to play out or affect your character.
Of the Wild
Shifters are treated vastly differently from country to country. Commonly along the islands of The Reaches they are viewed as equals. Sometimes a child taken before their time is reunited with their parents, and cherished as a result. In lands estranged from the spirits, where communion with them is yet unheard of, they are viewed differently. In Elkus, where every precaution must be taken or death is certain, some shifters are expelled from the community for fear of becoming lycanthropic.
Shifter Names
Shifters, like all veil-touched, take their name from their lineage or old life.
Old Life. Select another race, which you mark down for this trait. This was your previous life and will determine your size and the rate at which you mature.
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. 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 based on your shifter subrace as described below. Once you shift, you can’t do so again until you finish a short or long rest.
Keen Senses. You have proficiency in the Perception skill.
Lineages. There are many bestial spirits that shifters draw power and wisdom from. Choose one of the following.
Beasthide
Stoic and solid, a beasthide shifter draws strength and stability from the beast within. Beasthide shifters are typically tied to the bear or the boar, but any creature known for its toughness could apply.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution increases by 2.
Tough. You have proficiency in the Athletics skill.
Shifting Feature. Whenever you shift, you gain 1d6 additional temporary hit points, and while shifted, you have a +1 bonus to your AC.
Longtooth
Longtooth shifters are fierce and aggressive, but they form deep bonds with their friends. Many longtooth shifters have canine traits that become more pronounced as they shift, but they may instead draw on tigers, hyenas, or other pursuit predators.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength increases by 2.
Fierce. You have proficiency in the Intimidation skill.
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 deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier instead of the normal bludgeoning damage for an unarmed strike.
Wildhunt
Wildhunt shifters are sharp and insightful. Some are constantly alert to their surroundings, ever wary of possible threats. Others focus their intuition inward, searching their bodies and minds for yet undiscovered talents. Wildhunt shifters are excellent hunters, and tend to become spiritual leaders of shifter communities.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom increases by 2.
Mark the Scent. As a bonus action, you can mark one creature you can see within 10 feet of you. Until the end of your next long rest, your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make to find the marked creature, and you always know the location of that creature if it is within 60 feet of you. You can’t use this trait again until you finish a short or long rest.
Natural Tracker. You have proficiency in the Survival skill.
Shifting Feature. While shifted, you have advantage on Wisdom checks.
Razorclaw
Razorclaw shifters are quiet and calculating ambush predators with unfaltering intent. They usually draw their power from cunning carnivores like the panther, hawk, or spider.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity and Strength each increase by 1.
Shifting Feature. While shifted, you can make an unarmed strike as a bonus action. You use your Dexterity for its attack roll and damage bonus, and this attack deals slashing damage.
