Shifter
Shifters are sometimes called the weretouched, as they are the descendants of humans and lycanthropes. Whatever their origins, shifters have evolved into a unique race. They are humanoids with a bestial aspect; while they can’t fully change shape, they can temporarily enhance their animalistic features — a state they call shifting. Each shifter walks on the knife’s edge between the wilds and the world around them. Do they embrace their primal instincts or the path of civilization?
- Reputation: Shifters, often called "weretouched," are descendants of humans and lycanthropes. Their ability to temporarily enhance their animalistic features, known as "shifting," often leads to misconceptions and fear among other races, who may view them as dangerous or unpredictable.
by PersonalAmi
General Information
Scientific name
/
Geographic Distribution
Green Earth
Languages
Common
Physiologie
Average Lifespan
Less than a century
Size
Medium
Average Height
1.7‒1.8 m
Average Weight
59‒82 kg
Others
Culture
Early in childhood, they develop their shifting ability and grow animal-like features even when not shifting, ranging from an abnormal hair implementation to animal-looking ears at all times, or tails. This transformation is said to be an expression of their inner nature, a wild community-centered wolf, an agile free cat, a selfish rat, a stubborn boar... Shifter community are centered around this ability to shift, the closer your shifting get you to an actual lycanthropic transformation, the higher ranked you are in shifter society. Despite the existence of an important tribe of wandering shifter in the green earth, many smaller communities exist in other parts of the world, such as Tana's empire, or the Lightfoot Land, they generally do their best to blend in with the locals, hiding the few animal features and pretending to be humans.Lineages
The lineages and subspecies presented in this article are specific to Toriel, and may differ significantly from those found in Dungeons & Dragons. These lineages reflect the unique cultures, histories, and environments of Toriel.
Players are welcome to use the mechanics of any official or third-party lineage, but are encouraged to reflavor them as one of the lineages native to Toriel to better fit the world’s lore. Talk to your DM to find a narrative fit that works for your character and the setting.
A shifter’s beast within is reflected by the shifter’s lineage. Four lineages are especially common.
Beasthide
Beasthide often signifies the bear or boar: stoic, stubborn, and thick-skinned. 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 this lineage could embody any creature known for its toughness. When shifting, a beasthide skin tends to turn into thick fur, protecting the shifter. by PersonalAmi
Longtooth
Longtooth shifters typically have lupine traits and prefer to run with a pack. 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 might instead draw on tigers, hyenas, or other predators. When shifting, a longtooth fangs tend to grow sharp and pointy, or their hands turn into claws, allowing them to attack their prey.Swiftstride
Swiftstride are often predatory and feline, but a swiftstride could also be a cunning rat who darts through the shadows. Swiftstride shifters are graceful and quick. Typically feline in nature, swiftstride shifters are often aloof and difficult to pin down physically or socially. When shifting, a swiftride lower limbs tend to shift, their feet becoming paw, and their leg growing fur.
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