SHIFTER

Shifters, also sometimes called the weretouched, were a race of humanoids descended from interbreeding between lycanthropes and humans. Fierce and wild-spirited, shifters were feared by many as much as their shapeshifting brethren.

!WARNING!:

As a surface race, if you visit or live in the underdark, please expect aggression if you are caught. If you enter the Underdark Lolthite Temple or the surface Shevarash Temple as someone against their dogma and get caught, it will be considered NVL. Exceptions exist if there is a DM or event that invites player to these places

Shifters were commonly self-reliant and free-spirited. However, they were restrained in their actions by a fear that they might become lost in the savagery that dwelled in their blood. This fear of losing control made many shifters confrontational and reclusive. Some shifters overcame this self-doubt, however, becoming true friends to those they fought beside. However, this feral predatory nature could be to the shifter's advantage, and they made excellent rangers or druids.

Shifters were often feared wherever they went, much like their lycanthrope ancestors. This was due to a common misconception that all lycanthropes were invariably and irreversibly evil, including shifters. Though false, this conception shaped the lives of shifters, who rarely achieved a prominent status in civilized society. Instead, shifters preferred either a nomadic lifestyle or living close to the edges of society, supporting it as fishers, trackers, hunters, guides, or scouts. Others took up the call of an adventurer's life while yet others gave in to the expectations of society, letting their primal bloodlust fuel them in a life of crime.

Shifters favored gods of nature, the moon, and primal strength. Many were dedicated to Malar, such as those belonging to factions like the People of the Black Blood or its offshoot, the Black Blood tribe. Malar worship emphasized embracing their inner savagery and was often passed down through shifter families dating back to their lycanthrope ancestors. Those who turned away from Malarite faith generally gravitated toward either Selûne or Silvanus depending on whether they viewed their bestial heritage as more of a burden or a blessing respectively.

Biological Traits

Build: Lean and muscular. Showing animal-like features.
Eye Color: Reflective of their animalistic heritage, often with colors like amber, green, or yellow.
Hair Color: Natural colors like brown, black, or shades of red.
Skin Color: Varies widely based on their animal aspect, from pale human-like tones to fur-covered patches in hues resembling their animal forms.
Distinguishing Features: Shifters possess traits reminiscent of their animal ancestors, such as pointed ears, sharp teeth, and sometimes patches of fur or scales depending on their subrace. Their movements and expressions may echo animal behavior, subtly or distinctly.

Lifespan: Shifters mature slightly faster than humans and live up to about 70-90 years.

Height: Medium. Shifters range from 170 - 180 cm tall.

Alignment: Shifters vary widely in alignment, reflecting the diversity of their animal spirits. Many are neutral, driven by instincts and personal motivations rather than strict codes of conduct.

Languages: Common & 1 Player's Choice

Speed: 4 tiles

Racial Traits

Forgotten Realms site

PERKS

Specialist: Choose one from these and increase it by +1:
- Dexterity
- Constitution
Darkvision:
- You can see in the dark (unless source of light is present, you see shades of grey)
Shifting:
- As a bonus action, you can shift your appearance to manifest aspects of your animal spirit. This transformation lasts the fight scene or until you drop to 0 and you can use it again after a Long Rest. Once shifted you gain one of the following:
  - Longtooth Shifting: You can use your elongated fangs to make an unarmed strike as a bonus action. 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.
  - Beasthide Shifting: While shifted, you have a +1 bonus to your Armor Class. Additionally your max hp is increased by 1d6.
- While shifted your max HP is also increased by 2 x Proficiency (2, 2, 3, 4)
Keen Senses:
- Your Perception skill is increased by 2

Positive Views on other races

Druids and Rangers: Nature-oriented characters often find common ground with Shifters due to their affinity for the wild and respect for animal spirits.
Barbarians and Fighters: Warriors who value strength, resilience, and adaptability in combat may form alliances with Shifters, appreciating their natural prowess and versatility.
Elves and Fey Creatures: Shifters who revere nature may seek allies among elves and fey creatures who share their respect for the natural world.

Negative Views on other races

Lawful Societies: Shifters' independence and connection to their animal instincts may clash with orderly societies and strict laws, leading to conflict.
Undead and Necromancers: Shifters often oppose undead creatures and those who pervert the natural order, such as necromancers who manipulate life and death.
Conquerors and Tyrants: Shifters resist oppression and domination, making them natural enemies of tyrannical rulers and conquerors who seek to subjugate the land and its inhabitants.

Common Gods

Balasar (God of the Hunt)
- Revered by many Shifters, Balasar embodies the primal instincts of the hunt and survival in the wild. He promotes courage, cunning, and strength in the face of adversity.
- Domains: Nature, Trickery, War
Skerrit (Lord of the Beasts)
- Skerrit is a deity revered by Shifters who value harmony with nature and the spirits of the wild. He promotes protection of the natural world and respect for animal life.
- Domains: Nature, Life, Protection
Malar
- Malar was the lesser deity of hunting, stalking, bloodlust, and bestial savagery in the Faerûnian pantheon. The Beastlord was the epitome of the dark, bloody side of nature.
- Domain: Nature

Note for clerics:

- Due to the limited amount of subclasses in the server, the domain of the worshipped god does not need to perfectly match up. Make sure it makes sense!

Roleplaying Tips

Shifters are deeply connected to their animal spirit, which influences their behavior, instincts, and even their outlook on life. While some Shifters embrace their wild nature openly, others may struggle to balance their animal instincts with civilized society. Their ability to commune with nature and harness their inner strength makes them formidable opponents and valuable allies in the wilderness or urban jungle alike.