As Dhampirs are cursed with pseudo-vampirism, Shifters, sometimes called weretouched, are cursed with pseudo-lycanthropy. Like dhampirs, their origins are varied, but can include too-close encounters with were-creatures, undergoing strange occult rituals under a full moon, or being descended from werewolves.

Relations of other Races
Description

Physical Appearance
Shifters are humanoids with a bestial aspect. Shifters can’t fully change shape, but they can temporarily enhance their animalistic features by entering a state they call shifting.

Shifters are similar to their base race in height and build but are typically more lithe and flexible. Oftentimes, 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. Yet other shifters can pass fully as non-shifters, only taking on their more lycanthropic features when shifted. While a shifter’s appearance might remind an onlooker of an animal, they remain clearly identifiable as shifters even when at their most feral. Most shifters resemble a particular kind of lycanthrope.

Ability Score Increase
When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. You can't raise any of your scores above 20.

Creature Type
You are a Humanoid (Shifter).

Age
Shifters mature slightly faster than their base race, but live about as long.

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 x 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 an additional benefit based on one of the following options (choose 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 Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character.