Shifter: Advanced Class
In the shrouded forests where moonlight weaves a tapestry of mystery and the whispers of the night hold ancient secrets, there exist those that walk the line between beast and man – the Shifter. Cloaked in the primal energies of the wilderness, these enigmatic warriors possess the ability to transcend their human form, invoking the spirits of the animal kingdom to prowl through the shadows and engage in combat with an unmatched feral grace.
To encounter a Shifter is to witness a dance between humanity and the untamed. When the need arises, a Shifter can seamlessly meld with the essence of the wild, transforming into an array of animalistic shapes that mirror the creatures at home in the wilds beyond civilization. Whether drawing on the swift and silent panther, the mighty bear, or a cunning wolf, the Shifter's form becomes an extension of the primal forces coursing through their veins.
The transformation is not a mere cosmetic shift; it is a visceral and powerful embodiment of the creature's spirit. The eyes that once held human understanding now gleam with the instincts of the chosen beast, and the limbs move with a fluidity that transcends the limitations of mere mortals. In this altered state, the Shifter is both predator and protector, embodying the ancient dance between the hunter and the hunted.
The Shifter's connection with the natural world is palpable, and their combat style reflects this primal bond. They move through the shadows with an otherworldly finesse, striking with the ferocity of the beast they embody. Each leap and lunge is a testament to the untamed power coursing through their veins, and the night itself seems to respond to their presence.
Beyond the battlefield, Shifters are also adept at navigating the mysteries of the wilderness. Their animalistic forms grant them a heightened awareness of their surroundings, allowing them to prowl through the darkest corners of the realm with an innate understanding of the natural world.
Warning: Many of the Skills and Powers listed below are contingent on the character having ready access to Natural Weapons. Be aware that this class will not function correctly without it. These powers are listed as [Natural Weapons] for easy reference.
Class Level | Cantrips | Spell Known | Spell Preparations | Spell Slots | Class Bonuses |
1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0/0/1/0 | Malleable Form, Regrowth |
2 | 0 | +1 | +1 | 0/0/1/0 | +1 Base Maximum Life Points |
3 | 0 | +1 | +0 | 0/1/1/0 | Blending, Listening to the Small Ones |
4 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0/1/2/0 | Savage Vitality |
5 | 0 | +1 | +1 | 0/1/2/0 | Set Apart, +1 Base Maximum Life Points |
“By dawning growth that blooms in Spring, from budding earth and insect sting.
By Summer’s heat in brightest day, from stalking beast and fleeing prey.
By spirits of the fallen leaf, from Autumn fires’ ashen grief.
By torrent’s chill and dying light, from howling storm and Winter’s bite…”
The Shifter is a Divine caster and spell slots granted by this class are Divine Spell Slots.
Requirement: Shifter Level 1
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Passive
Delivery: None Refresh: None
Accent: None Effect: Special
Whenever the Shifter uses a power with the [Form] or [Beast Shape] keyword and a Duration of Short Rest, they may spend a Spike. If they do, the Power will last for an additional Short Rest beyond the normal duration of the power, but any Spike spent this way does not Refresh on the Shifter’s next Short Rest.
Requirement: Shifter Level 1
Incantation: None
Call: “Rebuild and Mend Natural Armor to Full”
Target: Self Duration: Instantaneous
Delivery: None Refresh: Short Rest
Accent: None Effect: Rebuild, Mend Armor
After taking a moment to draw in the boundless power afforded to them by the lands surrounding them, the Shifter is able to reconstruct their natural hardiness.
Requirement: Shifter Level 2
Incantation: None
Call: “[Name or Description] Instruction to [Animal/Beast]: You may converse with me freely”
Target: Individual Duration: Long Rest
Delivery: None Refresh: Immediate
Accent: None Effect: None
The Shifter is in tune with nature. As such, the Shifter may converse with animals and beasts freely.
Requirement: Shifter Level 3
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Passive
Delivery: None Refresh: None
Accent: None Effect: Grant Obfuscate vs Expose to Living
While outdoors, the Shifter is at home and may blend in with the surrounding area. While outdoors or in natural indoor spaces such as caves, the Shifter is constantly Obfuscated to all Expose Effects that have the “to Living” Qualifier.
Requirement: Shifter Level 3
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Passive
Delivery: None Refresh: None
Accent: None Effect: Special
The tiny creatures of the night know your voice, and you know theirs. You may hear unusual things from them time to time. If you find a folded note with a Black Key sigil marked “Vermintongue - Do not remove” within a Night Prize patch, you may read its contents and put it back. You may add your own text to such a note if desired, but you should mark this with your character name - the vermin know who speaks to them, and will communicate this honestly to those who will listen. Likewise, you may add your own Black Key Vermintongue note to a Night Prize patch, but the content of the note should clearly indicate who added it.
Requirement: Shifter Level 4
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Passive
Delivery: None Refresh: None
Accent: None Effect: Healing
Whenever the Shifter uses a Power with the [Form] or [Beast Shape] keywords, they may Heal themselves for a small amount - how much so depends on the expansiveness of the change.
Remember that Healing may also be used to Mend Natural Armor.
Requirement: Shifter Level 5
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Passive
Delivery: None Refresh: None
Accent: None Effect: Grant Base Damage
The Shifter has chosen a path, and it is not where civilization walks. While in any Form, the Shifter gains +1 Base Damage with Natural Weapons.
Requirement: Shifter Level 1
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Passive
Delivery: None Refresh: None
Accent: None Effect: Special
The Shifter may gain Claws as Natural Weapons. They may be one or two Short Claws (up to 36”), Long Claws (up to 48”) or Great Claws (up to 90”), or a combination. However, the combination must be a combination that the Shifter has proficiency to wield (through weapon proficiencies and two-weapon style skills).
Switching between Claw length combinations may be done at the completion of a Short Rest.
In addition, if the Shifter has the Druid Class Skill “Claws of the Bear,” they gain +1 Maximum Base Spikes.
Natural Extension - 2 CP [Class] [Natural Weapons]
Requirement: Shifter Level 1
For the purpose of Powers with a delivery of Touch, a hand holding a Natural Weapon counts as empty, and the Shifter may touch their target with a Natural Weapon to count as having a hand within 6” of them for delivering a Touch Power.
Note: The recipient of a Touch Power must still be Helpless or Willing as this does not change the Delivery.
Requirement: Shifter Level 2
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Passive
Delivery: None Refresh: None
Accent: None Effect: Special
The Shifter gains the Weapon Specialization Skill in a class of weapons with which they are proficient. In addition, a Natural Weapon that meets the requirements in size, shape, and style for the Weapon Specialization counts as that type of weapon for the Weapon Specialization Skill and any Skills that have Weapon Specialization as a prerequisite. A given Natural Weapon phys-rep can only count as one type of weapon.
Requirement: Shifter Level 2
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Instantaneous
Delivery: None Refresh: Long Rest
Accent: None Effect: Refresh
The Shifter is granted the ability to use the Form of the Rising Sun as per the Druid Ability. If they already have this ability they gain an additional use of the Form of the Rising Sun per Long Rest.
Requirement: Shifter Level 2
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Instantaneous
Delivery: None Refresh: Long Rest
Accent: None Effect: Refresh
The Shifter is granted the ability to use the Form of the Waning Moon as per the Druid Ability. If they already have this ability they gain an additional use of the Form of the Waning Moon per Long Rest.
Requirement: Shifter Level 3
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Passive
Delivery: None Refresh: None
Accent: None Effect: Special
The Shifter gains the ability to wield a Natural Shield. This shield is considered a normal shield, but also obeys the requirements and gains the benefits of Natural Shields below:
To qualify as a Natural Shield, the wielder must be proficient in the size category of the shield, and the phys rep itself must be mostly red or obviously marked in red, with its physical form suggesting an appropriate appendage.
If the shield is targeted by a Disarm Effect, the holding limb will take a Disable Effect instead, with the duration being the same as Called for the Disarm, or a Quick Count of 30 if no duration is called. Shatter will cause the shield to be unusable and the shield will cease to block damage until Rebuilt. Finally, the shield cannot be taken when the creature becomes unconscious or dead, as if the character had the Cold Dead Hands Perk.
Crepuscular Advantage - 3 CP [Class]
Requirement: Shifter Level 3
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Passive
Delivery: None Refresh: None
Accent: None Effect: None
The Shifter may benefit from either the effects of Form of the Rising Sun, or the Form of the Waning Moon when a [Beast Shape] Power is activated, and may select either of the choices for each Power, but never both for any given Power activation.
Requirement: Shifter Level 4
Incantation: None
Call: None
Target: Self Duration: Passive
Delivery: None Refresh: None
Accent: None Effect: Grant Plus Spike Damage
The Shifter gains +1 Spike Base Damage while wielding Natural Weapons.
Requirement: Shifter Level 4
Incantation: RP: Quick 30: Coating a claw or melee weapon with the bloom.
Call: “3 Poison”
Target: Individual Duration: Instantaneous
Delivery: Weapon (melee) Refresh: Focus Quick 100
Accent: Poison Effect: None
The Shifter may consume a Bloom to swing "3 Poison" once before their next Short Rest. Only a single instance of this Power may be active at one time. The Bloom should be deposited in the ashbin whenever is appropriate.
Incantation: “By dawning growth…”
Incantation: “... I commune with nature."
Call: “By my Voice, Expose all Druids, Shifters, and Wardens.” "Heal [X] to Self."
Target: Self Duration: Instantaneous
Delivery: None Refresh: Immediate
Accent: None Effect: Heal
Out of combat, the Shifter may contemplate their place in the natural order, and offer a prayer to the woodland spirits around them in a ritual or prayer lasting approximately two minutes or more. Upon completing this cantrip, the Shifter may identify all Druids, Shifters, and Wardens in the nearby area (including themself!), then, the Shifter may Heal themselves an amount equal to the number of Druids, Shifters, and Wardens in the immediate area. This amount is doubled if the Shifter is within the Druid’s Grove.
Incantation: “... I cast off the broken."
Call: "Rebuild Natural [Weapon/Shield] to Self"
Target: Self, Natural Weapon/Shield Duration: Instantaneous
Delivery: None Refresh: Focus Quick 100
Accent: None Effect: Rebuild
The claws and fangs of a shifter are paramount to their defense, and so it does not bode well when they are broken. Thus the Shifter can train themselves to simply reform their natural armaments when they’ve become worn or broken.
Upon completing this Cantrip, the Shifter may Rebuild a single natural weapon or natural shield they possess, returning it to normal function.
Incantation: "...I call upon the native things.”
Call: “[Name or Description], Discern by Mind [to Animal/Beast] [Question]”
Target: Individuals Duration: Short Rest
Delivery: Verbal Refresh: Immediate
Accent: Mind Effect: Discern
The Shifter is well acquainted with the natural world and can pick up on many of the subtleties others may not. The spell lasts until the Shifter moves their right foot or takes a Short Rest, whichever comes first. Until it ends, the Shifter can ask any of the following questions as often as desired of any number of targets that they can see, but may only ask each target each question once. The Shifter must wait a Quick Count of 30 between questions.
Incantation: “... I envenom the flesh.”
Call: “Wounding 1 by Poison”
Target: Individual Duration: Instantaneous
Delivery: Packet (Spell-Packet), Natural Weapon Refresh: Focus Quick 100
Accent: Acid, Poison Effect: None, damage only
The Shifter takes on the toxic organs of the creatures of the wood and grows venom glands. They may either use a Spell Packet for the delivery, or mime coating their natural weapons during casting to make the Delivery “Natural Weapon.”
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Waning Moon, the Shifter may spend a spike to make the call “Wounding 2 by Acid” instead.
Incantation:
“By dawning growth that blooms in Spring, from budding earth and insect sting…”
Incantation: "... I see with the eyes of the eagle.”
Call: “By My Voice, Expose Living”
Target: Area Duration: Instantaneous, Short Rest
Delivery: Voice Refresh: Spell
Accent: None Effect: Expose
The Shifter sharpens their vision to see what others might miss. This Spell can be cast only once per Short Rest per area, to make sure they do not target one person twice with this power within a single Short Rest. It is the responsibility of the Shifter to make sure that they are far away enough with the volume of “By My Voice” that they are using so they do not violate this rule.
If the Shifter is in the form of the Rising Sun, they may instead call “By My Voice, Expose Dying.” If making that call, the limit of once per Short Rest per area does not apply.
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Waning Moon, they may expend a Spike to instead call “By My Voice, Expose!”
Incantation: "... I let flow my envenomed blood.”
Call: “Wounding 3 by Poison”
Target: Individual Duration: Instantaneous
Delivery: Weapon Refresh: Spell
Accent: Poison Effect: Wounding
The Shifter envenoms their blood and lets it flow down their Natural Weapons. Anytime before a Short Rest, they may Sacrifice a Life Point once to charge their next melee strike with “Wounding 3 by Poison.”
If cast with an Adept Spell-slot, it becomes “Wounding 5 by Poison” If cast with a Greater Spell-slot, it becomes “Wounding 9 by Poison.”
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Rising Sun, they may alter the Delivery to “Packet (Spell-Ball)”, and they may Refresh 2 points of their Life Tap pool.
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Waning Moon, they may refresh 1 Spike per Tier of Spell-slot spent when casting this spell. They may also alter the Accent to Disease, if they so choose.
Incantation: "... I bear the hide of the Rhino.”
Call: “Long Grant X Natural Armor”
Target: Self Duration: Long Rest
Delivery: None Refresh: Spell
Accent: None Effect: Grant Natural Armor
If the Shifter already has the Spell “Hide of the Rhino” in their Spellbook, they may freely replace it with “Improved Hide of the Rhino” at any time between games.
The Shifter becomes better at controlling their bestial aspects, and can do so in gradations. When the Shifter casts this spell with a Novice, Adept, or Greater spell-slot they may Grant themselves 2, 4, or 6 Natural Armor, respectively.
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Rising Sun, they may instead augment their own existing natural armor by 1, 2, or 4, depending on the spell-slot used. The call for this is “Long Grant Plus X Natural Armor.” Per the stacking rules, only one use of this Spell can be in effect on the Druid at a time, so this cannot be used to augment the armor from an earlier casting of this Spell.
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Rising Sun, they may grant themselves a Protect vs Weapon. The call for this is “Grant Protect vs. Weapon.”
If the Druid is in the Form of the Waning Moon, they may grant themselves a Protect vs Shatter Armor. The call for this is “Grant Protect vs Shatter Armor.”
Incantation: “...I wax the moon and wane the sun.”, Focus Slow 30.
Call: “Short Grant Form of the Eclipse”
Target: Self Duration: Short Rest
Delivery: None Refresh: Spell
Accent: None Effect: Grant Form
The Shifter enters the Form of the Eclipse. While in this Form, the Shifter may benefit from either the effects of Form of the Rising Sun, or the Form of the Waning Moon when a Power is activated, and may select either of the choices for each Power, but never both for any given Power activation.
If a passive ability’s effects depend on which Form the Shifter is in (such as the Druid Archetype Powers), the Shifter should decide when they cast Syzygy which Form they will count as, for that Power, for the duration of Eclipse Form.
Incantation:
“By dawning growth that blooms in Spring, from budding earth and insect sting.
By Summer’s heat in brightest day, from stalking beast and fleeing prey…”
Incantation: "...[a loud, guttural, wordless, roar].”
Call: “Short Grant Strengthened” “Short Grant +1 Natural Armor”
Target: Self Duration: Short Rest
Delivery: None Refresh: Spell
Accent: None Effect: Strengthen, Natural Armor
The Shifter becomes strong like a bear: This grants the Shifter the Strengthened condition.
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Rising Sun, the Shifter is also Granted +1 Natural Armor.
Incantation: "... I sap your vigor: waste away.”
Call: “Taint by Disease” or "Short Sleep by Disease" or “Short Paralyze by Disease.”
Target: Individual Duration: Permanent, Short Rest
Delivery: Natural Weapon Refresh: Spell
Accent: Disease Effect: Taint, Sleep
The Shifter infects their target with strange phages, causing them to be unable to be healed, and possibly causing their eventual death.
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Rising Sun, the Shifter may call “Short Sleep by Disease.” They also may change the delivery to Spell-Ball.
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Waning Moon, the Shifter may call “Short Paralyze by Disease” instead. The delivery remains Natural Weapon.
Incantation: "... I see hidden worlds.”
Call: “Short Grant Sight”
Target: Self Duration: Short Rest
Delivery: None Refresh: Spell
Accent: None Effect: Grant Sight
The Shifter can call on the incredible sight of an owl, seeing beyond what others normally would.
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Waning Moon, they may also Refresh one Spike.
Incantation: "... I take the unseen countenance of the great cat”
Call: "Obfuscate vs Expose", "Piercing 2 by Agony", "Counter, Dodge"
Target: Self, Individual, One melee attack Duration: Short Rest, Instantaneous
Delivery: None Refresh: Spell
Accent: Agony Effect: Obfuscate, Piercing, Counter
This Spell may only be cast out-of-combat. When the Shifter completes this spell, they gain the following effects:
All effects expire if the Shifter becomes Helpless or completes a Short Rest.
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Waning Moon, they also gain +1 Maximum Spikes until they complete a Short Rest.
Incantation: “...I twist flesh, and alter bone, casting aside my true form. Built upon what once was, I turn my power inward to transform.” Focus Slow 30: Roleplay Transformation
Call: “Grant Form: [Creature Type]”
Target: Self Duration: Short Rest
Delivery: None Refresh: Spell
Accent: None Effect: Grant Form, Refresh
Once this spell is cast, the Shifter undergoes a massive transformation, altering their appearance significantly.
While the Shifter is in this Form, they may call the following at-will:
“Instruction to Animal, Beast, or Mythic Beast: You perceive me as one of your own, and may converse with me freely.”
Once the Shifter has made that call to one kind of Animal, Beast, or Mythic Beast, they cannot make it to a different kind. However, they can at-will call:
“It Can Be Seen: that I’m in the form of [the kind of Animal, Beast, or Mythic Beast that they took the form of].” (If uncertain, “one of those” can suffice.)
Note: The Shifter can choose to have this condition expire at any time as though they had taken a Short Rest.
Incantation:
“By dawning growth that blooms in Spring, from budding earth and insect sting.
By Summer’s heat in brightest day, from stalking beast and fleeing prey.
By spirits of the fallen leaf, from Autumn fires’ ashen grief.”
Incantation: "... I twist flesh, and alter bone, casting aside my true form. Built upon what once was, I turn my power inward to transform.”, Focus Slow 30: Roleplay Transformation
Call: “Short Grant Form: Salamander”
Target: Self Duration: Short Rest
Delivery: None Refresh: Spell
Accent: None Effect: Grant Form, Refresh
Once this spell is cast, the Shifter undergoes a massive transformation, altering their abilities significantly.
The Shifter gains the following effects while this spell is active:
In addition, the Shifter gains the Endless Regrowth power while this spell is active:
Endless RegrowthIncantation: None Call: “Heal 2” Target: Self Duration: Instantaneous Delivery: None Refresh: Quick 100 Accent: None Effect: Heal The Salamander’s rebirthing fire burns within the Shifter, closing their flesh around any wound. This ability may be used while the Shifter is at zero Life Points (such as “Dying”, but not “dead”), provided they are not otherwise prevented from doing so by another Effect or Condition. |
Incantation: "... I twist flesh, and alter bone, casting aside my true form. Built upon what once was, I turn my power inward to transform.”, Focus Slow 30: Roleplay Transformation
Call: “Short Grant Form: Elephant”
Target: Self Duration: Short Rest
Delivery: None Refresh: Spell
Accent: None Effect: Grant Form, Refresh
Once this spell is cast, the Shifter undergoes a massive transformation, altering her abilities significantly.
The Shifter gains the following Effects while this spell is active:
In addition, the Shifter gains the Indomitable Spirit Power while this spell is active:
Indomitable SpiritIncantation: None Call: “Cure [Condition]” Target: Self Duration: Instantaneous Delivery: None Refresh: Quick 100 Accent: None Effect: Cure The Indomitable Spirit of the Everlasting Mountains flows through and rids the Shifter of unwanted maladies, pulsing with the heartbeat of the very earth. This ability may be used while the Shifter is at zero Life Points (“dying”, but not dead), provided they are not otherwise prevented from doing so by another Effect or Condition. |
Incantation: "... I sap your power: let it wither and die.”
Call: “Short Drain by Poison”
Target: Individual Duration: Short Rest
Delivery: Packet Refresh: Spell
Accent: Poison Effect: Drain
When this spell is cast, Eclipse charges two spell-balls with Short Drain by Poison.
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Rising Sun, the call has the Terror Accent and the Duration is Long. The appropriate call for this is “Long Drain by Terror.”
If the Shifter is in the Form of the Waning Moon, the call has no Accent, the Duration is Permanent, and the delivery becomes Weapon. The appropriate call for this is “Drain,” however the Shifter is limited to only one charge.
Incantation: "... I twist flesh, and alter bone, casting aside my true form. Built upon what once was, I turn my power inward to transform.”, Focus Slow 30: Roleplay Transformation
Call: “Grant Form: Protector of the Wood”
Target: Self Duration: Short Rest
Delivery: None Refresh: Spell
Accent: None Effect: Grant Form, Refresh
Once this spell is cast, the Shifter undergoes a massive transformation, altering their abilities significantly.
In addition, the Shifter gains the following benefits while this spell is cast:
Finally, the Shifter gains the Woodland Caretaker power while this spell is active:
Woodland CaretakerIncantation: “I balm what ails you.” Call: “Cure [Condition]” Target: Individual Duration: Instantaneous Delivery: Touch Refresh: Immediate Accent: None Effect: Cure [Condition] The Spirit of the Eternal Forest flows through and grants the Shifter the ability to rid their allies of harmful maladies. The Shifter may spend two points of Life Tap pool to call “Cure [Condition]” by Touch. |
Incantation: "... I twist flesh, and alter bone, casting aside my true form. Built upon what once was, I turn my power inward to transform.”, Focus Slow 30: Roleplay Transformation
Call: “Short Grant Form: Nightstalker”
Target: Self Duration: Short Rest
Delivery: None Refresh: Spell
Accent: None Effect: Grant Form, Refresh
Once this spell is cast, the Shifter undergoes a massive transformation, altering their abilities significantly.
The Shifter gains the following effects while this spell is active:
In addition, the Shifter gains the Thrill of the Kill power while this spell is active:
Thrill of the KillIncantation: Focus Quick 100 Call: “Piercing 2 by Agony” Target: Individual Duration: Instantaneous Delivery: Weapon Refresh: Special Accent: Agony Effect: Piercing While this power is active, should the character’s melee attack strike an opponent and that opponent appears to fall unconscious, begin dying, or die, then the Shifter gains one melee attack (charge) for “Piercing 2 by Agony.” It must be clear it was the Shifter who took the opponent down; no else can be hitting them at the time. For this reason, many with this Power prefer to isolate opponents. The Shifter can only have (banked) up to their Shifter class-level in charges of this Power at any one time; if they gain additional charges, they are lost. |