Racial Description

The Beast Within: Early in childhood, a Shifter forms a bond with a beast within, a totemic force that shapes their body and mind. Some Shifters believe that these spirits are independent entities, and they may speak of Bear or Wolf as ancestors or guides. Most just see the beast within as a formidable expression of their inner nature, something that emerges as the Shifter's personality takes shape. The beast within is a pool of powerful instincts, and its influence is revealed by a Shifter's personality: a feline Shifter may be cool and distant, driven by predatory instincts, while a Shifter with a lupine spirit might be drawn to find and protect a pack. When a shifter fully embraces this beast within they physically transform for a short time. A Shifter's beast within is reflected by the Shifter's subrace:

Beasthide often signifies the bear or boar: stoic, stubborn and thick-skinned.

Cliffwalk often take ape traits, like the ability to climb up surfaces normally people can’t.

Longtooth shifters typically have lupine traits and prefer to run with a pack.

Razorclaw can be any creature type that uses claws as primary defense or in hunting.

Razorfin are descendants of predators of the sea, normally that of sharks.

Skystalker often signify all types of birds with their free nature.

Swiftstride are often predatory and feline, but a Swiftstride could also be a cunning rat who darts through the shadows.

Wildhunt shifters are born from any creature that tracks its prey.

While the beast within certainly has a physical impact on a Shifter, it has a spiritual and psychological effect, as well. Two Beasthide shifters share the same special ability, but if one has the aspect of the boar, and the other is more like a bear, they'll be quite different in personality. With any Shifter, identifying the beast within is a crucial part of understanding the character.   Similar and Diverse: Shifters are similar to Humans in height and build but are typically more lithe and flexible. Their facial features have a bestial cast, often with large eyes, flat noses, and pointed ears; most Shifters also have prominent canine teeth. They grow fur-like hair on nearly every part of their bodies. The traits of the beast within affect a Shifter's appearance as well. A Swiftstride Shifter may have catlike eyes and delicate build, while a Beasthide shifter might be a massive brute built like a bear. While a Shifter's appearance might remind an onlooker of an animal, they remain clearly identifiable as Shifters even when at their most feral.   Shifter Names: Shifters have no language of their own and often live-in blended communities. Their names typically overlap with the names of other cultures in their region. Many Shifters prefer to keep their personal names for their friends and use "wandering names" with strangers. These are usually tied to a physical or personality trait.