Shifter Traits
Every adult shifter has the ability to shift, calling upon the wild powers of their ancestry to temporarily gain bestial traits and enhancements. Most shifters can use this ability once per day, but as they gain in power some shifters are able to gain additional uses of the ability through class powers or proficiency choices. In addition, the shifter gains one bonus proficiency or skill at 1st level depending on their shifter trait.
Unless otherwise noted, shifting is a standard action, and its use is visible and obvious as it transforms the characters physical form. The list of shifter traits and their effects is as follows:
Beasthide
When a character shifts into this trait, his skin toughens for a duration of 6 turns. He gains a +2 bonus to Armor Class, as well as a +1 bonus to Paralysis and Death saving throws.
Trait skill: A shifter with Beasthide as his primary trait may select Dungeonbashing Expertise or Endurance as his trait skill.
Cragstep
When a character shifts into this trait, he gains great ability in climbing and leaping for a duration of 6 turns. The character gains the Climbing proficiency for the duration, and gains the ability to leap 10’ vertically and 30’ horizontally from a standing start. If proficient in Acrobatics, they gain a +8 bonus to Acrobatics throws. If the character was already proficient in Climbing he gains the ability to climb utterly unimpeded across vertical surfaces and to hang upside down from ceilings. The recipient can climb at his combat movement rate. He can attack with a tiny, small, or medium weapon, cast spells, and defend himself normally, but cannot charge or run while climbing. In either case, the recipient must have at least three limbs (hands and feet) free but needs no climbing gear or handholds.
Trait skill: A shifter with Cragstep as his primary trait may select Climbing or Mountaineering as his trait skill.
Duskveil
When a character shifts into this trait, he gains great powers of stealth for a duration of 6 turns. The character becomes proficient with Hiding and Sneaking proficiency throws of 12+. If already proficient in Hiding and/or Sneaking, the character gains a +8 bonus to those proficiency throws instead.
Trait skill: A shifter with Duskveil as his primary trait may select Passing Without Trace or Wakefulness as his trait skill.
Keenear
When a character shifts into this trait, he dramatically sharpens his sense of hearing for a duration of 6 turns. His range of earshot it eight times farther than normal. If not already proficient in Listening he becomes proficient with a Listening throw of 12+; if he is already proficient he instead gains a +8 bonus to Listening proficiency throws.
Trait skill: A shifter with Keenear as his primary trait may select Alertness or Blind Fighting as his trait skill.
Longstride
When a character shifts into this trait, he gains the ability to move swiftly and deftly for a duration of 6 turns. The character’s speed increases by 30’ and he gains a +1 bonus to AC so long as he is wearing medium armor or lighter and carrying an encumbrance of 7 stone or less.
Trait skill: A shifter with Longstride as his primary trait may select Navigation or Skirmishing as his trait skill.
Moonsense
When a character shifts into this trait, he attunes his senses to the dark of night for a duration of 6 turns. The character gains lightless vision to a range of 60’, and gains a +2 bonus on rolls to avoid being surprised. If the character already has Shadowy Senses, extend the range of the lightless vision to 90’.
Trait skill: A shifter with Moonsense as his primary trait may select Loremastery or Sensing Power as his trait skill.
Razorclaw
When a character shifts into this trait, he gains a natural claw/claw attack routine for a duration of 6 turns. Each claw deals 1d3 damage.
Trait skill: A shifter with Razorclaw as his primary trait may select Berserkergang or Combat Ferocity as his trait skill.
Sharpeye
When a character shifts into this trait, his vision is becomes intensely sharp for a duration of 6 turns. He can see eight times further than usual, and reduces the penalties for missile attacks to -1 at medium range and -2 at long range. He gains the ability to search for hidden features with a Searching proficiency throw of 12+. If already proficient in Searching, the character gains a +8 bonus on Searching proficiency throws.
Trait skill: A shifter with Sharpeye as his primary trait may select Alertness or Precise Shooting as his trait skill.
Swiftwing
When a character shifts into this trait, he grows a pair of wings for a duration of 1 turn. The wings can be used to fly at a combat speed of 120’, or an exploration speed of 360’. Flying in this manner is slightly clumsy; each round the character does so he is disordered (-2 to AC) until the start of his next initiative.
Trait skill: A shifter with Swiftwing as his primary trait may select Navigation or Mimicry as his trait skill.
Truedive
When a character shifts into this trait, he grows gills and fins to become at home in the sea for a duration of 6 turns. The character can swim on the surface or underwater at a combat speed of 20’ per round and an encounter speed of 60’ per turn. While swimming, the character can breathe normally, and may charge, run, attack, cast spells, and defend itself as readily as on land.
Trait skill: A shifter with Truedive as his primary trait may select Seafaring or Swimming as his trait skill.
Wildhunt
When a character shifts into this trait, he his sense of smell becomes intensely acute for a duration of 6 turns. He gains a +1 bonus to surprise rolls and one bonus rank of the Tracking proficiency. For each total rank of Tracking the character possesses, he can track for up to two miles by scent (to a maximum of 6 miles).
Trait skill: A shifter with Swiftwing as his primary trait may select Naturalism or Survival as his trait skill.
Shifter Proficiencies
Each of the following proficiencies is available to shifters only, and modifies the possibilities available to them when they shift. See Shifter Proficiencies for the full list.