Homebrew Changeling Shifter Species Details

Born of the union between Shifters and Changelings during a war of extermination pertaining to xenophobia and anti-magic sentiments in a human kingdom, Changeling Shifters have all of the benefits of changing between humanoid forms (as long as they are Small-Medium in size) and animal forms, as well as being able to pass for humans. The only drawback they have is that they cannot cast magic themselves. They can use magical items still, but the magic that flows in their veins can only change their physical forms and nothing else. When they change their forms from humanoid to animalistic, the clothes they wear do go to a pocket dimension until they assume a humanoid form again. In addition, while the clothes they wear cannot change styles, they can change size to fit whatever humanoid form they take.

All this being said, Changeling Shifters can only class into Barbarian, Fighter, or Rogue.

At the beginning of a day, roll a D20. The number shown is the number of full slots the player can turn into for the day without taking a short or long rest. The player can turn into any animal with a challenge rating of 1 or lower. Changing into a medium humanoid form costs 1 full number. Changing into a dwarf, Halfling, or Gnome costs 1/2 a number slot. On a long rest, the player can roll a D10 and add the number rolled to their changing slots (max of 20). On a short rest, the player can roll a D6 and add the number rolled to their changing slots (again, max of 20).

Physical Description

Physically, there is no outward difference between a changeling shifter and a human. Just as with humans, changeling shifters come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. The only difference being that a changeling shifter can change their form at will, or when they are angry or frightened.

Culture and Customs- The 2 Faces of Protection and Heritage

As with everything else about this race, Changeling Shifters practice many of the same beliefs and traditions as humans… at least on the surface.

Due to their history of persecution, many Changeling Shifters practice their own traditions in the privacy of their own homes… or out in the wilds away from civilization.

Changeling Shifters are wary of other races… but they also have a nearly insatiable curiosity and thirst for adventure. So for the first 18-21 years of their lives, they live together in hidden communities deep in the wilds. Once the adventurous fire is stirred in their blood, they set out to go experience the world… only coming back once every 10 years or so to take a mate and give birth to another generation. After about 200 years of this, they return to the village of their birth, where they take up the mantle of “Honored Elder” or “Story Teller” or “History Keeper”. VERY RARELY will they take a mate apart from their race, but when they do, it is only once they are convinced that the person they mate with will not reveal their secret or the secret of their communities.

Attitudes and Philosophies

Changeling Shapeshifters are generally peaceful if not threatened.

Most Changeling Shifters go unnoticed by other societies. And Changeling Shifters prefer it that way. They go about their lives like any other race. In fact, many close friends may not even know that they are friends with a Changeling Shifter unless or until something happens that triggers the Changeling Shifter to transform. Due to their longer-than-human lifespans, they typically fake their deaths or disappearances many times throughout their lives to keep their secrets hidden.

Names

depending on what culture they wish to explore, they may take any name from any race. They have their own names given to them by their families of course, but no one outside of that community knows their true name… unless it is discovered later on. (It is up to the player to come up with the name they wish to be known by).

 

 

Changeling Shifter Traits

Ability Score Increase: Strength, Speed, Dexterity, Stealth, and Intimidation all go up by +1. Age: Changeling Shapeshiters generally mature at the same age as humans, but they can live far longer. Typically to about 300 years or so. Alignment: Generally Changeling Shapeshifters are neutral… preferring peace and anonymity. They all have a hunger for adventure however. Size: Small-Medium. Speed: all speeds are 30 unless otherwise stated. Tooth and Claw: a shifter’s default weapons are themselves. When they change into animalistic states, it’s generally a form with teeth and/or claws. Languages: you can speak, read, and write common and one other language of your choice (talk with your DM).