In the secluded groves and misty valleys where the veil between worlds is thinnest, there exists an enigmatic order of Monks known as the Way of the Shifting Form. These Monks have contemplated the connection between all living beings, allowing them to manifest aspects of other creatures within themselves when they focus their ki. Masters of blending the boundaries between mortal forms, they become vessels of fluidity and adaptability, embodying the essence of the natural world.

The Way of the Shifting Form is a secluded order of Monks who have dedicated themselves to mastering the art of localized shapeshifting and adapting to the ever-changing world around them. Shifting Form Monks believe that by harnessing the fluidity of form, they can gain an advantage in combat and overcome any obstacle. Some Shifting Form Monks draw inspiration from the strength and ferocity of beasts, while others are inspired by the grace and agility of birds. Regardless of their individual paths, all Shifting Form Monks share a deep reverence for the primal power of life that surrounds them and a commitment to using their abilities to protect the realms from the forces of darkness. With their shifting strikes and adaptive physiology, Shifting Form Monks stand ready to face any challenge and bring balance to the world.

Facet of the Beast

3rd Level Way of the Shifting Form Feature

Upon joining the Way of the Shifting Form at 3rd level, you gain the ability to channel the traits of beasts into your own form.

As a bonus action, you can manifest one facet from the following options: Strength of the Giant Ape, Speed of the Eoraptor, or Sight of the Owl. Each facet grants you different benefits detailed below. You can maintain this transformation for a number of minutes equal to your Monk level. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Strength of the Giant Ape: You gain advantage on Strength checks and saving throws, and your unarmed strikes deal additional damage equal to your Monk level.

Speed of the Eoraptor: Your movement speed increases by 10 feet, and you can use your bonus action to Dash.

Sight of the Owl: You gain advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight or hearing, and you have advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks to track creatures.

Shapechanger

3rd-Level Way of the Shifting Form Feature

You learn a technique that allows you to partially transform your physical form into that of an animal. As an action, you can choose to transform your arms into natural weapons inspired by animals, such as claws, pincers, or talons. These natural weapons count as monk weapons for you and deal slashing, piercing, or bludgeoning damage (your choice). You can maintain this transformation for a number of minutes equal to your Monk level. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. While you have no uses available, you can spend 2 ki points to use this feature again.

Shifting Venom

At 6th level, you learn to mimic the poisonous facets of venomous creatures as your natural weapons become fully aligned with your Ki. You gain the following benefits while under the effects of your Shapechanger feature:

Magic Natural Weapons. Your attacks with your Shapechanger natural weapons count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage.

Venomous Ki. When you hit a target with a Shapechanger natural weapon, you can spend 1 ki point to produce venom through the weapon to deal extra poison damage to the target equal to your Martial Arts die. You can use this feature only once on each of your turns.

Beastial Resilience

At 11th level, your mastery over localized shapeshifting enhances your agility and defenses.

While under the effects of the Shapechanger feature, you gain the following benefits.

Armored Appendages: You can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on an attack roll against you.

Rapid Reflexes: When you take acid, cold, fire, force, lightning, or thunder damage, you can use your reaction to deflect it. When you do so, the damage you take is reduced by 1d10 + your Wisdom modifier (minimum reduction of 1).

 

Form of the Apex

At 17th level, you achieve mastery over localized shapeshifting, allowing you to shift into the ultimate predator. As an action, you can spend 5 ki points to culminate your insight into the primal forces of nature to enter a Form of the Apex

While in your Form of the Apex, you gain the following benefits:

• Multi-facted Form: You gain the benefits of all three facets from your Facet of the Beast feature simultaneously. 
• Tooth and Claw: Your arms become shapechanger natural weapons. Additionally, your Shapechanger natural weapons deal an additional 1d10 damage.

This transformation lasts for up to 1 hour, unless you dismiss it or die, in which case the transformation ends early.