Shifter 5e
Shifters are descended from humans and lycanthropes, bearing a bestial aspect that they can temporarily enhance. They have elongated canines, pointed ears, and subtle animalistic features. Shifters can shift to enhance their physical abilities, taking on more pronounced bestial traits. They are passionate and quick to anger, but also fiercely loyal. Different shifter subraces reflect different lycanthropic ancestries.
At a Glance
Ability Scores
+2 Dexterity, +1 varies by subrace
Size
Medium
Speed
30 ft.
Languages
Common
Source
Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Racial Traits
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Darkvision | You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. |
| Keen Senses | You have proficiency in the Perception skill. |
| Shifting | As a bonus action, you can assume a more bestial appearance. This transformation lasts for 1 minute, until you die, or until you revert to your normal appearance as a bonus action. When you shift, you gain temporary hit points equal to 2 times your proficiency bonus. You can shift a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. Whenever you shift, you gain additional benefits based on your shifter subrace. |
Subraces
| Subrace | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Beasthide Shifter | +1 Constitution. While shifting, you gain a +1 bonus to AC and can use your reaction to reduce damage you take by 1d6. |
| Longtooth Shifter | +1 Strength. While shifting, you can use your elongated fangs to make unarmed strikes as a bonus action. If you hit, you deal 1d6 + Strength modifier piercing damage. |
| Swiftstride Shifter | +1 Charisma. While shifting, your walking speed increases by 10 feet, and you can move up to 10 feet as a reaction when a creature ends its turn within 5 feet of you. |
| Wildhunt Shifter | +1 Wisdom. While shifting, you have advantage on Wisdom checks and no creature within 30 feet can make an attack roll with advantage against you unless you're <a href="/rules/conditions/incapacitated-condition-5e/">incapacitated</a>. |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting Shifting lasts for 1 minute (10 rounds of combat)
Common Mistake
Not tracking the number of shifts available (scales with proficiency bonus)
Common Mistake
Forgetting to gain temporary HP when shifting
Common Mistake
Not utilizing subrace-specific shifting benefits effectively
Common Mistake
Thinking shifting is a permanent transformation
DM Tips
DM Tip
Shifters work best in Eberron but can fit other settings with lycanthropy
DM Tip
Each subrace suits different playstyles - Beasthide for tanks, Longtooth for melee damage, Swiftstride for mobility, Wildhunt for scouts
DM Tip
Shifting provides a powerful combat boost a few times per day
DM Tip
Their lycanthropic heritage creates interesting roleplay about control and instinct
DM Tip
Consider prejudice against shifters due to their lycanthropic connection
DM Tip
Temporary HP from shifting helps survive dangerous encounters
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Shifter — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD race text
- Shifter — D&D Beyond — Official race reference
- Shifter Handbook — RPGBOT — Race optimization guide