Lycanthropes and Shifters
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A lycanthrope is a bestial shapechanger that preys on other living creatures. It often assumes animal form in the wild, hunting in packs with similar animals or others of its kind. When infiltrating civilized humanoid settlements, it assumes a benign humanoid form, blending in with the local populace. Lycanthropes gather in clannish communities hidden in remote places, or they live secretly among other races. Although they hunt when they please, lycanthropes are most active on nights of the full moon.

A lycanthrope superficially resembles a human or other humanoid creature. It stands erect but has the head of a ravenous animal, such as a rat or wolf. A lycanthrope can assume the form of a specific humanoid, usually a human with subtle physical traits that betray the creature’s true heritage (long hair, long fingernails, or pointed teeth, for instance). A lycanthrope only assumes humanoid form when it needs to disguise itself as something nonthreatening. In animal form, a lycanthrope resembles a powerful version of the normal animal, although its eyes betray a spark of unnatural intelligence. A lycanthrope typically assumes animal form when it hunts, and sometimes when it needs to flee.

Description and Homelands

Lycanthropes have always dwelt in the shadow of the human and elven realms of Faerûn. A small number intermarry with the humans around them, and over generations the trait (or curse) of shapeshifting diminishes. Many "werewolves" and "weretigers" are actually shifters, people who no longer have the ability to completely transform themselves into animal forms, but instead manifest animal traits in times of fear or anger.

Most people consider lycanthropy an inherently evil curse or disease, and so shifters are feared in much the same way that true lycanthropes are. In reality, it is a hereditary trait passed from parent to child and is not necessarily malevolent.

Tribes and small communities of shifters and true lycanthropes dot Faerûn, though there are a few large groups of note. In the Werewoods outside Baldur's Gate and the Glimmerwood (Moonwood) near Silverymoon exist large bands of lycanthropes that have evil designs on the local inhabitants. Despite tribes like these, though, many shifters refuse the dark path of their heritage. For example, the Great Dale and the Forest of Lethyr are home to several semi-nomadic bands of shifters who simply want to be left to themselves. Dambrath’s shifters, while suspicious of strangers, reserve hatred only for the drow.

Many shifters fear that unleashing the beast within can wake the feral legacy sleeping in their blood. The fear of hurting an innocent while unable to control one's body drives many shifters to be standoffish. Shifters who overcome this fear become steadfast allies who would face death in defense of a friend.

Shifter Racial Traits

Descended from humans and lycanthropes, shifters resemble humans with animalistic features. Some are ruthless brigands and wild brawlers, while others are heroes.

Longtooth Shifter

Average Height: 5' 7"–6' 0"
Average Weight: 130–180 lb.

Ability Scores: +2 Strength, +2 Wisdom
Size: Medium
Speed: 6 squares
Vision: Low-light

Languages: Common
Skill Bonuses: +2 Athletics, +2 Endurance
Longtooth Shifting: You can use longtooth shifting as an encounter power.

Longtooth Shifting Shifter Racial Power
You unleash the primal beast within and take on a more savage countenance.
Encounter ✦ Healing
Minor Action Personal
Special: You must be bloodied to use this power.
Effect: Until the end of the encounter or until rendered unconscious, you gain a +2 bonus to damage rolls. In addition, for as long as you are bloodied, you gain regeneration 2.
Increase to regeneration 4 at 11th level, and to regeneration 6 at 21st level.

Razorclaw Shifter

Average Height: 5' 7"– 6' 0"
Average Weight: 130–180 lb.

Ability Scores: +2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom
Size: Medium
Speed: 6 squares
Vision: Low-light

Languages: Common
Skill Bonuses: +2 Acrobatics, +2 Stealth.
Razorclaw Shifting: You can use razorclaw shifting as an encounter power.

Razorclaw Shifting Shifter Racial Power
You unleash the primal beast within and take on a more savage countenance.
Encounter
Minor Action Personal
Special: You must be bloodied to use this power.
Effect: Until the end of the encounter or until rendered unconscious, your speed increases by 2 and you gain a +1 bonus to AC and Reflex defense.
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