*Whether riding on the wind as a falcon or hiding in some fetid bog waiting to strike, the shifter is a true master of the wild. Both a devoted defender of druidic circles and a fierce predator, the shifter can take on the forms of nature and even fuse them together with devastating effect and unbridled savagery. By way of the druidic discipline of wild shape, they become living aspects of the wild. At first, they are able to assume only a minor aspect, but with time and practice they can fully transform into ever more powerful forms.* *The shifter class offers players a way to experience a shapeshifting character that is more martially inclined than a spellcasting [druid](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/druid). With each new level, the shifter’s powers grow in new and surprising ways, creating a character that thrives in battle, exploration, and stealth.* *Shifters are protectors of druidic circles and avengers of nature, yet a shifter’s magic is different from that of her druidic kin. Rather than invoking spells from the natural world or forging alliances with [animals](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/rules-for-monsters/creature-types#TOC-Animal), shifters focus their supernatural powers inward to gain control over their own forms. Their ability to change their forms is as varied as the wonders of the wilds themselves but always remains at least partially rooted in the natural world. There are many paths to becoming a shifter; most are trained in that role by druidic circles and have their powers unlocked via rituals of initiation. Yet some stumble upon the gift naturally, as if their blood bore the secrets of shifter transformation.* *For those leaning toward the causes of law and good, the path of the shifter is one of contemplation and understanding. They become one with nature through mental and physical mimicry and gain an ever deeper spiritual understanding of the ebb and flow of the natural world. Those leaning toward the chaotic and evil teachings of druidic philosophy find such enlightenment through more violent means. These are typically quicker transformations, both brutal and painful, imparting the dark lessons of nature through its most catastrophic forms. Shifters who lean toward true neutrality are the most diverse when it comes to their command of metamorphic secrets. * ![[Pasted image 20241217150345.png]] **Role:** The shifter is so attuned to nature and the wild beasts of the world that she can call upon those powers to mystically fortify her being. Fluid in form and function, she can shape herself to overcome hardships and support those she befriends or serves. **Unleashed**: Expanded the cavaliers late game functionality and replaced mount with a more flexible option. **Alignment**: Any neutral **Hit Die:** d10. **Starting Wealth:** 3d6x10 gp (average 105 gp). ### Class Skills The shifter’s class skills are [Acrobatics](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/acrobatics) ([Dex](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Dexterity-Dex-)), [Climb](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/climb) ([Str](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Strength-Str-)), [Craft](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/craft) ([Int](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Intelligence-Int-)), [Fly](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/fly) ([Dex](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Dexterity-Dex-)), [Handle Animal](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/handle-animal) ([Cha](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Charisma-Cha-)), [Knowledge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/knowledge) (nature) ([Int](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Intelligence-Int-)), [Perception](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/perception) ([Wis](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Wisdom-Wis-)), [Profession](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/profession) ([Wis](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Wisdom-Wis-)), [Ride](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/ride) ([Dex](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Dexterity-Dex-)), [Stealth](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/stealth) ([Dex](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Dexterity-Dex-)), [Survival](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/survival) ([Wis](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Wisdom-Wis-)), and [Swim](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/swim) ([Str](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Strength-Str-)). **Skill Ranks Per Level:** 4 + Int modifier | Level | Base Attack Bonus | Fort Save | Ref Save | Will Save | Special | | ----- | ----------------- | --------- | -------- | --------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1st | +1 | +2 | +2 | +0 | [Shifter aspect](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifter-Aspect-Su-), [shifter claws](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifter-Claws-Su-), [wild empathy](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Wild-Empathy-Ex-), [Defensive instinct](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Defensive-Instinct-Ex-) | | 2nd | +2 | +3 | +3 | +0 | Nature's Defense, [track](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Track-Ex-) | | 3rd | +3 | +3 | +3 | +1 | [Shifter claws increase](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifter-Claws-Su-), [woodland stride](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Woodland-Stride-Ex-) | | 4th | +4 | +4 | +4 | +1 | [Defensive instinct](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Defensive-Instinct-Ex-) (+1), [wild shape](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Wild-Shape-Su-) | | 5th | +5 | +4 | +4 | +1 | [Second aspect](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifter-Aspect-Su-), [trackless step](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Trackless-Step-Ex-) | | 6th | +6/+1 | +5 | +5 | +2 | [Shifter’s fury](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifters-Fury-Ex-) | | 7th | +7/+2 | +5 | +5 | +2 | [Shifter claws increase](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifter-Claws-Su-) | | 8th | +8/+3 | +6 | +6 | +2 | [Defensive instinct](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Defensive-Instinct-Ex-) (+2) | | 9th | +9/+4 | +6 | +6 | +3 | [Chimeric aspect](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Chimeric-Aspect-Su-) | | 10th | +10/+5 | +7 | +7 | +3 | [Third aspect](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifter-Aspect-Su-) | | 11th | +11/+6/+1 | +7 | +7 | +3 | [Shifter claws increase](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifter-Claws-Su-) | | 12th | +12/+7/+2 | +8 | +8 | +4 | [Defensive instinct](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Defensive-Instinct-Ex-) (+3) | | 13th | +13/+8/+3 | +8 | +8 | +4 | [Shifter claws increase](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifter-Claws-Su-) | | 14th | +14/+9/+4 | +9 | +9 | +4 | [Greater chimeric aspect](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Greater-Chimeric-Aspect-Su-) | | 15th | +15/+10/+5 | +9 | +9 | +5 | [Fourth aspect](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifter-Aspect-Su-) | | 16th | +16/+11/+6/+1 | +10 | +10 | +5 | [Defensive instinct](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Defensive-Instinct-Ex-) (+4) | | 17th | +17/+12/+7/+2 | +10 | +10 | +5 | [Shifter claws increase](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifter-Claws-Su-) | | 18th | +18/+13/+8/+3 | +11 | +11 | +6 | [A thousand faces](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-A-Thousand-Faces-Ex-), [timeless body](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Timeless-Body-Ex-) | | 19th | +19/+14/+9/+4 | +11 | +11 | +6 | [Shifter claws increase](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Shifter-Claws-Su-) | | 20th | +20/+15/+10/+5 | +12 | +12 | +6 | [Defensive instinct](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Defensive-Instinct-Ex-) (+5), [final aspect](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-Classes/Shifter/#TOC-Final-Aspect-Su-) | ### Class Features #### Weapon and Armor Proficiency A shifter is proficient with monk weapons weapons. She is also proficient with the [natural attacks](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/rules-for-monsters/universal-monster-rules#TOC-Natural-Attacks) (claw, bite, and so forth) from the shifter claws class feature and of forms she assumes with [wild shape](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Shifter/#TOC-Wild-Shape-Su-). Shifters are proficient with light and medium armor but are prohibited from wearing metal armor. A shifter can wear wooden armor that has been altered by the [ironwood](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/i/ironwood) spell so that it functions as if it were steel. Shifters are proficient with shields (except tower shields) but must use only those crafted from wood. A shifter who wears prohibited armor or uses a prohibited shield is unable to use her shifter aspect, shifter claws, [wild shape](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Shifter/#TOC-Wild-Shape-Su-), and other shifter [supernatural](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic#TOC-Supernatural-Abilities-Su-) or [spell-like abilities](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic#TOC-Spell-Like-Abilities-Sp-) while doing so and for 24 hours thereafter. #### Defensive Instinct At first level, when unarmored, not using a shield, unencumbered, and conscious, the shifter adds her [Wisdom](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Wisdom-Wis-) bonus (if any) to her AC and [CMD](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Combat-Maneuver-Defense). If she is wearing nonmetal armor or using a nonmetal shield, she instead adds half her [Wisdom](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Wisdom-Wis-) bonus +1 to her AC (minimum 1). In addition, the shifter gains a +2 bonus to her AC and [CMD](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Combat-Maneuver-Defense) at 4th level. This bonus increases by 2 for every 4 shifter levels thereafter (up to a maximum of +10 at 20th level). These bonuses to AC apply even against [touch](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Touch-Attacks) attacks and when the shifter is [flat-footed](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Flat-Footed). She loses these bonuses when she is immobilized or [helpless](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Helpless). These bonuses do not stack with the [monk](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/monk) AC bonus class feature. #### Nature's Defense (Ex) The shifter selects one of the following as a bonus feat: Toughness, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Great Fortitude, or Dodge #### Wild Shape At 4th level, a shifter gains the ability to turn herself into the major form of one of her [aspects](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Shifter/#TOC-Aspects) and back again. This ability functions as [beast shape II](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/b/beast-shape), except as noted here. The shifter can turn into the major form of only one of her [aspects](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Shifter/#TOC-Aspects) at a time. Using [wild shape](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Shifter/#TOC-Wild-Shape-Su-) to change to a major form or back is a [standard action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Standard-Actions) that doesn’t provoke [attacks of opportunity](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Attacks-of-Opportunity). Often a particular aspect’s major form grants abilities beyond the normal effect of [beast shape II](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/b/beast-shape). Each major form details the abilities the shifter gains with that major form and at what level; she gains these instead of the form abilities from [beast shape II](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/b/beast-shape), but she still gains [beast shape II](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/b/beast-shape) abilities that are size dependent. A shifter loses her ability to cast spells while in animal form because she is limited to the sounds that a normal, untrained [animal](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/rules-for-monsters/creature-types#TOC-Animal) of that form can make, but she can communicate with other [animals](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/rules-for-monsters/creature-types#TOC-Animal) of the same general grouping as her form. She can also communicate in nonverbal ways with allies. A shifter can use wild shape for a number of hours each day equal to her shifter level + her Wisdom modifier. It need not be consecutive but must be spent in 30 minute increments. For abilities that function based on ‘uses of wild shape,’ each hour of wild shape counts as a use. Shifters can take feats and other abilities that require [wild shape](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Shifter/#TOC-Wild-Shape-Su-); for the purpose of qualifying for prerequisites, her effective [druid](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/druid) level is equal to her shifter level.