Shifters are humanoids with beast-like features that are particularly common in the wilds of Isonhound. While predominantly human in form, they often retain beast-like aspects, such as a tail, claws, fanged teeth, and fur. At will, they can temporarily enhance their beast-like features—both physical traits and abilities. Shifters are thought to be descendants of lycanthropes and humans, but their bestial features take many forms. Some regions of Isonhound are dominated by more canid longtooth shifters, with some taking more wolf-like or hyena-like traits. Others are dominated by those with feline (swiftstride), bear-like (beasthide), or other (e.g. wildhunt) bestial forms. The shifter tribes of Isonhound are known to clash with orcs as well as other shifter tribes.
Shifters are typically more focused on survival than with concepts of good an evil. Some harbor a fear of losing control to their animalistic nature. Their numbers have dwindled since the Razing of Isonhound, but those that remain are typically quite loyal to their clans.
Notable Clans
Mahogany's Clan
Far away from civilization, a longtooth shifter clan was devastated by an orc raid. The raid was stopped by a ranger brigade from the nearest outpost of Ill Themar, but unfortunately only one shifter survived: Mahogany.
Spinel and Cobalt's Clan
Spinel and Cobalt are from a tribe of long-tooth shifters with hyena-like traits. While once a large and prosperous clan, frequent conflicts with orcs and the beast-like shifter tribes have stressed their resources. Spinel and Cobalt were born into war, with conflicts becoming more heated. In addition to their falling numbers, many of the tribe’s sacred gems and artifacts had disappeared, strengthening their resolve to put these conflicts to an end. Sensing their imminent demise, the tribe's leaders made a pact with a nearby wolf-like longtooth tribe. They sent their most promising warriors, including Spinel and Cobalt, to train from their neighbor's militia. The neighboring tribe—whose artifacts had also gone missing—shared important intelligence. They suspected that a dragon—unseen in these parts of Isonhound for many years—might be at the heart of these disappearances and possibly the source of long-standing conflict between the shifter tribes of the region. They covertly send out a small adventuring party with representatives of both tribes, including Cobalt, to investigate.
