Shifter Shifters , also sometimes called the weretouched , are a race of humanoid s descended from interbreeding between lycanthropes and human s . Fierce and wild - spirited , shifters are feared by many as much as their shapeshifting brethren . Physical Characteristics . Shifters resemble humans , their close brethren , but with distinctively bestial features such as sharp teeth , claws , pointed ears , or fur . Compared to humans , shifters are somewhat short , the average height range being between 5 ' 7 " and 6 ' , though shifters are lithe and strong and , as a result , are slightly heavier for their size , weighing between 130 and 180 lbs most commonly . In many other ways , however , shifters look like humans . However , to a human ' s eye , the resemblance is less obvious than the differences . Unlike humans , shifters have flat , animal like noses , larger than usual eyes which allow them to see better in low light , heavy eyebrows , pointed ears , skin that is often of a brownish shade , and much more hair , also commonly brown , than is typical for the common human Because of this shifters , to a human , more closely resemble their lycanthrope ancestors that is sometimes confusing and shifters are sometimes mistaken for true lycanthropes , but a shifter can avoid this by shifting minor parts of their body to look like a normal human . Like their more feral brethren , shifters are capable of minor shapeshifting and can manifest animal - like traits when under stress , such as a tail , fangs , claws , wings , gills , and more , they basically adapt to what ever environment that they ' re in . Shifters live to about as long humans do on average . Psychology . Shifters are commonly self - reliant and free - spirited . However , shifters are restrained in their actions by a fear that they might become lost in the savagery that dwells in their blood . This fear of losing control makes many shifters confrontational and reclusive . Some shifters overcome this self - doubt , however , becoming true friends to those they fight beside . However , this feral predator nature can be to the shifter ' s advantage , and they make excellent ranger s or druid s . Culture . Shifters are often feared wherever they go , much like their lycanthrope ancestors . This is due to a common misconception that all lycanthropes are invariably and irreversibly evil , including shifters . Though false , this conception shapes the lives of shifters , who rarely achieve a prominent status in civilized society . Instead , shifters prefer either a nomadic lifestyle or living close to the edges of society , supporting it as fishers , trackers , hunters , guides , or scouts . Others take up the call of an adventurer ' s life while yet others give in to the expectations of society , letting their primal bloodlust fuel them in a life of crime . Religion . Shifters favor gods of nature , such as Silvanus , or the moon , such as Selûne as well as primal spirits . Homelands . Just like lycanthropes , shifters can be found scattered throughout all of Faerûn , but a few gather in larger communities . The Werewoods near Baldur ' s Gate and the Glimmerwood in Luruar are two such locations where lycanthropes are found in larger numbers and hence , as a result , so are shifters . However , most shifters , even in these regions , stave away from the dark influence of their ancestors . Other large shifter communities are found in the Great Dale and the Forest of Lethyr , as well as Dambrath where the local culture is xenophobic and has a hatred for drow . Subraces / Shifting Abilities . A shifter can have all of these abilities and more , as a shifter increases his shapeshifting powers .