Shifters

Shifters are a race of beastial humanoids that usually live in tribes all throughout the the Mobian forest. They are rarely seen outside their home forests, preferring to live out a more wild, animalistic life within the safety of their tribe. Due to their tribal structure and belief in a power known natively as The Hist, almost all shifters are born with a sense of belonging and purpose both within their tribe and the forest itself.

## Physiology

Shifters are a bipedal humanoid race, often looking like bestial humans or elves. All shifters have a "spirit animal", which they believe is given to them at birth by The Hist. This spirit animal manifests in many ways, affecting both their physical traits and personalities, and decides their role within their tribe. For example, a shifter with the spirit of a bear would likely be very large, strong, and have thick patches of fur, while a shifter with the spirit of a snake would likely be more stealthy, patient, and have more pronounced fangs. While there are many different types of spirit animals that can manifest to varying degrees, they can largely be placed in one of four categories: **Beasthide**, **Longtooth**, **Swiftstride**, and **Wildhunt** shifters.

Shifters are born into these categories - their spirit animal is determined at birth - but tribes are not evenly split into these four categories. Beasthide and longtooth shifters make up the bulk of shifters, usually making up about 3/4 of a tribe. The rest is mostly made up of longtooth shifters, who tend to become the craftsmen of the tribe. Wildhunt shifters, however, are a rare breed, with only one or two being present in a tribe of 100.

### Beasthide

Often being naturally strong, unmoving forces, beasthide shifters are the toughest of the shifters. A beasthide shifter might have the ferocity of a bear, the rage of a wild boar, or the bull-headedness of... well, a bull! Being so naturally menacing, unmoving, and powerful, beasthide shifters are the frontline of defense when facing intruders and the muscle when needed in the tribe.

### Longtooth

Longtooth shifters are fierce, aggressive hunters who can dish out devastating amounts of damage. A longtooth shifter could have the deep-cutting claws of a tiger, the bite force of an alligator, or the potent venom of a stonefish. Since they are so naturally gifted in taking down their prey, they often make up the bulk of the pack when out hunting for food or mounting an attack on a threat near their territory.

### Swiftstride

Swiftstride shifters are incredibly agile and graceful, boasting unmatched speed and dexterity within their tribes. A swiftstride shifter might have the grace of a gazelle, the speed of a hare, or the stealth of a prowling panther. This makes them well suited for certain hunts, reconnaissance missions, and crafting things that require a dexterous hand.

### Wildhunt

Though most shifters rely on their physical prowess, wildhunt shifters usually have much more nuanced capabilities, possessing heightened senses and perception and natural instincts. Though they are still more physically adept than your average human, they are often lacking in comparison to the other shifters, but what they lack in physical power they more than make up for with magical aptitude. A wildhunt shifter could have the keen sense of smell of a basset hound, the fine-tuned hearing of a bat, or the sharp eyes of a hawk. They are great asset to have in hunts, scouting missions, and often become spiritual leaders within their tribes.

## Tribal Structure

*"They were nice enough, willing to share their culture, even gave me a few souvenirs! One thing's for sure though, after watching them go out on a hunt, I'd advise staying on their good side. They may seem like an unorganized, uncivilized tribe, but when in a pack, they function like a well-oiled machine."*
― Anzaro Munua - Frigan Anthropologist
Throughout the forests of Mobius, many tribes of shifters live independent of one another, though they all have the same basic hierarchy. They are also free to move between tribes or even out of the forest if their life takes them elsewhere, but almost all form strong bonds with their tribe and the forest itself at an early age and prefer to live their life at home. Even with the vast distances between tribes and the large size of their territories, there is rarely if ever conflict between the tribes, as most tribes would sooner merge with their own kind than start a war.

Within a tribe, there is no set-in-stone system for determining a shifter's role. However, since their animal spirits have notable, physical effects on them, most shifters happily fall into a role best suited for their skillset. If a wildhunt shifter prefers to be on a defensive line alongside the beasthide shifters, they are welcome to do so, but most prefer to stick to their commonly associated roles. This is largely because they believe their powers are a gift from The Hist, which determines their spirit animal at birth. Their gratefulness for this gift, along with their reverence and faith in The Hist's judgement, drives them to embrace what they are given and use their abilities to the fullest.

### Magic Within the Tribe

Though many associate the shifter tribes with the powerful archdruids and forest protectors they can produce, very few actually go on to become masters of this natural magic. Many shifters may have some innate magical abilities, allowing them to enhance their own abilities, communicate and interact with the forest around them, or produce small magical effects, but anything beyond this must be supplemented with arcane study or intervention. Only the wildhunt shifters, who have an inborn connection to The Hist, can go on to become archdruids. Because there are only one or two wildhunt shifters in any given tribe, they also take on the role of the spiritual leader, and are the tribe's gateway to communicating with The Hist.

## The Hist

In the northern half of Mobius, a great forest spans from coast to coast, containing countless different species of flora and fauna. However, one type of tree stands out among all of this, known as a hist tree to those outside of Mobius, but known as The Hist to those who live within the forest. They only make up a small portion of the trees in any given area, but the vast, interconnected roots gives The Hist influence to every corner of Mobius. To the creatures that live in these forests, The Hist function almost as a queen bee does to a hive, driving them to protect the The Hist just as it protects them.

### Biology

The Hist is a large, interconnected system of flora native only to the forests of Mobius. Attempts to transplant the seeds elsewhere have all failed, and its believed the ashen soil of Mobius is integral to the plant's survival. While most just associate The Hist with the tree - a sturdy tree with low, winding branches and large, tough, leather-like yellow-green leaves - most are unaware that these same interconnected roots can also sprout the occasional bush, shrub, or flower as well, with most assuming these to be different species altogether.

Many claims made by locals about The Hist remain unconfirmed, and not much is known about the biological makeup of these trees. Almost all races that dwell within the forest claim that The Hist is a sentient being or hive-mind, and that it has a will of its own that it can impose upon the flora and fauna of its forests. Some visitors even claim to have seen the trees move when they thought they weren't being watched, or even abduct people that were trespassing and causing harm to the ecosystem, but so far these have been dismissed as urban legends to keep people clear of the forests.

### Spiritual Importance to Shifters

In shifter tribes, The Hist is believed to be a powerful wellspring of magic within the forest. The spirit animal that inhabits every shifter is said to come from The Hist, who decides a shifter's role at birth, and is an integral part of their birthing ceremony. During these ceremonies, shifters incorporate The Hist's leaves in their beds and wrappings when giving birth, its flowers into ceremonial wear, and its sap into a drink for the newborn.

Wildhunt shifters are believed to have the strongest connection to The Hist, as is displayed in their enhanced magical capabilities. For this, they are usually revered in their communities and assume the role of spiritual leader within their tribes. At their most powerful, all wildhunt shifters possess the ability to assume the forms of many animals, age much slower than other shifters, and communicate with and control the plants and animals of the forest. When crafting a druidic focus, wildhunt shifters opt to make a staff, charm, or some other focus out of parts of The Hist, as they believe themselves to be a mere conduit for the magic of The Hist.