Spirit Shifter

Origin

Spirit Shifters are unique individuals who possess the extraordinary ability to host another spirit within their bodies. This duality allows them to alternate between two distinct personalities: the core spirit, which embodies their true essence, and a second spirit that manifests their adventurous and impulsive side. The core spirit is often introspective, seeking to comprehend the world and its place within it, while the second spirit grants them incredible powers, such as elemental control and communication with the dead.

History

Initially, Spirit Shifters were overwhelmed by the strange energies coursing through them. However, as they grew to understand their newfound abilities, they realized they were not merely vessels for spiritual entities but had gained formidable allies in the form of spirit animals. Over time, they became renowned warriors, capable of shifting between human and animal forms, giving them a unique advantage in combat. Their reputation as fearsome protectors of the land grew, and they became integral members of the Crusaders, respected and feared by friends and foes alike.

Bonds

The most sacred bond for a Spirit Shifter is the one they share with their spirit animal. This bond is not just a source of power but a deeply spiritual connection that guides them in their quests. They also form alliances with other Crusaders and are deeply committed to upholding the values of the land, acting as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.

Role in Alavir

In the world of Alavir, Spirit Shifters serve as guardians of both the physical and spiritual realms. They work tirelessly to maintain the delicate balance between these two worlds, often venturing into dangerous territories to combat threats that could disrupt this equilibrium. Their unique abilities make them invaluable in battles and spiritual quests, earning them a place of honor among the Crusaders.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. The Dual Nature: How do Spirit Shifters reconcile the often conflicting desires and motivations of their two spirits?
2. Spiritual Responsibility: What ethical obligations do Spirit Shifters have, given their unique connection to both the physical and spiritual realms?
3. The Source of Power: Is the second spirit a manifestation of the Shifter's own soul, or is it an entirely separate entity? What implications does this have for their role in Alavir?

This rewritten lore aims to provide a more nuanced and compelling narrative for the Spirit Shifter subclass, enriching both the character's backstory and their role in the world of Alavir.

Spirit Shifter Features

Level 1

Supernatural Strikes

At 1st level, As a Spirit Shifter, your unarmed strikes are infused with spiritual energy, granting you the ability to use them in a variety of ways. Your unarmed strikes count as finesse melee weapons. In addition your attack rolls gain an additional 1d8 damage.

Healing Strikes: When you land an attack roll on an ally you heal a creature, restoring hit points equal to your unarmed strike damage.

Ethereal Strikes: Your unarmed strikes deal an otherworldly damage type of your choice instead of bludgeoning damage.

When you cast a spell, you can make an Insight skill check (once per round).

The feature increases by 1d8 when you reach 6th level (2d8), 10th level (3d8), 14th level (4d8), and 18th level (5d8).

Level 3

Natural Predator

At 3rd level, while shapeshifted, you gain 2 levels of resistance to all elemental and otherworldly damage types, reflecting the durability and strength of your spirit form.

The feature increases by 1 when you reach 6th level (3), 10th level (4), 14th level (5), and 18th level (6).

Level 7

Cleanse

At 7th level, you can use your attack rolls to remove a condition on a creature instead of healing them. You can also end one disease or one of the following conditions affecting the creature: blinded, deafened, exhaustion, paralyzed, poisoned, or stunned.

Level 11

Timeless Body

At 11th level, your spirit sustains you so that you suffer none of the frailty of old age, and you can’t be aged magically. You can still die of old age, however. In addition, you no longer need food or water.

Level 15

Phantom Strike

At 15th level, when you make an attack roll, make on ethereal strike attack as your spirit lashes out at them. If the attack hits, the creature is vulnerable to the next source of Otherworldly damage.

Standard Gear

Optional Starting Equipment

Standard Starting Class Equipment

2 health potions.

A backpack with 10 rations, tent & bedroll, cooking utensils, mess kit, tinderbox, 3 torches, roper and a waterskin.

Moonstone Pendant: (Accessory) This enchanted pendant is embedded with a shimmering moonstone, allowing the Shifter to channel their arcane energies. It grants a +1 bonus to attack rolls and spell save DCs and 1d6 + CON hit point regeneration per round if you have at least 1 hit point. Scaling at level 6 (2d6), 10 (3d6), 14 (4d6), 18 (5d6).
Crystal Ball: (Item) Once every 5 rounds, as an action, you can use the crystal ball to protect yourself or an ally within 60 feet of you, the target can evade one attack or spell of your choice this effect does not stack with itself.