Wilder
Wilder
Some shifters manifest terrible claws, others massive fangs, still others astounding speed or heightened senses. Merric’s gift from his lycanthrope ancestors was sheer toughness. Strength seeped into his bones and flooded his flesh. 
- -- Alton Tealeaf, Minstrel of Port Karnor
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Biological Information
 BODY TYPE Humanoid
VISION Darkvision
ABILITIES Shifting
Physical Characteristics SIZE Medium
SPEED 30 ft.
AVERAGE HEIGHT male- 5'7"
female- 5'2" AVERAGE WEIGHT male- 160 lbs.
female- 121 lbs. LIFESPAN Wilders are quick to mature both physically and emotionally, reaching young adulthood at age 10. They rarely live to be more than 70 years old.
SKIN COLOR Wilders range from nearly black to very pale
HAIR COLOR
EYE COLOR
Sociocultural Information PLANES Prime Material (Sytheria)
ORIGIN Orgalis
LANGUAGES Common
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Wilders are sometimes called the weretouched, as many believe they are the descendants of humans and lycanthropes. Whatever their origins, wilders have evolved into a unique race. Whatever their origins, Wilders have evolved into a unique race, however consistently feel stuck between the wilds of nature and the expectations of an organized society. They are humanoids with a bestial aspect; while they can’t fully change shape, they can temporarily enhance their animalistic features — a state they call shifting. Each Wilder walks on the knife’s edge between the wilds and the world around them. Do they embrace their primal instincts or the path of civilization?
The Beast Within
Early in childhood, a Wilder forms a bond with a beast within, a totemic force that shapes their body and mind. Some Wilders believe that these spirits are independent entities, and they may speak of Bear or Wolf as ancestors or guides. Most just see the beast within as a formidable expression of their inner nature, something that emerges as the Wilder’s personality takes shape. The beast within is a pool of powerful instincts, and its influence is revealed by a Wilder’s personality: a feline Wilder may be cool and distant, driven by predatory instincts, while a Wilder with a lupine spirit might be drawn to find and protect a pack. When a Wilder fully embraces this beast within they physically transform for a short time.
A Wilder’s beast within is reflected by the Wilder’s subrace. Four subraces are especially common:
- Beasthide often signifies the bear or boar: stoic, stubborn, and thick-skinned.
- Lightfoot are often predatory and feline, but a Lightfoot could also be a cunning rat who darts through the shadows.
- Longtooth Wilders typically have lupine traits and prefer to run with a pack.
- Seaslick Wilders take on serpentine or piscean traits and enjoy talking their way out of trouble.
- Wildhunt Wilders are born from any creature that tracks its prey.
While the beast within certainly has a physical impact on a Wilder, it has a spiritual and psychological effect, as well. Two Beasthide Wilders share the same special ability, but if one has the aspect of the boar and the other is more like a bear, they’ll be quite different in personality. With any Wilder, identifying the beast within is a crucial part of understanding the character.
Similar and Diverse
Wilders are similar to humans in height and build but are typically more lithe and flexible. Their facial features have a bestial cast, often with large eyes, flat noses, and pointed ears; most Wilders also have prominent canine teeth. They grow fur-like hair on nearly every part of their bodies.
The traits of the beast within affect a Wilder’s appearance as well. A Lightfoot Wilder may have catlike eyes and delicate build, while a Beasthide Wilder might be a massive brute built like a bear. While a Wilder’s appearance might remind an onlooker of an animal, they remain clearly identifiable as Wilders even when at their most feral.
The Journey Yet to Come
Wilders have a strong presence in northern Orgalis but can be found in rural areas across Sytheria, where they often live among humans. While they form powerful bonds to friends and kin, Wilders place great value on self-reliance and freedom. It’s a Wilder proverb to “always be prepared for the journey yet to come,” and most Wilders strive to be ready for change or opportunity.
Wilders have a natural inclination toward classes with a primal connection. A Wilder barbarian draws their rage from the beast within. A Wilder ranger indulges their urge to wander and hunt. A Wilder rogue harnesses their own predatory instincts. But Wilders can pursue any path or faith.
Wilder Names
A Wilder has a given name, a family name, and a bestial name. Many Wilders prefer to keep their bestial names for their friends and use “proper names” with strangers. Bestial names are usually tied to a physical or personality trait.
Male Names: Alton, Ander, Cade, Corrin, Eldon, Errich, Finnan, Garret, Lindal, Lyle, Merric, Milo, Osborn, Perrin, Reed, Roscoe, Wellby
Female Names: Andry, Bree, Callie, Cora, Euphemia, Jillian, Kithri, Lavinia, Lidda, Merla, Nedda, Paela, Portia, Seraphina, Shaena, Trym, Vani, Verna
Family Names: Brushgather, Goodbarrel, Greenbottle, High-hill, Hilltopple, Leagallow, Tealeaf, Thorngage, Tosscobble, Underbough
Bestial Names: Badger, Bear, Cat, Fang, Grace, Grim, Moon, Rain, Red, Scar, Stripe, Swift, Talon, Wolf
Powers and Abilities
- Alignment- Wilders tend toward neutrality, being more focused on survival than concepts of good and evil. A love of personal freedom can drive shifters toward chaotic alignments.
- Shifting- As a bonus action, you can assume a more bestial appearance. This transformation lasts for 1 minute, until you die, or until you revert to your normal appearance as a bonus action. When you shift, you gain temporary hit points equal to your level + your Constitution modifier (minimum of 1 temporary hit point). You also gain additional benefits that depend on your shifter subrace, described below. Once you shift, you can’t do so again until you finish a short or long rest.
Subraces
Beasthide Wilders
Stoic and solid, a beasthide wilder draws strength and stability from the beast within. Beasthide wilders are typically tied to the bear or the boar, but this subrace could embody any creature known for its toughness.
