Shapeshifter

This race is a work in progress, and may be subject to radical change in abilities and will see changes in integration into society.

Overview

Physical Description

Shapeshifters are a humanoid race of unknown origin. They get their name for their ability to change their appearance at will. Shapeshifters are naturally between 5 to 6 feet tall, thin with pale gray skin, wispy white hair and milky white eyes that lack any visible pupils. Their limbs are somewhat elongated beyond what is normal for a humanoid, as are their fingers and toes. Conversely, their nose and ears appear to be significantly less pronounced in their natural form. Despite all of this, it is rare to see a shapeshifter in it's natural form since they spend most of their time hiding in plain sight, looking like humans.

Shapeshifters are separated by sex, male and female. When they breed with other races, the result is usually an offspring of that other race. Only when shapeshifters breed true is the offspring guaranteed to be a shapeshifter. Female shapeshifters that are pregnant can still shift between forms, but usually do not for fear of shock to their unborn, staying in whatever form they were when they become pregnant. Shapeshifters can appear to be the opposite sex, but a full strip search will reveal their true sex.

Society

Shapeshifters do not have a society of their own, rather they thoroughly integrate themselves into the societies of others. As such, they are found in any large population where it is likely to regularly encounter people that you don't know. While they are known to have had a long standing relationship with various underworld organizations, shapeshifters do find legitimate work as entertainers, spies and "adventurers".

Relations

As shapeshifters are inherently deceitful, having to live their entire lives posing as members of other races, they often look at 'normal' people around them with equal parts resentment and an unrequited yearning for acceptance. Human society at large are not aware of their existence. Their relative rarity, and the high degree of secrecy keep them well hidden.

Names

They mostly take names from the culture they live in.

Racial abilities

Ability Score Racial Traits: +2 to any single ability score, chosen at character creation.
Size: Medium Size
Type: Humanoid Type (Shapechanger Subtype)
Base Speed: 30'
Languages: Like human.
Flexible Anatomy: +2 racial bonus to saving throws against poisons and diseases.
Naturally Social: +2 racial bonus on Bluff, Intimidate and Sense Motive.
Blend In: Disguise and Linguistics are always class skills.
Minor Shape Change (Su): All shapeshifters have the ability to transform themselves at will. This ability is similar to Alter Self with the following exceptions.

This ability is a supernatural ability, akin to a lycanthrope's shapechange, and thus, it is not subject to dispelling.
Using this ability is a full round action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity.
While this ability does not affect clothing or gear, it does effect the tactile, olfactory and audible aspects the new form, thus granting a +10 circumstance bonus to Disguise checks.
This ability does allow shapeshifters to appear as specific people, including those of other genders.
This ability does not grant any new abilities or movement rates. Likewise, this ability does not allow the shapeshifter to change its size category.
It lasts for as long as the shapeshifter desires, even if unconscious or sleeping.
Anything that can see through or acts on a shapechanger's alternate forms applies to a shapeshifter in the same manor.
Shapeshifters with grievous physical wounds (lost eye, severed hand, etc) cannot disguise that injury regardless of their form, nor can a shapeshifter mimic such an injury intentionally.

Alternate Racial Traits

The following alternate racial trait(s) may be selected in place of one or more of the standard racial traits above.

Man-Made Monster:: Rather that learning how to blend in, some shapeshifters revel in their ability to scare and unnerve others. They gain a +2 racial bonus to Intimidate and Sense Motive and a +1 racial bonus to the saving throw DCs of any effect with the fear descriptor. This racial trait replaces naturally social.