Rageshaper (Shifter Archetype)
Yesterday, we looked at the rageshaper bloodragers, and now let’s take a look at an archetype sharing the same name!
Rather than be blessed with shapeshifting talent through their rage, the shifters that share the rageshaper name instead invoke a terrible rage through their shapeshifting, becoming living engines of destruction, becoming mighty indeed, if a bit erratic.
If this is starting to sound like another Incredible Hulk-themed archetype, you’re certainly be right, but unlike the ragechemist or the brute vigilante, this particular archetype truly emulates the sort of power you expect from The Hulk, which makes them all the more dangerous when they go out of control. Not to say that those archetypes are bad, rather the rageshaper shifters are simply geared entirely towards combat, sacrificing the versatility of various animal foci in favor of raw might. The ragechemist and brute, however, gain the advantage of alchemy and talents, respectively.
Rather than take on aspects of animals or shapeshift fully into beasts, rageshapers instead can focus their minds and bodies to gather a great rage within themselves, and transform their bodies to match it, not only gaining a fury similar to a barbarian, but also growing inside. The more masterful they are, the more pronounced this transformation. However, like a barbarian, they are often tired after having done so. However, rageshapers must be careful, as they can sometimes fail to come down from their rage, consumed by the fury as they begin to act erratically, lashing out at others, even allies. It’s also worth noting that this growth does not magically grow clothing, armor and equipment to match the newfound size.
Rather than claws, these shifters instead rely upon the raw strength of their limbs to get by, gaining mighty slams that prove quite effective at crushing foes and objects alike.
While other shifters use natural instinct to duck and dive away from blows, rageshapers take things head on, their hides toughening to block some blows and limit the harm caused by others.
Stompy and generally unstoppable as they are, most difficult terrain is simply trampled under their mighty feet, and they can simply flex to escape most forms of entanglement.
With a mighty flex of their limbs, these wild warriors can leap and bound their way across gaps with ease, even from a standstill, though they typically only do so a few times a day.
Wanna play a melee shifter with an obscene strength score and damage for a short while each day? Consider this archetype. Just remember that their overall AC buff is lower than what vanilla shifters can get from their attributes, so they’ll have to rely on armor when not in battle form, and magical buffs otherwise. Consider taking feats that let you use your massive strength in a variety of ways, not to mention devastating attacks and ways to make themselves harder to hit or take less damage. Otherwise, take a leaf out of both the shifter and barbarian book when building them.
Like all similar archetypes, the power of this supernatural fury is a terrifying thing, even to the user. Those that do not embrace the power may find themselves actively attempting to take a route of pacifism whenever possible. Whenever there is no choice but to fight, however, foes and friends alike are given one warning: stay out of their way and out of their reach.
Rumored to be a megaprimatus, the Great Ape of Nanju is more than it seems. In truth, it is the battle form of an old and wise orang-pendek chieftain, who uses the form to drive off the dinosaurs and other fierce beasts that roam the jungle, not to mention intimidate foreign interlopers.
Though it vexes him time and again, Aergak remains convinced the secrets of his race’s origin lies somewhere in the blood, and has been training his body to unlock that potential. So far, he has achieved a fearsome, semi-bipedal battle form, but though this is progress, the wyvaran knows it is a far cry from the answers he seeks.
Surprisngly, korreds can prove to be quite excellent teachers when in a good mood and not drunk off their ass. Those who catch the fey in such a good state can learn such things as the hex of hair animation, the art of thrown stones, and occasionally the brewing of alcohol. Some, however, can teach secrets the gleaned from wild and dangerous fey, such as the secrets of battle rage and “warp spasms”, like certain legendary warriors.