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''For the stat known as SH, see [[Shield (stat)]]. For the monster, see [[shapeshifter (monster)]].''
{{flavour|Shapeshifters use talismans to shift their body into different forms, granting them uncanny power but making them unable to use some items. They enter the dungeon with a beast talisman and a potion of lignification.}}

'''Shapeshifters''' are wanderers who specialise in [[Shapeshifting]], using [[talisman]]s to shift their physical [[form]].

==Preferred Species==
[[Naga]], [[Merfolk]], [[Draconian]], [[Troll]], [[Demonspawn]], and [[Demigod]] are the recommended species if you pick a Shapeshifter Background.

==Racial restrictions==
[[Poltergeist]]s and [[Revenant]]s are forbidden from becoming Shapeshifters, as they cannot use talismans to transform themselves.

==Starting Equipment==
Some [[species]] may receive different items based on their unique restrictions.
*+0 [[animal skin]]
*[[Potion of lignification]]
*[[Quill talisman]]
*[[Protean talisman]]
*3 [[flux bauble]]s

Shapeshifters start the game in [[Quill Form]].

==Starting Skills and Stats==
These are adjusted by your species' [[aptitude]]s.
*[[Fighting]]: 2
*[[Unarmed Combat]]: 3
*[[Dodging]]: 2
*[[Shapeshifting]]: 3

Choosing Shapeshifter adds 6 to your starting [[Strength]], 2 to your starting [[Intelligence]], and 4 to your starting [[Dexterity]].

==Strategy==
[[Quill Form]] is a very balanced form — it doesn't put restrictions on [[weapon]] use and helps a decent amount against melee enemies, which comprise the brunt of early game threats). [[Flux bauble]]s can be a lifesaver against early dangerous encounters, such as with threatening [[unique]]s or bands of enemies; and will last for multiple encounters afterwards (or until you use the [[ability]] End Transformation), allowing you to mostly steamroll early floors after a single use.

Strategy may diverge significantly after you're able to stabilize your [[protean talisman]] by reaching [[Shapeshifting]] 6: [[Yak Form]] and [[Scarab Form]] give incentives to learn [[Ice Magic|Ice]] or [[Fire Magic]], respectively, meld all [[weapons]] and [[armour]], and enable new tactical options; while [[Medusa Form]] and [[Maw Form]] are less polarizing and easier to pilot as conventional melee characters, though not without their upsides. [[Skill]] investment is heavily influenced by what the [[protean talisman]] has the potential to give you, what it actually becomes once you level your [[Shapeshifting]], and what other talismans (if any) you've found in the [[Dungeon]].

===Skill investment===
In the early game, players have to decide whether to invest skill points into Unarmed, a weapon skill, or Shapeshifting itself.
*Unarmed: Shapeshifters start with 3 Unarmed Skill, making UC better than plain [[dagger]]s, [[spear]]s, and other simple weapons. While you are limited to Quill Form, UC has a stronger immediate benefit than Shapeshifting.
*Weapons: Weapons of a strong [[brand]], such as [[short sword]]s and [[whip]]s of either [[venom]] or [[electrocution]], are very strong early, generally better than unarmed. The lower investment weapons can be switched to (at least for the early game), and if a good enough weapon for the medium term is found, it may be worth investing in.
*Shapeshifting: Quill Form has relatively poor skill scaling, so the skill is not the best in the early game. After you can comfortably fight, it can be good to train the skill 'all at once' to level 5-6, in order to access flux baubbles and reveal the protean talisman.

==History==
*Prior to [[0.33]], Shapeshifters started in [[beast talisman|Beast Form]], had the [[flux talisman]] instead of a stack of [[flux bauble]]s, did not have the [[protean talisman]], and their Fighting skill was 1.
*Shapeshifters was introduced in [[0.31]], replacing the [[Transmuter]] background.

{{backgrounds}}
[[Category:Backgrounds]]

Shapeshifter - Revision history

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