Flesh Sculptor

Artisans of Abominations

Chimeras are the preferred guardians of magi and their beloved towers; the twisted amalgamations of flesh resulting from the combination of two or more beasts. The process of chimerification is inherently difficult, requiring the trained hand of an expert, though the nightmarish process attracts individuals who are not always the most kind-hearted. Such creators of Chimeras are known as Flesh Sculptors.
Flesh Sculptors are craftsmen who specialize in the creation of chimeras. They are equal parts experienced surgeon and magi and have at least the beginner workings of a Magismith. Flesh Sculptors require an expert knowledge of anatomy to understand the organs and inner workings of every beast they may wish to combine. Most beasts are not compatible with one another, and it will take an advanced understanding of their anatomy to understand which ones are. The necessary knowledge of anatomy is closely followed by the demand for surgical skills. Knowledge will only get one so far, and it takes a delicate yet speedy hand to complete the transplantation of body parts between the multiple species being augmented.
Gifted arcane abilities are a strong necessity as completing the process requires a plethora of spells to be successful. Modern medicine is not enough to keep the base species alive throughout chimerification, and one would be hard-pressed to convince a priest of Beirn to work their healing magicks in such a ritual. To ensure the survival of the specimen, special magicks must be applied to not only slow the cycle of death from taking place but to also connect the nerves of the translated parts properly and avoid rejection from the host.
Finally, knowledge of Magismith practices has proven useful in many instances of the chimerification process. Any time that magickal beasts have been used in the process, careful treatment and understanding of their Magick Stones have been paramount. The stone is as vital to the livelihood of magickal beasts as their hearts. Subtle magicks need to be applied to the stone to adapt it to the new body parts -- the new life being added to the body.
Flesh Sculptors are a rare breed of individual. It takes immense skill and knowledge alongside years of practice to hone their art to a functional point. Most can only learn the trade by apprenticing with an established Flesh Sculptor, and they are hesitant to train others. This keeps the chimerification process and spells involved closely held secrets of the sculptors, keeping their value as high as possible to keep their pockets full in turn.

A Heretical Nature

There are many who view the process of chimerification as heretical. Creating a new life, outside of the natural act of childbirth, is akin to the act of divine creation, and is considered an insult to the gods. A handful of nations, including Mahangangahere and Ehlanui, have declared the process illegal in hopes of pleasing their patron gods.
Flesh Sculptors have regularly been the target of malice and ill rumors from the general populace. Individuals who seek and practice the art are seen as malevolent beings who are just making their best efforts at playing god.
The practitioners themselves tend to disregard these claims, or at least most of them. Chimerification involves such a fascination with death, dismemberment, and the alteration of life that most Flesh Sculptors could not claim to be totally sane. There are those who lean into these allegations and beliefs, fully embracing the twisted nature of the process as they believe it allows them to go at it with greater fervor and honesty toward themselves.