2nd Body Art: Shapeshifting

Shapeshifting is an advanced and highly complex spell within the body arts, requiring extensive physical, mental, and magical control. Due to its intricate nature, many novice mages avoid attempting to master it until they have acquired a solid foundation in body manipulation. Shapeshifting challenges a mage's control not only over their physical body but also their understanding of metaphysical principles like Forme and Function.
Forme refers to the physical shape or structure of a being, while Function refers to the essential purpose or role the being serves. In shapeshifting, a mage must be able to change their Forme while maintaining their original Function. For example, a mage who transforms into an animal must still preserve their human consciousness and magical ability even while physically resembling another species. Shapeshifting requires casting the spell once to alter the form, and again to revert to the original shape, making it a double-edged process that requires precision at every step.

Effect

The spell grants the user the power to alter their form and appearance at will. This includes the ability to change:

• Shape and size: A mage can take on the form of other beings, whether human, animal or even inanimate objects.
• Color and texture: The user can modify their external appearance to blend into various environments, becoming nearly indistinguishable from their surroundings.
• Density and cellular composition: Skilled users can adjust their density to become as light as air or as hard as metal, mimicking the physical properties of the being or material they emulate.
• Atomic composition: At the highest levels, a mage may shift its atomic structure to take on the properties of supernatural or exotic beings.

More advanced shapeshifters can use their transformations tactically, employing their bodies as all-purpose tools. For example, they might assume the shape of a bird for flight, a dense metallic creature for defense, or even a flexible, fluid form to navigate tight spaces. Those with exceptional control are able to mimic their targets with such precision that they can fool even magical or technological detection systems.

Side/Secondary Effects

• Transforming the entire body requires immense energy, particularly when shifting into forms with radically different mass or physical attributes. The larger or more complex the transformation, the more energy is needed.

• The body may undergo significant strain during the transformation process. Mages who lack the necessary physical resilience may suffer from fatigue, cellular damage, or muscle tearing. Excessive pain, unconsciousness, or even death can force the user to revert to their original form.

• A mage must have detailed knowledge of the form they are assuming, including its limitations and weaknesses. For example, shifting into a bird form without understanding the complexities of avian flight would result in failure to fly, despite appearing as a bird.

As Above So Below As Within So Without Logo by Khali A. Crawford

Grandmaster SixPathsSage

Khali Crawford

   

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Material Components

There are three primary methods by which a mage can initiate shapeshifting, each offering varying degrees of success:

1. Visual: The simplest method is by observing the target. A mage can develop a basic idea of the being they wish to transform into by simply looking at them. However, this method is limited. While they may be able to replicate the form visually, they may not gain the functional abilities of the target. For instance, transforming into a bird by sight alone would only change the outward appearance but not grant flight.
2. Taste: A more advanced method involves ingesting part of the target, allowing the mage to gain intimate knowledge of the being’s physiology. This could be a lock of hair, a drop of blood, or a sliver of tissue. With this method, the mage can achieve a more precise and functional transformation, replicating the target’s abilities in addition to their appearance. This method is enhanced when paired with the 2nd Body Art: True Copy spell, which amplifies the mage's ability to fully understand the being they are copying.
3. Awareness: The final trigger is a deep metaphysical awareness of the target. This is a rare and challenging method, often achieved by powerful mages who have extensive experience and research into the forms they wish to assume. Awareness goes beyond visual or sensory input and involves understanding the essence of the target on a fundamental level, enabling transformations that are flawless in both appearance and function. This method requires rigorous study and deep concentration but allows for quick, command-based transformations without needing to ingest parts of the target.

Skilled mages often carry parts of animals or beings they are familiar with, such as a bird’s feather or a frog’s leg, to assist with shapeshifting. However, master shapeshifters can transform purely from visual memory or awareness of the form without external aids. These mages are known to be formidable spies, infiltrators, and warriors due to their ability to blend seamlessly into any environment or group.

Related Discipline

The 2nd Body Art

Related School

Alchemy