Alterationism

What is alterationism?

Alterationism is magic that alters the body for generally cosmetic purposes. As it alters the flesh in ways that the land gods didn't design, it is considered a form of necromancy. Geomantic researchers have confirmed that alterationist spells distort Fate and induce the future to be rewoven. Like other necromancies, it inflicts minor injuries onto both the caster and the subject.

There are two forms of alterationism:

Cosmetic Alterationism

Cosmetic alterationism encompasses many minor alterations such as changing the patterns upon one's scales, creating small holes in one's fins to add rings to them, or implanting a gemstone into one's forehead. These changes become permanent, self-healing modifications of the individual's geomantic interface. Although it is possible to engage in tattooing, piercing, and related arts on Theoma, they have been largely supplanted by cosmetic alterationism as alterationist work heals itself in the future.

Although it is not considered a form of Sacred Necromancy in most theomes, cosmetic alterationism is minimally dangerous without known fatality risks. It can only inflict aches and pains, and they do eventually heal.

Gnarlen can practice cosmetic alterationism within the range of their restricted necromantic potential, and as they do not experience the backlash pains, are sometimes the best practitioners.

Functional Alterationism

In addition to cosmetic alterationism, which is safe, there is also functional alterationism, which is not. Functional alterationism is such a project as grafting wings to an Izerah so that they can become capable of flight, or altering the species of an individual convincingly so that a Swaivshon could resemble a Vashael.

These much larger alterations of form are dramatically more dangerous in terms of necromantic risk. It is very common for necromantic rot to set in for both the caster and the subject in the aftermath of such castings, and months of aftercare are needed in order to prevent permanent necromantic injuries. This risk is much more severe for the subject than for the caster, as necromancers already engage in such care of themselves, but the subject cannot do it for themselves. Fatalities are not unknown and it may be best to seek a land god's blessing before attempting such radical transformations.

Gnarlen cannot be functional alterationists.