Beastial Knowledge

A ritualistic spell that transmuters must cast in order to learn an animal's spiritual footprint and be able to fully transform into said animal using the transform: beast spell. While this spell is necessary for a transmuter to transform fully, it isn't necessary for them to transform partially. However, there are only a few widely-known partial transformations.

The Ritual

Once a DNA sample is gathered, the sage must then draw a transmutation circle on a level surface and put the sample in the center. Since the spell takes a significant amount of time to cast, it might be a good idea to take a seat and get comfortable. The sage must then place their hands on the edge of the circle and recite the phrase, "Something magicky that I'll come up with later."

You'll find that the glow of the sigil varies on a large scale between species - one might cause a green glow and another red. Between members of the species the light varies on a small scale (the difference between red and maroon) depending upon the character and spirit of the specific animal.

Now that the spell is activated, the sigil underneath will begin to glow starting from the outside and then moving in toward the center. After a few moments, the whole sigil will be alight. The light will glow for another few moments before it begins to fade out from the outside in and flow into a ball surrounding the sample. The ball of light will begin to float along with the sample once all of the light from the sigil surrounds it.
During this next step, the sage must hold their hands palms-up under the orb of light and recite the phrase, "More magicky stuff that I'll come up with later." The orb will then glow brighter and begin to take shape. The sage must continue to repeat the phrase until the light shapes into the silhouette of the animal that the DNA sample came from. As the process continues, the knowledge takes shape in the caster's mind. No one can quite describe what that knowledge is. It's beyond words. It feels like taking a speedy walk through the life of the animal - from beginning to end. All in these few hours.

When the sage is ready, when they've gained all the knowledge of the animal and its ways of life, they must open their eyes and look at the glowing silhouette of the animal. Within this silhouette will be nearly indistinguishable features. The sage must look into the creature's eyes and keep the eye contact. A small orb of the same light will then glow from the caster's heart. The animal silhouette will be absorbed into the sage. The glow will remain for a moment longer before it fades away - and the spell is complete.

The Transformation

Now that the sage has the knowledge to transform into the animal, all that's left is to try the transformation. It's important to note that the caster will take on the exact form of the creature whose DNA they collected - injuries and deformities included. One should seek out a healthy specimen to ensure a safe transformation.

Safety Measures

Considering how long the ritual can take, and how much magical energy the sage must use, they will be exhausted after its completion. They may lessen the exhaustion through stamina training or potions, but there is no way to avoid it or resist the exhaustion fully. It's recommended that this ritual be casted in a safe space and without time constraint so that the caster may rest immediately after.

Material Components

To cast the spell, the transmuter must first collect a sample of DNA from the desired animal; a tooth, a claw, some fur, scat, whatever. Just remember that you have to deal with the smell for a while...
Important note: there are some animals whose DNA that a transmuter cannot use without permission. While they might be able to find the whisker of a rat and perform this ritual, in order to transform into more sentient and magically-capable creatures, they must go to them and ask permission to learn how to transform into them. Some examples would be griffins, unicorns, and silkies.

Related School

Transmutation

Effect Duration

The ritual grants knowledge that the sage will keep for the rest of their lives.

Range

Self

Level

Intermediate

Beast Form Collectors

Due to the variety of animal forms in the wide world of Vana, there are some transmuters who collect as many different forms from as many different creatures as they possibly can. Some scientists will pay good money for them to transform into rare animals to allow them to study the creature. Connoisseurs of the strange may commission artists to paint them.