Shapeshifting Wonders
Are you prepared to delve into the arcane and mysterious art of transmogrification? Within the storied halls of House Sdrathozth—the Mages Guild—this power is studied, refined, and, at times, feared. The concept of shapeshifting has existed since the earliest ages, wrapped in legends, bound to the laws of magic, and whispered in the forbidden texts of lost civilizations. Whether it be the primal rites of the Wildborn, the dark practices of the Exiled Ones, or the structured mastery of House EvakaLoMaya—Apprentice Adepts—transmogrification is a potent and versatile force.
Understanding Transmogrification
Transmogrification is the ability to alter one’s form, shape, or appearance through magical or supernatural means. This discipline requires not only an attuned will but an understanding of the fundamental essence of the self and the target form. In Dicesongs, mastery of transmogrification is categorized by tiers of ability:
Minor Alterations:
Simple cosmetic changes such as altering eye color, height, or the texture of one’s skin.
Partial Shifts:
The ability to change singular features, such as growing claws, sprouting wings, or reshaping facial features.
Full Transmogrification:
Transforming entirely into another being, be it animal, elemental, or Voidborn—a feat only achieved through extensive study or unnatural pacts.
Forced Transmutation:
The result of a curse or eldritch influence, often irreversible without powerful intervention.
Transmogrification in Ertha
Druids and the Wildborn Connection
Among the most renowned practitioners of transmogrification are the Wildborn, an ancient sect that once roamed the primeval lands of Ertha. Legends say that before the Great War of the First Age, these beings could meld into the forms of animals and spirits alike, walking between the veil of nature and the arcane. The ability of a Druid or a Shaper to take on an animal form is not merely physical; it is a communion of spirit and body. The process is deeply tied to one’s connection with the essence of the world, and those who overuse their powers risk losing themselves to the instincts of their assumed shape.
The Shadow Pact of the Exiled Ones
Not all transmogrification is natural. Within the darker reaches of the world, there exist those who forcibly alter their forms through forbidden rites. House Sdrathozth’s records speak of the Exiled Ones—former Mages who sought to surpass mortality, using blood magic and sacrifices to attain new, monstrous forms. Their transformations are often grotesque, resembling both beast and nightmare, a permanent reminder of the price of tampering with the laws of magic.
The Cursed and the Forsaken
Throughout Ertha’s history, transmogrification has also been a tool of punishment. The Cursed of Old speak of those who were turned into beasts for defying the Arbiters or for betraying sacred pacts. Whether these transformations were divine punishment or the work of vengeful sorcery is still debated, but many scholars believe that the Prismatic Court holds secret knowledge regarding these lost souls.
Werewolves, for example, are often considered products of transmogrification gone awry—an affliction that forces its host to shift under the influence of the Sexton Moons. Unlike the natural shapeshifting of the Wildborn, this transformation is uncontrollable and often tied to ancient curses or bloodlines traced back to the First Age.
GM Tips
Allow players to explore the risks and benefits of transformation. Does a character struggle with losing their humanity? Is the process painful or seamless? Does their new form grant them insights or burdens?
Mystery and Lore Hooks
Introduce an NPC who appears normal but shows hints of an unnatural shift—glowing eyes in the dark, elongated shadows, or a shifting voice.
A cursed artifact could trigger unwanted transformations, setting the stage for a quest to reverse it.
Transmogrification – Reward or Consequence
A player might be gifted a temporary shapeshifting boon by a powerful entity or spirit.
A reckless use of magic or a failed spell might result in an unexpected partial transformation.
Unique Creatures and Opponents
Shapeshifting foes create dynamic encounters. An adversary might shift between multiple forms midbattle, keeping players on their toes.
A Voidborn horror might be capable of altering its form constantly, making it difficult to predict its next move.
The Ethical Debate
Not all shapeshifters are welcomed in society. How do different cultures and factions view those who alter their forms?
Does House Sdrathozth regulate or restrict certain levels of transmogrification? Are there laws against unnatural shapeshifting?
Transmogrification remains one of the most fascinating and versatile aspects of magical study within Dicesongs. Whether it is a means of survival, a curse, or an avenue to ultimate power, its presence in Ertha shapes destinies and rewrites the fates of those who dare wield it. As a GM, the ability to weave transmogrification into your world offers endless potential for creativity, depth, and intrigue.
