Transmutation: Shapechange

Published by the Academy of Mortal Magic, an entity of Andrinor's Trust January 25, 2116

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TRANSMUTATION: SHAPECHANGE

In the name of higher learning I deemed it justified that all I see must be slaughtered to test the mettle of my new forms.

The form of the Dragon at first was my assumption as the paramount of the options. Of course I tried it first, it just seemed so powerful. It actualy seems from my testing to be amoung the two unfavorable options. It had to offer; the most physical strength, a feeble ability to resist magic and weapons, true sight which make sneak attacks useless, and imunity to paralysis. It is the largest form, which is as much a hinderance as it is a boon. I could barely move without stubbing a toe on a tree or stepping on something. All the little dwarves were so hard to keep track of as they swarmed around me like the little pests they are!

The form of the Fire Giant is in my opinion not worthy of even your time reading my findings, for your own good skip on to the next. The giant is strong. That is all I had going for me. Unless you have some giant fetish, I would advise against this one. Even in that case, polymorph yourself into a troll instead.

The form of the Balor is my personal favorate at this time, and that is not just because I dream of assending into deamonhood. OK, well maybe it is. While not quite the physical powerhouse of the dragon or giant, the Balor is imbued with staying power. Starting off with a respectable ability to resist magic and finishing it off with near immunity to physical damage the Balor will outlast any dragon. If a real terror is what you are looking to be, this is it. This creature is such an abomination that everything you attack flees hysterically. This, funny as it may sound, was the most challanging part of being a Balor. Nothing will stand still to fight you. I did so much running to smite enemies as they ran for their worthless little lives. Quite the work out.

The form of the Death Slaad is a very close second on the Balor. This is the lightest hitter of the forms available, but makes up for that in defence. The agility provided to you as this creature definately makes it the hardest to hit. In addition to that it offers protection against most physical damage and the ability to regenerate in the off chance that anything actualy hurt you. Which did not happen to me, but you never know, it could...

The form of the Irom Golem is at first glance just as bad as the giant, but if you take the time to examine the physiology of a construct you will surely see the benifits. This slow lumbering hulk is not the best at avoiding attacks, but I did not need to. This form is so immune to physical damage I could not even measure it. You name it, I was immune; Poison, disease, paralyzation, energy drain, etc etc. No vital areas to hurt, no heart, lungs, etc. Was a different experience not breathing or feeling anything. You should try it some time.

Tiras, the Brawling Mage.