Transmute - An Investigation into the Intermediate, Part 2

By Magus Tybalt Rasul - Ebony Order of the Moon

Zombie Shape - Quasit Form The zombie may lack most of the resistances of normal undead and be slower than gravy rolling uphill, it does at least offer some resistance to physical harm comparable to that of battle bands.

The alternate form to the zombie is the small demonic Quasit. Like the zombie form, this alteration has - in this writer's opinion - limited use.

As with all the polymorph forms, the duration lasts the same as the base spell. Small and annoying, the Quasit does have a few positive qualities. Its tail is laced with an extremely potent paralytic poison that can make its foe sluggish and easy to strike. Like many demons, it is very resistant to fire and heat. It also has some natural regeneration. A quasit is also immune to all forms of poison.

Greater Stoneskin - Elder Earth Elemental Form (Caster Only) A potent protection used by many moderately powerful casters (and those who cannot cast divination), greater stoneskin hardens the casters natural skin making it difficult for weapons and claws to tear the caster asunder.

Through natural escalation of the existing magic, the Transmutant is able to infuse not only his skin but his entire form with the hardening earth element, transforming the caster into an elder earth elemental.

The magic burns quickly, only lasting about six seconds per .25 flenken power of the caster. This form comes with many obvious benefits including a lack of anatomy and organs which makes it hard to get a strong hit on it, affect it with disease, poison, paralysis, or even control it with enchantments and other mind-affecting spells. The tough rocky exterior makes it difficult to harm it without at least a four rune weapon. On top of this, the form of the elder earth elemental is extremely strong and hits with a lot of force, making it ideal for a Transmutant who cannot manage a golem form.

Flesh to Stone - Elder Earth Elemental Form (Others Only) Typically this spell is widely used by transmutation specialists for its capability to petrify the target into a statue-like state. This effect can last indefinitely in the right circumstances.

Similar to the Greater Stoneskin, the Transmutant is able to channel the petrification magic to transform the target instead of petrifying them. The end result is an elder earth elemental transformation that lasts a lot longer than the self transmuted variant from Greater Stoneskin.

This variant lasts about sixty seconds per .25 flenken power of the caster, considerably longer than the self transmuted version. It is otherwise identical to the previous entry (see Greater Stoneskin).

Stone to Flesh - Baleful Polymorph (Bovine) The most common use for this transmutation is the reversal of a petrification from a casters spell, the gaze of a basilisk, the breath of a gorgon, or other similar effect. Every mage should carry a few scrolls of this in their case for emergencies, especially when exploring the deep dark holes of Negaria.

When first practicing this spell, it was this author's hope that the transmuted variety might transform the target into a mushy fleshy pile of goo. The reality is a bit more fun, albeit less gruesome. The magic is woven through the target's form reducing them to a simpler creature - usually that of a cow.

This alteration lasts about six seconds per .25 flenken power of the caster. The cow itself is roughly what one might expect. It possesses no superior abilities, physique, or capabilities apart from having four stomachs and the ability to chew its own vomited cud. It is possible that a transmuted individual could be milked, but this author was unwilling to perform such a test on any of his friends or colleagues.

Disintegrate - Elder Air Elemental Form (Others Only) Disintegrate is a staple for Transmuters everywhere. The powerful spell alters the target on a basic level, destabilizing their form and often reducing them to dust.

The alteration works along the same theory of the base spell, though instead of completely destabilizing the form, it alters it to air essence, causing the target to reform as an elder air elemental.

The alteration lasts about six seconds per .25 flenken power of the caster. The elemental form is stronger than the smaller form (See Expeditious Retreat in Transmute: An Academic Approach to Alteration for a comparison). The form may not look so, it its much larger than the previous. With the size comes increased physical capabilities. Like the smaller form, it has the ability to send out whirlwinds of air all around it which can knockdown less sure footed foes as well as cause debris to cut and slash.

Conclusions

Caution should always be taken when experimenting with new circles of magical alteration just as with any form of advanced magic. The intermediate circles of transmutation can be difficult to alter, even for an extremely experienced mage. Dedication, hard work, and a very good instructor can expedite ones learning. Just remember not to get discouraged, and remember that not everyone is cut out for advanced magic.