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Transmute: An Academic Approach to Alteration
By Tybalt Rasul

Introduction

Throughout the ages, transmutation has proven itself as a staple school of magic to wizards and sorcerers alike. It's only natural that those who specialize in the field would take the base principle to the next logical step. Since its inception, the advanced magic of Transmutant has been used by many great magi who have in turn made great advances to the field as a whole.

Despite this, there is a lack of readily available documentation for aspiring Transmutants or other curious mages of the trust. In this report, some of the base principles of the magic will be explained as well as some practical interpretation of each spell. I hope it will prove to be an invaluable reference manual for anyone looking to learn more about this powerful and prestigious field of magic.

Method

This document covers the first three circles of arcane magic. Each spell is listed separately along with the theory behind it, how a Transmutant changes it, information about the resulting changes, and practical analysis of its use. Please note that all casters perform the art a little differently, and some variance can exist in the method. All testing was done with an otherwise non-enchanted caster, using minimal personal equipment when possible.

All transmuted forms have been run through a series of rigorous tests to ensure accuracy of the information portrayed in this paper. These tests include, but were not limited to:
[*]Exposure to multiple forms of energy, effects, and abilities.
[*]Combat tests in both controlled and uncontrolled environments.
[*]Physical tests of strength, flexibility, endurance, agility, and speed.
[*]Mental tests such as puzzle solving, memory trials, perception tests, and social interactions.
[*]Timing of spell drain (duration) in gnomish seconds.
[*]Arcane metering when applicable using the Flenken Power Scale.

The Spells

Burning Hands - Fire Elemental Form
A staple of young mages everywhere, this spell transmutes the air starting from the caster's fingertips before spreading out like a breath of fire in front of the caster; engulfing anything it its path in flame. Like it's roots, it is often the first spell an aspiring Transmutant learns to alter.

For a Transmutant, this spell has to be refocused precisely into the air surrounding the caster. This inward surge of fire element sparks the transformation into an elemental. There is a great deal of danger when learning this spell, so proper care should be taken to prevent harsh self inflicted burns.

Due to the low draw on arcane energy from this spell, the elemental form doesn't last very long - usually only around 30 gnomish seconds. The main use for this form is, of course, the immunity to the fire element. It is susceptible to cold, so care should be taken when using the form in chilly regions. Its bodily functions are similar to that of a fire elemental, and its physical prowess and combat potential is limited at best due to the low duration. There are no alterations to the caster's mental or social capacity, beyond some protection against certain enchantments.

Expeditious Retreat - Air Elemental Form
A very under appreciated spell, it alters the physical state of the caster's legs to allow for quicker movement and longer jumping: much like what anyone would expect from years of unarmed martial training. Very handy for the busy mage on the go who can't be bothered to waste a precious haste spell to get from point A to B.

The advanced technique for this spell varies as much, if not more than the burning hands method. For myself, the spell alters my very anatomy into an almost gaseous state temporarily and then reforms it into near solid again: thus forming the air elemental. As might imagined, there is a lot of margin for error on this one, so make sure that burning hands is mastered before attempting the advanced method for this one.

The air elemental has the potential to outlast the fire elemental form, but due to its low draw on arcane its not by much. It lasts roughly six gnomish seconds per .075 Flenken Power of the caster. Physically it reacts as anyone might expect from an elemental form (though quite flexible) and its combat potential is a little better than the fire elemental, but not much. While in this state, the subject will have the added benefit of being able to send out a pulse of air all around, possibly causing those without sure footing to be knocked to the ground. This pulse increases in potency as the caster improves on their own talents. Mentally the caster is unaffected by this spell beyond some protection against certain enchantments.

Bulls Strength - Lesser Minotaur Form
This one is known and loved by almost every adventurous spirit out there. Likely one of the most common spells used by both casters and non-casters, due to its ability to increase the muscle mass of an individual to allow for greater feats of strength, from heavy lifting to simply swinging a weapon much harder.

With the advanced technique, the alteration to the muscle mass has a much more profound effect, growing and altering the form of the target into that of an axe-wielding minotaur. This can be done on an unwilling subject, but with enough resistance on their part, they can prevent the change. The form can be dropped at will, like with most transmutes and polymorphs.

Unlike the base spell, the form has a fairly short duration - usually only lasting about six seconds per .025 Flenken Power of the caster. Beyond the physical properties of the minotaur itself, which are impressive, the spell does leave a residual boost to the target's physical strength which persists even if the form is dropped. Individuals of martial training may still notice a nice edge over the norm when this transmute is placed on them. Any enchantments on the target's equipment carry over into the new form, so some advanced planning can turn a great new shape into a killing machine. It should be noted that the axe that forms can be enchanted as any other weapon, though the spells placed on it will fade when the form finally drops. It can also be used with proficiency, even if the subject has never trained with an axe before in their life.

Cat's Grace - Dire Tiger Form
Perhaps slightly less loved than the other two physically altering transmutations, Cat's Grace is still a fantastic way to change one's anatomy to be more flexible and agile. It can often make the difference between dodging a crossbow bolt or taking a sharpened shaft of wood in the chest.

It's no surprise that this transmute causes the target to turn into the form of a dire tiger. If the name wasn't a clue, cats (both domestic and large) are well known for their stealth, prowess and flexibility. The spell simply takes the alterations to the physique and pushes them to a logical step.

Lasting as long as the previous form, it is an impressive beast to behold. While not any faster in it's movements, the form is quite agile, strong, and still fairly hearty. The bite and claws can pack an impressive force, but otherwise this form is very straight forward.

Endurance - Dire Bear Form
Another staple of adventurers of all shapes and sizes, this spell modifies the physical condition of the body, making it healthier and more durable. Under the spell's influence, one can take a few more hits than usual and has a better chance to survive from things such as poison.

This complex bit of alteration not only makes the body healthier, but adds mass, fur, teeth, and claws to the subject; transforming them into a dire bear. Bears have a reputation for being enduring creatures, able to weather even some of the harshest climates in Negaria.

Like with the previous two, this spell has a fairly short duration based on the Flenken Power of the caster. The form is extremely sturdy and very strong, making it ideal for both combat and hauling small buildings worth of supplies and materials. Of course, with great endurance comes not much else. All in all, this form is very straight forward.

Fox's Cunning - Mind Flayer Form
Well used by wizards and lore keepers, Fox's Cunning enhances the mind to allow for ways of thinking previously blocked for the individual. It's uses are invaluable to those who need the little boost, but to many this spell goes unused..

Through transmuting, the enhancement to the brain is further altered, causing the target to change into an illithid or Mind Flayer. Seeing that the brain is a significant piece of a Mind Flayer's anatomy, this change shouldn't come as any surprise (unless the target wasn't expecting the change, of course.)

This transmute lasts as long as the others of its kind. Physically, the caster may find themselves more flexible and agile than normal, but no stronger nor durable. Instead, their mind will be enlightened, giving them ideas and thoughts beyond even the capabilities of the basic spell. The form also makes the subject slightly more perceptive than normal, and comes with two very powerful abilities. First, the subject will be able to form a psionic inertial barrier around the subject as needed. Its duration is short, but doesn't seem to be limited in its use. Secondly, the subject will be given the token power of mind flayers: The Mind Blast. This can cause the caster's foes to become incapacitated for a short stretch of time. Finally, seeing in the dark usually isn't a problem for Mind Flayers and they are extremely resistant to things that affect the mind as well as most forms of magic.

Owl's Wisdom - Doom Knight Form
Most often used by priests and druids, this spell enhances one's ability to perceive the world around them as well as opening the mind to greater possibilities. Another spell ignored by many and loved by few, particularly those of devout faith.

While the form resembles that of a doom knight (an undead corruption of a former holy warrior), the form itself is actually more humanoid in its physique and appears to be missing anything that would classify it as undead. The transmute that occurs seems to mimic some form of physical enhancement, much like a lesser version of tenser's transformation. Unlike Tenser's, instead of just enhancing the caster to perform like a warrior it fully transforms the subject into a completely new form.

Physically, the form is comparable to that of the minotaur. The main strength of this transmute comes from the sword that is formed. The blade mimics a three rune weapon enchantment, as well as the properties of a flame weapon spell. Coupled with the form's skill in cleaving with its attacks, it can prove to be a powerful addition to a young Transmuter's arsenal of forms. It's very resistant to mind control and other mind effects as well, which is often quite handy.

Eagle's Splendor - Succubus Form
Great for parties or for giving sorcerers that extra little push they need, this spell certainly finds its use: especially in politics. By making subtle changes to the physique and voice of the target, it can greatly improve how a social situation pans out. Comes in handy on date night.

Transmuters have mastered this spell in such a way that it not only makes the target more attractive and imposing, but actually alters their form into a full fledged succubus - sans the wings. Care must be taken when mastering this spell, as one wrong move could cause the demonic form to be a mane* instead.
* This may be an attempt at humor by the author, and no reports of mane transformations have occurred during the practice trials of young transmuters.

Lasting just as long as the other five, what really sets this form apart (other than its appearance) is its resistance to most forms of elemental energy. It's completely immune to electricity, and can take quite a wallop from sources of fire, cold, and acid. It's also fairly resistant to non- enchanted weapons, and is even capable of resisting some spells outright. Alas, that's where its usefulness ends. Physically, it's no more impressive than the original target, and its claws are quite small. Lastly, while in the form, a banishment will cause instant death to the transmuted individual as the spell attempts to "send the soul home". For most, I do not recommend using this form except in very special circumstances.

Stone Bones - Risen Lord Alteration
Stone bones thickens the bone structure of most undead, making them slightly more resilient in battle. Most don't use the spell as the use of undead in many lands is questionable if not illegal. Its use is also fairly limited overall.

When a Transmutant uses this spell on an allied undead (through spells such as animate dead or control undead) the spell transforms the creature into a Risen Lord.
This spell is so complicated, and the form so potent, that it literally consumes the undead's energy slowly. Upon the completion of the transmute duration (roughly six gnomish seconds per 0.05 Flenken Power of the caster) the undead creature is destroyed. Do not use this alteration on any undead that need to be kept around.

The transformation itself is very powerful, forming a five runed scythe in the hands of the undead - regardless of what it previously held (if anything). This scythe is capable of leaching life force back into the undead, slowly healing it while it fights. The risen lord is also very resistant to arrows, blades, etc, and any weapon with less than a three rune enchantment. It is as weak as the original creature when it comes to a priest's turning, so keep that in mind. Further transmutes will not halt the destruction of the creation after the stone bones transmute fades.

Keen Edge - Sharpen Natural Weapons
A staple spell for anyone who uses a sharp weapon in battle, keen edge alters the existing edge of the weapon to make it sharper, allowing it to sink deeper and more easily sever limbs.

For a Transmutant, this spell takes on a very different demeanor. By transmuting it, the caster can make any claws, teeth, fists, horns, etc harder and sharper than before. Keep in mind that if the spell is going to be used on caster, it must be cast before taking on a form that utilizes natural weapons.

Conclusions

The first circles of the transmutant are a powerful tool for learning the basics of the art without the danger of modifying high circle spells. Each form has a use, even if in some cases it is a fairly limited one. Transmutant is a rewarding field for anyone who enjoys a good deal of flexibility on the battlefield by taking on forms other than their own. It can help to make up for what the caster lacks naturally, and enhance what they already excel at. While each form is not ideal for every circumstance, each does serve a purpose. With a little experimentation, anyone can discover interesting uses for this art that no mage before has ever conceived.

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