Shapeshifting

Shapeshifting is a school of magic involving the ability to transform oneself between multiple forms, often of which one is recognized as one's "true form", and of which at least one is akin to a human; or the ability to transform a target into a form other than their own. The former is common as an innate ability of many demi-humans, including werewolves and dragons, while the latter is most common in human mages. Shapeshifting specifically excludes the adoption of superficial traits as seen in many animal-folk or in vampires who draw blood through retractable fangs, as well as illusion magic.

Autonomic shapeshifting

Duomorphism

Most commonly, shapeshifting encapsulates the ability to transform between one of two forms. This form of the power is occasionally known as duomorphism and practitioners as duomorphs, to differentiate it from polymorphism. This power is seen either voluntarily or involuntarily, as in many werewolf subspecies, which may usually transform between a human form and canine form, either on their own accord or forcibly under the full moon. Involuntary transformations associated to one's demi-human species are usually correlated to astronomical events or environmental conditions. Furthermore, involuntary transformations usually involve excruciating pain to their subject.

Voluntary transformations are the most common form of duomorphism. In such cases, the shapeshifter will be able to transition between one of two forms, usually one that is reminiscent mostly or entirely of a human, and one that resembles another animal, commonly identified as their "true form". A voluntary duomorph may often feel most comfortable in their true form, and may exhibit traits of their true form even while in their human form. The specific build of one's true form does not necessarily need to directly parallel the species it derives from.

For instance, many werewolves' true forms, they may appear significantly different from the real-life grey wolf, often having a far broader musculoskeletal frame and heavier build, a bipedal stance, and sometimes lacking a tail. Despite this, the closest real-world analog for the motifs of their form, such as their facial structure and muzzle, is the grey wolf, and to that extent their form is defined as canine and they are defined as a werewolf.

Polymorphism

A rarer form of shapeshifting wherein a shapeshifter may choose their form at will is commonly known as polymorphism and its practitioners as polymorphs, as distinct from duomorphism. In many cases, polymorphism is a skill of elementals and other spirits. Polymorphs often have to come in direct contact with the species they wish to take the form of, and, when transformed, may either retain features from their original self or completely and indistinguishably embody their target. Species that have an innate ability to polymorph are commonly amorphous and have no single true form, although they may find the most comfort in a particular form or forms as they are core to their personal identity.

The ability to polymorph without a living being as reference is considered a highly elite form of magic and is very rare among mages. Polymorphism is further considered distinct from the ability for some demi-human species to possess a living host, though the powers do often appear in tandem with one another. A possessed host that retains their consciousness through the process of possession is likely to express agony through any transformation encompassed within shapeshifting, and is likely to be psychologically distraught through the process.

Transmogrification

The practice of a mage causing another individual, often a human, to embody another form, is known as transmogrification. This power is most commonly found as a learned magic, and is rarely innate to any demi-human species, though it is closely related to certain conditions certain demi-humans can inflict, such as the ability of gorgons to turn human victims to stone upon eye contact.

See also

• Illusion magic