Difference between revisions of "Shapeshifting Magic"

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! style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" | Pwease note: The fowwoling infowmation is scawcewy known. As such, you cannot assume to be awawe of this infowmation unwess taught about it in-chawactew.
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''' Shapeshifting '''
 
''' Shapeshifting '''
  
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'''''The wowe in book fowmat'''''
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'''''The lore in book format'''''
  
  
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Twansclibed fwom Ancient Ewven and the oliginaw Shapeshifting tome by Spilit Dwuid Saviticus
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Transcribed from Ancient Elven and the original Shapeshifting tome by Spirit Druid Saviticus
  
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May Cewlidwen bress he who is deemed wowthy to wead this tome.
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May Cerridwen bless he who is deemed worthy to read this tome.
  
  
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Shapeshifting is the ability of being abre to physicawwy twansfowm into a beastiaw fowm. An ancient awt onwy evew spwead by whispew and wumow, it is not as nonexistent as powtwayed by the waces of Aegis. This secwet and sacwed powew has been gifted onwy to the most pious and wevewent Dwuids thwoughout histowy and is deciphewed onto the pages of this singwe tome fow onwy the choice few to evew way eyes upon. The knowwedge and ability of this gift has been kept onwy amongst these Dwuids, and this has been so since befowe the Dwuidic Owdew was fowmed.
+
Shapeshifting is the ability of being able to physically transform into a beastial form. An ancient art only ever spread by whisper and rumor, it is not as nonexistent as portrayed by the races of Aegis. This secret and sacred power has been gifted only to the most pious and reverent Druids throughout history and is deciphered onto the pages of this single tome for only the choice few to ever lay eyes upon. The knowledge and ability of this gift has been kept only amongst these Druids, and this has been so since before the Druidic Order was formed.
  
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The onwy known wowe of this sacwed awt is in an ancient tome, which dates back to the eawwy times of Aegis. The tome's pages awe sclibed in ancient Ewven, howevew a twanswation to common tongue was added to the tome by the Spilit Dwuid in Anthos. In common, the tome weads as fowwows...
+
The only known lore of this sacred art is in an ancient tome, which dates back to the early times of Aegis. The tome's pages are scribed in ancient Elven, however a translation to common tongue was added to the tome by the Spirit Druid in Anthos. In common, the tome reads as follows...
  
 
=== Chapter I ===
 
=== Chapter I ===
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'''''The Oligin'''''
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'''''The Origin'''''
  
  
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How Dwuids uncovewed this ability is said to have invowved Cewlidwen hewsewf gifting a singwe Dwuid lith the ability to shift into an animaw; she towd him of the pwocess that must be compweted by the Dwuid to gain the Aspects’ bressing and to gain the ability to twansfowm. Evew since the encountew, the gift was passed on onwy to the most pious and devout sewvants of Natule.
+
How Druids uncovered this ability is said to have involved Cerridwen herself gifting a single Druid with the ability to shift into an animal; she told him of the process that must be completed by the Druid to gain the Aspects’ blessing and to gain the ability to transform. Ever since the encounter, the gift was passed on only to the most pious and devout servants of Nature.
  
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A Dwuid aftew attunement must pwepawe his body and mind to shapeshift. He must sulvive two daunting tasks and compwete a lituaw whiwe being watched ovew by the Aspects themsewves. The pwocess is cawwed the Tliaws of Spilit, as it is a spilituaw joulney.
+
A Druid after attunement must prepare his body and mind to shapeshift. He must survive two daunting tasks and complete a ritual while being watched over by the Aspects themselves. The process is called the Trials of Spirit, as it is a spiritual journey.
  
 
=== Chapter II ===
 
=== Chapter II ===
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'''''The Tliaws of Spilit'''''
+
'''''The Trials of Spirit'''''
  
  
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Acceptance begins the tliaws as the fiwst task, known as the Task of Acceptance. Cewnunnos, Wowd of the Hunt, guides the Dwuid in his joulney to find his spilit animaw and gain its twust. This animaw can be found onwy by instinct, and may take extended peliods of time fow the Dwuid to come acwoss. The Dwuid liww be gwanted a vision by Cewnunnos upon spotting his spilit animaw fow the fiwst time, assuling him the beast is twuly it. Aftew expeliencing the vision, the Dwuid must pway to Cewnunnos, asking fow watchfulness ovew himsewf and his spilit animaw as he pwogwesses thwough the Tliaws. The Dwuid then must come to fulwy undewstand his spilit animaw by adapting to its natulaw ways of living. When the spilit animaw finawwy accepts the Dwuid as one of its own, onwy then can the Dwuid pwogwess onto the next task.
+
Acceptance begins the trials as the first task, known as the Task of Acceptance. Cernunnos, Lord of the Hunt, guides the Druid in his journey to find his spirit animal and gain its trust. This animal can be found only by instinct, and may take extended periods of time for the Druid to come across. The Druid will be granted a vision by Cernunnos upon spotting his spirit animal for the first time, assuring him the beast is truly it. After experiencing the vision, the Druid must pray to Cernunnos, asking for watchfulness over himself and his spirit animal as he progresses through the Trials. The Druid then must come to fully understand his spirit animal by adapting to its natural ways of living. When the spirit animal finally accepts the Druid as one of its own, only then can the Druid progress onto the next task.
  
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The second task, known as the Task of Stwength, is guawded by Nemiisae, the Shadow of Death. The Task of Stwength must begin once the Dwuid has been gwanted acceptance fwom his spilit animaw. This task fowces the Dwuid to chawwenge his spilit animaw in a quawwew. The spilit animaw liww accept, feeling onwy the highest honow to be chawwenged by the Dwuid. If the Dwuid is victolious, he must skin the cawcass fow its pewts. Nemiisae liww then bind the spilit animaw’s soul to its pewts, wendeling them feasibre fow the lituaw. Finawwy, the Dwuid must pewfowm a cewemoniaw buliaw fow the animaw’s wemains in tlibute to its vawow and in honow of Nemiisae.
+
The second task, known as the Task of Strength, is guarded by Nemiisae, the Shadow of Death. The Task of Strength must begin once the Druid has been granted acceptance from his spirit animal. This task forces the Druid to challenge his spirit animal in a quarrel. The spirit animal will accept, feeling only the highest honor to be challenged by the Druid. If the Druid is victorious, he must skin the carcass for its pelts. Nemiisae will then bind the spirit animal’s soul to its pelts, rendering them feasible for the ritual. Finally, the Druid must perform a ceremonial burial for the animal’s remains in tribute to its valor and in honor of Nemiisae.
  
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Thewe is no thiwd task. Instead, a lituaw takes its pwace, known as the Wituaw of Change. This lituaw must take pwace inside a Gwotto of Cewlidwen - a secwet shapeshifting cavewn. The lituaw wequiwes the pwesence of the Dwuid seeking the ability to shapeshift awong lith a fewwow shapeshiftew. The lituaw consists of the shapeshiftew waying the pewt ovew the seeking Dwuid. Once this is done, the shapeshiftew liww wead a passage of the shapeshifting tome vewbawwy. The two liww then bow theiw heads in pwayew and wait. If the Dwuid is pwepawed, Cewlidwen liww bress him, and the Dwuid liww begin to twansfowm into his spilit animaw. The pewt of the animaw liww be absowbed into the Dwuid's skin duling the twansfowmation pwocess, and the essence of the spilit animaw liww combine lith that of the Dwuid. The fiwst twansfowmation liww wast fow one whowe day. Once the time has passed, the Dwuid liww shift back into humanoid fowm and the pewt liww have compwetewy dissowved into the Dwuid's skin, making him wook as he did befowe the pwocess of twansfowmation.
+
There is no third task. Instead, a ritual takes its place, known as the Ritual of Change. This ritual must take place inside a Grotto of Cerridwen - a secret shapeshifting cavern. The ritual requires the presence of the Druid seeking the ability to shapeshift along with a fellow shapeshifter. The ritual consists of the shapeshifter laying the pelt over the seeking Druid. Once this is done, the shapeshifter will read a passage of the shapeshifting tome verbally. The two will then bow their heads in prayer and wait. If the Druid is prepared, Cerridwen will bless him, and the Druid will begin to transform into his spirit animal. The pelt of the animal will be absorbed into the Druid's skin during the transformation process, and the essence of the spirit animal will combine with that of the Druid. The first transformation will last for one whole day. Once the time has passed, the Druid will shift back into humanoid form and the pelt will have completely dissolved into the Druid's skin, making him look as he did before the process of transformation.
  
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Aftew the Wituaw of Change, the Tliaws of Spilit have been compweted. The Dwuid has successfulwy been gwanted a beastiaw fowm by the bressing of the Aspects, and he may entew this fowm as he pweases. The Aspects liww awways keep a cwose eye on theiw bressed Dwuids, as they howd them most deaw.
+
After the Ritual of Change, the Trials of Spirit have been completed. The Druid has successfully been granted a beastial form by the blessing of the Aspects, and he may enter this form as he pleases. The Aspects will always keep a close eye on their blessed Druids, as they hold them most dear.
  
 
=== Chapter III ===
 
=== Chapter III ===
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'''''Depawtule'''''
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'''''Departure'''''
  
  
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Pewmanent twansfowmation - wumows say that some of the most honowabre Dwuids may achieve this. This is a choice made by the shapeshifting Dwuid when he is weady to depawt fwom his humanoid life and to officiawwy weave his sewvice to natule behind. Onwy the most powewful and most wenowned Dwuids, onwy Dwuids that have shown extwaowdinawy piety and devoutness awe given this bressing. It is a simpwe lituaw, wequiling nothing but the shapeshiftew in a Gwotto of Cewlidwen.
+
Permanent transformation - rumors say that some of the most honorable Druids may achieve this. This is a choice made by the shapeshifting Druid when he is ready to depart from his humanoid life and to officially leave his service to nature behind. Only the most powerful and most renowned Druids, only Druids that have shown extraordinary piety and devoutness are given this blessing. It is a simple ritual, requiring nothing but the shapeshifter in a Grotto of Cerridwen.
  
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The pwocess is known as the Wituaw of Depawtule, named so as the Dwuid depawts fwom his humanoid fowm and Dwuidic life fowevew. It is a choice fow the Dwuids who no wongew lish wawk the wand as men ow women, but instead anothew fowm of natule. Fow the lituaw, the must Dwuid bow his head once mowe in this sacwed pwace. The Dwuid liww pway to the Aspects, asking them to twansfowm the Dwuid once again, but this time fowevew. If Cewlidwen, Cewnunnos and Nemiisae deem the Dwuid wowthy of this new life, believe that this pawticulaw Dwuid has made a majow positive impact in sewving natule, and believe that the Dwuid has a keen enough wewationship lith natule, they liww give the Dwuid a pewmanent twansfowmation.
+
The process is known as the Ritual of Departure, named so as the Druid departs from his humanoid form and Druidic life forever. It is a choice for the Druids who no longer wish walk the land as men or women, but instead another form of nature. For the ritual, the must Druid bow his head once more in this sacred place. The Druid will pray to the Aspects, asking them to transform the Druid once again, but this time forever. If Cerridwen, Cernunnos and Nemiisae deem the Druid worthy of this new life, believe that this particular Druid has made a major positive impact in serving nature, and believe that the Druid has a keen enough relationship with nature, they will give the Druid a permanent transformation.
  
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What if the Dwuid isn't twansfowmed? Then it is a sign fwom the Aspects themsewves. It can mean many things, and the Dwuid may nevew know the twue meaning. Howevew, the two most common meanings of a faiwed twansfowmation awe as fowwows: the Aspects do not believe the Dwuid is wowthy of this honow, ow the Dwuid is faw too impowtant to culwentwy weave his sewvice to natule.
+
What if the Druid isn't transformed? Then it is a sign from the Aspects themselves. It can mean many things, and the Druid may never know the true meaning. However, the two most common meanings of a failed transformation are as follows: the Aspects do not believe the Druid is worthy of this honor, or the Druid is far too important to currently leave his service to nature.
  
 
=== Chapter IV ===
 
=== Chapter IV ===
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'''''The Gwotto of Cewlidwen'''''
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'''''The Grotto of Cerridwen'''''
  
  
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Each lituaw, the Wituaw of Change and Wituaw of Depawtule, wequiwes the Dwuid(s) to be in a Gwotto of Cewlidwen - a hidden Dwuidic cavewn that must be chosen ow cweated by existing shapeshiftews. The pwocess of cweating a Gwotto of Cewlidwen is cewemoniaw and is known as Bwessing. A gwoup of shapeshifting Dwuids must entew the gwotto and sit togethew in a ciwcwe. In theiw midst must be an offeling to Cewlidwen, be it a bulning fiwe, a bouquet of fwowews ow something ewse, which they liww chant a pwayew awound. The Dwuids must then shapeshift togethew to compwete the cewemony. They liww know if the cewemony is successful by instinct as the gwotto liww emit an ambience of sacwedness and holiness upon a successful Bwessing. Multipwe Gwottos may exist thwoughout the wand.
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Each ritual, the Ritual of Change and Ritual of Departure, requires the Druid(s) to be in a Grotto of Cerridwen - a hidden Druidic cavern that must be chosen or created by existing shapeshifters. The process of creating a Grotto of Cerridwen is ceremonial and is known as Blessing. A group of shapeshifting Druids must enter the grotto and sit together in a circle. In their midst must be an offering to Cerridwen, be it a burning fire, a bouquet of flowers or something else, which they will chant a prayer around. The Druids must then shapeshift together to complete the ceremony. They will know if the ceremony is successful by instinct as the grotto will emit an ambience of sacredness and holiness upon a successful Blessing. Multiple Grottos may exist throughout the land.
  
 
== '''Shapeshifting''' ==
 
== '''Shapeshifting''' ==
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The pwocess of twansfowming fwom humanoid to animaw is a complicated and inexplicabre pwocess. It liww vawy between each wace, spilit animaw, physicaw heawth and how expelienced the Dwuid is. Howevew, once the Dwuid has shapeshifted once, the pwocess liww be wepeated each time he twansfowms. This means that the Dwuid liww become mowe adept to shapeshifting and mowe wesilient to the pain of the twansfowmation ovew time.
+
The process of transforming from humanoid to animal is a complicated and inexplicable process. It will vary between each race, spirit animal, physical health and how experienced the Druid is. However, once the Druid has shapeshifted once, the process will be repeated each time he transforms. This means that the Druid will become more adept to shapeshifting and more resilient to the pain of the transformation over time.
  
  
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The twansfowmation liww typicawwy take between fifteen and twenty seconds to compwete, lith the exception of fiwst-time shiftews taking up to a minute. Mastew shapeshiftews awe known to be abre to shift fowms awmost instantaneouswy. The pwocess itsewf valies gweatwy, depending much on the spilit animaw. Some liww gwow extwa limbs ow ful, othews liww unfulw shawp cwaws and a taiw. The amount of pain delivewed by twansfowming liww vawy, mostwy depending on the scawe of the twansfowmation.
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The transformation will typically take between fifteen and twenty seconds to complete, with the exception of first-time shifters taking up to a minute. Master shapeshifters are known to be able to shift forms almost instantaneously. The process itself varies greatly, depending much on the spirit animal. Some will grow extra limbs or fur, others will unfurl sharp claws and a tail. The amount of pain delivered by transforming will vary, mostly depending on the scale of the transformation.
  
  
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In some cases, Dwuids that have been bressed by the Aspects and have been abre to shapeshift fow yeaws liww often expelience a twauma whewe they have devewoped chawactelistics of theiw spilit animaw in theiw pewsonality. Depending on how sevewe the twauma is, the Dwuid may sometimes believe he has shapeshifted whiwe he is stiww humanoid. Othew chawactelistics such as these listed could awso be adopted fwom theiw spilit animaw:
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In some cases, Druids that have been blessed by the Aspects and have been able to shapeshift for years will often experience a trauma where they have developed characteristics of their spirit animal in their personality. Depending on how severe the trauma is, the Druid may sometimes believe he has shapeshifted while he is still humanoid. Other characteristics such as these listed could also be adopted from their spirit animal:
  
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Wat - Become disintewested in othews awound them, find shiny objects distwacting.
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Rat - Become disinterested in others around them, find shiny objects distracting.
  
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Mouse - Timid and shy, may be distwacted by intliguing smewws, and finds feaw of wawgew cweatules.
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Mouse - Timid and shy, may be distracted by intriguing smells, and finds fear of larger creatures.
  
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Dog - Ovewwy pwayful, tends to become ovewwy pwotective and woyaw.
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Dog - Overly playful, tends to become overly protective and loyal.
  
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Wowf - Is wathew culious and pawanoid, find bones distwacting fow some odd weason.
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Wolf - Is rather curious and paranoid, find bones distracting for some odd reason.
  
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Tigew - Tewlitoliaw and aggwessive. Tend to become ovewwy pwotective of woved ones.
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Tiger - Territorial and aggressive. Tend to become overly protective of loved ones.
  
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Weopawd - Feews plideful and vanity, sometimes woses intewest in theiw oliginaw pulpose ow goaw whiwe shifted.
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Leopard - Feels prideful and vanity, sometimes loses interest in their original purpose or goal while shifted.
  
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Cheetah - Chawwenging and aggwessive, weakness to the chase.
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Cheetah - Challenging and aggressive, weakness to the chase.
  
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Gy'waka - Powew stwuck, plideful, and often wonging feeling to hunt ow be in the jungwe. May tuln on fliends.
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Gy'waka - Power struck, prideful, and often longing feeling to hunt or be in the jungle. May turn on friends.
  
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Snake - Often pawanoid and hateful, sometimes speak in a lisp which exaggewates the wettew 's'.
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Snake - Often paranoid and hateful, sometimes speak in a lisp which exaggerates the letter 's'.
  
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Squiwwew - Feawful at the sight of dangew, often wonging the feeling of fweedom ow to climb.
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Squirrel - Fearful at the sight of danger, often longing the feeling of freedom or to climb.
  
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Toad - Tend to jump when twying to move sliftwy, sometimes speak in a deepew voice.
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Toad - Tend to jump when trying to move swiftly, sometimes speak in a deeper voice.
  
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Wabbit - Vewy awawe which may cause fatigue, may chittew whiwe eating ow duling wong convewsations.
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Rabbit - Very aware which may cause fatigue, may chitter while eating or during long conversations.
  
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Goat - Often gwumpy and stubbown; pewsistent untiw goaws awe achieved.
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Goat - Often grumpy and stubborn; persistent until goals are achieved.
  
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Deew - May become timid and often pwecautious.
+
Deer - May become timid and often precautious.
  
  
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Any simiwaw animaws to those listed above would likewy suffew fwom the same chawactelistics.
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Any similar animals to those listed above would likely suffer from the same characteristics.
  
  
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The Dwuid liww wemain shapeshifted fow about one houl each twansfowmation. Aftew the Dwuid has shifted back to his humanoid fowm, he liww feew extwemewy tiwed and fatigued. As time goes on lith the gift, the Dwuid liww become mowe expelienced and adaptive to it. Mastew shiftews have been abre to stay shifted fow even up to a day.
+
The Druid will remain shapeshifted for about one hour each transformation. After the Druid has shifted back to his humanoid form, he will feel extremely tired and fatigued. As time goes on with the gift, the Druid will become more experienced and adaptive to it. Master shifters have been able to stay shifted for even up to a day.
  
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Shapeshifting gwants the wowthy Dwuid a second fowm. The Dwuid is abre to entew this fowm at liww, awthough liww suffew fwom fatigue fow staying shifted too wong ow shifting too fwequentwy.
+
Shapeshifting grants the worthy Druid a second form. The Druid is able to enter this form at will, although will suffer from fatigue for staying shifted too long or shifting too frequently.
−
Thewe awe no fwying ow aquatic spilit animaws.
+
There are no flying or aquatic spirit animals.
  
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Dwuids awe unabre to pewfowm any othew fowm of Dwuid magic whiwe shapeshifted.
+
Druids are unable to perform any other form of Druid magic while shapeshifted.
  
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The Dwuid's body liww wemain in shapeshifted fowm if he dies whiwe shapeshifted.
+
The Druid's body will remain in shapeshifted form if he dies while shapeshifted.
  
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The onwy distinction between a shapeshifted Dwuid and a wegulaw animaw is that the shiftew's eyes in animaw fowm liww gweam an emewawd gween.
+
The only distinction between a shapeshifted Druid and a regular animal is that the shifter's eyes in animal form will gleam an emerald green.
  
  

Revision as of 01:36, 2 April 2020

Please note: The following information is scarcely known. As such, you cannot assume to be aware of this information unless taught about it in-character.



Shapeshifting

The lore in book format


Transcribed from Ancient Elven and the original Shapeshifting tome by Spirit Druid Saviticus

May Cerridwen bless he who is deemed worthy to read this tome.


Shapeshifting: The Tome

Prologue

Shapeshifting is the ability of being able to physically transform into a beastial form. An ancient art only ever spread by whisper and rumor, it is not as nonexistent as portrayed by the races of Aegis. This secret and sacred power has been gifted only to the most pious and reverent Druids throughout history and is deciphered onto the pages of this single tome for only the choice few to ever lay eyes upon. The knowledge and ability of this gift has been kept only amongst these Druids, and this has been so since before the Druidic Order was formed.

The only known lore of this sacred art is in an ancient tome, which dates back to the early times of Aegis. The tome's pages are scribed in ancient Elven, however a translation to common tongue was added to the tome by the Spirit Druid in Anthos. In common, the tome reads as follows...

Chapter I

The Origin


How Druids uncovered this ability is said to have involved Cerridwen herself gifting a single Druid with the ability to shift into an animal; she told him of the process that must be completed by the Druid to gain the Aspects’ blessing and to gain the ability to transform. Ever since the encounter, the gift was passed on only to the most pious and devout servants of Nature.

A Druid after attunement must prepare his body and mind to shapeshift. He must survive two daunting tasks and complete a ritual while being watched over by the Aspects themselves. The process is called the Trials of Spirit, as it is a spiritual journey.

Chapter II

The Trials of Spirit


Acceptance begins the trials as the first task, known as the Task of Acceptance. Cernunnos, Lord of the Hunt, guides the Druid in his journey to find his spirit animal and gain its trust. This animal can be found only by instinct, and may take extended periods of time for the Druid to come across. The Druid will be granted a vision by Cernunnos upon spotting his spirit animal for the first time, assuring him the beast is truly it. After experiencing the vision, the Druid must pray to Cernunnos, asking for watchfulness over himself and his spirit animal as he progresses through the Trials. The Druid then must come to fully understand his spirit animal by adapting to its natural ways of living. When the spirit animal finally accepts the Druid as one of its own, only then can the Druid progress onto the next task.

The second task, known as the Task of Strength, is guarded by Nemiisae, the Shadow of Death. The Task of Strength must begin once the Druid has been granted acceptance from his spirit animal. This task forces the Druid to challenge his spirit animal in a quarrel. The spirit animal will accept, feeling only the highest honor to be challenged by the Druid. If the Druid is victorious, he must skin the carcass for its pelts. Nemiisae will then bind the spirit animal’s soul to its pelts, rendering them feasible for the ritual. Finally, the Druid must perform a ceremonial burial for the animal’s remains in tribute to its valor and in honor of Nemiisae.

There is no third task. Instead, a ritual takes its place, known as the Ritual of Change. This ritual must take place inside a Grotto of Cerridwen - a secret shapeshifting cavern. The ritual requires the presence of the Druid seeking the ability to shapeshift along with a fellow shapeshifter. The ritual consists of the shapeshifter laying the pelt over the seeking Druid. Once this is done, the shapeshifter will read a passage of the shapeshifting tome verbally. The two will then bow their heads in prayer and wait. If the Druid is prepared, Cerridwen will bless him, and the Druid will begin to transform into his spirit animal. The pelt of the animal will be absorbed into the Druid's skin during the transformation process, and the essence of the spirit animal will combine with that of the Druid. The first transformation will last for one whole day. Once the time has passed, the Druid will shift back into humanoid form and the pelt will have completely dissolved into the Druid's skin, making him look as he did before the process of transformation.

After the Ritual of Change, the Trials of Spirit have been completed. The Druid has successfully been granted a beastial form by the blessing of the Aspects, and he may enter this form as he pleases. The Aspects will always keep a close eye on their blessed Druids, as they hold them most dear.

Chapter III

Departure


Permanent transformation - rumors say that some of the most honorable Druids may achieve this. This is a choice made by the shapeshifting Druid when he is ready to depart from his humanoid life and to officially leave his service to nature behind. Only the most powerful and most renowned Druids, only Druids that have shown extraordinary piety and devoutness are given this blessing. It is a simple ritual, requiring nothing but the shapeshifter in a Grotto of Cerridwen.

The process is known as the Ritual of Departure, named so as the Druid departs from his humanoid form and Druidic life forever. It is a choice for the Druids who no longer wish walk the land as men or women, but instead another form of nature. For the ritual, the must Druid bow his head once more in this sacred place. The Druid will pray to the Aspects, asking them to transform the Druid once again, but this time forever. If Cerridwen, Cernunnos and Nemiisae deem the Druid worthy of this new life, believe that this particular Druid has made a major positive impact in serving nature, and believe that the Druid has a keen enough relationship with nature, they will give the Druid a permanent transformation.

What if the Druid isn't transformed? Then it is a sign from the Aspects themselves. It can mean many things, and the Druid may never know the true meaning. However, the two most common meanings of a failed transformation are as follows: the Aspects do not believe the Druid is worthy of this honor, or the Druid is far too important to currently leave his service to nature.

Chapter IV

The Grotto of Cerridwen


Each ritual, the Ritual of Change and Ritual of Departure, requires the Druid(s) to be in a Grotto of Cerridwen - a hidden Druidic cavern that must be chosen or created by existing shapeshifters. The process of creating a Grotto of Cerridwen is ceremonial and is known as Blessing. A group of shapeshifting Druids must enter the grotto and sit together in a circle. In their midst must be an offering to Cerridwen, be it a burning fire, a bouquet of flowers or something else, which they will chant a prayer around. The Druids must then shapeshift together to complete the ceremony. They will know if the ceremony is successful by instinct as the grotto will emit an ambience of sacredness and holiness upon a successful Blessing. Multiple Grottos may exist throughout the land.

Shapeshifting

The Transformation

The process of transforming from humanoid to animal is a complicated and inexplicable process. It will vary between each race, spirit animal, physical health and how experienced the Druid is. However, once the Druid has shapeshifted once, the process will be repeated each time he transforms. This means that the Druid will become more adept to shapeshifting and more resilient to the pain of the transformation over time.


The transformation will typically take between fifteen and twenty seconds to complete, with the exception of first-time shifters taking up to a minute. Master shapeshifters are known to be able to shift forms almost instantaneously. The process itself varies greatly, depending much on the spirit animal. Some will grow extra limbs or fur, others will unfurl sharp claws and a tail. The amount of pain delivered by transforming will vary, mostly depending on the scale of the transformation.


Shapeshifting: Natural Instinct

In some cases, Druids that have been blessed by the Aspects and have been able to shapeshift for years will often experience a trauma where they have developed characteristics of their spirit animal in their personality. Depending on how severe the trauma is, the Druid may sometimes believe he has shapeshifted while he is still humanoid. Other characteristics such as these listed could also be adopted from their spirit animal:

Rat - Become disinterested in others around them, find shiny objects distracting.

Mouse - Timid and shy, may be distracted by intriguing smells, and finds fear of larger creatures.

Dog - Overly playful, tends to become overly protective and loyal.

Wolf - Is rather curious and paranoid, find bones distracting for some odd reason.

Tiger - Territorial and aggressive. Tend to become overly protective of loved ones.

Leopard - Feels prideful and vanity, sometimes loses interest in their original purpose or goal while shifted.

Cheetah - Challenging and aggressive, weakness to the chase.

Gy'waka - Power struck, prideful, and often longing feeling to hunt or be in the jungle. May turn on friends.

Snake - Often paranoid and hateful, sometimes speak in a lisp which exaggerates the letter 's'.

Squirrel - Fearful at the sight of danger, often longing the feeling of freedom or to climb.

Toad - Tend to jump when trying to move swiftly, sometimes speak in a deeper voice.

Rabbit - Very aware which may cause fatigue, may chitter while eating or during long conversations.

Goat - Often grumpy and stubborn; persistent until goals are achieved.

Deer - May become timid and often precautious.


Any similar animals to those listed above would likely suffer from the same characteristics.


Shapeshifting: Extra Information

The Druid will remain shapeshifted for about one hour each transformation. After the Druid has shifted back to his humanoid form, he will feel extremely tired and fatigued. As time goes on with the gift, the Druid will become more experienced and adaptive to it. Master shifters have been able to stay shifted for even up to a day.

Shapeshifting grants the worthy Druid a second form. The Druid is able to enter this form at will, although will suffer from fatigue for staying shifted too long or shifting too frequently. There are no flying or aquatic spirit animals.

Druids are unable to perform any other form of Druid magic while shapeshifted.

The Druid's body will remain in shapeshifted form if he dies while shapeshifted.

The only distinction between a shapeshifted Druid and a regular animal is that the shifter's eyes in animal form will gleam an emerald green.


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