Transformation: True Shapeshifting vs. Magic

[Eslfagre]

Im looking to make a Druid-like character, capable of shifting into a select number of forms (one land, one air, one water) but also capable of casting spells.
To do so effectively I'd need Evocation, for druid-magic. But how do people handle shapeshifting magically, compared to using Powers to shapeshift?
Either way I'd need Modular abilities.
Injun Joe shifts at great speed, so it must be Evocation, not Thaumaturgy, most likely Spirit magic.

Im new to this style of rpg and was hoping for input.

Thanks!

[Theogony_IX]

I had a druid character put together for a game.  The game died shortly after it started, but the character build was sound.  Transformation is definitely thaumaturgy.  You have two basic options here:

You'd need either full Thaumaturgy, or you'd need Ritual in Biomancy, or in Transformation and Disruption, and you'd need "Mastery of" Biomancy or Transformation and Disruption to cast transformation at Evocation's Speed.  You'd also need some serious Specializations and Focus in that area.  Transforming with magic is difficult stuff and requires lots of shifts, which is why its so impressive when Listens to Wind does it.  This is how Paranet Papers outlines transformations.

3 Shifts for an aspect to represent a new High Concept
2 Shifts for each point of refresh the powers you are adopting will cost
1 Shift in consequences for each point of refresh the powers you are adopting will cost (This should technically be an actual consequence taken by the target of your spell and is something that I require for transformation in my games (except when the person is transforming themselves or transforming in order to heal.  I still require the shifts to be a part of the spell though, just no consequences taken).  If you are transforming another person to give them super powers, they will need to take consequences to accept those powers or you will need to inflict those consequences on them.  If they accept the consequences themselves, then you don't need to bring those shifts yourself, but if you are transforming someone against their will then those shifts are handled like an attack, so you add additional shifts to overcome their Endurance score and possible defense roll.)

In my games, [shifts needed to transform yourself] = 3+(3x[the refresh cost of the powers]).

Say you want to be a gorilla.  You want Hulking Size and Supernatural Strength.  That's 6 points of refresh.  3+3x6=21.  That's 21 shifts to transform yourself into a gorilla.  That is . . . a lot.


The other, more easily attainable option, mechanically speaking, is to simply take modular abilities and have that model your transformation magic, but that means that is the only kind of thaumaturgy you are likely to do.  You wouldn't be able to do the rest magic offers without spending the refresh for it, and that becomes difficult at the normal levels of refresh.  I kind of split the difference in my character.

My character, Paul Williamson, externalized his transformations into a wolf companion named Voss.  Follow the link to see his build.

[Haru]

I'd be careful with allowing that. There are shapeshifting powers for a reason. Bypassing buying powers by emulating them with spells will only work so long, at least for me.

The first hit is free. If you have an idea how giving you powers with a spell could solve the current issue, go for it, that's a cool thing. If you want to keep doing it, a.k.a. it is kind of a signature move of your character, I'd like you to spend some refresh on it.

Now druidic magic to me feels more like a ritualistic thing. Slow and steady. As such, you should be able to get away with 2 points of refresh and ritual (druidic magic).

Injun Joe either has some shapeshifter powers, or it was a one time (or even an NPC) thing.

For shapeshifting powers, you have a few options. You can take a form of True Shapeshifting that only allows you to transform into animals, which I would say should cost 3 refresh, not 4. After that, you can see how much different you want the animals you shift into to be. If they are almost identical and are only supposed to differ in skills, take the same powers under human form and you're good to go. Otherwise you'll need to take modular abilities.

Then again, shapeshifting could also be done to solve a problem, in which case it would most likely be a simple task ritual. A ritual to turn into a hawk for a minute to fly over a wall should be no more difficult to climb over it. Turning into a mouse for a moment and sneaking through a crack could replace burglary. And so on. It wouldn't be "real" shapeshifting, as you only take on the new form momentarily, but it could help you solve a lot of problems.

I don't think I would allow you to do something like this with simple evocation. You'd need evothaum at least, meaning sponsored magic. If you want to go for this small time shifting, not a full shift with powers and all, sponsored magic (gaia) or something along those lines should work nicely.