[✓] [Magic Lore] Druidic Shapeshifting

[Luciloo 2651]

The Trials of Spirit and Resolve

“Do you hear the call of the wilds? The feeling is indescribable and true freedom unlike anything you

have ever experienced before.” ~ Sena, The Buffalo Druid 

 

The Trial of Acceptance

The journey begins for the Druid by the teacher aiding them on a spiritual vision. This vision is invoked by a ritual which causes the Druid to have an out of body experience. It is said from there that the Aspect Cernunnos pulls the Druid onto a path to find their destined animal spirit to bond with. During this time, the teacher watches over the Druid’s body while this is performed and can pull them back into consciousness if need be. This process could last days, weeks, or months (in-game) depending on the time it takes for them to find the animal. If the animal is found, the vision will end and the Druid will awaken.

 

Mechanics:

This is a spiritual vision that the teacher gives the student. With the oocly provided knowledge of what animal the student has chosen oocly, the teacher then creates a story around the student’s spirit being lifted and then guided to find the animal they will eventually bond with. This is left up to the teacher and student respectively, but effort does need to be made with the story vision the student will receive to give a full RP experience they deserve when doing these trials. Anything else they might see in these visions should be left as ambiguous, so any attempt to try and add an interaction of say a Mani or an Aspect is strictly attributed to the strange effects of the vision itself and is non-canon. Any attempt to OOCly state the character has met or interacted with said deities is strictly prohibited.

 

The Trial of Strength 

Once the vision reveals the animal, the next trial involves the teacher guiding the Druid to find it. If found the teacher leaves and the Druid must bond with the animal to earn its acceptance, then challenge it in combat to the death. This trial is said to be watched over by the Aspect Nemiisae, watching and judging the Druid’s true nature and resolve, to determine if they are worthy of such a gift. Should the Druid prove victorious, they skin the animal and bury the remains respectfully to give thanks for such a sacrifice. Upon completion, they return to their teacher with the skin to proceed with the final trial. 

 

Mechanics:

This trial requires the teacher to find a location suitable for the regional habitat of said animal then direct their student to find it. The teacher plays the animal in question, whether by using a provided skin or by standing by OOCly and emoting. This part is where the teacher creates a full interactive story around the animal itself where the student must discern how to bond with it. The student’s actions determine if they are able to do combat with the animal or not. Once the teacher decides the student is ready, the RP combat will complete the final session. This is a fight to the death, but the Druid is not held to a PK clause. Should the student fail to kill the animal, they fail the trials completely. This trial usually includes 2-3 RP sessions with the animal, though a teacher may opt to do more to create a more engaging story. The skin(or equivalent, depending on the animal) is required for the next trial. 

 

The Trial of Change 

The final trial is more of a ritual that takes place in a sacred, hidden area known as the Grotto of Cerridwen. With the pelt of the animal, the Druid steps into the center of the Grotto while their teacher begins to recite an ancient Druidic chant. The area stirs to life while creating a surge of Druidic energy as the hide of the animal starts to meld into the Druid’s flesh, calling forth the spirit of the animal to merge with the Druid’s soul and body. When the process is complete, the Druid’s body begins to morph. The process for the first time is slow and painful though the result, if successful, is the Druid now fully shifted into the animal they have bonded with. 

 

Mechanics:

This final trial requires the location of the Grotto of Cerridwen. The teacher guides the student there, where they perform the ritual and final test, to determine if the student is worthy or not. The requirement for the student is to have the skin(or variation depending on the animal) with them. They are told to sit in a certain place in front of the altar or shrines there, while the teacher places the skin of the animal upon their back. The teacher will then begin to chant, cast, and/or RP special effects that happen in the Grotto itself. This is generally left up to the teacher and how they individually choose to RP it. Once finished, there is a moment of silence. Should the skin of the animal successfully meld into the student’s body, the student is then allowed to start changing into the animal. This is the only time they can do such before an MA is made, and lasts one irl hour before forced to shift back again. The teacher remains with them during this time.

 

 

 

 

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Grotto of Cerridwen

 

 

The Grotto of Cerridwen is the sacred, hidden location that is required for the final trial of shapeshifting to be performed. The Grotto itself can be created in any design, from shrines to all the different Aspects to those of Demi-Aspects or even Mani murals. These locations are no different than any other Druidic cavern/structure, making it impossible to just assume it is the Grotto unless actually told. The process of creating Grottos requires three shifters. Each bringing an offering to Cerridwen, the offerings are placed in the center of the room with all three shifters sitting around it. One then chants prayers, while the others begin to infuse Druidic energies into the offerings. All three then shift at once, creating a surge of natural energy within the room itself. Upon successful completion, the offerings  turn into a greenish goo and seep down into the ground before a calm serenity washes over the grotto area. 

 

 

 

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Tier Progression

 

 

Tier 1:

The first time one shifts within the grotto of Cerridwen, the process is long and usually painful depending on the animal. After this first instance, at the beginning of their journey as a shifter, changing into animal form takes quite a while to achieve and is painful, with soreness and aching pervading the humanoid body when returning. The Druid cannot maintain their animal form for long, more often than not shifting back randomly or not getting correct control over the animal instincts they now possess.

 

((When shifting, it requires 5 emotes to fully shift in and out of animal form. When in combat, it is far more straining to focus on shifting, making it impossible to do such under  pressure.))

 

 

Tier 2:

Shifting into animal form becomes easier for the Druid, but the process still takes some time to achieve. The Druid is now able to stay within their animal form for longer, and is more exposed to their spirit animal’s natural instincts. While in humanoid form, the Druid may find certain triggers or instincts of their spirit animal still hard to control or process. Oftentimes their personalities begin to change at this point, but are dependent on their animal spirit.

 

Tier 2 is reached 1 OOC week after App. Accepted Date

 

((When shifting, it requires 4 emotes to fully shift into animal form and 4 emotes to shift back. When in combat, it is less straining than the previous tier, however it will take 5 emotes given the focus required while in said situation))

 

 

Tier 3:

The Druid now has an easier time shifting into animal form without much pain or soreness. Instincts of the spirit animal now become more fluid and easier to manage for the Druid within humanoid form. Though the effects will still remain, the Druid is able to manage the changes they experience from the side effects of shifting. Maintaining animal form becomes easier and lasts for longer, rarely ever randomly shifting back.

 

Tier 3 is reached 4 OOC weeks after App. Accepted Date.

 

((When shifting, it requires 4 emotes to fully shift into animal form and 4 emotes to shift back. When in combat, the Druid will find their connection to their animal closer, allowing them to have the same 4 required emotes when in such a situation.))

 

 

Tier 4:

The Druid has almost fully mastered the ability to shift into their animal form and back. Instincts become second nature to the Druid, while shifting takes less time than before. With this greater mastery over shapeshifting, the Druid is able to pass on the knowledge to another, providing the requirements needed to do so are met.

 

Tier 4 is reached 12 OOC weeks after the Accepted App. Date. (3 months)
Can now obtain a TA in Shapeshifting
TA requires being taught the Trial Process and Access to a Grotto of Cerridwen.

 

((When shifting, it requires 3 emotes to fully shift into animal form and 3 emotes to shift back. When in combat, the Druid is far more bonded and in tune with their animal spirit, allowing 3 emotes to shift when in such a situation.))

 

 

Tier 5:

The Druid has fully mastered the art of shapeshifting. Morphing into their respective animal almost instantaneously now, with no random occurrences of shifting back to humanoid form. Those who have mastered this ability are even rumored to be able to stay in their animal form years at a time, finding themselves remaining more animal than humanoid.

 

Tier 5 is reached 16 OOC weeks after the Accepted App. Date. (4 months)

 

((When shifting, it requires 2 emotes to fully shift into animal form and 2 emotes to shift back. When in combat, while the Druid shifter is now completely one with the animal spirit, the strain and sudden focus in combat has the shift still require 3 emotes in such situations.))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Instinctual Side Effects

'Some shifters just decide to yeet off into the distance’

‘ Sometimes they come back’

 ‘Sometimes they decide the wilds are their true home'

'Some decide to be a snake in a sweater'

'Who knows' ~ Dwyn, the Deer Druid

 

As the Druid progresses and bonds with the animal spirit within them, their mental state and behavior begins to change, whereby they take on some characteristics of said animal. This can vary and falls within a wide range of effects, from feeling more territorial, distant, fearful, alert, and/or more obsessed with certain things. While choosing what kind of behavioral changes or mindset the Druid can take, they must have some instinctual change from the animal spirit they now possess. Below is a list of examples of instincts that one could obtain from that animal or one similar to that animal. This isn’t however, something to follow to the hilt and rather encouraged to add some unique flavour of your own to your Druid and their RP. 

 

Examples:

 

Ravens Collect various shiny objects, may be more prone to pester or harass others for things.

Mice Are timid and shy, may be distracted by intriguing smells, and finds fear of larger creatures.

Dogs Become overly playful, tends to become protective and loyal.

Wolves Grow rather curious and paranoid, may lash out with angered and seem very protective of family or friends.

Tigers Feel territorial and aggressive. Tend to become overly protective of loved ones.

Leopards Become feel prideful and vain, sometimes losing interest in their original purpose or goal while shifted.

Turtles Grow lazy or very laid back. They usually take things slow. 

Wildcats Are very elusive and more often than not, observe others from apart. Not fond of crowds.

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

Squirrels May become fearful at the sight of danger, often longing for the feeling of freedom or to climb.

Toads Tend to jump when trying to move swiftly, sometimes speaking in a deeper voice.

Rabbits Are very aware, which may cause fatigue. They may chitter while eating or during long conversations. Nose may wiggle.

Goats Eventually become grumpy and stubborn, they’re persistent until goals are achieved.

Deer May become timid and often precarious.

Birds May be jittery, extra-social, and a diligent builder or guardian.

 

 

 

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Other Subtypes while Shapeshifted

 

Communion: Communion while in animal form works exactly the same as if one were speaking with an animal. This can be done through words, emotions, general behaviour of the animal, and so on. As with animals in general, an animal shifter choosing not to speak isn’t a dead giveaway that they are a shifter. Their voices are not recognizable unless the shifter chooses to reveal themselves to the Druid they speak to. With regards to ‘Control’ abilities, the animal shifter must be completely stationary to perform such, unable to move from the spot. Redlines and restrictions regarding Control should be followed with the Druid’s tier and section of how to perform ‘Control’ abilities.

 

Blight Healing: While not in combat, the shifter may cast Blight Healing abilities whereby the mists or other manifested energies emit from their form. This can be from their wings, feet, hooves, fur, and so on, creating the mists either trailing behind them, around them, and so on. However using blight healing should follow the redlines and their tier level. Additionally exhaustion takes a toll by halting the shifter from shifting back for two irl hours. 

 

Powersharing: Powersharing while in animal form may only be performed as pooling energy with another, never able to receive such energy while the shifter is in animal form. This ability should follow the redlines and restrictions found under Powersharing in the Communion subtype. 

 

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Redlines

Spoiler

 

Must be Tier 5 in Communion in order to learn Shapeshifting.

 

Requires the Grotto of Cerridwen in order to complete the Third Trial (Ritual of Change).

 

All animals are chosen OOCly. The characters ICly do not know which animal will be chosen for them. 

 

Once trials begin, it is not a guarantee that the student will automatically pass the trials and obtain shapeshifting. Should the teacher find the student unworthy or have done something to warrant their concern, the teacher can stop the trials altogether. 

 

Once an animal is chosen and the First Trial completed, the shifter cannot change said animal unless under certain circumstances. Once the third and final trial is completed (Ritual of Change), the animal can never be changed.  

 

When shifting in and out of animal form, the required emotes cannot be short and subpar. Any such that is attempted will be considered powergaming.

 

Event Creatures of any sort are strictly prohibited. This falls with the unique creatures of the creature index.

 

Shifters in their animal form are unable to use any magics other than the subtypes indicated above.

 

Cannot turn into baby animals.

 

All clothes and various items that the Druid holds while shapeshifting will meld and vanish away upon shifting into animal form. The items and clothing return upon unshifting. While yes, one could question the logic here, it falls in line with server rules of nudity and removing that factor completely. 

 

Any scars on the humanoid body can be transferred to the animal body and vice versa. Attachment limbs such as Druidic limbs, runic limbs, and so forth have the option to either meld away and sprout the animal limb or let it remain missing while in animal form, as per the shifter’s wishes.

 

Fresh injuries obtained while in either form transfer respectively to the other. An example of this would be the shifter stabbed in the leg while as an animal, their humanoid form then has the same injury within said location if shifted back.

 

The animal OOCly chosen must be something that is within the realm of possibility to not only get too, but survive being around it and its environment. An example of a ‘No’ would be deep sea creatures. 

 

For the sizes of animals, the shifter is able to shift into an animal as small as a bird (8.7 – 10 in) with the max being as large as a moose(10ft with adult head and body). Those animals that are larger or smaller than those limitations, the body of the shifter either grows or is reduced to balance the restricted size range. Example, if a shifter turns into an elephant, it be the size of a moose.

 

Insects, unless approved by the story team, are strictly prohibited. Those who have an insect animal form prior are exempt from this, however must follow the size restrictions above to bring it in balancing range. 

 

Poisons emitted from the shifter’s animal form follow the poison protocol of the Story Team. 

 

Flying animals must follow mechanic rules. If you can get there mechanically, you can fly there. For walls of settlements and/or nations, PRO permission is required to RPly fly over the wall and to be let in mechanically.

 

Within iRP conflict, a flying shifter is able to emote being at the most 5 blocks off the ground or able to emote landing on a branch or higher location within that block radius. 

 

Shifters in animal form follow the same server rules when entering/leaving combat. This however doesn’t give the excuse to suddenly engage a shifter in animal form just because its a ‘player’ and will be considered metagaming without proper RP leading up to it.

 

All shifter animals must RP the effects of the environment in which they shifted in. For example, a shifter turning into a snake within a tundra region would need protective clothing or wrappings, otherwise it will not survive. 

 

If in an area with or hit with anti-magic of some sort, the shifter is stuck in said form for as long as the duration is stated regarding said magic. Any that weakens magical abilities, the emotes are twice as long to be able to shift into either form. An example would be a shifter taking 3 emotes to shift now requiring 6 emotes. Other Druidic abilities attempted while in animal form are blocked during the duration of said magic or area.

 

When engaged in combat, T5 shifters must do 3 emotes when shifting into either form. Lower tiers must follow the guidelines in the tier progression section. Out of combat, T5 shifters can do 2 emotes to shift. 

 

All shifters while in animal form are sterile. Any female shifters that attempt to shift while pregnant will lose the child. Server rules also apply here. Don’t try it.

 

Aesthetic effects in animal form including eye glow, glowing tattoos, emerald shimmering on fur, etc. are possible, but not required for a shifter to have.

 

Shifters in animal form must follow the restrictions of the subtypes if attempted to be used. This is found above in the ‘Other Subtypes while Shapeshifted‘ section. 

 

Druids Communing with animal shifters cannot tell the difference between the shifter and a regular animal unless the shifter allows it so. 

 

If a shifter dies while in animal form, the body remains as an animal.

 

Must RP the instinctual side effects that will gradually change your character’s mentality. 

 

Trying to ‘discover’ someone is a shifter based on very poor tells or very stretched observations is strictly not allowed. Any that attempt such will be labelled as metagaming the shifter.

 

One requires an accepted MA in order to roleplay the magic.

 

One must hold a valid TA in order to teach the magic to another.

 

One may apply for a TA after reaching T4 and holding an MA for three months. One must also be taught how each Trial is done and have access to a Grotto of Cerridwen. Both IC and OOC aspects of it.

 

Shapeshifting occupies a single magic slot.

 

Should a shifter be unattuned while in humanoid form, the spirit of the animal leaves them and is gone forever. If in animal form, their body starts to morph and violently change back as the animal’s spirit is released.

 

Should a Druid once a shifter be reattuned again, they may be able to take the Trials again(once T5). The animal spirit seen however remains the same as before.

 

Requires 3 shifters to reform the ritual and make a new Grotto of Cerridwen. A Story Team member must approve of said location. Any number of Grottos can be made.

 

Please keep logs of all shapeshifting teaching/learning RP saved in case of questions from the ST.

 

 

 

Purpose

Though through Attunement and Communion, the Druid can become closer to nature, they are still Descendants of Malin, Krug, Horen and Urguan. Forever outside of the Balance, looking in to some degree. Yet there exists a Gift, deeply sacred and for millennia kept secret by the Druids who possessed it. Unheard of by many within the Order and not even whispers escaping to outsiders. A Gift which would allow a Druid to experience nature through the lens of a beast of Cernunnos, to assume their form and truly come to understand nature as if they were part of it. So blessed is this new perspective, that some elect to never return to a humanoid form and wholly become one with the untamed wilds of nature.

 

OOC

Spoiler

Shapeshifting has a very mixed history within Druidism. Widely perceived as an ‘endgame,’ it actually offers no true advantages and serves only to deepen a Druid’s connection with nature, but because of its secretive iRP nature many attempt to acquire it. Breaking away from a clique mentality, the Shifting Tome was removed in a prior clarification by Delmodan, preventing a single player from monopolising the ability to teach. Shapeshifters are typically choosy about who they reveal themselves to and doubly so for whom they teach, but a Shifter in roleplay is often oocly referred to as ‘shifter antics’ for an amusing, comical or otherwise dramatically ironic spin on ‘slice of life’ RP. Shapeshifters have also been known to offer unique interactions with Druids and non-Druids, for example many Wood Elves have assumed a particular wolf or deer may be a Mani in disguise, one Shapeshifter recently allowed Mystery’s Voidal Tear events to uniquely interact with their Shifter animal. A certain very large rattlesnake is known to be “hozh” among Orcs.

 

Ultimately Shapeshifting exists to give a character greater depth and understanding of nature, to be able to see nature through the eyes of the beast, but it also offers some unique flavour roleplay and interactions with other characters even outside of the Druid playerbase.

 

 

Sources & References

Spoiler

 

Druidism Guide:

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/169746-~druidism-guide~/

 

Shapeshifter lore

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/145484-druidic-shapeshifting/

 

 

Changelog:

Spoiler

 

Redline changed

Shifters in animal form follow the same server rules when entering/leaving combat. This however doesn’t give the excuse to suddenly engage a shifter in animal form just because its a ‘player’ and will be considered metagaming without proper RP leading up to it.

 

Learning time reduced

 

 

 

 

[GodEmperorFlam 3447]

Thank you for submitting your Lore Games draft! You will receive input on what needs to be fixed within the next 2 or so weeks.

[GodEmperorFlam 3447]

This lore is pending, send me a PM over discord ( Flamboyant#8856 ) or over the forums at click me. I will go over the things that need to be fixed there.

[GodEmperorFlam 3447]

This Lore has been accepted. Moved to Implemented Lore, it will be sorted to it's appropriate category soon. Please note that if this is playable lore, such as a magic or CA, you will need to write a guide for this piece. You will be contacted regarding the guide (or implementation if it isn’t needed) shortly.