Transfiguration

The Physical World Obeys Your Will

"Alteration Magic" is the general term given to magic that modifies or changes the natural state of something - whether it be living or inanimate. While Enchantment focuses on the more dubious and less-predictable act of enchanting living things - Transfiguration magic instead focuses on altering the physical properties of in-organic matter in the (typically in the short-term) to better suit the needs of the spellcaster.

Arguably one of the most useful magical disciplines, transfiguration offers its spellcaster the ability to modify the very world around them as they see fit. Ice become fire and water becomes earth to the master Transfigurist. While certainly a flash magical discipline, transfiguration requires an immense study and understanding of the natural world and it's laws. The act of turn ice into fire requires a fundamental understanding of molecules and energy, and how the forms of matter and mass each impact and reflect the properties the spellcaster wishes to influence.

Transfiguration at its core, it the re-organization of the natural world into a manner that is more pleasing to the spellcaster; something that is all-together incredible difficult to do as the natural world is inherently chaotic and reflexively obstinate. Transfiguration requires a great degree of magical energy equal to the modifications being made to target spell for the changes to even to take place, but then requires substantial amounts of concentration and dividend energy to maintain those effects over a period of time. The difference between a novice Transfigurist and a adept one is knowing the "shortcuts" woven together between these natural laws to reduce the energy required to make these changes and better yet - render their maintenance energy a more manageable amount. While the novice may struggle keep a cube of ice frozen in their hand, the Master Transfigurist is capable of freezing an entire river over to permit an army to pass through - all whilst having a conversation with the general riding beside them as they heat the cup of tea in their hand to a boil. The difference between the two is more than just a simple test of will and sheer magical might - but rather an intuitive or studied understanding of the world around them - and a practiced hand and dominating and controlling nature to their own will.

While technically not a Magical Discipline on its own, Operating was itself developed by a practiced Transfigurists, and is a field that further develops the field of Transfiguration magic in away that makes it's effects more permanent and approachable for those who are not practiced Transfigurists. It is not uncommon for Operators without magical aptitude to study the arcane theories behind many Transfiguration spells to better implement and modify their own operating enchantments. It is also because of this that many adept Transfigurists also take to the operating skill in an effort to give their spellcasting ambitions a greater permanence.

Spells that alter the physical or mental properties of living creatures (besides non-sentient flora) in a controlled manner typically fall under the Enchantment Magical Discipline, as the life within each being plays a significant role in spells being cast on it's physical vessel - whether the target of the spell is willing or not.

Examples of Transfiguration Magic in Effect

Changing The Shape or Size of An Object - Turning chunk of iron into the shape of sword, rippling smooth stone to turn into rough terrain, and shrinking a vial of poison to better conceal it on your person are all ways in which a Transfigurist would find use for changing the shape or size of an object.


Imbuing an Object with Magical Energy - Engulfing a sword in brilliant blue flame, Making a small camp tent appear 10x its size once inside, or charging a silver ring with magical energy to then permanently enchant it through Operating Enchantments are all ways in which Transfigurists can use magical energy to "enchant" an object with a desired effect.


Making Dangerous Alterations to a Being's Physical Form - While controlled physical alterations to a person is still beyond the abilities of the Arcanists of The Collegiate Arcane and is practiced only by the most mysterious and powerful Primalists, those who wish will on a Transfigurist may suddenly find their internal organs turning to stone inside their bodies, their blood flash frozen inside their veins, or even their skull shrunken down to crush their brain slowly inside their head. Such alterations are crude manipulations of the physical vessel that houses a spirit and not true enchantments, but are none the less effective ways for a Transfigurist to deal with their enemies.