Ritual of becoming a Shape Changer

Review

  
     "This is a review of a new Special Knowledge spell for
the College of Shaping Magics. I would recommend that only
GM`s read it first to see how much they want to reveal to
potential Shape-changers."

     "How or where did the original Shape-changes come into
existence? This Ritual could answer part of the question (if a
GM decides to adopt it). I based it loosely upon `R3: Ritual
of Becoming Undead` from `Necromantic Conjurations`.  It deals
with the actual casting of the Ritual as well as the effect on
experience multiples. It deals with other races other than
humans being Shape-changers.  It also deals with the necessary
physical components, mainly the animal.  As always I would
appreciate feedback, good or bad.  I would like to hear any
changes you make."

                          ANDON THE GREAT

                  Arch Ensorceler and Enchanter.
            
                (c/o dja@magna.com.au)

Ritual of becoming a Shape Changer

  
     The College of Shaping Magics.
Ritual of Becoming a Shape-changer.
R-26 {Arcane Wisdom} or R-25 {Third Edition}.

     The Adept may become a Shape-changer by employing this
Ritual.  At the GM`s discretion, this Ritual may also be
performed upon another person, so long as they are present for
the entire ritual. Once he joins the ranks of the Shape-
changers, he may not reverse the effect.  Races other than
Humans are only allowed to become shape-changers after careful
consideration by the GM.  The choice of animals allowed is
also the GM`s decision.
     Two concentric protective circles must be drawn by the
Adept, and the recipient must remain within the outer circle
throughout the ritual.  The Adept conducts the ceremony from
the inner circle.  The ritual takes two hours to perform. 
During the course of this, an animal of the species to which
the Adept wishes to be able to turn must be present (within
the inner  circle).  The Animal may be bound, but must be
conscious during the entire ritual.  As the Ritual nears its
end, the Adept takes the essence of the animal in the inner
circle and places it in the recipient in the outer.  If this
is the Adept then he moves to the outer circle and places it
in himself.  Upon the completion of the ritual the GM rolls to
determine whether or not the ritual in question was a success,
the base chance for this ritual is 10% (+3 per rank).
     If successful, the recipient becomes a Shape-changer of
the animal used in the ritual.  The animal must be released
after the ritual, regardless of whether or not this was
successful.  The new Shape-changer will have a strong bond
with this individual animal and will have no desire to harm
it.  If it is harmed in any way powerful Earth Adepts will
probably `feel` a mana shift and take swift justice!  At the
GM`s option it can become a constant companion.  The same
animal cannot be used in further attempts to become a shape-
changer.  Attempting to use the same animal twice will result
in an automatic backfire.  This is also true of the animal if
it was used previously by another Adept with this Ritual. 
There is no easy way of determining this.  The Person or Adept
will NOT know if the ritual is successful for at least a
month.  No Shape-changing can occur before this until the
magic `settles in` and the body adjusts.  Only one ritual can
be in effect each month. 
      If the Ritual backfires then Lycanthropy (major curse)
is contracted.  This can not be detected or cured until it
manifests itself at the next full moon or other times as
determined by the GM.  Remember the GM keeps the roll secret,
and the person will not know what may happen with regard to
success or failure until this month is up.  Another Ritual
cannot be performed until this major curse is removed. 
     A Shape-changer created this way can pass his ability on
to his children, who will have the normal 2.0 ELM.  He also
now has a change to his ELM.  Mercenaries have their ELM 
multiplied by 150%, Adventurers by 200% and Heroes by 250% For
example a human would be 1.5 until he reached Adventurer
level. He would then have to change to 2.0. When he becomes a
Hero it would change yet again to 2.5. An Elf would be 3.75;
5; and 6.25 respectively. The GM of course is free to change
these.  These experience point multiples represent the fact
that the person changed by this ritual is not wholly at home
in his new body (and coincidentally prevent this spell from
disadvantaging those who have been Shape-changers from the
beginning).  
     The Experience Multiple of this Ritual is 550.