Stronger and subtler metamorphs?

In this post I want to talk about two things: metamorphosis transformations’ game effects and subtlety a la Liber Ka.

Transformations’ game effects

In the rulebook, metamorphosis transformations were purely cosmetic and had no useful mechanical effects. In Chronicle of the Awakenings, each metamorph generally had 2 game effects at 16+ points each. Water breathing, flight, claws, vengeance sense, prophecy, etc.

The unofficial Australian metamorphs were especially powerful.

In the Ex Oculis fanbook, every transformation would’ve had a useful mechanical effect. (Often costing 1 or more ch’awe.) I would definitely use that instead, especially comparing it with the Selenim’s Anamorphosis. The latter always provided useful game effects.

I’m not gonna provide a whole conversion in this post. I encourage groups to customize their metamorphs to suit their styles, using the books as inspiration. Shelby Babb's old page has some ideas, unfortunately written for the rulebook before CotA was released. The fan-made Duergar metamorphosis by Simon Bray is an example of game effects for all five Transformations, conveniently using the CotA rules. 

Transformations’ subtlety 

To better match the subtler magic from Liber Ka, Slaying the Dragon and Enlightened Magic, I take a page from Ex Oculis. Transformations aren’t literal physical transformations but spiritual ones. That’s why they’re only visible with sufficient Ka-vision. Spiritual transformations are common in real world occultism and are believed to have real effects on the world around those transformed.

Transformations still have their same game effects, but these are flavored more like psychic powers. You’re not gonna pick up a transformation on cellphone cameras, though you might get one of those grainy blurry cryptid photos.

Hope you enjoyed!

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