Transformation (Matter)

Transformation magic changes a target's form, in whole or in part, through shape shifting and augmentation spells that apply a transformation shell over the target's soul. Crucially, both the target and the caster must have souls for transformation to work. It cannot affect the truly soulless, such as constructs or minor undead.
Classification: Specialization Parent School: Alteration

Technique Glyph Doctrine

Doctrine Pair: Faden + Anker

Transformation emphasizes controlled morph pathways and persistent state reconfiguration.

Fictional Permission

When you hold Transformation in your Grimoire, you have specific fictional positioning.

Transformation CAN:

• Reforge matter and living tissue through a transformation shell anchored on souls (caster and target both souled).
• Hold partial morphs, augments, and tool-shaping while paying Mana Track costs.
• Layer persistent alterations when fiction supports careful anchors.

Transformation CANNOT:

• Affect truly soulless targets (constructs, minor undead) — the shell has nothing to seat on.
• Create net new mass from nothing; you rework what is present (see Alteration domain limits).
• Replace Soul Magic identity edits or Mind Magic compulsions without crossing schools.

The Core Matrix

This specialization's live-casting access follows its Technique Glyph doctrine.

Geometric Scaling (Mana Track Box Costs)

When determining the cost of a spell, the GM uses this scale. Each example uses live notation: Intent -> School -> Glyph -> Scale -> Tags.

• Trivial (0 Ticks): Stain or pigment a small object. Recolor wooden staff -> Alteration -> Faden -> trivial effect, touch range, shaft length, until dismissed
• Regular (1 Tick): Bend organic matter into a new useful shape. Warp branch into bow stave -> Alteration -> Schmiede+Fluss -> standard effect, touch range, single branch, short
• Hard (2 Ticks): Forge metal into a precise tool form. Forge bar into cuffs -> Alteration -> Schmiede+Stoss -> hard effect, touch range, hand tool volume, instant
• Complex (2 Ticks): Phase-change a solid bulk (door, plate) to liquid splash. Liquefy metal door -> Alteration -> Fluss+Kreis -> complex effect, touch range, door surface, instant, loud
• Miracle (4+ Ticks): Brutal transmutation across material categories. Transmute iron mass to air -> Alteration -> Kreis+Spiegel+Fluss -> miracle effect, near range, door-sized mass, instant, unstable

(For detailed sensory information and theoretical deep-dives, refer to Schools Lore)

Core-school glyph sets by training level: Alteration#The Core Matrix.