Partial Shapeshifting Expanded for GURPS, Fourth Edition
General Transformations
by Eric Funk
Spell-slingers using GURPS Magic can learn variants of each partial shapeshifting spell; for example, octopus skin instead of chameleon, or red-colored ants instead of black (see page 34 of GURPS Magic for casting times and fine print). In addition, a GM may rule that each caster's understanding of the spell chooses specific species characteristics depending on the individual's native characteristics. The general rule for the energy costs below is about 1 point of casting cost per 5 character points of net advantage gained.
Ant's Belly (1/level to cast, minimum 3): The subject's stomach can hold a great amount of liquid, gaining five levels of Payload for each point of energy spent (see page 74 of the Basic Set). This payload can only hold liquids and offers no protection to hazardous liquids.
Variant: Camel's Swallow.Ant's Connection (5 to cast): The subject grows large antennae, and now gains Speak With Animals (Ants Only, -60%) [15] and Vibration Sense [10] (see pages 87 and 97).
Variant: Bee's Ear.Arachnocampa's Lure (1/"level" to cast): The subject's body glows as per torchlight, and he gains the ability to spit and lay down glowing sticky strands. This is five levels of Binding (Reduced Range 2; Sticky) per 2 whole energy spent (e.g., Binding 10 for 2 energy, Binding 20 for 4, see page 40).
Variant: Glow Spider's shot.Aye-Aye's Fingers (3+ to cast): The subject's fingers become solid and . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: January 4, 2008
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