Shape Shifting comparison (Open)

[Shadow]

Shadow was seated in one of the open courtyards of the Magical academy. It was one of many, somehow magically tucked into the walls of the School, and Shadow had prodded it slightly with his own magics, creating a Zoo of sorts. It wasn't Illusion; the Animals were very real- but at the same time, there was no danger posed to the living. This was a place of study, like a compendium of Data.

Beasts big and small roamed about the semi-large courtyard, all conjured into existence by borrowing their spirits from the plane of nature. It wasn't Necromancy; each creature came and left as it pleased, with an understanding that here was someone who knew the forest, and a will completely of their own. Shadow would often spend time in a trance-like state within one of these rooms, trying to call upon certain spirits to study.

However, there was slight danger involved with this. Some of the more malignant spirits, ones that had been tormented, would appear. These Malefactors would would often attack upon their arrival, which was always an interesting experience.

Shadow's aim today was to find a suitable specimen to study, one that was avian in nature. The courtyard was filled with wildlife- benches and tables were covered with flowers and grasses, the decorative bushes became large trees, magically disappearing into the ceiling. It was all reversible, of course- if anyone had a problem with it, it would easily and quickly disappear.

Sitting on a tree stump that seemed to be in the shape of a chair, near the center of the room, was Shadow. His black hair was drawn back into a ponytail, and his blood-red eyes were focused on a sketchbook, where he was drawing and writing furiously. His eyes would every so often flick up to look at his quarry, a majestic raven. If one were to look through the sketchbook, they would see very detailed drawings of many animals. Some animals had multiple drawings on multiple pages- those were the ones that Shadow had studied with the intent of being able to shift into their form.

However, there was another sketchbook on the ground as well, with the head of a great, scaly beast, drawn to scale. Flipping through that book would show Shadow's ultimate goal; to become a Platinum Dragon. He already had the actual transformations within his understanding- they just were incredibly taxing. He could only make a complete transformation into a Platinum Dragon every five lunar cycles, because it took that much time to charge up the three large Diamonds that he would use to aid him in the transformation, along with combining with Chao. Upon completing the preparations, Shadow remained within the form for two days, before the energy of the Diamonds would run out. Then, out of survival instinct and an innate magical defensive measure, Shadow would return to human form, sleeping for two days afterward.

He read, in the personal collection of his former master, that through constant training and evolving could these limitations be bypassed. If the shape-shifter were to train for a very long time, they would eventually reach a stage known as a Nature Lord; A Nature Lord was familiar with a great manner of beasts, and was able to effectively transform from one to the other, even in the midst of heavy combat! Also, a Nature Lord was a master of Partial transformations, and could turn a punch into a swipe from the claws of an eagle, bite with the strength of a crocodile, and then breathe Dragon's fire, returning to human form before the opponent's lifeless body hit the ground.

And finally, a Nature Lord could communicate with Mother Gaia herself, and all of the creatures that existed with her.

Shadow looked up to see Chao padding towards him. The great Dragon Dog was normal sized today, about five feet tall at the shoulder. The vibrant orange fur and flame red mane stuck out very noticeably from the green surroundings, but the creature paid no heed, gracefully laying down next to Shadow.

"Hmm... I wonder if we'll get any visitors today?" Shadow briefly looked at Chao, scratched him on the head, and went back to his sketching.

[Kojo]

Kojo had been exploring the Academy. He was curious to see all the things there where to see. He had only just been accepted to learn and live here. Kojo was, at the moment, in Tiger form, many of the student had seen him used the form so he was comfortable using it in the safety of these walls.

Kojo's exploring had earned him a knowledge of the laying of the area. He was quickly learning where things where. Finally he only had one more wing to go down when he noticed the most peculiar animal. It was orange and fury but also has scales. Kojo's curiosity got the best of him and he followed the odd animal down the hall and to a black haired human. The human was in the court yard he had yet to check out.

Kojo's striped head looked up and around at the natural magic that seemed to overflow within the room. What was this place. It looked like a forest. It was amazing. He went back to his drak skinned human form. "It seems I've found a kindred spirit." He said

[Shadow]

Shadow looked up at the approaching Tiger and smiled. It seemed that there were other shape-shifters about, something which Shadow was glad about.

As the beast transformed back into a man, Shadow nodded in welcome. He was surprisingly dark skinned; meaning he came from the southern lands. Shadow had been there, a few years ago. The people of the region practiced ritual magic, and many of their holy men were strong enough to rival Avaren's best priests, back before the fall.

"Greetings, Friend. You'll find more than one kindred spirit here."

As he spoke, a very large wolf padded up to them, sniffing, and then dissolved into mist, floating away. "Welcome to this area of study. Obviously, you are a Shape-changer. My name is Shadow."

Shadow bowed. "and this here," He pointed to Chao, "Is Chao, my dragon-dog companion. Who are you? you seem to be a new face around here.:

[Kojo]

(sorry it took so long to reply)

Kojo listened politely to the other druid before him and then nodded. And stepped back a bit in surprise as the phantasmal wolf walked past him and then vanish. The last time he had seen magic like that was when he was home. Such spirits where brought to ceremonies and used to commune with their world. To see it here in this land caused Kojo a bit of home sickness.

"My name is Kojo. You seem to be skilled in the magic of nature. I too am a student child of the wilds." He said "I come from the jungles far to the south of these lands. I am indeed a shape changer infact that's been my focus since i found I could do it as a child." It seemed that he may in fact be able to continue my path towards shamanhood here. he thought as he looked around and felt that energy of the room. "So who are you, and where did you find such a unique creature?" He asked nodding at chao as he sat on a soft patch of grass a few feet from Shadow

[Shadow]

Shadow smiled at the man in front of him. "My past is long and confusing. It starts with peace- A happy family, living off of my father's weapon-smithing trade. Then, betrayal- and the worst kind at that. I was forced to flee at a young age, and somehow found my way here, to Avaren. Many years later, and many adventures in between, I find myself back here. I was even in your country for a little while, but it was a very short time."

Shadow shook his head, remembering his adventures. "However, Chao here... He found me. I don't remember all of the details; it was a very dangerous day, and I almost perished. In fact, had it not been for Chao here, I would be dead."

The dragon dog shook its head, standing back up and padding over to Kojo. one of the four long whiskers that resembled those of a catfish curved over and lightly touched the dark skinned man in the temple. If Kojo so wished, this connection would allow Chao to communicate with him while connected.

Don't let him fool you- he got out on his own. I just helped him out- after he released me from the statue I had been sealed in.[/color]

If Kojo was still connected to the Dragon dog, he would see several images flash through his mind- an icy cavern, a statue that was incredibly life like- of Chao, and then an image of a much younger Shadow, with one of his hands transformed into a bear's paw.

Then, Chao took his Whisker away from the dark skinned man's forehead and walked back to where he was laying before, resuming his position.

Shadow smiled. "Heh, whatever he just told you was probably what happened. I don't remember much of those days, but I am very glad to have him as a companion."

As they talked, a grumbling noise was heard, and a shake in the bushes produced a brightly colored lizard. Shadow blinked in surprise. "huh... interesting. That isn't a creature that I'm used to seeing in this setting..."

As he spoke, the lizard, which was about three feet long, snorted a stream of fire, demonstrating why it wouldn't be found in a forest. However, as it was a wandering spirit, it wasn't able to set anything on fire, but continued walking, eventually disappearing in another bush.

Looking back at Kojo, Shadow nodded. "I created this space to further develop my shape-shifting skills. You are free to use it if you wish; any variety of creatures can be drawn in, you just have to ask them. However, sometimes you will get the evil kinds, and they will be able to attack you- you must be ready for that at all times."

Shadow smiled. "Also, the terrain can be changed too, which will make it easier to attract creatures of that setting."

Shadow indicated another stump that seemed to be in the perfect position for use as a chair. "If you want, I also have a couple of books here;" Shadow indicated the Sketch books beside him, and continued. "That are full of complete sketches and field notes of many animals. You may look through them if you wish."

Shadow sighed, closing his eyes, silently calling upon a creature to appear before him. As he opened his eyes, a green insect buzzed down from one of the nearby trees. It was a Female Mantis, green and deadly looking- if it weren't for the tiny size. Shadow grabbed his drawing pad and began to sketch the creature, focusing on the strange forelegs, sketching them. The drawing was slightly different from the actual creature, however, as it needed to be human sized. The increase in size would upgrade the natural properties of the mantis's exoskeleton, essentially giving Shadow armored strikers.

As he was drawing, the creature opened its wings, and flew off, into the bushes, where it dissipated into the spiritual mist whence it came.

[Kojo]

Kojo was a bit surprised when the big orange creature came towards him. Unsure of what to do he did what he always did when confronted with something that could kill him. he remained calm but ready to act. When the voice and the images entered his mind he realized how intelligent the animal was and his worry vanished this dragon-dog held no malice or hunger for him. Kojo smiled, "Very few animals have such intelligence. I am impressed." He said.

Kojo, Listened to the rest of what shadow had to say. and looked over at the other stump he had gestured towards. And watched as the Mantis enter the room. He there where insects much like it in the jungle. There where few animals from the jungle he couldn't become. Mostly the billions upon billions of insect that lived in the jungle, as he really never care to watch them and the ones he wanted to study where had to find and would usually kill you if you found one. Seeing the mantis gave him an idea. He got and moved over to the stump and sat with his legs crossed and his eyes closed.

The scenery changed rapidly the most noticeable change was in the air itself. The air becam much thicker much warmer. and far more moist. The humidity was such that it was almost difficult to breath. As huge trees group and into the infinite of the mist that seemed to contain the room the light dimmed. as the trees blocked the sun. there was still plenty of light, but none was directly from the sun. And it was raining. You could hear the rain drops falling and hitting the leaves above them. and the falling to the floor. This was the Jungle. He then pictured the animal he wanted to see and in the mist there was a branch and on it a huge spider. And it was easy to see its size as it was crawling towards a brightly colored parrot. the spider and the bird where nearly the same size.

"Looks like I found what I was looking for and it seems to be hunting." He said and in that instant there was a blur of movement and a squawk as the spider grabbed the bird and sank its fangs in injecting it with a mixture of poison and digestive juices. It was only a matter of time. "I have yet to Become an insect. strange seeing as I lived in a place that was full of them." Technically the spider wasn't an insect but whatever.

[Shadow]

Shadow smiled at Kojo; "yes, Chao is quite the creature. I believe he is a member of the draconis family, related very closely to dragons."


As the scenery changed, Shadow looked around. He didn't particularly like the jungle- but it would be bearable because of the lack of insects.

He took note of the damp, saturated air- and put his books into a special sleeve that would prevent them from getting moisture damage. Listening to the sounds of the forest, he looked around at all of the bright spirits. Birds with plumage brighter than the sunset, and many large creatures could be felt in the bushes.

Bird eating spiders... Impressive. "So you want to be one of those?"

Shadow examined the creature as it hunted, not wanting to be bitten by one of those monstrosities. "that would be a very interesting transformation; but you have to be very careful. The body of an insect is quite different from that of a mammal or a reptile even." The druid fell silent as he pondered the mystery of insects, and how they were so different from the life forms around them.