On the Transmutation of Bodies

The transmutation of bodies is one of the most difficult tasks any mage can undertake – indeed, only the true masters of the Art have ever accomplished it, and even they have only perfected one of its forms. This difficulty arises from psychophysical limitations, since a mage can only safely transform into an animal with which he is perfectly attuned. A famous example is that of Ulf Blackbeard, who dwelled for years in a cave with a bear in order to imbibe the life essence of that animal.