NOTES || Introduction to Transformation

INTRODUCTION & COMMENTARY

The gods of Ancient Egypt were displayed in various representations of wall art and figures, and were known to also adjust their appearances within different stories of the mythology. Much of what I’ve found regarding the portrayal of Egyptian deities confirms that the same gods would sometimes be depicted as animals, or sometimes as humans, or animal-headed, or other composite forms and symbols.

Of particular note are deities who were often shown with traditional animal heads. From my understanding during my research, it appears this form wasn’t always intended to be their literal appearance. Instead, the animal heads in art were meant as a symbol to denote the divine nature of the gods – to make it clear to the viewer that they were not fully human, nor fully animal, but that they were supernatural and shared traits of both.

Because of the pervasive and symbolic nature of the gods displaying various forms, and the desire to display their different appearances within the story, I’ve developed a similar system for transformation. Transformation in DEITIES Project will also interact in close tandem with the system of magic (see notes for Magic System & True Magic). And from a more visual standpoint, I wanted the deities’ designs to be very flexible within the story and world, and give them ample ability to adjust their appearances – the same way that they can in Ancient Egyptian art and mythology.

THE ROLE OF TRANSFORMATION

In DEITIES verse, where wielding magic is a skill that comes naturally to the gods of the Egyptian pantheon, so too is the ability of transformation. Deities are well known for their displayed mastery in adjusting their visual appearances in a myriad of ways. These ways can range from modifying their clothing, weapons, and accessories; shape-shifting their physical body into animals and other forms; or splitting and manifesting the various aspects of their soul.

Much like the general use of magic, deities often rely on their transformations to suit their different roles in the pantheon. Transformation may also be used by deities in other aspects of their daily lives, such as for practical use, special occasions and events, or as a form of expression.

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DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSFORMATION

Although transformation comes naturally to all deities, they do not possess this innate ability at birth. In DEITIES verse, most deities are born in human form, unable to fully transform into other forms or states. Instead, they develop their ability to transform — along with their other traits — as they grow and mature.

Deity children have limited access to their abilities, and often experience lapses that can manifest as involuntary uses of magic. More commonly, however, the lapses manifest as hybrid features that may briefly appear on their body (such as ears and tails, or even facial features). As deity children grow older, they may slowly gain better control over their hybrid features, and can more easily display or hide them.

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Once young deities reach adolescence, they gain more access to their ability to use magic, as well as their ability to fully transform into their sacred animal form. The period of time between puberty and full maturity marks a key opportunity for deities to practice their various magic abilities, including their ease with transforming into different animals and other forms.

TYPES OF TRANSFORMATION

While transformation can be used as an umbrella term for the various visual and physical adjustments a deities can make toward their appearance, there are several known types of transformation that can be grouped in different categories. These categories are based on factors that include a deity’s accessibility to magic; their ability to maintain a stable transformation for a given time; and the way a transformation can affect a deity’s power, identity, and behavior.

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The next pages of notes will delve into more details on each category and type of transformation. Below is a brief description and comparison of said categories, which are subject to adjustment as the project continues to develop:

FORMS AND FEATURES

Forms and features describe transformations and hybrid traits that can be maintained for extended periods of time, and can also be accessed without the aid of additional energy, instruments, or circumstances. These forms do not necessarily affect the level of power, access to magic, or behavior of deities, though some forms are easier to maintain than others.

Examples include a deity’s Divine form, Mortal form, Animal form(s), and Hybrid forms and features. More information and details can be found in the Forms and Features notes.

STATES OF BEING

States of being describe transformations that are more temporary in nature, and that often require the aid of additional energy, instruments, or circumstances. Transformation states can greatly affect a deity’s current level of (or access to) power and magic, and even their identity. But states of being can also be difficult to maintain for very long before affecting a deity’s behavior.

Examples include a deity’s Exalted state, Primordial state, Regressed state, and Syncretic state(s). More information and details can be found in the States of Being notes.

ASPECTS OF THE SOUL

Aspects of the soul refer to the different manifestations of a deity’s soul. While not a type of transformation that affect a deity’s physical body, there are various ways each aspect can appear visibly when separated from the body, and their appearances may also directly relate to the deity to whom they belong. More information and details can be found in the Aspects of the Soul notes.

INDEX || WORLD-BUILDING NOTES