Two-Forms

From HOTGT

The Two-Forms are a generally peaceful people who prefer to live in small villages rather than more organized groupings. At the age of twelve, each Two-Form undergoes the ritual of change, during which they discover their second, animal shape. Two-Forms are quiet and very courteous. Many believe this is because they are pacifistic but the truth is that the instincts of their animal shapes carry over

into their humanoid shapes. This means that predators and prey live together in the same village and many feel territorial instincts. The courtesy with which they treat each other prevents violence. Still, it is not uncommon to come across a Two-Form village that has been destroyed by fighting when one or more have lost control of themselves.

Contents 1 Patron Diety 2 Personailty 3 Physical Description 4 Lifespan 5 Relations with other races 6 Sample names 7 Racial Traits 7.1 Attribute Modifiers 7.2 Size 7.3 Base Speed 7.4 Special Abilities

Patron Diety

The Two-Form pay tribute to Samilen, goddess of fortune, because like her, they are not just one thing but two.

Personailty

“	Your apology is sincere and accepted. Still, it would be better if you take your child and leave. I am hungry and I would hate to be impolite in the face of your graciousness.	”
—Val Mountain Lion, Two-Form Villager

Two-Forms learn from an early age to speak quietly and to treat all with a very formal courtesy. Thus, Two-Forms often seem unassuming and easy to push around. However, this is a carefully constructed social facade designed to prevent trouble. In truth, the instincts of a Two-Form's animal shape carries over into their humanoid shape and this colors their behavior. Rabbit Two-Forms are vegetarian and violent when cornered. Wolf Two-Forms are incredibly social and playful but also deadly when hungry. Eagle Two-Forms detest enclosed spaces. And so forth.

Physical Description

Two-Forms appear human to the casual observer. In fact, many scholars believe Two-Forms once were human but underwent some sort of radical change due to sorcery or the actions of the gods. The only difference between a Two-Form and a human is in the eyes. Two-Forms always have the eyes of their animal shape.

Lifespan

Two-Forms have a short life-span, living on average twenty-five years. They are considered adults when they are twelve.

Relations with other races

Before the war, most races considered the Two-Forms placid and quaint, living in primitive villages. During the war they discovered the truth: Two-Forms can be extremely violent. It turned out that Two-Forms excelled as shock troops, able to overrun positions and destroy fortifications that most soldiers could not. It was through study of Two-Forms that enchanters figured out how to bond essences to living flesh, creating the magic of phantapunking.

Sample names

Male: Chiree Wildcat, Thom Eagle, Rap Pit Viper, Cyri Mouse Female: Lory Wolf, Pela Bear, Sanny Sparrow, Porta Mole

Racial Traits

Type: Humanoid Subtype: Shapeshifter

Attribute Modifiers

Two-Form have no racial ability modifiers.

Size

Medium: As Medium sized creatures, Two-Forms have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Base Speed

Two-Forms base land speed is 30 feet.

Special Abilities

Animal Shape (Supernatural Ability): All Two-Forms over the age of twelve have a second, animal shape. This ability works like a polymorph spell except as noted here. Two-Forms can change into this animal form a number of times a day equal to 1 plus their character level. Thus, a second level Two-Form can transform into his animal shape and back again three times in a single, twenty-four hour period. Changing shape is a standard action and does not provoke an attack of opportunity. A Two-Form may remain in his animal shape for as long as he chooses. At character creation the Two-Form's player must chose one animal to transform into from the following list: Badger, Bear (Black), Bear (Brown), Boar, Crocodile, Eagle, Hawk, Horse (Light), Horse (Heavy), Lizard, Mountain Lion/Panther, Rat, Raven, Snake (Constrictor), Snake (Tiny Viper), Snake (Small Viper), Snake (Medium Viper), Toad, Weasel, Wolf. Substitutions of similar animals (mouse or rabbit for rat, for example, or owl for eagle) can be made.

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