Synodia Lykouros Forms

From LSWiki

                                     ___
                                    //-\\
                                   /Garou\                    [ the High Forms ]
  --------------                  //Homid\\
   The Triptych                  //       \\
                                //         \\
   of the Forms                //           \\
  --------------              //      o      \\
                             //     \ | /     \\
                           Lupus    |>o<|    Glabro        [ the Mediary Forms ]
                           // \\    / | \    // \\
                          //   \\     o     //   \\
                         //  |  \\         //  o  \\
                        //  <|>  \\       //  ( )  \\
                       //   /|\   \\     //  ( o )  \\
                      //   / | \   \\   //    ( )    \\
                    Hispo    |     K'rinos     o    Metis    [ the Base Forms ]
                     \\______________\_/______________//
                      \\_____________/_\_____________//

The Forms which are given unto us to use are eightfold; the Triptych of the Forms encodes their order,
omitting only the Original Form assumed as it is to be whichever of the High Forms is not one's natural form.
   
The High Forms are those which most fully bespeak balance and Virtu in their expression of essence.  It taxes one not to assume
one's natural form, and only a modest effort of spirit is required to assume one or the other; similarly, it costs no effort
to remain in any  of the High Forms, for it is not disturbing to the equilibrium of one's soul.
   
The Mediary Forms interpose themselves between the High Forms and the Base Forms; they are not balanced, but neither do they tip
the scales to the point of extremity.  These forms require significant Virtu and skill at controlling one's form as well as a
moderate expenditure of energy to take and maintain, for they lack the concord of the High Forms.
   
The Base Forms are the expressions of extremes, knowing nothing of balance.  Great heights of Virtu and skill in control of one's
form are required even to assume such forms, and one's spirit is drained heavily during the assumption and maintenance of such forms.

Form Details

Garou

Virtu Required               : 0
Metamorphosis Skill Required : 0
Spirit Cost to Assume        : 5 points
Spirit Cost to Maintain      : 0 points per minute

The Garou Form is that which most fully bespeaks balance and Virtu in its expression of our essence; this is the natural shape of most lykouroi.
It taxes one not to assume or remain in this form, for it is not disturbing to the equilibrium of one's soul.  It is our tragedy that we draw so
much of our power from the abandonment of the High Form for shapes that bring one away from such esthetic purity, and for this we envy those of
our garou brethren who do not take up the mantle of Synodia Lykouros.  However, our responsibility to act as defenders of Aeda takes precedence over
our personal desires. If one's natural form is already that of a garou, this form has identical effects to that of assuming one's Original form.

Homid

Virtu Required               : 0
Metamorphosis Skill Required : 0
Spirit Cost to Assume        : 5 points
Spirit Cost to Maintain      : 0 points per minute

The Homid Form is simply the assumption of a human aspect, forsaking one's garou form for that of a human.  If one's natural form is already 
that of a human, this form has identical effects to that of assuming one's Original form.

Lupus

Virtu Required               : 10
Metamorphosis Skill Required : 75
Spirit Cost to Assume        : 15 points
Spirit Cost to Maintain      : 12 points per minute

The Lupus Form is the midpoint between garou and wolf -- somewhat more wild than garou, but slightly more spiritual in nature than an ordinary
wolf.  Though it sports dangerous claws, the bite of the Lupus is its most formidable weapon, making it a powerful combat form as well as the 
preferred form for swift travel over long distances.  As this form is an unnatural blend of two natural ones, assuming and maintaining it
drains one's spirit slightly.

Glabro

Virtu Required               : 30
Metamorphosis Skill Required : 75
Spirit Cost to Assume        : 15 points
Spirit Cost to Maintain      : 12 points per minute

The Glabro Form is the midpoint between garou and human -- somewhat less wild than garou, but slightly more spiritual in nature.  Lacking teeth
but sporting formidable  claws, the Glabro is a powerful combat form; however, its true strength lies in its increased command of one's spirit,
allowing greater use of one's spiritual powers than in Garou form.  As this form is an unnatural blend of two natural ones, assuming and maintaining
it drains one's spirit slightly.

Hispo

Virtu Required               : 60
Metamorphosis Skill Required : 145
Spirit Cost to Assume        : 50 points
Spirit Cost to Maintain      : 36 points per minute

The Hispo Form is the reification of the spirit of the wolf itself -- a massive engine of death envisoned as a perfect predator.  Though not commonly
assumed, this form blends many of the benefits of both Lupus and Garou forms, enabling swift travel and tremendous combat capability at the cost of
much of one's spiritual development.  As this form is almost entirely a projection of one's natural impulses, assuming and maintaining it constitutes
a heavy drain on one's spirit.

Metis

Virtu Required               : 60
Metamorphosis Skill Required : 145
Spirit Cost to Assume        : 50 points
Spirit Cost to Maintain      : 36 points per minute

The Metis Form is the apotheosis of that which the human form aspires to -- a perfect and powerful mind in a body suited not for hunting but instead
for feats of skill.  Possessing no natural weapons, the Metis is instead a form best-suited to the use of spiritual powers and skills, embodying the
concept of high art and artifice.  As this form is almost entirely a projection of the desires of the mind, assuming and maintaining it constitutes
a heavy drain on one's spirit.

K'rinos

Virtu Required               : 70
Metamorphosis Skill Required : 195
Spirit Cost to Assume        : 10 percent of max spirit points (minimum 100)
Spirit Cost to Maintain      : 1% of max spirit points per minute (minimum 72)

The K'rinos Form is the most terrifying of all Lykouros forms, spoken of in whispers if at all.  Bearing massive, razor-sharp claws and huge,
slavering fangs, the k'rinos is a drooling beast of slaughter capable of bringing all the deadly cunning of humans to bear with the strength of the
wildest beast.  This form benefits from a tremendous boost to one's Rage without the normal corresponding decrease in one's Gnosis, allowing one to
leverage all of one's intellect in unison with a powerful body to fight at the most effective level possible.  However, this form is tremendously
difficult to assume and maintain, putting enormous strain on one's spirit as long as it is held.