Partial Transformation
In addition to the ability to shift between their five different skins, werewolves may provoke their bodies into partial transformations by shifting only certain body parts, or bringing forth specific attributes of one form into another. It’s a difficult art, sometimes painful, and always requires intense concentration. While shapeshifting is like triggering a muscle reflex, partial transformation is more akin to assuming difficult Yogic postures — coaxing the body into doing something of which it is capable — but not designed
or necessarily prepared for. Common partial transformations include taking on the Lupus muzzle when in Homid for the enhanced sense of smell, adding deadlier fangs or larger claws to Glabro form, and modifying the forepaws of Hispo into clawed hands. The
most popular partial transformations, though, tend to fall into two categories. The first involves the stealthy addition of deadly weapons to Homid form — growing claws or fangs the werewolf keeps concealed until she gets within striking range of a well-protected target. Likely the most common, though, is the adoption of sensory modifications into forms that don’t have them: giving the Lupus form human eyes with which to discern a full color range, for example; or granting Homid form the night-vision (and reflective eyes) of a wolf, or a modified semi-snout capable of picking up scents.
Because partial transformations are draining, feel awkward, and require significant concentration, many Garou simply choose not to use them; some werewolves never learn the trick at all, preferring to simply shift forms. Why add hands to Hispo, they argue, when one can simply shift up to Crinos? Those who practice partial shapeshifting tend to do so either because they prefer the subtlety and nuance the art provides, or because they are wearing un-dedicated clothing and shifting to the form with the needed feature
would leave them naked. Partial transformation is a necessity of Kailindo, using fast partial transformation to enhance her fighting prowess. The art requires a werewolf master shapeshifting to a high level, often requiring a great deal of self-control and Gnosis to perform at the speed of combat.
With sufficient control over shapeshifting, a Garou can even transform only part of her body: grow Crinos talons in human form, or turn forepaws into hands. Partial transformation requires the expenditure of a Willpower point and success on a Dexterity + Primal-Urge roll (difficulty 9).
Q: Can a werewolf use partial transformation to employ full regeneration in her breed form?
A: No. Regeneration is a whole-body adaptation, and can’t be evoked by simply transforming a single body part.
Q: Can a werewolf enhance the natural weapons of one form into a deadlier version? For example, inflicting aggravated damage with Glabro’s claws, or gaining the Hispo bite bonus in Crinos?
A: Yes, but the transformation is always obvious, and usually rather grotesque. Glabro’s hands become massive, outsized rending claws, while Crinos’ entire posture twists forward as the jaws, neck, and chest adopt Hispo’s dedicated anatomy for biting.
Q: Can sensory transformations be done without anyone noticing?
A: It’s very difficult to transform the ear enough to pick up the extended sound range of a wolf without radically transforming its outward anatomy, or to reshape an eye for night-vision without making it immediately, visibly inhuman to a casual observer.
At the Storyteller’s discretion, a player might be able to manage “invisible” sensory transformations if they roll five or more successes on their Dexterity + Primal-Urge roll to evoke the feature.