Fudge Shape-shifting

Introduction

These rules build on Fudge Tasks and A new damage system for Fudge I assume that the reader has read these article first.

This article is part of a new series where I share parts of my home-brew RPG - Rope - converted to Fudge (of course). I'm doing this to push myself to actually get the conversion done, so I can start running it again in earnest :).

As this is a port from my RPG I created before finding Fudge, and has not been tested a lot. I would love to get some feedback on this!

These shape-shifting rules apply to both voluntary and involuntary shape-shifting. The only difference is the trigger. In case of involuntary (like that of a Werewolf at full moon) the Character can try to resist the shape-shift but if they fail then these shape-changing rules apply.

Shape-Shift

The shape-shifter can assume the shape of another creature. This process is risky, however. The shape-shifter can be trapped in the alternate form, temporarily, or permanently. To perform a shape-shift the shape-shifter must first succeed in Inducing the shape-shift. Alternatively failure to Resist a shape-shift also results in Inducing the shape-shift. And lastly they must succeed in reverting back to their original shape.

Totem-spirit

If a shaman or animist has a totem-spirit, then when they are taking the shape of their totem-spirit they can add +1 to their roll for Inducing (or resisting) a shape-shift, and to their shape-shift rolls.

Inducing a shape-shift

It takes 1 minute to induce a shape shift. To induce the shape-shift a successful shape-shift skill check must be performed. The Difficulty of this is normally Fair, but may vary if the shape-shifter has angered the spirits, or other circumstances. The induction is the process to ask the spirits permission to take the form of one of their creatures. If this fails no harm is done, and the shape-shift can be attempted again after a few hours.

Resisting a shape-shift

Resisting a shape-shift takes approximately 1 minute. Some cursed beings are forced to change their shape at certain triggers: A werewolf must change shape at midnight when the moon is full. Or an evil sorcerer is trying to transform a Character into a frog! Resisting is the same as Inducing but with a reversed effect. If the Character fails to resist a shape-shift they will have to go through with the transformation. If they are successful, then they can go about their business as usual.

Shape-shifting resolution

Once the shape-shifting is induced, the Shape-shifter must commence the shape-shift the next. The actual shape-shift is a Task worth 5 Task Points, with a Task Turn of of 10 seconds (or 1 Combat Round) and a Task Difficulty of Poor. Use the shape-shifting skill to gain Task Points.

If a skill check is unsuccessful the Shape-shifter a point of bashing damage, due to the strain of the shape-shift, in lieu of the usual failed skill check effects (the Task Point total are not reduced.)

For a critical failure the shape-shift is aborted, and the Shape-shifter receives 5 points of Bashing damage. If the Task fails, the Shape-Shift was unsuccessful, and can not be attempted until the next day. The Character will revert to his original shape. If the Shape-shifter looses consciousness due to Bashing damage, they will continue the transformation until the Task is Successful, or Fails, or the Character dies from the transformation.

Returning to the original form

When the Shape-shifter wants to transform back to their original form the process is the same as when they transformed to the alternative form. However, if the transformation is unsuccessful, the Shape-shifter might lose their identity.

If the Shape-shifter fails to make a successful Fair Will check, they will lose their identity (and believe that they are naturally of the alternative form) for 1 day per degree that they missed the Will check. If they succeed, they can try again to return to their original shape after 1 hour.

Shape-shifting skill.

By developing this skill it allows the shape-shifter to change forms more smoothly and quicker. Use this shill for resisting, inducing and as the skill for the shape-shifting task.

Examples

Werewolf

A werewolf is forced to induce shape-shift at midnight of a full moon, or when receiving their first Lethal wound. If it is a full moon the werewolf will receive a -1 to their attempt at resisting the change, and a +1 to the Task rolls.

A werewolf can choose to transform into a large Wolf or to a man-beast. If the Wolf-form is selected, they can still speak as usual, and act accordingly. However anything requiring the use of hands will be at a -2 penalty. Any physical activity (running ,jumping, attacking etc) should be considered to be Fair skill level (unless the Character has a higher skill level). The werewolf can train new skills to use in wolf-form, if they want to improve on these. In man-beast form they will have the head of a wolf, and the feet and tail of a wolf, but their hands are large and claw tipped. They should be considered to be +1 scale and can use unarmed combat to inflict Lethal damage by biting (+1 ODF) or raking with the claws (+0 ODF). The werewolf character can train in unarmed combat and apply that skill to these attacks.

Kitsune

A Kitsune or fox-spirit may try to take the shape of a human. They do not however, receive Bashing damage. Each failed roll during the shape-shift will keep one foxy aspect such as a tail or fox-ears, or fur, etc. Every hour after they took human form they must try to resist changing back, and failure to do so will not induce a shape-shift but instead will reveal one more foxy aspect, until they have reverted to full fox. See the table below for some suggested traits.

Fox ears	Fox tail	Fox face
Hands as paws	Feet as Paws	Orange Fur
Fox eyes	Fangs	Claws on hand