Book One – Chapter 11

So while Yves possessed the ability to create and control a temporary physical illusion of Midnight, a proficient and respectively disposed Worldbender transformer could shift into the form of a panthera and retain that shape for an indefinite duration. Now, at this point you might think that these two abilities seem vastly different. You might find yourself wondering why they shared —

“Why do these dispositions define a border?” asked Mushroombird. “Aren’t they completely different abilities?”

“Thank you,” said Yves.

Yes and no. One fundamental disparity separates illusions from transformer magic: Regardless of their skill and versatility, Worldbender transformers cannot detach parts of themselves that then operate autonomously. While Yves could conjure ten pantheras simultaneously (each breathing, blinking, and flicking their tails in the most eerie manner), transformers remain conscious within a singular physical form.

Your first impulse may be to think that —

“So isn’t illusionist magic much more complex than shapeshifting?” asked Mushroombird. “As an illusionist, you need to handle your own body and, simultaneously, maintain all your illusions. You control multiple bodies at the same time, whereas a shapeshifter merely alters his own body.”

“Your question highlights the core difference between these two types of magic,” said Yves. “The origin of control.”

And this is where it becomes intricate.

Despite their tangible form and convincing complexity, Yves’ creations were transient, existing only as long as he sustained them with his own energy. An exception to this are visual overlays and glamour spells, like those placed upon the lighthouse and its decoy treasures. In terms of magical theory, these spells are commonly categorised as secondary illusions, capable of enduring in the absence of their caster by drawing upon stored energy. Primary or true illusions, conversely, are autonomously conjured and actively sustained by the Lightshifter illusionist.