View source for ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms

__NOTOC__
[[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] are a unique feature of the skill system in Project: Gorgon. [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] are transformations which can be discovered from consuming potions, failing to defeat specific bosses, participating in events, or leveling skills. While technically curses, many consider [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] to be viable, powerful alternatives to living life in a humanoid form.

== Skill Characterization ==
; [[ProjectGorgon:Cow|Cow]]
* Cows are viewed as a traditional tank archetype. Abilities such as [[ProjectGorgon:Tough Hoof|Tough Hoof]] and [[ProjectGorgon:Chew Cud|Chew Cud]] help Cows improve their survivability in longer fights. Cows also have the [[ProjectGorgon:Haste|sprint]] ability [[ProjectGorgon:Moo of Determination|Moo of Determination]], and the the ability to produce their own milk.
* {{Item|Bottle of Milk}} is a valuable item used in crafting skills such as [[ProjectGorgon:Cooking|Cooking]] and [[ProjectGorgon:Cheesemaking|Cheesemaking]]. Cows with a [[ProjectGorgon:Special Behavior Badges|Vegetarian badge]] can produce milk faster than cows with a varied diet, however skill level and the version of [[ProjectGorgon:Collect Milk|Collect Milk]] used also impact collection times.
* Adventurers can also milk cows, however consent must be given.
; [[ProjectGorgon:Deer|Deer]]
* Deer is considered to be a good foundation for an off-tank. While cows receive overt tank abilities, survivability in deer primarily comes from Deer Treasure Effects on equipment. Deer have the ability to jump faster and higher than other land-based [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] using [[ProjectGorgon:Bounding Escape|Bounding Escape]]. They also have AoE taunts, while cows only have single target taunts.
* Deer can use the ability [[ProjectGorgon:Summon Deer|Summon Deer]] to summon a wild deer to help them in battle.
* Some deer are actually [[ProjectGorgon:Druid|Druid]]s, using the [[ProjectGorgon:Deer Form|Deer Form]] toggle ability.
; [[ProjectGorgon:Spider|Spider]]
* Spider form is useful for DPS/Assassin type builds. Spiders deal predominantly Crushing and Poison damage to quickly defeat enemies. Many spiders rely on [[ProjectGorgon:Incubate|Incubate]], an ability that injects eggs inside enemies, dealing massive damage and spawning a pet spider. Spiders spawned through this ability will aid their parent in battle.
* Spiders have the ability to use [[ProjectGorgon:Insidious Illusion|Insidious Illusion]] to temporarily talk with Animal Hating NPCs. This ability has a 20 minute cooldown and consumes a {{Item|Moonstone}} each time it is used.
* {{Item|Spiderweb}} can be produced by Level 60 Spiders using [[ProjectGorgon:Webspin|Webspin]]. This ability can give spiders an advantage in [[ProjectGorgon:Textile Creation|Textile Creation]] and [[ProjectGorgon:Tailoring|Tailoring]], which is helpful if they want to craft the spider-form [[ProjectGorgon:Tailoring|Spider Casing]] equipment.
; [[ProjectGorgon:Pig|Pig]]
* Pigs are often equipped for supporting roles. While they can hold their own individually, they shine in groups as healers or buff builders using a combination of [[ProjectGorgon:Mudbath|Mudbath]], [[ProjectGorgon:Frenzy|Frenzy]], and [[ProjectGorgon:Porcine Alertness|Porcine Alertness]].
* The speed-boosting sidebar ability [[ProjectGorgon:Terror Dash|Terror Dash]] is often used by pigs escaping dangerous situations, or traveling across large regions of Alharth.
* A variety of mushrooms can be found by pigs using the [[ProjectGorgon:Truffle Sniff|Truffle Sniff]] abilities. 
; [[ProjectGorgon:Rabbit|Rabbit]]
* Normally, rabbits are stealthy creatures. Using [[ProjectGorgon:Play Dead|Play Dead]], a rabbit can force enemies to ignore it for a few seconds. Traveling through dangerous areas, rabbits may alternate between the speed-increasing [[ProjectGorgon:Hare Dash|Hare Dash]] and the speed-reducing [[ProjectGorgon:Long Ear|Long Ear]], which slows a rabbit down in exchange for reducing the detection range of nearby foes.
* Rabbits are the only '''Beast Form''' capable of using [[ProjectGorgon:Ice Magic|Ice Magic]]. A special headgear item is required to activate this synergy.
; [[ProjectGorgon:Giant Bat|Giant Bat]]
* Giant Bats have access to a variety of tools, including knock-back, recovery, heavy damage, and concussion abilities. These options made Giant Bat compatible with many skills.
* Giant Bats can use [[ProjectGorgon:Echolocation|Echolocation]], which allows them to see in the dark. This ability is especially useful in area like the deeper parts of the [[ProjectGorgon:Labyrinth|Labyrinth]] in [[ProjectGorgon:Ilmari|Ilmari]].
* Giant Bats also have the ability to fly, and to infect others in PVP with a disease which will eventually turn them into a bat.
; [[ProjectGorgon:Lycanthropy|Lycanthropy]]
* Lycanthropy is unusual among the [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]], as it is a '''permanent alteration.''' There will '''never''' be a method to remove Lycanthropy from a character, so be sure to understand the risks and rewards before accepting the blessing of [[ProjectGorgon:Norala|Norala]].
* Individuals infected with Lycanthropy can switch between humanoid and wolf form without too much effort, however they will be locked into wolf form during the Full Moon.
* While in wolf form, Lycanthropes have access to powerful slashing, crushing, and trauma attacks. 
* [[ProjectGorgon:Howl Mode|Howl Mode]] allows packs of wolf-form lycanthropes to build up impressive combat-improving buffs.
; [[ProjectGorgon:Spirit Fox|Spirit Fox]]
* Spirit Fox are tricksters, using abilities including [[ProjectGorgon:Dimensional Snare|Dimensional Snare]] to immobilize targets and [[ProjectGorgon:Blur Step|Blur Step]] to boost their melee evasion during combat. In combat, Spirit Fox deal mostly Crushing and Darkness damage. 
* Spirit Fox can use [[ProjectGorgon:Illusive Guise|Illusive Guise]] to disguise themselves in a humanoid projection for a short time. This allows them to interact with Animal Hating NPCs.
; Druid Forms
* [[ProjectGorgon:Druid|Druid]]s can magically project themselves as [[ProjectGorgon:Deer|Deer]], as well as a variety of birds including [[ProjectGorgon:Raven Form|Raven]] and [[ProjectGorgon:Mallard Form|Mallard]]. However, these are NOT [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]].

== Beast Form Mechanics ==

Animals are unable to use [[ProjectGorgon:Angling|Angling]], [[ProjectGorgon:Armor Patching|Armor Patching]], [[ProjectGorgon:Sigil Scripting|Sigil Scripting]], or harvest wood found on the ground. Animals are unable to milk cows, but cow players can milk themselves. 

=== Familiar's Recall ===
{| {{STDT|sortable mw-collapsible<includeonly> mw-collapsed</includeonly>}} style="width: 100%;"
! Icon !! Level !! Name !! style="width: 25%;" | Description !! style="width: 25%;" | Special !! style="width: 11%;" | Effects !! style="width: 11%;" | Stats !! style="width: 9%;" | Source
|-
| {{Ability icon|Familiar's Recall|1}} || 0 || Familiar's Recall || Sends you back to your master. You must be a long-term animal with a bonded master, and you must be wearing a Familiar Recall Collar. || <b>Can Be On Sidebar</b> ||  || <b>Power Cost: </b>50<br><b>Range: </b>5<br><b>Cooldown: </b>1800 || ???
|}

Using a Recall Collar, a character using one of the [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] may directly teleport to their master using the Familiar's Recall ability.  This ability can be used from anywhere, as long as the player has been in animal form for the past 3 hours of in-game real time.

This ability is learned from their master:
* [[ProjectGorgon:Cinnamon the rabbit#Teleportation|Cinnamon the rabbit]] in [[ProjectGorgon:Animal Town|Animal Town]] is currently the only NPC offering a bond, but he implies that other NPCs will offer this service in the future.
==== Recall Collars ====
<dpl>
  category   = Items/FamiliarRecallCollar
 include    = {ITEM infobox}:description
  reset      = categories
  columns = 3
  mode = userformat
  format = ,\n* {{Item|%TITLE%}}\n:,,
  allowcachedresults=true
</dpl>

=== Beast Skills ===
==== Beast Speech ====
One of the disadvantages of becoming a [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Form]] is [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Speech|Beast Speech]]. When the skill is low, random words spoken in chat will be replaced by an animal sound of the same length. For example, a cow sending "''I need help, can you meet me at the Serbule Well''" might be sent as "''I moooo moooo, can moo meet me at the moooooooo moooo?''", which is rather inconvenient! The words replaced are random, and as Beast Speech is leveled, the frequency of swapped words is reduced dramatically.
* [[ProjectGorgon:Spirit Fox|Spirit Fox]] are not afflicted with [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Speech|Beast Speech]], as their transformation results is something not-quite a physical form.
==== Survival Instincts ====
[[ProjectGorgon:Survival Instincts|Survival Instincts]] is a utility skill which provides sidebar abilities.
* [[ProjectGorgon:Toughen Up|Toughen Up]] provides an alternative to [[ProjectGorgon:Armor Patching|Armor Patching]]. Animals can't use Armor Patching.
* [[ProjectGorgon:Toxic Flesh|Toxic Flesh]] causes incoming melee attacks to inflict the attacker with poison.
* [[ProjectGorgon:Lend Grace|Lend Grace]] improves evasion and regenerates power.

==== Beast Metabolism ====
[[ProjectGorgon:Beast Metabolism|Beast Metabolism]] is a skill used only by [[ProjectGorgon:Lycanthropy|Lycanthropes]]. This skill levels as they consume the corpses of defeated enemies.
==== Warden ====
[[ProjectGorgon:Warden|Warden]] is a combat skill exclusively available to [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]]. This skill deals Electricity, Fire, and Acid damage.
* To learn the Warden skill you must have {{Favor|Friends}} or higher favor with [[ProjectGorgon:Suspicious Cow|Suspicious Cow]]  in Eltibule, [[ProjectGorgon:Red|Red]] in Kur, or [[ProjectGorgon:Norbert|Norbert]] in Animal Town in Sun Vale. Speak with one of those NPCs with whom you have sufficient favor, and complete a series of quests to become a Warden
=== Beast Form Equipment ===
==== Look Marna, No Hands!  ====
As an animal, you no longer have the ability to use skills that require handheld weapons, such as [[ProjectGorgon:Sword|Sword]], [[ProjectGorgon:Fire Magic|Fire Magic]], or [[ProjectGorgon:Shield|Shield]].
* The lack of hands also prevents animals from gathering wood and collecting  milk from milkable animals.
* [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] seeking to use [[ProjectGorgon:Necromancy|Necromancy]] or [[ProjectGorgon:Priest|Priest]] will be unable to use common [[ProjectGorgon:Necromancy|Necromancy]] Orbs or [[ProjectGorgon:Priest|Priest]] Staffs. Necklaces with Necromancy Gems or Holy Symbols can be used by animals.
==== Crafting Equipment for Beast Forms ====
When magical equipment is crafted, two gemstones are required to select the skills that Treasure Effects will be generated for. While most skills have [[ProjectGorgon:gems|gems]] easily obtained through surveying, animals require an additional step, rune-infused gems.
* [[ProjectGorgon:Sigil Scripting|Sigil Scripting]] recipes taught by [[ProjectGorgon:Preta|Preta]] in [[ProjectGorgon:Sun Vale|Sun Vale]] must be used to attune common gems to [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]]. Level 25 [[ProjectGorgon:Sigil Scripting|Sigil Scripting]] is required to produce the inscribed rune-infused gems.
{|
|-
| {{Item|Bat Malachite}}
| {{Item|Cow Malachite}}
| {{Item|Deer Malachite}}
|-
| {{Item|Pig Malachite}}
| {{Item|Rabbit Malachite}}
| {{Item|Spider Malachite}}
|-
| {{Item|Spirit Fox Lapis}}
|}
==== Animal-Specific Equipment ====
Most [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] have armor or equipment that can only be worn by that form. Usually, this includes [[ProjectGorgon:Racial Jewelry|Racial Jewelry]], however some forms have armor that changes them visually. Check individual pages of the [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] for complete lists of their special equipment.
* [[ProjectGorgon:Cow|Cow]]s have access to crafted Champron (headwear) & Barding(chest armor), which gives them the appearance of an armored cow.
* [[ProjectGorgon:Deer|Deer]] can equip Alicorns such as {{Item|Greenberg's Horn}}, which add a centered horn to their forehead.
* [[ProjectGorgon:Spider|Spider]]s can wear crafted Spider Casings, which can change their carapace color if Decent quality or better.
* [[ProjectGorgon:Pig|Pig]]s can wear Porkpie Hats created through [[ProjectGorgon:Tailoring|Tailoring]].
* [[ProjectGorgon:Rabbit|Rabbit]]s can wear Animal Controller head pieces which give them a small tiara.
* [[ProjectGorgon:Giant Bat|Giant Bat]]s can equip Witch Hats crafted through [[ProjectGorgon:Tailoring|Tailoring]]. 
* [[ProjectGorgon:Lycanthropy|Lycanthropy]] afflicted characters can wear a complete set of five armor pieces while in wolf form. This armor is crafted through [[ProjectGorgon:Blacksmithing|Blacksmithing]].
* [[ProjectGorgon:Spirit Fox|Spirit Fox]] - No visual equipment.

=== Animal Transformation ===
;[[ProjectGorgon:Cow|Cow]]
{{Spoiler|Methods of turning into a Cow|
* Receive damage from the Rage Attack ''Crushing Knockback Curse'' by [[ProjectGorgon:Maronesa|Maronesa]] in the [[ProjectGorgon:Crystal Cavern|Crystal Cavern]]. Transformation begins after 120 seconds if [[ProjectGorgon:Maronesa|Maronesa]] is still alive, or at the time of her target's death. Defeating her will remove the curse, so do not do that if you are trying to become a cow!
* Encounter the [[ProjectGorgon:Norbert/Strange Pig|Strange Pig]] during a weeklong Special Event.
}}
{{Spoiler|Methods of removing Cow form|
* Defeat [[ProjectGorgon:Maronesa|Maronesa]] in the [[ProjectGorgon:Crystal Cavern|Crystal Cavern]] to undo her curse.
* Complete the one-time quest [[ProjectGorgon:Un-cow-ification|Un-cow-ification]] from Harry.
* Speak a ''Word of Power: Cure Bovinity.''
* Drink a very rare {{Item|Minor Panacea}}.
* Encounter the [[ProjectGorgon:Norbert/Strange Pig|Strange Pig]] during a weeklong Special Event.
}}
;[[ProjectGorgon:Deer|Deer]]
{{Spoiler|Methods of turning into a Deer|
* Receive damage from the Rage Attack ''Heavy Burst Darkness Damage and Curse'' by [[ProjectGorgon:Ciervos The Shadow|Ciervos The Shadow]] in the [[ProjectGorgon:Goblin Dungeon|Goblin Dungeon]]. Transformation occurs immediately. Defeating Ciervos will remove the curse, so do not do that if you are trying to become a Deer!
* Drink {{Item|Deer Juice}}.
* As a [[ProjectGorgon:Druid|Druid]], reach Level 25.
* Receive damage from the Rage Attack of [[ProjectGorgon:Ciervos The Shadow|World Boss Ciervos]] or [[ProjectGorgon:Ciervos The Shadow|Incursion Boss Ciervos]] during events.
}}
{{Spoiler|Methods of removing Deer form|
* Defeat [[ProjectGorgon:Ciervos The Shadow|Ciervos The Shadow]] or one of his event variants.
* Drink {{Item|Un-Deer Juice}}.
* As a [[ProjectGorgon:Druid|Druid]], reach Level 25.
* Speak a ''Word of Power: Cure Deeriness.''
* Drink a very rare {{Item|Minor Panacea}}.
}}
;[[ProjectGorgon:Spider|Spider]]
{{Spoiler|Methods of turning into a Spider|
* Drink {{Item|Spider Juice}}. (You should buy an Un-Spider Juice from the NPC at the same time!)
* Encounter [[ProjectGorgon:Akhisa's Herald|Akhisa's Herald]] during a weeklong Special Event.
}}
{{Spoiler|Methods of removing Spider form|
* Drink {{Item|Un-Spider Juice}}.
* Speak a ''Word of Power: Cure Arachnia.''
* Drink a very rare {{Item|Minor Panacea}}.
* Encounter [[ProjectGorgon:Akhisa's Herald|Akhisa's Herald]] during a weeklong Special Event.
}}
;[[ProjectGorgon:Pig|Pig]]
{{Spoiler|Methods of turning into a Pig|
* Drink {{Item|Pig Juice}}.
* Encounter the [[ProjectGorgon:Norbert/Strange Pig|Strange Pig]] during a weeklong Special Event.
}}
{{Spoiler|Methods of removing Pig form|
* Drink {{Item|Un-Pig Juice}}.
* Speak a ''Word of Power: Cure Pigification.''
* Encounter the [[ProjectGorgon:Norbert/Strange Pig|Strange Pig]] during a weeklong Special Event.
}}
;[[ProjectGorgon:Rabbit|Rabbit]]
{{Spoiler|Methods of turning into a Rabbit|
* Drink {{Item|Bunny Juice}}.
: Obtainable during the Seasonal Events [[ProjectGorgon:Event: Garden Invasion|Garden Invasion]], [[ProjectGorgon:Event: Bun-Fu Training|Bun-Fu Training]]. 
}}
{{Spoiler|Methods of removing Rabbit form|
* Drink {{Item|Un-Bunny Juice}}.
: Obtainable during the Seasonal Events [[ProjectGorgon:Event: Garden Invasion|Garden Invasion]], [[ProjectGorgon:Event: Bun-Fu Training|Bun-Fu Training]]. 
* Drink a very rare {{Item|Minor Panacea}}.
}}
;[[ProjectGorgon:Giant Bat|Giant Bat]]
{{Spoiler|Methods of turning into a Giant Bat|
* Become infected with [[ProjectGorgon:Fevered Trismus|Fevered Trismus]]. If untreated, transformation after two hours.
; Sources:
:- Bite by a [[ProjectGorgon:Giant Bat|Giant Bat]] character using [[ProjectGorgon:Virulent Bite|Virulent Bite]] in a PVP-enabled area.
:- Rage attacks from [[ProjectGorgon:Disease-Crazed Giant Bat|Disease-Crazed Giant Bat]], [[ProjectGorgon:Pet Battlebat|Pet Battlebat]], [[ProjectGorgon:Sickly Giant Bat|Sickly Giant Bat]], or [[ProjectGorgon:Angry Giant Bat|Angry Giant Bat]].
}}
{{Spoiler|Methods of removing Giant Bat form|
* Drink {{Item|Un-Bat Juice}}.
* Drink a very rare {{Item|Minor Panacea}}.
}}
;[[ProjectGorgon:Lycanthropy|Lycanthropy]]
* Please see the [[ProjectGorgon:Lycanthropy|Lycanthropy]] page for more information.
;[[ProjectGorgon:Spirit Fox|Spirit Fox]]
{{Spoiler|Methods of turning into a Spirit Fox|
* Gift the [[ProjectGorgon:Completely Normal Fox|Completely Normal Fox]] in the [[ProjectGorgon:Wolf Cave|Wolf Cave]] a {{Item|Spirit Stone}}.
* Directly trade a {{Item|Spirit Stone}} to another [[ProjectGorgon:Spirit Fox|Spirit Fox]] character.
}}
{{Spoiler|Methods of removing Spirit Fox form|
* Receive a directly traded {{Item|Spirit Stone}} from another character.
* Drink a very rare {{Item|Minor Panacea}}.
}}
=== Beast Forms and NPCs ===
Not every NPC in Project: Gorgon is friendly to [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]]. Newly transformed [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] quickly discover that many shopkeepers shun animals, refusing to speak with them. In the town of [[ProjectGorgon:Serbule|Serbule]], shopping and training services once offered in humanoid form will be rescinded by [[ProjectGorgon:Marna|Marna]], [[ProjectGorgon:Joeh|Joeh]], [[ProjectGorgon:Elahil|Elahil]], and [[ProjectGorgon:Tadion|Tadion]]. If humanoid form is regained, normal access to animal-hating NPCs will return. 
* Some NPCs can be bribed to speak with animals, such as [[ProjectGorgon:Hulon|Hulon]] in [[ProjectGorgon:Serbule|Serbule]]. The method to bribe NPCs varies. Sometimes the NPCs offer a quest, at other times they want a bribe of Councils.
* NPCs that refuse to speak to [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] can be picky. They may shun only "scary" forms, usually [[ProjectGorgon:Spider|Spider]], [[ProjectGorgon:Lycanthropy|Lycanthrope]], and [[ProjectGorgon:Giant Bat|Giant Bat]].
* Both [[ProjectGorgon:Spider|Spider]] and [[ProjectGorgon:Spirit Fox|Spirit Fox]] gain access to abilities allowing them to temporarily appear humanoid.
* Discoverable [[ProjectGorgon:Words of Power|Words of Power]] exist that can temporarily project a humanoid form.
: - ''Word of Power: Human Illusion ... Speaking this word makes you look like a human for 90 seconds. Townsfolk and shopkeepers will perceive you as a human and their memories will be temporarily altered so that they think you've always been a human.''
: - ''Word of Power: Elf Illusion ... Speaking this word makes you look like an elf for 120 seconds. Townsfolk and shopkeepers will perceive you as an elf and their memories will be temporarily altered so that they thing you've always been an elf.''
: - ''Word of Power: Rakshasa Illusion ... Speaking this word makes you look like a rakshasa for 150 seconds. Townsfolk and shopkeepers will perceive you as a rakshasa and their memories will be temporarily altered so that they think you've always been a rakshasa.''

While some NPCs shun [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]], others will only be willing to interact with them. There are [[ProjectGorgon:Awakened|Awakened]] animals in small camps and outposts across Alharth that offer alternative places to train and shop.
==== Animal Town ====
[[ProjectGorgon:Animal Town|Animal Town]] is a hidden refuge in [[ProjectGorgon:Sun Vale|Sun Vale]] populated by various species of talking animals. Some of the residents are [[ProjectGorgon:Awakened|Awakened]], while others are were-creatures, or were granted intelligence by unknown methods. Humans, Rakshasa, Orcs, Fairies, and Elves are forbidden from entering the town, and will be forcibly removed by the deadly [[ProjectGorgon:Summoned Guardian|Summoned Guardian]]s.

Individuals who have recently transformed into one of the [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] will find themselves unable to speak with most NPCs in [[ProjectGorgon:Animal Town|Animal Town]] until 180 real-world minutes have been played. If you loose track of the time you transformed, [[ProjectGorgon:Norbert|Norbert]] the pig can tell you when the other residents will tolerate talking with you!
* Befriending the residents of [[ProjectGorgon:Animal Town|Animal Town]] is highly encouraged for all [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] who wish to remain in their forms long-term. The NPCs of the town offer training of [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms#Beast Skills|Beast Skills]], abilities, and provide storage exclusive to [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]].
==== Animal Outposts ====
; [[ProjectGorgon:Kur Mountains|Kur Mountains]]
: North of [[ProjectGorgon:Kur Tower|Kur Tower]] on the far side of the river, a small crystal-guarded outpost run by foxes watches over the region.
: Inside a cavern carved into a mountain, a group of [[ProjectGorgon:Warden|Warden]]s stay safe and plan for their future. This cavern is magically-sealed to outsiders and those in humanoid forms.
; [[ProjectGorgon:Gazluk|Gazluk]]
: In the northeast mountains of the inner ring, a small Animal Camp provides a warm refuge from the cold.
==== Useful NPCs to Befriend ====
Outside of animal-run towns and outposts, there are a few NPCs that Animal Forms should become acquainted with.
; [[ProjectGorgon:Serbule|Serbule]]
* [[ProjectGorgon:Flia|Flia]] - A fairy east of Serbule Keep, she offers shopkeeper services in any easy to reach location for lower-level [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]].
* [[ProjectGorgon:Harry the Wolf|Harry the Wolf]] - A Lycanthrope shopkeeper in the Serbule garden, Harry speaks with [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] naturally, but requires extra effort by humanoid forms who want to converse with him.
; [[ProjectGorgon:Eltibule|Eltibule]]
* [[ProjectGorgon:Suspicious Cow|Suspicious Cow]] - Grazing outside of Eltibule Keep, this guardian of the region offers training and shopkeeper services.
; [[ProjectGorgon:Kur Mountains|Kur Mountains]]
* Along the northwestern beach, Lycanthropes [[ProjectGorgon:Sanja|Sanja]] and [[ProjectGorgon:Jace Soral|Jace Soral]] guard a small camp and campfire.
; [[ProjectGorgon:Ilmari|Ilmari]]
* [[ProjectGorgon:Lumpfuzz|Lumpfuzz]] - A traveling Elven Spellhound and merchant.

=====NPC Shopkeepers that speak to Beast Forms=====
{{ #dpl:
 | category   = NPCs
 | category = Shopkeeper
 | category = Talks to Animals
 | notcategory = Zones
 | notcategory = NPCs by Area
 | notcategory = Mechanics
 | include    = {NPC infobox}:zone,{NPC infobox}:beastlist,
 | columns = 1
 | table      = class="sortable wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed",NPC Name, Zone, Animals spoken to.
}}

=====NPC Shopkeepers that don't speak to Beast Forms =====
{{ #dpl:
 | category   = NPCs
 | category = Shopkeeper
 | notcategory = Talks to Animals
 | notcategory = Zones
 | notcategory = NPCs by Area
 | notcategory = Mechanics
 | include    = {NPC infobox}:zone,{NPC infobox}:beastlist,
 | columns = 1
 | table      = class="sortable wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed",NPC Name, Zone, Animals spoken to.
}}

===== NPCs that speak to Beast Forms and are not Shopkeepers=====
{{ #dpl:
 | category   = NPCs
 | category = Talks to Animals
 | notcategory = Shopkeeper
 | notcategory = Zones
 | notcategory = NPCs by Area
 | notcategory = Mechanics
 | include    = {NPC infobox}:zone,{NPC infobox}:beastlist,
 | columns = 1
 | table      = class="sortable wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed",NPC Name, Zone, Animals spoken to.
}}

===== NPCs that don't speak to Beast Forms and are not Shopkeepers=====
{{ #dpl:
 | category   = NPCs
 | notcategory = Talks to Animals
 | notcategory = Shopkeeper
 | notcategory = Zones
 | notcategory = NPCs by Area
 | notcategory = Mechanics
 | include    = {NPC infobox}:zone,{NPC infobox}:beastlist,
 | columns = 1
 | table      = class="sortable wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed",NPC Name, Zone, Animals spoken to.
}}

=== General Tips for Beast Forms ===
* It is advised that new characters wait to become a [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Form]], especially a [[ProjectGorgon:Lycanthropy|Lycanthrope]], until they have explored [[ProjectGorgon:Serbule|Serbule]], [[ProjectGorgon:Serbule Hills|Serbule Hills]], and [[ProjectGorgon:Eltibule|Eltibule]]. For characters with low-level Combat Skills, transforming into a [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Form]] and losing access to many shopkeepers and other services can be a surprise. Until [[ProjectGorgon:favor|favor]] is built up with NPC Shopkeepers that speak to animals, income and progress will likely temporarily plummet.

* If a [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Form]] sounds fun to try, it may be wise to obtain a method of removing the form before transformation. If an unprepared character drinks a {{Item|Spider Juice}}, they will need to fight their way through the entire [[ProjectGorgon:Serbule Crypt|Serbule Crypt]] to reach the NPC selling the {{Item|Un-Spider Juice}}... or rely on a helpful adventurer.

* [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] stack. If a Rakshasa cursed by [[ProjectGorgon:Maronesa|Maronesa]] into a [[ProjectGorgon:Cow|Cow]] drinks a {{Item|Deer Juice}}, they will transform into a [[ProjectGorgon:Deer|Deer]] and loose access to have Cow abilities active in combat. When they drink an {{Item|Un-Deer Juice}}, they will return to Cow form instead of Rakshasa. If that Rakshasa also happens to be a [[ProjectGorgon:Lycanthropy|Lycanthrope]], they will be forced from either Cow or Deer forms into wolf during the full moon. When the moon ends, they will return to whichever form they were before the moon phase began.

* A common method to improve [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Speech|Beast Speech]] is to send a message in a private channel every five minutes or so. This will raise Beast Speech without Global having to hear sentences of just Moo/Baa/Naa which can happen at very low levels of [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Speech|Beast Speech]].

* Newly transformed [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] may have a surplus of armor after exploring a dungeon, as they no longer have access to [[ProjectGorgon:Joeh|Joeh]] as a shopkeeper. The Orc merchant [[ProjectGorgon:Roshun the Traitor|Roshun the Traitor]], living in a building near the [[ProjectGorgon:Eltibule|Eltibule]] portal, speaks with animals and buys equipment.

* Although most storage-offering NPCs in [[ProjectGorgon:Serbule|Serbule]] shun animals, storage spaces unlocked on them while in humanoid form can be accessed from the bookshelf in the building between [[ProjectGorgon:Marna|Marna]] and [[ProjectGorgon:Hulon|Hulon]]'s shops. (Note: This may change in the future).

* Using the associated Combat Skill for a [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Form]] is not required. A [[ProjectGorgon:Cow|Cow]]-form character could have [[ProjectGorgon:Psychology|Psychology]] and [[ProjectGorgon:Mentalism|Mentalism]] as its active skills.

== Trivia ==
* [[ProjectGorgon:Beast Forms|Beast Forms]] (and specifically Cow  at first), were at first 'a fluke' by the Developers.
Citan originally only intended the Beast Forms to be a very temporary curse, intended only as 'punishment' and to be cured ASAP. <br>
He was surprised to find that certain players wanted to continue playing in their animal forms, and subsequently the different animal forms and their abilities and playstyle were further developed.

==Sources==
* [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1045484633/project-gorgon-a-new-approach-to-mmos/posts/985932 Making Armor Pt 2]
[[Category:Mechanics]]