(Critter) Form, Uses and Abuses Options

[Neraph]

The critter form spell states that it functions like the Shapechange spell "...,but only aloows the subject to change into a specific non-paranormal animal." (SR4, pg. 204, emphasis added).

Obviously, a Bear Form spell exists, and a Wolf Form, Eagle Form, oreven an Aardvark Form spell exists, but I ask you, can a Troll Form, Dwarf Form, or Human Form spell exist? I say they can, and I will show you why.

As already stated, all the spell looks for is a specific, non-paranormal animal. So, any creature of the Animal Kingdom works. We know a bear works, but why does it work? Here's why (http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=621850). As we can see, bears have a specific taxonomic hierarchy, also known as a Linnaean Classification. So any taxonomic or Linnaean classification that results in a creature within the Animal Kingdom is a viable option for the purposes of this spell.

I present to you the Homo sapiens' taxonomical classification: http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/Sing...ch_value=180092. Here is an easier representation: http://anthro.palomar.edu/animal/table_humans.htm. Therefore, a Human Spell is a viable option. But are trolls, orks, or elves?

Yes, and here's why. Starting in SR4, pg. 65, they give a brief rundown on Metahumanity, and they describe all the different metavariants. The clincher is that they give an additional Linnaeas Classification surname onto Dwarves, Elves, Orks, Trolls, and Humans. That places them firmly into the realm of organisms in the animal kingdom, and fully within the realm of the (Critter) Form spell.