Metal Magic
Most Storkatten magic is plain to see: a fireball launched at a dead tree, a burst of lightning striking an enemy, the growth of plants out of seemingly barren ground. Metal, however, is different. While those truly excelling in the magic can manipulate metal by force of will, forging armor like none other or stealing coins without sleight-of-paw, metal magic is more practical than showy.
The first lesson for those learning metal magic is a simple spell with dangerous applications: turning their claws to steel. Elite soldiers in certain Storkatten kingdoms favor born-metal trainees for this reason; though any Storkie can learn metal magic, those born with the magic can sharpen their claws into steel as easily as unsheathing them.
Before learning to manipulate external metal, users of metal magic continue to shift parts of their body into metal. Metal protecting the body is one of the more common applications; some Storkies weave metal into their fur to keep it hidden from plain sight, others harden their skin into steel plates like a knight’s armor. Metal enhancements to fangs are occasionally used, but most Storkies find the feeling in their mouth to be too odd to use for more than a short battle.
The highest tier of metal magic goes beyond altering one’s own body, and Storkies that have achieved this tier can manipulate metal from the world around them. A jeweler might engrave a necklace into a precise image from her head, while a knight can animate swords to parry and attack multiple opponents at once. Even then, no visible “residue” released by the magic can be seen, making metal magic a common choice for thieves, assassins, prestidigitators, and other secretive professions.
The eyes of a Storkie with inherited metal magic are silver, occasionally with gold pupils. They appear to have a metallic sheen in the right light.
