It is interesting to note that some people think that polymorphing and
shapeshifting are the same thing. The personalities of most using these
abilities are probably chaotic due to their everchanging nature. This could not
be further from the truth. In essence polymorphing and shapeshifting accomplish
the same goals, but are two unique things.
When one shifts shapes, that is to say that he/she has a shapeshifting ability,
they are actually changing the outwardly appearance of their form. While the
insides of the person retain their true value. If you were to take a sample of
body tissue from a shapeshifter, you would find that it reverts into a
plasmoidal state upon removal from the main body. Shapeshifting into inanimate
objects is risky and should only be attempted under dire circumstances, or by a
professional shapeshifter. The process of shapeshifting is more a mechanical
scientific process than polymorphing.
Polymorphing is a spell. That is the simplest way to put it. In reality is is
a complex series of spell put into one major one which allows the tranformation
of matter into energy, and then back into matter of a different form. The true
personality of the individual is the only thing retained from form to form.
Through the process of polymorphing, it is possible, and likely, for the
polymorpher to change himself into whatever form he so desires. There are some
dangers in the possibility of being stuck in an unfamiliar form while
polymorphed, so it is recommended that one practice with forms before actually
using them. The polymorpher need not polymorph himself, there are many spells
which allow for the transformations of other objects.
Polymorphing and Shapeshifting are able to be used together, creating a perfect
unity in the form-changing abilities.