== TOME: The Deathless Art Vol: 2 The evolution of the flesh==
The art of fleshcarfting or grafting as many refer to it is nothing new,
such practices have been cultivated through the history of Toril
within cultural beliefs were shaman and others might take on adaptations
of flesh and bone to better resemble there faith or there worshiped idol.
This is perhaps were the art first began, but many who practices such
would have acquired a taste, perhaps some skill and understanding in
what grafting can offer if taken further. I assume that at some time or
another a simple cosmetic graft lead to the infusion of the flesh of another
to the subject, an this subject most probably a shaman did notice that this
all be it simple graft actually conveyed physical enhancement.
I assume at this point various sects, cults and perhaps entire villages
fell into this ancient art worshiping it as a means to become closer to
there god, or idols of worship, an so the pseudo research began.
This knowledge is perhaps what founded the very basics of fleshcraft,
since then much has been accomplished, various possibility explored
from grafting dragon flesh to infernal even enhancing one self with there
perfection of undeath can be performed through the rituals of fleshcraft.
Hygiene & preparation
In this section i will discuss the various preparations, or rule of thumb that
any grafter should follow when harvesting components or performing procedures.
It matters not what type of flesh you are dealing with, strict protocol to ensure the
limited deterioration and contamination of the flesh is essential to ensuring
a graft or transplant takes hold.
Hygiene before procedures.
1.
-It is preferred that the subject and yourself bathe beforehand,
and change into clean robes, alternatively a simple transmutation spell clean. If such
is possible the individual need not progress with further hygiene and can skip to the next chapter.
2. -(Remove all jewelry before beginning.
3. -(Remove excess nail and dry flesh by using clippers and a hard
brush.
4. -(Dip hands in disinfecting liquid, such as cleaning alcohol or other
alchemical compounds.
5. -(After rinse well with boiled water, scrub with soap & distilled water
mixed with two parts
water two parts alcohol. (non scented soaps)
6. -(Ensure that all of your hands and upper arms have been cleaned
in this fashion before
proceeding with any form of contact with flesh, or other surgical equipment.
Equipment
To perform various surgical procedures from simple harvesting to the more
complex procedures of grafting and transplants, various tools of the trade are
required. Below is a list of the most critical tools required and there general
use, though this may be of some assistance to some it is best that one meet
with myself, or another trained fleshcrafter before attempting to make use of
these tools, as often you can increase the likelihood of the graft holding if the
flesh has been removed correctly with the right tools, failure to do so can lead
to various complications.
-
Arterial & jugular tubes: These tubes are to draw or drain out all the blood or other fluids. They can also be used to replace said fluids with a variety of things such as Formaldehyde or anything you so please, i once attempted to replace a black dragon kins blood with acid, to some most interesting results, the right combination of acids and vital fluids could sustain the individual and their blood becomes highly acidic and useful.
-
Head rest: to elevate the head when preforming cranial surgery.
-
Skull key: This T-shaped chisel is used as a lever while removing skull cap, is can also be used to help free other bones from join sockets.
-
Brain knife: This knife is un-toothed, an used to separate parts of the brain, it is excellent for removal of various tissues from the brain while leaving other pathways and strictures intact.
-
Medical syringes: for fluid aspiration, retrieval of samples and the like.
-
Hand Drill: This is for drilling into bones to take marrow core samples or to assist in removal of the skull cap.
-
Foley catheter: for evacuation or irrigation of the bladder to collect a urine sample, these are much like the Arterial tubes but designed to remove all the facial and urinal fluids from the subject.
-
Nasogastric tube: nasogastric are for aspiration of stomach contents; usually used to remove stomach contents to avoid exposing other parts of the flesh and yourself to the contents.
-
Specimen jars/envelopes/packets : For collection of various tissues, organs, specimens. such can be magicaly preserved or a combination of fluids or temperature reduction methods.
-
Tongue tie: Usually a simple hook through the tong and upper lip, but also a clip to stop the tong from being swallowed, as it is most difficult to extract during the process without.
-
Enterotome: These large scissors are used for opening the intestines. The bulb-ended blade is inserted into the lumen (the hollow inside) of the gut, and the instrument is smoothly stripped down the length of the intestine. The blunt bulb keeps the internal blade from perforating the gut from the inside.
-
Hagedorn needle: Also called the sailmaker's needle, this is a large needle with an eye for sewing up the body after the autopsy is finished. Heavy twine, which is much coarser than suture, is used for the procedure.
-
Rib cutters: These look like small pruning shears and are used to cut through the ribs prior to lifting off the chest plate.
-
Scalpel: This differs from the surgeon's scalpel in having a longer handle for reaching deeper into body cavities.
-
Toothed forceps: The teeth on these "pickups" lend strength in gripping heavy organs for removal. In surgical pathology, teeth are a liability in that they increase the risk of cross contamination between specimens, so untoothed forceps are used there. However with proper hygien this matters not, an it is the surges decision ultimately.
-
Scissors: These are otherwise unremarkable scissors used for opening hollow organs and trimming off tissues. They can also be used for blunt dissection by means of an "opening" motion, rather than the more familiar "closing" motion used in cutting.
-
Bone saw: The hand saw can be used to saw through the skull, but can also be used to separate the chest bone “rib cage”.
-
Hammer with hook: The hammer is used with the chisel to separate the calvarium from the lower skull. The hook is handy to pull the calvarium away.
-
Breadknife: Also referred to simply as the "long knife," this is used to smoothly cut solid organs into slices for examination, this can be used in servarl ways and is basically a scalpel with an extremely long blade.
Tissue preservation
:arrow: -Liquid alchemical compound: Formaldehyde, is an alchemical mixture that preserves or in a way
fixes tissues by reversibly cross binding cell structures, proteins within the organ. This is a long term
procedure for keeping specimens for “visual” observations and experiments. However the organs themselves
will become damaged and unusable for grafting, transplanting or implantation.
-
Temprature: Cold can be used to preserve, however this is usually a temporary method as maintaining
a constant level of cold can be costly in spell or mundane equipment, an the tissue will eventually incur
eruptible damage from such, however during stages of procedures this method is acceptable.
-
Spell: The school of necromancy comes in hand with many procedures, an with organs preservation it is
no different. The spell Gentle repose is a wise choice for preserving the entire body or singular organ, this spell
will last a number of days depending on the skill of the caster and can ensure that the tissues is entirely
undamaged. Another spell is also known as Preserve organ is able to do similar things, but is better with individual
organs or tissues an can last much longer.
Embalming
Embalming is another process were one can preserve the tissues of a body,
this process in its entirety combined with liquid, cold and spell forms of preservation
is what most use to harvest bodies for parts. This process also will leave you
with a corps hollowed out, and ready for mummification for reanimation as a mummy,
or a well prepared corps for reanimation into a modified hardened decaying type undead.
The following steps in order are basic guidelines for organ harvesting, but also primary steps in mummification.
*A image displays a entirely mummified corpse*
1. -The body or areas of amputation should be thoroughly washed, with soap or other antiseptic agents such as
rubbing alcohol, but such should be kept to a minimum to preserve the flesh. Spell preservation can be used at this point
to clean and preserve te entire body as is. Or one can proceed further.
2. -Removal of the brain. A hook should be inserted into the nostrils and through the nose, this is then swirled within
the skull, and the brain can then be removed through the nasal cavities. Another method is using a bone saw to remove
the cranium of the head and extract the brain as a whole.
3. -Resin such as pistacia tree resin and balsam sap was poured into the brain which then solidified to prevent the
skull from collapsing.
4. -Incision should be maid from the belly button towards the groin, this can then be peeled back and the intestines
and stomach removed and preserved or discarded.
5. -Incision should then me maid down the chest, and a bone saw used to crack the rib cage and a small clamp
used to keep the chest cavity open.
6. -Now you should be able to remove the organs from the body individually, These can then be preserved
individually or discarded.
7. -The body and the cavity in the abdomen should then be packed with small sacks of natron mixed with liquid
Formaldehyde and salt, This will dry the body out and preserve e the remaining form and tissue.
8. -You may then remove any further required components, bone, skin or such and see to there individual
preservation.
9. -Finally the cavities should be re-sealed with clamps, staples or needle an cotton thread.
Principles of good Grafting
-Gentle handling of tissues: will help minimize postsurgical pain. Tissues should not be cut or separated without reason and tissue dissection is usually done along facial planes. Exposed tissue must be protected from drying or contamination. When extracting or transplanting tissues they should be kept in a cold place for temporary holding or the spells preserve organs cast upon them to ensure the tissue is not damaged by air or other aggressors of the environment.
-Effective hemostasis and maintenance of blood supply: allows visualization of the surgical field while preserving the total blood volume. Hemostasis is achieved by ligation, pressure, electrocoagulation and avoiding damage to major vessels. Only the vessel to be occluded should be incorporated in a ligature or clip. In using electrocoagulation, a high frequency current is applied to a small area of tissue (the bleeding vessel) and electric energy is converted to heat, resulting in coagulation of tissue and sealing of the vessel. To avoid excessive tissue damage, only the vessel to be occluded is in contact with the spell. Ensuring that any excess blood flow is clipped or cortoerised is essential in saving a subject from future infection or death.
-Proper use of surgical instruments: minimizes trauma. For example, forceps are used to occlude blood vessels when flow is to be reestablished; ensure the right equipment is used for the right job, in doing so the transplant, implant or graft will take hold better if the bone and flesh has been cut with the right tools.
-Accurate tissue apposition: This enhances healing and promotes rapid return to normal function. Retraction and dissection of tissue can produce pockets known as dead space. Dead space can delay healing and serve as a site for bacterial growth and fluid accumulation. As tissues are returned to their normal positions, dead space needs to be obliterated by careful suture placement to appose tissue and/or placement of drains to prevent fluid accumulation. Tissues are replaced to their normal anatomic positions with minimal amount of tension by sutures to prevent tissue devitalization.
Support of vital organ functions is an integral part of any surgical protocol. If you are transplanting to a live subject, or wish to keep the doner alive it is critical that the following be taken into account.
Additional Factors to take into consideration. -
1.Body temperature - This can be measured via rectal or esophageal thermometers. Every
effort should be made to combat hypothermia by use of circulating warm water blankets, warm water
bottles, heat lamps, or application of insulating materials such as drapes.
-
2.Respiratory support - This can be as simple as appropriate positioning of the subject to ensure
an unobstructed airway. Alternatively I have seen combinations of the water breathing spell such is
useful if the subject has internal bleeding, an stops them from choking on their own blood.
-
3.Cardiovascular - A variety of techniques may be used for assessment: capillary refill time,
heart rate monitoring, , palpation of pulse, and use of esophageal or conventional stethoscopes.
Ensuring the hearts beets are monitored and that during the procedures fluctuations are taken into
account. To avoid cardiac arrest.
-
4.Hydration Status - Monitoring rate and amount of urine production, as well as subjective assessment
of blood loss, and capillary refill time of the oral mucus membranes can indicate adequacy of fluid volume.
If said fluid volume is down, such can be replaced through injection of donor bloods, or can be healed through cure spells.
Assistants during procedures.
Assistants during procedures is most helpful, so long as the individual has at least put the
contents of this book or another like ti to memory they should be able to speed up a procedure.
In such you can lesson the chance of rejection, as well as smooth the process itself.
Clerical assistance if you are not already a wielder of the divine is indeed something to consider.
During many of my first procedures I was unable to acquire such assistances an often considered
what the benefits might be. To put it simply, the simple divine ability to heal and more easily
protect from pathogens, diseases and curses is all the reason you need to realize the benefit
of such an assistant. If you are able to acquire a cleric, ensure that they cast hear is a summery
of the spells that a cleric could memories to be of assistance.
-Clean (for hygiene purposes-reducing the risk of infections)
-Remove disease (To remove said pathogen of procedure is compromised)
-Remove Curse (When dealing with undead grafts, implants, transplants it often
-Status ( allows the cleric to monitor the status of the subject)
-Neutralize poison (Just in case there is cross contamination with antiseptics, or sterilization agents)
-Restoration (This can be used to restore body functions that may be infected negatively during the grafting process, various curse or other mundane and magical occurrences that could-not be taken into account post procedure.
-Cure spells ( Various cure spells placed at the right time can enhance the chance of success and the likelihood of the subjects survival)
-Gentle repose (for preservation of organs, tissues or entire bodys)
Grafting & Transplants.
It is indeed possible for one to manipulate the flesh, to take parts of another, even
various races, species and be used to create another creature, or to bind to one’s self.
This procedure is known as grafting. It is important to ensure that grafting is done with
care, all procedure must follow strict protocol and the felshcraft must ensure that the
ligaments, tendons, and necessary organs remain intact and free from decomposition.
Grafting essentially involved taking a part of an existing creature and transplanting it into
or onto the body of another creature, living or unloving. The process is usually length
procedure with various considerations to make on a case by case basses. Things like
race, species, and the parts condition. The subject rejecting a graft can gain various
strengths and weakness based on the graft. In almost all castes the donor of the transplant
will die, as it is inherently unproductive to attempt to save the creature.
It makes far more sense to accept the sacrifice of another life to evolve and improve another.
To perform any of the follow grafts you will need access to all the above tools, and other materials
mentioned above, as well as an assortment of individual material components for the specific procedure.
The creator of the graft must be in a controlled an comfortable setting, an have access to a full
surgical lab and alchemical apparatus.
Types. -Autologous: The donor is taken from a different site on the same individual's body
-Isogeneic: The donor and recipient individuals are genetically identical
-Allogeneic: The donor and recipient are of the same species
-Xenogeneic: The donor and recipient are of different species
-Prosthetic: Lost tissue is replaced with synthetic materials such as metal.
Undead Grafts onto undead or undead parts and ablates onto the living also referred to as the deathless art, these grafts, transplants and implants usually consist of the removal and imbuing of negatively charged limbs or organs and grafting them or transplanting them into a living host.
Some examples of undead Grafts. -Mohrg’s Tongue: A long cartilaginous toung that has sharp claws at its tip can be grafted to a subject, allowing them to strike out and use this appending as if it was there own, contact with the sharp claws can also have a paralyzing effect.
-Mummified Eye: This graft is taken from a mummy, or created through mummification procedures, once grafted acts much like a normal eye at first glace. It would however have a distinct dry appearance and would not move in the socket . however the use can wield the eyebite spell through this eye by using it as a focus to channel negative energies.
-Mummified hand: This is of course procured from an mummified corps either located or prepared by the grafter. The hand will endow the user with increased power an the ability to slam its hand down upon a target causing greater damage, it also will contain the disease know as mummies rot an can be used to spread such a disease to all the user touch.
-Paralyzing Arm: This arm is a more complicated procedure; it is not a simple graft and requires some preparation and preparation of the arm. The arm can be taken from any undead, but should match the subject’s species, it is then negatively imbued through the rights of the deathless arts. This procedure should not be attempted without in-depth knowledge and understanding of the deathless arts. Once the graft has taken hold it will be able to cause paralysis by touch. This arm can be further adapted to channel negative energies, and is inherently tied in with the rituals that allow a palemaster to do so.
-Skeletal Hand: This is a simple graft, it will allow the user to have a fully working hand that is skeletal, the hand may be taken from any creature of a similar species, but the further apart the greater chance of rejection. The hand itself does nothing of note, but rather is a physical form of evolution towards undeath.
-Flesh Grafts: This procedure as detailed in another tome by me the deathless arts is the first step, a limited increase the ht flesh physical endurance or strength, with various rituals one can graft or rather imbue the properties of various undead flesh into a subjects flesh.
Draconic These grafts or transplants are taken from various
dragon kin, it involve not only the craft of flesh, but the innate knowledge of
dragon blood magic, an one must learn to manipulate the inherent draconic
life energies to ensure a grafting procedure can be completed. A draconic graft
is a longitudinal procedure, a wyrmgraft can spend time away from the graft as
it matures, most wyrmgrafts are grown rather than stolen, as with a minimal
amount of tissue and the draconic regeneration the draconic energies can be
wield to shape the growth into the desired form and graft. It should be noted
that if the subject receiving the grafts is of draconic heritage the procedure itself
is far easier, that being said it should be far easier if the grafts are grown from
samples taken from a dragon of the same blood as the subject. My research into
these areas has been ongoing, though I believe there is far more to be discovered
, an any who seek such grafts or wish to learn the art I urge you to seek me out
so that we might gain knowledge and experience together.
Examples of Draconic Grafts -Dragonbone legs : This process is where the wyrmgrafter grows legs from dragon essence that can be shaped to fit the subject, they are then attached and a magically bound together by manipulating the draconic life energies. These are function legs that allow the subject increased speed and strength.
-Glaring eye : This is a process were the subject eye is transformed through the manipulation of draconic energies to more closely resemble that of a dragons, this process will increase the visual capacity of the eye allowing them to see further and with more detail.
-Smashing tail : This graft is the growth an combining of the subject and a dragons life energies to create a suitable tale that can be used for balance and attack.
-Buffeting wings : This is the process of grafting the fleshcrafted or wyrmgrown wings to a living creature. These are functional wings, that will bind with the subject and with lessons could sustain flight.
Infernal/Demonic These grafts I have also had limited experience with, however grafting demonic
flesh is inherently hard, an often it requires that the subject be already at least in
part of demonic blood. Through assisting others with their own research I have
helped develop a number of rituals and rites that help bring out the infernal or demonic
blood present in an individual, an through a combination of these rites and grafting I
believe it would be possible to bring yourself closer to your heritage. If you are interested
in such I suggest you seek me out, for I would be most interested in assisting with such
rites and procedures.
Monstrous -Taking on the shape of your blood form, through this ritual once can enhance the flesh by bringing out various factors of your heritage, an increase the chance of further modifications through grafting will hold.
-Grafting of various claws, wings, legs and other apendiges, "note" such should be taken from the type of demon/devil your blood first originated from.
These are grafts taken from various monstrous creatures such as mind flayers beholders and other creatures, these are often the hardest to perform as they are further away from the flesh of an average humanoid an thus require a great deal more skill and magic to perform, I have not progressed further into these works, but I encourage others to attempt such.
Examples -Grafting a beholder stalk with its ray ability intact.
-Grafting of gills from a water breathing creature into your own physiology.
-Removal of your limbs an replacement with that of another.
Risks & Complications of Skin GraftsRisks and potential complications of skin grafts include:
-bleeding
-infection
-rejection/loss/death of the graft
-unsatisfactory aesthetic results, such as scarring, skin texture irregularities or discoloration
-loss or reduction in skin sensation
-Increased sensitivity; chronic pain.
-Premature Death.
A single body cannot support unlimited grafts, only so much adaptation can be performed
to a single subject. It has also been said it is impossible to combine various species, but I
would suggest that it is possible but rather difficult to find a homeostasis between the various
forms of flesh in a single subject. In most cases if you intend to adapt yourself it is best to choose
a specific type and stick with this, such as draconic, undead or infernal. To cross adapt from these
would be extremely difficult if not impossible, but perhaps different types of dragon, undead or
infernal could be used. To go beyond this would overwhelm, the body with biomagical signals resulting
in death and madness.
This tome is but an introduction into the art, and the possibility's that is fleshcraft or grafting
as some call it, and i welcome any who wish to acquire further knowledge to seek myself out,
an perhaps various research projects can be undertaken with some type of formal agreement.
I hope that those who have taken to them and patients to read this tome have found such to
be informative. I will be writing other tomes, such will include the specifics of individual grafting
procedures and rituals, however such will not all be freely published.
RegardsDaron Valkin Mulgin.Other works, or associate works.Origins of Undeath "general guide to the creation or birth of undead" (
http://www.amiaworld.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=56054)
The Deathless Art "A general guide to the rituals of Pale Mastery" (
viewtopic.php?f=80&t=55890)
Libris Mortis Vol1 "A basic outlook on undead" [url](
viewtopic.php?f=80&t=55639[/url])
Mystran Conspiracy "The Amian conspiracy against Thay" (
http://www.amiaworld.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=55638)
Mythallars Blood & Magic "The ancient empire of Nethril" (
http://www.amiaworld.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=55637)]
Undead Variates "Basic undead types via associate apprentice Lucian Blackwater "(
http://www.amiaworld.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=58204)
TOME: Grafting, The evolution of the flesh Vol: 1 " Basic concepts, procedures and protocol of grafting "http://www.amiaworld.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=61397
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