Animal Merging
Animal merging magic, sometimes simply referred to as merging magic, is a process that physically alters and combines the bodies of multiple living creatures into one.
It was originally used to hybridise livestock in order to optimise production of animal products, and many of the animals created through animal merging still exist today as their own unique breeds; it is believed by many that gryphons are an example of these animals, though it is not confirmed. Other examples of animals thought to be made with animal merging magic are the incarah, chikchik, kelpie, and lobster-mantis.
Though useful, the creatures created through this magic often had severe health and behavioural issues, and the rates of survival into adulthood for merged animals were very low. Clashing instincts and physical development often lead to debilitating illnesses and suffering that were hidden from the public for a long time. It was only in 6,026 AE that the cruelty of merging magic was brought to the attention of the public and the practice was protested and banned.
The reason for the discovery of animal merging magic’s unethical nature was a horrifying one; an orphanage in Reani was caught selling children to magical researchers who merged them with livestock. These children suffered severely with both physical and emotional ailments and, when the public discovered the extend of what had happened, there was an outcry about the cruelty involved.
Since then, animal merging has been banned in all countries within the International Alliance due to its extremely unethical nature. The use of animal merging magic is heavily-punished by almost all countries across the explored territories, with a vast majority of governments in agreement that using merging magic on an unwilling Sentient or Mystic person is a crime punishable by death. Even those countries that allow the magic to be used on animals will have severe punishments for the magic when it is used on people.