From publisher blurb:
Six Lineages
Amphibian. Amphibian Shaemani follow the Way of the Current, which focuses on adaptability not as an active choice, but as a passive shaping of the self by the flow of the world. They live in the water, viewing the currents of the water the perfect embodiment of their philosophy.
Artform. Artform Shaemani believe that the body is a work of art, meant to be molded to each individual's conception of beauty. They follow the Way of the Form, teaching that designing ones body for function is a dead end, and that true evolution comes from designing for artistic and personal truth.
Scalpel. Scalpel Shaemani follow the Way of the Blade, a philosophy of the body as a precision tool. To these Shaemani, a blade is not just a weapon but a tool, an implement. Scalpel Shaemani act as both butcher and surgeon, using their appendages with perfect precision.
Chimera. Shaemani who choose to become Chimera focus on on form and function, following the Way of the Shape. The body is not a housing for the soul, it is the soul, so it is right to shape it to ones liking and purpose. Like the metamorphosis of a butterfly, they can turn into a liquid and reshape their bodies over time.
Armor. The Armor Shaemani strain focuses on protection and durability. Their modified bodies feature carapaces, scales, or chitin armor, as well as heavy natural weapons. Shaemani who choose to join the armor strain follow the Way of the Soul, emphasizing an inherent self for which the body is a protective vessel.
Mage. Mage Shaemani reject the dichotomy the soul and body. They believe that there is the magical and the physical, and the difference between the “self” and the “other” is negligible. As such, they enhance their bodies with mechanics and splices from magical creatures and their spirits with dangerous magics.