Transmutation

Transmutation is the school of arcane magic concerned with the manipulation of the key properties of matter. Such properties include form, place, and even the way time flows around the matter in question. A practitioner of transmutation is called a transmuter. Other titles include: shapers and chronomancers.

Form Alteration
Transmuters can change the physical properties of objects or creatures, even themselves. The most iconic spell in this category is polymorph, by which a mage transfigures a creature into another creature, typically harmless. Other uses include enhancing one's physical strength or speed (often popular with battlemages), changing one's form, or transmuting substances.

Space Alteration
Spells that alter matter's position in space are commonly known as teleportations and portals. Such spells allow transmuters rapidly shift the position of matter by sending it through the Twisting Nether to another location. Because of its role in moving pre-existing matter, and its connection with the Twisting Nether, there is ambiguity in magical theory over whether the school of conjuration plays a role in teleportation.

Long-range teleportation spells are typically costly on a caster's mana reserves, and hence most common destinations feature well-travelled paths through the Nether, or ley-line nexuses to ease the burden on the caster.

Time Alteration
Spells that alter matter's position in time are referred to as chronomancy. Such magic is capable of sending matter backwards or forwards in time, or altering the flow of time around matter to make it speed up or slow down relative to other matter.

Chronomancy is an exceptionally difficult branch of magic to learn and master, requiring a mind capable of abstract thinking and the ability to grasp the nature of the timeways. Traditionally the purview of the Bronze Dragonflight, chronomancy has become more common since the Age of Mortals. However, despite this, chronomancy is considered by many to be dangerous because of the potential for recklessness to have unimaginable consequences. The laws of Dalaran, for example, prohibit chronomancy.