So, according to multiple comments by Jim, Harry had 3 choices or 'paths' in Changes: become Mab's Winter Knight, perform the Darkhallow or pick up Lasciel's coin.

Obviously in our timeline Harry became the WK but it got me thinking: if Harry had picked up Lasciel’s Coin in Changes, what would his Battle Form be like?

The obvious answer is like Hannah’s Battle Form. But, at least for me, that’s kinda… weird. I have a hard time picturing Harry transforming into something like that. But it probably would still be something at least somewhat alluring given that Jim has described the ‘Denarian path’ as being James Bond - lite.

So if not Hannah’s Battle Form, what would his form look like? What are your headcanons on this?

 

An Innubus. A sexy demonic white Vampire like being. Ironically a demonic form that’s rather Angel like.

 

I'm guessing you meant "Incubus"?

I can see that. But wouldn't that make him too similar to Thomas? And other Whamps for that matter?

 

Lasciel is The Temptress, The Seducer, and the Web-Weaver.

The Temptress: Not Harry's style. Besides the fact that's it's stereotypically a female role and Harry's got thier weird thing about gender roles, I think Lasciel would have a hard time convincing Harry that becoming Satan-like (literally called Tempter in the Bible).

The Seducer: Too much symmetry with Thomas. Thomas' face belongs on the cover of a fashion magazine. Harry's face belongs on a wanted poster. The opposition between brothers is an ongoing theme I don't think JB would mess with too much. So I don't see Lasciel being able to influence Harry to let her change his appearance from 'Tall, Dark, and Menacing' to 'Tall, Dark, and Sex God.'

The Webweaver: Harry's battle form is a spider. A giant, skeletal, venomous, super fast, super strong spider with razor sharp fangs and acid spit.

 

Let's make two assumptions: 1) Harry mamages to mentally resist Lasciel to the same basic extent he did Lash and the Winter Knight's mantle, and 2) Harry doesn't want his physical form to change much, as he sees it as a slippery slope to changing his mind. I see he changing slowly, in steps; at first, no change. Then, next fight, when he needs it, something odd but not directly chamging his body, say, he can suddenly control his duster with a thought. Then, maybe, more leather erupts from.his.clothes when he needs armour. Then, maybe, his skin thickens. The changes mount like this, slowly, one at a time, until a few books later he triggers his change with some reference to Transformers and turns into a hulking, unrecognizable leatherbound monstrosity. Possibly with extra arms. Think biological Doctor Octopus.

 

Very interesting answer. Thanks for your thoughts.

That being said, per WoJ, he would take up the Coin in Changes just like he took up the WK mantle. So assuming similar behavior as in our timeline, I think he would be very reliant on the Coin for more power - anything to help save Maggie from the Reds, right? So I don't think he would be as resistant to transformation as you argue. At least not initially.

Secondly, this goes into different 'headcanons' but I'm not sure Lasciel would have a form that is so monstrous. I think she'd choose something appealing and maybe even superficially heroic or benevolent-seeming so that others, and more importantly Harry, would see that form more positively. Just another way for her to more effectively ensnare Dresden - or try to, anyway. Your thoughts?

 

In regard to the incubus transformation. I think the similarity to Thomas and the White Court is a strength not a weakness.

Harry, at his lowest point, when he has taken in a servant of hell, and transforms into a demon to augment himself. Becomes the same as his Brother every day of the week.

That could play really well. With Thomas acting as a example/mentor is not falling into the base urges that come with that power.

 

Fair enough. I suppose that's true.

It actually reminds me of a similar scene in Cold Days (Ch. 22) when Harry is struggling with the Winter Mantle: