So Laguz mechanics came up again and I think some real progress was made this time. Here's a summary of what we've worked out, though its still in the fairly early conceptual stage.
Laguz do not promote. Laguz have a level cap of 40 instead of 20. Laguz have a Transformation Gauge.
Transformation Gauge maxes out at 15. While untransformed, at the start of their turn, they gain +1 to their transformation gauge, and at the end of a combat, they gain +2 to their transformation gauge. While transformed, at the beginning of their turn, their gauge reduces by 1, and reduces by 1 at the end of each combat.
Laguz may choose to revert their transformation as part of their turn. Laguz automatically revert their transformation if their gauge falls to 0. Laguz may (or may not its up for debate) transform on their turn at any point on the gauge. If a Laguz is attacked at a range they could counter in their base form, and their gauge is full, they will transform before combat begins.
Transformation increases STR, MAG, SKL, DEF, RES, and SPD by an average of 1/4 level, minimum 1. Different variations on the specific fraction per stats that may be chosen at character creation, but will not exceed 1/3 for balance reasons, are under review.
At character creation, Laguz choose one natural weapon (claw, talon, fang, etc). This will scale. Somehow.
There will be three main Laguz variants: Beast, Bird, and Dragon. The primary difference will be in skills and vulnerability. Bird Laguz will have flight while transformed at minimum. Most everything else is up in the air.
Laguz may have lower bases and a greater amount of bonus stats at character creations to allow for variation in relation to the low number of distinct classes.
Aaaand that's pretty much it at the moment.