Changeling
The Faceless, Skinshifters, Fae-borne, Illusari
With ever-changing appearances, changelings reside in many societies undetected. Each changeling can supernaturally adopt any face they like. For some changelings, a new face is only a disguise. For other changelings, a new face may reveal an aspect of their soul.
The first changelings in the multiverse appeared in the Feywild, and the wondrous, mutable essence of that plane lingers in changelings today — even in those changelings who have never set foot in the fey realm. Each changeling decides how to use their shape-shifting ability, channeling either the peril or the joy of the Feywild. Sometimes they adopt new forms for the sake of mischief or malice, and other times they don a new identity to right wrongs or delight the downtrodden.
In their true form, changelings appear faded, their features almost devoid of detail. It is rare to see a changeling in that form, for a typical changeling changes their shape the way others might change clothes. A casual shape — one created on the spur of the moment, with no depth or history — is called a mask. A mask can be used to express a mood or to serve a specific purpose and then might never be used again. However, many changelings develop identities that have more depth, crafting whole personas complete with histories and beliefs. A changeling adventurer might have personas for many situations, including negotiation, investigation, and combat.
Personas can be shared by multiple changelings; a community might be home to three healer changelings, with whoever is on duty adopting the persona of Andrea, the gentle physician. Personas can even be passed down through a family, allowing a younger changeling to take advantage of contacts established by the persona’s previous users.
Basic Information
Anatomy
In their natural form, changelings have pale, nearly colorless skin and delicate, undefined facial features, giving them a ghostly, unfinished appearance. Their bodies are flexible, lacking fixed muscle definition, allowing them to shift and mold their form at will. Although able to take on almost any appearance, changelings retain a slightly ethereal quality that hints at their fey origins.
Genetics and Reproduction
Changelings inherit their abilities from one or both parents, who must carry fey-touched blood. Their offspring always inherit their shapeshifting capabilities, although the range and finesse of these abilities vary based on lineage and environment. Feyblood, passed down through families, grants changelings their transformative abilities, and they age similarly to humans but with fewer signs of physical deterioration.
Growth Rate & Stages
Changelings prefer environments rich in magic, such as the mystical Isle of Vathary within the Swirling Peninsula, where magic weaves through the land and sea. Here, changelings thrive, blending into societies with ease. Their adaptable nature allows them to survive in most climates, but they are most at ease in places where they can live in both anonymity and harmony with fey magic.
Ecology and Habitats
Changelings prefer environments rich in magic, such as the mystical Isle of Vathary within the Swirling Peninsula, where magic weaves through the land and sea. Here, changelings thrive, blending into societies with ease. Their adaptable nature allows them to survive in most climates, but they are most at ease in places where they can live in both anonymity and harmony with fey magic.
Behaviour
Changelings tend toward fluidity in both behavior and mindset, adopting diverse roles and identities as needed. Their personalities can be mercurial, shifting based on their current persona or ‘mask.’ Many changelings feel a pull between freedom and loyalty, often struggling with trust, as centuries of exile have left them wary of rigidly defined relationships and societies.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Slightly above average; changelings possess a sharp intellect honed through adaptive living and keen observation.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Changelings possess heightened perception, especially attuned to social cues, which enhances their ability to blend into societies. Some changelings develop a low-level empathic sense, enabling them to subtly perceive the emotions of others, often influencing their choice of appearance in interactions.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Changelings typically have two names: a birth name used among their own kind and one or more chosen names for their personas. Common names are often nature-inspired, reflecting their fey ties, or names borrowed from other cultures.
Beauty Ideals
Changelings value adaptability over any fixed physical trait, admiring fluidity and the artistry in crafting distinct, memorable personas. Beauty is seen as the ability to create a captivating mask rather than adhering to a static ideal.
Gender Ideals
Gender is a flexible, often fluid concept among changelings. Many adopt multiple genders or none at all, depending on the mask they wear and the role they fulfill. Societal roles are seldom bound by gender, allowing each changeling freedom of self-expression.
Courtship Ideals
Changelings view courtship as a mutual exploration of identity. Partners may reveal different personas or masks, sometimes keeping certain identities private until they have reached a deeper bond. Courtship is about acceptance and the journey of revealing, concealing, and exploring each other’s identities.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships are often open and adaptable, centered around mutual respect and understanding of each other’s shifting identities. Honesty is valued in spirit rather than strict form; changelings expect flexibility and tend to form connections that prioritize emotional bonds over physical appearances.
Common Etiquette Rules
Changelings value subtlety, tact, and discretion. It is considered impolite to pry into another’s “true” form or backstory, as each mask is respected as a valid expression of self.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Masquerade -
Date: 9th Enigmaris; The Final Day of the Lunar Cycle (a time symbolizing transition and new beginnings)
Purpose: To celebrate the changelings' mastery of transformation, explore the fluid nature of identity, and embrace the beauty of diversity in all its forms.
The Shifting of the Self
The festival begins with a sacred ceremony called the Shifting of the Self, where changelings gather in Illusaris’ central square, the Mirror Plaza, named for the large reflective pools that surround it. In this ritual, each changeling presents themselves in a form that represents their most authentic identity, whether it be a familiar face or an entirely new one. It is a moment of deep introspection, where changelings reflect on their inner truths and express them outwardly.
As they shift into various forms, the act of transformation is seen not only as a physical change but as a representation of inner growth and self-acceptance. Elders of the community lead this ceremony, offering words of wisdom about embracing the many facets of identity and the power of adaptability in life.
The Masquerade of Many Faces
As the morning ceremony gives way to midday festivities, the Masquerade of Many Faces begins. This is the most anticipated part of the festival, a grand parade where changelings showcase their most creative and extravagant transformations. Streets fill with revelers constantly shifting forms, sometimes in quick successions, sometimes remaining in one form for an extended period. No two participants look alike for long, as everyone takes on new appearances, blending traits from people, animals, and mythic beings.
The parade winds through the streets of Illusaris, and visitors from across Astrium are encouraged to join, donning masks or costumes to experience a taste of changeling culture. Music, dance, and performance art are key elements of the Masquerade, with dancers gracefully shifting their appearance in sync with the rhythm, embodying the festival’s theme of embracing change.
The Hall of Reflections
In the afternoon, many changelings visit the Hall of Reflections, a revered place within Morphaleum where the walls are made of enchanted, ever-changing mirrors. As each person looks into the mirror, they see not only their current form but also the potential versions of themselves—an endless array of faces representing their past, present, and possible future identities.
It is a time for quiet contemplation, where changelings reflect on the fluidity of their nature and how their shifting forms have influenced their personal journey. The Hall of Reflections serves as a reminder that identity is never fixed but rather an evolving story shaped by experience, choice, and imagination.
The Embrace of All Forms
As the sun sets, the festival reaches its crescendo with the Embrace of All Forms, a grand gathering where changelings and visitors alike come together in their chosen forms for the evening feast. It is a celebration of unity through diversity, where each person, regardless of shape or appearance, is celebrated for their unique essence. Food, drink, and laughter fill the air as people share stories of their transformations throughout the year.
Special performances, known as Shape Dances, are held in the main square. These dances are a stunning display of changelings shifting their forms in rapid, fluid movements, using their transformations to tell stories of love, adventure, and discovery. These performances are often seen as symbolic, representing the changelings' ability to adapt and thrive in a world of constant change.
The Faceless Vigil
As night falls, the festival concludes with the Faceless Vigil, a solemn and mystical ceremony where changelings remove all physical expressions, becoming blank, featureless forms. This symbolizes the stripping away of all masks, identities, and illusions, returning to a state of pure potential. The vigil is held under the light of the moon, where changelings sit in silence, meditating on the core truth that lies beneath all transformations: that while appearances may change, the essence of who they are remains constant.
The Faceless Vigil is a powerful reminder that even in a world of endless transformation, there is a deep and unshakable self that transcends form. The festival ends with this moment of introspection, allowing each changeling to embrace both their ever-changing nature and the unchanging truths that guide them.
The Festival of a Thousand Faces is a profound celebration of the changelings' culture and identity, a day when they honor the beauty of transformation and the strength that comes from embracing all forms of self-expression.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Changelings take pride in their Feywild heritage and in their resilience as a people who have adapted to exile. Illusaris stands as a beacon of their creativity, independence, and determination to reintegrate with Astrium’s broader society.
- Mask Unveiling: A ceremony where young changelings create and present their first mask, symbolizing their entry into society.
- Reflection Night: Held within the Mirrorclave on Vathary, where changelings meditate and commune with alternate selves, a night of self-reflection and internal discovery.
- Festival of Faces: A festival where changelings freely change personas, adopting various masks throughout the night, symbolizing unity through diversity.
Common Taboos
- Forcing another changeling to reveal their true form or mask.
- Betraying the Illusari community by divulging personal secrets of others to outsiders.
- Taking another changeling’s persona without permission.
History
Changelings were oringally human, that had their physical being changed in one of 2 ways
1 - they were influenced by the magic of the feywild as it leaked into the material plane during the Aurora Covens attack.
2 - The changelings who came to the material plane during the aurora coverns reign who stayed have formed partnerships with others and have made their own children with changeling abilities.
A decree by the capital cities who were afraid of the changelings being minions of the Aurora Coven; had the changelings removed from the mainland onto an island within the swirling peninsula - Vathary. The changelings do sometimes make their way off the island into Astrium to explore and adventure.
Recently, the changelings have been pushing for more inclusion into decisions being made for Astrium with more attempts to apply to be apart of Astrium's Leadership council. They have applied for a settlement in their first step towards this with the name of the settlement Illusaris.
Common Myths and Legends
- The Legend of the First Mask: A tale of the first changeling who crafted a mask so perfect that it allowed them to blend into the Feywild undetected, earning the respect of the ancient fae.
- The Mirror of Many Faces: A myth about an enchanted mirror on Vathary that shows the gazer their truest self. Some say it reveals one’s deepest potential, while others believe it can drive a person mad.
- The Soulweaver: A story of a changeling shaman who could weave the essences of past ancestors into their masks, allowing them to channel their wisdom, strength, and emotions. It is said the Soulweaver’s spirit still roams Illusaris, seeking worthy changelings to pass on their craft.
Scientific Name
Feymorphus Mutabilis
Lifespan
120-150
Average Height
5-6 feet
Average Weight
100-150
Average Physique
Flexible and slender, changelings can adjust their physique to suit their mask, but they usually remain lightly built.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
In their natural state, changelings are pale with an almost silvery or blue-gray tint. When using a mask, they adopt any range of colors and markings, and some have faint shimmering patterns on their skin that hint at fey heritage.
Geographic Distribution
Comments