Changeling
Changelings exist everywhere in Esau, whether the people around them know it or not. They may co-exist in large cities, or in a small village with farmers and traders, or as Nomads. Some live in small nomadic changeling clans.
Few people are aware of the subspecies of changeling. The Astral Changelings are quite different from most common Lagrene Changelings, or even the unusual Moinna Changelings - although each have similarities.
Able to completely change their voice and appearance at will, it is not uncommon for people to distrust them, though many changelings use this ability for good.
They are rarely seen in their true, colourless form - and are much more likely to assume a shape to express an emotion or for a specific task. Some of their shapes become integral to their personality, and a changeling may take this form many times over their lifetime as they are exposed to similar situations or emotions.
Changelings are loyal companions, yet do not 'fall in love' easily. They are more likely to be [tooltip]the lack of sexual attraction to other people, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity]asexual[/tooltip] or be [tooltip]individuals who experience little to no romantic attraction to other people]aromantic[/tooltip].
They do prefer to have offspring with their own kind, as the abilities become clouded when mixed with other races.
They are rarely seen in their true, colourless form - and are much more likely to assume a shape to express an emotion or for a specific task. Some of their shapes become integral to their personality, and a changeling may take this form many times over their lifetime as they are exposed to similar situations or emotions.
Changelings are loyal companions, yet do not 'fall in love' easily. They are more likely to be [tooltip]the lack of sexual attraction to other people, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity]asexual[/tooltip] or be [tooltip]individuals who experience little to no romantic attraction to other people]aromantic[/tooltip].
They do prefer to have offspring with their own kind, as the abilities become clouded when mixed with other races.
SUBSPECIES
LAGRENE CHANGELINGS
Generally referred to as "Changelings" - most general known type
Their natural look can be scary to some due to their lack of detail and distinctive features. Their skin tone is always pale, either white or light gray, and they tend to have slender bodies with limbs slightly longer in proportion to other humanoids.
Their natural skin is usually a shade of grey or pale white, and their facial features are blank slates to an unnerving degree - with low ridged noses and colourless eyes. They are typically thin and gaunt, and their hair is usually silvery white.
By some they are considered similar to Moon Elves, these changelings lack body and facial hair.
By some they are considered similar to Moon Elves, these changelings lack body and facial hair.
However, most Lagrene Changelings are rarely seen in their natural form and prefer to adopt all kinds of humanoid shapes, treating their appearance like others treat clothes. This includes gender.
Found throughout the world of Esau, and some have traveled to other realms and planes.
The Lagrene changeling must remain in the form they choose, from facial and body features seen by them, until they use an action to revert to their natural form - or when they die.
When they die, a Lagrene Changeling returns to their monotone self. Their natural skin is usually a shade of grey or pale white, and their facial features are blank slates to an unnerving degree - with low ridged noses and colourless eyes. They are typically thin and gaunt, and their hair is usually silvery white.
Changing Appearances
Takes an action for a Lagrene Changeling to choose a difference appearance.
In certain places in the world of Esau, these are secret places, where a changeling will be selling 'faces' - any changeling (usually Lagrene Changelings) can go to sell an appearance they no longer wish to utilise and buy another. The Lagrene Changeling law dictates only one appearance may be sold to any individual at a time - and only one appearance may be brought at any one time (of a 10 day period).
A store of Masquerade Masks, hats and accessories with store name at top section of a diamond shaped sign with a full face mask in centre and a tiny "CH" down at the bottom point.
* Known locations = Souji, Northern Isle. Gunne in Pelago Islands.
In certain places in the world of Esau, these are secret places, where a changeling will be selling 'faces' - any changeling (usually Lagrene Changelings) can go to sell an appearance they no longer wish to utilise and buy another. The Lagrene Changeling law dictates only one appearance may be sold to any individual at a time - and only one appearance may be brought at any one time (of a 10 day period).
A store of Masquerade Masks, hats and accessories with store name at top section of a diamond shaped sign with a full face mask in centre and a tiny "CH" down at the bottom point.
* Known locations = Souji, Northern Isle. Gunne in Pelago Islands.
Nomadic Changlings
There are small tribes of nomadic Lagrene changlings - that move around, able to fit in most places - they tend to adapt to who they meet.
Quick studies of people and collectors of information - quirks, languages, voice, customs, habits, deities, jokes/humour, history, recipes, relationships, nicknames, and stories.
When they do not change their whole appearance, they tend to colour their hair and eyes to make others more comfortable.
These nomadic changelings of Pelago Islands annually meet just outside the Pi-Chu on Volat Island, to hold a celebration and open market - have many Market Stalls and entertainment.
Quick studies of people and collectors of information - quirks, languages, voice, customs, habits, deities, jokes/humour, history, recipes, relationships, nicknames, and stories.
When they do not change their whole appearance, they tend to colour their hair and eyes to make others more comfortable.
These nomadic changelings of Pelago Islands annually meet just outside the Pi-Chu on Volat Island, to hold a celebration and open market - have many Market Stalls and entertainment.
MOINNA CHANGELINGS
Generally referred to as Moi - relatively unknown
Moinna Changelings can shapeshift into various animals and other people - embodies a literal type of fluidity. They passes from one state to another effortlessly.
When casting a spell a Moinna Changeling can take on body features relating to that spell - as such wings when cast flight and cheetah paws when increasing speed of movement.
Their constant shifting is limited by their individual spell casting capabilities.
A debated fact recorded by an anthropologist Zox Freinstump of changelings, as stated that these are the changelings who have existed the longest, and have exists as long as Elves and the other older races.
Other myths are that these changelings were created by a pair of powerful druidic changelings.
When casting a spell a Moinna Changeling can take on body features relating to that spell - as such wings when cast flight and cheetah paws when increasing speed of movement.
Their constant shifting is limited by their individual spell casting capabilities.
A debated fact recorded by an anthropologist Zox Freinstump of changelings, as stated that these are the changelings who have existed the longest, and have exists as long as Elves and the other older races.
Other myths are that these changelings were created by a pair of powerful druidic changelings.
ASTRAL CHANGELINGS
Gernerally referred to as AstralThey are the offspring of Living Stars and Changelings. There are no other known races that have offspring with the Living Stars.
Basic Information
Biological Traits
Changeling Traits
Ability Score Increase:+2 CHA, also +1 to any chosen ability score.
Size: Medium is the typical size of most races, and is neither good nor bad.
Speed: Changelings have a standard walking speed of 30 feet.
Other Stats
Shapechanger:
They actually change their appearance and voice to any Medium sized, two or four-legged creature they have seen before. It does not require spell slots and can be used an unlimited amount of times.
They always need to find appropriate clothing and equipment if they plan to deceive others with their changed appearance. Plus, they will still need to know how to act appropriately.
The changeling must have seen the visage of the species and any facial or body features they wish to take on - and it needs to have the same basic shape. Also, the changeling cannot change their size, equipment, or game stats via their transformation.
Changeling Instincts.
Gain proficiency with two of the following skills: Deception, Insight, Intimidation, and Persuasion.
Languages = can speak, read, and write Common and two other languages of your choice
Size = Medium
Type = Humanoid
Behaviour
Moon Druid - Moinna Changeling
+ spells would basically be a form of shifting
+ mainly taking self-target or touch spells
+ as part of casting their spells, shift their form with their Moinna Changeling ability to make the effects of the spells
+ subtly shifting something about the form as part of the casting
EXAMPLES
* casting longstride and their legs go digitrade
* casting flight and they get some wings
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Changelings do have a true name, and this tends to be monosyllabic and gender-neutral (gender for changelings is often just another changeable feature). Some common examples of changeling names are Cas, Jin, Nix, Ruz, or Sim.
Members of this race may be able to tell two changelings with the same name apart by subtle physical accents that are indistinguishable to everyone else.
* Cas-with-the-sharp-teeth and Cas-with-dark-hair are as different as night and day to the trained eye.
History
Due to their nature, changelings do not have much recorded history. It is thought that they are the result of interbreeding between humans and doppelgangers.
However, it is also claimed by an anthropologist Zox Freinstump, that changelings originated first, and doppelgangers were twisted changelings.
During the many battles and wars fought in Esau, changelings were often employed as spies and assassins, only reinforcing the stigma most other races show towards them.
REFERENCE
+ Changeling names
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
Changelings reach maturity slightly faster than humans although live as long as humans do, typically about 100 years.
Average Height
5′7″‒6′0″ (1.7‒1.8 m)
Average Weight
120‒160 lb (54,000‒73,000 g)
Geographic Distribution
Comments