Changelings
A sadly misunderstood and often feared race of Shape Shifters.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Changelings have two arms and legs, both of which are disturbingly thin and frail looking. their body is highly flexible, and malleable.
Biological Traits
Changelings are small, thin and frail looking creatures. they often appear as grey-white imitations of humans, most often bald unless they decide to 'grow' hair. a good deal of Changelings will choose a different appearance than their true form.
Genetics and Reproduction
Changelings reproduce sexually, most often with their own kind but have been seen to produce half breeds with other species.
Growth Rate & Stages
Changelings when born are more closely related to ooze creatures, a ball of sludge with a mouth. over time the infant takes on an appearance similar to that of the parents, by their 10th winter they no longer appear as awkward ooze monstrosities. They continue to grow in size and intelligence for another 6-9 years before reaching full maturity.
Ecology and Habitats
Changelings prefer to live alone, or will hide as other species and live quiet lives.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Mimics are often ravenous creatures, shape shifting between forms takes a lot of energy. depending on how often a Changeling alters their appearance, can drastically affect how much they need to eat.
Biological Cycle
While Changelings default state is a gangly and frail looking humanoid, they must revert to a puddle of ooze every 20 hours. in this time they "sleep" and appear more akin to the default stage of a Mimic.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Changelings have what some call "blank faces" though its not entirely true, they have eyes, nose and a mouth they lack definition by other Mortal races standards.
Average Intelligence
Changelings are quite shrewd, and slow to trust. some live their entire lives without revealing their nature to even their closest non-changeling friends.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Changelings have roughly the same perception as humans.
Civilization and Culture
History
Changelings were an unfortunate by-product of the experiments Idyrin ran to create Mimics. During the Mad Mages attempts to create more advanced Mimics to serve as spies and assassins he made Changelings from his Mimics. Most of the notes from Idyrins experiments were lost, or sealed away by the Druids who ended his madness, and Changelings have lived in secret since then. on occasion a Changeling will strike out to make a name for themselves, using their talents as spy, assassin, mercenary or even Merchant if opportunity strikes. Changeling history is mostly marked by violence, the fear of those around them who don't trust or understand them. A handful of Changelings have aligned themselves with the Temple of Nine in the hopes of using their influence to do for the Changelings that they did for the Efryn.
Historical Figures
Dax, a Changeling who impersonated a Human King after his unfortunate death during a hunting accident. after Dax ruled in his stead, with the families blessing to stabilize the kingdom Changelings were welcomed with open arms for a time, before eventually the Kings line was usurped by a neighboring kingdom who accused them of spying and infiltrating other nations. this marks one of the few times in Changeling history that they had a large area that accepted them, though short lived.
Common Myths and Legends
It's said that The Nameless Black has a small band of Changelings in his service, to keep tabs on growing powers in Irindor that might prove a worthy challenge for the Dragon Lord.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Changelings have become tenuous allies of the Kelvarni resistance, using their shape shifting abilities to serve as spies and scouts for the Elven Resistance. Additionally, a number of Efryn have come to accept the Shape shifters as well, due to the growing number of Changelings who have pledged themselves to the Temple of Nine.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
90-120 years
Average Height
120 - 150cm
Average Weight
36 - 57 kg
Average Physique
slim and frail, Changeling anatomy lends itself better towards dexterity rather than raw strength.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Changelings often have a series of grey and white spots along their body, which they use to identify one another similar to how humans can with faces.
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