Changeling

Surprise! I was wearing a mask all along!... Just kidding.

-- Doc Mel, fooling around

Changelings are part-human, part-doppelganger.They are often the result of inter-species relations between a disguised doppelganger and an unsuspecting human. The offspring inherits some of their doppelganger parent's shapeshifting abilities; they have the unique ability to alter their physical forms into that of other humanoids.
Young changelings begin grasping these abilities in early adolescence, beginning with minor tricks such as changing hair colour. Skilled changelings can change height, weight, build and gender in the blink of an eye. They can mimic anything from a burly half-orc to a lithe tiefling, though they cannot completely polymorph into monsters or animals.
Unfortunately many changelings are abandoned by their human parent at birth, for their natural appearance betrays a doppelganger's presence. Most of the time changelings would rather use their unique shapechanging abilities to blend in with everyone else, forging new identities as one of the mundane races-- because they are descended from literal monsters. Monsters that stalk innocent mortals and read their minds, kill and replace them one by one, nobody noticing as they breed their insidious plans. ...It’s no wonder they tend to like sticking to themselves. Or at least, hang around half-elves and half-orcs for that good, good Relatable Half Human Content, am I right?

Basic Information

Anatomy

They have pallid greyish skin tinged with blue or purple, white or pastel-coloured hair, and eerie sunken pupil-less eyes ringed with shadow. Changelings tend to have light, gaunt builds much like their doppelganger parentage. These traits exhibit themselves regardless of the human parent's physical features.
At least, that’s what their true form looks like.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Human

Changeling Impressions

When seen positively: Living proof that not all monsters are evil, they are a smart and resourceful race with awe-inspiring powers. Shapeshifters are so cool, hey can you turn into me next?
When seen negatively: Consummate thieves and tricksters, and all the unkind assumptions that a human ancestor was duped by a monster into bearing tainted children.