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{{CaptionedImage|file=DoctorHolfried.jpg|title=Doctor Beatrix Amalia von Holfried zu Holberg primarily expresses her lineage through her horns, her pointed ears, and her forthright character.|caption=Touched by the Summer realm, changelings are<br>confident, and wrathful individuals.|align=left|width=250}}
==Overview==
==Overview==
Changelings are touched by the realm of [[Summer]], a realm of beauty and strength whose [[Eternals]] are potent symbols of might and majesty. They are proud, confident, individualistic people who ''know'' they are the best of the best and were born to excell at anything they turn their hands to.
Changelings are touched by the realm of [[Summer]], a realm of beauty and strength whose [[eternal|eternals]] are potent symbols of might and majesty. They are proud, confident, individualistic people who ''know'' they are the best of the best and were born to excel at anything they turn their hands to.
 
<!--fix-->
Changelings prefer roles where they can take the lead or stand out. They are especially appropriate to military and political leaders, but they also make great champions and representatives for groups. Bands of changelings work well, they can regard themselves as amongst their peers and be confident of the group's abilities as a result.
Changelings prefer roles where they can take the lead or stand out. They are especially appropriate to military and political leaders, but they also make great champions and representatives for groups. Bands of changelings work well, they can regard themselves as amongst their peers and be confident of the group's abilities as a result.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling5.jpg|align=left|width=175}}
The changeling lineage is intended to appeal to players who want to create proud characters who enjoy being the centre of attention. They are particularly suited to heroes; characters who lead from the front whether bold champions who bestride the battlefield or charismatic orators taking the floor of the senate.


Changelings obviously draw on images of elves from various settings, most especially Tolkien, with characters such as Glorfindel and Fëanor. However you can also draw inspiration from deities like Thor and Marduk as well as Greek heroes such as immortal-blooded Hercules; the heroes of the Illiad and Odyssey, Hector, Paris and Achilles as well as the proud leaders Hippolyta of the amazons and Jason of the Argonauts; and even vengeful Medea. Historical figures like Alexander the Great, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are good inspirations for individual changelings while the Three Musketeers and the Arthur's Knights of the Round Table are an excellent inspiration for a group of changelings.
The changeling lineage is intended to appeal to players who want to create proud characters who enjoy being the centre of attention. They are particularly suited to heroes: characters who lead from the front, whether bold champions who bestride the battlefield or charismatic orators taking the floor of the senate.
===Sobriquets===
Other terms for changelings, both within the Empire and in other parts of the world, include: Elf, Fae, Feyling, Knife-ears, the Proud.


Villains can also make great role models for changelings, comic book villains like Magneto or Dr Doom or the Kurgen from Highlander. Any villain who likes to dominate the situation and defeat their foes by besting them rather than outwitting them possess some of the traits of a changeling.
==What they are not==
==What changelings are not==
* '''Fairies''': Changelings include elements of traditional fae, but focus on the Tuatha-de-dannan, the lords and ladies of the fae rather than pixies, fauns, satyrs or goblins.
*'''Fairies.''' Changelings include elements of traditional fae, but focus on the Tuatha-de-dannan, the lords and ladies of the fae rather than pixies, fauns, satyrs or goblins.
* '''Beastkin''': Changelings may have the antlers of a stag or a leonine mane but these characteristics add to their human features to enhance their majesty and prowess. They are not animals; they are neither animalistic or bestial. These elements suggest power and potence; they make the character look regal by turning their brow into a crown. Changelings are not cat people, ratkin or beastfolk.
*'''Beastman.''' Changelings may have the antlers of a stag or a leonine mane but these characteristics add to their human features to enhance their majesty and prowess. They are not animals, they are neither animalistic or bestial.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling Attitude.jpg|caption=The iconic trapping for a changeling is a pair of pointed ears.|align=right|width=500}}</div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling7.png|align=right|width=200}}
==Sobriquets==
Elf, Fae, Feyling, Knife-ears, the proud


==Iconic trappings==
==Iconic trappings==
Changelings usually have ears that come to a marked point and are noticeably different to human ears, with their rounded tips. They are not the long ears of the Night Elf.
Each lineage has an iconic [[Lineage#Trappings|trapping]]; in the case of the changeling it is a pair of pointed ears. These are the most common physical mark for lineaged characters but they are not a required element. If you do not have the iconic trapping, however, you ''must'' have at least one of the [[#Other physical trappings|other physical trappings]] associated with the changeling lineage.  
 
===Pointed Ears===
==Additional Trappings==
Changelings usually have ears that come to a marked point and are noticeably different to human ears, with their rounded tips. They are not the long ears of the Night Elf from Warcraft or similar.
*'''Fey eyes.''' A changeling may have exotically coloured eyes. Cosmetic contact lenses can be used to achieve this. The pupil should be the normal shape but the iris can be purple, vibrant blue or bright green.
*'''Spiral Markings.''' Changelings may develop marks on their body that resemble spirals or even intricate knotwork. These might seem to be tattoos, or birthmarks, or represent areas of raised or lowered skin.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Joanna.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
*'''Primal animal elements.''' Changelings may have an animal element of a lion's mane, stag's antlers or a feathered brow with eagle or swan feathers. These elements suggest power and potence, they make the character look regal by turning their brow into a crown. Changelings are not cat people, ratmen or beastfolk.
**'''Stag's antlers.''' Male and female changelings can have stag's antlers. Antlers are specifically branching horns, rather than the goat, bull or ram horns which are the mark of a Cambion.
**'''Leonine mane.''' Hair that is swept back to give the impression of a leonine mane. A hairpiece can also be used to achieve this effect. The goal is to appear as the king of the beasts, not a cat.
**'''Feathered Brow.''' Eagle or swan feathers on the brow line. A few feathers attached to the brow or a subtle headpiece can be used to achieve this effect. The goal is to appear as the king of the birds, not a pigeon.
*'''Haughty demeanour.''' Changelings might express their prowess and confidence by keeping their back straight and their heads up, always speaking in a clear audible tone. Avoiding contractions while speaking - saying do not instead don't or can not instead of can't help to impress the authority and importance of the changeling.
 
==Roleplaying Effects==
 
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling9.png|align=right|width=150}}
Changeling blood influences the character who has it. Not every Changeling expresses these effects, but characters who strongly express them often possess stronger blood than those who do not.
 
* '''Changelings are confident.''' They find it difficult to entertain the idea that they could fail at tasks they set their mind to. They are the best person for a job. Their opinions are relevant. They gravitate towards positions of influence, authority and responsibility within groups. They are driven to achieve a degree of personal excellence that supports their view of themselves as superior, especially as a response to any apparent failure.
* '''Changelings are noble and bold.''' Around people who treat them with respect, around their friends and loved ones, they are solicitous, agreeable and gregarious. They feel a drive to take responsibility for others, to take charge, and to “do the job.” They are not necessarily altruistic. They love approval and adulation, they love being the centre of attention, but they don’t sit around doing nothing when there is something to be done.
* '''Changelings are vain.''' Their strong self image also expresses itself in careful attention to their appearance. They instinctively use their appearance to cement their image of themselves,and encourage others to see them as powerful and strong. They demand the best clothing, the best armour and the best weapons. Clothes may not make the man, but they certainly tell you a lot about them.
* '''Changelings are individuals.''' They like to stand out, and they like to be treated as if they are special. They hate being overlooked, and loathe being dismissed as “one of the crowd.” They don’t necessarily treat everyone else as individuals though. They may have problems following the orders of people they don’t respect.
* '''Changelings are wrathful.''' When thwarted, belittled, crossed or wronged they may fly into a devastating rage. These rages are like summer storms – intense but short lived. More than one Changeling has lost control of their emotions and done something that changes their life forever in the grip of a sudden rage.
* '''Some Changelings become consumed by arrogance or hubris.''' They treat others as if they are lesser creatures. They believe themselves to be stronger or wiser than they actually are, and brush aside anything that disagrees with that. They expect others to give them respect or obey them without earning that respect or obedience. They can become so blunt that they offend anyone they speak to, assuming that others will listen to what they say automatically just because of who and what they are.
* '''Some Changelings are demanding.''' Their desire for beautiful and perfect things becomes a lust that they make no effort to resist – casually demanding the best of everything and assuming that the mere privilege of satisfying their whims will be payment enough. They’re dreadful like Pratchett's "Lords and Ladies", in that they inspire dread.
 
=== The Blood ===
 
Changelings are still mortals. They tend to be healthy and live a little longer than their mortal neighbours (assuming they avoid accidents or malice). They tend to remain vital and spry until the very end of their life. Changeling blood makes the bearer more “extreme.” A delicate noble flower will be more delicate, more lithe, more sublte. The coarse labourer or warrior will be more solid. more muscular, more physical. It seems to bring out the traits of an individual and make them “moreso.” The lineage can lie dormant in the blood for a generation or two, then rear its head without warning. Some mostly human families have a history of producing Changeling children, and if both parents are from such families, the likelihood increases. Fey blood is a little delicate; the brute blood of humanity drowns it as a riot drowns an echo. This means that the children of a Changeling and a human tend to be humans, albeit humans who carry the blood of the Changeling lineage. The likelihood the child will be a Changeling increases if the human parent is from a Changeling bloodline.
 
Some Changelings talk of spending time in the Realm of Summer as guests, prisoners or even consorts of Eternals. Over the course of the timeless days spent in the Realm, humans may be slowly transformed into Changelings. There is a suspicion in some quarters that the food and drink of the Eternals of Summer is responsible for this change, though it is most likely due to the nature of the Realm itself rather than any specific element of it. The Eternals of Summer expect their Lineaged relatives to be strong and confident. A Changeling will have to “front up” quite a lot to be taken seriously by them but they’ll treat them as a “hero” if they do so.


{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling10.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
==Other Trappings==
In addition to [[#Pointed ears|pointed ears]] there are a number of physical trappings that mark someone as being of the changeling lineage. If you want to phys-rep one of the trappings with a slightly different technique or style to the ideas suggested here then that is absolutely fine. If you want to use different trappings to the ones listed then you should [mailto:matt@profounddecisions.co.uk email us].
===Fey eyes===
A changeling may have exotically coloured eyes. Cosmetic contact lenses can be used to achieve this. The pupil should be the normal shape but the iris can be purple, vibrant blue or bright green.
===Spiral Markings===
Changelings may develop marks on their body that resemble spirals or even intricate knotwork. These might seem to be tattoos, or birthmarks, or represent areas of raised or lowered skin.
===Stag's antlers===
Changelings of any gender can have stag's antlers. Antlers are specifically branching horns, rather than the goat, bull or ram horns which are the mark of a Cambion.
===Leonine mane===
Hair that is swept back to give the impression of a leonine mane is appropriate for any gender of changeling. A hairpiece can also be used to achieve this effect. The goal is to appear as the king of the beasts, not a cat.
===Feathered Brow===
Eagle or swan feathers on the brow line. A few feathers attached to the brow or a subtle headpiece can be used to achieve this effect. The goal is to appear as the king of the birds, not a pigeon.
<fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Eyes of Summer.png|caption=Fey eyes}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling Mane.jpg|caption=Leonine mane}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changling - Tattoo - Jo Perridge.jpg|caption=Spiral markings}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lady Griffinsbain.jpg|caption=Feathered brow}}
</fourpicture>


==Possible Advantage: Dreadful Wrath==
==Roleplaying==
<picturecolumn float=right width=40% maxwidth=400px>
{{CaptionedImage|file=HighbornChangeling.jpg|caption=Changelings can be filled with unrelenting self-confidence.|width=400}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawn Feathered Brow.jpg|caption=Changelings are solicitous and gregarious, as long as they are treated with respect.|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling Wrath.jpg|caption=The wrath of a Changeling is swift and terrible.|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Bants_Or_Bullying.png|caption=Changelings may be overwhelmed by the Summer realm, succumbing to destructive vanity and arrogance.|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Touched by the Realm.jpg|caption=Charismatic changelings often seek out leadership positions.|width=2000}}
</picturecolumn>
Changeling blood influences the character of the one who possesses it. Not every changeling expresses these effects to the same degree, but characters who demonstrate these roleplaying trappings possess stronger lineage than those who do not.
{{anchor|confident}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Changelings are confident</p>
They find it difficult to entertain the idea that they could fail at tasks they set their mind to. They often assume that they are the best person for a job and that their opinions are relevant. They seek out positions of authority and responsibility within groups. They are driven to achieve a degree of personal excellence that supports their view of themselves as superior, especially as a response to any apparent failure.
{{anchor|noble}}{{anchor|bold}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Changelings are noble and bold</p>
Around people who treat them with respect, around their friends and loved ones, they are solicitous, agreeable and gregarious. They feel a drive to take responsibility for others, to take charge, and get things done. They are not necessarily altruistic, but they often enjoy helping people if only to demonstrate that they can.
{{anchor|vain}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Changelings are vain</p>
They like to stand out, and look different and love approval, adulation, and being the centre of attention. They hate being overlooked or dismissed as one of the crowd and take pains to ensure their appearance is striking and dramatic. They use their appearance to cement their image of themselves, and encourage others to see them as powerful and strong. They seek out the best clothing, the best armour and the best weapons.
{{anchor|wrathful}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Changelings are wrathful</p>
When thwarted, belittled, crossed or wronged they may fly into a devastating rage. These rages are like summer storms – intense but short lived. More than one changeling has lost control of their emotions and done something that changes their life forever in the grip of a sudden rage. This quality is nowhere more obvious than in the [[#Boon:Changeling Fury|fury]] that often overtakes changelings exposed to supernatural sources of fear or self-doubt.
{{anchor|haughty}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Changelings have a haughty demeanour</p>
Changelings might express their prowess and confidence by keeping their back straight and their heads up, always speaking in a clear audible tone. Avoiding contractions while speaking - saying do not instead don't or can not instead of can't help to impress the authority and importance of the changeling.
{{anchor|overcome}}
<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Changelings can be overwhelmed by the Summer realm</p>
Some changelings become increasingly arrogant, potentially to the point where it dominates their behaviour. They treat others as if they are lesser creatures. They believe themselves to be stronger or wiser than they actually are, and brush aside anything that disagrees with that. They expect others to give them respect or obey them without earning that respect or obedience. They can become so blunt that they offend anyone they speak to, assuming that others will listen to what they say automatically just because of who and what they are.


A Changeling who is exposed to a roleplaying effect that creates fear or doubt can respond by becoming angry instead.
==Sovereign Fury==
The changeling [[Lineage#Boons|boon]] is a potent rage that comes to the fore when an outside force attempts to make them afraid or uncertain. Any changeling who is exposed to a [[roleplaying effect]] that creates fear or doubt can respond by becoming angry instead. For example, a changeling exposed to a [[Druj miasma]] may become furious rather than succumbing to dread and uncertainty. As long as they remain angry, the other negative effects of the Druj's unique atmosphere of oppression have no effect on them. Likewise, they can endure any [[curse]] or similar effect that causes them to become afraid, or to doubt their abilities, by raging against the circumstances that have caused them to experience such an effect.


=== Lines of the Changelings ===
==Changeling Life==
{{anchor|The Blood}}
===Changeling Children===
Although changelings are still mortals, they tend to be healthy and live a little longer than their neighbours (assuming they avoid accidents or malice). The oldest recorded changeling was 149 years old, but this was an exception rather than the rule. Even barring unnatural causes, few changelings live to see their 120th birthday. Changelings tend to remain vital and spry and keep their wits until the end of their life.


* The Faerie Knights of [[Dawn_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Dawn]] symbolise the attitude of Summer Lineage and Summer Nation beautifully. Confidence bordering on arrogance, and a boldness bordering on brash.
Changeling blood tends to exaggerate the traits of the individual. A delicate noble flower will be more delicate, more lithe, more subtle. The coarse labourer or warrior will be more solid. more muscular, more physical. The lineage can lie dormant in the blood for a generation or two, then rear its head without warning. Some human families have a history of producing changeling children, and if both parents are from such families, the likelihood increases.  


* The 'Unveiled' of [[Highguard_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Highguard]] include a few Changelings, ears severed.
Some changelings talk of spending time in chambers attached to the Summer realm as prisoners or guests. Over the course of the timeless days spent in the chamber, humans may be slowly transformed into changelings. There is a suspicion in some quarters that the food and drink of the eternals of Summer is responsible for this change, though it is likely due to the nature of the realm itself rather than any specific element of it.


* Changeling have a reputation as monster hunters in [[Varushka_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Varushka]]: mostly for good, although some Varushkans are suspicious of a tendency to recklessness.
The eternals of Summer expect their lineaged relatives to be strong and confident. A changeling will have to act the part to be taken seriously by them but they’ll treat them as an equal if they do so.


* Changeling blood is a sign of good luck in [[Wintermark_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Wintermark]]
===Imperial Changelings===
It is perhaps surprising given the urging of their blood to be the centre of attention, but changelings often enjoy banding together into groups where almost every member bears the mark of Summer. Changelings often feel that only others who bear their lineage are truly able to give them the validation - or rivalry - they crave.
*Some noble houses of [[Dawn_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Dawn]] only accept changelings into their ranks. They epitomize the Summer lineage beautifully; confidence bordering on arrogance, and a boldness bordering on brash. The [[Dawn groups#House_de_Casillon|de Casillon]] nobles [[Weirwater#Spiral_Castle|Spiral Castle]] are a well-known example of such a group.
*The unveiled of [[Highguard_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Highguard]] include a fair few changelings, who cut off their ear tips, horns and manes to publicly demonstrate that they have renounced their heritage.
*Changeling wardens have a reputation as reckless monster hunters in [[Varushka_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Varushka]] as part of the Company of the White Stag.
*Changeling blood is a sign of good luck in [[Wintermark_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Wintermark]] where "''sharp ears''" is considered a compliment.
===Becoming a changeling===
*'''The eternals Meraud and Barien can both offer boons to allow a character to gain the changeling lineage'''
<!--*'''The ritual Noble Mien of the Hawk Lords will allow an unlineaged target to choose to gain the changeling lineage'''-->
*'''The House de Casillon can provide a goblet of honeyed apple syrup over downtime that will grant an unlineaged human the changeling lineage'''
People who have had previous dealings with [[Meraud]] mention his ''sweet golden cider'', occasionally offered as a reward to those who have performed awe inspiring acts of magic. The cider can be drunk by an unlineaged human to manifest the changeling lineage as an adult, or by a changeling to further increase their trappings. The cider is brewed by the Lord of the Lake himself in an ancient, intricate pitcher using apples harvested from the Fire Mage's own orchard.


{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling11.jpg|width=400}}
The heralds of [[Barien]] suggest that one of the rewards that can be granted as part of completing a [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] would be a dose of his ''elixir of the long road''. The taste is a medley; blood orange, pomegranate, and mango swirl in a sweet, citrussy blend, and those who drink a full dose often manifest the changeling lineage.
<!-- Unlineaged humans who are the target of the ritual [[Noble Mien of the Hawk Lords]] have been known to spontaneously develop the changeling lineage overnight in addition to the ritual's effects. The development of lineage in this manner is often painful; ears come to a point, antlers grow rapidly, and many suffer a fever as spirals develop across patches of skin. -->
<br><br><span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Downtime</span><br>
[[Dawn_groups#House_de_Casillon|House de Casillon]] of [[Castellan of Spiral Castle|Spiral Castle]] are a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[noble house]] made up almost exclusively of  changelings. They host regular feasts at their palatial estates, and are usually eager to host Imperial citizens who wish to attend. Some visitors may be offered a goblet of their sweet apple syrup that often causes an unlineaged human to manifest changeling lineage over the course of a few days. Often this offer comes after the guest has impressed the nobles, or undertaken a quest on their behalf. Each such transformation is celebrated by the entire household - and often used as an excuse for a lavish feast.


<row-fluid>
==Inspirations==
<span7>{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling3.png|width=510}}</span7>
Changelings obviously draw on images of elves from various settings, most especially Tolkien, with characters such as Glorfindel and Fëanor. However you can also draw inspiration from deities like Thor and Marduk as well as Greek heroes such as immortal-blooded Hercules, the heroes of the Iliad and Odyssey: Hector, Paris and Achilles as well as the proud leaders Hippolyta of the Amazons, and Jason of the Argonauts. Historical figures like Alexander the Great, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are good inspirations for individual changelings, while the Three Musketeers and Arthur's Knights of the Round Table are an excellent inspiration for a group of changelings.
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling1.png|width=267}}</span4>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling2.png|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling8.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling4.png|align=right|width=175}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling6.png|align=right|width=200}}


Villains can also make great role models for changelings, comic book villains like Dr Doom or the Kurgen from Highlander. Any villain who likes to dominate the situation and defeat their foes by besting them rather than outwitting them possesses some of the traits of a changeling.


[[Category:Lineages]] [[Category:The World]]
==Changeling Images==
<fourpicture>
{{CaptionedImage|file=King of the Forest.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Varushkan Changeling.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Angry Changeling.jpg|align=right|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Relaxed Changeling.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=HeavyChangeling.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornChangeling.jpg|title=The spiral designs and antlers announce this Freeborn hakima is proud of her lineage.|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dawn Witch.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Feathered Brow.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changling - Little Horns - Jo Perridge.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changling - Jo Perridge.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Wounded Changeling.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changling - Ears - Jo Perridge.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=WintermarkChangeling.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Steinr Changeling.jpg|title=Changelings are considered especially favoured in Wintermark.|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lady Seraphan Ro'hare.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Singing Gremani.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Leather over chain.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Heavy Antlers.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Grianne Orzel.jpg|width=2000}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Aife.jpg|title=Aife is a navarr Vate fascinated by her otherworldly ancestry. Strength and confidence are in the blood.|align=right|width=2000}}
</fourpicture>
{{Lineage Links}}
[[Category:Lineage]]

Latest revision as of 04:41, 20 August 2024

Doctor Beatrix Amalia von Holfried zu Holberg primarily expresses her lineage through her horns, her pointed ears, and her forthright character.
Touched by the Summer realm, changelings are
confident, and wrathful individuals.

Overview

Changelings are touched by the realm of Summer, a realm of beauty and strength whose eternals are potent symbols of might and majesty. They are proud, confident, individualistic people who know they are the best of the best and were born to excel at anything they turn their hands to. Changelings prefer roles where they can take the lead or stand out. They are especially appropriate to military and political leaders, but they also make great champions and representatives for groups. Bands of changelings work well, they can regard themselves as amongst their peers and be confident of the group's abilities as a result.

The changeling lineage is intended to appeal to players who want to create proud characters who enjoy being the centre of attention. They are particularly suited to heroes: characters who lead from the front, whether bold champions who bestride the battlefield or charismatic orators taking the floor of the senate.

Sobriquets

Other terms for changelings, both within the Empire and in other parts of the world, include: Elf, Fae, Feyling, Knife-ears, the Proud.

What they are not

  • Fairies: Changelings include elements of traditional fae, but focus on the Tuatha-de-dannan, the lords and ladies of the fae rather than pixies, fauns, satyrs or goblins.
  • Beastkin: Changelings may have the antlers of a stag or a leonine mane but these characteristics add to their human features to enhance their majesty and prowess. They are not animals; they are neither animalistic or bestial. These elements suggest power and potence; they make the character look regal by turning their brow into a crown. Changelings are not cat people, ratkin or beastfolk.
Changeling Attitude.jpg
The iconic trapping for a changeling is a pair of pointed ears.

Iconic trappings

Each lineage has an iconic trapping; in the case of the changeling it is a pair of pointed ears. These are the most common physical mark for lineaged characters but they are not a required element. If you do not have the iconic trapping, however, you must have at least one of the other physical trappings associated with the changeling lineage.

Pointed Ears

Changelings usually have ears that come to a marked point and are noticeably different to human ears, with their rounded tips. They are not the long ears of the Night Elf from Warcraft or similar.

Other Trappings

In addition to pointed ears there are a number of physical trappings that mark someone as being of the changeling lineage. If you want to phys-rep one of the trappings with a slightly different technique or style to the ideas suggested here then that is absolutely fine. If you want to use different trappings to the ones listed then you should email us.

Fey eyes

A changeling may have exotically coloured eyes. Cosmetic contact lenses can be used to achieve this. The pupil should be the normal shape but the iris can be purple, vibrant blue or bright green.

Spiral Markings

Changelings may develop marks on their body that resemble spirals or even intricate knotwork. These might seem to be tattoos, or birthmarks, or represent areas of raised or lowered skin.

Stag's antlers

Changelings of any gender can have stag's antlers. Antlers are specifically branching horns, rather than the goat, bull or ram horns which are the mark of a Cambion.

Leonine mane

Hair that is swept back to give the impression of a leonine mane is appropriate for any gender of changeling. A hairpiece can also be used to achieve this effect. The goal is to appear as the king of the beasts, not a cat.

Feathered Brow

Eagle or swan feathers on the brow line. A few feathers attached to the brow or a subtle headpiece can be used to achieve this effect. The goal is to appear as the king of the birds, not a pigeon.

Eyes of Summer.png
Fey eyes
Changeling Mane.jpg
Leonine mane
Changling - Tattoo - Jo Perridge.jpg
Spiral markings
Lady Griffinsbain.jpg
Feathered brow

Roleplaying

HighbornChangeling.jpg
Changelings can be filled with unrelenting self-confidence.
Dawn Feathered Brow.jpg
Changelings are solicitous and gregarious, as long as they are treated with respect.
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The wrath of a Changeling is swift and terrible.
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Changelings may be overwhelmed by the Summer realm, succumbing to destructive vanity and arrogance.
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Charismatic changelings often seek out leadership positions.

Changeling blood influences the character of the one who possesses it. Not every changeling expresses these effects to the same degree, but characters who demonstrate these roleplaying trappings possess stronger lineage than those who do not.

Changelings are confident

They find it difficult to entertain the idea that they could fail at tasks they set their mind to. They often assume that they are the best person for a job and that their opinions are relevant. They seek out positions of authority and responsibility within groups. They are driven to achieve a degree of personal excellence that supports their view of themselves as superior, especially as a response to any apparent failure.

Changelings are noble and bold

Around people who treat them with respect, around their friends and loved ones, they are solicitous, agreeable and gregarious. They feel a drive to take responsibility for others, to take charge, and get things done. They are not necessarily altruistic, but they often enjoy helping people if only to demonstrate that they can.

Changelings are vain

They like to stand out, and look different and love approval, adulation, and being the centre of attention. They hate being overlooked or dismissed as one of the crowd and take pains to ensure their appearance is striking and dramatic. They use their appearance to cement their image of themselves, and encourage others to see them as powerful and strong. They seek out the best clothing, the best armour and the best weapons.

Changelings are wrathful

When thwarted, belittled, crossed or wronged they may fly into a devastating rage. These rages are like summer storms – intense but short lived. More than one changeling has lost control of their emotions and done something that changes their life forever in the grip of a sudden rage. This quality is nowhere more obvious than in the fury that often overtakes changelings exposed to supernatural sources of fear or self-doubt.

Changelings have a haughty demeanour

Changelings might express their prowess and confidence by keeping their back straight and their heads up, always speaking in a clear audible tone. Avoiding contractions while speaking - saying do not instead don't or can not instead of can't help to impress the authority and importance of the changeling.

Changelings can be overwhelmed by the Summer realm

Some changelings become increasingly arrogant, potentially to the point where it dominates their behaviour. They treat others as if they are lesser creatures. They believe themselves to be stronger or wiser than they actually are, and brush aside anything that disagrees with that. They expect others to give them respect or obey them without earning that respect or obedience. They can become so blunt that they offend anyone they speak to, assuming that others will listen to what they say automatically just because of who and what they are.

Sovereign Fury

The changeling boon is a potent rage that comes to the fore when an outside force attempts to make them afraid or uncertain. Any changeling who is exposed to a roleplaying effect that creates fear or doubt can respond by becoming angry instead. For example, a changeling exposed to a Druj miasma may become furious rather than succumbing to dread and uncertainty. As long as they remain angry, the other negative effects of the Druj's unique atmosphere of oppression have no effect on them. Likewise, they can endure any curse or similar effect that causes them to become afraid, or to doubt their abilities, by raging against the circumstances that have caused them to experience such an effect.

Changeling Life

Changeling Children

Although changelings are still mortals, they tend to be healthy and live a little longer than their neighbours (assuming they avoid accidents or malice). The oldest recorded changeling was 149 years old, but this was an exception rather than the rule. Even barring unnatural causes, few changelings live to see their 120th birthday. Changelings tend to remain vital and spry and keep their wits until the end of their life.

Changeling blood tends to exaggerate the traits of the individual. A delicate noble flower will be more delicate, more lithe, more subtle. The coarse labourer or warrior will be more solid. more muscular, more physical. The lineage can lie dormant in the blood for a generation or two, then rear its head without warning. Some human families have a history of producing changeling children, and if both parents are from such families, the likelihood increases.

Some changelings talk of spending time in chambers attached to the Summer realm as prisoners or guests. Over the course of the timeless days spent in the chamber, humans may be slowly transformed into changelings. There is a suspicion in some quarters that the food and drink of the eternals of Summer is responsible for this change, though it is likely due to the nature of the realm itself rather than any specific element of it.

The eternals of Summer expect their lineaged relatives to be strong and confident. A changeling will have to act the part to be taken seriously by them but they’ll treat them as an equal if they do so.

Imperial Changelings

It is perhaps surprising given the urging of their blood to be the centre of attention, but changelings often enjoy banding together into groups where almost every member bears the mark of Summer. Changelings often feel that only others who bear their lineage are truly able to give them the validation - or rivalry - they crave.

  • Some noble houses of Dawn only accept changelings into their ranks. They epitomize the Summer lineage beautifully; confidence bordering on arrogance, and a boldness bordering on brash. The de Casillon nobles Spiral Castle are a well-known example of such a group.
  • The unveiled of Highguard include a fair few changelings, who cut off their ear tips, horns and manes to publicly demonstrate that they have renounced their heritage.
  • Changeling wardens have a reputation as reckless monster hunters in Varushka as part of the Company of the White Stag.
  • Changeling blood is a sign of good luck in Wintermark where "sharp ears" is considered a compliment.

Becoming a changeling

  • The eternals Meraud and Barien can both offer boons to allow a character to gain the changeling lineage
  • The House de Casillon can provide a goblet of honeyed apple syrup over downtime that will grant an unlineaged human the changeling lineage

People who have had previous dealings with Meraud mention his sweet golden cider, occasionally offered as a reward to those who have performed awe inspiring acts of magic. The cider can be drunk by an unlineaged human to manifest the changeling lineage as an adult, or by a changeling to further increase their trappings. The cider is brewed by the Lord of the Lake himself in an ancient, intricate pitcher using apples harvested from the Fire Mage's own orchard.

The heralds of Barien suggest that one of the rewards that can be granted as part of completing a Challenge the Iron Duke would be a dose of his elixir of the long road. The taste is a medley; blood orange, pomegranate, and mango swirl in a sweet, citrussy blend, and those who drink a full dose often manifest the changeling lineage.

Downtime
House de Casillon of Spiral Castle are a Dawnish noble house made up almost exclusively of changelings. They host regular feasts at their palatial estates, and are usually eager to host Imperial citizens who wish to attend. Some visitors may be offered a goblet of their sweet apple syrup that often causes an unlineaged human to manifest changeling lineage over the course of a few days. Often this offer comes after the guest has impressed the nobles, or undertaken a quest on their behalf. Each such transformation is celebrated by the entire household - and often used as an excuse for a lavish feast.

Inspirations

Changelings obviously draw on images of elves from various settings, most especially Tolkien, with characters such as Glorfindel and Fëanor. However you can also draw inspiration from deities like Thor and Marduk as well as Greek heroes such as immortal-blooded Hercules, the heroes of the Iliad and Odyssey: Hector, Paris and Achilles as well as the proud leaders Hippolyta of the Amazons, and Jason of the Argonauts. Historical figures like Alexander the Great, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are good inspirations for individual changelings, while the Three Musketeers and Arthur's Knights of the Round Table are an excellent inspiration for a group of changelings.

Villains can also make great role models for changelings, comic book villains like Dr Doom or the Kurgen from Highlander. Any villain who likes to dominate the situation and defeat their foes by besting them rather than outwitting them possesses some of the traits of a changeling.

Changeling Images

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The spiral designs and antlers announce this Freeborn hakima is proud of her lineage.
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Changelings are considered especially favoured in Wintermark.
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Aife is a navarr Vate fascinated by her otherworldly ancestry. Strength and confidence are in the blood.

Further Reading

General Information

Lineages