Changelings

From Wycliffsetting

A changeling refers to when a elf, fairy, troll, or other creature switches a newborn child with one of its own. The motivation for this conduct stems from the desire to have a human servant, the love of a human child, or simple malice; it also seems the births of their own childs may have something to do with it.

Thus, the human child grows up amongst their kidnappers, while the changeling child grows up amongst humans.

This is a rather rare and strange occurence, full of mystery, for various reasons.

The biggest reason for intrigue is that the changeling child appears to be relatively human, despite its origin. It is said by some scholars, that the children of the races which conduct this strange pratice are born human looking, and only grow to resemble their parents through exposure for the first part of their lives. Of course; this is all theory, since the birth of troll, elf, and fairy children is a much larger mystery to humans than those races themselves are.

Changeling Types

• Troll Changelings as babes tend to look very sickly, and withered. They tend to be quiet, only crying when very very hungry. They are resilient, and despite their constant sickly look, never get ill. They tend to grow into quiet and detached children. They tend to be highly perceptive, and often surprise and creep others out with their knowledge. As teenagers and adults, troll changelings look the most human-like, despite starting out as the least human-like as babies. They tend to be simply taller in statue than their parents, and tend to have thicker bones. They also have a meager appetite, and rarely eat. Often, they refuse to eat meat, which is strange considering their troll origins. They are also prone to be 'potty-mouths'.
  • Stats: +2 Con, +2 Wis, -2 Cha. Hit Die is increased (d6 hit dice becomes d8, ect.)
  • Abilities: -5 to Diplomacy, Intimidate, and Appraise. +5 to Survival, Swim, and Jump. Darkvision, Scent. Iron Weakness.

• Goblin Changelings look exactly like human babies, but tend to cry constantly and furiously. They tend to have voracious appetites, and eat any food presented to them. As children, they're prone to biting and scratching, and to performing cruel jokes on other children. As teenagers and adults, their appearance changes little; they maintain a very lithe frame, and tend to be rather unpleasant looking. They tend to be increasingly sociopathic, taking what they want without consideration and remorse for others. Though unable to understand emotions, they can be quite cunning. They tend to be very quiet individuals, communicating only when neccesary.
  • Stats: +2 INT, +2 STR, -2 CHA
  • Abilities: -10 to Diplomacy. +5 to Intimidate, Bluff, Tumble, and Hide. Low Light Vision.

• Water Fey Changeling tend to look rather like normal human children, except for their eyes. Their eyes tend to be a soft golden or silver color. When they grow hair, that too often grows in a gold or silvery color. Though they are quiet, peaceful, and even kind in temperament, their presence tends to put others on edge - though this effect seems to diminish as the changeling child grows older. Fey Changelings tend to be considered 'overly emotional' and are easily brought to tears by small things; a dead mouse, a withered flower. They also tend to have a hard time accepting the concepts of law and authority, though their lethargic nature keeps this from being a problem most of the time. AS far as Changelings go, they tend to fit into human society decently well.
  • Stats: -2 CON, -2 CHA. +2 Spell Pool.
  • Abilities: Lay of Hands Ability, +4 to Sense Motive Checks. Iron Discomfort.

• Wood Fey Changelings come in two flavors.

The first tend to resemble some manner of beast, like deer or wolves or lizards, in behavior. For example, one that resembles a lizard might often described very rarely or never swearing, being cold to the touch while indoors, having a fondness for basking in the sun. Mentally, they tend to be very perceptive and quick minded; they enjoy mental exercises like math or riddles. As they grow older, they tend to grow an animal-like tail, and having thick and hard to cut nails. Though they tend to fit in with humans well enough mentally, because of their strange appearances they're often shunned if not outright killed.

• • Stats: +2 Spell Pool, -2 CHA
  • Abilities: +2 Tumble, Balance, Jump. Low Light Vision. +2 Dodge bonus to AC. Iron Discomfort.

• Elf Changelings tend to look mostly human, except for their pointed ears. They're mischievous and detached creatures, who don't care about others. They make for very strange children, who prefer to eat flowers and fruit to real food, and love to cajoll in the woods. Often, they disappear, never to be seen again, before reaching full adult hood. Those who do stay with humans past adult-hood become great manipulators and sorcerers. They tend to enjoy rhymes and riddles, and speaking in flowery prose.
  • Stats: +4 Cha, -2 Wis, -2 Con
  • Abilities: Low-Light Vision, +4 Bluff, Diplomacy, and Sense Motive. Iron Weakness.

Iron Weakness vs Iron Discomfort

Iron Discomfort = 1d6 non-lethal damage per round if WIELDING or WEARING iron or steel weapons/armor

Iron Weakness = +1d6 damage from iron/steel weapons, AND 2d6 damage per round if WIELDING or WEARING iron or steel weapons/armor