Changelings
Changelings are renowned as the species of a thousand faces. Known as everyone and no one, they can shapeshift into most medium-sized or smaller living beings and objects. Thought to be an evolved form of slimes or oozes, their unique physiology and social behavior set them apart from all other sentient species.
Most people today believe Changelings to be extinct or myth. Historically, every time a Changeling-led kingdom rose to power, it was crushed by surrounding rivals. In response, the species began living in secret, hidden in plain sight throughout the world. They have adapted to this lifestyle so completely that their bodies have evolved defenses to help them blend in. A Changeling could be your friend, neighbor, or guildmate—and you may never know it.
So, depending on what you believe, the next person you meet may not be what they seem.
Most people today believe Changelings to be extinct or myth. Historically, every time a Changeling-led kingdom rose to power, it was crushed by surrounding rivals. In response, the species began living in secret, hidden in plain sight throughout the world. They have adapted to this lifestyle so completely that their bodies have evolved defenses to help them blend in. A Changeling could be your friend, neighbor, or guildmate—and you may never know it.
So, depending on what you believe, the next person you meet may not be what they seem.
by Valcin (Marc Zipper)
Basic Information
Anatomy
Changelings’ origin form is a soft, gelatinous body capable of incredible elasticity. They typically appear as a semi-oval or spear-shaped mass of brightly colored slime, with flexible limbs and abstract facial features. Their true mouths lack teeth, tongues, or voice tone—but function as mouths regardless. The ears and eye shapes in origin form mimic those of their base form for social cohesion.
Base Form: A Changeling’s "default" form mimics a specific race. Their anatomy in this form mirrors that race exactly in outward appearance.
Base Form: A Changeling’s "default" form mimics a specific race. Their anatomy in this form mirrors that race exactly in outward appearance.
Natural Magic
Changelings have a natural resistance to Light magic and a vulnerability to Dark magic. 75% use Light-based magic innately.Biological Traits
- Pick A Race your Changling will naturally be in.
- Claws: Changelings' fingernails are hard and sharp, granting them two claw attacks (1d4 points of damage each).
- ShapeShift 2+ your Con modifier a day, you can shapeshift into any shape with similar mass as you but not exceed it or you can go only down in one size category. Going back to your base shape does not count. They only change their physical body.
- Minor Shape-Shifting: you can change look different. You can seem 1 foot shorter or taller, thin, fat, or in between. You cannot change your creature type. Otherwise, the extent of the apparent change is up to you. You could add or obscure a minor feature or look like an entirely different person or gender. You can do it as many times you like but only have 3 activities at a time
- You get one racial trait from your base race
- Voice: Their voice is the same pitch no matter the shape, the Changeling can learn to speak with other voices but it must be a learned skill
- Smell: Their Smell is the same smell no matter the shape.
- Light Gift: 50% Damage Resistance from Magical Light and 50% weakness from magical Darkness
Changelings
Type
Sentient (Slime)
Ability Score Modifier
Wis+2 Charm+2 Con-2
Size
medium
Speed
30 FT
Language
Changelings know Worldest "Common" and the languages of their race or city they live. Changelings with high Intelligence scores can choose any languages they want (except secret languages).
Genetics and Reproduction
Changelings reproduce by fusing a portion of their own mass with that of another Changeling. This process is draining, often leaving the parents weak for months. In rare cases, illness may follow.
The fused material coalesces over the course of a month. Most changeling couples disguise this period by faking a normal pregnancy. Once the new life is stable, it glows with a bright hue and quickly forms its first base form based on the first living creature it sees. Parents take great care to ensure this is their own base form to create a stable identity for the child.
The fused material coalesces over the course of a month. Most changeling couples disguise this period by faking a normal pregnancy. Once the new life is stable, it glows with a bright hue and quickly forms its first base form based on the first living creature it sees. Parents take great care to ensure this is their own base form to create a stable identity for the child.
Growth Rate & Stages
hangelings develop mentally faster than other species. Physically, their growth mimics their chosen base race’s stages: infant, child, teen, adult. Once reaching adulthood, they can consciously choose to appear younger or older.
While young, they often act like the children of their adopted race but display greater comprehension, memory, and logic.
While young, they often act like the children of their adopted race but display greater comprehension, memory, and logic.
Ecology and Habitats
Changelings can survive anywhere and are found across all kingdoms. Their adaptable biology allows them to mimic the lifestyles and needs of whatever race they’re imitating.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Changelings eat what the society around them eats. In their original form, they can digest nearly anything, although it provides varying nutritional value. In base form, their digestion adapts to mimic the chosen species.
Behaviour
While shaped heavily by the culture they’re raised in, all Changelings display a natural cautiousness and talent for secrecy. Whether this is instinctual or cultural is unknown, but most are skilled at hiding their nature—and their secrets.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Changelings have no unified culture of their own anymore. They integrate into other societies and usually form small, hidden cells for mutual protection. These are often guided by elder Changelings who pass down knowledge and help protect younger members.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
A Changeling’s senses replicate those of their chosen base form. Their bodies reproduce these sensory traits despite their gelatinous biology through unknown magical processes. So depending on the base race, a Changeling might have low-light vision, darkvision, or none at all.
Civilization and Culture
History
Over 2,000 years ago, the Kingdom of Bakar thrived under Changeling rule. Bakar was wealthy, inventive, and neutral during wars—employing Changeling agents to aid both sides for profit. But this prosperity drew suspicion.
Rival kingdoms, fearing espionage and desiring Bakar’s wealth, conspired to destroy it. Bakar's leaders, rather than retaliate, began an organized evacuation. They staged the destruction of their cities using powerful magic, convincing the world they were wiped out.
An anti-Changeling detection spell was developed and used to hunt larger groups—but over time, this knowledge was lost. Since then, Changelings have remained hidden, scattered in small communities across the world, surviving in secrecy.
Rival kingdoms, fearing espionage and desiring Bakar’s wealth, conspired to destroy it. Bakar's leaders, rather than retaliate, began an organized evacuation. They staged the destruction of their cities using powerful magic, convincing the world they were wiped out.
An anti-Changeling detection spell was developed and used to hunt larger groups—but over time, this knowledge was lost. Since then, Changelings have remained hidden, scattered in small communities across the world, surviving in secrecy.
Lifespan
500 years
Average Height
Origin form 1 foot to 2 foot Base Formthe height of the imitation race
Average Weight
Origin Form will retain the weight of the Base Form. Base FormThe weight of the imitation race
Average Physique
In origin form, Changelings are fluid and gelatinous. In base form, they adopt the muscle and body structure of their chosen race.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
- Origin Form: Always a bright or neon color, unchangeable
- Base Form: Matches typical features of the selected race, but can be consciously altered over tim
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