Physical Description: Changelings are a unique and enigmatic race, easily distinguishable by their distinct physical features. They have gray skin, which is lighter in their youth and darkens as they age. Most changelings, regardless of gender, are bald and have limited hair growth. Their eyes often vary in color, including shades of blue, green, and gray. Their stature is variable, allowing them to assume the physical form ranging from 3 feet tall to just under 8 feet tall. In their adopted forms, they can mimic the physical attributes of other races, with the ability to replicate facial features and body proportions and even mimic the opposite gender. Although they can visually mimic sexual organs, they are non-functional in the standard sense.
Social and Interpersonal Aspects: Customs and Tradition: Changelings have a unique and often isolated culture due to their ability to change shape. They value adaptability and resourcefulness, as they must often hide their true nature to survive. Changelings often adopt a custom of "blending in" with other societies to avoid detection. They don't have traditional customs, but their culture is centered around survival and secrecy.
Political Views: Changelings tend to be pragmatic and opportunistic when it comes to politics. They often engage in politics to ensure their survival rather than pursuing power for its own sake. They tend to be neutral and impartial, as they cannot afford to pick sides that might turn against them in the future. Changeling communities, if they exist, are often organized to keep their true nature a secret and maintain safety.
Interactions with Other Races: Changelings face widespread mistrust and discrimination from other races due to their shape-shifting abilities and historical prejudices. Many races attack Changelings outright if their true identity is discovered, contributing to their isolation and decline in numbers. Changelings have had to become skilled at blending in and concealing their true forms to survive.
Reproduction and Family: Changelings have a unique reproductive system, with each parent having a pouch and nipple for suckling, similar to Earth's marsupials. They cannot procreate with other races, which further isolates them. The inability to change shape during pregnancy limits their ability to hide, which has contributed to their declining population.
Vocations: Changelings are adaptable and can assume various forms and roles within different societies. They excel in espionage, infiltration, and information gathering. However, due to their mistrusted status, they rarely rise to positions of power or become holy warriors or paladins. Instead, they often work behind the scenes, using their abilities to navigate the complexities of different societies.
In a world filled with rumors of their existence, Changelings must constantly adapt and survive in the face of distrust and prejudice, making them a race defined by their ability to blend in, hide their true nature, and always be prepared for the next wave of Changeling hysteria.
* It is possible for changelings, especially females, to fold small items (less than 1 inch in size) into their bodies. This is commonly done with magical rings or medallions, which continue to function. This is always uncomfortable, like a thorn stuck in its side, for the Changeling and the object must be removed periodically.
* Changeling children can start to shift forms after the third year of life. These early mimicking aspects are rarely perfect. With practice and skill, a changeling begins to master these abilities at the onset of adolescence.
* Changelings that possess Psionic ability, particularly those that read thoughts or emotions, are considered master infiltrators, making them leaders among other changelings.
Racial Advantages:
Extended Lifespan (202 – 225 years)
Natural Shapeshifting ability
Charisma Stat Boost (D8)
RANDOM Superior Stat (D6+1)
Gain (2) Bonus Non-Weapon skills of choice
(+2) to Acting/Performance Skill checks
+1 Starting HIT POINT
Racial Disadvantages:
Luck Stat Penalty (D4)
Luck Stat capped at (D10)
Strong Racial Hatred by other races (-3 to reaction rolls)
Declining Race (population is very small worldwide)