Changeling

Feared and misunderstood by nearly every nonchangeling, these shapeshifting humanoids are mistrusted for their natural ability to appear as others. Naturally, they awaken insecurities about identity, safety, and even accomplishment; what good is it to live a good life if some creature could kill you and take it for themselves? Changelings are not by nature bad, but the paranoia that fuels their discrimination is fierce and unyielding. That a handful of unscrupulous changelings may act out the fears of others is all the proof that others need to condemn an entire race for the actions of a few.

Though a changeling can appear as nearly any medium-sized humanoid, their natural appearance is that of a featureless humanoid, with pale skin and a face nearly bereft of characteristics. Their noses are short, their ears are small and flat against their skulls, and their head shapes tend towards smooth and ovoid. Their black eyes lack pupils, adding to their alien countenance.

The same ability that makes changelings reviled among most societies also allows them to adapt and thrive in secret, but it keeps the shapechangers similarly paranoid. Any changeling that is found out is likely to be lynched without question or delay. Even storied heroes who are found to be changelings are often thought to be imposters.

Thus, a successful changeling is one that must hold up the ruse of being anything but a changeling.

One must not forget that while horror can be a slathering fanged monster, so too can it be a disquieting meditation on the nature of identity and acceptance.

Changeling Traits

Ability Score Increase: Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age: Changelings reach adulthood at the age of 16. Their fey heritage allows them to live much longer than humans, up to 200 years.

Alignment: Changelings can be of any alignment, and have no tendencies based solely on race, despite the biased perception of others.

Size: Changelings are limited to imitating humanoids of a medium size and appear as thin featureless humanoids in their natural form. Your size is Medium.

Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You cannot discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and another language of your choice.

Fey Ancestry. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.

Shapeshifter. As an action, you assume the physical shape of any Medium humanoid you have seen in the past. Your equipment remains the same, and none of your ability scores change. When disguised as a specific person, you gain advantage on all checks related to maintaining the ruse. Returning to your natural form requires a bonus action. You automatically revert to your true form if you are ever incapacitated for more than a minute.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

5th Edition Horror. © 2018, Fat Goblin Games; Author: Ismael Alvarez

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