Changeling
Changelings are a shapeshifting humanoid species driven to near extinction in the past several hundred years. Once indigenous to Ammalion, the Cradle, and the Southern Corridor, they were slowly driven from their homes and hunted by those who feared the power of their shapeshifting. In other parts of the continent, they have become something of a folk legend - scary stories that parents tell their kids at night, that changelings will come devour them if they misbehave.
Nowadays, Changelings are quite rare and tend to keep their origins a tightly held secret. Small communities tend to hide in out of the way places of their parent cities.
Near Extinction
It is believed that Changelings have been nearly driven to extinction, but for obvious reasons it is incredibly hard to determine the true population of changelings. From time to time, small communities of changelings known as "coverts" are discovered hiding in a parent society. Most flee when they are discovered, their former lives and identities discarded for their own safety. Hundreds of years ago, prior to about 3400 EC, Changelings were much more common among other humanoid societies. Though no changeling kingdoms existed, there were several thriving cities with changelings as a majority of the population. Their decline is due almost exclusively to the acts of the Alchemist's Guild. Whether framing others, or simply putting extant criminals in a spotlight, the guild shifted public opinion to see changelings as criminals, thieves, and assassins. In extensive propaganda campaigns, they spoke of how shape changing could, and would, destroy the foundations of society if allowed to grow - a piece of propaganda that continues to this day, concurrent with their sale of elixirs that do just such a thing, for exorbitant prices. As their propaganda took hold, cities began to hold bounties for the capture of changelings. Changelings were driven from their homes, executed, and in some cases their bodies even used for experiments. Those who harbored them were hunted by the Alchemist's Guild. One can only hope that this is the last of the atrocities that the Alchemist's Guild will be behind, but only the foolish would.Archivist's Note: We are including this entry for the sake of posterity and the fullness of our collection of writings on the subject. Clearly the author of the above section is unreliable and their opinions in no way reflect this library or its opinions. They cannot be reached for comment, as they took a deadly fall from their 1st story window shortly after publishing.
Basic Information
Anatomy
In their natural form Changelings are humanoids standing between 5 and 6 feet tall, with pale gray skin, pitch black eyes, and slightly longer limbs than humans. Their hair tends to be very light colors, ranging from white to exceedingly pale pinks and blues. Folk tales often describe them with claws, sharp fangs, and semi-translucent skin, but such details are not true.
Most notable about Changelings are their ability to mimic the shapes of other humanoids. Though they cannot replicate their strength or traits, most Changelings master replicating surface appearance very early in their lives. Though potent, these abilities cannot hide wounds, nor reverse the effects of aging.
Geographic Distribution
