Changeling Culture
Originally the term 'Changeling' was simply a word for a child left by a supernatural being in place of a real human child.
A concept later deemed superstitious, but as the Veil between worlds fell, it was revealed as a fairly common practice among fey folk, who in most cases are unable to care for a child themselves, making them 'brood parasites', like a cuckoo.
While the practice is very problematic and traumatic to human parents, fey folk are still trying to pull off the practice, and most of these children gets dropped of by an orphanage or the nearest Fey Grove.
Traditionally changelings would return to Otherworld as they aged out of childhood. Either by being picked up by their returning fey parents, or by feeling a pull towards the nearest Fairy Mound. Nowadays their displacement causes most of them not to be found by their parents, leaving them stuck as changelings.
Today changelings are considered a culture in their own right and part of the Otherworld/Elsewhere/Andetsteds community, actually making up the largest part of the Otherworld minority in Our World.
A concept later deemed superstitious, but as the Veil between worlds fell, it was revealed as a fairly common practice among fey folk, who in most cases are unable to care for a child themselves, making them 'brood parasites', like a cuckoo.
While the practice is very problematic and traumatic to human parents, fey folk are still trying to pull off the practice, and most of these children gets dropped of by an orphanage or the nearest Fey Grove.
Traditionally changelings would return to Otherworld as they aged out of childhood. Either by being picked up by their returning fey parents, or by feeling a pull towards the nearest Fairy Mound. Nowadays their displacement causes most of them not to be found by their parents, leaving them stuck as changelings.
Today changelings are considered a culture in their own right and part of the Otherworld/Elsewhere/Andetsteds community, actually making up the largest part of the Otherworld minority in Our World.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Vovel heavy names are very popular. Many are driven towards names that "feel magical".
Family names
The most common practice is for a changeling to be granted the name of their Fey Grove as their last name, leaving behind any mention of the human family, who abandoned them.
Thus, as an inhabitant of Evergreen Glade, Alea's full name is Alea Evergreen.
First names are often picked upon arrival at a Fey Grove as well, leaving behind your entire past and embracing your new life.
Thus, as an inhabitant of Evergreen Glade, Alea's full name is Alea Evergreen.
First names are often picked upon arrival at a Fey Grove as well, leaving behind your entire past and embracing your new life.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Changelings are split between two camps: The Hidden and The Unveiled
The Hidden prefer not being noticed, trying to continue a simple life as either part of the bigger community or a solitary existence. To them anything that hides their inhuman traits are preferable.
The Unveiled believe in revelling in their fey heritage, and will often actively choose clothing that accentuate everything otherworldly about their physique - i.e. sidecuts to display their pointy ears or showing more skin if their skincolor is unnatural.
The Hidden prefer not being noticed, trying to continue a simple life as either part of the bigger community or a solitary existence. To them anything that hides their inhuman traits are preferable.
The Unveiled believe in revelling in their fey heritage, and will often actively choose clothing that accentuate everything otherworldly about their physique - i.e. sidecuts to display their pointy ears or showing more skin if their skincolor is unnatural.
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