Changeling

Basic Information

Anatomy

Changelings are humanoid shapeshifters. They can change their appearance to look like any other race of a similar size and build. For instance, a changeling could appear as an Orc, but couldn't appear as an Aranea. It is possible for a changeling to mimic a larger race such as an Eoten, but it is quite difficult and potentially dangerous, because it requires the changeling to significantly reduce their body's density so that they can become larger using the same amount of material.
It typically takes a long period of study for a changeling to learn how to properly imitate a race; they can typically approximate the basic appearance fairly quickly, but making it indistinguishable from the real thing takes time, as does replicating things like senses and reproductive capabilities. It is possible for a changeling to take the appearance of a specific individual, but this requires a very good understanding of the target's race, as well as a part of their body, such as a sample of hair or blood in order to be as accurate as possible.
The true form of a changeling is similar in appearance to a Human, but with unnatural skin, hair, and eye colors.
Changelings are semi-magical beings; this gives them a longer lifespan than most other people as well as a natural talent for using Magic.

Genetics and Reproduction

Changelings reproduce sexually, and are viviparous. Their gestation period is ten months. In their true form, changelings are only genetically compatible with other changelings. Genetic compatibility changes with the form that they take.
Offspring that changelings create with other races are of the other race, but have a small amount of innate magic, inherited from the changeling. These people will have a slightly easier time using magic than others of their race, as well as a slightly longer lifespan.

Ecology and Habitats

Changelings can adapt to almost any environment.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Changelings are omnivorous, and are quite adaptable.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Changeling's senses often depend on the form that they've taken. In their true form, their senses are generally average.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Changelings typically live disguised within the societies of other races, and thus don't have their own culture. Changelings in cities will sometimes seek out other changelings and form secret groups. These groups are intended to protect them in the event that their identities are revealed.

History

The origin of changelings is the subject of much debate. Some believe that they were created by a mage's experiments, others believe that they were originally the offspring of Humans and some kind of magical creature, and a few believe that they're demons or aliens.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Changelings are feared by many people because of their ability to mimic other people, although this is more difficult than most people realize. This ability has also resulted in changelings being the subject of conspiracy theories, usually along the lines of a politician or nobleman being replaced by a changeling.
Some people believe that changelings replace the children of other races with their own. However, there are no recorded cases of this occurring. Nevertheless, this belief persists in many places, and has resulted in some rather bizarre methods of detecting them. Some of these include:

• Pressing a piece of pure iron to the child's forehead.
• Applying an ointment containing foxglove, which changelings are allergic to.
• Placing a fried egg atop the child's head. Supposedly, changelings hate the smell of eggs, and doing this will induce them to vomit.

The only one of these that actually works is the foxglove ointment.
Methods to keep changelings away from a child include:

• Placing iron bars before the entrances to the room.
• Giving the child a locket containing foxglove.
• Giving the child a necklace or bracelet made of pure iron.

Lifespan

200-250 years

Average Height

5'8"