Changlings: Of all the ancient Races that belonged to the Sidha Empire; this Race evokes feelings of mistrust, paranoia, fear and revulsion. For how does one fight a foe when you don’t know who they are? Historic annals do not aid in alleviating these feelings, as Changlings repeatedly use their abilities to spy and assassinate for the Empire and in the War of the Races for the Arcane Lords. After the War, many remaining known Changlings were hunted down and killed by a number of other Races. Throughout time, this cycle repeats itself over and over again.
Due to this, many scholars theorize this Race has long ago been snuffed out. But how can one be sure? This Race is quite capable of taking on humanoid form it wishes. Or can it? Records from the time of the Sidha Empire state that a Changling can only change within a certain mass/height of the Race they were born to look like. In other words a Changling born with the appearance of a Dwarf would not be able to change its appearance to that of an Elf. Too much mass/size difference. He/She could however, change their appearance to be a smaller sized Man. Theories indicate a shift to one fifth their adult height/weight.
Copy right Scott Horrocks 2009
Also indicated in the records is the Changling ability to change their sex. However, such abilities seem to have a side effect – immense pain due to muscle/bone/organ changes. Also, it’s impossible to detect a Changling by any means, even magic. In fact the only Race capable of detecting these masters of disguise seems to be Vulfen. Somehow, the Vulfen can periodical smell a slight difference in a disguised Changling that does not fit the Race they’re impersonating. Changlings can be detected through other means as well. Most especially if the Changling takes on the appearance of a specific individual. Strange behaviors, abnormal mannerisms, and loss of important memories noted by loved ones of the victim can shred the Changling’s disguise.
Due to their hunted life, there is no Land for Changlings and yet they are found throughout all the Lands. It is believed that the Changling could potentially live for about 1000 years and reproduces multiple times during that time period. Even in the Sidha Empire records, there is no mention of what a neutral form Changling appearance consist of.