Homebrew Changling Species Details

Feared and misunderstood by nearly every non-changeling, 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.

Changling Traits

Your Changeling character has the following racial traits.

Shapeshifter

As an action, you can change your appearance and your voice. You determine the specifics of the changes, including your coloration, hair length, and sex. You can also adjust your height and weight, but not so much that your size changes. You can make yourself appear as a member of another race, though none of your game statistics change. You can’t duplicate the appearance of a creature you’ve never seen, and you must adopt a form that has the same basic arrangement of limbs that you have. Your clothing and equipment aren’t changed by this trait.

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.

Fey Ancestry

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

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Languages

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