Introducing Changeling: Basic Concepts

Here's a basic introduction to the key concepts of Changeling: The Lost.

Changelings

AKA: The Lost

Changelings were ordinary men and women who were captured by the True Fae. In Arcadia, they were treated as pets, toys, lovers and slaves, and had to adapt to survive. In doing so, the magic of Faerie became part of them, and upon returning they discovered that they were no longer human.

The Mask

The Mask conceals fae magic from mortals. It makes Changelings appear as ordinary humans, even after death. The Mask covers all senses, although subtle effects creep through - an Elemental of frost may look paler than most humans, or feel cold to the touch. The Mask also applies to other creatures and objects of Fae nature, although it doesn't conceal actively used effects such as Contracts. The term Mask is also used to describe how a Changeling appears to mortals. A Changeling's true appearance is referred to as their Mien. Changelings can temporarily lower their Mask to mortals, or strengthen it to conceal their Mien from other Changelings.

Wyrd

Wyrd is the very essence of Faerie magic. It is the thread that binds people together, and allows a Changeling to form Pledges and Contracts. While not exactly sentient, the Wyrd seems to have a level of its own agency. The term Wyrd is also use to refer to a Changeling's connection to this force.

Glamour
Glamour is the power that fuels Changeling magic. It is harvested from instances of strong human emotion.

Pledges

Changelings and True Fae have the ability to form Pledges, supernaturally enforced bargains. Breaking a Pledge often comes with severe consequences.

Contracts

Contracts are supernatural powers that can be invoked by Changelings. Contracts are thought to be derived from ancient Pledges with aspects of reality.

Tokens
Tokens are objects imbued with Faerie magic, and are usually either created by the Fae or are ordinary objects that were left in the Hedge and gained magical properties on their own.

Seemings

Seemings are broad categories for the nature of Changelings. There are six Seemings, each with different abilities and weaknesses. Seemings are further divided into Kiths, which are more specific manifestations of a changeling's nature.

Courts

The Courts are the major social and political groups of a Freehold. The default Court structure is based upon the seasons, with each one passing power as the seasons change, but other Court structures exist.

Freeholds

A Freehold is a specific changeling domain with its own laws. Most members of a Freehold swear fealty to one of the Courts, who share power in ruling the freehold.

Arcadia

AKA: Faerie

Arcadia is the home of the True Fae, and a realm of infinite variety and possibility. A dreamlike world that can be equally beautiful and horrifying, Arcadia often works on its own logic, and the rules do not stay consistent from place to place. In many ways Arcadia is a vast number of separate realms, each one wildly different and a reflection of its Fae master.

The Hedge

AKA: The Thorns

The Hedge is the realm between Arcadia and the mortal world, and has properties of both. While it varies from location to location, it typically consists of large areas of dense wild growth. Near the Mortal World it often reflects its mortal counterpart, with similar trees and terrain, but the deeper into the Hedge one goes (and thus closer to Arcadia), the more bizarre the Hedge becomes. Regardless of location, the Hedge is always covered in thorns, and those who cut themselves find their injuries are not just physical - the thorns tear away at a person's soul.

While specific gateways into the Hedge exist, Changelings can enter it through any doorway or other portal by spending Glamour. While no Changeling would ever want to return to Arcadia, there are advantages to entering the Hedge. A variety of different Goblin Fruits grow in the Hedge, each with its own mystical properties, and Goblin Markets can be found, where Changelings can trade for secrets, magical tokens, and other useful things. The Hedge can also act as a shortcut, allowing a Changeling to bypass real-world obstacles or travel miles within seconds. Additionally, it is possible for a Changeling to carve out a safe home called a Hollow, and Changelings can conduct affairs in the Hedge without worrying about mortal witnesses.

The True Fae

AKA: The Fair Folk, The Gentry, Others, Keepers

The True Fae are the masters of Arcadia. Little is known about what they are or where they come from. Each one seems to have near limitless magical potential, and can take a myriad of forms, but a Fae is always true to its nature - an insect-like Fae will never take on the form of a bird, and a fiery Fae will never wield the powers of frost. In addition, despite their cruel and treacherous nature, all True Fae will abide by their word when they give it. As creatures of the Wyrd, the Fae never break formal agreements, although they will always follow such pacts strictly to the letter and delight in deceiving others with misleading terms. The term Keeper is specifically used to refer to a Changeling's former master.

Hobgoblins

Hobgoblins are creatures native to the hedge, and include wild beasts, strange humanoids and other bizarre entities. While rarely friendly and often dangerous, they are not entirely loyal to the True Fae, and often serve their own interests. As a result, Changelings can usually bargain with them.

Fetches

When the True Fae kidnap a mortal, they usually leave an imposter in its place. Fetches are artificial beings made of branches and pieces of bric-a-brac, and woven with Glamour to appear human. They have most of the memories of the mortal they replace, but they are not always perfect. Still, many Changelings are horrified to discover upon their return that the Fetch has fooled those around them and is comfortably living their life, and sometimes doing an even better job of it than they were. In fact, many Fetches don't even know what they are, although they quickly become aware of the fact when they meet their Changeling counterpart.

Loyalists

Loyalists are Changelings who remain loyal to the True Fae. Some are agents sent out by their masters, too well conditioned to consider defying their Keeper, while others believe that their escape was a mistake, or think that appealing to their former master is the only way to maintain their freedom.

Privateers
Privateers are similar to Loyalists, except that instead of acting out of loyalty they strike deals with the True Fae in hopes of gaining advantages for themselves.