Changeling: the Dreaming

Changeling is relatively unique within the World of Darkness in that it is more light-hearted, and is probably the most appropriate for younger children. The high-fantasy elements can really make an interesting Chronicle, and a pleasant diversion from an angst-driven Vampire chronicle.

Fundamental to the Changelings are their cantrips. These wide-ranging magical effects are second in power only to the mage's command of reality; they are quite varied and can even be fun to play (particularly when the players get creative with their Bunks). To help make cantrip-casting run smoother, I wrote Cantrip Casting 101.

The Changeling Kiths

The different Kith are all strongly archetyped. It is fairly easy to play a changeling, but in our demo games we have found that identifying each kith with well-known characters helps novice players get into their roles. Here are some samples:

• Boggans: Helpers and quiet laborers. Examples: Hobbits from Lord of the Rings, Rumplestilskin, the three fairy guardians in Sleeping Beauty. Most are Seelie (Rumplestilskin was probably unseelie though)
• Eshu: Travelling Tale-spinners. Examples: Indiana Jones, Gypsies
• Knockers: Mechanics/builders. Examples: The Wizard of Oz (once revealed), Wile E Coyote, Tim “the Toolman” Taylor
• Pooka: Tricksters and Pranksters. Examples: Puck (from Midsummer Night's Dream) is the archetype for this Kith; Harvey (from the classic movie of the same name), Bugs Bunny, Loki, or any other prankster.
• Redcaps: Brutes. Examples: the Tasmanian Devil
• Satyrs: Romancers. Examples: Casanova, Pan, Pepe LePeu (for the younger kids)
• Sidhe: Lofty Nobles. Examples: Oberon and Titania (from Midsummer Night's Dream), or any of the Elves from Lord of the Rings; the evil queen from Snow White is a good Unseelie Sidhe
• Sluagh: Creepy. Examples: Wednesday Addams (or most of the rest of the Addams family), Most of the characters from Nightmare Before Christmas.
• Trolls: Noble Warriors. Examples: Lancelot, Superman, Worf

Adventure Ideas

These are some adventure ideas that I have run or been involved in. Feel free to adapt them.

• The motley helped the Duke of Las Vegas rescue his chief artisan (a knocker). In the process, they uncovered a plot by an estranged Sidhe, who had connections to the Shadow Court, and handed her over to the Duke's justice.