Changelings? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Changelings? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Argo
04-23-07, 03:22 PM Hey hi.

I'm going to be starting a new game in a few weeks, and I was considering playing a Changeling Rogue with an eye toward Assassinship. I have never played a Changeling before, nor been in a game with a Changeling, so I don't know too much about the way they actually work in a game.

Basically, I just wanted to see what everyone thinks of the Changeling as a race.

Good?
No good?
Good if you add a Burrow speed?

Thanks.
anas_thesy84
04-23-07, 03:34 PM I never played a changling but a girl in my ex group played one. but are you talking about role-play?
Just never show your real face either by hiding it inside a hood or changing your appearance (because changelings can use change-self right?) and try to be enigmatic and shy... only speakin when you really need to...thats how I would play it...
Hideous Phidias
04-23-07, 03:48 PM One you may want to got to your local book store an just read the section on changlings in Races of Eberron. It will give you a good idea of how you may want to role play one

Two another class you may want to look at is Replacement Killer.
Yadot
04-23-07, 04:05 PM This has been posted here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070314a) so I am allowed to post their main trait.

Minor Change Shape (Su): Changelings have the supernatural ability to alter their appearance as though using a disguise self spell that affects their bodies but not their possessions. This ability is not an illusory effect, but a minor physical alteration of a changeling's facial features, skin color and texture, and size, within the limits described for the spell. A changeling can use this ability at will, and the alteration lasts until she changes shape again. A changeling reverts to her natural form when killed. A true seeing spell reveals her natural form. When using this ability to create a disguise, a changeling receives a +10 circumstance bonus on Disguise checks. Using this ability is a full-round action.
YabaTheWhat
04-23-07, 04:25 PM I played a changeling rogue/spymaster, and a changeling fighter/warshaper. The rogue was much more outgoing, using disguises to acquire information without getting noticed. The warshaper kept more to himself, so that his associates wouldn't notice when his spiked chain reached just a bit further than normal. Both were fun to play for their own reasons.
Argo
04-24-07, 03:16 PM I know the mechanical facts about the changeling, I was just hoping for more insight from people who've actually played them.

Fun stories about Changelings you've played, classes that work, can't-miss feats, et cetera.
YabaTheWhat
04-24-07, 03:35 PM Like I said, if you're going for a melee build changeling, Warshaper is a must-have prestige class. The class was meant for lycanthropes and doppelgangers, both of which couldn't touch it until several levels later than it becomes reachable for a changeling. Take four levels of Warshaper, then resume taking levels in your primary class. To take full advantage of the reach boost, aim for Whirlwind Attack, Combat Reflexes, and/or Improved Trip.

Changelings really shine in intrigue-based campaigns. A high intelligence helps, because it will allow a changeling rogue to spread his/her talents across both practical and social skills. I played the changeling rogue/spymaster in a one-shot mystery (a who-done-it game), and being able to change faces (and genders) made a lot of tasks easier. The feat "Jack of All Trades" (Complete Adventurer) lends itself to disguises.
Nived
04-24-07, 03:39 PM One of my friends played a changling that used his disguise self in what I considered an interesting and smart way.

"When you're a changling and you look like a changling people are foolish enough to assume you're being open and honest with them."

Even the 'natural' form of changlings are not uniform, they are taller, shorter, heavier than each other, they might have larger or smaller eyes.

He would often be in 'changling form' but not really HIS natural form, he kept multiple different 'changling' identies. No one ever bothers using true seeing on a changling that looks like a changling.

Hiding in plain sight.
lint trap
04-24-07, 05:25 PM Not about changelings, but about your build; if you're going for an Assassin, you might want to consider the Avenger (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/prc/20070401a) instead; it's basically an assassin without the evil requirement. 'Bout time, too.
Argo
04-24-07, 05:56 PM What book has the Warshaper class? Also the Spymaster?
I know I've seen them before, just not sure where.

Also, that "different Changeling identities" idea is brilliant. I think I have to use that.
Cifer
04-24-07, 06:07 PM I wouldn't advise Warshaper - in the opinion of about half the Eberron board, it's a little too cheesy to use it for changelings.

One of the main things, however, is to somehow get different clothes. Lots of them, because your racial shapechanging doesn't cover altering your clothing. A hat of disguise might be in order.
Argo
04-24-07, 06:41 PM Yeah, I was thinking of starting out with some kind of double-sided reversible two-color cloak and working my way up to a Hat of Disguise.
YabaTheWhat
04-24-07, 08:13 PM Warshaper: Complete Warrior
Spymaster: Complete Adventurer

You will not be taking both prestige classes, as they are polar opposites. Since you're using disguises as a major part of your character concept, Spymaster is probably your better bet.
Argo
04-24-07, 08:49 PM Thanks for the info, Yaba.

I didn't expect I'd be taking both PrCs... Just want to be able to check on what they can help me do.

In the meanwhile, tell me some cool stories about what your Changelings have done.
Fallenangel359
04-26-07, 02:55 PM My signature character is a changeling warlock... lol

Eldritch glaive warlock was amusing
jamesnero
04-26-07, 03:01 PM The chameleon PrC in races of destiny is a wonderful addition it takes the idea of a disguise to an entirely new level by letting you emulate class abilities.
Phalo
04-29-07, 08:20 PM a feat you would want to get is something like asume persona or somthing like that you can emulate racial requirements.
klode_me
04-30-07, 09:11 AM If you have races of eberron consider a cabinet trickster too.
With that you can do alot of need stuff, and it also helps an assasin alot.
This and the mindspy from complete warrior, and your as good to go, though creatures with immunity to mind-affecting effects is a pain in the ass for you.
But it's pretty fun though.

Cheers
Argo
05-02-07, 06:11 PM Hmm... What's a Cabinet Trickster do?

Most classes, the name gives you some indication... A Fighter fights, a Mindspy spies on minds, an Assassin assassinates...

It follows that a Cabinet Trickster would trick cabinets, but that can't be right.
Anansi
05-02-07, 06:59 PM Cabinet Trickster (Races of Eberron) is a five level prestige class available only to changelings that eventually grants you the abilities of a doppleganger. Also, it gives you the power to detect thoughts as well as perform "thought tricks" on opponents (like stunning or dazing them).

It is a very good PrC to consider if you're planning on building a character who is a spy, con-artist or all around scoundrel.

Recaster (Races of Eberron) is another great Changeling PrC, but you need to be an arcane spellcaster to qualify, and you said you wanted to play a rogue (I thought I'd mention it anyway, since Assassin gives you arcane spellcasting ability).

Another option to consider are the changeling rogue substitution levels from Races of Eberron. Social Intuition is joygasmically awesome in intrigue/social-interaction heavy campaigns, and the eighth level ability (can't remember what it's called) gives you built-in light fortification.

Also, the Quick Change feat (also from Races of Eberron) lets you use your minor shape change as a move action, which can be insanely useful if you need to swap disguises. Glamered (Dungeon Master's Guide) armor and/or a Robe of Professions (Races of Eberron) can also help, since you won't need to change clothes/acquire props to go with your disguise.
Fallenangel359
05-03-07, 10:17 AM one of my favorite characters of all time is a changeling warlock

L3 bluff mod of 17 (not really trying either)

In theory I could have picked up raft wonderous item, and boosted it another 3
Zylo_Drizzt
05-04-07, 02:27 PM yes add a burrow speed of 20ft. That would make them the greatest.;)

but seriously they are really really cool. Go avenger.
Chimaera2000
05-04-07, 05:15 PM I also recommend Races of Eberron for changelings if you can get ahold of it. Besides some juicy mechanical tidbits like the changeling rogue substitution levels and the Recaster prestige class, it also has some neat ideas for roleplaying a changeling.

As a changeling, you can choose to become anyone. That's an incredible gift. How a changeling decides to use that gift will shape a lot of their personality. Do they shun their heritage and adopt a single disguise to fit in with society? Do they flaunt their talents openly or inwardly, trying to become anything they desire? Do they simply stay in their natural form and use their abilities out of expediency? As you can see, a simple question like, "how does my character use their shapeshifting ability?" opens up a lot of character development opportunities.

I haven't actually played a changeling just yet, although I did have a couple of character ideas. One was an confident, judgmental "woman" who could doesn't believe in limits; she can become anyone and do anything, reflected in her wide range of classes (Bard 4/Cloistered Cleric 3/Mystic Theurge 3/Sublime Chord 1/Fochlucan Lyrist 9; it's a mouthful). Another was a quiet, easily angered, yet determined changeling paladin who would rather talk than fight. He'd often adopt "his" natural form but use his talents for infiltration. I might go with Shadowbane Stalker with him whenever I decide to play him, we'll see!
FreAkOuTRG
05-04-07, 06:20 PM I have a changeling paragon in my sig, take a look.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Argo 04-23-07, 03:22 PM	Hey hi. I'm going to be starting a new game in a few weeks, and I was considering playing a Changeling Rogue with an eye toward Assassinship. I have never played a Changeling before, nor been in a game with a Changeling, so I don't know too much about the way they actually work in a game. Basically, I just wanted to see what everyone thinks of the Changeling as a race. Good? No good? Good if you add a Burrow speed? Thanks.
anas_thesy84 04-23-07, 03:34 PM	I never played a changling but a girl in my ex group played one. but are you talking about role-play? Just never show your real face either by hiding it inside a hood or changing your appearance (because changelings can use change-self right?) and try to be enigmatic and shy... only speakin when you really need to...thats how I would play it...
Hideous Phidias 04-23-07, 03:48 PM	One you may want to got to your local book store an just read the section on changlings in Races of Eberron. It will give you a good idea of how you may want to role play one Two another class you may want to look at is Replacement Killer.
Yadot 04-23-07, 04:05 PM	This has been posted here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070314a) so I am allowed to post their main trait. Minor Change Shape (Su): Changelings have the supernatural ability to alter their appearance as though using a disguise self spell that affects their bodies but not their possessions. This ability is not an illusory effect, but a minor physical alteration of a changeling's facial features, skin color and texture, and size, within the limits described for the spell. A changeling can use this ability at will, and the alteration lasts until she changes shape again. A changeling reverts to her natural form when killed. A true seeing spell reveals her natural form. When using this ability to create a disguise, a changeling receives a +10 circumstance bonus on Disguise checks. Using this ability is a full-round action.
YabaTheWhat 04-23-07, 04:25 PM	I played a changeling rogue/spymaster, and a changeling fighter/warshaper. The rogue was much more outgoing, using disguises to acquire information without getting noticed. The warshaper kept more to himself, so that his associates wouldn't notice when his spiked chain reached just a bit further than normal. Both were fun to play for their own reasons.
Argo 04-24-07, 03:16 PM	I know the mechanical facts about the changeling, I was just hoping for more insight from people who've actually played them. Fun stories about Changelings you've played, classes that work, can't-miss feats, et cetera.
YabaTheWhat 04-24-07, 03:35 PM	Like I said, if you're going for a melee build changeling, Warshaper is a must-have prestige class. The class was meant for lycanthropes and doppelgangers, both of which couldn't touch it until several levels later than it becomes reachable for a changeling. Take four levels of Warshaper, then resume taking levels in your primary class. To take full advantage of the reach boost, aim for Whirlwind Attack, Combat Reflexes, and/or Improved Trip. Changelings really shine in intrigue-based campaigns. A high intelligence helps, because it will allow a changeling rogue to spread his/her talents across both practical and social skills. I played the changeling rogue/spymaster in a one-shot mystery (a who-done-it game), and being able to change faces (and genders) made a lot of tasks easier. The feat "Jack of All Trades" (Complete Adventurer) lends itself to disguises.
Nived 04-24-07, 03:39 PM	One of my friends played a changling that used his disguise self in what I considered an interesting and smart way. "When you're a changling and you look like a changling people are foolish enough to assume you're being open and honest with them." Even the 'natural' form of changlings are not uniform, they are taller, shorter, heavier than each other, they might have larger or smaller eyes. He would often be in 'changling form' but not really HIS natural form, he kept multiple different 'changling' identies. No one ever bothers using true seeing on a changling that looks like a changling. Hiding in plain sight.
lint trap 04-24-07, 05:25 PM	Not about changelings, but about your build; if you're going for an Assassin, you might want to consider the Avenger (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/prc/20070401a) instead; it's basically an assassin without the evil requirement. 'Bout time, too.
Argo 04-24-07, 05:56 PM	What book has the Warshaper class? Also the Spymaster? I know I've seen them before, just not sure where. Also, that "different Changeling identities" idea is brilliant. I think I have to use that.
Cifer 04-24-07, 06:07 PM	I wouldn't advise Warshaper - in the opinion of about half the Eberron board, it's a little too cheesy to use it for changelings. One of the main things, however, is to somehow get different clothes. Lots of them, because your racial shapechanging doesn't cover altering your clothing. A hat of disguise might be in order.
Argo 04-24-07, 06:41 PM	Yeah, I was thinking of starting out with some kind of double-sided reversible two-color cloak and working my way up to a Hat of Disguise.
YabaTheWhat 04-24-07, 08:13 PM	Warshaper: Complete Warrior Spymaster: Complete Adventurer You will not be taking both prestige classes, as they are polar opposites. Since you're using disguises as a major part of your character concept, Spymaster is probably your better bet.
Argo 04-24-07, 08:49 PM	Thanks for the info, Yaba. I didn't expect I'd be taking both PrCs... Just want to be able to check on what they can help me do. In the meanwhile, tell me some cool stories about what your Changelings have done.
Fallenangel359 04-26-07, 02:55 PM	My signature character is a changeling warlock... lol Eldritch glaive warlock was amusing
jamesnero 04-26-07, 03:01 PM	The chameleon PrC in races of destiny is a wonderful addition it takes the idea of a disguise to an entirely new level by letting you emulate class abilities.
Phalo 04-29-07, 08:20 PM	a feat you would want to get is something like asume persona or somthing like that you can emulate racial requirements.
klode_me 04-30-07, 09:11 AM	If you have races of eberron consider a cabinet trickster too. With that you can do alot of need stuff, and it also helps an assasin alot. This and the mindspy from complete warrior, and your as good to go, though creatures with immunity to mind-affecting effects is a pain in the ass for you. But it's pretty fun though. Cheers
Argo 05-02-07, 06:11 PM	Hmm... What's a Cabinet Trickster do? Most classes, the name gives you some indication... A Fighter fights, a Mindspy spies on minds, an Assassin assassinates... It follows that a Cabinet Trickster would trick cabinets, but that can't be right.
Anansi 05-02-07, 06:59 PM	Cabinet Trickster (Races of Eberron) is a five level prestige class available only to changelings that eventually grants you the abilities of a doppleganger. Also, it gives you the power to detect thoughts as well as perform "thought tricks" on opponents (like stunning or dazing them). It is a very good PrC to consider if you're planning on building a character who is a spy, con-artist or all around scoundrel. Recaster (Races of Eberron) is another great Changeling PrC, but you need to be an arcane spellcaster to qualify, and you said you wanted to play a rogue (I thought I'd mention it anyway, since Assassin gives you arcane spellcasting ability). Another option to consider are the changeling rogue substitution levels from Races of Eberron. Social Intuition is joygasmically awesome in intrigue/social-interaction heavy campaigns, and the eighth level ability (can't remember what it's called) gives you built-in light fortification. Also, the Quick Change feat (also from Races of Eberron) lets you use your minor shape change as a move action, which can be insanely useful if you need to swap disguises. Glamered (Dungeon Master's Guide) armor and/or a Robe of Professions (Races of Eberron) can also help, since you won't need to change clothes/acquire props to go with your disguise.
Fallenangel359 05-03-07, 10:17 AM	one of my favorite characters of all time is a changeling warlock L3 bluff mod of 17 (not really trying either) In theory I could have picked up raft wonderous item, and boosted it another 3
Zylo_Drizzt 05-04-07, 02:27 PM	yes add a burrow speed of 20ft. That would make them the greatest.;) but seriously they are really really cool. Go avenger.
Chimaera2000 05-04-07, 05:15 PM	I also recommend Races of Eberron for changelings if you can get ahold of it. Besides some juicy mechanical tidbits like the changeling rogue substitution levels and the Recaster prestige class, it also has some neat ideas for roleplaying a changeling. As a changeling, you can choose to become anyone. That's an incredible gift. How a changeling decides to use that gift will shape a lot of their personality. Do they shun their heritage and adopt a single disguise to fit in with society? Do they flaunt their talents openly or inwardly, trying to become anything they desire? Do they simply stay in their natural form and use their abilities out of expediency? As you can see, a simple question like, "how does my character use their shapeshifting ability?" opens up a lot of character development opportunities. I haven't actually played a changeling just yet, although I did have a couple of character ideas. One was an confident, judgmental "woman" who could doesn't believe in limits; she can become anyone and do anything, reflected in her wide range of classes (Bard 4/Cloistered Cleric 3/Mystic Theurge 3/Sublime Chord 1/Fochlucan Lyrist 9; it's a mouthful). Another was a quiet, easily angered, yet determined changeling paladin who would rather talk than fight. He'd often adopt "his" natural form but use his talents for infiltration. I might go with Shadowbane Stalker with him whenever I decide to play him, we'll see!
FreAkOuTRG 05-04-07, 06:20 PM	I have a changeling paragon in my sig, take a look.