Changelings

Changelings
Changeling, from The Chronicle of Pagan
Only appearance:	Ultima VIII

Changelings are shapeshifting creatures native to the world of Pagan. They appear in Ultima VIII.

Description

The true form of a changeling is vaguely humanoid in shape, resembling a grey-skinned dwarfish man with a large toothy maw. In combat, however, these beasts have the capacity to take on the form of their opponents, using the strengths and abilities of their foes against them. Once slain, a changeling's body dematerializes, leaving nothing but its possessions behind.

Lore

“

Changelings are, indeed, a curious species. As they are shapeshifters, it is difficult to describe their true form. However, there is one shape that is apparently available to all changelings — or at least in all of those encountered thus far. In that form, they appear much like short, disfigured and disproportioned men. The changelings' movements seem jerky and erratic, yet the creatures seem to be in control of their actions. In battle, the changeling assumes the shapes of its opponent or flora! In these forms, the changeling has the strengths and abilities of these other creatures, including any toxins they might be able to employ. In what must be assumed is its natural form, the changeling bounces about the area and then suddenly leaps at its opponent with it huge tooth-filled maw opened widely. No one has had the opportunity to learn exactly what it is that allows a changeling to shapeshift or what makes it act as it does, for it fights viciously to the death. Moreover, the creature disappears when it dies, making study impossible. – from The Chronicle of Pagan (Ultima VIII)

Trivia

• The laughter of changelings is voiced by Eric Willmar.
• In traditional Western European folklore, a changeling is the offspring of a fairy, troll or goblin who has been left in the place of a stolen human child.

Gallery

• 

  Changelings mimicking the Avatar in the Void

See Also

• Ultima VIII monster data