This month marks the 11th anniversary of first playing my favorite rpg setting/premise: Changeling the Lost. I started with an ambitious campaign run in our house system, built on a handmade prop. I’ve run a ton of CtL since then, including the WoD system and my PbtA hack. It’s the game I’ve written the most about on Age of Ravens. In honor of the anniversary I present one of my favorite short pieces, useful for CtL and perhaps fodder for other modern supernatural games.
CHANGELING CIVIL CEREMONIES (6/11)
Changelings, more than any other supernatural group, have to work and blend with their community. They want that community to survive and thrive- as a hiding place and as a source of rich emotion and humanity. I like the idea of a Freehold tying itself to the lifecycle and existence of its city. I imagine that they would take up and create rituals and ceremonies drawing on local events. In our campaign we don’t have seasonal courts, but instead two+ parallel courts. However I imagine, given that most events are date based, they would be associated with one of the Seasons (perhaps shaping how they get expressed). Note that I’m not talking about National Holidays, but local events which arose out of the local history. Much like a Contract Maker, there might be Changelings who serve as ritual masters.
I think it is interesting to think about Changeling “magic” as a kind of found and associate magic. They make pacts with ideas and things in order to create effects. The Courts themselves arise from ancient bindings and rituals. They exist in a mutual protection pact (which does raise the question- what do the seasons get out of the deal?). Mages, Werewolves and Vampires have access to powers- some with drawbacks, but none quite as restricted as those the Changelings operate under. And because Changelings will likely be living in one community for their lives- they would make magic of those places.
So consider the local festivals, events and places which could be made into a Changeling ritual. In such cases, I imagine the Changelings don’t control the mortal side of things, but more latch on to the essential nature of the events.
CHANGELING CIVIL CEREMONIES (6/11)
Changelings, more than any other supernatural group, have to work and blend with their community. They want that community to survive and thrive- as a hiding place and as a source of rich emotion and humanity. I like the idea of a Freehold tying itself to the lifecycle and existence of its city. I imagine that they would take up and create rituals and ceremonies drawing on local events. In our campaign we don’t have seasonal courts, but instead two+ parallel courts. However I imagine, given that most events are date based, they would be associated with one of the Seasons (perhaps shaping how they get expressed). Note that I’m not talking about National Holidays, but local events which arose out of the local history. Much like a Contract Maker, there might be Changelings who serve as ritual masters.
I think it is interesting to think about Changeling “magic” as a kind of found and associate magic. They make pacts with ideas and things in order to create effects. The Courts themselves arise from ancient bindings and rituals. They exist in a mutual protection pact (which does raise the question- what do the seasons get out of the deal?). Mages, Werewolves and Vampires have access to powers- some with drawbacks, but none quite as restricted as those the Changelings operate under. And because Changelings will likely be living in one community for their lives- they would make magic of those places.
So consider the local festivals, events and places which could be made into a Changeling ritual. In such cases, I imagine the Changelings don’t control the mortal side of things, but more latch on to the essential nature of the events.
Dyngus Day
You may have this in your area or not. This is the Monday after Easter, originally a Polish tradition, called Wet Monday. That’s an interesting idea in and of itself, the day after the resurrection, when everything has to carry on as normal. I imagine that one could make of that a metaphor for Changeling life- there’s the suffering and then the Great escape. And then, perhaps something of a letdown as one tries to come to terms with the mundanity of life. Especially since you’re in a community of people who’ve also been through that experience…making you a less than special snowflake.
Dyngus Day has many classic rituals, including food items. But at least in Indiana, Dyngus Day signals the start of the political season. The shot is fired for local politicking and elected officials (and those hoping to be elected) have to go through all of the proper motions to secure their base. They have to prove themselves to be part of the common folk. I imagine for Changelings in power, this day could serve a like purpose. It would signal the time to begin jockeying for control and power (especially after the long dark of the Winter). Perhaps it might also be a time where the leaders of each Court must prove themselves through gifting.
Miss Ratchet-Tite Tool Contest
In the campaign city, this continues on, despite the closing down of the Wemmerschmidt Tool and Die factory who used to sponsor it. The Court of Rust bought up the sponsorship of this decrepit small-town beauty pageant. The rules require amateurs only, with a very low entry fee barrier, encouraging many to participate. Those with any real popularity, talent and experience get quietly shunted out of the contest by the Changelings. This contest tries to celebrate the overlooked. At the same time, members of the Courts quietly place bets and maneuver things to raise the emotions of the contestants up to raging fits and infighting. The Glamour banquet from the event can be intoxicating. The Court of Rust uses this as a time to gift to the community quietly, through these knots building goodwill with the local community- in a magical and literal sense.
Luminarios
In the depths of winter, people put out candles all their sidewalks in small paper sacks (often with sand at the bottom to keep them upright. These light up the dark, providing guidance for travelers and those moving around to go caroling. I imagine a local luminarios festival could easily be latched onto by the Winter Court. Perhaps it could be the one time they actually take steps to be open- to offer sanctuary and succor in the depths of winter- a light against the long night of the soul.
You may have this in your area or not. This is the Monday after Easter, originally a Polish tradition, called Wet Monday. That’s an interesting idea in and of itself, the day after the resurrection, when everything has to carry on as normal. I imagine that one could make of that a metaphor for Changeling life- there’s the suffering and then the Great escape. And then, perhaps something of a letdown as one tries to come to terms with the mundanity of life. Especially since you’re in a community of people who’ve also been through that experience…making you a less than special snowflake.
Dyngus Day has many classic rituals, including food items. But at least in Indiana, Dyngus Day signals the start of the political season. The shot is fired for local politicking and elected officials (and those hoping to be elected) have to go through all of the proper motions to secure their base. They have to prove themselves to be part of the common folk. I imagine for Changelings in power, this day could serve a like purpose. It would signal the time to begin jockeying for control and power (especially after the long dark of the Winter). Perhaps it might also be a time where the leaders of each Court must prove themselves through gifting.
Miss Ratchet-Tite Tool Contest
In the campaign city, this continues on, despite the closing down of the Wemmerschmidt Tool and Die factory who used to sponsor it. The Court of Rust bought up the sponsorship of this decrepit small-town beauty pageant. The rules require amateurs only, with a very low entry fee barrier, encouraging many to participate. Those with any real popularity, talent and experience get quietly shunted out of the contest by the Changelings. This contest tries to celebrate the overlooked. At the same time, members of the Courts quietly place bets and maneuver things to raise the emotions of the contestants up to raging fits and infighting. The Glamour banquet from the event can be intoxicating. The Court of Rust uses this as a time to gift to the community quietly, through these knots building goodwill with the local community- in a magical and literal sense.
Luminarios
In the depths of winter, people put out candles all their sidewalks in small paper sacks (often with sand at the bottom to keep them upright. These light up the dark, providing guidance for travelers and those moving around to go caroling. I imagine a local luminarios festival could easily be latched onto by the Winter Court. Perhaps it could be the one time they actually take steps to be open- to offer sanctuary and succor in the depths of winter- a light against the long night of the soul.
TV Event Parties
Some Changeling participate in a kind of gambling ritual. They bet on which show will draw the most local interest and acclaim. These must be new shows, untested and unproven. The Changeling follows the show throughout the season, spreading stories about it and drumming up interest. Then when the season finale arrives, they put on a great festival party- reaping karma, glamour, and other magical benefits if the show proved to be a hit. Those Changelings who bet on Glee, Mad Men and American Idol won hugely. Others have done worse, wasting time, glamour and effort.
4H and County Fairs
The spring and summer heralds of the arrival of the Changeling Carnies. They accompany various fair groups, markets, Ren faires, and actual carnivals. Unlike mundane Carnies, Changeling Carnies are treated with infinite respect. They have a deadly and dangerous task- moving out in countryside with no Court for protection and all of the usual risks of the road. They’re the Changelings with the greatest bravery and wanderlust. Older Changeling sometimes will join up, having reached the end of their days and wanting to take a chance in the outside world. Throughout the year, Changelings of a Freehold make various crafts and goods. The Changeling Carnies serve as judges for these. Great success and effort can result in a token. Note that these folk do not bring news from other Freeholds, except in coded messages. They warn of fallen places, but generally do not tell stories for fear of things coming to pass. They will carry messages and items between places however.
IDEAS ABOUT CHANGELING
The Courtly Campaign
Kith and Kind: Some Brainstorming on Changeling the Lost
More Kith and Kind: Continued Brainstorming on Changeling the Lost
Changeling the Lost as a Lens for Horror
Albums Written for Changeling: Middle Cyclone
Changeling Songs
Building Hollows for Changeling
Spoiling the Setting? Thoughts on Player Knowledge (examples from Changeling)
Changeling the Lost and FATE
Changeling the Lost for Fate Accelerated
Changeling the Lost GM Jam
Changeling the Lost and DramaSystem
Kingdom: On Fae and Samurai
NEW CONTRACTS
Court of Judgment and Contracts of Weights & Measures
Contracts of the Merciful and Contracts of Sentencing
Contracts of Words and Contracts of Roads
Contracts of Uniform
Contracts of the Prisoner
Contracts of Kohl
FRAGMENTS FROM MY CAMPAIGN
The Neon Hedge: Building Changeling Las Vegas
The Wayward Notebook
Applying Hamlet's Hit Points: A Changeling Session Analysis
Two Successful GM Tricks from Changeling
Changeling Scene Postscript
Sharing and Play
Changeling Campaign Themes: Planning Wayward
Why You Should Never Look Behind the Campaign Curtain
Pieces Fall into Place
Sarah No-Tears Dreams
YouTube Playlist of Changeling Lost Vegas Sessions
Changeling Lost Vegas: Session One
Changeling Lost Vegas: Orientation (Part One)
Changeling Lost Vegas Orientation (Part Two)
The Tarot of Changeling Lost Vegas
REVIEWING THE BOOKS
Product Guide for New Players
Changeling the Lost
Autumn Nightmares
Dancers in the Dusk
Equinox Road
Goblin Markets
Lords of Summer
Night Horrors: Grim Fears
Personae
Rites of Spring
Swords at Dawn
Victorian Lost
Winter Masques
Glimpses of the Unknown (WoD)
Some Changeling participate in a kind of gambling ritual. They bet on which show will draw the most local interest and acclaim. These must be new shows, untested and unproven. The Changeling follows the show throughout the season, spreading stories about it and drumming up interest. Then when the season finale arrives, they put on a great festival party- reaping karma, glamour, and other magical benefits if the show proved to be a hit. Those Changelings who bet on Glee, Mad Men and American Idol won hugely. Others have done worse, wasting time, glamour and effort.
4H and County Fairs
The spring and summer heralds of the arrival of the Changeling Carnies. They accompany various fair groups, markets, Ren faires, and actual carnivals. Unlike mundane Carnies, Changeling Carnies are treated with infinite respect. They have a deadly and dangerous task- moving out in countryside with no Court for protection and all of the usual risks of the road. They’re the Changelings with the greatest bravery and wanderlust. Older Changeling sometimes will join up, having reached the end of their days and wanting to take a chance in the outside world. Throughout the year, Changelings of a Freehold make various crafts and goods. The Changeling Carnies serve as judges for these. Great success and effort can result in a token. Note that these folk do not bring news from other Freeholds, except in coded messages. They warn of fallen places, but generally do not tell stories for fear of things coming to pass. They will carry messages and items between places however.
IDEAS ABOUT CHANGELING
The Courtly Campaign
Kith and Kind: Some Brainstorming on Changeling the Lost
More Kith and Kind: Continued Brainstorming on Changeling the Lost
Changeling the Lost as a Lens for Horror
Albums Written for Changeling: Middle Cyclone
Changeling Songs
Building Hollows for Changeling
Spoiling the Setting? Thoughts on Player Knowledge (examples from Changeling)
Changeling the Lost and FATE
Changeling the Lost for Fate Accelerated
Changeling the Lost GM Jam
Changeling the Lost and DramaSystem
Kingdom: On Fae and Samurai
NEW CONTRACTS
Court of Judgment and Contracts of Weights & Measures
Contracts of the Merciful and Contracts of Sentencing
Contracts of Words and Contracts of Roads
Contracts of Uniform
Contracts of the Prisoner
Contracts of Kohl
FRAGMENTS FROM MY CAMPAIGN
The Neon Hedge: Building Changeling Las Vegas
The Wayward Notebook
Applying Hamlet's Hit Points: A Changeling Session Analysis
Two Successful GM Tricks from Changeling
Changeling Scene Postscript
Sharing and Play
Changeling Campaign Themes: Planning Wayward
Why You Should Never Look Behind the Campaign Curtain
Pieces Fall into Place
Sarah No-Tears Dreams
YouTube Playlist of Changeling Lost Vegas Sessions
Changeling Lost Vegas: Session One
Changeling Lost Vegas: Orientation (Part One)
Changeling Lost Vegas Orientation (Part Two)
The Tarot of Changeling Lost Vegas
REVIEWING THE BOOKS
Product Guide for New Players
Changeling the Lost
Autumn Nightmares
Dancers in the Dusk
Equinox Road
Goblin Markets
Lords of Summer
Night Horrors: Grim Fears
Personae
Rites of Spring
Swords at Dawn
Victorian Lost
Winter Masques
Glimpses of the Unknown (WoD)
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