Channeling magic is a dangerous thing, and proper safeguards generally require channeling through some kind of implement, to give the spirits or wraiths that one is working with a home. When these safeguards are ignored, either by accident or by negligence, one risks becoming a changeling.

A changeling is a member of any species that has fused with a spirit or wraith, and has become changed in the fusion. This can occur through habitual use of magic without a material focus, or through a single dramatic event.

Fundamentally, a changeling that experiences fusion will now be part spirit or wraith, and the nature of that spirit or wraith will define the changes they experience.

Physical Changes

Becoming a changeling generally causes some physical changes- this can be as subtle as differences in markings- maybe a rune, or a glowing energy to one's stripes- or as radical as a total reconfiguration of the body, such as different anatomy or even different material composition. Generally the changeling will still be recognizable as their original species, but in some cases it might be hard to tell.

Psychological Changes

The changeling will generally experience some kind of strong influence from the fused spirit or wraith. This might come in the form of a compulsion, an aversion, or an affliction.

A Compulsion will be some forced action- something the changeling can't resist. Compulsions can sometimes be managed by 'satiating' the need- overindulging in the compulsion may make it easier to resist at inopportune moments.

An Aversion will be something the changeling cannot engage in- this might feel like a phobia, or executive dysfunction, or just a flat inability to act in a certain way. Aversions are generally more strict, and must be strictly acted around.

An Affliction will be some physical, psychological, or magical event that does not cleanly map to a compulsion or aversion. Perhaps the changeling will lose the ability to speak, or will experience some particular hallucinations. Perhaps they will catch on fire, or begin to float, or become magnetic. Some afflictions can be controlled or navigated to an extent, similar to compulsions, while others might just be something to work around.

Examples of Changelings

Natalie is fused with a wraith. Her physical changes are mild, but can be seen in her vibrant orange stripes and her square pupils. She struggles with an emotional compulsion- receiving anger from others triggers strong anger in herself. If this builds up, she will passively channel fire, as an affliction. Despite the ease of channeling this, her body reacts to the fire in a way that makes her especially susceptible to being burnt.

Biroh is fused with a spirit. Their physical changes are extensive, involving a full anatomical reshaping into a quadrupedal form. Biroh experiences a mild distaste at interacting with certain cultural norms and expectations, which is resonant with the spirit, but is not at a level that would qualify as a formal compulsion or aversion. Biroh also experiences periods of being unable to speak or process language. They are able to navigate this by explicitly invoking the affliction, and thus controlling the timing, but if they go too long without doing so, it will occur unbidden.