Changeling: the Crossover - Demons

The first in a series of articles to help Storytellers run crossovers with Changeling.

by Kyle Ricks (Changeling: The Dreaming | Resources)

Introduction

The World of Darkness is, as many of you know, a reflection of our real world but with more dreadful aspects. As thing is primarily a Changeling article I tried to focus on them. Yet this will also help some Demon Storytellers as well. The concept behind this article is that Changelings and Demons will undoubtedly cross paths. Through this article I examine some possibilities, rules mechanics, and story lines in an attempt to aid both player and storyteller with the task. This is the first of a series of articles. Welcome to Changeling: The Crossover.

Generic Views

The views of both Changelings and demons regarding the others are wide and varied. I would like to point out a few notes that everyone should know. First off, the reason the houses of the Sidhe are not listed is due to the fact that the Sidhe are the most ignorant of all the fae. This I did to add flavor and allow for the fact that the Sidhe are �new� to be further cemented.

Secondly, it may seem like the Demons have more about them but this is not the case as a majority of such writing is in this section and this section alone. Most of the rest of the text will be from the changeling point of view.

Third and lastly I had to focus more on them primarily due to the newness of the game. This is also due to the need to address things in-depth in an attempt to do justice to a game which has impressed me, the writer.

Changeling Views

Seeming Views

Each seeming basically views Demons differently. This is more on age rather than a unified view. The tendencies below are indicative of age brackets and basic views in western society. They are by far not the rule, but a guideline.

Childlings

The basic happiness of the Childling ends when a demon steps forth. They see the Demon for what it is (as it�s monstrous form) without needing to roll. This tends to inspire their kith based reaction quite swiftly. The Childlings know not why they fear the being but just have an instinct that it is a bad thing to be around.

Wilders

The Teenagers of the Kithain aren�t as skittish as the Childlings but they still react in a similar fashion. The Wilders are not so much as scared but they become cautious. The concept of a demon is one they have been presented with generally as a raving madman. They must make the normal checks as the Grumps to see one but they will not be as knowledgeable on them.

Grumps

These chimerical beings are the grandparents of the fae. They must attempt to see the demon but when they do, they tend to be rather standing offish. The idea of an ancient Demon stepping out of the void makes most grumps naturally uneasy. The grumps, unlike wilders and childlings are scared not because of what the demons were and can do, but of how similar they are to the changelings.

Kith Views

Each Kith has a stereotypical view of demons in general. Most don�t know too much about these beings but now that they are returning some fae are remembering or needing to quickly adjust. The following should give a basic concept of what a kith might think.

Boggans

The honest and hardworking Boggans are rarely going to run into the demons. They would feel compelled to help the being if they normally would. Yet when revealed as what they are, a Boggan will become fierce.

The Boggans remember a time when the great houses they served would combat the demons as abominations. Any Boggan with Remembrance will automatically know that they dislike and distrust the Demon regardless of their court affiliation. This can be waved with the expenditure of one temporary willpower point which lasts for 24 hours.

Eshu

The reckless and wandering Eshu are a group that has very few feelings toward the Demons. The Eshu tend to believe that the Demons make great center pieces to stories. As such many will confront, follow, or investigate one with the voracious curiosity of an investigative reporter. No true bits of knowledge have been found yet, but the tale of their fall has been learned as has a basic understanding that each Demon is immune to mind control, are segregated by house, and have their own series of powers.

Eshu furthermore have begun to appear who have begun to tell the tale of the fall of heaven. They say that the Demons are not so much evil, but trapped much as they are. Many of the Eshu have begun to feel that the Demons are to be pitied but few are listening. Many Eshu are starting to gain knowledge of these Demonic entities. The tales told by Eshu are the other way that many Sidhe have heard of the Demons, and in fact, with each telling the Sidhe think of it as less of a story and more of as a truth and threat to their way of life (or in some circumstances, a wonderful chance for allies).

Nockers

Cynical to the core but magnificent with machines, the Nockers are a strange lot when it comes to demons. Nockers, have an odd interest in the Demons. This is due to the fact that they have seen something from some of the Demons. These beings are based in a primal creation. Creators like themselves, are tolerable.

In fact the more powerful Nockers believe that the path to doing away with their flaw lies with aiding the creation demons in their construction. Many of the Nockers though have found death at such hands. They, therefore, have come to the conclusion that they can tell no one of the demons they know. A few are actually becoming allies of the Nockers, believing them to be exiled Angels such as they are. This has proven furthermore to create a few minor devices that are not only chimerical but real and have no flaws. This excites many Nockers and drives them to search out the Malefactors.

Pooka

Free of spirit, the perpetual children of the fae are a group that takes on an interesting reaction to the Demons. A Pooka, when in the presence of a Demon, must immediately have a challenge of their perception and empathy. The Storyteller should make it secretly. Should they pass (difficulty equals the Faith rating of the Demon) then they detect that the being is unnatural. The Pooka have memories (Remembrance 4 or more to know this) of a time when animals were running in fear of the Demons. This instinctual memory can cause any number of reactions from the innocent faeries. They get a vibe, a feeling, but don�t know what it is that bothers them about the individual. The reaction will never be calm.

The Pooka have been approached by a group calling them Lammasu. These beings claim to be shape changers as well. Yet the Pooka still get their creepy feelings and tend to flee. This is also due to the contact they have had with a feral form of these beings which seems more bestial than anything they have ever seen. The beings seem to be primal as a Garou, but clever like a Gangrel.

Redcaps

The closest thing to a demon among the non Shadow court fae, the Redcaps are sometimes confused for Demons. Yet they know a demon on the spot. They don�t know how they know, but they can see what a demon is without trying regardless of their seeming. The Redcaps need not attempt to see the demon. They will see the demon's Apocalyptic form and human host as they would see a Fae and Mortal Mien. Generally the Redcaps keep this to themselves, but they try to make allies of the Demons whenever they can.

Furthermore, some Corbies will allow for a Demon to join and run with their pack. These combined unions tend to be with Scourges, Devourers, and Slayers. These tend to be the darker of the house and as such tend to be more geared towards pain and violence. The only difference between the Demons and their Redcap compatriots is that they have been enchanted and accept it willingly.

Satyrs

Hedonism defined does not bode well with the demons. A Satyr has few reasons to be around a demon. To be around a demon is to embrace darkness and rarely do they do as such in the ways that would lead them to a demons side.

Most Satyrs actually have been told tales of great flaming beings and other demonic visages coming down from the heavens and up from the abyss to clash. They tell tales of such things and with the few sightings that some Tragos have had, they become worried with each day that another great war shall come. Many Satyrs actually have had some encounter with a Demon. These have been at many wild parties, like raves. They don�t always know what they are around, but there is often the chance of running into them. The Defilers so far have revealed themselves rarely and only have given the name of Lammasu. Therefore the Satyrs are careful of these beings, yet they admit that the Lammasu really know how to party. A freehold of mainly Satyrs have come to the conclusion that a huge rave with the Defilers would be stupendous and as such the initial planning has already begun.

Sidhe

The Nobles of the fae are fickle. Very few of the Sidhe know anything about the demons. In fact, due to the secrecy of the other Kithain and their interaction with the Demons, the Sidhe are kept ignorant. As such the emergences of the Demons are unknown to them, at least so far.

Were the Sidhe to know of such a being existing, a wide variety of results could occur. The Seelie would probably draw their weapons and lead a crusade into the heart of the demon hosts as if they were angels of old. Meanwhile the Unseelie may attempt diplomatic negotiations. The Shadow court would probably join them�who knows, maybe they already have.

Sluagh

Dark and spectral the Sluagh, know a little about a lot of things. Yet when it comes down to it, they have a much different amount of knowledge regarding the Demons. As the demons emerged, a small group of them became friends of a Freehold of Sluagh in the arctic wastes. The Sluagh took them in and aided them in holding out until after the storm. There was a Devil, a Scourge, a Malefactor, a Fiend, a Defiler, and a Slayer. They were all Cryptic and Reconcilers. As payment to the faeries who gave them shelter, they imparted upon the fae knowledge of their kind. As a result the Sluagh understand the ranks, orders, history, factions, and basic knowledge of the various Paths of Lore.

After all of this, the knowledge has slowly begun to spread throughout the Sluagh. They have decided as a whole that it is best not to say a thing about it so far due to the potential dangers, but they will speak up should it become dire. In fact they also have developed a new Art specifically for dealing with Demons, yet that one troupe of Demons seems to have long since vanished, to the chagrin of the eldest and wisest Sluagh. Since then the Sluagh have kept contact with the Fiends, afraid that if they learn too much then they may become dangerous, and the Slayers, who have become friends.

Trolls

Strong and Honorable these defenders know little of the demons. One or two of the great warriors of many houses have reported odd beings made of light and the absence of light, but know nothing of what they are. In actuality the Trolls know that some of the others are keeping quiet, but since they are traditionally guardian, the Trolls say nothing. They stand and wait to defend those they can against anything at any time.

Yet there is one exception to this rule. The Trolls of House Gwydion have recently had a run in with a group who called themselves Devourers. These beings had strange powers, yet the Trolls found them to not be Fae at all, but a new creature. As a result, this unit of Trolls is now spreading throughout the realms looking for the answers. The contingent has recently gone to an area known to be inhabited by Sluagh, hoping to find an answer, but the Trolls have vanished.

Demon Views

Factions

The Factions have general opinions as well regarding the fae. They are generalizations as the houses in general tend to be a major ideal towards them. This allows for the duality of their understanding and creation of character quirks.

Faustian

These aged grouches seem to carry their views firmly over into the perception that the Changelings are weak. When they find that the Fae are the way they are now due to weakening, the Faustians come to believe that they could utilize the Fae as a tool to help humans believe and have more faith.

These beings furthermore have come to the conclusion that they must be stealthy in their dealings with the faerie race. They have watched a contingent of Devils become nothing more than a smear on the pavement at the hands of the warrior race of the Changelings. Therefore caution is becoming an important factor with all dealings.

Cryptic

Such pragmatic thinkers have a few general views of the Changelings which allow for a predictable reaction. This house does not fear or hate the fae. In truth they feel kinship towards them for the Cryptics have found the tales of what happened to the fae. As such they find it similar to their own situation. The sympathy they feel is strong for the chimerical beings.

Luciferan

The followers of the Morningstar and the Light Bringer are an extremely paranoid lot. As such any who do not readily submit are viewed as possible threats. This specifically hinders relations with the fae. The Changelings being a free people are rare to submit and as such Luciferans believe this to be a flaw. As such they view the fae as an inferior set of beings that would make a wonderful tool if properly bred and trained.

Ravener

Nearly all Raveners despise the changelings who support change and creation. This tends to make their relations with the fae impossible. The only possible alliances would be with the Shadow court and those who happily practice ravaging. All others are inferior beings to the Ravener.

Reconciler

This faction is one that has no true feelings regarding the fae, primarily due to the fact that the Fae do not necessarily attempt to get involved with Demons. The fact they do not need to get involved makes the Reconcilers pleased to let them be due to the fact that they are of the great creator yet they also see the flaws of humanity ingrained deeply into the faerie being. This paradox tends to create confusion and at times indifference for the faction.

House Views

The various Demonic houses have been watching the Faeries and have a set view of them. Their views are fairly brief and to the point but they are fairly common. The Demons know that the fae exist, in fact many of them remember the power the fae once held and as such are cautious of them. Should they see a Redcap or Troll draw its weapon, a Sidhe stand tall, or a commoner begin to move cautiously they will be on guard, remembering the enchantment and sway they once had.

Defilers

The partiers and shape shifters of the demons are an odd bunch. They have very hedonistic views which lead them often into contact with Satyrs. This has proven to have the Defilers like the satyrs when they can see them. The Defilers who have found Satyrs tend to tail them and follow them to parties as often as they can. Due to their immunity to mind control (Some Storytellers may wish to interpret this as immunity to the Gift of Pan. This is at Storyteller�s discretion since it is not specified as being or not being mind control.) they can be around the Satyrs who perform and just revel in the party. This allows for many a Defiler to find a flock easily. So far none have tried to add a Satyr to their ranks�yet.

The other group who has gained the interest of the Defilers are the Pooka. The shape changers of the fae are much as the Defilers are. They are both considered children. The Defilers have tried harder to contact the Pooka than the Satyrs, but the Pooka get real skittish. This is something that disappoints the Defilers. A few are trying desperately to reach out in friendship, but often, a Defiler gets angry at the fleeing fae, and will attempt to kill it so as not to spread tales of impurity. Needless to say this doesn�t help the Demon�s case very much.

Devils

The Devils are a group which does not tend to care for others. As such they look at the fae as a possible tool to manipulate. The Devils have begun to research the Fae as a possible tool to use to inspire humanity to believe in them. Could they force mortals to believe in Demons again, they would have a steady flow of faith? Yes, and as such the Devils have concocted a plan to force belief into the Mortals. They have seen a noble breed of Fae called the Sidhe who have varied aptitudes to influence others through verbal order. The Devils have begun to speculate a possible alliance or manipulation of the Sidhe to make them cause others to believe in the might of the demons and love them again.

Another breed though has proven to become an issue. The Trolls are a race that seems to have risen out of the times of old as warrior angels, Malachi. They are true and pure, which has begun to have them spot the Devils. In fact a contingent of Trolls recently chased down a pack of Devils and butchered them without a problem. The rest of the house has heard this and has been following the unit, yet when they descended into the ground, heading towards some deep and dark caverns the devils tailing them vanished. The rest of the house worries that they have lost their brethren to the trolls and now are cautious of the large blue knights.

Devourers

The beings who constructed nature wish to fully bring their beliefs full circle, but being so intoned with nature creates a few problems with the fae. First of all, the Devourers have found a form of changeling that can shift into small animals. These are amazingly odd beings that remind them of the ancient way of small animals. As such the Devourers have been attempting to make contact with them again as if they were smaller brothers and sisters whom have been missing for ages. Yet the beings tend to flee. The Devourers will not stop trying but they sob often regarding this fissure between them and beings that may be similar to them.

The Satyrs they know of quite well. These half goats were beings that they viewed as what humans should have been. Yet the Devourers do not approach the Satyrs. They watch safely from afar as they see more and more Defilers with these brethren. The Devourers cry about this loss as well. Furthermore it angers the Devourers at the house of the Defilers for this theft. The day that drives the Devourers to lash out shall be a grim day and possibly the last for the Defilers.

Lastly, the Devourers have seen all of the other kiths as well but know them but no name. The reason is that some of the Devourers who use their abilities to make killer living plants and monstrous Chimera find that the younger will sometimes come on quests to slay it. The Devourers find it curiously entertaining and as such, a small contingent has begun to make chimerical beings for the Fae to slay for their quests. The Devourers cannot help but feel happiness form watching these childlike fancies. It allows them to remember times from long ago, so they do it still.

Fiends

These beings are a house that is tragic in ways similar to the Devourers. They have lost their old ways and cannot help it. Now they have been searching for the seers and diviners, the wise men and women of all of the awakened beings. When they are found the Fiends become friends with them immediately. This is no exception with the fae.

The Eshu are a breed of the fae which the Fiends have been watching from afar. The Fiends would love to approach these beings, but as they slowly approached they would hear tales told often. This would become a major problem as the Fiends wish not to be known of. Thus the Fiends are attempting to find a way to approach the wanderers and get them to not only settle in one spot for study but also to keep their presence secret. As such all the Fiends can do is listen in on them and hope they are not found.

The Fiends have found one Kith that enjoys them as equals. The Sluagh are a darker breed of Faerie and put emphasis on one place to live and to unravel secrets. They may be clannish but they also are less racial. They are not so much afraid but they are more of a cautious being that has been beaten by outsiders, in the view of the Fiends. Therefore the Fiends are going slowly. They have watched the Slayers make closer relations quicker than them but they hold no grudges. Should the three groups ally fully, the Fiend would be well protected, and this is something they are sure of.

Malefactors

The Smiths of the world know only one race of fae. The Nockers are alienated from all. Therefore as the Malefactors have begun to meet new beings, a fraction of them has begun to gravitate towards working with the Nockers. These alliances are few but the ones that do have been known to create some of the most amazing machines. In fact by the Malefactors� implementation of their Lore, some machines built by the two may be able to actually circumvent the Nocker�s Frailty.

The Malefactors care little for anything else regarding the fae. Yet they have witnessed one thing that the other demons do not know. They have witnessed the Nockers wince at the touch of Cold Iron. This they have stored away in their memories and keep secret from the others for fear of losing their new friends.

Scourges

These beings are an odd assortment of concepts regarding the fae. The perceptions are wide and knowledge is little mainly because they focus so much on mortals. The beliefs of mortals heavily influence their view of the Kithain. The only conflicts that the Scourges tend to have with the Kithain are over whom shall protect or hunt who. These conflicts are powerful and frankly tend to be quite dangerous.

Slayers

The angels of Death are one house that has a strong alliance with the Sluagh. They were introduced through some restless spirits which knew both and needed help doing many things. As such the Sluagh and Slayers agreed to work together. Soon they found that they were outcasts in both of their societies and now work together freely.

They have no interest in the other fae but don�t hate them either. As long as the Sluagh and Slayers continue this friendship the two are stronger and safer than ever. In fact no knows how close the contact is between the two groups. This serves well for both groups, protecting them from outside influence and persecution.

Story Ideas

Some Storytellers may have troubles bringing in a crossover game of Changeling and Demon. Below are a few ideas for how to go about this crossover. Mind you, these will not appeal to all Storytellers and Players but they are a basic start to hopefully inspire you to try something new.

Odd Friends

The Changeling had a childhood friend whom they were always close to. Because of this fact the changeling had shown his friend the faerie world through enchantment as often as possible. The two have aged together always knowing the little secret. Yet something had to disrupt the cycle, as the Demons have torn forth, the friend of the Changeling has been selected as a target for possession. As such, now the Changelings friend is one of the Legions and the Demonic Host. Yet they will not let this disrupt their friendship and now they journey together at all times, brothers-in-arms.

Controlling the Reaper

A demon in the area has developed a penchant for reaping the faith from the mortals in the area. Such a thing has been affecting the glamour in the area. The Changelings need it stopped, regardless of court. Therefore the Changelings have been appointed for various reasons to find the source of the disturbance. The question is how shall they react when they find it is a demon who is doing this.

The Ambassador

One of the demon households (or factions, or other form of organization of Demons) has sent a representative to the faeries. Either through circumstance or direct influence the demon (PC or NPC) has found his way to the Changelings. Now the Demon must travel with them until they reach the court of the fae. What then shall await the result of the demon?

Changeling Systems

The Changelings have a few tricks up their sleeves for dealing with Demons. This has given birth to new powers, knowledge and various other systems. Feel free to look below at the possibilities.

Kenning

The fae have gained an ability to utilize their Kenning ability to see through the guise of the Demons. Any changeling who possesses Kenning gets an automatic Perception + Kenning challenge to see the demon as its Apocalyptic form. All that is needed is one success with a difficulty of the targets faith. This at first may seem to be a downfall, but any fae who learns the truth about the Lore of Demons may discern many intriguing facts about a demon from this one visage.

Realms

It is not hard to enchant a Demon. For the purpose of game mechanics, the realms Actor and Fae affect Demons. There is no specific realm for affecting a Demon. To affect a Demon one must add up their total ranks between Fae and Actor. This is the rank of Faith in a Demon that the Changeling must possess to affect it.

Enchantment

Demons need never be enchanted. They always can feel or see the Changelings for what they truly are. This manifests in different ways depending on the wishes of the Storyteller. Some would make it manifest as being the silhouette of a human form nears the changed being, or vice versa. Some would make it be just a feeling, and some may just say that you see a Troll rather than a young boy.

Art: Demonis

Demonis is an art that so far is solely practiced by the Sluagh. This has been developed by them, in secret from their Demonic allies, so as to protect them. Were someone to come and report to them an incident regarding the Demons becoming a nuisance, they may begin to teach it, but for now, they keep it to themselves.

� Diagnosis

The use of this technique forces a Demon�s House, Faction, Virtues, Faith, and Torment to be shown to the caster. This is a requisite amount of knowledge for any further abilities to be executed from Demonis. To use it the caster must spend a point of Temporary Glamour and spend a turn in observation. After that, they have the knowledge the following round.

�� Divine Celestial Name

Through the use of this ability the Changeling may divine the celestial name of the Demon. To do this the Changeling must make a contested Willpower roll, with a difficulty of 7. Then, should the Changeling succeed they must spend two Temporary Glamour points and spend the turn watching the Demon. At the end of the turn the Changeling will know the demon's celestial name.

��� Chimeras Will

This allows for a changeling to subdue the immunity to illusions of a Demon. To do this, one must spend a point of Temporary Glamour and then make a Gremayre + Wits roll. The difficulty is the Faith of the Demon. Should the Changeling succeed them then spend a Temporary Willpower point. At that point, until the end of the scene, the Demon no longer is immune to Illusions.

���� Force Revelation

Through the use of Force Revelation, a Fae may make the apocalyptic form of the Demon appear to all beings in the area. To do this, the Changeling must roll their willpower with a difficulty of the willpower of the Demon, and spend an initial Temporary Glamour point. Should the Changeling want, they may spend points of Temporary Willpower or Temporary Glamour to add more successes. The number of Successes indicates a total number. This number is what the highest rank of Willpower a being may have and see the being. Anyone with higher Willpower will not see it.

����� Energy Transformation

Through the use of this ability a Changeling may rework the very essence of the Demon�s emotions. To do this, the Changeling must speak the true name of the Demon. This speech will echo throughout the area in a one mile radius loudly. (Note: This WILL overcome the Frailty of the Sluagh for this action) After that the Changeling must spend a point of Temporary Glamour for each transformation. It takes one temporary Faith or Torment point and converts it to the other for each Temporary Point of Glamour spent. This can grant a rank in either one should it take the Demon above ten in their Trait, but it cannot reduce the rank of the Permanent trait.

Furthermore, afterward the Changeling will take a level of Aggravated Damage for each Temporary Glamour Point spent. This is preventable by Spending a Temporary Point of Willpower for each rank one wants to prevent.

Demon Systems

Demons have a few tricks up their own sleeves as well. The difference is that they have developed natural things. These tend to come about by possessing a once Changeling. As such the Changeling soul is expelled back to the dreaming. In some circumstances though, the Demon gains flaws or benefits from such an occurrence.

Background

Fae Strength

This background may be taken by Demons. What it does is allow for there to be blood within the Demon of the fae or they have been around glamour producing beings so much that they have become adapted to resisting the whiles of the fae. Note: These ranks are not cumulative but replace the previous rank.

Merits/Flaws

Weak to the Fae (1-5 point Supernatural Flaw)

This flaw means that the Demon has become so accustomed to the Faerie world that it naturally lets the abilities of the Changeling world slip through their own defenses. For every rank in this, the use of chimerical abilities in the immediate area of the Demon (any Changeling who has line of sight to where the demon is) has their difficulties for Chimerical Actions to be lowered by one per rank.

Weakness of Faerie (3-point Supernatural Flaw)

Due to the Changeling blood within the Demon, the Demon is affected by cold iron as any other Changeling is. This is a flaw that must be taken carefully as this allows for a Demon to take non-soakable aggravated damage from Cold Iron.

Kith Curse (5-point Supernatural Flaw)

This flaw means that when the Changeling soul was expelled form the body part of the physical being was remembered by the body. The Demon may pick one Frailty from a Kith which they now suffer from continually.

Kith Blessing (5-point Supernatural Merit)

This merit means that when the Changeling soul was expelled form the body part of the physical being was remembered by the body. The Demon may pick one Birthright from a Kith which they now gain the benefits from continually.

Conclusion

I hope this article proved to be at least interesting to you if not helpful as well. These are of course all optional rules but they are meant to supply some inspiration for everyone who gets interested in a crossover story between Demon and Changeling. As normal, should you want to contact me, feel free to contact me in any way possible and ask any questions you may have. Be well and happy gaming.