Some say changelings are the personification of Man's dream-archetypes made flesh, others believe them to be descended from creatures far older and stranger than mere mortals. Whatever their origins, modern changelings are creatures of passion and whimsy. They are more concerned with art and beauty, passion and adventure than the responsibilities of modern life. Even the stodgiest changeling is often viewed as eccentric, if not outright insane. They draw power from creativite energy and open-eyed wonder (or wide-eyed terror in the case of the Unseelie, but I get ahead of myself).

      To protect themselves and preserve the Glamour inherent in Dreams, changelings ally themselves with one another in a variety of ways. Some of the most common are given below.

The kithain, as changelings collectively refer to themselves, exist in many forms - as many forms are there are Dreams. Each form, or kith, tends to see itself as an extended family. They share similar characteristics, hold similar values and common interests, and can generally be counted upon to provide aid to a kithmate in times of crisis. Each kith has its own advantages (referred to as Birthrights) and disadvantages (or Frailties). Below is an overview of each of the nine most common Western Faerie kiths.

Sidhe - Born of Dreams of leadership and nobility, the Noble fae are beautiful (and arrogant) beyond measure. They live more fully in the Dreaming than the commoner kiths, and so are more vulerable to the ravages of Banality.

Boggan - These domestic Fae take great pride in good, honest work and crafts of all sorts. They are also experts on social dynamics and incurable gossips.

Pooka - This shapeshifting kith are known for their love of pranks, their hatred of Banality, and their inablity to tell the truth. Trusting a pooka is easy, but believing one is this side of lunacy.

Redcap - Subtlety and social grace are all but unknown to this horrible kith. Born of nightmares, they claim to have ruled the dark Fimbulwinter which existed before the Sun was lit. Their dark apetites are well known; this kith will quite literally eat anything.

Troll - Strong, honest, and rock-solid, this warrior kith prizes honor and loyalty above all. Trolls are arguably as (if not more) noble as the Sidhe. Their courage and strength are the stuff of legend, but trolls lose their great strength should they break an oath.

Sluagh - Another nightmare kith, the sluagh are the Frighteners who punish naughty children in the darkest night. They are a strange, inscrutible kith who value manners and etiquette as much as they prize secrets. An ancient curse prevents them from speaking above a whisper.

Nocker - Born from the elation and disappointment inherent in the creative process, there is nothing this foul-tempered kith cannot create. They relentlessly pursue perfection, but everything they build possesses some small flaw.

Satyr - Passion in all its forms drives this wild-hearted kith. The music they make removes inhibitions and fires the passions of all who hear, but their pursuit of passion often leaves them surly and moody.

Eshu - This enigmatic kith wanders the Dreaming in search of new stories to tell. They have a knack for arriving in the right place at just the right time, though the paths they travel are often frought with peril.