AKA: Changeling

Metamorphae are born to those who consume fruit from Goldenberry Bushes. The tiny, quivering seeds within the berry contains great magic, which is activated once eaten. When the woman releases an egg, the spell goes into effect, creating a zygote without need for a male. The embryo grows exactly as a normal human develops, displaying no unusual characteristics; Metamorphae are born prematurely and are below average in height and weight all their life.

For the most part, Metamorphae are average in every way: attractiveness, intelligence, strength, and speed. They do, however, tend to have gentler, more kind personalities and strong bonds that may lead to fights or arguments on others’ behalf; they also prefer to spend time outside rather than indoors. Unlike other halflings, Metamorphae may go their entire lives without ever knowing they are not fully human; they do not ever display differing physical appearances or abilities unless they (or ones they love) are placed in life-threatening danger. Except for those well-versed in forgotten folklore, parents may never know the truth of their offspring either.

When greatly endangered, Metamorphaes' powers are activated and carried out by instinct alone. A Changeling’s powers differ from individual to individual; they may make themselves/things disappear, call trees to life or movement, slow things around them, change their physical form, sprout wings, or summon fae/animals to their aid. Halflings only have one ability; once it is known, it can be practiced and mastered. However, once their fae blood has been freed, their skin takes on a strange shimmer, their ears come almost to a point, and their face seems not quite human, though it indiscernible as to why. Many vow to use their newfound powers to do good for humanity, yet most hide it away, fearing the reactions of others. Parents can often overlook the strangeness of their Changeling children—many are never entirely convinced that they did not come entirely from them. Metamorphae are generally loved and have strong relationships that cannot be easily broken. In cases where parents are disgusted by the oddness of their fae-children, they find new, loving, accepting homes quickly due to their natural charm.

Unlike many halflings, Metamorphae have no difficulty making it to adulthood, finding romantic partners, or fitting into human communities—even when their oddities are out in the open. Due to their fae-touched blood, they can live to be 150 - 170 years old.

Goldenberry Bushes | Children Gifted to Humans by the Fae

A soft, sweet-smelling bush, Goldenberry plants ripen in the early summer. As their yellow and orange petals are pollinated by faeries and insects, they produce shiny, golden berries double the size of a blackberry. On the fruit, dark thorns protrude and give off a pungent scent that humans cannot detect, though other organisms find it repulsive. The stems, leaves, and vines of the plant are varying shades of teal. If held in the light, tiny black specks appear in the center of each drupelet that makes up the fruit; if watched, they appear to swim around in circles. The leaves of the plant are wavy with five points.

The Goldenberry Bush was created by nisse long ago in response to couples and women that anguished over not being able to have children. Females were, and are, supernaturally lured to pluck the magical berries from the plant—their delightfully sweet aromas irresistible. The fruit tastes sugary, yet spicy, the berry’s juice thick, creamy and reminiscent of honey mixed with milk and cinnamon. The plant was known as a fertility remedy, its leaves and fruit once collected and brewed into a tea. The herbal concoction never failed to make a woman conceive. However, it was not a truly human child they carried, but a halfling—more commonly known throughout the world as a changeling.

Goldenberry bushes can be found on the edge of forests, where grass and trees meet. They prefer moist soil under moderate shade and near other thorny bushes. They cannot be relocated or planted by seeds; these plants only grow with the aid of faeries commanded by higher fae, or by more powerful fae, like nisse or elves. There are very few left in existence.