Changeling - Players Guide.pdf

A child is like a piece of uncarved wood — each has a
story to tell and limitless magic within. It is up to the carver to
set that magic free.
—Myra Whittlestick, boggan busybody
Come and sit down by the fire, dear. You want to know
about us boggans, do you? Well, you've come to the right place.
Make yourself comfortable. There's a lot to be told, and there's
no sense in you sitting where you're not going to be able to
concentrate on the tale. There, that's better. That's one thing
you'll notice right off about us — we have more sense individually
than a whole motley of redcaps put together.
We value hard work and simple things most, but don't
think that we're a bunch of humorless, nose-to-the-grindstone
folks. No, for that you'd best look to nockers. Oh, dear, there I
go again. They're not really a bad lot, nockers... but where was
I.' Oh, yes, simplicity. Now don't think for a second that simple,
quality craft is the same thing as boring, utilitarian work. A
child will get more enjoyment out of a well-made set of blocks
than one of those beeping, flashing, kill-or-be-killed gaming
machines. The one allows a child to be creative, to fashion her
own worlds and thereby learn a little more about the one she
lives in. The other tests how fast you can push a button. Now
there's a skill more of our young people need, eh?
But you wanted to know about boggans, and here I go
starting the tale in the middle without giving you the beginning
first. Strong foundations make for solid building and good
stories, so let's take things back to basics. We boggans have a
long and wondrous history, so it's only right that you should hear
our tale first. I'll put another log on the fire, and then we'll begin.
Background
Boggans are born of charity and vengeance. Early tales
speak of earthly angels who worked miracles on behalf of the
poor but virtuous. Equally well-known are stories of mischievous
and downright malicious spirits who would exact
unreasonable prices for their services. Other legends tell of
spiteful creatures who seek to undo the hard work of others.
From all of these were boggans born.
Boggans' first appearances in folk tales were often as
model workers — thorough, tireless and cheerful in their
work. They did not mind others taking the credit for their
work, and sought to avoid any praise for what they did. But so
too did these tales show the dangers of scorning the ways of
these helpful fae. Their customs were not always understood
by mortals, but if any of their rules of etiquette were broken,
woe to the mortal who would take the fruits of their labor!
Boggans originated from these early tales of hard-working,
simple folk, but as mortal society evolved, so did boggans.
In the modern age of overtime and "flex hours," boggans have
come to symbolize the worker who is more concerned with
doing good work than earning his first million. Modern
boggans are graphic designers, interior decorators, landscape
artists, car detailers and fashion designers as well as cooks,
jewelers and woodworkers. They make electric guitars and
hand-forged swords, microbrewed beers and futons. And as
always, boggans value good, simple work far more than
intricate or ornate designs.
Attitude
A boggan's life is focused on helping those he deems
worthy. Each boggan has his own definition of what "worthy"
means, and "help" is likewise subject to individual interpretation.
Still, the vast majority of boggans are good-natured,
and seek to make the world a better place one day at a time.
They value the beauty in ordinary things, and prefer simple
joys above the pleasures of excess.
Boggans make stalwart friends and companions who will
give all they can to a true friend or a worthy cause. Most boggans
blush and brush off words of praise or offers of payment, for they
know that true appreciation cannot be expressed in words or
material goods. If wronged, however, a boggan can quickly
change from a selfless worker to a vengeful spirit.