Changeling - Players Guide.pdf

The wind at my back, a tale upon my lips, and a hearty
stack of bills in my pocket! Now that's the good life!
— Carolan Walks-far, eshu storyteller
World travelers, the eshu rarely stay in one place for long.
They roam the globe seeking and sharing adventure. Great
storytellers, the eshu love a gixxl tale, whether they are doing the
telling or listening to someone else's. They live as if every hour
were their last, avoiding boredom and stagnation like the plague.
Although many would classify the eshu as frivolous thrill-seekers,
in truth these roving fee pursue knowledge and experience with great
seriousness. Their natural curiosity often gets them into trouble, one
reason why they rarely live long enough to become grumps.
Background
One of the more ancient of all the changeling races, the eshu
came into existence in the savannas and deserts of Africa. Thousands
of years ago, Bantu, Masai and Somali tribes called them Eithu.
These native peoples believed that the Eithu ran with the leopard,
climbed with the monkey and swam with the crocodile. Because the
tribes lived a nomadic lifestyle, migrating with the seasons and the
animals, so did the Eithu, an attribute they have never lost.
The Arabs who migrated into Africa in the Middle Ages had
an enormous impact on the Eithu. They initiated the change to the
modem name, "Eshu." Over the centuries, Arab beliefs turned them
from playful sprites into powerful, honor-bound warrior fae who
protected the land and anyone who traveled across it, especially
traders. By the 16th century, the Arabs had established many trade
routes in and around the coast of Africa. Thus, the eshu evolved into
the serious, nomadic, trade-loving changelings known today.
Over time, a more sedentary society developed in Africa, and
these people began to look down upon and fear the nomads. Those
who roamed acquired a reputation for thieving and running scams.
This reputation extended to the eshu as well. They became known for
their ability to outwit others, especially when money was involved.
Attitude
The eshu tend to approach life as if it were an epic movie and
they are the main characters. Many take their roles to heart,
dressing the part and playing to the audience. Some play the
gallant knight riding in to save the day on his white charger. Others
prefer a more subtle approach, stepping in as the silent hero who
never stays long enough for people to thank him. Still others take
the part of the dastardly villain, wicked yet witty to the end.
An eshu can become quite irritated if her entrance is
spoiled or her plans are thwarted, and she despises an anticlimactic
ending. Throughout her life, the eshu may play
many roles, whatever feels right at the moment. In the end,
the wealth of the tale is all that matters. Keep in mind,
however, that the eshu does not act it — she lives it.
Despite their tribal origins, the eshu have cultured,
polished manners. They believe strongly in social tradition
and rituals. With open inquisitiveness, they study other
cultures, often adopting their host's customs in his presence.
This endears them to many different people.
Appearance
Although the eshu come in all colors, the majority tend
to have dark skin and African or Arabic features. Their dark
eyes can seem shadowed and mysterious, or bright and piercing.
They wear their dark hair in a variety of ways; some even
shave their heads as did their ancestors.
In their faerie guises, the eshu stand taller than most other
changelings. They often resemble Arab sheiks or nomads, wrapped
in brightly colored silk and satin. Some also dress in the garb of
African tribesmen, mostly naked, wearing split skirts made of
animal skin with another hide or a broad red scarf thrown over
one shoulder and tucked in at the waist. The Unseelie eshu tend
to favor the more flashy dress of silks and satins.
Beliefs
The eshu uphold a number of beliefs and customs that have
been part of their heritage for centuries.