Vekydans

Shapeshifters

by

Finley Vorden

My most terrifying research experience involved interviewing a Vekydan elder who, midway through explaining their cultural taboos, casually transformed into my exact likeness and continued the conversation as if nothing remarkable had occurred. These mysterious folk created by the god Reīnstīel pass through society virtually undetected. Their baseline appearance resembles Ārdans so closely that untrained observers notice nothing unusual, which is precisely the point.

A Vekydan’s natural form features subtle distinctions: slightly opalescent skin, and eyes that shift color with their mood. Their true nature emerges through their remarkable shapeshifting ability, allowing them to temporarily adopt the appearance of any humanoid of roughly equivalent mass they’ve observed.

Finding authentic Vekydan communities proved impossible during my research, as they typically integrate into existing settlements rather than establishing their own. Living 80-100 years, Vekydans maintain complex relationships with nearly every race through assumed identities, though they experience particular tension with Felisyks whose keen senses often detect their disguises, and show special kinship with Helakans who similarly understand marginalization.

• Folk Talent - Perfect Disguise: You can physically transform to perfectly mimic any humanoid creature of similar size. This transformation, including matching their voice, can be maintained with Charm rolls following each action.
• Folk Talent - Morphic Memory: You can perfectly mimic not just appearance but also basic skills. While disguised, you may use the Charm or Subterfuge score of the person you’re impersonating if it's higher than your own.
• Folk Talent - Fluid Recovery: Your nature helps you adapt to damage and conditions. Once per Rotation, you can reshape your body to immediately remove one Tribulation affecting you (except Unconscious).