Companion
The Chimera background in Changeling: The Dreaming (see pg. 175) lists various chimera that become active when a changeling goes through the Chrysalis. It is suggested that the chimera be non-living (weapons, armor, equipment, clothes, etc.). Companions are the living chimera created by the changeling's unconscious nature. Players should consult their Storytellers as to the type of Companion they have. Players should also he aware that higher level Companions have minds and personalities of their own which may come into conflict with the player's goals. Examples of companions are: a small dragon, a green alien named Bob, or any other living chimera. • A minor companion. (Something with
intelligence up to that of a dog, with little or no magic or special abilities. Examples include a small patch of mold that bubbles obscenely on a redcap's shoul- der, or a winged cat.)
• • A useful companion. (Something with the intelligence of a human, and minor powers, but not up to the level of an Art. Examples include a small jeweled dragon with a smoking problem, or perhaps a talking moon cat.)
• • • A companion of significant power. (This companion may have a dot in an Art or a magic power equivalent to a single dot. Examples include a speed demon with Wayfare, or the aforementioned green alien with Primal.)
• • • • A very powerful companion. (This com panion may have up to three dots in Arts. Examples include a griffin or unicorn.) • • • • • A companion of incredible power. (A
companion at this level may have up to five dots in Arts — an ancient dj inn with Soothsay, or a dragon with a combination of Arts.)
In reading the following pages, you will learn a great deal more about the nine kith than you have before. Here are the histories and legends behind their creation, the most com-
mon stories behind their Birthrights and Frailties, and their individual points of view, from the position of both Seelie and Unseelie.
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 individu- ally 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 mischie- vous 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-work- ing, 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 interpre- tation. 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.
Their appreciation for the practical and simple things in life often causes hoggans to view other changelings as flighty and somewhat shallow. Most seek to find the good in all people, and often help to hring out the best in those they meet.
Appearance
Most hoggans have a distinctly earthy mien, and are reluc- tant to draw attention to themselves. Though not vain, they respect craftsmanship, and often wear simple but finely wrought jewelry and clothing. Usually short and on the plump side, hoggans are recognizable by their particularly bushy eyebrows.
In their faerie guises, most hoggans have an old yet sprightly appearance, with even childlings showing faint laugh lines around their eyes and mouths that deepen with age. Understandably, many boggans have a certain weariness about them, but it is generally of a pleasant sort. Crumps tend to age quickly, with their bright eyes belying the wrinkles creasing their brows.
Beliefs
Like all changelings, boggans have their own traditions and beliefs that are handed down through the years.