Strange Changeling Child by Alexa Fae McDaniel is a role playing game published by Lexi the Fae.
The supplement is available as a 12-page PDF from itch.io for $8 but was purchased at a reduced price as part of a special bundle. Two pages are the front and rear covers, one the Table of Contents and one the Credits. The supplement is also available as a 6-page spreads PDF and an RTF document.
The Introduction explains that this is a solo game played with a single piece of paper, two six-sided dice and a writing implement; digital can be used but analogue is recommended. The game will narrate a story about a changeling and how they reveal their truth to their loved ones.
Setup explains how to fold the paper and divide it up. You then write a few Banes, which are circumstances or stimuli that, thanks to your fairy nature, cause you distress that humans can’t fully understand or sympathise with; when a Bane has been endured longer than you can handle, you Suffer a Meltdown. You write any other notes about your character, then define one to five Confidantes, which are people you care about, wish you could be more open with and who you’re afraid of alienating or disappointing. Details are written on these, their relationship with you and at least one Expectation they have of you. Examples are given of Confidantes. One die is set aside, the number 3 upwards, which represents your Fey and the die is used purely for tracking that. If Fey ever falls below one, Suffer a Meltdown and make it one, or end the game in tragedy; if it is above six, one of your Confidantes Discovers your Fairy Nature.
Moves are conditions whose rules are followed when they come up. Instructions are given for Struggle to Meet an Expectation, Suffer a Meltdown, Work Fairy Magic, Hide your Fairy Nature and Discover your Fairy Nature. When all your Confidantes know about your fairy nature, the game is over.
Strange Changeling Child in Review
The PDF is bookmarked with the various sections linked. The Table of Contents is to a similar level of depth and is hyperlinked. Navigation is good. The text maintains a single column format and appeared to be free of errors. There are a couple of colour illustrations. Presentation is decent.
The game is intended to be a metaphor for autism and ableism and how autistic people try to cope in a way that paints autistic people as non-human, which resonates for the author but may not for others. It is a solo journalling game, and as such will definitely not be for everyone. It is also expensive at full price. Strange Changeling Child can be found by clicking here.
Leave a Reply