Tikbalang

Description

Folklore points to the Tikbalang as a mimic who leads the unwary astray. Changelings know a bit more — that it drives them into the Hedge or, at times, into Faerie itself. It does these things because, much as a changeling will draw Glamour from others emotions, the Tikbalang feeds on the fear and confusion of its victims.

Potential victims may protect themselves by wearing all of their clothing inside-out. Missing some renders the protection useless. Doing so will keep the hobgoblin at a distance of at least 100 yards away and prevent it from speaking. Additionally, marrying the thing, a Clarity 2 breaking point, will ensure that it guides the bride or groom only along safe paths, and grants boons at a rate of one per day; on the other hand, if the Tikbalang is divorced or becomes hurt, the changeling (or even non-changeling) gains a major frailty.

Appearance

As a shapeshifter, the Tikbalang does not have a single Mask; rather, the Mask shifts depending on what the hobgoblin needs at that moment. Its mien, on the other hand, is set: a tall, spindly creature with a pale, disjointed body; gangly limbs and a long, horse-like face decorate it. Behind its neck are three bony spines, the wielding of which can help protect its victims.

Fae Aspects

Imperfect Mimicry: The Tikbalang spends a Glamour point to raise his Mask and seem human, so as to garner a false sense of trust. The Tikbalang must succeed on a Manipulation + Wyrd roll that subtracts the target’s Empathy score. Success on the roll allows the Tikbalang to add +3 to any Persuasion or Subterfuge rolls over the next scene. Failure indicates that the Mask is still “up,” but the victim notices something “off” about the Tikbalang — a sheen of bone beneath an eyelid, or an extra joint in one of its fingers. A victim may attempt a Perception roll (in this case, Wits + Empathy) to actively look to see if anything is strange about the way the “person” is acting, but that roll is penalized by the Tikbalang’s Wyrd score if the Tikbalang successfully used Imperfect Mimicry that turn. Note that the Tikbalang sometimes mimics someone the victim already knows, but the Tikbalang does not choose the identity. It’s as if the creature pulls it from the target’s own mind.

Stolen Knowledge: The Tikbalang may spend a Glamour point and roll Wits + Wyrd, subtracting a victim’s Composure score. Success indicates that the Tikbalang knows nearly everything about a victim: what’s in his pockets, what his grades were in seventh-grade algebra, his mother’s maiden name. It doesn’t know his feelings, though — only information quantifiable as “data” applies.