Changelings

Changelings are thought to be fairy children left as replacements for children stolen by fairies, but this is not true. Rather, "Changeling" is an umbrella term for a number of phenomena.

"Crosslings"
These are half-human, half fairy children: a rare phenomena only documented in a handful of cases -- though increasing since the Uprising.

"Optlings"
These are the fairy children offered to parents deemed worthy, who are unable to conceive a child of their own.

"Fae-Blessed"
These are human children who were treated with fae magic when it was clear they would not live to adulthood. Often this is done without the parents' knowledge and written off as a 'miracle' recovery or survival.

"Fae-Touched"
Human children who the fairies have gifted with fae magic to give them a head-start in life, most often born with disabilities or developmental disorders into families who are seen to be abusive or neglectful of those children.