The Gentry sometimes send the finest on diplomatic missions where they must be both impressive and difficult to harm. The changeling temporarily abandons the Mask, revealing her fae mien to all mortals (and other beings) within sight. However, using this clause does not harm the changeling’s Clarity, because his appearance dazzles mortals with amazing glory rather than confusing or frightening them. Mortals can clearly see they are talking speaking to a creature of inhuman appearance, but this merely impresses them to the extent that mortal onlookers are incapable of attacking the character except in self-defense.
Cost: 3 Glamour
Dice Pool: Presence + Wyrd ({Presence}+{Supernatural Trait})
Action: Instant
Catch: This clause is invoked at a formal party containing at least a dozen people.
Roll Results
Dramatic Failure: The character appears clumsy and ill mannered, suffering a –2 dice penalty to all Presence or Manipulation rolls for the next scene.
Failure: The character’s appearance is unchanged.
Success: The character appears in her true form. Onlookers are awed, but not frightened. The character gains the equivalent of the four-dot version of the Striking Looks Merit. This bonus adds to any others, such as if the character already has the Striking Looks Merit. In addition, as long as the changeling does not brandish a weapon or attempt to harm anyone, ordinary humans cannot attack her. They can attempt to block her path, but they cannot actually harm her except by accident. Supernatural beings may attack the changeling by making a successful reflexive Resolve + Composure roll before each attack. This Contract lasts for one scene, unless the character attacks someone or aims a weapon at someone with threatening intent. Either action instantly ends the Contract’s effects, but the character can order others to attack without necessarily dispelling the effects.
During this time, cameras and other electronic devices will not show or record the character’s true form. Afterwards, human onlookers still consider the changeling as striking and impressive, but either remember her appearance as a wondrous costume or forget that she looked at all inhuman. Supernatural onlookers remember the changeling’s true form, however. This clause affects everyone who sees the character during this scene, not merely those present when it was first invoked.
Exceptional Success: This effect lasts until the sun next rises or sets (whichever comes first).
Suggested Modifiers
| Modifier | Situation |
| +1 to +2 | The character is wearing exquisite and expensive clothing. |
| –1 to –2 | The character is wearing shabby or cheaply made clothing. |
| –2 | The character is wearing a visible weapon. |