Changeling OCs - Why

[FizzL 27]

Changelings exist to serve the queen. They have a standard and uniform appearance, because they can transform and look however they need to.

 

So what's the appeal of changeling OCs? When you give them a unique personality or a unique appearance, doesn't it defeat the point of being a changeling?

 

I just would like to know why it happens.

[GrimCW 658]

Not really. 

The comics broke that "uniform" design too.

Besides all, its likely they were just uniform to keep animation and additional dolls from needing to be made.

 

Comics even had 2 armored ones, and one of them acted as an almost second in command sort of deal.

 

Besides, why can't a hive have individuals within it too?

[Shine 166]

xD  I was linked to this almost instantly by Chaotic Discord, who believes I may have been the cause of it.  lawl

 

While I don't really believe you posed the question because of me, I can give you an answer as to why I have a changeling character.

 

Sure, in the show, every changeling looks exactly the same, and they appear to exist only to serve the queen, BUT...

regardless of their insectoid appearance, they are an equine race, so they probably have free will.  Maybe the ones who followed Chrysalis did so of their free will, and maybe the only reason they all look alike is because it was easier on the animators.

In most of the changeling-oriented fanfictions I've read, changelings are all mostly alike but have slight differences that only they can see.  Additionally, if a changeling were to break free from the hive mind, he could choose to customize his own appearance so that he would be more easily identifiable as an individual.  -shrugs-

 

Personally, I didn't want to make my changeling all fancy and different, so I just made him like any other changeling but with his mane (head fin thing?) shaved off.  Also, most changeling OCs have specific unique hole-patterns in their legs.  Sundae has large holes in the backs of three of his hooves to help make him easier to identify.

[FizzL 27]

No one in particular was the reason I asked this, of course. Just the fact that I saw they existed at all

 

But I should have known the answer would be about the animators! *shakes fist*

 

The problem (again) is that I've never seen anything from the comics, and I never would have thought that could hurt my knowledge of the show. I do like the idea that they have differences only they can see and/or understand. I suppose I probably just guessed that they were created, mass-produced. It's a good observation (that I never made) to say that they're still equines.

 

To me it all just begs the question of what the show's changelings have to gain from choosing to follow Chrysalis. I think that becomes Show Discussion.

[Scootalove 10,689]

I guess that people enjoy making them for a lot of different reasons. So there is probably a reason to add creativity to a Changeling.

[ASocialyAwkwardPony 299]

Changelings are awesome, do I have to say more? Okay maybe I do. Well I can see the appeal of one with the whole shape-shifter thing, that is pretty awesome, also their default unmasked design is pretty cool as well. I guess it also appeals to the ones who aren't into the cute part of the show as much as the fun and cool parts, with the Changelings pretty much representing that part of it really well on their own.

[Shine 166]

To me it all just begs the question of what the show's changelings have to gain from choosing to follow Chrysalis. I think that becomes Show Discussion.

 

I wondered that too.  In a way, I kind of thought they were more insect-like in this area, because I thought  maybe Chrysalis is the mother of her hive or something, and maybe they follow her out of that sense of loyalty.  However, this can't be proven without asking one of the show's creators, so there could actually be any number of reasons.  -shrugs-

[Denim&Venöm 19,152]

Probably because the changeling design in of itself looks cool. They have that darker, edgier, almost gothic feel to their design. It's just another type of character for the fans to express their creativity in.

 

[FNGRpony 658]

Well how come we don't have OC dragons?
Oc griffins?
Oc zebras? 

 

IF i had to guess MLP don't wanna be lumped in with furries (if i had to guess lol).

so what choices do you have?
earth pony

unicorn

peg

 

or you could put on the black hat my friend.  you can put on that black hat and wear it well.  Your oc could be the bad guy.

Now why would you wanna do a thing like that ^ ~

[Fender 1,283]

I know that some people on these forums have Dragon OC's. Some of us, including me have Griffon OC's. I've seen a few Zebras too.

 

I actually tried to make my Changeling OC strange, and different.

 

http://mlpforums.com/page/roleplay-characters/_/muata-r4153

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

I have a changeling OC and also a half zebra OC. My changeling's profile pic is a generic changeling, but that's only cuz I can't draw. Anyway, Cicada does have an actual personality and follows her Queen out of loyalty.

 

@, somepony I RP with, had a great theory about the changelings being corrupted Flutter ponies. So maybe, they could one day go back? XD

[Vrilix 7]

Personally i can't really decide which of the three races are my own personal favorite. - They all seem strong and unique in their own individual ways, each completing each other. If i had to choose i would probably pick unicorns, but thats because of my name.

I am danish and my name is Jørgen.

And "unicorn" in danish is "Enjørning".

So if i change it a little my name is in there.  "En-jørgen-ing"

 

Anyways, the reason for me choosing to have a changeling oc is because they can fly and use magic at the same time. + shapeshifting and stuff. thats pretty awesome.

[FNGRpony 658]

I have a changeling OC and also a half zebra OC. My changeling's profile pic is a generic changeling, but that's only cuz I can't draw. Anyway, Cicada does have an actual personality and follows her Queen out of loyalty.

 

@, somepony I RP with, had a great theory about the changelings being corrupted Flutter ponies. So maybe, they could one day go back? XD

oh there's an interesting question.

 

can changelings breed with ponies?  I mean obviously it wouldn't even be hard seeing as how they could look like anything,

I wonder what a half changeling would look like.

less holes?

[Musix 237]

There are two reasons that come to mind.

 

1. They can change into any form - So surely, if they wanted to, They could change their own appearance?

 

2. Shape shifting is so cool, Y U SO CRAY

 

_{3. Hoof fetishes favour changeling hooves sometimes}

[Shine 166]

Well how come we don't have OC dragons?

Oc griffins?

Oc zebras? 

 

IF i had to guess MLP don't wanna be lumped in with furries (if i had to guess lol).

so what choices do you have?

earth pony

unicorn

peg

 

or you could put on the black hat my friend.  you can put on that black hat and wear it well.  Your oc could be the bad guy.

 

Now why would you wanna do a thing like that ^ ~

 

Actually, I've seen bronies using all sorts of creatures as their "OC"/personas.  I've seen lots of changeling bronies, some dragon bronies, some gryphon bronies.  I myself am a zebralicorn (which counts as a zebra, I suppose), and a friend of mine is a pony with a gryphon tail.  lawl

 

As for being part of the furry community, we already kind of are.  In almost every furry site, you will find a large portion of it dedicated to ponies, and most of it isn't even clop.  I don't see why so many people seem to have this issue of "distancing themselves" from furries.  It's not like we're any worse than regular bronies to begin with.  -shrugs-

[Anneal 2,197]

Simple reason: Changeling OCs have the potential for storyline building. They are perceived as the evil species, and they have the capability to shape shift at free will. It's interesting to see an unfitting species in a general society. Plus, people like playing as a misunderstood protagonist, adding the benefits to this ideal pick.

 

Crystal Pony OCs, however, are a different question. Despite appearing more often than changelings, they are honestly underrated and the least used of all OCs. This is partly caused by the way the show portrayed it; they're seen as weak, since they failed to rebel against Sombra until the Mane 6 helped out, and enslaved.

 

Why I say they are underrated is because they also offer a good deal of lore and freedom, in that matter, explaining what happened a thousand years ago in a canon and legitimate matter without the frowned upon reason to say how your pony is immortal or an alicorn. In other words, they're historical witnesses and extremely fabulous! Then again, they're difficult to play, since their brains are technically outdated and they have to be trapped for a thousand years, no exceptions.

 

Dragons are a close second. Though they are often seen, not much is known about them. Also underrated; they offer potential to freely create your own lore. Griffons are the same thing.

 

In conclusion, changelings aren't bad, but I would like it if other species were a bit more appreciated. Ponies aren't the only race in this world!

Edited September 20, 2013 by Cartophile

[Denim&Venöm 19,152]

oh there's an interesting question.

 

can changelings breed with ponies?  I mean obviously it wouldn't even be hard seeing as how they could look like anything,

I wonder what a half changeling would look like.

less holes?

 

I had an idea about that. In my headcannon, Changelings not only can breed with ponies, but have too, sometimes. Changelings Royalty like Chrysalis are the only natural born females, and the only ones of the hive who can reproduce, similar to bees. She can mate with the drones to produce other drones, but to create another royal, she'll have to mate with (or possibly impregnate) another pony.  Got a real dramatic story involving that planned out.

 

 

 

 

 

As for being part of the furry community, we already kind of are.  In almost every furry site, you will find a large portion of it dedicated to ponies, and most of it isn't even clop.  I don't see why so many people seem to have this issue of "distancing themselves" from furries.  It's not like we're any worse than regular bronies to begin with.  -shrugs-

 

In all honesty, I think Bronies are part of the Anthromorph community, albeit a very large subsection of it. The ponies we admire aren't so different from furry characters other than that they walk on all fours. Both have human personalities, expressions and characteristics. ponies and furries aren't so different. I'm not getting the reasons for the distance.

[~Silver Essence~ 2,625]

My guess is just for the cool and dark look you get rather than a regular pony.

 

Makes sense that way, or they truly love queen chrysalis. 

[Dsanders 5,747]

I haven't really noticed that many Changeling OC's really. But as for the reasons why some people would want to have them, it could be because of their notable advantages over most average ponies, such as the ability to shapeshift, fly,and use magic to an extent.

 

It's also considered to be very unique and uncommon to have a Changeling OC, in comparison to usually having Earth Ponies, Pegasus, and Unicorns as OCs. Plus, considering how some of them are depicted in the fanfics, they are often misunderstood and treated as evil, which allows opportunities for interesting story plot lines to take place.

 

If I may add on, it is not necessarily confirmed that they are actually evil on the show. I personally think that they are simply minions of Queen Chrysalis, mostly directed and fueled by her love for them.  They most likely do not know any better and their sense of morale may be literally blinded by all the power they get from love.

 

But I digress.

 

Overall, I think it's because of their unique advantages, and the interesting and unique storyline opportunities, that Changeling OCs would be favored and used. 

Edited October 12, 2013 by Dsanders

[kodyap1293 23]

Even though I've read the comics, I can't help but see the whole hive mind thing when I think about changelings. I think that is what turns off the allure of a changeling OC for me. I don't care if others use them, but you won't see me using one anytime soon.

[Freewave 1,145]

What you need to keep in mind is that Chrysalis's hive is but ONE hive. If you read the fimfics you can see a lot more adaptions and lore about what changeling's are and realize that there are some hives that co-exist and live in secrecy so that its minions can go and live incognito with other ponies. In one it specifically states that Chrysalis was a rogue hive and never should have attacked Canterlot or revealed herself. Most fimfics show that changelings once they assimilate into pony culture develop a deeper set of emotions and begin developing personalities and identifying more AS ponies rather than as part of a hive. Because they shape change it is very easy for them to live peacefully amongst us and for others to be unaware. 

 

I encourage anyone to read through this thread on the subject

http://mlpforums.com/topic/62397-thoughts-on-changelings-who-peacefully-live-among-ponies-in-fanfiction/

[Ink Stain 0]

Most people who have changeling OC's like the way the changelings look without changing to another form they just like the look of them and sometimes they think it fits their personality im assuming. 

[Frith is Magick 1,471]

I personally have little interest in Changeling OCs, but I don't mind the idea. If people want to create a Changeling OC, either to represent them or just for the fun of it, they are more than free to do so. I hold Changelings to the same standard as any other OC: it has to look relatively normal for it's race, have a reasonable back-story, and have a reasonable character (no Mary-Sues allowed). There is a line between unique and absurd, and I think that with sufficient thought and effort, a Changeling OC could work.

[Countess Noodle 607]

Well I'm personally interested in a changling OC because of how little info there is on them.

[ChewedPencil 7]

Well how come we don't have OC dragons?

Oc griffins?

Oc zebras? 

 

IF i had to guess MLP don't wanna be lumped in with furries (if i had to guess lol).

so what choices do you have?

earth pony

unicorn

peg

 

or you could put on the black hat my friend.  you can put on that black hat and wear it well.  Your oc could be the bad guy.

 

Now why would you wanna do a thing like that ^ ~

 

For me? It is a more personal reason attributed to my personality. I tend to mimic accents and ways of doing things when I am around others, mostly in a way to get them to like me. Each friend I make sees a different me. One friend sees me as an evil minion, so I act that way. Another sees me as a trusted confidant, so I act that way. Each of these people see the true me, and at the same time, a mask I wear. I guess the thought of a being a Changeling is just appealing to me. That and we pretty much get all the benefits of all the races without being an alicorn!

 

As for the other races? They are out there, you just have to dig. 

 

As for the hive mind? I don't really mind it. I mean, I am already hearing voices as a schizophrenic, this is just another day for me.

Edited September 15, 2014 by ChewedPencil