My Changeling Culture Notes · 6:22pm Dec 9th, 2020
Coming up with horse puns and names was probably the hardest thing to do while writing these out. Some of these might change along the way but it’s an idea of what I imagine their culture to be like, Equestrians find it strange but don’t know much about it.
Changeling Kingdoms
Queen Chrysalis ("The Rogue Queen") - Rules over her own colony in a barren land, her colony consist of both her own children and changelings from different kingdoms in acts of rebellion, as well as refugees from past wars. She rebelled against the belief in their traditional gods/goddesses and was shunned in her youth for it, so she doesn't tell the myths/legends that have to do with it to her kingdom. (Colors are mixed, but mainly light blue)
Mixed Asian-esque Countries
Queen Ambrosia ("The Lady of the Fillypines") - Rules over the colony (Marpu) in the Fillypines, her colony is a strict one with set rules and traditions, such as worshiping the gods that all changelings share and traditionally believe in. (Colors are dark blue)
Filipino-esque kingdom
Empress Tsubaki ("The Beauty of Neighhon") - Rules over the colony (Chenji) in Neighhon, her colony is much more reserved and peaceful in comparison to most other kingdoms. They openly and proudly worship the gods like the other changeling Empires. (Colors are light blue)
Japanese-esque kingdom
Queen Femina ("The Fallen Queen of Vietrot") - Ruled over the colony (Thaydoi) that was in Vietrot, her colony often struggled and starved so she started the act of Changelings feeding on other creature's love instead of simply sharing it with one another. Before her Empire fell to a war they were among the most traditional and put their hope in the hooves of the gods they so desperately believed in. (Colors are Green)
Vietnamese-esque kingdom
Emperor Hibiscus ("The Rose of Fanggook") - Rules over the colony (Byeonhwa) in Fanggook, his colony has high beauty standards that are mainly influenced by Equestria, he's often seen as cold and unforgiving by newcomers but in reality he genuinely loves his colony. They're a bit more modern and don't heavily rely on tradition, but are encouraged to continue worshipping their gods. (Color is red)
South Korean-esque kingdom
Furen Lotus ("The Delicate Flower of Fanghai") - Rules over the colony (Genggai) in Fanghai, technically speaking she doesn't have much power over her Empire anymore as most power was handed over to the Daoshi's since her subjects trusted them more, plus she's barely fourteen years old. Her Empire is very traditional and is extremely prideful of their belief and worship. (Color is yellow, but they rule over a different kingdom located in Trotwan, their color is slate)
Chinese-esque kingdom
Empress Cicada ("The Fruit of Bhatrot") - Rules over the colony (Parivatan) in Bhatrot, her Empire often struggles but they're trying their best, they aren't fond of their empress as they're fully aware she lives in extravagance and parties constantly. Her Empire is traditional and very often throw festivals dedicated to their gods. (Color is orange)
Indian-esque kingdom
Changeling norms/social standards/culture:
Female Changeling are considered the more dominant (as biologically, they were born physically stronger and bigger) while male Changeling are meant to be submissive (biologically built to be weaker and smaller/shorter than females).
Most soldiers are to be female, only a handful are male.
The crown often goes to the daughter, as the changelings don't see a point in a male ruler unless absolutely necessary. (They’re compared to a beehive most of the time)
Male Changelings are often suggested to stay home and take care of the children instead of fighting on the battle field.
Worshipping/respecting the gods of their species is a must to most of the kingdoms.
Changeling rulers are to never be touched, the punishment for doing so was traditionally death, modern day it's a fine and at worst jail time.
If they're not threatened, they shall not start wars or fights with other countries/kingdoms.
Festivals are thrown every so often to appreciate a different god/goddess.
Children are often referred to as nymphs, as they don't like to admit their resemblance to the equestrians.
The changelings who declare themselves reformed, change their appearances and leave behind their culture are shunned by the Empires, as they don't know who they are anymore according to the royal families.
The Empire Rulers all meet up twice a year to discuss how their Empires are doing and what their plans for the future are.
They celebrate their victories against their enemies in the past, most of the time its their past victories against Equestria.
Absolute Monarchy by Divine Right.
Their Military's Rule is "Die before Surrendering" and "Who Lives a Lie, Must Change or Die." (If you get this reference, kudos to you!!)
Their currency is known as Changeling Yen.
They're called "old fashioned" by other species due to their traditional beliefs and fighting style.
They are to be taught their ancient language at a young age, known as "Changeling Tongue", as well as whatever their country's main language is, and Equinish (English).
Changelings are omnivores but the ones who live in Equestrian cities are often too embarrassed to admit this, so they stick to a vegetarian diet most of the time.
Each Empire has a specific God/Goddess that they consider the main one for their colony.
Feeding on other creatures love is considered uncouth and disgusting, it's only acceptable when a changelings at the brink of death (which is why Chrysalis was so detested by everyone).
If any changeling attempts or succeeds in draining any amount of love from royal family members, they are to be executed immediately, as they are seen as a threat.
Racism between changelings from different colonies is quite common, it's not supported but it happens. This happens due to conflicts between royal families in the past, competing to see who was more superior in both military and population.
They have ancient phrases and terms that they don't know the full meaning of, but they'll still say them knowing the idea of the meaning, for example "Dju vui vay" is just something they sing at weddings. They don't know what it actually translates to. (Once again, anyone who gets this reference, kudos to you!)
Other Minor Empires
ArchDuchess Echo ("The One Who Failed Her Empire") - She reigned over a part of the Frozen North for a short amount of time (Izmeneniye), before giving her colony up for the Crystal Empire out of fear, where they temporarily detained the changelings of the colony. None of the other changeling rulers respect her, seeing her as a traitor to their kind. (Color is purple)
Russian-esque kingdom
Princess Silkworm ("The Gentle Nymph of Prancethesthiy") - She rules over a small empire (Pelī̀yn) that doesn't get in between the conflicts of the other Empires. Her Empire is traditional and is much more lenient in comparison to the other Empires, as long as they aren't rebelling against her she doesn't really care. (Color is light grey)
Thailand-Esque Kingdom
Queen Harlequin ("The Little One of Equinesia") - She rules over her Empire (Perubahan) in Equinesia, she is the youngest royal (she's three) as her parents succumbed to tuberculosis, leaving her advisors to reign for her until she's older. Her advisors make sure the Empire stays in tradition and they are the most critical towards the "Reformed Changelings". (Color is white)
Colors:
Dark Blue - Marpunino Changeling (Fillypino).
Light Blue - Chenjinese Changeling (Neighhonese).
Green - Thaydonese Changeling (Vietronese).
Red - Byeonrean Changeling (Fangrean).
Yellow - Gengainese Changeling (Fangnese).
Slate - Trotwanese Changeling.
Orange - Parivatian Changeling (Bhatian).
Purple - Crystallian Changeling (Orlovian).
Light Grey - Peli Changeling (Thiy).
White - Perubian Changeling (Equinesian).
(Btw I had the colony’s names mean “change” in their specific languages, for example “Chenji” means change in Japanese for the Japanese-esque Empire)
"Technicolor" - Reformed Changeling.
Sweet!
Got it.