Childling

Childings are one of the seemings of Kithain society. Generally a childling is between the ages of three and 13 years old, though the real barrier is the first signs of puberty. After that point, the Kithain is considered a wilder.

Childlings live a life of contradictions. They are wise beyond their apparent age, but their innocence and imagination gives them a unique link to the Dreaming. They have the greatest access to Glamour of all Kithain and are least affected by Banality, but their relative inexperience and low emotional maturity keeps them shut out of important business by wilders and grumps. Childlings are also uniquely vulnerable because of their dependence on the adults around them: they must learn to hide their fae nature from parents, teachers and other authority figures, or risk punishment or medical intervention. It is not unusual for older childlings to run away from home, which comes with its own risks.

Still, childlings are afforded a certain privilege in Kithain society. They are nurtured, taught and encouraged, and are generally given wide latitude for making mistakes. Their close ties to the Dreaming are a benefit to the entire community.