A Token is a tangible item imbued with Glamour for the purpose of Enchanting a mortal.
Overview[]
Tokens are physical gifts infused with Glamour used to bring about enchantment. They may be anything from food to jewelry to a macaroni duck covered in glitter. Some tokens are more effective than others, especially if the changeling had a hand in making the token personally, or if it is something especially near and dear to the changeling or the mortal to be enchanted. A mortal is more likely to accept such a gift than something the changeling just picked up at random.
The Kithain must prepare the token by infusing it with some of their own temporary Glamour. The creation of a token takes time depending on what it is. Tokens such as food or handicrafts must be prepared by the changeling themself, and take time depending on the changeling's skills. A food token can be as elaborate as a gourmet meal created by a four-star chef or as simple as homemade cookies and milk. A handicraft could be a woven tapestry, a piece of jewelry, a crayon drawing, or a Play-Doh sculpture. A simple flower plucked from the side of the road can be a token.
Tokens do not need to be made by the changeling (a ring, a bouquet, or a baseball can serve equally well), but they must be something that the Kithain can give freely to a mortal. Items that are stolen or do not belong to the changeling are not suitable for tokens. As always, the Storyteller has the final decision on what items are and are not usable as tokens.
The other part of the enchantment process is for the changeling to offer the token to the mortal and have them accept it, though the mortal does not need to know the true nature of the gift. While mortals cannot be enchanted for very long against their will, they can be enchanted without their knowledge; changelings have many, many ways to trick a mortal into enchantment.
One trick is not to give the mortal in question too much time to think about whether or not they want to accept the token. If the changeling makes a big deal about having someone take a cookie or a surprise present out of nowhere, the mortal may become suspicious, especially if they don't know the changeling very well.
A token can be left on someone's doorstep with a note saying who it is for. If the mortal accepts this anonymous gift, the enchantment takes hold. It can even be sent through the mail (although that's more likely a good way to lose a token and some Glamour). A token can even be thrown to the recipient with a simple "Heads up!" or "Catch!" as a means of acceptance, including picking the token up if it is missed or dropped. As long as the mortal receives the gift and willingly accepts it, the enchantment takes place. Gifts that are "planted" or forced upon a mortal are not gifts, and violate the spirit of enchantment.
Generally speaking, the Storyteller should keep in mind that most mortals have no reason to suspect that a changeling is trying to enchant them, unless they are especially superstitious or aware of the existence of the Kithain. Most people look upon tokens as simple and charming gifts, and accept them out of politeness if nothing else. Mortals who know about changeling culture and customs (such as some of the Autumn People and superstitious country folk) follow the rule of never accepting any gifts from someone who might be fae to protect themselves from falling under the sway of enchantment. The legend of not accepting food or gifts in the realm of the fae has its basis in fact.
A token does not have to be designed for a particular person, and someone other than the intended recipient who accepts the the gift of the token can be enchanted by it. For example, a boggan may bake some cupcakes for a mortal neighbor and put them on a plate to cool. Another mortal friend drops by to visit and asks if they may have one. The boggan absent-mindedly says yes, and before they know it, their friend in enchanted.
If it becomes an issue of how long a token lasts before being accepted, the Storyteller may make a judgment based on the nature of the token. Perishable tokens (like food) will last until they would naturally spoil, while other tokens might endure until they are used or broken. A changeling can even break or eat an unused token in order to extract the Glamour from it for their own use. Such tokens can be considered dross until they are used.
References[]
- CTD: The Enchanted, p. 24-25
