Changeling Net
The changeling net was a sophisticated disguise technology developed by scientists working under Ivan, the Iron Emperor. Described explicitly as not a weapon, the device functioned by interacting with the wearer's brainwaves to shift their apparent physical appearance, allowing the user to present as an entirely different person. Due to the considerable power demands of the technology, very few changeling nets were produced.
Description
The changeling net consisted of leather straps approximately as long as the user's arms, with metal wiring running between them. Two receptors were positioned one on each palm. The device was ideally worn beneath clothing, as doing so caused the clothing itself to become part of the disguise field.
The net was powered by life crystals, and required a greater quantity of life crystal to operate than automatons did, which accounted for the scarcity of the devices.
The changeling net was capable of altering facial contours and general appearance but carried notable limitations: it could not change the user's eye color, could not significantly alter general body build, and was prone to glitching if the projected appearance veered too far from the user's natural look.
Operation
The changeling net was activated by depressing the third and fourth fingers onto the receptor and twisting the hands. It was deactivated by double-tapping the receptors.
A separate handheld component, the changeling net controller, was also associated with Ivan's personal unit. This controller was a small metal device fitted with coils and a pulsing light. Operating it involved turning a knob, which caused the light to blink faster before fading as the disguise took effect. Ivan was observed retrieving the controller from his hand and turning the dial to restore or adjust his disguise.
History and Development
The changeling net was developed by scientists working with Ivan, the Iron Emperor. The specific unit constructed for Zaira von Monocle was built by Dr. Metzengerstein on Ivan's orders.
Ivan himself possessed and regularly used a changeling net. He had previously mentioned his own device to Zaira during an encounter in Rislandia City.
Role in The Iron Wedding
In The Iron Wedding, the changeling net played a central role in Ivan's covert operations. Ivan used his device to present himself as "Andrei Zelezo," an older man with a beard, grey hair, sagging eyes, and brown worker's clothes, allowing him to operate under a false identity. The ambassador known as Andrei Zelezo was in fact Ivan himself, concealed by the changeling net.
Dr. Metzengerstein constructed a changeling net for Zaira at Ivan's direction. Zaira used the device to take on the appearance of Talyen von Cravat. Matthias du Gearsmith described the device as presenting an incredible advantage, and Zaira's father remarked that he could have made use of such a device on several of his own missions.