Doppelganger
- Size: Medium
- Type: Monstrosity
- Alignment: Neutral
- AC: 14
- Initiative: +4 (14)
- HP: 52 (8d8 + 16)
- Speed: 30 ft
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| DEX | 18 | +4 | +4 |
| CON | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| INT | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| WIS | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| CHA | 14 | +2 | +2 |
- Skills: Deception +6, Insight +3
- Immunities: Charmed
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 11
- Languages: Common plus three other languages
- CR: 3 (XP 700; PB +2)
Actions
Multiattack. The doppelganger makes two Slam attacks and uses Unsettling Visage if available.
Slam. Melee Attack Roll: +6 (with Advantage during the first round of each combat), reach 5 ft . Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) Bludgeoning damage.
Read Thoughts. The doppelganger casts Detect Thoughts, requiring no spell components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 12).
Unsettling Visage (Recharge 6). Wisdom Saving Throw: DC 12, each creature in a 15 -foot Emanation originating from the doppelganger that can see the doppelganger. Failure: The target has the Frightened condition and repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. After 1 minute, it succeeds automatically.
Bonus Actions
Shape-Shift. The doppelganger shape-shifts into a Medium or Small Humanoid, or it returns to its true form. Its game statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed.
Lore & Background
Doppelgangers are shapeshifting aberrations with the ability to perfectly mimic the appearance of other humanoids. These creatures are master infiltrators and deceivers who use their natural abilities to blend into civilized society while pursuing their own mysterious agendas. Doppelgangers possess no true form of their own, existing as blank, gray-skinned humanoids with featureless faces when not actively shapeshifting.
The origins of doppelgangers are shrouded in mystery, with some scholars believing they are refugees from a dying dimension while others theorize they are artificial beings created by ancient magic. Regardless of their origin, doppelgangers have adapted perfectly to life among other humanoids, developing sophisticated understanding of social dynamics, cultural norms, and individual psychology that allows them to maintain their disguises for extended periods.
Doppelganger society, such as it exists, is built around concepts of identity fluidity and survival through deception. They view their shapeshifting abilities not as deception but as adaptation, seeing fixed identity as a limitation that other races impose upon themselves. Many doppelgangers struggle with questions of authentic selfhood, as their ability to become anyone raises philosophical questions about who they truly are beneath their disguises.
Combat Tactics
Doppelgangers prefer to avoid direct combat whenever possible, using their abilities to escape, hide, or manipulate situations to their advantage. When forced to fight, they use their shapeshifting abilities tactically, changing forms to confuse enemies or to mimic allies and sow discord among their opponents. Their surprise attacks and ability to read thoughts give them significant advantages in combat.
These creatures excel at psychological warfare, using their knowledge of their opponents' memories and fears to create devastating mental attacks. They often attempt to turn enemies against each other by impersonating trusted allies or revealing embarrassing secrets learned through telepathy. Their goal is usually to escape rather than achieve total victory.
When cornered, doppelgangers fight desperately and without honor, using every dirty trick and psychological manipulation at their disposal. They may attempt to negotiate by offering information or services, as their infiltration abilities make them valuable assets for those willing to overlook their nature.
Encounter Ideas
The Identity Thief: A doppelganger has assumed someone's identity and is using it to commit crimes or access restricted areas, creating problems for both the impersonated individual and those who trust them.
The Perfect Spy: A doppelganger has infiltrated a noble house, government organization, or adventuring party, gathering information for unknown purposes while maintaining perfect cover.
The Lost Soul: A doppelganger has been living as someone else for so long that it has begun to believe it actually is that person, creating complex questions about identity and authenticity.
The Shapeshifter's Dilemma: A doppelganger seeks help in finding its true identity or purpose, having lost itself among the many forms it has worn over the years.
Environmental Effects
Paranoia and Mistrust: Areas where doppelgangers are known to operate develop atmospheres of suspicion and paranoia, with people constantly questioning the identity of those around them.
Identity Verification: Communities develop elaborate methods for confirming identity, from secret passwords to magical detection methods.
Social Disruption: The mere possibility of doppelganger infiltration can disrupt social relationships and undermine trust in institutions.
Memory Gaps: People who have encountered doppelgangers may experience confusion about their own memories and experiences.
Treasure
Stolen Identities: Documents, clothing, and personal effects belonging to the people the doppelganger has impersonated.
Information Networks: Knowledge about individuals, organizations, and secrets gathered through years of infiltration and observation.
Disguise Materials: High-quality clothing, makeup, and accessories used to enhance shapeshifting disguises.
Blackmail Material: Compromising information about important individuals that could be valuable for negotiation or coercion.
Plot Hooks
The Replacement: The heroes discover that someone important has been replaced by a doppelganger, but determining when the switch occurred and what happened to the original person becomes a complex investigation.
The Doppelganger Network: Multiple doppelgangers are working together as part of a larger conspiracy, using their combined abilities to infiltrate and manipulate multiple organizations simultaneously.
The Identity Crisis: A doppelganger approaches the heroes for help, claiming to have lost the ability to return to its true form and desperate to discover who it really is.
The Perfect Crime: A crime has been committed by someone with a perfect alibi, and investigation reveals the involvement of a doppelganger who used their abilities to be in two places at once.