Doppelganger

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Doppelganger Introduction

In the dimly lit corners of the world, where shadows stretch long and the air is thick with mystery, there lurks a creature of unsettling cunning and deceit—the Doppelganger. Known for its ability to assume the guise of any humanoid it encounters, this enigmatic being is both feared and revered in equal measure. Its true form is a rare sight, for it is a master of disguise, blending seamlessly into the societies of men, elves, and dwarves alike.

The Doppelganger's natural appearance is a chilling sight to behold. Its skin is a pallid gray, smooth and featureless, save for the faint outlines of a humanoid form. Its eyes are large and black, devoid of any emotion, yet they seem to pierce through the very soul of those who dare to meet its gaze. Limbs are long and slender, moving with an unsettling grace that hints at its otherworldly origins. When it speaks, its voice is a haunting echo, capable of mimicking the tones and inflections of any it has heard before.

These creatures are most commonly found in urban environments, where the hustle and bustle of city life provide ample opportunities for them to blend in and observe. They are drawn to places of power and influence, often infiltrating the courts of kings or the guilds of thieves, sowing discord and manipulating events to their advantage. However, they are equally at home in the wild, lurking in the shadows of ancient forests or the ruins of forgotten civilizations, waiting for the unwary traveler to cross their path.

Legends speak of Doppelgangers as the spawn of dark magic, created by ancient sorcerers to serve as spies and assassins. Others claim they are the remnants of a long-lost race, cursed to wander the world in search of their true identity. Whatever their origin, tales of their exploits are whispered in hushed tones around campfires and in the back rooms of taverns. It is said that to encounter a Doppelganger is to face one's own reflection, a mirror of the soul that reveals the darkest secrets and desires hidden within.

As you venture forth into the unknown, keep your wits about you and trust not the faces of those you meet. For in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, the Doppelganger is ever watchful, ever waiting, ready to step from the shadows and assume a new identity, leaving chaos and confusion in its wake.

Doppelganger Skills & Traits

Skills

• Deception +6
• Insight +3

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 11

Languages

• Common

Abilities

• Shapechanger: The doppelganger can use its action to polymorph into a Small or Medium humanoid it has seen, or back into its true form. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
• Ambusher: The doppelganger has advantage on attack rolls against any creature it has surprised.
• Surprise Attack: If the doppelganger surprises a creature and hits it with an attack during the first round of combat, the target takes an extra 10 (3d6) damage from the attack.

Actions

• Multiattack: The doppelganger makes two melee attacks.
• Slam: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
• Read Thoughts: The doppelganger magically reads the surface thoughts of one creature within 60 feet of it. The effect can penetrate barriers, but 3 feet of wood or dirt, 2 feet of stone, 2 inches of metal, or a thin sheet of lead blocks it. While the target is in range, the doppelganger can continue reading its thoughts, as long as the doppelganger's concentration isn't broken (as if concentrating on a spell). While reading the target's mind, the doppelganger has advantage on Wisdom (Insight) and Charisma (Deception, Intimidation, and Persuasion) checks against the target.

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Battle Tips for the Doppelganger

The doppelganger is a shape-shifting creature known for its ability to mimic the appearance of others. This makes it a versatile and cunning adversary in any encounter. Here are some tips for utilizing doppelgangers effectively in battle:

Using the Doppelganger in Battle

• Deception and Confusion: The doppelganger's primary strength lies in its ability to create confusion among the party. As a dungeon master, you can have the doppelganger assume the form of a trusted ally or even a party member to sow distrust and chaos.
• Ambush Tactics: Use the doppelganger's shape-shifting ability to set up ambushes. It can disguise itself as a harmless NPC or an inanimate object, striking when the party least expects it.
• Psychological Warfare: Doppelgangers can exploit the fears and insecurities of the party. By taking on the form of a feared enemy or a lost loved one, they can manipulate the emotions of the adventurers, potentially causing them to make mistakes.

Coordinating Multiple Doppelgangers

• Divide and Conquer: Multiple doppelgangers can work together to split the party. By mimicking different members of the group, they can lead adventurers away from each other, making them easier targets.
• Overwhelming Illusion: A group of doppelgangers can create the illusion of a much larger force. By constantly changing forms and appearing as different creatures, they can intimidate and confuse the party, making it difficult for them to determine the true threat.
• Coordinated Retreat: If the battle turns against them, doppelgangers can use their shape-shifting abilities to blend into the environment or assume the forms of innocuous creatures to escape unnoticed.

Fleeing and Survival

• Disguise and Disappear: When fleeing, a doppelganger can quickly change its appearance to blend into a crowd or mimic a non-threatening creature, making it difficult for the party to pursue.
• Feigning Death: In dire situations, a doppelganger can pretend to be defeated, only to escape later when the party's attention is elsewhere.
• Strategic Retreat: Doppelgangers can use their knowledge of the terrain to retreat to a more advantageous position, regroup, and plan their next move.

By leveraging their shape-shifting abilities and cunning, doppelgangers can be formidable opponents that challenge the party's perception and strategy. Use these tips to create memorable and engaging encounters.