Doppelganger

Doppelganger

Doppelgangers, otherwise known by themselves as Shallar, are monstrous humanoids, infamous for their shapeshifting abilities that allows them to mimic almost any humanoid creature.

“Shapeshifters,” the Khelbens replied in unison... “Somehow they disposed of Lady Eidola's attendants and took their places. When I found them out, I led them back into the crying room for questioning. One of them attacked. They rushed for the door, taking my form to confuse pursuit.” “If I am a shapeshifter,” said the fifth, “why did I slay two of my comrades with a crushing hand?” The ninth shook his head. “He slew only those two, and in front of you so that you would believe him. I killed the rest”

Description

In their true form, doppelgangers appear as tall, elven, gray-skinned humanoids, whose thin hairless bodies make them appear, to human eyes, sexless. Their heads are bulbous, with formless faces and bulging eyes that are a pale yellow hue and lack visible pupils. Though even this form is deceptive, as it gives the impression they are physically weak, when in fact they are quite strong and agile.

Personality

They are lazy but cunning creatures, who kill or dispose of people, and then assume their place. While not actually evil, doppelgangers are extremely self-centered and liable to look down on their victims. Because of their laziness and selfishness, they rarely have any interest in raising their young.

Biology

The union of a doppelganger and another creature produces a child that is either a doppelganger or what is known as a half-doppelganger. However, such children are unaware of their true nature until they reach adolescence, at which point they try to seek out others of their kind.

Abilities

Doppelgangers can assume the shape of any humanoid creature between 4‒8 ft (1.2‒2.4 m) in height. After they have chosen their victim, they duplicate the victim's form, clothing, and equipment, and attempt to kill the original. The biggest boon for the doppelgangers is the confusion their shape shifting causes.
These shapeshifters are immune to many mind affecting spells, such as sleep and charm spells. They also possess a continuous spell-like ability to detect the thoughts of their victims and opponents, which some have described as a form of ESP. This ability extends out 60 feet (18 meters) and can penetrate most 2‒3 ft (0.61‒0.91 m) barriers. They often use this ability to learn everything they can about their chosen target.
Though their abilities allow them to physically impersonate other creatures, a normal doppelganger cannot duplicate the languages, memories, mannerisms, or personality of their victims. Because of this, they sometimes keep the original alive and close by for weeks when their plans are more long-term. While captured, a victim's mind can be read daily by a doppelganger in order to learn how to best behave and speak without being detected.

Combat

Being shapeshifting creatures, doppelgangers prefer to surprise and ambush their opponents. Once engaged in close quarters combat, a doppelganger uses their brute strength to slam opponents around.

History

They are believed to be an artificial race, created by the Creator Race known as the batrachi to serve as spies and assassins.
In the Year of the Banner, 1368 DR, the trading company Seven Suns's headquarters in Baldur's Gate was infiltrated and taken over by doppelgangers, working on behalf of the rival organization Iron Throne. The doppelgangers then proceeded to make poor business decisions that drove the coster toward bankruptcy. This affected the economy of the whole city and attracted the attention of the Grand Dukes.
In the Year of the Haunting, 1377 DR, a group of doppelgangers infiltrated a wedding ceremony between Lord Piergeiron the Paladinson and Eidola of Neverwinter in Waterdeep, posing as guards and handmaidens. Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun foiled the monsters' sinister plot, but failed to stop Eidola's subsequent abduction.

Society

Doppelgangers tend to be solitary creatures, though they are also known to operate in small groups as part of longer cons, as doing so further ensures that their infiltration and attacks are successful. Many live a stolen life. When they encounter a person whose appearance or station they desire for themselves, the doppelganger uses their mental powers to learn everything they can about the chosen target. Once they have all the knowledge they need, they quietly eliminate or capture their target and assume his or her form, taking their place in life.
Doppelganger families tend not to be close; usually, a male and female meet, engage in casual sex, then leave one another, with the female being forced to single-handedly rear any resulting newborns - who leave their mother upon reaching maturity. Some, however, form tightly knit family clusters, while others mate with humanoids, taking malicious delight in using their spouse as a cover for their inhumanity.

Relationships

Doppelgangers are highly feared by most races for their ability to assume the form of any humanoid creature they encountered. Knowledge of their presence tends to make people very paranoid and suspicious of others.
Whenever food or treasure are scarce, they work for other creatures, though they prefer doing business with the magically inclined. Many beings throughout the realms are known to utilize them as spies, assassins, or in elaborate plots to usurp power.

Notable Doppelgangers

Individuals

• Bonnie - the leader of a doppelganger gang, she works as a barmaid at The Yawning Portal
• Cheg
• Hlaavin - the half-illithid leader of an autonomous druuth in Ch'Chitl
• Jacob - the doppelganger that replaced Jacob during the rescue mission to the Utter East on behalf of Piergeiron the Paladinson in the 14th century DR

Groups

The Unseen is a group of shapeshifters, including many doppelgangers, that operates in Waterdeep