Doppelganger - Revision history

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Tao alexis at 17:56, 28 August 2020

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 A doppelganger can reshape its body to mimic any humanoid between 4 and 7½ feet tall and up to 400 pounds in weight, including an imitation of the victim's clothing and external features. Their mimicry extends to voice and mannerisms, and they can even steal fragments of their victim's recent memories through ESP, gaining enough knowledge to pass as their target convincingly. While doppelgangers can replicate many humanoid traits — such as the correct blood colour or feigning exhaustion — they do not actually require sleep.
-However, if seriously [[Wounds|wounded]], their disguise falters, revealing a glimpse of their true form where they were struck. A doppelganger's illusion is impervious to most forms of detection, though it can be unmasked by [[Penetrate Disguise (spell)|penetrate disguise]], provided the caster is at least 5th [[Experience Level|level]]. For this reason, doppelgangers tend to avoid infiltrating high-profile political entities, where magic-wielders might expose them, instead preferring smaller, isolated settlements where their deception is less likely to be uncovered.
+However, if seriously [[Wound|wounded]], their disguise falters, revealing a glimpse of their true form where they were struck. A doppelganger's illusion is impervious to most forms of detection, though it can be unmasked by [[Penetrate Disguise (spell)|penetrate disguise]], provided the caster is at least 5th [[Experience Level|level]]. For this reason, doppelgangers tend to avoid infiltrating high-profile political entities, where magic-wielders might expose them, instead preferring smaller, isolated settlements where their deception is less likely to be uncovered.
 When exposed, a doppelganger will immediately attack before fleeing, rapidly shifting between different humanoid forms from past disguises. Blending into a crowd provides them with ample opportunity to escape, as they are adept at feigning helplessness or innocence to throw off pursuit. Their ability to become nearly anyone at a moment's notice makes capturing or killing them a formidable challenge.

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 | special = [[Natural Immunities|natural immunities]], not [[Surprise (combat)|surprised]],<br>[[Saving Throws|save as 10th level]], [[Shape Change|shape change]], [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]],<br>[[Surprise (combat)|surprise]] on a 1–4, [[ESP (spell)|telepathy]]
 }}
-'''Doppelgangers''' are shapeshifting, bipedal humanoids whose craving for power absorbs their thoughts.  Being malevolent and immoral, their most common tactic to achieve power is to kill those who already possess it, then assume their shape in order to work their will upon an unknowing populace.  There are tales of towns and organizations whose titular heads are doppelgangers, ruling the others who have no idea their beloved leaders are actually dead, their bodies decomposing in some oubliette or hidden lime pit.
+However, if seriously [[Wounds|wounded]], their disguise falters, revealing a glimpse of their true form where they were struck. A doppelganger's illusion is impervious to most forms of detection, though it can be unmasked by [[Penetrate Disguise (spell)|penetrate disguise]], provided the caster is at least 5th [[Experience Level|level]]. For this reason, doppelgangers tend to avoid infiltrating high-profile political entities, where magic-wielders might expose them, instead preferring smaller, isolated settlements where their deception is less likely to be uncovered.
-[[File:Doppelganger.jpg|left|315px]]
+When exposed, a doppelganger will immediately attack before fleeing, rapidly shifting between different humanoid forms from past disguises. Blending into a crowd provides them with ample opportunity to escape, as they are adept at feigning helplessness or innocence to throw off pursuit. Their ability to become nearly anyone at a moment's notice makes capturing or killing them a formidable challenge.
-Once discovered, doppelgangers will attack and then flee, often transforming themselves into multiple humanoid shapes they have acquired in their pasts.  Once they find a crowd, they know it will be easy to lose themselves; and if discovered as some common person, they know well how to achieve a pretence of innocence, putting pursuers off their scent.
+These creatures rarely work alone. Where one is found, others are likely present, embedded within positions of authority. Unravelling a [[Conspiracy|conspiracy]] of doppelgangers is a perilous undertaking, as their network is deeply rooted and highly coordinated. Knowing this, doppelgangers often attempt negotiation when confronted, presenting themselves as an unstoppable force with influence too entrenched to uproot. They frequently offer their would-be enemies a "mutual understanding," suggesting that it is far easier to coexist and benefit from their rule rather than struggle against it. To those who dare challenge them, they extend a simple but chilling proposition — deal with us, or be replaced.
-There are always other doppelgangers around, so that if one is found it will be supported by others who have also placed themselves in positions of authority.  Thus, rooting out a [[Conspiracy|conspiracy]] of doppelgangers is no easy trick.  The doppelgangers know this, and will often use their position of advantage to "make a deal" with their enemies, painting a picture that proves the doppelgangers are firmly in control and that, so long as they are left alone, there's no reason for enmity.  It will be suggested that "those in the know" will find it easier to ''deal'' with the doppelgangers than try to remove them.
+== Advantages ==
-== Advantages ==
+A doppelganger's '''ESP''' is a continuously functioning '''natural ability''', allowing it to sense the thoughts of anyone within 30 feet. If someone nearby begins to suspect a doppelganger, the creature will immediately become aware of it. Likewise, it will detect plots against it, including attempts at [[Backstabbing (sage study)|backstabbing]], [[Assassination (sage ability)|assassination]] or those moving with [[Stealth (sage ability)|stealth]] in its presence. As a result, a doppelganger is never surprised.
-Doppelgangers are unusually strong, with an '''18 strength''' (+1+2).  If [[Pummelling|pummelling]], they do not get this benefit but will cause 1-12 [[Damage (hit points)|damage]].  This will also be the damage caused whatever weapon they're using, so long as the [[Weapons List|weapon]] is at least 3½ lbs. in weight.  For example, both a long and short sword will cause 1-12 damage, as will a [[Battle Axe (weapon)|battle axe]].  When using a weapon, doppelgangers gain their strength bonuses.
-The doppelganger's '''ESP''' is a continuously functioning natural ability, so that if anyone within 30 ft. thinks to suspect a doppelganger of anything, the creature will know it.  Likewise, the creature will be perfectly aware of plots, attempts to [[Backstabbing (sage study)|backstab]] or [[Assassination (sage ability)|assassination]] or those moving [[Stealth (sage ability)|stealthily]] in its presence — and therefore the creature is '''never surprised'''.  The best opportunity for confusing this sense is to strike when the doppelganger is surrounded by a crowd, when its mind will be filled with scores or hundreds of thoughts, although naturally this will mean striking at a "leader" amidst its [[Follower|followers]].  Alternately, the doppelganger's ESP may be subverted by attacks from more than 30 feet away; because of this, doppelgangers prefer small rooms, with heavy drapes covering the windows; they do not take solitary walks outdoors or even in long hallways.  Sometimes, this can be a source of puzzlement for others, who notice that their liege suddenly has lost their appetite for such things.
+Doppelgangers also use their ESP to determine the perfect moment to attack, which is why they surprise on a 1-4. They will patiently wait until their target's thoughts are preoccupied — lost in concentration, deep in conversation or otherwise distracted — before striking. Their preferred method is to pose as a servant or other menial worker, gaining access to high-ranking individuals before murdering and replacing them at the most opportune moment.
-Doppelgangers are also able to use their ESP to know precisely when to attack others, which is why they '''surprise on a 1-4'''.  They will wait until their target's thoughts turn to something engrossing, and use that as their moment to strike.  Commonly, a doppleganger will present themselves as a servant for hire or some other menial, then wait for their opportunity to be alone with a burgher or officer, attacking the victim and assuming their shape at the favorable moment.
+These creatures are also immune to [[Sleep (spell)|sleep]] and [[Charm|charm]], whether from magic or other influences. They possess remarkable endurance and make [[Saving Throws|saving throws]] as though they were a 10th level fighter, making them highly resistant to many forms of magical and physical attacks.
-See [[Bestiary]]
+[[Category: Reviewed]]

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 Once discovered, doppelgangers will attack and then flee, often transforming themselves into multiple humanoid shapes they have acquired in their pasts.  Once they find a crowd, they know it will be easy to lose themselves; and if discovered as some common person, they know well how to achieve a pretence of innocence, putting pursuers off their scent.
-There are always other doppelgangers around, so that if one is found it will be supported by others who have also placed themselves in positions of authority.  Thus, rooting out a conspiracy of doppelgangers is no easy trick.  The doppelgangers know this, and will often use their position of advantage to "make a deal" with their enemies, painting a picture that proves the doppelgangers are firmly in control and that, so long as they are left alone, there's no reason for enmity.  It will be suggested that "those in the know" will find it easier to ''deal'' with the doppelgangers than try to remove them.
+There are always other doppelgangers around, so that if one is found it will be supported by others who have also placed themselves in positions of authority.  Thus, rooting out a [[Conspiracy|conspiracy]] of doppelgangers is no easy trick.  The doppelgangers know this, and will often use their position of advantage to "make a deal" with their enemies, painting a picture that proves the doppelgangers are firmly in control and that, so long as they are left alone, there's no reason for enmity.  It will be suggested that "those in the know" will find it easier to ''deal'' with the doppelgangers than try to remove them.
 == Advantages ==

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 [[File:Doppelganger.jpg|left|315px]]
-The doppelganger can '''reshape its body''' to look like any humanoid between 4 to 7½ ft. in height and up to 400 lbs.  This includes acquiring a semblance of the victim's clothing.  They can sound like anyone, and even acquire some of the recent memories of their victims, collected through '''ESP''' from the moment when the doppelganger makes their kill.  They are able to recreate some humanoid traits, such as shedding blood of the right color, appearing to be sleeping or tired — but in fact doppelgangers do not need to sleep and if they are seriously harmed or injured, their true nature will become evident in that the hurt part of their body will momentarily assume its natural form.  A doppelganger will be revealed by [[Penetrate Disguise (spell)|penetrate disguise]], but only if the caster is at least 5th [[Experience Level|level]].  This explains in part why doppelgangers would rarely try to acquire control over a powerful political entity; they are much less likely to be discovered if they dominate a relative backwater.
+The doppelganger can '''reshape its body''' to look like any humanoid between 4 to 7½ ft. in height and up to 400 lbs.  This includes acquiring a semblance of the victim's [[Clothing|clothing]].  They can sound like anyone, and even acquire some of the recent memories of their victims, collected through '''ESP''' from the moment when the doppelganger makes their kill.  They are able to recreate some humanoid traits, such as shedding blood of the right color, appearing to be sleeping or tired — but in fact doppelgangers do not need to sleep and if they are seriously harmed or injured, their true nature will become evident in that the hurt part of their body will momentarily assume its natural form.  A doppelganger will be revealed by [[Penetrate Disguise (spell)|penetrate disguise]], but only if the caster is at least 5th [[Experience Level|level]].  This explains in part why doppelgangers would rarely try to acquire control over a powerful political entity; they are much less likely to be discovered if they dominate a relative backwater.
 Once discovered, doppelgangers will attack and then flee, often transforming themselves into multiple humanoid shapes they have acquired in their pasts.  Once they find a crowd, they know it will be easy to lose themselves; and if discovered as some common person, they know well how to achieve a pretence of innocence, putting pursuers off their scent.

@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 Doppelgangers are also able to use their ESP to know precisely when to attack others, which is why they '''surprise on a 1-4'''.  They will wait until their target's thoughts turn to something engrossing, and use that as their moment to strike.  Commonly, a doppleganger will present themselves as a servant for hire or some other menial, then wait for their opportunity to be alone with a burgher or officer, attacking the victim and assuming their shape at the favorable moment.
-These creatures are '''immune to [[Sleep (spell)|sleep]] and [[Charming|charm]]''', whether cast as a spell or no.  They have great endurance, and so they make '''saving throws''' as though they were a 10th level fighter.
+These creatures are '''immune to [[Sleep (spell)|sleep]] and [[Charm|charm]]''', whether cast as a spell or no.  They have great endurance, and so they make '''saving throws''' as though they were a 10th level fighter.
 See [[Bestiary]]

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 | size = 6 ft. tall (non-shifted)
 | weight = 160 lbs.
-| int = 12–13
+| int = 12 to 13
 | AC = 5
 | HD = 4
@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 | THAC0 = 18
 | hpdie = d8
-| attack = fist, by weapon type
+| attack = fist or by weapon type
-| dmg = 1–12, weapon damage
+| dmg = 1–12 or by weapon
-| special = [[Natural Immunities|natural immunities]], not [[Surprise (combat)|surprised]],<br>[[Saving Throws|save as 10th level]], [[Shape Change|shape change]], [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]],<br>surprise on a 1–4, [[ESP (spell)|telepathy]]
+| special = [[Natural Immunities|natural immunities]], not [[Surprise (combat)|surprised]],<br>[[Saving Throws|save as 10th level]], [[Shape Change|shape change]], [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]],<br>[[Surprise (combat)|surprise]] on a 1–4, [[ESP (spell)|telepathy]]
 }}

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 | AP = 5
 | stride = 8
-| THAC0 = 17
+| THAC0 = 18
 | hpdie = d8
 | attack = fist, by weapon type

@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 Doppelgangers are unusually strong, with an '''18 strength''' (+1+2).  If [[Pummelling|pummelling]], they do not get this benefit but will cause 1-12 [[Damage (hit points)|damage]].  This will also be the damage caused whatever weapon they're using, so long as the [[Weapons List|weapon]] is at least 3½ lbs. in weight.  For example, both a long and short sword will cause 1-12 damage, as will a battle axe.  When using a weapon, doppelgangers gain their strength bonuses.
-The doppelganger's '''ESP''' is a continuously functioning natural ability, so that if anyone within 30 ft. thinks to suspect a doppelganger of anything, the creature will know it.  Likewise, the creature will be perfectly aware of plots, attempts to [[Backstabbing (sage study)|backstab]] or [[Assassination (sage ability)|assassination]] or those moving [[Stealth (sage ability)|stealthily]] in its presence — and therefore the creature is '''never surprised'''.  The best opportunity for confusing this sense is to strike when the doppelganger is surrounded by a crowd, when its mind will be filled with scores or hundreds of thoughts, although naturally this will mean striking at a "leader" amidst its followers.  Alternately, the doppelganger's ESP may be subverted by attacks from more than 30 feet away; because of this, doppelgangers prefer small rooms, with heavy drapes covering the windows; they do not take solitary walks outdoors or even in long hallways.  Sometimes, this can be a source of puzzlement for others, who notice that their liege suddenly has lost their appetite for such things.
+The doppelganger's '''ESP''' is a continuously functioning natural ability, so that if anyone within 30 ft. thinks to suspect a doppelganger of anything, the creature will know it.  Likewise, the creature will be perfectly aware of plots, attempts to [[Backstabbing (sage study)|backstab]] or [[Assassination (sage ability)|assassination]] or those moving [[Stealth (sage ability)|stealthily]] in its presence — and therefore the creature is '''never surprised'''.  The best opportunity for confusing this sense is to strike when the doppelganger is surrounded by a crowd, when its mind will be filled with scores or hundreds of thoughts, although naturally this will mean striking at a "leader" amidst its [[Follower|followers]].  Alternately, the doppelganger's ESP may be subverted by attacks from more than 30 feet away; because of this, doppelgangers prefer small rooms, with heavy drapes covering the windows; they do not take solitary walks outdoors or even in long hallways.  Sometimes, this can be a source of puzzlement for others, who notice that their liege suddenly has lost their appetite for such things.
 Doppelgangers are also able to use their ESP to know precisely when to attack others, which is why they '''surprise on a 1-4'''.  They will wait until their target's thoughts turn to something engrossing, and use that as their moment to strike.  Commonly, a doppleganger will present themselves as a servant for hire or some other menial, then wait for their opportunity to be alone with a burgher or officer, attacking the victim and assuming their shape at the favorable moment.