Doppelganger

Doppelgangers, otherwise known by themselves as Shallar, were monstrous humanoids, infamous for their shapeshifting abilities that allowed them to mimic almost any humanoid creature. There was also a stronger, more capable subspecies known as greater doppelgangers or mirrorkin.

"I've been so many people I can hardly remember my own name... Sometimes I wake up and have to touch my face to remember who I am that day. And sometimes I can't remember whether I'm supposed to woo you or kill you without glancing in the mirror first."

- Aunn, doppelganger spy

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

Personality
They were lazy but cunning creatures, who killed or disposed of people then assumed their place. While not actually evil, doppelgangers were extremely self-centered and liable to look down on their victims. Because of their laziness and selfishness, they rarely ever had any interest in raising their young.

Biology
The union of a doppelganger and another creature would produce a child that was either a doppelganger or what was known as a half-doppelganger. However, such children would be unaware of their true nature until they reached adolescence, at which point they would try to seek out others of their kind.



Abilities
Doppelgangers could assume shapes of any humanoid creatures between in height. After they chose their victim they duplicated the victim's form, clothing, and equipment, and attempted to kill the original. The biggest boon for the doppelgangers was the confusion their shapeshifting caused.

These shapeshifters were immune to many mind affecting spells, such as sleep and charm spells. They also possessed a continuous spell-like ability to detect the thoughts of their victims and opponents, which some described as being a form of ESP. This ability extended out and could penetrate most  barriers. These would often use this ability to learn everything they could about their chosen target.

Though their abilities allowed them to physically impersonate other creatures, a normal doppelganger could not duplicate the languages, memories, mannerisms, or personality of their victims. Because of this they sometimes kept the original alive and close by for weeks when their plans were more long-term. While captured a victim's mind would be read daily by a doppelganger in order to learn how to best behave and speak without being detected.

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

History
"“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”"

They were believed to be an artificial race, created by the Creator Race known as the batrachi to serve as spies and assassins.

In the, 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, a group of doppelgangers infiltrated a wedding ceremony between 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 tended to be solitary creatures, though were also known to operate in small groups as part of longer cons, as doing so further ensured that their infiltration and attacks were successful. Many lived a stolen life. When they encountered a person whose appearance or station they desired for themselves, the doppelganger used their mental powers to learn everything they could about the chosen target. Once they had all the knowledge they needed, they quietly eliminated or captured their target and assumed his or her form, taking their place in life.

Doppelganger families tended not to be close; usually, a male and female met, engaged in casual sex, then left one another, with the female being forced to single-handedly rear any resulting newborns—who left their mother upon reaching maturity. Some, however, formed tightly knit family clusters, while others mated with humanoids, taking malicious delight in using their spouse as a cover for their inhumanity.

Relationships
Doppelgangers were highly feared by most races for their ability to assume the form of any humanoid creature they encountered. Knowledge of their presence tended to make people very paranoid and suspicious of others.

Whenever food or treasure were scarce they would work for other creatures, though they preferred doing business with the magically inclined. Many beings throughout the Realms were known to utilize them as spies, assassins, or in elaborate plots to usurp power.

Notable doppelgangers

 * Individuals:
 * Bonnie, the leader of a doppelganger gang who worked as a barmaid in the Yawning Portal in the late 15 century DR.
 * 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 14 century DR.
 * Groups:
 * The Unseen was a group of shapeshifters, including many doppelgangers, that operated in Waterdeep.

Appearances

 * Adventures:
 * Halls of the High King • Nightwatch in the Living City • Lost Mine of Phandelver • Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
 * Novels:
 * Passage to Dawn • The Abduction • The Paladins • Conspiracy • Easy Betrayals
 * Comics
 * The Ogre's Paw • Converging Lines
 * Video Games:
 * Baldur's Gate • Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast • Neverwinter Nights: Tyrants of the Moonsea
 * Card Games
 * AD&D Trading Cards
 * Board Games
 * Temple of Elemental Evil Board Game • Dungeons & Dragons Dice Masters: Tomb of Annihilation • Dungeons & Dragons Dice Masters: The Zhentarim