Chaney

Chaney is the name assigned to Howard Holiday's chief spy, a doppelganger. No one knows its real name, if it even has one.

Appearance
(The "current year" for the people and events in Gateway to Ravens Bluff, the Living City is just before the Time of Troubles, approximately 1356 -- 1357 DR.)

Chaney is able to look like anyone, but normally assumes one of three different shapes and personalities:

Curmudgeon: Typically used in the business district, this form is of a big, slow-witted common laborer that nobody looks twice at. Chaney plays it friendly and pretends to be very fond of drink so he can carouse in taverns as well as canvas the shops, never holding any job for very long.

Hoot: Hoot is a legless beggar that normally hangs out in the harbor district or near the city gate, telling stories for coins. His nickname comes from the strange noise he makes spasmodically while he tells his stories. This form allows Chaney to investigate smuggling and piracy cases.

Slither: This form is a human with slightly reptilian features, very mysterious and a bit creepy. Slither is an information broker and deal maker with the reputation (enhanced and promoted by Howard's other agents) of being able to supply almost anything for the right price. This persona is mainly used to set up a group or an individual for a sting operation, catching them red handed. Howard uses his influence and resources to make sure Slither has the goods so the mark will not suspect a con.

Personality
Chaney is happy to be able to do what doppelgangers do best and get paid for it. His job is also relatively safe because his actions are sanctioned by the city government (although only Howard Holiday and the Lord Mayor Charles O'Kane know Chaney's true nature). The law prohibits monsters inside the city limits and Chaney fears that a paladin or some other lawful idiot will discover him so he follows orders and does not have any other ambitions at this time.

Background
Chaney was captured by Howard Holiday and his adventuring companions a few years ago. Howard took Chaney as part of his share of the treasure. The other members of the party figured Howard would turn the doppelganger into spell components and potion ingredients but Howard had other ideas. When he became Deputy Mayor of Ravens Bluff and the chief intelligence officer, the idea of having a doppelganger as a spy was so appealing that he put great effort into making the arrangement work. Chaney was convinced and has served brilliantly ever since. Officially, the Lord Mayor knows nothing about Howard's "special project".