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.
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.
Description
Doppelgangers are devious shapeshifters that take on the appearance of other humanoids, throwing off pursuit or luring victims to their doom with misdirection and disguise.
Running a campaign with a changeling bard PC and a Doppelgänger as a main villain. Monster Manual describes changelings as Doppelgänger children, but Monsters of the Multiverse gives the Fey type to changelings. Would it make sense to change Doppelgängers to Fey to maintain consistency and foster a potential “I am your father” situation?
I guess it would mean Doppelgängers would be affected by spells and effects like Protection from Evil and Good and Magic Circle…
My thoughts are that their preferred hunting techniques actually lend itself to communities and cities. They use their shapechanging abilities to take over the life of someone, and then infiltrate the community to gain power, wealth, a steady food source, and influence.
It could also be the way the breed and replicate. Maybe they need to mate with another race to breed. So by infiltrating into a city, it gives them ample opportunities to gain power, influence, and procreate.
imagine the players walking into a city that has a doppleganger population that is slowly waging a silent war and taking over the community.
Yeah, like do they want to eat your souls, destroy all races except themselves, be your beastie bestie?
sorry, accidentally sent another comment.