These are mentioned in the Bestiary.
Rumors persist of even more powerful doppelgangers capable of not only shifting their appearance, but also skills, memories, and even the extraordinary and supernatural abilities of creatures whose forms they choose to mimic. These doppelgangers’ change shape ability functions like the spell polymorph rather than alter self.
Of course, it doesn't really give any stats on this, so I was curious if anyone had any idea what the CR of this creature is.
These are mentioned in the Bestiary.
Rumors persist of even more powerful doppelgangers capable of not only shifting their appearance, but also skills, memories, and even the extraordinary and supernatural abilities of creatures whose forms they choose to mimic. These doppelgangers’ change shape ability functions like the spell polymorph rather than alter self.Of course, it doesn't really give any stats on this, so I was curious if anyone had any idea what the CR of this creature is.
Nope. :)
Really, I kind of like how they generalize the rumored, more powerful versions of creatures. It allows you the freedom to do what you want, as a GM.
In this case, It says that they gain abilities and powers of those creatures. If that is the case, set a CR limit and that is the maximum CR the doppelganger can imitate. I would count it as a +2 CR.
So, a CR 12 doppelganger could imitate up to a CR 10 creatures (a Fire Giant for example).
Just my thoughts.
The 3.5 Forgotten Realms campaign setting had rules for a greater doppleganger. It was able to polymorph self, and absorb abilities from slain victims.
I see this as justification for continuing to use favored monsters past their CR expiration date. There are numerous 'advanced' templates and the like to accomplish this. Several years back I 'advanced' the Medusa queen as a modified Arcane Archer. Much fun!
I see this as justification for continuing to use favored monsters past their CR expiration date. There are numerous 'advanced' templates and the like to accomplish this. Several years back I 'advanced' the Medusa queen as a modified Arcane Archer. Much fun!
Well sure, I add class levels to monsters all the time.
I was just wondering if this happened to have a CR already.
I'd say that its CR would be equivalent to that of what it happens to be mimicking. It seems to be more or less of a way to throw the BBEG at the PCs, have him get defeated, only for them to realize that it is an imposter/stand-in. I'd keep the CR of the default form the same.
In 3.0/3.5, there was a shifter prestege class. The requirements for the class were wild shape or the ability to use alter self at will. Thus a doppleganger could qualify for this class. The PrC eventually gives you the ability to shapeshift into almost any creature(undead, dragon, etc). That was another fun way to make an advanced doppleganger.