Chgowiz asked a question that made me dig out some old notes so I could answer his question. "What prevents doppelgangers from essentially wiping out civilization and humanity?" The only answer I can give is what I use for my background for my campaign as to why doppelgangers are not a super race.
1) There are just not enough of them. They come together when they can and do rule small sections, but if one is discovered others know there are more around and the hunting begins.
2) The rise of organized mage guilds has put a price on the doppelgangers precious blood and other gooey parts for potions, spell components and enchanting magic items. Guilds will pay a hefty price if you can bring one in that still squirms.
3) When they reproduce their offspring is inside a pod gestating for nearly a year. The smell of these pods is distinctive and attracts all kinds of wild critters. So they must use valuable resources protecting their young.
Again this is my background for my campaign. Their powers did not develop to dominate, but to survive. Rob can attest to my love of twisted plots and damned if you do damned if you don't situations. Doppelgangers have always been a favorite of mine. They are terrifying, inhuman, and yet somehow tragic.
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I like the tragic touch. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Doppelganger power is a perfect disguise but not a perfect impersonation. This means at least two fantasy classes, magic-users, and clerics are very difficult for a doppelganger to effectively replace. A magic-user requires extensive training, and a cleric require faith to believe in his god.
ReplyDeleteEven without a handwave there is serious competition for Doppelgangers. This aspect of D&D also points on a natural enemy of the doppelgangers.