Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 El_Condoro Jun 08, 2015 3:38:28	The MM description of a doppleganger has a couple of things that I am not sure how to handle as a DM.   Shapechanger says "Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form". If a doppleganger shapechanged into a goblin, would it get the goblin's nimble escape trait?   Read Thoughts is an action that allows the doppleganger to "magically read the surface thoughts of one creature within 60 ft. of it." Assuming the range is not blocked, can a doppleganger pick up and read thoughts of creatures it has not seen and cannot see within range? For example, one is in a room with a closed door and a rogue is on the other side of the door picking the lock or approaching the room from 60 ft. away. Sort of like a one creature per action radar.
#2 AdrastusDarke Jun 08, 2015 4:23:34	The doppelganger would not get the nimble escape trait of the goblin. The doppelganger will have the same stats and abilities of its normal form the only difference will be that it becomes small (the same size as the goblin) and look like a goblin. The read thoughts ability is targeted so it would have to know something is there before it can read it's thoughts but it does not have to be able to see the target. Other dms may rule the second one differently but that's how I rule it. Hope this helps.
#3 OrwellianHaggis Jun 08, 2015 6:11:13	At first glance, I'd say the doppelganger has to be aware of a target to aim Read Thoughts. In the case of the doppelganger being inside a room with a closed door and a rogue on the other side: the doppelganger may hear something (or telepathically detect some intent in the rogue's mind) that alerts it to the presence of an intruder. Much like a normal perception check. If it became aware of the rogue, it could target him/her through the door with Read Thoughts.