Doppelgangers
Doppelgangers are malevolent, shape-shifting entities capable of perfect mimicry and psychological deception. They thrive on sowing discord, infiltrating communities, and usurping the identities of trusted individuals. Known also as “Faceshifters,” these creatures are occasionally employed as mercenaries or infiltrators by powerful subterranean figures, such as Nezznar the Spider. A pair of these elusive creatures recently brought the gnomish settlement of Gnomengarde to the brink of ruin.
The Spider’s Gambit
Following the death of the Redbrand leader Glasstaff in Phandalin, the drow mastermind known as Nezznar the Spider sought a way to neutralize the adventuring party known as the Magnificent Five. Turning to his contacts among the “Faceshifters,” the Spider contracted a pair of doppelgangers to infiltrate Gnomengarde, plotting to “kill 2 Gnomes with one stone” by eliminating the gnomish inventors and ambushing the party.
The Gnomengarde Infiltration
During a period of heightened tension caused by the dragon threat, the adventuring party known as the Magnificent Five traveled to Gnomengarde in search of magical inventions. Upon arrival, they were intercepted by what appeared to be a “cheerful female gnome” who offered hospitality and wine. This friendly persona was a calculated ruse; some party members became intoxicated during the visit, and the “gnome woman” only permitted three party members—Nalini, Gilmore, and Farwald—to enter the caves, forcing the others (Hope, Dusty, the monks Jaque and Zoe, and Gotrek) to camp outside.
By isolating the party’s spellcasters and leaders, the doppelgangers sought to prevent their true nature from being exposed. This isolation was highly tactical, especially as the party quickly realized that the magical Weave in Gnomengarde led to unpredictable side effects for any spells cast. Within the caves, the gnomish inventors Dimblestib and Dabbledob mentioned strange happenings, and the doppelgangers’ presence bred an atmosphere of terror and extreme paranoia. King Korboz, paralyzed by fear of these shape-shifting intruders, became so terrified that he bound his beloved co-ruler, King Gnerki, fearing he too might be an impostor.
Confrontation in the Throne Room
The climax of the doppelganger threat occurred in King Korboz’s throne room. Exposed by the adventurers, the shape-shifter’s disguise shattered, revealing a second doppelganger lurking nearby.
A desperate battle ensued. The doppelgangers utilized both physical ferocity and insidious magic to defend themselves:
- Nalini was severely wounded during the melee, nearly slipping into unconsciousness from a devastating attack.
- Farwald fell under the influence of a suggestion spell cast by the second doppelganger, briefly turning his magical prowess against his own allies.
Despite these complications, the party rallied. They managed to slay one of the shape-shifters, though the remaining doppelganger slipped away, escaping deeper into the network of caves or into the wild lands beyond.
Aftermath
With one impostor dead and the other driven into hiding, the terror gripping Gnomengarde subsided. Immediately following the battle, a handful of Gnome Guards and Inventors rushed into the throne room to scan for further intruders while the exhausted adventurers collapsed against the walls and statues. A young gnomish girl named Linxie tended to their wounds and dispelled the evil magics still lingering upon them. King Korboz was freed from his paralysis of fear and expressed deep gratitude to the party for exposing the impostors and restoring safety to his kingdom, offering them a celebratory party with famous gnomish fireworks.