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How can my PC confirm that the other PCs haven't been replaced by a shapechanger such as an incubus or doppelganger, and haven't been charmed/controlled in some way to work against the party?

One idea is have a password/code to check for shapechangers, but that only goes so far as if a PC is controlled but not replaced they would know the code.

Ideally answers would be methods a Bard could use.

Shay
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1 Answers1

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You'd need to be of high enough level to cast these spells, but they should be all you need:

  1. True seeing. This spell gives you truesight which lets you see the true form of a shape changing creature.

  2. Identify. This spell can tell you what, if any, spells are in effect on a creature so any spell based charm or domination effects will become known to you.

  3. Detect Thoughts. This spell literally lets you know what thoughts are going through a creature's mind.

  4. Detect Magic. Identify can only ID actual spells, but this spell can tell you if any magical effect is active on the creature. If the target can't explain an active magic upon themselves then you have the right to be suspicious.

Allan Mills
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    zone of truth may also be an option – Exempt-Medic Dec 28 '19 at 19:50
  • I will note that none of these options protect you against a Vampire's Charm. That is not a spell or transformation, nor does the victim know they are Charmed. At best, Detect Thoughts may pick up on positive thoughts towards something that should be an enemy. – guildsbounty Dec 28 '19 at 20:19
  • @guildsbounty Good point. I'll add detect magic since the vampire's charm ability is magical. – Allan Mills Dec 28 '19 at 20:25
  • Would Detect Magic detect a magical effect being active on a shape changed creature? – Shay Dec 28 '19 at 20:52
  • @Shay if the nature of the shapechange is explicitly magical, then yes. e.g. Doppelgangers have non-magical shapechanging: "The doppelganger can use its action to polymorph into a Small or Medium humanoid..." Dragons have magical shapechanging: "The dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast..." – Carcer Dec 28 '19 at 21:11
  • Of course, this isn't terribly helpful if it's the party caster that gets replaced/dominated... – Clockwork-Muse Dec 29 '19 at 08:31
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    Nystul's can mask the charm so be wary of that. – Slagmoth Dec 29 '19 at 20:50