The Faceless Hunger: A 1st Level Adventure for 5th Edition

Doppelgangers have long been feared in Arden for their ability to near perfectly mimic a subject, so much so that some simply take over the lives of others as a means of survival. They find work as spies, assassins, and bodyguards, jobs where their unique talents can shine. Others simply want to live a calm and peaceful life free of violence and paranoia. Echo was once one of these such souls. But then came the hunger.

At first Echo couldn't understand why they were always hungry. No matter how much they ate, the gnawing need to consume remained. It wasn't until one night, in a hunger-infused madness, that they attacked a local. Upon seeing the man's caved in skull, they were overtaken by the hunger and devoured every morsel of the man's brain. Euphoria filled Echo, along with the man's memories, almost as if his life had flashed before Echo's eyes. The hunger was sated... for now.

Now, Echo has taken up the identity of the slain man, Edward the blacksmith and has settled into the quiet town of Winthrope. He hoped to put the terrible deed behind him, but alas, the hunger can never be appeased, only delayed. At night, when the hunger pains are the worst, Echo sneaks out into the darkness in search of vagabonds and travelers to eat. Tales of the "lurking shadow" have spread throughout the area surrounding Winthrope and the mayor fears for his people. He's offered a reward of 500 gp to anyone who can bring him proof of the predatory creature's demise.