Character creation

Your characters will be starting at 5th level. You are welcome to use whatever character sheet you want. If you need me to add a particular custom sheet to the game, just let me know where to find it.

Ability Scores

Use the roll 4d6, drop the lowest method to generate your ability scores. You may use the Standard array instead if the dice fail you. All rolls for character creation should be done in this thread.

Race, Class, Background

Race and class may be chosen from any WotC published sources set on the "main world" of D&D. Anything WotC published outside of that world may be allowed on a case by case basis. For example, I have already tacitly agreed to the reborn race from Ravenloft. If I don't own the book, you need to get me the game rules for it. I am using the Monsters of the Multiverse version of the 'monstrous' races. Use of the rules in Tasha's for custom lineage is also approved. Standard backgrounds are fine as are the ones in Saltmarsh.

If you choose an aquatic race, specify if you were born in the Nyr Dyv or elsewhere.

Optional Features

Multiclassing and feats are allowed.

Leveling up

You may take the average hit points or roll for your level up HP. If you roll, you are bound by the results.

Equipment

As 5th level characters, I assume you have whatever you want in terms of mundane, non-magical equipment. If you have spells or other features that need expensive components assume you have enough for two uses if the component is consumed.

As far as magic goes, your characters will start with six items total:

A) 3 picks from the following list: Potion of Healing, Spell Scroll (1st level), Potion of Water Breathing
B) 2 uncommon potions of your choice, 2 Spell Scrolls (2nd level), or one of each
C) 1 uncommon item of your choice

Let me know if you have any questions I have not covered.

Getting some stats to narrow down my options.

Hmmm...don't really like that...

Stats
Edit i can work with this

Let's roll!

Hehe lol, haven't had an average Joe in a while

Please allow custom character sheets. I'll bring my own, just need the option:)

Done.

Ok. I have settled on a Soulknife rogue. Seems the most single stat focused. Race is still undecided. I'm looking at Eladrin or Kenku.

Hi all.
Looking forward to play with you all.

I love you GP RNG, please be kind to me...

GP says no :)

Will be going for reborn knowledge cleric. Sage background.

a link to the race

Already submitted a character sheet but it's a work in progress. As I said in the interest check thread, I'm interested in playing a Fathomless Warlock. Only remembers fragments of his past life as an archeologist. Now explores the depths no longer in the name of research, but in service of his Otherworldly Patron. May adjust depending on what the group decides to play.

@runekyndig, I dig your proposed connection to my PC. I trust your character will have his own motivations too, rather than just be a servant to the ex-professor!

But first, let's roll some stats. Hmm...not bad!

Yes of course. But in a pulp adventure, with a professor, there is also a plucky assistant.
He/she can't remember much before the professor found him/her, but the Tenents of the Ancient is ingrained. It will clash with a cthull cultist

@Verrain during the pitch, there was talk of magical water breathing assistance. Is that something we should address with our magical item allotment or might that be in addition to those?

That is addressed by the magic item choices or the magical abilities of your fellows.

Cool

@Jabes.plays.RPG I imagen that the professor found the assistant in a containment pod. Retrieved the pod before he drowned. Then he awoke after making his deal, then the pod with the assistant was part of his equipment. That was when he revided her. His was the first face she remember seeing

I'm not set on this avatar jet, but it is the directions i want to go

💍 Ring of Swimming
🏊‍♂️ Cap of Water Breathing
💧Cloak of the Manta Ray
🤿 Helm of Underwater Action
🔱 Trident of Fish Command

Neckace of Adaptation

Another potential option.

I am reconsidering my PC's race. Rather than Reborn, probably Half-Elf. Saved from drowning by the eventual patron.

The Mark of Storm variant Half-Elf would be advantageous in this campaign (assuming Verrain allows) but it doesn't fit the character so I may just go with a standard Half-Elf.

I would prefer to keep Eberron out of things, I think.

Cool, cool. I'm sticking to standard half-elf regardless.

I suffer from thalassophobia and submechanophobia IRL so I'm thinking Jenos does too. Which means he picked the wrong line of work haha! And his Patron gave him these aquatic powers but the phobias are still very much there.

By the way, the name Jenos Idanian is an anagram of Indiana Jones. I wish I'd come up with that, but it's actually from the Star Wars novels (and I only learned this the other day); it's one of Han Solo's aliases.

Stats

Submitted Jewel.
Due to the abysmal dice-rolls, I picked standard array stats.

I also submitted my character. Just looking for a portrait. Grimfeather is a Kenku Soulknife Rogue who started her adventuring life pressganged into piracy, but escaped and now tries to make her way in a less violent manner, but still loves being on a ship.

Lets hope the Dice Lord doesn't hate me. Well, not too bad. Stats: 16, 14, 14, 13, 10, 9. I will have to thinking more now. :)

Edit: Sliven who is a male Human inheritor who started as a sorcerer but changed over to a fighter.

I'm keeping my rolls, will finish my character and hand her in tomorrow!

GP dice gods haven't smiled on me in my few months on the site... I am hoping that changes...

Wish me luck.

Edit: Alright... not exactly smiling, but they didn't crap on me for once, and for that I am thankful.

Gimme a day or two. I have like a dozen ideas, I'll need to settle on just one.

Edit 2: Rolling HPs.
Edit 3: Oh FFS.

Sliven is a sea going treasure hunter and not native of the Nyr Dyv area. Anyone wanting to link up for some back history, I'm good.

(Moving along fast on building up character.)

Expert Treasure Finder:

Question: As a Sorcerer (Draconic Bloodline), What would be the Damage Type for a Sea Dragon? Would that just be cold? They do Cold & Bludgeoning for a breath weapon. Or should I take a more standard dragon?

I am fine with a Sea Dragon lineage. Use cold as the elemental type.

I think I'm settling on a Human Dhampir Astral Self Monk.

I allowed the reborn from Ravenloft to fit the coming back from drowning trope. I don't see where half-vampires fit the setting. Is there another race/lineage that would work for you MaJunior?

Not a lot of options for an amphibious race, or one that otherwise doesn't need to breathe. If Eberron is a no-go, I have to assume the Magic the Gathering books (Simic Hybrid in Ravnica, or the constructed trait from Theros) are off the table. I don't have any intention of buying MMoM.

Alright, umm... give me some time I guess. Square one and all that.

Yeah I can justify Simic Hybrid with some of the weird magical experimentation that goes on in Greyhawk.

Oh, you posted as I was editing. If Simic Hybrid works, I can make some adjustmemts to my ideas... I can hash this out.

Simic hybrid is interesting! Some other race options:
I liked Reborn for Jenos' coming back from drowning story, but it felt a little weird to me to have a bunch of Reborns, and since @runekyndig came up with the idea first, I yielded. My story still works after the change.

@Verrain, I would love to work with you on my fathomless patron's motivations. Or at least which part of it (if any) has been revealed to Jenos.

All the PCs sound great! Can't wait to find out which two will join Jenos' and Kitty's crew!

I'm familiar with the list, but there are some issues:

- Warforged is from Eberron.
- Most of those races were "remastered" in MoM, which is what Verrain said we were using (meaning old versions are a no) and, as mentioned I don't have and won't be getting MoM.
- Reborn was allowed, Dhampir wasn't.
- There is also the supernatural gift, Anvilwrought, from the Theros book. It lets you turn a race into a warforged-light.

When you take the Warforged and every race listed in MoM off the list, the list gets considerably shorter. Lol

Simic Hybrid was allowed though, and it works for me.

If anyone needs info from MoM, I'd be happy to transcribe it. I own the book.

Great! I've never had a chance to play that race but always found it interesting. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Think im just going to go plain ole bread and butter wizard - human variant . Ive yet to play a wizard.

Smiles. I go with a human and Helm of Underwater Action.

I will add background and the extra items in a bit, but the base is done.

Theres also necklace of adaption
gloves of swimming and climbing and swimming
Mariners armor

@DM For wizards are you allowing the optional class features- Expanded spell list and Cantrip Formula? In a nutshell it allows you to replace a cantrip with a different one after a long rest.

Also for the starting magic items. Ive decided to play a wizard. You note scrolls as a choice... can I just scribe those into my spellbook and cross them out as a magic item?

@GM can i have a lantern or something with continuous flame cast on it, if my character can do that. Or do i have to do it in game?

This started as an avatar placeholder, but it kind of grow on me


This pale young woman has a bluesh tint to her skin and she has elven features. She was found by the professor at one of his excavations, all alone in a container. He brought her back to life and she is eternally grateful.
She has several mechanical inner parts and little to know recallations about her past life. She wears high colardresses as her chest is replaced by a metal plate that opens up into her innerts. This integrated breastplate has some cat decorations so she has taken the name "Kitty"
She has some fleeting memories of an Elven Queen with a sword. A human man with a shield and a woman with red hair

She has a fondness for gambling, where odds can be calculated.
She has a strong sense of right and wrong, including creatures that don't belong and when she cast magic floating equations and geometric objects overlay your body. Always emanating from her heart

Here's my background bit, the extra items can be seen on the character page in backpack.



The lass was first discovered as a lifeless carcass carried into the Nyr Dyv by one of the lakes. The local pirates from Rhennee, that probably pitied the poor soul and fished the lass out, we're quite surprised the night after a light struck the deck, where the corpse was lying, either to be brought back to shore or fed to the fishes in the morning, now was a proof of godly intervention.

As the pirates rushed back to find out the source of intervention, a mysterious bright light that suddenly shone on the dock, before their eyes it faded into a single blank paper scroll that fell onto the now moving corpse... Soon the lass rose and with a groan she held her head in one arm and her other reached for the blank scroll. As her fingers touched it a black ink-like substance reached from her fingertips and formed a single question. Have you already found out everything about the deepest depths?.

One of the pirates recognized the what happened before them as a divine intervention from Oghma, one of the gods of knowledge. Not wanting to further anger any dieties or deal with them in general, the pirates decided to drop the now alive lass at the nearest city, pointing her to the local University. Where she soon was discovered as a reborn. The lass enrolled, then graduated as a marine biologist.

Throughout the years always keeping in mind the scroll with a single question that she, from the moment of her awakening on the ship, is motivated to answer someday, after all aging has stopped being an issue, together with breathing, so she can preform her research in ways that many cannot.

Later Renya became a bit recognized in the midsts of her colleges as a awkward marine researcher, one of few that have dedicated their life to uncover the secrets of Nyr Dyv, writing scientific tomes about the topic that become part of the university library collection, some copied and used as study materials others kept in storage due to lack of interest or high specification of the information in them...

Tough when her mind wonders from the her work and lake that has now become the center of her life, she thinks about her life before, long gone in the mists of the forgotten past. Sometimes catching herself pondering about the unmistakably wise yet elusive Oghma... Why did he bring her back? Is her current situation as a reborn the aftermath of her own actions, or was it intentionally caused by the god, who's teachings she has decided to follow?

---

She has deathly pale skin and lifeless eyes, her hair is always messy and floating around as if in water. She usually wears simple wollen dresses with a white blouse underneath, her fashion hasn't changed from the day she was found...(as seen in picture but newer).

Most likely cause of death before rebirth (end decision up to GM) - drowning.

A human pirate who underwent experimentation to make him a better operative at sea, he has developed bluish-silver scales as his body adapted to the changes wrought by magic. Many mistake him for someone of Draconic ancestry, but anyone with a keen eye and the knowledge would note that the scales look more... fish-like. He wears a hooded cloak and half-mask to blend in and hide his uniqueness.

Given time, and years of pirating, he eventually was able to buy his freedom and set out to make his own way in the world. He wandered for a time, but for better or worse, the changes he had undergone kept always brought him back to the water as the work came easily enough. Still, be began long nights of introspection in an attempt to understand himself more thoroughly. He has began to truly come to terms with who and what he is.

It is the hunt for more work that lead him to Nyr Dyv.

The only thing I would have you change is that the deities for knowledge in Greyhawk would be Boccob, god of Magic, Arcane Knowledge, Balance, and Foresight or Lendor, god of Time, Tedium, Patience, and Study.

Just about done!

Both blessed and cursed with a brilliant mind, Finn is driven by his thirst for knowledge. Selling himself as a battlemage, he hopes to sign up with a group of adveturers that can match his curiosity with courage.

So I think Im all done. Just waiting on DM clarificatiion on some super minor stuff. Everyone else complete? Looking forward to seeing how the groups will be split and ongoing dynamics between the 2.

Sure I will change everything up a bit, so it follows lore after i google the god and read about him for a bit.

Bolts are technically ammunition not weapons as the game defines them so you could not weapon bond a bolt. Having said that, I have no objection to weapon bond summoning a pre-loaded crossbow.

You could take the crossbow expert feat and eliminate the reload property. That's almost as good as being able to summon the bolt.

So to summarize characters we have:

Renya, Reborn Knowledge Cleric
Grimfeather, Kenku Soulknife Rogue
Kitty, Reborn (Sea Elf) Paladin/Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Finn, Human Bladesinger
Jenos, Half-elf Fathomless Warlock
Jewel, Lake Elf Swashbuckler Rogue
Sliven, Human Draconic Sorcerer/Eldritch Knight Fighter
Arres, Simic Hybrid, Astral Self Monk

The plan is still two groups of four. Feel free to work out a split though I am fine rolling some dice for a random split if needed. I think one group will likely be following the lead of the Fathomless warlock researcher. I can see some of the other characters fitting that role for a second group so I'll be curious what you guys think.

Once we have groups picked, each group will need to pick a lead to follow and we will discuss transport arrangements for each group. On the topic of leads, if any of you want to add a description of a lost ship similar to those already on the map, feel free to share them here.

I have no real input on where Arres falls in the team breakdown. He's looking for work, so whoever is willing to give him the better cut. 😂

Chaos rules, Roll the dice for Finns group! he's versatile enough to fit in just about anywhere

I also have no preferences. All these characters sound great. I'm up for whatever here.

Yes. I agree, i prefer that the GM puts me in the group that would fit Renya better.

I think groups based on matching back stories would work best. Some back stories might just match a bit better.

Other than that I'd say to at least split up characters that are similar in build.

And when in doubt, just roll some dice :)

I sort of assumed we'd get to know the other team as the story progressed. When you keep running into "those guys," you start to learn who they are.

The lakefaring community is full of sailors telling tales. You may assume that you have heard of each other by reputation. If you want to have actually met, feel free to work that out.

I am waiting to see if Gene has a preference of group. If not, I'll throw you all in the dice cup and see what rolls out.

Gene has no preference. As long as the start fits Sliven being an ETF (Expert Treasure Finder). I'm good.

I will add that the one character I can see Arres linking up with the easiest would be Sliven. As an ETF, I figure he'd be looking for a crew that would help him in that endeavor. Since Arres is just looking for work that pays well (or even just fair), it's a sensible match.

That said, ultimately I'm good with a roll. Truly, whatever is easiest for our DM.

OK, here are your groups.

Renya, Reborn Knowledge Cleric
Grimfeather, Kenku Soulknife Rogue
Sliven, Human Draconic Sorcerer/Eldritch Knight Fighter
Arres, Simic Hybrid, Astral Self Monk

Kitty, Reborn (Sea Elf) Paladin/Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Finn, Human Bladesinger
Jenos, Half-elf Fathomless Warlock
Jewel, Lake Elf Swashbuckler Rogue

So just one last question for each group to decide. Do you want your group to own your own ship?

Pro: Always have a ride ready to go. Con: having to keep a crew fed, paid and non-mutinous.

I leave that to each group to decide.

Yeah. On a ship. And if they don't like it. Davy Jones City! Walk the plank. Mwaaa ha ha. Gotta get me a three corner hat.. :)

I think owning a ship is a good idea.

Arres is proficient with them anyway, so perhaps they're hiring for a helmsman.

A ship would be great.

Shes gonna need a name and upgrades! Anyone else with ship useful skills?

I dont have any skills that are directly useful for a sailor, BUT I am a wizard and can get creative.

Im pretty much the oddball on my team I think... 2 water friendly elves and a fathomless warlok. And then theres plain ole me. Looking forward to it though!

Jewel has the sailor's background. She does have prof in Navigators Tools and Water Vehicles

I think Jewel would be a great captain. Maybe Jenos convinced her and her crew to join this expedition with the promise of a cut of any treasure. Or maybe Jewel owes him? Depending on @Basil, Finn could be part of Jewel's crew, or brought on by Jenos.

Just some ideas, open to any objections or suggestions.

So, each team has at least one person suitable to be captain. That's really good.

Oh that's a good point.

In my backstory, Grimfeather was pressganged into being a pirate, and recently broke free when she turned on that crew. Perhaps Jewel was on the merchant ship that helped Grimfeather escape and now they each run captain a ship. Would explain why they are friendly.

As Finn is a fellow Sage, he probably ran into Jenos at some point and thought it would be a good idea to work togeter. (Jenos is a sage right?)

Archeologist. Still makes sense that they'd be forner colleagues in scholarly circles. Jenos seems to have gone nuts though, chasing myths and crackpot pursuits rather than the more mainstream research of before.

Works for me! Bouncing rumors and lore off of each other makes sense. Especially since im not the stay at home type of sage.

@DM, Just curious about your take on the "Medicine Skill" and how useful it is, particularily when combined with a healers kit?

That is interesting. Jewel remained loyal to her captain when mutineers took the ship she was on as a pirate ship. Cap died, Jewel was left for dead. She'd consider anyone who turns against pirates a friend.

It could even be that the pirates that pressganged Grimfeather are the sameones which took Jewel's ship originally, so they are a common foe of both?

As for the "green group". I know nothing about captaining a ship. But I'd happily play a character who does if you'd like.

That would be cool. If the timeline works I'm good with that.

What do you want it to do besides what is listed in the PHB?

One set of pirates, no waiting. Works for me.

Not sure really. But you would think that someone with medicine + healer kit would somehow be more effective than someone with just healer kit and no skill. I know there is the healing feat that gives back some hps. Maybe something similar? +1hp per HD restored once per short rest? Stacks with the healer feat. Or even hd/2 round up. Can only benefit once every short rest.

I haven't really set the events of my background in time. If they were last year or a decade ago. But I play an elf, age slow, so it's always manageble.

Renya is more about the item identification and a bit of medical support.

In a crew of pirates she could be the one who could probably tell if something they encounter is dangerous, edible or sold for pretty penny, when ir comes to whatever can naturally be found in the depths...

She doesn't care pirates or not as long as everyone doesn't mind her running around collecting, what in pirates perception would be 'trash' and spending time with her papers.

---

I changed the god to Lendor. @GM

I just need to pick my potions & spell scrolls and then Jenos will be ready.

I'll make mine public as well

About renyas magic items, those are chromatic orb scrolls × 3, HP potions ×2 and the magic ring of swimming.

Since she knows continuous flame spell, she will make a couple of waterproof lamps, if she doesn't have those already ...... @GM?

I think I set Jewel public too.

Her magic item is boots of striding and springing.
Between that, her feat and expertise in athletics she'll just jump aboard an enemy ship. Just like in a proper swashbuckling movie :)

That is fine. Anyone who has magic of indefinite duration can just add to their character sheets whatever they have made with them.

How can I do this?

Step Step 3c.4 of the New GP Member Guide:

@Basil, @Jabes.plays.RPG, and @SvanDerh, what is our ship called? I'll use it as a prefix for my character name to make it easier to keep the groups apart. How about The Salt Lilly?

Salt Lilly works for me.

Haven't come up with a name yet but maybe some that suggests exploration?

Saltmarsh has a ship name generator if you want to leave it to chance. :)

That's interesting. Up for anything that sounds cool and in some ways reflects the personality of the group.

Lets play: Name that ship!



Intrepid Princess? Then I rather have a Blushing Princess

I can second that!

Now I'm curious...

"Intrepid Revenge"

I could get on board with some intrepid revenge.

How about just "The Intrepid"?

I don't hate that either, but it is the name of a retired aircraft carrier in the US navy. And probably a Star Trek ship too.

Brain storming - The Resurrection, Wave Runner, The Endurance, Lucky Mermaid, Mist Runner, The Wraith, The Bright Horizon, The Arcana, Storm Chaser, The Zephyr, The Swift,

I personaly like "The Arcana" It gives the impression that the ship is enchanted. And quite honestly it probably will end up with all manner of magical enhancements as time goes on.

Intrepid was a ship class in Star Trek. With Voyager no doubt being the best known intrepid class ship.

I like "The Arcana" too.👍

For the Green Team's ship I am fine with any name as long as it doesn't contain the word Mermaid, because the pirate ship Jewel's hunting is named the Merry Mermaid.

Actually I'd be happy with whatever @SvanDerh picks. It's Jewel's ship after all!

Hunting her own ship could make a good comedic wild-goose chase 🤣

Made my day! 🍪

That would be very confusing yes :)

I am fine with any shipname really. But now I have The Wild Goose in mind.

The Arcana works for me

LOL! That's brilliant! It's not too late to change it! 😆

We should probably figure out who the Captain of each vessel is, and what position everyone is filling on their respective ships.

It will also determine what crew we need to hire, so that will be helpful.

If we have the teams decided, maybe we can get a discussion thread for each group? Just to cut down on confusion?