Skulduggery Pleasant

Skulduggery Pleasant wasn't always a skeleton. Born as a promising young sorcerer in the late nineteenth century, he was a prodigy of elemental magic whose ambitions far exceeded his morals. He sought forbidden knowledge in the darkest corners of the magical world, conducting experiments that horrified even his most corrupt peers. During one catastrophic ritual designed to grant him immortality, a rival sorcerer sabotaged the spell, resulting in an explosion that incinerated his flesh and left only his bleached bones behind. Rather than perishing, Skulduggery's consciousness persisted within his skeletal frame, bound by the very magic he'd sought to command. Furious but pragmatic, he discovered his new form granted him unprecedented control over the elemental forces—fire danced from his fingertips with newfound intensity, and the elements themselves bent to his will in ways they never had before. For decades, he wandered the world as a curiosity, a living reminder of magical hubris. Eventually, Skulduggery realized that his unique condition offered him an unexpected advantage: reinvention. He adopted the persona of a sophisticated gentleman detective, dressing in impeccable tailored suits and hats that transformed his macabre appearance into an elegant statement rather than a grotesque aberration. His intellect, sharpened by centuries of solitude and study, combined with his magical prowess, made him an exceptional investigator capable of solving cases that baffled ordinary law enforcement. He opened his detective agency with a sardonic smile and a quick wit developed through lonely years of self-reflection, finding that humor and charm could disarm even those unsettled by his skeletal visage. Though his methods remain questionable and his loyalties shift with circumstance, Skulduggery has carved out a niche in the magical underworld as someone willing to take cases others won't—for the right price, or simply for entertainment. His elegant exterior masks a creature

Strength

10, modifier +0

Dexterity

18, modifier +4

Constitution

20, modifier +5

Intelligence

20, modifier +5

Wisdom

16, modifier +3

Charisma

18, modifier +4

Flame Burst

Skulduggery conjures a burst of flame in a 20 ft. radius. Each creature must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 6d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success.

Elemental Manipulation

Choose one element (fire, earth, water, air). Skulduggery can create a 30 ft. area of that element, causing 4d8 damage to creatures within it. DC 18 Dexterity saving throw for half damage.

Skeletal Strike

Skulduggery makes a melee attack with his bony hands, dealing 2d10 + 4 slashing damage on a hit.

Detective's Insight

Skulduggery can analyze a situation, granting advantage on the next attack roll or saving throw made by an ally within 30 ft.

Charm of the Undead

Skulduggery targets one creature within 60 ft. to make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the target is charmed for 1 minute.

Ethereal Presence

Skulduggery can move through solid objects as if they were difficult terrain.

Elemental Mastery

Skulduggery has advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.

Charming Wit

Enemies within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 minute.

Skeletal Resilience

Skulduggery is immune to poison and exhaustion effects.

strength

+7

dexterity

+10

intelligence

+11

wisdom

+9

constitution

+10

Inferno's Grasp

Skulduggery can create a fiery hand that grapples a creature within 30 ft. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or take 3d10 fire damage and be restrained until the end of its next turn.

Elemental Fury

Skulduggery unleashes a wave of elemental energy, forcing all creatures within 30 ft. to make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 4d10 damage of a chosen element on a failed save, or half on a success.

Skeletal Rejuvenation

Skulduggery regains 20 hit points. This action can only be used once per round.

fire

necrotic

poison

charmed

frightened

poisoned