Walter Sydney Gates

Walter Sydney Gates was born in post-war England during the spring of 1969, destined by his ambitious parents to follow a respectable medical career—a prospect that filled his young heart with dread and quiet rebellion. At twelve years old, while wandering the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest near London on a clandestine expedition to locate what he believed was the threshold between worlds, he stumbled upon a shimmering portal that would forever alter his destiny. Without hesitation, the wide-eyed boy stepped through into Slumberia, a realm where the impossible became tangible and his wildest mechanical dreams could spring to life with copper wire and crystalline power. For forty-five years, Walter has flourished as the city's most celebrated inventor, crafting ingenious gadgets and devices that have earned him the respect of mayors and common folk alike, while simultaneously earning his place among the legendary Steamers—a fellowship of visionary craftspeople dedicated to solving Slumberia's energy crises through their extraordinary discoveries. Alongside his devoted wife Octavia and cherished companions Dr. Daisy Alina Bowles and Horace Frank Harriden, he has built a life of profound purpose and genuine connection, treating every soul with the warmth and integrity that his younger self had always yearned to express. In Slumberia, Walter finally escaped the suffocating expectations of his earthly past and transformed himself into something far greater than a doctor could ever be—a beacon of innovation and hope for an entire dreaming city.

Strength

12, modifier +1

Dexterity

14, modifier +2

Constitution

18, modifier +4

Intelligence

20, modifier +5

Wisdom

16, modifier +3

Charisma

15, modifier +2

Gadget Deployment

Walter can create and deploy a gadget that deals 3d8 force damage to a target within 60 ft.

Mechanical Companion

Walter summons a mechanical ally that acts on his initiative, providing assistance and dealing 1d6 damage.

Invention Mastery

Walter can spend 1 minute to create a temporary gadget that grants a +2 bonus to allies' next attack rolls.

Steampunk Blast

Walter fires a steam-powered projectile that deals 4d6 fire damage in a 15 ft. cone, DC 15 Dexterity save for half.

Inventor's Insight

Walter can add his Intelligence modifier to any gadget-related checks.

Steampunk Resilience

Walter has advantage on saving throws against being poisoned or paralyzed.

strength

+1

dexterity

+2

constitution

+4

intelligence

+5

wisdom

+3

charisma

+2

Poison