Archive for May, 2016»
(Artwork by Josh Ln)
This is the Gadget List that Brains characters with the Inventor specialty may choose from, as well as anything else that refers to “gadget slots.”
Gadget List
Prodigy-Level Gadgets
Armor Enhancer: This gadget sets the wielder’s AC to a minimum of 16, regardless of what kind of armor they may be wearing or other AC-changing effects. The gadget can be activated as a bonus action and operates for one hour after being activated, after which it requires 12 hours to recharge.
Burst Effect: A weapon that normally affects a single target is changed into a an area effect. The area is either a 10′ radius usable at the weapon’s normal range, a 25′ line emanating from the wielder, or a 15′ cone emanating from the wielder. The choice can be toggled every time the weapon is fired. Instead of the wielder making an attack roll, every target within the area makes a DC 15 Dexterity save. The target takes half damage if they succeed at the saving throw, or full damage if they fail the save.
Chameleon: This gadget enables you to completely alter your appearance, including minor variations on height, weight, facial features, the sound of your voice, hair length, sex, skin color, and so forth, though none of your statistics change. You can’t change to a creature a different size class than yourself, nor can you change such basics as going from a biped to a quadruped, etc. If you attempt to impersonate a specific creature person, this requires a Charisma (Deception) check against the Wisdom (Perception) of the target you are attempting to fool. Changing your appearance requires an action.
Cloaking Device: This gadget enables the wielder to turn invisible. It works for one hour after being activated, after which it requires 12 hours to recharge.
Custom Gadget (Prodigy): This is a catchall designed to enable players to come up with their own crazy ideas. When assessing whether a player’s idea is feasible as a Prodigy-level gadget, the Ghostmaster should compare it to the effectiveness of an existing piece of readily-available gear, a 1st- or 2nd- level spell from the Player’s Handbook, or a Common or Uncommon magic item from the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Keep in mind that unlike spells, gadgets can be used over and over again and rarely have durations. Thus the Ghostmaster should carefully consider the potential downfalls of the gadget being “spammed” or abused.
Damage Resistance: This gadget provides you with resistance against a specific damage type (bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, fire, thunder, cold, acid, etc.). This means you take half damage from attacks of that type. This gadget does not require activation and is considered to be always on.
Deflector Shield: The wielder of this gadget adds the higher of their Intelligence or Wisdom modifiers to their AC. This gadget does not require activation and is considered to be always on.
Electromagnetic Shoes: This gadget enables the user to move on vertical or even inverted surfaces as if they were normal ground, as per the spider climb spell. The gadget can be activated as a bonus action and works for up to one hour when activated, then must recharge for 12 hours before it can be used again.
Elemental Modulator: This gadget enables the user to change an existing weapon’s damage type to another damage type at will, which must be declared when the gadget is built. For instance, an existing laser rifle (fire damage) could be set to modulate to a freeze ray (cold damage). Modulating damage types is a free action.
Enhance Ability: This gadget uses chemical stimulants or other enhancements to give the wielder the benefit of the Enhance Ability spell on p. 237 of the Players Handbook. The effects last for one hour, after which the wielder cannot gain benefit from such enhancements again without a short rest. The wielder could use two different gadgets that enhance two different abilities, however.
Enhanced Senses: This gadget enables you to see, hear, or otherwise gather sensory data normally outside the range of human ability, such as an infrared camera or an ultrasonic sensor. This gadget does not require activation and is considered always on.
Ghost Capture: This property allows a gadget to capture a ghost (or other ethereal creature) which has been reduced to ½ its hit points or fewer or is incapacitated. This gadget is usually activated as a reaction, and the trigger of the Ghost Capture effect is defined by the gadget’s creator when the gadget is created. An ethereal creature subject to the effect must make a DC 15 Dexterity or Charisma saving throw (whichever is greater). On a failed save, the creature is restrained and incapacitated. The creature may make an additional save at the beginning of each of its turns. Ghost Capture only affects one target at a time, unless it also has the Burst Effect property.
Ghost Containment: This property allows a gadget to restrain a single ghost (or other ethereal creature) indefinitely. This gadget is usually activated as a reaction, and the trigger of the Ghost Containment effect is defined by the gadget’s creator when the gadget is created. An ethereal creature subjected to a Ghost Containment effect must make a Dexterity or Charisma saving throw (whichever is greater) against DC 15. On a failed save, the creature is trapped in an extradimensional space with properties similar to the “Minimus Containment” option of the imprisonment spell. On a successful save, the creature not contained. Ghost Containment only affects one target at a time, unless it also has the Burst Effect property, but once the creatures are trapped in the Containment effect, any number of creatures may occupy the same Containment effect. (Thus, you can only catch one at a time, but you can hold any number.)
Ghost Snare: This gadget defines a 20′ x 20′ square at a point the wielder can see which becomes highly agitated with PKE interference. Any ghost (or other ethereal creature) in the area while the gadget is activated must succeed on a DC 15 Strength or Charisma saving throw (whichever is higher), or be restrained. The area also counts as difficult terrain for ethereal creatures, even flying ones, and renders all invisible beings visible, at least in outline as PKE crackles around them. The gadget operates for an hour after it is activated and then must recharge for 12 hours until it can be used again.
Ghost Ward: This gadget defines a 10′ x 10′ square at a point the wielder can see that is impassible to ethereal creatures. Any ethereal creatures within the area of effect are automatically pushed out of the area to an adjacent space of their choice, unless they are paralyzed, restrained, held in a Ghost Containment effect, or otherwise prevented from escaping the effect. Ethereal creatures who cannot escape the effect are trapped within it. The gadget operates for an hour after being activated; after that time, it must recharge for 12 hours before it can be used again.
Hologram: This gadget produces a convincing visual image of a single immobile creature or an object up to 10′ tall and 5′ wide in a space you can see (although once the image has been put in place you do not need to monitor it to keep it going). The visual image has no sound and cannot be interacted with in any meaningful way, and any attempt to touch the object in the image will reveal its false nature. The gadget can replay a series of prerecorded events on a loop up to ten minutes long. Any creature that depends on sight must make a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check to see through the illusion. The size of the hologram may be increased with the Burst Effect property.
Inertial Shoes: The wielder of this gadget cannot be knocked prone. Also, they always land on their feet and are resistant to falling damage. Once per 12 hour period, they may rise vertically, up to 20′, and remain suspended there for up to 10 minutes. At the end of the 10 minutes they float gently back to the ground. This gadget does not require activation and is considered to be always on.
Life Support: This gadget protects you in a hostile environment, such as the depths of the ocean or the void of space. It also filters out toxins, provides you with air and regulates your temperature and pressure, and so forth– but it does not provide protection against damage. (So for instance, something that would keep you alive in an elemental plane of fire would still not protect you from a blowtorch.) This gadget does not require activation and is considered to be always on.
Melee Weapon (one-handed): This gadget is a one-handed melee weapon, doing 2d6 damage of a type of your choice. You must declare the damage type and proficiency the weapon requires when the gadget is created.
Melee Weapon (two-handed): This gadget is a two-handed melee weapon, doing 2d8 damage of a type of your choice. You must declare the damage type and proficiency the weapon requires when the gadget is created.
Mental Discombobulator: This gadget, when activated, forces up to three creatures of your choice that you can see within 30′ attempt a DC 15 Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, whenever the target attempts an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw for the next minute, they must roll 1d4 and subtract that from their total. The gadget may be used once, after which it requires 12 hours to recharge.
Pocket Ghost I: This gadget, which may or may not look like a small red and white ball, can be used to contain a previously-trapped ghost or other trappable creature of CR ½ or lower. As a bonus action on your turn, you may release the ghost from the pocket-ball and give it a simple command. Thereafter on each of your turns, you may use your bonus action to direct the ghost on how to move and take its action. The ghost cannot move further away than 60′ from the pocket-ball, but that distance may extend through walls or barriers that the ghost could normally move through. The ghost automatically returns to the pocket-ball after 1 minute (10 rounds) or when it reaches 0 hp, after which time it cannot be released again until you have completed a short or long rest. (Technically, it’s the ghost that’s resting, but you get the idea.) Returning to the pocket-ball automatically heals all damage to the ghost and removes any conditions it may be under. If the ghost is subject to another capture effect (for instance, it succumbs to someone else’s ghost trap), the pocket-ball is immediately broken and the gadget slot becomes available to you again. You may carry as many pocket-balls as you have gadget slots to spend on them.
Psychic Beacon: This gadget sends out rhythmic pulses of PKE which are fascinating (or possibly infuriating) to ghosts and other PKE-sensitive creatures (including characters with the Psychic Awareness feat). Any such creatures within five miles of the gadget when it is active must make a DC 15 Wisdom or Charisma save or be drawn to the device to investigate. Once the creature has seen the device up close and learned its nature, they are immune to its effects thereafter (but may still choose to remain close to it). Creatures who succeed at the saving throw are immune to its effects as well.
Rapid Recharge: This gadget modifies an existing gadget with a recharge time, causing it to recharge in half the normal time. This modifier can be added to a gadget multiple times, reducing the recharge time by x4, x8, x16, etc.
Ray Weapon (pistol): This gadget is a one-handed ranged weapon, doing 3d6 damage of a type of your choice. The weapon has a range of 40’/120′, and holds 50 shots per ammunition pack. You must declare the damage type and proficiency the weapon requires when the gadget is created. (Note: Proton packs default to radiant damage and require the Ghost Capture property.)
Ray Weapon (rifle): This gadget is a two-handed ranged weapon, doing 3d8 damage of a type of your choice. The weapon has a range of 100’/300′, and holds 30 shots per ammunition pack. You must declare the damage type and proficiency the weapon requires when the gadget is created. (Note: Proton packs default to radiant damage and require the Ghost Capture property.)
Repulsor Unit: This gadget, when activated, requires every creature within 15′ of you (including ghosts or other ethereal creatures) to make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 2d8 force damage and is pushed 10′ away from you. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage and isn’t pushed. In addition, unattended objects within the area of effect that weigh 100 pounds or less are automatically pushed 10′ away from you. The effects of this gadget are instantaneous and do not create a static field. The wielder must activate the device again if its effects are desired additional times.
Rocket Shoes: This gadget triples the wielder’s jump distance. This gadget does not require activation and is considered always on.
Rocket Skates: This gadget increases your speed by 10′ and enables you to take the Dash action as a bonus action on each of your turns. Note that it doesn’t actually have to be rocket skates, that’s just the most common version. Any effect that would reduce your movement speed (including the slimed condition) also prevents you from using this gadget until the condition is removed. This gadget does not require activation and is considered always on.
Slime-Proof Clothing: This gadget makes you immune to the Slimed condition. This gadget does not require activation and is considered always on.
Stake Gun: This weapon fires custom-made wooden-shafted darts. Its statistics are the same as an automatic rifle from the Dungeon Master’s Guide, except that it has a range of 30’/120′, and a critical hit with this weapon against vampires or another such vulnerable creature is considered to be a stake driven into the target’s heart.
Tethered Slime Barrier: This gadget uses “slime tether” technology to fill a 20′ x 20′ cube with sticky slime filaments in a spot of your choice within 60′. The area so filled becomes difficult terrain and is obscured to vision. If the filaments aren’t anchored between two solid masses (such as walls or trees) they collapse on themselves and create a mass of quivering green goo roughly 5′ deep. Each corporeal creature that starts its turn in the slime barrier must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is restrained as long as it remains in the slimy filaments or until it breaks free. A creature restrained by the slime filaments can use its action to make a DC 15 Strength check. If it succeeds, it is no longer restrained. Each 20′ x 20′ cube lasts 30 seconds (five turns).
Translator: This gadget can translate speech or text in any known, historical language into any other known, historical language, in “real time.”
Universal Healing Kit: This gadget gives the wielder advantage on all Wisdom (Medicine) checks and once per 24 hour period enables them to automatically succeed in ending either one disease or one of the following conditions on an afflicted humanoid creature or animal: blinded, deafened, paralyzed, or poisoned.
Widget: This gadget is a small robotic personal assistant. It carries things for you, can deliver messages or run simple errands, etc. It can remain in constant contact with you via radio and relay sound and/or video surveillance of a remote location. The Widget has statistics similar to a creature of your choice as described by the find familiar spell, except that its type is construct. It cannot make any attacks. This gadget does not require activation and is considered always on.
Genius-Level Gadgets
Arcing Weapon: This modifier causes an energy weapon’s effect to “arc” from target to target. When the wielder scores a successful hit with the weapon, they may immediately as a free action make another attack at the same bonus (and inflicting the same damage) on a different target up to 30′ feet away. If that attack succeeds, the wielder may then make another attack on a third target, and so on, until an attack misses or there are no more targets within range. This effect only works once on any given turn, regardless of how many attacks the wielder may be entitled to make.
Custom Gadget (Genius): This is a catchall designed to enable players to come up with their own crazy ideas. When assessing whether a player’s idea is feasible as a Genius-level gadget, the Ghostmaster should compare it to the effectiveness of an existing piece of more expensive gear, a 3rd- or 4th- level spell from the Player’s Handbook, or an Uncommon or Rare magic item from the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Keep in mind that unlike spells, gadgets can be used over and over again and rarely have durations. Thus the Ghostmaster should carefully consider the potential downfalls of the gadget being “spammed” or abused.
Etherealizer: This gadget, when activated, turns the wielder semi-ethereal. They can see and interact with objects or creatures on the ethereal plane as well as the material plane. They can also move completely through creatures and objects on the material plane (including walls or solid rock) as if they were difficult terrain. However, they take 5 (1d10) force damage if they end their turn inside an object. This gadget operates for one hour after it’s activated, after which time it requires 12 hours to recharge before it can be used again.
Fleet of Widgets: This gadget actually consists of five Widgets. Other than being a lot more of them, it is otherwise identical to a single Widget.
Greater Burst Effect: As Burst Effect, except the choices are a 20′ radius sphere usable at the weapon’s normal range, a 50′ line emanating from the wielder, or a 30′ cone emanating from the wielder.
Greater Damage Weapon: As Melee Weapon or Ray Weapon, but adds an additional two dice of damage to the values listed. (For instance, a Greater Damage Ray Weapon {rifle} would do 5d8 damage.)
Improved Effect: You may add the higher of your Intelligence modifier or proficiency bonus to the DC of an existing item’s saving throw.
Jetpack: The wielder of this gadget has a fly speed of 60′. The gadget is activated as free action during the wielder’s movement and operates for ten minutes once activated, then must recharge for 12 hours before it can be used again.
Lingering Damage: Placing this modifier on a weapon or other item that does some form of elemental damage causes the damage to continue for a number of rounds equal to the wielder’s Intelligence modifier after the initial damage.
Mind Link: This gadget allows two unresisting creatures to be mentally connected, allowing direct mind-to-mind communication. There is no limitation on how long this state can last, but both creatures are considered restrained while the gadget is in operation. If either creature moves, the link is broken.
Pocket Ghost II: Like Pocket Ghost I, except it may contain creatures up to CR 1.
Robotic Assistant: This gadget is an android designed to assist you with whatever tasks you assign it. It has statistics similar to a set of Animated Armor from the Monster Manual. Like the Widget, the Robotic Assistant can remain in contact with you via radio and relay sound or video images. The Robotic Assistant can be programmed to fire a proton pack or other weapon, but it never gains proficiencies. This gadget does not require activation and is considered always on.
Slime Automaton: This gadget is a large object or collection of objects being manipulated into a semblance of animation by the effects of psychomagnotheric slime. The wielder controls the automaton’s actions each turn with a bonus action, and must stay within 30′ of the automaton to control it. (The wielder may choose to “ride” the automaton like a mount or vehicle.) On any turn in which the automaton is not controlled, it simply stands inert. A slime automaton has statistics similar to a clay golem from the Monster Manual, except it does not have the Acid Absorption, Berserk, or Haste properties. This gadget does not require activation and is considered always on.
Sun Grenade: This gadget is thrown like a grenade. When it detonates, it creates an intense field of light, heat, electromagnetic and ultraviolet radiation that simulates the effects of full sunlight at high noon on the equator for six seconds in a 50′ radius sphere. All creatures who have not averted their eyes before the grenade goes off must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is blinded and stunned until the end of their next turn. In addition, creatures that are damaged or destroyed by sunlight suffer the full brunt of such effects for that six-second duration. Once the grenade is detonated, the gadget slot the inventor used to create the gadget becomes free again.
Tractor Beam: This gadget uses energy fields to remotely manipulate objects at a distance. It creates effects similar to the Bigby’s hand spell cast at a level equal to the proficiency bonus of the wielder, except that there is no “hand” that can be attacked, simply energy fields. The gadget operates for one minute after activation, and then requires 12 hours to recharge before it can be used again.
Vehicle Mount: This modifier allows an existing piece of equipment or a gadget to be mounted to a vehicle and used from the control station of that vehicle.
Mastermind-Level Gadgets
Android Army: This gadget actually consists of five Robotic Assistants or ten Widgets. Other than being a lot more of them, it is otherwise identical to a single Widget or Robotic Assistant.
Custom Gadget (Mastermind): This is a catchall designed to enable players to come up with their own crazy ideas. When assessing whether a player’s idea is feasible as a Mastermind-level gadget, the Ghostmaster should compare it to the effectiveness of an existing piece of more expensive gear, a 6th or 7th level spell from the Player’s Handbook, or a Rare or Very Rare magic item from the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Keep in mind that unlike spells, gadgets can be used over and over again and rarely have durations. Thus the Ghostmaster should carefully consider the potential downfalls of the gadget being “spammed” or abused.
Extraplanar Portal: This gadget creates a semi-stable portal to another dimension (generally “the Ghost World”) as long as it is active. Note that planar rifts are inherently hazardous and generally create unwanted side-effects, such as creatures wandering from dimension to dimension and the general breakdown of reality as we know it in the vicinity. Opening or closing the portal requires an action.
Maximum Effect: An item with Improved Effect now adds both your Intelligence modifier and your proficiency bonus to the DC of its saving throw.
PKE Suppression Field: This gadget creates a 10′ radius sphere around the wielder, that can be carried by and move with the wielder. All PKE activity is nullified within the sphere, including the use of magic or psychic powers. Ghosts or other PKE-motivated creatures within the area of effect simply “wink” out of existence, and possessed creatures or objects are instantly freed from all supernatural influences. Once no longer within the field, ghosts and other such creatures “wink” back into existence again, but they must re-establish any hold they had on possessed creatures or objects. The gadget works for one hour after it has been activated, and then must recharge for 12 hours before it can be used again.
Pocket Ghost III: Like Pocket Ghost I, except it may contain creatures up to CR 4.
Slime Juggernaut: This gadget is similar to a Slime Automaton, except that it is size Huge and has statistics similar to a Stone Golem (but lacks the Slow property).
Ultimate Burst Effect: As Burst Effect, except the choices are a 30′ radius sphere usable at the weapon’s normal range, a 100′ line emanating from the wielder, or a 60′ cone emanating from the wielder.
Ultimate Damage Weapon: As Melee Weapon or Ray Weapon, but adds an additional five dice of damage to the values listed. (For instance, an Ultimate Damage Ray Weapon {rifle} would do 8d8 damage.)
Whattya think, sirs? Next time, Feats.
-The Gneech
(Artwork by Dan Schoening)
Armor and Shields
Generally speaking, the only armor most Ghostbusters are proficient with are their padded jumpsuit, which is little more than a janitorial jumpsuit with heavy boots, elbow- and knee-pads, and thick protective gloves. Police and military units may have more advanced armor, and there are certainly plenty of reports of ghosts clanking around ancient castles in haunted plate mail. Training in armor proficiency costs $500 and takes six weeks per armor type (or uses the appropriate feat).
Ballistic Armor
Armor with the “ballistic” property (B) is designed to protect against bullets. In game terms, it provides resistance against piercing damage. Note that the Tactical Vest and Riot/Combat Gear armor also provide resistance against slashing damage (S).
Light Armor | Cost | Armor Class (AC) | Strength | Stealth | Weight |
Padded Jumpsuit | $50 | 11 + Dex mod | – | – | 8 lbs |
Light Vest (B) | $250 | 12 + Dex mod | – | – | 5 lbs |
Medium Armor | |||||
Tactical Vest (B, S) | $500 | 14 + Dex mod | – | Disadv. | 10 lbs |
Heavy Armor | |||||
Riot/Combat Gear (B, S) | $750 | 18 | Str 13 | Disadv. | 20 lbs |
Shields | |||||
Riot Shield | $50 | +3 | – | Disadv. | 5 lbs |
Weapons
Weapons range from fists to Mark IV proton packs with dark matter projectors. Although statistics for guns are provided here, Ghostbusters almost never use them– the stats are provided for NPCs such as police officers who might carry them. Guns and some other weapons use the ammunition, burst fire, and reload properties from page 267 of the Dungeon Masters Guide.
The weapon proficiency groups for Ghostbusters are simple melee weapons, sidearms, longarms, proton packs, and slime blowers. Anything more exotic than that requires its own proficiency. The medieval-style weapons of D&D exist, of course, but are so rarely used that they require their own proficiency.
Simple Melee | Cost | Damage | Weight | Properties |
Chain | $5 | 1d4 bldg | 2 lbs | – |
Billy Club | $5 | 1d4 bldg | 2 lbs | light |
Dagger | $15 | 1d4 prcg | 1 lb | Finesse, light, thrown (range 20/60) |
Hammer | $5 | 1d4 bldg | 2 lbs | light, thrown (range 20/60) |
Razor | $5 | 1d4 slsh | 1 lb | Finesse, light |
Sidearm | ||||
Pistol, automatic | $100 | 2d6 prcg | 3 lbs | ammunition (range 50/150), reload (15 shots) |
Revolver | $75 | 2d8 prcg | 3 lbs | ammunition (range 40/120), reload (6 shots) |
Longarm | ||||
Rifle, hunting | $175 | 2d10 prcg | 8 lbs | ammunition (range 80/240), reload (5 shots), two-handed |
Rifle, automatic | $250 | 2d8 prcg | 8 lbs | ammunition (range 80/240), burst fire, reload (30 shots), two-handed |
Shotgun | $125 | 2d8 prcg | 7 lbs | ammunition (range 30/90), reload (2 shots), two-handed |
Ghostbusting Gear | ||||
Proton Gauntlets | $500 | 2d6 radiant | 3 lbs | melee, uses proton pack proficiency |
Proton Pack Mk I | $500 | 3d8 radiant | 15 lbs | ammunition (range 100/300), reload (30 shots), two-handed, capture |
-boson dart | +$200 | 3d8 radiant | – | 2d6 splash 5’ radius, uses 3 shots |
Mk II: PDS (slime blower) | +$250 | – | +2 lbs | ammunition (range 30/60), reload (30 shots), slime |
Mk III: dark matter blaster | +$300 | 3d8 cold | +2 lbs | 15’ cone (DC 15 Dexterity save) |
-stasis stream | – | – | – | stasis (DC 15 Constitution save) |
Mk IV: meson collider | +$300 | 3d8 force | +2 lbs | 2d6 splash 5’ radius, uses 3 shots |
-overload pulse | – | 3d8 force | – | tracking (meson collider, 3 uses), uses 3 shots |
Proton Pistol | ($300) | 3d6 radiant | 3 lbs | ammunition (range 40/120), reload (50 shots), capture |
Slime Blower Drum | $300 | – | 5 lbs | ammunition (range 50/100), reload (100 shots), slime |
New Weapon Qualities
Capture. A weapon with the capture quality can be used to catch ghosts or other “trappable” creatures. Weapons with the capture quality can affect creatures on the ethereal plane from the material plane (and vice versa), but creatures on the other plane only take half damage (as if they had resistance). When the wielder of a capture weapon successfully hits a ghost with ½ its maximum hit points or less or is incapacitated that is in line of sight, they may attempt to capture the creature as a reaction. The creature must attempt a DC 15 saving throw against its Constitution or Charisma (whichever is higher). On a success, the creature is unaffected. On a failure, the creature is grappled and restrained (even creatures normally immune to such conditions, such as phantasms). The creature may attempt a new saving throw at the end of each of its turns to escape the capture effect. The wielder of the capture weapon may move the captured creature up to 15’ as an action on their turn. Capture weapons must maintain line of sight, or the capture effect is immediately broken.
Slime. Against corporeal creatures, weapons with this quality impose the slimed condition. When used against ghosts or other non-corporeal creatures, each successful hit imposes a level of exhaustion (even in creatures normally immune to exhaustion, such as specters). Corporeal creatures subject to mind-affecting influences (including possession, fear, or confusion) may immediately make a saving throw with advantage to throw off the effect. Corporeal creatures hit by the slime weapon must also make a DC 15 Wisdom save or fall into a sappy euphoria that emulates the effects of charm person for one hour. Slime can also be used to create psychokinetic effects in inanimate objects, using 1 shot for a tiny or small object, 3 shots for a medium object, 10 shots for a large object, 30 shots for a huge object, or 90 shots for a gargantuan object. Slime weapons can also close black slime portals, using the same shots/size ratio.
Splash. When a target is hit by a weapon that does splash damage, every creature within the splash radius must succeed a DC 15 Dexterity save or also take the indicated amount of damage. Large creatures who are hit by the initial weapon are also subject to the splash damage if they are within the area of effect and fail the Dexterity save.
Stasis. When a creature is hit by a stasis weapon they must make a DC 15 Constitution save. On a success they are unaffected. On a failure, their speed becomes halved, they take a -2 penalty to AC and Dexterity saving throws. The creature may attempt another save at the end of each of its turns to remove the effect. If the creature is hit by another stasis effect during that time, they become paralyzed as well (even creatures normally immune to paralysis). A successful save ends both effects.
Tracking. A weapon with the tracking quality automatically hits a creature which has previously been hit by another weapon which marked it for a certain number of times. For example, a creature that has been hit by the meson collider of a Mk IV proton pack is “marked” for the overload pulse of the same proton pack. The next three uses of the overload pulse will automatically hit that target. This effect can go around corners and does not require line of sight, but will not penetrate barriers.
Other Ghostbusting Gear
Ecto-Goggles ($350)
These goggles give the wearer truesight 60’, but impose disadvantage on Dexterity and Charisma checks and saving throws and halve the wearer’s movement speed as they can’t really see where they’re going while wearing them and look dorky as hell. They can be put on as a bonus action on your turn and removed as a free action as long as you have a free hand.
Ghost Trap ($500)
When a ghost trap is activated, every trappable creature within the same 5’ square as the trap must make a DC 15 saving throw on their Dexterity or Charisma (whichever is greater). Any trappable creature that begins their turn in the area of effect must also attempt the save. On a failed save, the creature is restrained and paralyzed (even if it is normally immune to such conditions), and when the trap closes the creature is pulled in and held in an extradimensional space with properties similar to the “Minimus Containment” option of the imprisonment spell. On a successful save, the creature is unaffected. Most susceptible creatures will not hang around in the area of ghost trap, so you’ll probably need to use a capture stream to hold them in place for it. A trap can be placed in any spot you can see within 15’ as a bonus action. Opening a trap can be done as a bonus action or reaction, and closing the trap is a free action. Recovering a closed trap requires an action in the space where the trap is located or can be done by using 5’ of movement. Ghost traps have battery power to last up to five hours, after which time any creature still in the trap automatically escapes.
PKE Meter ($250)
This hand-held device detects and tracks psychokinetic energy (PKE) disturbances. Although its readings are often little more than “warmer/colder” in nature, a successful Intelligence (tool proficiency) check with the PKE meter can identify previously-scanned creatures or effects, or be combined with use of Ecto-Goggles to reveal information about a particular creature, including details about its origin, abilities, or weaknesses, at Ghostmaster discretion.
Franchise Upgrades
Motorcycle ($15,000)
Zippy, looks cool. Minimal cargo capacity.
Sports Car ($25,000)
Also zippy and gives you cool points. Only carries two people and gear or three people without gear, and they keep bonking their knees.
Station Wagon or SUV ($25,000)
Less zippy, but can still look badass. Station wagon can carry up to five people and their gear in relative comfort; SUV can only carry three people with gear (or four people without gear) but is much better suited for off-road or hazardous conditions.
RV or Work Van ($35,000)
The ultimate in non-zippiness. Big, bulky, awkward, dorky. But it can carry a team of six with all their gear plus a portable lab (purchased separately).
Work Boat ($50,000)
Like a work van that can go on water. Makes endearing “chug-chug” noises.
Helicopter ($150,000)
Your team acquires a GBI-branded four-passenger helicopter, how friggin’ cool is that? It comes with a small radar unit (that’s actual radar, not “Ecto-radar”), a winch and paramedic-style rescue platform, and six parachutes. You might want to make sure someone has proficiency before you take off.
Mini-Sub ($250,000)
Your team acquires a GBI-branded four-passenger mini-sub, for underwater exploration. Haunted wrecks can be very profitable.
“Ecto-1 Equipment Package” ($5,000)
“Ecto-radar” PKE sweep, recharge package, first-aid kits, GPS, integrated cellphone, roof-mounted video and infrared camcorder, and VHS/DVD player (satellite radio not included). This requires a vehicle of station wagon size or larger.
Muon Trap “Super-Slammer” ($3,000)
A vehicle-mounted ghost trap with 5’ radius area effect centered on the top of the vehicle, the Super-Slammer has a capture DC of 20 instead of 15 and can capture any number of creatures at a time. It requires a vehicle of station wagon size or larger.
Gadget List Gadgets ($500 per prodigy-level gadget slot, $750 per genius-level gadget slot)
Don’t have an inventor on your team? No sweat. With time and money, anyone with basic ghost-busting experience can cobble together new equipment. After all, that’s what the original team did! One nice thing about this option is that once the item is bought, it stays around forever (or until you lose or break it, this is why we can’t have nice things).
Workshop ($5,000 per skill benefitted)
A workshop contains tools, reference materials, spare parts, and whatever else you might need to make life easier for someone working on a particular type of task. When making skill or tool proficiency checks, you have advantage in a workshop, and it takes half the usual time. The workshop types available are Electronic, Mechanical, Science, Parapsychology, and Arcana.
Staff Upgrade ($20,000)
Most GB franchises have a NPC secretary/receptionist who books jobs, does light accounting, and will empty their own wastebasket, but that’s about it. This upgrade gets you the services of a regular cleaning staff, an on-call lawyer/accountant, and a vehicular mechanic (negating up to 3 RP of environmental damage or other associated costs per session as appropriate).
Stuff You Can Buy Online (varies)
Camcorders, laptop computers, Elvis’s autograph? Prices may vary.
Whattya think? Next time… The Gadget List.
-The Gneech
Charity for #GhostbustersFriday
Just a fun sketch I did earlier this week for warm-up. :) Posting it here for those who don’t follow on Twitter or Patreon.
One of Charity’s short-lived jobs before she took on the Rough House, maybe?
-The Gneech
Ghostbusters 5E: Backgrounds
With this piece in place, the actual creating of Ghostbuster characters is possible, although equipping them will have to wait until the next post.
Background
This is what you were before you became a Ghostbuster, your character’s “back story” as it were. It provides you with some proficiencies, a special feature, and your characteristics (Trait, Ideal, Bond, and Flaw). The ones listed here are far from exhaustive– if you have a background idea that doesn’t fall into any of these (for instance, if you wanted to play a former police detective turned Ghostbuster, who therefore has proficiency with guns and the Investigation skill), you should work with the GM to create a custom background that suits your character.
Random tables have been provided in order to quickly select characteristics, but you should not feel required to roll. Pick characteristics that suit you or make up your own. These are intended as roleplaying prompts, not a straightjacket.
Academic
You may have become a Ghostbuster straight out of college, or possibly you are still a student or professor. The point is that you’re a lot more comfortable among the books than you are taking the hard knocks of the real world.
Skill Proficiencies: Parapsychology, choice of: Electronics, History, Medicine, Religion, Science
Tool Proficiencies: computers
Languages: Latin, one other of your choice
Equipment: smart phone, laptop or tablet, lots and lots of books
Feature: Research Savant
You have advantage on Intelligence (Investigation) checks made to look up information. When you attempt to learn or recall a piece of lore, if you don’t know the information, you at least have a pretty good idea where and from whom you can obtain it, if it’s available.
Suggested Characteristics
d8) Personality Trait
1) I use polysyllabic words that convey the impression of great erudition.
2) I’ve read every book in the world’s greatest libraries– or I like to boast that I have.
3) I’m used to helping out those who aren’t as smart as I am, and I patiently explain anything and everything to others.
4) There’s nothing I like better than a good mystery.
5) I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgement.
6) I… speak… slowly… when talking… to idiots… which… almost… everyone… is… compared… to me.
7) I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations.
8) How do I stay so energetic in the lab all the time? Coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee!!!
d6) Ideal
1) The Greater Good. The purpose of learning is to serve mankind.
2) Beauty. What is beautiful points us beyond itself toward what is true.
3) Logic. Emotions must not cloud our logical thinking.
4) No Limits. Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence.
5) Discovery. The world is amazing! Let’s see what’s out there!
6) Aspiration. The goal of a life of study is the betterment of oneself.
d6) Bond
1) It is my duty to protect my students from the horrors lurking out there.
2) I have an ancient text that holds terrible secrets that must not fall into the wrong hands.
3) Funding is being cut, cut, cut! The only way the university will be able to keep open its doors is if we go to work.
4) My life’s work is the definitive modern rewrite of the Spates Catalog of Nameless Horrors in a 20-volume set.
5) I’ve been searching my whole life for the answer of just what that thing really was under my bed when I was six.
6) Nobody will ever again suffer the same fate as Professor Armitage. Not while I have the tools to prevent it.
d6) Flaw
1) I am easily distracted by the promise of information.
2) Most people scream and run when they see a demon. I stop and take notes on its anatomy.
3) Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization.
4) I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones.
5) I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others.
6) I can’t keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else’s.
Buckaroo
You’re a rip-roarin’ rootin’-tootin’ adventurer, busting spooks where in an another era you might have been wrangling cattle or punching Nazis over mystic artifacts. You’ve probably got a name like “Montana Smith” or “Billabong Jack” and you’re prone to wearing a hat of some variety… which looks ridiculous with a Ghostbusters jumpsuit but you wear it anyway. At least you’re dedicated.
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Survival
Tool Proficiencies: cars, mechanic tools, rope, a musical instrument
Equipment: pickup truck, mechanic tools, climbing gear, cowboy boots, a hat, a musical instrument
Feature: Snakeblood
You were bitten by a poisonous snake when you were a child, but you were so tough it was the one who died. Ever since then you’ve had advantage on saving throws against poison and advantage on Wisdom (Survival) check that involve dealing with critters.
Suggested Characteristics
d8) Personalty Trait
1) I have endless tales of the open road, of jackalopes on the prairie and sasquatch in the Pacific Northwest. Yessirree, I’ve seen it all and done it all.
2) I watch over my friends as if they were a litter of newborn pups.
3) I once punched a man so hard his kneecaps plum shot off his legs.
4) This reminds me of when I was being chased by cultists in Malaysia. Good times, good times.
5) Money and manners won’t save you from a ragin’ werewolf, sonny!
6) I’m always picking things up, absently fiddling with them, and sometimes accidentally breaking them.
7) I feel far more comfortable around animals than people.
8) I was, in fact, raised by wolves.
d6) Ideal
1) Raisin’ Hell. Yeee-haw! Life’s an adventure, let’s get at it!
2) Heroism. People need protecting, and we’re the ones to do it!
3) The Code of the West. It’s about law an’ order an’ doin’ what’s right. Eeyup.
4) I Can Lick Any Varmint In the World. Or the underworld, as the case may be!
5) Nature. Them things… they ain’t natural. The DEVIL made them things.
6) Fortune and Glory, Kid. My name in the paper and my picture on TV, and life is good.
d6) Bond
1) I reckon they’re crazier than a bucket full o’ sidewinders, but my team-mates are my family.
2) I’ll protect what’s good in this world against those things from the outside.
3) I dunno what it was destroyed the farm, all I know it was all eyes and tentacles. But it’s out there still, and I’m gonna make it pay.
4) I’m the last of a dyin’ breed, son. But I’ll make sure those that came before me are remembered in legend.
5) I’m a lonely rambler, lookin’ for a home.
6) What’ve the dern sasquatch done to YOU? I’ll protect ’em from havin’ their homes paved over one way or another.
d6) Flaw
1) Fire-water. ’nuff said.
2) Y’all think too much! It’s time for some ACTION! YEEE-haw!
3) I remember every insult I’ve received and nurse a silent resentment toward anyone who’s ever wronged me.
4) I don’t need this! I don’t need your fancy words and your crazy theories, and I don’t need YOU!
5) This is boring. I’mma go blow something up.
6) Don’t expect me to save those what can’t save themselves. It’s nature’s way for the strong to eat the weak.
Dilettante
You’re independently wealthy and have time to kill. You got into busting ghosts because it looked like a fun way to kill some time.
Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, choice of one other
Tool Proficiencies: computers, cars
Languages: one of your choice
Equipment: expensive clothes, sportscar, credit cards, laptop
Feature: Wealthy
You can easily cover the cost of anything you break. No matter how many ghosts you roll, doors you kick in, or ectomobiles you crash, you never do any Environmental Damage. You are a high roller and a big tipper, welcome in high society, and people assume you have the right to be wherever you are.
Suggested Characteristics
d8) Personality Trait
1) My eloquent flattery makes everyone I talk to feel like the most wonderful and important person in the world.
2) Ordinary people love me for my kindness and generosity.
3) No one could doubt by looking at my style and flair that I am a person of wealth and taste.
4) I always have the latest gadget, the newest toy, the flashiest thingamabob. I don’t even know what half of it is for, but who cares? It looks cool.
5) Only the best food, the finest hotels, and the most interesting people. Why waste my time with less?
6) Well, yeah, technically I am what you’d call rich but it’s no big deal really. I mean we all breathe the same air, right?
7) Could we wrap this up please? I’ve got some people coming over later to discuss my investment portfolio.
8) Wow, this nuclear acceleration technology is amazing! But it’s what, thirty years old? We need to bring ghost-busting into the 21st century!
d6) Ideal
1) Respect. Rich or poor, mighty or powerless, all people deserve to be treated with dignity.
2) Responsibility. Life’s been good to me, and I feel it’s important to use that opportunity to make the world a better place.
3) Independence. I can handle myself! I don’t need my family, or their money, watching over me all the time!
4) Getting Even Richerer. You play your cards right, ghost-busting’s a great gig. That Peter Venkman acts like a jerk, but he’s a jerk with a niiiiice retirement fund.
5) Family. I’m not going to just fritter away the family fortune. I’ve got to earn my way and prove my place.
6) Noblesse Oblige. It’s my duty to protect and care for people, because I can, and if I don’t, who will?
d6) Bond
1) I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family.
2) All of my wealth? It doesn’t mean anything against the vast wonder and horror of the cosmos…
3) My teammates are the first people who ever liked me just for me instead of just caring about my money.
4) God, America, and the Busting of Ghosts!
5) People see me as a pointless playboy. I’ll do whatever it takes to prove there’s more to me than money.
6) I’m in it for the kicks, man. What a riiiiide!
d6) Flaw
1) I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me.
2) I openly believe that everyone is beneath me.
3) I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin my public reputation forever.
4) Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Not necessarily in that order.
5) In fact, the world does revolve around me.
6) What does “oblivious” mean?
Goth
Ghosts, vampires, the walking dead… it feels like home. You made a promise to only bust the bad ones, and in the meantime you’re going to stick with wearing black until you find something darker.
Skill Proficiencies: Parapsychology, Religion
Language: Latin
Equipment: lots of black makeup, lots of black clothes, Joy Division CD
Feature: Creepy
You tend to creep out the living, gaining advantage on Charisma (Intimidate) checks against them; on the other hand, spooks, otherworldly creatures and the like are “your crowd,” giving you advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks against them. Go fig.
Suggested Characteristics
d8) Personality Trait
1) Don’t let the black eyeliner fool you, I actually hate Tim Burton movies. Such a poser.
2) I see omens in every event and action. The Powers try to speak to us, we just need to listen.
3) I have pockets lined with smaller pockets, and there’s a bangle, trinket, or small wad of money in every one. I also wear striped fingerless gloves with my Ghostbuster uniform.
4) I am tiny, scrawny, and thin, and seem for all the world to be little more than a layer of skin around a wire frame. My flexibility weirds people out.
5) I can stare down a hellhound without flinching. Like, whatever.
6) I am the happiest, perkiest goth you’ve ever met. I like butterflies with skull heads on their wings.
7) I write painfully beautiful poetry and leave it in coffeeshops for people to find and weep over.
8) I’m a hopeless romantic, always searching for that “special someone.”
d6) Ideal
1) Beauty. There can be no light without darkness… therefore the light shines purest into the dark places of the world.
2) Justice. It’s a hard life for those on the fringes of the world. Maybe I can find a way to make it better.
3) Live and Let Live. Hey, as long as the ghouls aren’t actually hurting anybody…
4) Freedom. Just because you don’t understand me, doesn’t give you the right to say I’m wrong.
5) Balance. I seek to comfort the disturbed… and to disturb the comfortable.
6) Sincerity. This makeup and these clothes are the real me. Deal with it.
d6) Bond
1) I have in me the greatest work of literature yet to be written… I just need to find someone worthy to dedicate it to.
2) My teammates accept me for who I am. That’s worth everything.
3) Yes, it’s true. I fell in love with a ghost. It’s not easy for either of us.
4) It was supposed to be a game. We didn’t expect to be answered by a real demon. And now I have to undo our horrible mistake.
5) Sure, a lot of it’s for show. But there are real secrets, dark secrets, that I must keep out of the grasp of evil… things.
6) Ghostbusters get all the hottest chicks. Or dudes. Or both. Both is good.
d6) Flaw
1) My affinity for the darker side sometimes blinds me to real danger.
2) I can barely conceal my contempt for “norms,” and often don’t bother to try.
3) Everything to excess! Moderation is for monks.
4) Some people say I’m a flake. Whatever.
5) I am suspicious of strangers and expect the worst of them.
6) I don’t have flaws! YOU have flaws. You ALL have flaws! Nobody understands me!
Hustler
You’ve got the moves, you’ve got the moxie. Or at least you think you do.
Skill Proficiencies: two from Deception, Persuasion, or Stealth
Tool Proficiencies: choice of: cars, computers, playing cards, or a musical instrument
Equipment: rusted out car, some cigarettes or cheap booze, a TV set
Feature: Streetwise
You have advantage on all Intelligence (Investigation) checks to find illicit goods, criminal activity, or people hiding out in urban environments, as well as Charisma (Persuasion) checks made to convince criminals or other shady types that you are safe to interact with.
Suggested Characteristics
d8) Personality Trait
1) I fall in and out of love easily, and am always pursuing someone.
2) I have a joke for every occasion, especially occasions where humor is inappropriate.
3) Flattery is my preferred method of getting what I want.
4) The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it.
5) Anything you want… for a price.
6) Sarcasm and insults are my weapons of choice.
7) An enemy says nice things to your face and nasty things behind your back. A friend is the exact opposite.
8) I’d be late for my own funeral. Preferably, I’d skip it all together.
d6) Ideal
1) Independence. I am a free spirit– nobody tells me what to do.
2) Fairness. I never take advantage of people who can’t afford it… or don’t deserve it.
3) People. I’m loyal to my friends, not to my ideals. And everyone else can lump it.
4) Creativity. I never use the same bit twice.
5) Redemption. People don’t think much of me… but I’m going to prove myself.
6) Fun. Life’s too short to not be having a blast.
d6) Bond
1) I’m trying to pay off an old debt to somebody, whether they want me to or not.
2) I owe everything to my mentor– a horrible person who’s probably rotting in jail somewhere.
3) Hey, I may crack wise, but when the chips are down, I’m a professional.
4) Someday, my name will be in lights. I’ll be one of the greats.
5) I made a mistake… and somebody got hurt. I’m not gonna let that happen again.
6) Maybe you don’t like me. Maybe I don’t like me either. But my friends like me. So I’m not gonna let ’em down.
d6) Flaw
1) I just can’t shut up. It drives people crazy the way I go on and on about anything and everything that comes into my head for hours and hours, even when it’s perfectly clear I’ve made my point and there’s no need for me to keep talking about it any longer.
2) If there’s a plan, I’ll forget it. If I don’t forget it, I’ll ignore it.
3) I’m right behind you, all the way. Like, literally. You go first.
4) I’m convinced there’s no way anybody could fool me as easily as I fool others.
5) If somebody gets on my nerves, I’ll do whatever it takes to make their life miserable.
6) I’ll take any risk, no matter how life-threateningly stupid, if there’s a big enough payoff.
Scientist
Egghead, professor, doc, Mr. Wizard, science guy… you get the idea.
Skill Proficiencies: Medicine, Science
Tool Proficiencies: chemistry tools, electronics tools
Equipment: chemistry tools, electronics tools, scientific library, a personal laboratory
Feature: Discovery
Your scientific researches have given you access to a unique and powerful discovery. The exact nature of this revelation depends on the nature of your research. It might be a great truth about the cosmos, a fantastic invention from the Gadget List, or some relic of the past that could rewrite history. Work with the GM to determine the details of your discovery and its impact on the campaign.
Suggested Characteristics
d8) Personality Trait
1) I’ve spent so long being wrapped up in my studies that I rarely speak, preferring gestures and the occasional grunt. I do send a lot of texts, though, with perfect grammar and spelling.
2) I am too busy being fascinated by the traits of the monster to notice when it tries to eat my head.
3) One of my old professors told me something very interesting about this very topic and I’m going to tell you all about it in great detail now.
4) I speak in a low monotone. I raise my eyebrow when I get truly excited.
5) I determine the numeric probability of success or failure for every action before taking it. This occasionally makes crossing the street difficult.
6) I’m sorry, what were you saying? I was calculating trajectories in my head. It relaxes me.
7) THAT. WAS. AWESOME. Scrape up the pieces, let’s get some readings!
8) I’m not going to waste time trying to explain this to someone who was educated with a banana and an inner tube.
d6) Ideal
1) Greater Good. The advances of science are meant to be shared for the good of all humanity, not the profit of one single person or group.
2) Logic. Emotions cloud our sense of what is right and true, which is why I had mine surgically removed.
3) Free Thinking. Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress.
4) Power. They call me mad. But soon they will fear my name!
5) Truth. There are those who fear the universe to be a place of sheer cold terror. Even if it is, we must learn to understand it.
6) SCIENCE! ’nuff said.
d6) Bond
1) My discovery will change the world! And I’ll make sure it does!
2) Ia! Ftagn! (cough) I mean, fascinating.
3) There is more in Heaven and Earth than is dreamt of in your philosophy. Let’s find out what it is, shall we?
4) I can’t go any further on theory– now I must put my discoveries into practice.
5) I obliterated my family fortune to pay for my discovery. So that’s a problem.
6) Einstein, Tesla, Curie… and me!
d6) Flaw
1) I like keeping secrets and won’t share them with anyone.
2) Science can fix anything! Or anyone. Even if they aren’t broken.
3) I can tell you anything about fusion, but I wouldn’t notice if my best friend were heartbroken.
4) I let my need to win arguments overshadow friendships and harmony.
5) Anyone not as smart as I am, is an idiot. Which means almost everyone.
6) My mind has been dominated by an alien intelligence since I was five.
Wannabe Hero
There’s bad stuff out there, and somebody’s gotta protect people! So who ya gonna call?
Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Intimidation
Tool Proficiencies: cars, one other of your choice
Equipment: tools matching your proficiency choice, economy car
Feature: Friend of the People
In your years of helping people out, you’ve earned a lot of favors. Maybe it’s Mrs. McGinty, who sends you cookies every Christmas. Maybe it’s that cop you helped out on a case and who’ll let you peek into the files now and again. Maybe it’s the creepy gal who works the night shift at the library and has access to the special collection. Whenever you need something, there’s probably somebody in town who can give you a hand.
Suggested Characteristics
d8) Personality Trait
1) If someone is in trouble, you know I’ll be there to help.
2) When I set my mind to something, I follow through no matter what gets in my way.
3) I have a strong sense of fair play and always try to find the most equitable solution to arguments.
4) I’m confident in my own abilities and do what I can to instill confidence in others.
5) I’m cheerful but not always the brightest. Kind of like a giant, adorable dog.
6) This is no time to talk! Someone needs help!
7) I make loud pronouncements about myself! It boosts morale and adds courage!
8) Tell the truth? Ghosts are just neat.
d6) Ideal
1) Respect. Treat other people the way you’d want to be treated. That’s just basic courtesy.
2) Sincerity. There’s no good in pretending to be something I’m not.
3) Community. We can build a better world– together!
4) Charity. We have to do what we can to make things right for people– or ghosts– in trouble.
5) People. What can I say? I love everybody, and I want to make their lives better.
6) Glory. I can hold my head up high, because I know I’m somebody. I’m a Ghostbuster!
d6) Bond
1) Your team? They’re like your family. You watch out for each other, and you’ll all be okay.
2) When I was just a little kid, a spook called “The Bogeyman” carried me off to another dimension! It was the Ghostbusters who saved me. I’m just carrying on the torch.
3) There’s somebody special in my life, and I hope to prove myself worthy of them.
4) My little sister looks up to me! I’ve got to show her what it means to do the right thing.
5) I was weak and afraid once. Never again. Never. Again.
6) I don’t know what these things we fight really are, but I know that they want to cause chaos and destruction, and I’m not going to let that happen!
d6) Flaw
1) I can handle anything! By myself if I have to! Nothing’s too big for me!
2) I have no idea what I’m doing.
3) So what if I can’t keep a secret? Secrets are for losers anyhow! And I do NOT have a big mouth!
4) My big talk is just to cover my crushing insecurity and loneliness.
5) I don’t have a chip on my shoulder, you take that back!
6) Honestly? I’m totally afraid of ghosts.
Weirdo
You make the scientist look like a well-adjusted and mainstream member of society. You ramble about conspiracies, talk to the shadows, and make people really uncomfortable. The worst part? Is when the shadows talk back.
Skill Proficiencies: Parapsychology, choice of Religion or Science
Languages: choice of German, Greek, or Latin
Equipment: ritual knife, a copy of the Necronomicon or other tome, a lot of aluminum foil
Feature: On the Fringe
You are connected with a vast network of people on the edges of society… or beyond it. Researchers, crackpots, lunatics and visionaries, all dismissed by ordinary people, but all willing to help out fellow “seekers” like themselves with information that may or may not be useful, strange inventions or items that may or may not actually do anything, or even just someone to watch your back when you go down into the tunnels of the mole people. The truth is out there… and these people will help you find it.
Suggested Characteristics
d8) Personality Trait
1) I’m haunted by the memory of… things I cannot and must not recall!
2) I seem perfectly normal until I begin to explain to you calmly and rationally about the cats who live on the moon and come down at night to whisper to you in your dreams.
3) I. Never. Stop. Smiling.
4) Well of course I wear an aluminum foil hat, who in their right mind doesn’t? But do you know about lining your SHOES?
5) I have a crippling, irrational fear of pickles.
6) I have a crippling, rational fear of pickles.
7) I wipe everything down with antiseptic spray. Including my lunch. And the people I’m talking to.
8) I pick up things and pocket them. I also pull strange things out of my pocket and leave them in random places. It has to do with the feng shui, you see.
d6) Ideal
1) Truth. I shall find it. I shall reveal it. Whether it saves us or destroys us, hardly matters, as long as we face it.
2) Comfort. I know what it is to feel isolated, confused, and alone. I shall do what I can to prevent anyone else from knowing that pain.
3) Security. If the whole world knew the truth of the cosmos, humanity would run screaming into the peace and comfort of a new dark age. We are their bulwark.
4) Determination. There are secrets out there, secrets that are being kept from me. I will know the truth, or die trying!
5) Greater Good. Learning the true nature of the cosmos may be a painful wrench at first, but in the long run it’s necessary to face the truth and learn to cope.
6) Power. Trapping ghosts is merely phase one. These “Ghostbuster” fools have only begun to scratch the surface!
d6) Bond
1) I lost loved ones to unnameable, unknowable things. While I live, never again!
2) Yes, my friends think I’m crazy. Let them laugh. But I shall protect them in spite of themselves.
3) Battling the demons that haunt others, helps me battle the demons that haunt myself.
4) One day I shall be strong enough to return to that cursed place, and destroy the thing that whispers to me in the night.
5) This book holds all the secrets of the cosmos! Unfortunately, it’s written in no Earthly language. Darn.
6) I vow that I shall drive back the darkness that gnaws at the edges of reality!
d6) Flaw
1) Where to start?
2) We are all just pawns in a giant cosmic chess game. If it is our place to fall, we shall fall. It is inevitable.
3) Why are you disturbing me with trifles! “Take a shower. Pay the rent. Your hair is on fire.” Can’t you see I’m busy?
4) I sometimes doubt my own sanity. Other times, I doubt yours.
5) I must go. My planet needs me.
6) I’m a werewolf. Don’t tell the guys.
Working Joe
It’s not just an adventure! It’s a job.
Skill Proficiencies: Insight, choice of: Athletics, Electronics, Investigation, Mechanics, Medicine, Parapsychology, Perception, Stealth, Survival
Tool Proficiencies: cars, two others of your choice
Feature: Sane
No matter how world-class weird it gets in your line of work, you stay grounded and relatable. That doesn’t mean you don’t freak out every now and again, but even when you freak out you keep your head about it. When you are subject to confusion effects, you roll twice and take the preferred result. Furthermore, in situations where having a “voice of reason” would be beneficial, you or any ally within 30′ that can hear you has advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks.
d8) Personality Trait
1) I’m always polite and respectful.
2) I didn’t have a lot of school, but my momma didn’t raise no fool.
3) I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is almost always the best path to success.
4) Zap ’em, cap ’em, trap ’em. It’s Miller Time.
5) I’m the strong, silent type.
6) Check out this badass gear! Do I look awesome or what?
7) I come up with funny names for everybody, including and especially the spooks we bust.
8) I’m snarky, but with a heart of gold. Well, silver, anyway.
d6) Ideal
1) Teamwork. I got their backs, they got mine. Glory’s good, but getting’ the job done is better.
2) Pride. I do a good job, that earns me respect and an honest living.
3) Kickin’ Undead Butt. Those spooks have gotta be busted, and I’m the one for the job!
4) Doing the Right Thing. Sometimes it just feels good to lend a hand, y’know?
5) Toys! I don’t even know what a thermoplasmic interphaser is, but I totally want to smoke some spuds with it.
6) Action. You get to blare a siren, see horrifying monsters, blast a proton pack, dodge flying debris, and swing from cables… and that’s just orientation! This is the best job ever!
d6) Bond
1) All my life I’ve wanted to be really good at something. Maybe this will be it.
2) Gettin’ some thrills while I pay the bills, baby! WOOOOHOO!
3) We do important work. I’m proud to be a Ghostbuster.
4) Don’t tell the guys I said so, but I love ’em all, the giant bozos.
5) I’m not letting any moldy Babylonian god bring about the end-times in MY town!
6) If there’s a steady paycheck in it? I’ll believe anything you say.
d6) Flaw
1) I do what the boss says… even if I think they’re wrong.
2) I quickly lose patience with anything too complex, subtle, or just plain boring.
3) I’m prone to run away first, and ask questions later.
4) I’d say anything to avoid doing a little extra work.
5) I’m easily talked or intimidated into doing the stuff nobody else wants to do, and I resent it.
6) Can we cut all the chatter and BLAST something please?
Well that should keep you roleplaying nerds busy for a while! ;) Next time: equipment.
-The Gneech
Wits (First Draft)
Hit Die: d8
Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
Saving Throws: Dex, Cha
Proficiencies: two toolsets, languages, or musical instruments of choice
Skills: Choose three from Acrobatics, Driving, Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, Mechanics, Occult, Parapsychology, Perception, Persuasion, Pilot, Religion, Science, Stealth
Level | Prof. | Features |
1 | +2 | Slick Operator, Make a Remark |
2 | +2 | Jack of All Trades |
3 | +2 | Specialty |
4 | +2 | Personal Development |
5 | +3 | Social Aggro |
6 | +3 | Rally the Troops |
7 | +3 | Confusion Attack |
8 | +3 | Specialty |
9 | +3 | The Hair of Your Teeth |
10 | +4 | Personal Development |
11 | +4 | Go Get ‘Em! |
12 | +4 | C’mon Boxcars |
13 | +5 | Specialty |
14 | +5 | Work the Crowd |
15 | +5 | Personal Development |
16 | +5 | Smooth Recovery |
17 | +6 | Devastating Quip |
18 | +6 | Specialty |
19 | +6 | Stroke of Luck |
20 | +6 | Personal Development |
Slick Operator
Choose two skills from: Acrobatics, Intimidation, Investigation, Persuasion, Perception, Stealth. When make ability checks using those skills, your proficiency bonus is doubled.
Make a Remark
You can use your wit to bring cheer to your friends or dismay your foes. As a bonus action on your turn, choose a creature within 60′ who can hear and understand you. If you are making a cheering remark, that creature may add a Ghost Die to one attack roll, saving throw, or ability check they make within the next minute. Alternatively, they may roll a Ghost Die and regain that many hit points. If they Roll a Ghost when restoring hit points, then they regain a number of hit points equal to their Constitution score (or 6, whichever is greater). If you are making a cutting remark, you roll a Ghost Die on their next d20 roll: they must subtract that amount from their roll. Alternatively, you may choose to roll a Ghost Die and subtract that number from their hit points. If you Roll a Ghost when making a cutting remark, the affected creature must subtract a number equal to your Charisma score (or 6, whichever is greater). You may use this ability a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1). After that, you must complete a short or long rest to use it again.
Jack of All Trades
Starting at 2nd level, you can add half your proficiency bonus (rounded down) to any ability check that does not already include your proficiency bonus.
Specialty
At 3rd level, you choose a specialty for character. The choices are The Pro and Snarkmaster General. You immediately gain the first benefit associated with that specialty, and gain another benefit at 9th, 12th, 16th, and 20th level.
Personal Development
Whenever this option comes up, you have your choice of one of the following options: increase one ability score of your choice by +2, increase two ability scores of your choice by +1 each, or gain a feat.
Social Aggro
Beginning at 5th level, you may use your action to weave a distracting string of words, causing a creature of your choice within 60′ who can hear and understand you to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier). Any creature that can’t be charmed succeeds the saving throw automatically, and if you our your companions are fighting a creature, it has advantage on the save. On a failed save, the target has disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks made to perceive any creature other than you until the beginning of your next turn or until the target can no longer hear you. The effect immediately ends if the creature takes damage from any source. You may extend this effect for a number of rounds equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1) by using a bonus action on each turn to continue talking. You must complete a short or long rest before you can use this ability again.
Rally the Troops
At 6th level, you use your charm and humor to bolster the morale of your allies. Every friendly creature within 60′ who can hear and understand you (including yourself) immediately gains a Ghost Die of hit points + your Charisma modifier. If you Roll a Ghost on this roll, the creatures regain hit points equal to their Constitution score (or 6, whichever is higher) + your Charisma modifier. You may use this ability of number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, after which you must complete a long rest before you can use it again.
Confusion Attack
At 7th level, your ability to spin fascinating but ultimately spurious talk has been honed to such a degree that any creature affected by your Social Aggro ability also becomes charmed and incapacitated.
The Hair of Your Teeth
At 9th level, when you are targeted by an attack or forced to make a saving throw, you may add a Ghost Die to your AC or your d20 roll. You may choose to do this before or after the attack or saving throw result is revealed, but before the damage or effects are applied. You must complete a long rest before you can use this ability again.
Go Get ‘Em!
At 11th level, you have become very effective at getting other people to achieve. On your turn, if you take no actions (except a possible reaction) and do not move, you may instruct one friendly creature within 60′ who can hear and understand you to take an action instead. That creature immediately gets the benefit of an Action Surge (as the Brawn class ability). You must complete a short or long rest before you may use this ability again.
C’Mon Boxcars
At 12th level, when using the Make a Remark or Rally the Troops abilities, you roll two Ghost Dice and take the more favorable result.
Work the Crowd
By 14th level, you have become so adept at Social Aggro (and by extension Confusion Attack) that it affects all creatures of your choice within 60′ who can hear and understand you.
Smooth Recovery
At 16th level you’ve mastered the art of rolling with a flub. When you expend a use of Make a Remark, Social Aggro, or Hair of Your Teeth and receive no or minimal benefit (rolling a 1 on the Ghost Die, failing the saving throw anyway, etc.), that use is automatically recovered. (The result does not change, but the use is no longer considered to have been expended.)
Devastating Quip
At 17th level, when you make a cutting remark, the affected creature must make a Charisma saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier). On a failure, the creature becomes stunned until the end of their next turn.
Stroke of Luck
At 19th level, if your attack misses a target within range, you can turn the miss into a hit. Alternatively, if you fail an ability check, you can treat the d20 roll as a 20. Once you use this feature, you must complete a short or long rest before you can use it again.
Specialties
The Pro
More Skills to Pay the Bills: At 3rd level, you gain three more skills, tool proficiencies, languages, or musical instrument proficiencies of your choice.
Pinch Hitter: At 3rd level, you can “fake it” well enough to emulate the 3rd level specialty of another class for 24 hours. For instance, you might choose to emulate the Inventor specialty of the Brain class, or the Danger Magnet specialty of the Moves class (or even the Snarkmaster General specialty of the Wits class). This confers all of the abilities that specialty would at 3rd level, but any ability must be one that stands alone rather than building on another ability of the class for you to be able to use it– you couldn’t emulate the Heart of the Team ability of the Guts class for instance, because it requires you to have the Got Your Back ability first. You may even choose non-spellcasting specialty trees from classes not in the Ghostbusters game with Ghostmaster approval, selecting the Thief specialty of the Rogue class from the Players Handbook, for example.
You may choose which ability you wish to emulate at any time; once the choice is made, it cannot be changed until you finish a long rest or a maximum of 24 hours. Once the 24 hours is up, any benefits granted by your current choice end immediately– the gadgets fall apart, for example, or you just can’t quite get the knack of those Slick Moves. Even if you choose the same specialty again, it is effectively “reset” to a fresh start.
Flexible Thinking: At 8th level, you are such a quick thinker that you can manage to twist even the most thorough compulsion to your own ends. You have advantage on all saving throws to resist all mind-affecting effects, including charm, fear, or confusion. Your character may very well be dominated by that Class IV possessor, but with a successful save they still remain completely under player control.
Quick Study: At 13th level, when you emulate the specialty of another class, you gain all of the abilities in that specialty tree up to 13th level.
The Pro From Dover: At 18th level, when you emulate the specialty of another class, you gain all of the abilities in that specialty tree up to 18th level.
Snarkmaster General
No Job Is Too Big, No Fee Is Too Big: Starting at 3rd level, when negotiating to mitigate damage or increase your team’s fee for a bust, you have advantage on your Charisma (Persuasion) check.
Fast Talk: Beginning at 3rd level, you have such a gift of gab that you can suggest a wildly improbably or even outrageous course of action (limited to a sentence or two) to someone within 30′ who can hear and understand you, and they must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus = your Charisma modifier) or they will pursue it to the best of their ability for up to 8 hours (or until they complete the action, whatever it is). Creatures that can’t be charmed are immune to this effect. Asking a creature to actively harm themselves or do something completely contrary to their basic nature immediately ends the effect. For instance, you might convince a police officer to stand guard over a sofa instead of questioning you, but you couldn’t convince him to shoot himself. You may also specify actions that will trigger a special activity during the 8-hour period. For instance, you might convince the police officer to arrest the first ghost they see– but if the police officer doesn’t see any ghosts before the 8 hours are up, he can’t very well arrest them. Once you have used this ability, you must complete a short or long rest before you can use it again.
Deadpan Snarker: Beginning at 8th level, you’ve become so jaded that you gain proficiency with Wisdom saving throws and have advantage on all Wisdom and Charisma saving throws.
Mind Trick: At 13th level, you’re so good at fast talking that you can actually make people doubt their memories. By taking an action to weave an at least marginally-convincing alternative scenario, you can force a creature within 30′ that can hear and understand you to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus = your Charisma modifier). Creatures that can’t be charmed are immune to this effect, and if you are fighting the creature, it has advantage on the saving throw. On a failed save, the creature becomes charmed by you for one minute. During that time the creature is incapacitate and unaware of its surroundings, though it can still hear you. If the creature takes damage for any reason the effect ends and none of the creature’s memories are modified. While the charm lasts, you can affect the target’s memory of an event that it experienced within the last 24 hours and that lasted no more than 10 minutes. You can permanently eliminate all memory of the event, allow the target to recall the even with perfect clarity and exacting detail, change its memory of the details of the event, or create a memory of some other event. The modified memories take hold when the charm ends. A modified memory doesn’t necessarily affect how a creature behaves, particularly if the memory contradicts the creature’s natural inclinations or beliefs. An illogical modified memory, such as implanting a memory of how much the creature enjoyed dousing itself in acid, is dismissed, perhaps as a bad dream. Once you have used this ability, you must complete a short or long rest before you can use it again.
Reality Distortion Field: By 18th level, your powers of persuasion are so off the charts that the stuff you come up with doesn’t even have to be believable any more. When using Fast Talk, Mind Trick, Social Aggro, or Devastating Quip, all creatures targeted by the abilities have disadvantage on their saving throws. (Alternatively, creatures with advantage on their saving throws have that advantage canceled out.) You still cannot force a creature to do something clearly suicidal or completely against its true nature, no matter how persuasive you are. But you can make them think about it, which is creepy enough.
That’s it for the classes! Whattya think? Next time, Ghostbuster Backgrounds (Traits, Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws).
-The Gneech
(Artwork by T. Rex Jones. Thanks for the heads-up, Softpaw!)
Why just bust ghosts, when you can do it with style?
Moves (First Draft)
Hit Die: d8
Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
Saving Throws: Dex, Cha
Proficiencies: two toolsets, languages, musical instruments, or other equipment of choice
Skills: You are proficient with Acrobatics. You may also choose three from Athletics, Driving, Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, Mechanics, Occult, Perception, Performance, Persuasion, Pilot, Religion, Stealth
Level | Prof. | Features |
1 | +2 | Nice Moves, Nimble Minx |
2 | +2 | Action Surge (one use) |
3 | +2 | Specialty |
4 | +2 | Personal Development |
5 | +3 | Uncanny Dodge |
6 | +3 | Sure Footed |
7 | +3 | Improved Critical |
8 | +3 | Personal Development |
9 | +3 | Specialty |
10 | +4 | Reliable Talent |
11 | +4 | Slippery |
12 | +4 | Specialty |
13 | +5 | Personal Development |
14 | +5 | Action Surge (two uses) |
15 | +5 | Elusive |
16 | +5 | Specialty |
17 | +6 | Personal Development |
18 | +6 | Action Surge (three uses) |
19 | +6 | Just That Good |
20 | +6 | Specialty |
Nice Moves
Choose one proficiency from your skills, tool proficiencies, or musical instrument proficiencies. Your proficiency bonus is doubled when making any checks on Dexterity (Acrobatics) and the chosen proficiency.
Nimble Minx
On your turn, you may use a bonus action to take the Dash, Dodge, or Disengage actions.
Action Surge
At 2nd level, on your turn, you may take an extra action, on top of any other action and possible bonus action. You must complete a short or long rest before using this ability again. At 14th level you have two uses between short or long rests, and at 18th level you have three uses between short or long rests.
Specialty
At 3rd level, you choose a specialty for character. The choices are Marksman or Razzle Dazzle. You immediately gain the first benefit associated with that specialty, and gain another benefit at 9th, 12th, 16th, and 20th level.
Personal Development
Whenever this option comes up, you have your choice of one of the following options: increase one ability score of your choice by +2, increase two ability scores of your choice by +1 each, gain a feat.
Uncanny Dodge
Starting at 5th level, when an attacker that you can see hits you with an attack, you can use your reaction to halve the attack’s damage against you.
Sure Footed
Beginning at 6th level, your movement is not hampered by difficult terrain. Also, you may return to a standing position from being prone on your turn without expending movement.
Improved Critical
Beginning at 7th level, your weapon attacks score a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20.
Reliable Talent
Starting at 10th level, whenever you make an ability check that allows you to add your proficiency bonus, you can treat a d20 roll of 9 or lower as a 10.
Slippery
Beginning at 11th level, you may add a Ghost Die to all saving throws to avoid the Grappled, Prone, or Restrained conditions.
Elusive
Beginning at 15th level, you are so elusive that no attack roll against you has advantage while you are not incapacitated.
Just That Good
Beginning at 19th level, whenever you Roll a Ghost (for any reason), you may immediately take a free action.
Specialties
Marksman
Sharp Shot: At 3rd level, you acquire the Sharpshooter feat if you do not already have it. Also, you get +2 on all ranged attacks, including ghost capture attempts (or alternatively, add +2 to the DC a ghost must beat to avoid a capture attempt you are making). When using the Attack action with a ranged weapon, you may use your bonus action to make a second attack.
From the Hip: If you are surprised on the first round in combat, you may still draw and fire a ranged weapon as a reaction, but with disadvantage on the attack roll.
Boom! Headshot. Beginning at 9th level, when you make a critical hit with a ranged weapon, it automatically does the maximum amount of damage.
Double Barrels: Beginning at 12th level, when making a ranged attack, you may attack twice with the attack Action (similar to the Extra Attack feature of the Brawn class). This is in addition to any attack you make with your bonus action.
Use the Force, Buster! At 17th level, your instincts are so finely honed that you do not actually need to be looking at your target to hit them. You are never at disadvantage for blindness or target invisibility when making a ranged weapon attack. You can also shoot a target while looking the other way, which just plain looks badass.
Fireworks: At 20th level, when make a ranged attack with the Attack action, you may choose to make a single attack against every target within range. Doing so forfeits the extra attack from Double Barrels, but you may still use your bonus action to make a second attack if you wish.
Razzle Dazzle
Slick Moves: At 3rd level, you learn a number of maneuvers from the Battle Master maneuvers list from the Fighter Class of the Player’s Handbook equal to your proficiency bonus. Every time your proficiency bonus increases, you may select another maneuver. When you gain new maneuvers, you may also replace one maneuver you know with a different one if you choose. Your “superiority dice” are Ghost Dice and their size does not increase. You have a number of superiority dice equal to your proficiency bonus + your Dexterity modifier. The saving throw against any of your maneuvers is equal to 8 + your proficiency + your Dexterity modifier.
You may also expend one of your superiority dice to add a Ghost Die to any Dexterity check, Dexterity saving throw, or ranged attack roll, but you may only do this once per turn.
Super Fly: Beginning at 9th level, when you Roll a Ghost on a superiority die, the die is considered to have not been expended by its use.
Quicker Than the Eye: At 12th level, when you are hit by an attack or fail a Dexterity saving throw, as a reaction you may immediately move yourself up to 30′ away before the blow lands (as if taking the Dash action). If this takes you out of range of the attack or the area of effect, you remain unscathed. You must complete a long rest before you may use this ability again.
Ain’t Even Tired: Starting at 17th level, when you roll initiative and have no superiority dice remaining, you regain 1 superiority die.
Phoning It In: At 20th level, if your attack misses a target within range, you may convert the miss into a hit. Alternatively, if you fail an ability check, you can treat the d20 roll as a 20. You must complete a short or long rest before you can use this ability again.
Whattya think? Next time, the last of the classes: Wits.