Buy me a coffeeMarco Polo, “The Venetian Voyager”
“Discover Marco Polo’s Incredible Adventures: From Epic Journeys to Hidden Treasures!”
- Alias: The Venetian Voyager
- Gender: Male
- Race: Human
- Occupation: Explorer, Merchant, and Writer
- Religion: Christian
- Allies: Niccolò and Maffeo Polo (his father and uncle), Kublai Khan (Mongol Emperor)
- Enemies: Rival merchants, highway bandits
- Abode/Base of Operations: Varied, depending on his travels, but often in Venice, Italy
- Nationality: Venetian (Italian)
- Languages: Venetian, Italian, Mongolian, Chinese, and various other languages and dialects encountered during his travels
- Alignment: Lawful Neutral
- Affiliation(s): Venetian Republic, Khanbaliq (modern-day Beijing) court of Kublai Khan
- Significant Others: His wife, Donata Badoer, and their three children
Marco Polo is an intrepid Venetian adventurer, known far and wide for his insatiable curiosity and boundless wanderlust. As a character, he embodies the relentless pursuit of discovery and a burning desire to bridge the gap between the known and the unknown.
Inquisitive Nature: Marco’s insatiable curiosity is his driving force. He constantly seeks to unravel the mysteries of the world, quenching his thirst for knowledge through exploration and interaction with diverse cultures. His inquisitive nature knows no bounds, propelling him to travel vast distances, often to uncharted lands.
Fearless Wanderer: Fear is an alien concept to Marco. He revels in the face of the unfamiliar, embracing the thrill of the unknown. Whether traversing the treacherous Silk Road, braving harsh terrains, or delving into unfamiliar customs, he remains unflinchingly bold.
Quest for Enlightenment: Marco Polo’s life’s purpose is to gain enlightenment through firsthand experiences. He yearns to connect cultures, unveil hidden treasures, and document the wonders of the world. His writings are destined to inspire generations of future explorers and ignite their own thirst for adventure.
Legacy of Exploration: Marco Polo’s unwavering determination to explore the world, fearlessly cross borders, and foster understanding among diverse societies has left an indelible mark on history. His character is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of exploration, transcending time and inspiring countless others to follow in his footsteps.
Marco Polo
Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral
- Armor Class 14 (padded clothing)
- Hit Points 60 (8d8 + 24)
- Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (+0) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) |
- Skills History +5, Insight +4, Persuasion +5
- Senses passive Perception 12
- Languages Common, Italian, Yuan Dynasty Dialects
- Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Background: Explorer. Marco Polo has advantage on Intelligence (History) checks related to geographical locations and cultures.
Evasion. If Marco Polo is subjected to an effect that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take half damage on a success, he takes no damage on a success and half damage on a failure.
Jack of All Trades. Marco Polo can add half his proficiency bonus, rounded down, to any ability check he makes that doesn’t already include his proficiency bonus.
Uncanny Dodge. When an attacker Marco Polo can see hits him with an attack, he can use his reaction to halve the attack’s damage against him.
Actions
Multiattack. Marco Polo makes two attacks with his merchant’s knife.
Merchant’s Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Negotiate. Marco Polo engages in persuasive conversation with a creature within 30 feet that can understand a language he speaks. The target must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target is charmed by Marco Polo for 1 minute and will not engage in hostile actions. The charmed target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. Once a creature successfully saves against this ability, it is immune to Marco Polo’s Negotiate for the next 24 hours.
Reactions
Evasion. When Marco Polo is subjected to an effect that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take half damage on a success, he takes no damage on a success and half damage on a failure.
Uncanny Dodge. When an attacker Marco Polo can see hits him with an attack, he can use his reaction to halve the attack’s damage against him.
Equipment
- Padded clothing
- Merchant’s knife
- Compass (non-magical)
- Journal and writing supplies
- 10 gold coins
- A set of traveler’s clothes
Magic Items
- Polo’s Explorer Map (Rare). A magical map that Marco Polo has meticulously drawn during his travels. While holding this map, Marco Polo can use an action to focus on a specific location he has visited. If that location is on the same plane of existence, he instantly knows the general direction and distance to it.
- Silk Road Medallion (Uncommon). A medallion Marco Polo received from a Silk Road trader as a token of goodwill. While wearing this medallion, Marco Polo has advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks when interacting with traders and merchants.
Roleplaying Notes
Marco Polo is a seasoned explorer, diplomat, and historian. His travels have taken him to the distant lands of the East, including the courts of Kublai Khan. He is a skilled negotiator, using his charm and knowledge to navigate unfamiliar cultures and forge alliances. Marco Polo’s unquenchable curiosity drives him to seek out new horizons, record the wonders of the world, and foster cultural exchange between East and West. He fears the unknown and wishes to bridge the gap between civilizations through his travels and writings. Marco Polo’s ultimate goal is to share the knowledge he has gained with the world and promote understanding and cooperation among nations.
Currently in the World
Marco Polo is a middle-aged man of average height with a lean, well-traveled physique. His olive-toned skin bears the traces of years spent under the sun, adding character to his appearance. He has a strong jawline and a neatly trimmed beard, graying at the edges, which complements his salt-and-pepper hair.
Currently, Marco Polo is dressed in a practical yet finely crafted traveler’s attire. He wears a long, flowing robe of deep indigo silk, adorned with intricate golden embroidery that tells stories of his journeys across Asia. His robe is cinched at the waist with a wide leather belt, holding a pouch filled with maps and writing materials. Underneath, he sports a simple linen shirt and trousers for comfort during long rides on horseback.
Marco Polo’s well-worn leather boots are testament to the many miles he has covered, and they protect his feet as he treads through various terrains. On his head, he wears a broad-brimmed hat, offering shade from the sun and shielding his eyes as he observes his surroundings.
Currently, Marco Polo finds himself in a bustling marketplace in a distant land, surrounded by colorful stalls, merchants haggling, and the exotic scents of spices and goods from the East. His mood is one of fascination and curiosity, as he soaks in the sights and sounds of this new culture, ever eager to learn and document the wonders he encounters.