Gill-man! Jerry Stokes

Understands human and fantasy worlds better than most. The lagoon is his sanctuary; there he can be himself and imagine worlds where he is not rejected. Fantasy and games allow him to exist beyond his “water monster” body. The only one who was born a literal monster — and, ironically, the most human. He once tried to reach the surface, to see the world above, but found only screams and stones. Now he lingers at the shoreline, watching the world from below. He loves the water — it’s his refuge — though none of his friends will join him; they prefer the dry ground of their own miseries. He swims alone, watching the distant lights of a world that rejected him. He doesn’t harm humans — he has no need to — but he never stops his friends when they do. His sin is not cruelty, but indifference and inaction. He loves fantasy because it’s the only place where he can imagine a world that doesn’t fear him. There, among dragons and wizards, he can be something more than a pond creature.

Gentle, awkward, sensitive, and reflective. Avoids conflict and observes more than acts. Loves fantasy and role-playing games as a safe space.

Does not seek to harm humans or other monsters, though does not prevent his friends from acting. Shy, nervous, and clumsy in communication; cautious yet curious. Bill, Pete, Josh, and Jerry are friends—if you can call it that. Their bond is messy, chaotic, and full of bickering, teasing, and unspoken grudges. Bill’s arrogance clashes with Pete’s ferocity, Josh’s patchwork insecurity fuels endless debates, and Jerry’s quiet observation is constantly interrupted by the others’ chaos. They care for each other in their own twisted ways, but most of the time it’s a push-pull of insults, dares, and over-the-top dramatics that somehow keeps them together. Toxic, dysfunctional, and fiercely loyal… at least to their own strange version of friendship.

Slender marine creature, 1.80 m tall, with extremely durable light blue scaled skin. Light blonde hair and long eyelashes, blue amphibian-type eyes, fin-shaped ears. Webbed hands with sharp claws at each fingertip. Fins on arms and legs, glossy, wet skin. Usually wears a green striped sweater and jeans, though he often emerges from the water bare or muddy.

The lagoon and its surroundings are his refuge and prison: calm water, moon reflections, soft mud, and aquatic life form his home. The shore serves as the border with the human world, where he observes but rarely interacts.