SOLVED. Adult Scifi series, 3+ novels?, where multiple colony ships are sent out, humans on each ship are gen engineered to suit their specific planet, each planet holds an artifact, protagonists try to collect the artifacts. Read around 1991

[Meatbox]

A scifi series, at least 3 novels, read in paperback form around 1991.

Multiple colony ships are sent out from earth to various planets in different solar systems. The humans on each ship are genetically engineered to suit their specific planet, and each planet holds an artifact. The protagonists try to collect the artifacts, needing to be gen-engineered for each planet along the way.

At least one of the forms was seal-like, for a water world.

I'm a bit hazy on the artifacts - I think they were keys or something relatively small/hand-held size.

[Meatbox]

After further digging, I found it: A four book series by Jack L Chalker called The Rings of the Master. Book one was titled Lords of the Middle Dark.

[SBC]

Glad you found your book! Adding it to my to read list :)

[Bargle]

Link Lords of the Middle Dark by Jack L. Chalker.