Durmand, our founder, said it best; "Your power is only equal to the sum of your knowledge." If that's true, then we're Tyria's best hope to survive the darkness gathering on the horizon.
- Steward Gixx
The Durmand Priory is a scholarly order dedicated to protecting knowledge and lore. Named after the monastery which houses their archives, and in turn after the monastery's founder Durmand, members of the Durmand Priory offer their services as advisers, tutors and chroniclers. Led by the asura, Gixx, they are cautiously willing to share their gathered knowledge.
The Durmand Priory is one of three major multi-racial orders who are looking for ways to combat the Elder Dragons. They hope that intellect, or some lost piece of knowledge, can save the world from the rise of the dragons.
As an Explorer of the Durmand Priory you are an advendurer who is sent on expeditions to uncover abandoned ruins, collect forgotten artifacts, and discover lost knowledge.
- Skill Proficiencies: Chose two: History, Religion, Arcana, or Investigation.
- Tool Proficiencies: Cartographer's Tools or Calligrapher's Supplies.
- Languages: One of your choice.
- Equipment: A bottle of black ink, a quill, a small knife, a letter from a dead colleague posing a question you have not yet been able to answer, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp.
To determine what type of expeditions you prefer to go on, roll a d4 or choose from the options in the table below.
| d4 | Favorite Missions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explorations of lost ruins |
| 2 | Hunts for forgotten artifacts |
| 3 | Quests for secret knowledge |
| 4 | You prefer work that does not take place in the field, but go on expeditions in order to secure a "safer" position in the future |
When you attempt to learn or recall a piece of lore, if you do not know that information, you often know where and from whom you can obtain it. Usually, this information comes from a library, scriptorium, university, or a sage, other learned person or creature. Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an almost inaccessible place, or that it simply cannot be found. Unearthing the deepest secrets of the multiverse can require an adventure or even a whole campaign.
Suggested Characteristics
Because they spend large amounts of time studying the past and exploring ancient ruins, members of the Durmand Priory tend to be quite knowledgeable, although they can
sometimes be ignorant to more modern happenings. They are excited by new discoveries, and are fascinated by exotic cultures and practices. Their social lives often leave much to be desired, as they frequently disappear for days or weeks at a time exploring lost ruins.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I use polysyllabic words that convey the impression of great erudition. |
| 2 | I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment. |
| 3 | I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations. |
| 4 | I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets. |
| 5 | When exposed to some new artifact, I can’t help but try to figure out what it does and how it works. |
| 6 | I like to think of myself as a preserver of culture and protector of history. |
| 7 | I freely offer my knowledge to those who wish to learn, unless it could conflict with my current goal. |
| 8 | I believe the world is full of hidden places and undiscovered lands - and I’m going to be the one to find them. |
| d4 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Adventure: Expeditions are full of excitement, danger and challenge, and that’s what I’m looking for! (Chaotic) |
| 2 | Power: I aim for high office, and my hard work is going to get me there (Lawful) |
| 3 | Aspiration: I’ve worked hard to establish my reputation, but there’s still room for improvement in my work (Good) |
| 4 | Knowledge. As Durmand himself said: "Your power is only equal to the sum of your knowledge." I continue to increase my knowledge of the world, and use it to provide a safe future for Tyria (Good) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | The lessons my mentor taught me made me who I am - I would do anything for them. |
| 2 | A loved one disappeared on an expedition some years ago - I need to find out what happened to them. |
| 3 | I inherited my tools from a relative or guild leader, and I would be devastated to lose them. |
| 4 | I’ve been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question. |
| 5 | My reputation was destroyed by a competitor - I will get my revenge, prove my innocence and their guilt. |
| 6 | My life’s work is a series of tomes related to a specific field of lore. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am easily distracted by the promise of information. |
| 2 | I’m never wrong - that mountain must have been moved. |
| 3 | I neglect my friends and family in favour of obsessing over my work |
| 4 | I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones. |
| 5 | My need for accuracy is all-consuming - I’d rather spend a week retracing my steps to make sure, than allow my group to continue toward their goal. |
| 6 | If I think something is unimportant, I completely ignore it. |
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