You spent years learning the lore of the multiverse. You scoured manuscripts, studied scrolls, and listened to the greatest experts on the subjects that interest you. Your efforts have made you a master in your fields of study.
- Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, History
- Languages: Two 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
Specialty
To determine the nature of your scholarly training, roll a d8 or choose from the options in the table below.
d8 |
Specialty |
1
|
Alchemist
|
2
|
Astronomer
|
3
|
Discredited academic
|
4
|
Librarian
|
5
|
Professor
|
6
|
Researcher
|
7
|
Wizard’s apprentice
|
8
|
Scribe
|
Feature: Researcher
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 or 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
Sages are defined by their extensive studies, and their characteristics reflect this life of study. Devoted to scholarly pursuits, a sage values knowledge highly—sometimes in its own right, sometimes as a means toward other ideals.
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 more than a good mystery.
|
5
|
I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment.
|
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
|
I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets.
|
d6 |
Ideal |
1
|
Knowledge. The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge. (Neutral)
|
2
|
Beauty. What is beautiful points us beyond itself toward what is true. (Good)
|
3
|
Logic. Emotions must not cloud our logical thinking. (Lawful)
|
4
|
No Limits. Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence. (Chaotic)
|
5
|
Power. Knowledge is the path to power and domination. (Evil)
|
6
|
Self-Improvement. The goal of a life of study is the betterment of oneself. (Any)
|
d6 |
Bond |
1
|
It is my duty to protect my students.
|
2
|
I have an ancient text that holds terrible secrets that must not fall into the wrong hands.
|
3
|
I work to preserve a library, university, scriptorium, or monastery.
|
4
|
My life’s work is a series of tomes related to a specific field of lore.
|
5
|
I’ve been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question.
|
6
|
I sold my soul for knowledge. I hope to do great deeds and win it back.
|
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.
|
So, does it matter what Specialty I roll? If i roll a 1 and am an Alchemist can i create potions?
Ideal 6, and Flaw 5 are the beginnings of a great annoying character.
I can see it
What's the point of having specialties that don't exist in the builder?
We can’t use the specialty builder
My name is Bob
I don't believe you.
I say ask your DM but my dm allowed some that went with my class.
personality trait 6 is amazing
Flaw 2 is funny!
Besides adding personality to your character, do the specialties affect anything?
No. All of the Backgrounds have a roll like this - for some specialization within their background. But there's no mechanics to them.
Except for acolytes, nobles, sailors and urchins. They're boring if you don't know how to play them.
This combination makes a great warlock:
Now you have a warlock writing his findings who won't share that stuff with anyone because of Person. Trait 8, and treats everyone horribly because he thinks he's so much smarter than them (Person. Trait 6). Because he has Ideal 6, he wants to improve himself but because of Person. Trait 8 doesn't let anyone do the same with his help. If he has Flaw 1 then he'll be very distracted, and in the case of Flaw 5 he'll just insult anyone he comes across, including those who actually can help him.
I’m all about Bond 2 and Flaw 6- owning a text with powerful secrets and unable to keep secrets yourself.
I imagine hilarity when you tell everyone and nobody believes you, especially with Personality Trait 7.
Until you start a quest with that hook.
Really? Prove it, in a duel!
no way
also personality trait 7 and ideal 5