You were an apprentice, assistant, or servant to a powerful and noteworthy wizard or witch. You may have been raised from birth in the wizard's employ or sent as a child by your family to learn the ways of magic. You may or may not have been tutored by your master, but you have definitely picked up a thing or two about magic during your time serving them. However, most of your life was spent serving in mundane ways, such as cooking meals, sorting scrolls and books, or cleaning the building you and your master resided in, be it a wizard's tower, abandoned college, or house hidden away in a swamp. You have a better understanding of the ways of magic than most, but perhaps not the technical skill or experience to put it to use.
- Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, History
- Tool Proficiencies: Choose one of the following: Alchemist's supplies, Calligrapher's supplies, Cartographer's tools, Chef's Utensils, or Herbalism Kit.
- Languages: Choose one of the following languages: Abyssal, Celestial, Draconic, Elvish, Infernal, Primordial, Sylvan. You know this language somewhat well and can speak, read, and write simple or short sentences. More difficult speech or sentences may require an intelligence check at your DM's discretion, though you will always have at least some idea of what a creature or text is saying.
You may not be notable or famous, but you can often invoke the name of your wizard teacher to get what you want. Many common folk will be impressed with you or acquiesce to certain requests if you tell them the name of the wizard you work for, especially if you have demonstrated magical capabilities. Other wizards may grant you an audience as well, if they know and respect your wizard. You also may have a piece of gear bearing that wizard's symbol, be it your spellbook, your garb, or a sigil, amulet, or ring you wear, and may use that to demonstrate association with that wizard.
Suggested Characteristics
Apprentices are usually not accomplished and have little magical experience. They may seek to become a powerful mage, or be on the run from their master. Their ideals often reflect the wizard they serve, or they may disagree with their wizard's motivations. They may be plagued with doubts about their abilities or drastically overestimate them.
| d6 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I was a lazy student and didn't pay attention to my studies. |
| 2 | It was forbidden of me to learn magic, but I secretly learned all sorts of things when my master wasn't looking. |
| 3 | I can recognize a bully anywhere because my master was one. |
| 4 | My master wasn't very sociable, and so I grew up without much in the way of social interaction. |
| 5 | I can easily anticipate others' needs, or read people's emotions and know when to leave them alone. |
| 6 | I can't recognize when I'm in over my head. At least not until it's too late. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Power. Magic is a power that will make me respected and feared. (Evil) |
| 2 | Knowledge. I seek to unlock the very secrets of reality. (Neutral) |
| 3 | Independence. My master may be powerful, but it is time for me to get out in the world and prove myself (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Greater Good. Magic should be made to protect the weak and help the common folk. (Good) |
| 5 | Logic. Life has taught me that everything follows rules and order and by understanding those rules can we accomplish anything. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Destiny. I am meant for more than cleaning and practicing. I have a greater purpose than as a simple student or servant. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | The wizard I serve is a cruel and demanding master. I am glad to be out from under their thumb. |
| 2 | My wizard has sent me out in search of a magical artifact or rare text. |
| 3 | I carry my wizard master's spellbook with me, and hope to live up to their legacy. |
| 4 | My parents sent me into service to a wizard when I was young, and I've never truly forgiven them for it. |
| 5 | The wizard who raised me is like a parent to me; they taught me everything I know. |
| 6 | The wizard I serve is a fool who didn't see my true potential. Someday I will surpass them. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | Everything I do seems to fail. I doubt I will ever truly become a wizard. |
| 2 | Often my abilities fall short of my bragging. |
| 3 | I am a coward through and through; I do not possess the makings of a great wizard. |
| 4 | Magic is usually my first and last resort. If I make a mistake I will always try to fix it with magic. |
| 5 | I ran away from my master and they will surely punish me harshly should I return. |
| 6 | My knowledge and tutelage make me superior to others. |
You may choose to use the Sage feature "Researcher" if your character is more of the studious sort, to represent time spent sneaking into the library to read from tomes, or knowledge of your master's contacts in other cities and towns. Consult the basic rules for more information on the Sage Background.
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