The world called—and you answered. Few can resist the lure of distant mysteries in uncharted land; be it endless forests or golden deserts, savage jungles or a jagged mountain range. Perhaps you are paid to explore, accompanying archaeologists or pioneering new territory. You might even be one the rare few born with insatiable curiosity, driven to weave their way through the unknown for nothing but the wonder of what they may discover.
Whatever the reason, you have a knack for finding the secret paths of the world, delving farther than any dared before you.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two of the following: Strength, Nature, Perception, or Survival
- Tool Proficiencies: Cartographer’s tools or navigator’s tools
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A staff, a climber's kit or a coil of hempen rope and a grappling hook, a two-person tent, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
You venture to the farthest corners of the world, but why go to such extremes? Consider the reasoning behind your search across the land and what drives you forward over the often-harsh terrain. You can roll on the following table to determine your motivation, or choose one that best fits your character.
| d4 | Motivation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Patriotism. I explore to claim new places in the name of my people. |
| 2 | Wonder. I explore for the sheer love of discovery, of seeing new places and people. |
| 3 | Zealotry. I've had a vision from my god—it is my holy task to spread their divine glory to uncharted lands. |
| 4 | Mercenary. Above everything else, the sweet promise of gold sees me lend my services to explore and guide others. |
Your instincts of discovery are well honed, and you can almost always find your way to a point of interest when traversing natural environments. In addition, you can precisely recall the exact route you've traveled over the past three weeks.
Suggested Characteristics
Curious and inquisitive, explorers are always thinking ahead to new discoveries rather than dwelling on the present. Rarely settled, constant travelling leads to them forming few permanent bonds, both with people and locations.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | My wanderlust constantly drives me onward. It's rare for me to stay anywhere longer than a week. |
| 2 | Act first, think later. Life is meant to be lived, leave the pondering to the bookish sorts. |
| 3 | If I hear a friend is in trouble then I will return to them as quickly as possible, no matter how far away I might be. |
| 4 | I enjoy a challenge, and can spend hours theorizing on how to solve one. |
| 5 | I dread the return to known civilization, and will do anything I can to delay going back. |
| 6 | I'm always energetic and active, I can't stand being idle. |
| 7 | I've adopted a foreign accent from a distant land I once visited. |
| 8 | I secretly wish to return to a hidden tribe I once found—and live out the rest of my days with them in peace and simplicity. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom. The world is ours to see however we wish, laws and borders are restrictive. (Chaotic) |
| 2 | Education. It is my responsibility to share the knowledge of my people to those I meet, to help them. (Good) |
| 3 | Order. The world is untamed, and it must be found before we can bring it our structures. (Lawful) |
| 4 | Conquest. The new lands and civilizations I meet are mine to plunder or rule. (Evil) |
| 5 | Fame. I just want to be loved and recognized for my findings. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Aspiration. The world will see I can do anything I set out to do—no matter how much they doubt me. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | A parent disappeared when seeking a new homeland for our people. It falls to me to finish the task. |
| 2 | I have a rival seeking to outdo my exploits, I will go to any length to remain the best. |
| 3 | I keep a journal detailing the lands I discover. I treasure it above all other things. |
| 4 | My family has fallen into disrepute. My legendary discoveries will restore our good name. |
| 5 | I was trapped for weeks with a team on an expedition. Only I survived, and the horrors of how I did so will haunt me forever. |
| 6 | Someone has claimed my discoveries as their own—I am determined to prove them a fraud and reclaim my legacy. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | My curiosity often gets the better of me, and leads me into trouble. |
| 2 | I'm often dreaming of what I might discover and fail to notice dangers in the present. |
| 3 | My pride pushes me into taking great risks. |
| 4 | I am too quick to trust new people I meet in my travels. |
| 5 | Alcohol and the wilds have a lot in common to me—both need to be thoroughly explored, beyond all known limits. |
| 6 | I leave my problems behind me without dealing with them. The more I explore, the farther away my problems are. |
Comments