You are a Royal University Scholar and are recognized as a learned theologian of the religions in the Kingdom. You have extensively studied faiths and cults in the realm using scrolls, books, and instructions from prominent religious authorities both living and dead. You are trained in the identification of planar and otherworld creatures and entities. A medallion signifying successful graduation gives you access to church libraries and reliquaries, and the rights and privileges afforded to learned clergy.
In the Royal University system, you were required to study Religion, History, and Arcana as minimum requisites.
- Skill Proficiencies: Religion, Arcana, History
- Languages: Celestial
- Equipment: A bottle of black ink, a quill, Royal University Medallion, a set of fine clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp.
To determine the nature of your scholarly training, roll a d8, or choose from the options in the table below.
| d8 | Specialty |
|---|---|
| 1 | Noble - sponsored |
| 2 | Noble |
| 3 | Pure academic |
| 4 | Acolyte Scholar |
| 5 | Professor |
| 6 | Religious Book Author |
| 7 | Paladin's Squire |
| 8 | Scribe |
Your theology background from the Kingdom's premier Royal University gives you special privileges by granting a social rank. You have the same status as clergy, even if not affiliated with a church. You also have the right to pursue religious libraries, even if the works are not deemed proper for the general clergy. You can also examine any reliquaries sequestered away from the public.
These privileges occasionally come with obligations. Nobility can call on you to answer a theological question or answer historical questions with religious connotations. Furthermore, your proficiency with the esoteric Celestial language also comes at a cost. Some celestials can't, or won't communicate except in Celestial. A Royal University graduate may be called upon to translate or perform interpreter duties (which, depending on the situation, could be hazardous).
Suggested Characteristics
Royal University Scholars are defined by their extensive academic and philosophical religious studies, and their characteristics reflect this life of study. Devoted to theology and philosophy, a Royal University Scholar values knowledge and wisdom. Using a blend of practical and philosophical knowledge, a Royal University Scholar can provide answers and direction to various theological arguments.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | Theology Scholarship is as important as casting divine spells. |
| 2 | The Kingdom's Churches give us all a better understanding of the gods. |
| 3 | I’m used to helping out those who aren’t as wise as I am, and I patiently explain anything and everything to others. |
| 4 | There’s nothing I like more than a good theology debate, even with paladins. |
| 5 | I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment. |
| 6 | The most important attribute of philosophy is theology. |
| 7 | I don't like social situations but as an Royal University Scholar, I can tolerate it. Barely. |
| 8 | Learned people can read and write. Philosophical people can argue. Theologians can save lives. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wisdom. The path to power and self-improvement is through wisdom. (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. Divine philosophy 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 about the gods that could destroy the churches. |
| 3 | I work to preserve a church library, reliquary, religious scriptorium, or monastery. |
| 4 | My life’s work is a series of religious tomes related to a specific field of philosophy. |
| 5 | I’ve been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question. |
| 6 | I've talked to too many evil creatures about religion, and now they periodically seek me out to further corrupt me to their ends. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am easily distracted by all things religion and will obsess about historical religious events I have not yet studied. |
| 2 | Most people scream and run when they see a demon. I might scream too, but wonder if I could get one to debate me on the merits of Chaos vs. Law without the arguments of Evil vs. Good. |
| 3 | I have yet to have a serious conversation with someone with a pretty face without getting distracted by base urges. |
| 4 | I overlook people's immediate, simpler problems and usually put too much effort into the big picture. |
| 5 | I can't have a serious theological discussion with the uneducated, try as I might. I usually wind up insulting them, or their church. |
| 6 | Sometimes the thought that we are all just soul power for the gods puts me in a extensional crisis of apathy and depression. |
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