Graduate student

You have made the decision to dedicate a few precious years of your life to learning one niche subject. You scoured manuscripts, studied scrolls, and listened to the greatest experts on this subject, and have maybe written a few things yourself. Your efforts have made you completely average in your field in comparison to the real masters around you.

Skill Proficiencies: History, Survival, Persuasion

Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher's Supplies

Languages: Two of your choice

Equipment: Calligrapher's Supplies, a small knife, a set of common clothes, pouch containing 1 gp, a backpack, Chalk, a letter from an impatient supervisor posing a question you have not yet been able to answer, and a Flask or Tankard

Suggested Characteristics

Graduate students are defined by exhaustive studies in one specific area, dedicating a short portion of their life to this cause. Devoted to scholarly pursuits, a graduate student values knowledge highly, often willing to do whatever it takes to get an answer.

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 required to help those who aren’t as smart as I am. I'm questionably patient with them
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. Until I am no longer paid to do so.
2	I seek an ancient text that holds terrible secrets.
3	I work to preserve a library, university, scriptorium, or monastery.
4	My life’s work goes towards the betterment of my fellow people.
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 any respite from my work.
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 overcomplicate solutions in an attempt to gain respect from my advisors.
5	I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others.
6	I secretly despise the field I am in, but will not leave for reasons of perfectionism.