You have spent the early and developmental years of your life studying and learning the basics of every aspect of your world, and specializing in one of the aspects listed in the specialty list.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two skills that reflect your specialty.
- Tool Proficiencies: One tool of your choice related to your specialty.
- Languages: One language of your choice, whether learned from study or from living with other races.
- Equipment: Bottle of black ink, a quill, a notebook, a set of fine clothes, and a purse containing 20 gp.
Specialty
To determine the nature of your scholarly studying, roll a d8 or choose from the options in the table below.
| d8 |
Specialty |
|
1
|
History
|
|
2
|
Magic
|
|
3
|
Politics/Geography
|
|
4
|
Technology
|
|
5
|
Nature
|
|
6
|
Astronomy/Planes
|
|
7
|
Alchemy
|
|
8
|
Artisanry
|
Feature: Researcher
You can easily recall basic, widely known knowledge of your world and slightly advanced knowledge related to your specialty (up to the DM's discretion what knowledge is considered widely known and advanced). When you attempt to learn or recall something related to your specialty, you almost always know the best place or person to find it from. 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
Scholars have gone through extensive studies, and their characteristics reflect this life of study. Devoted to scholarly pursuits, you value knowledge highly—sometimes in its own right, sometimes as a means toward other ideals. Use the suggested characteristics of the Sage background.
| 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.
|
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4
|
There’s nothing I like more than a good mystery.
|
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5
|
I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment.
|
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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)
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3
|
Logic. Emotions must not cloud our logical thinking. (Lawful)
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4
|
No Limits. Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence. (Chaotic)
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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.
|
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2
|
I have an ancient text that holds terrible secrets that must not fall into the wrong hands.
|
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3
|
I work to preserve a library, university, scriptorium, or monastery.
|
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4
|
My life’s work is a series of tomes related to a specific field of lore.
|
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5
|
I’ve been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question.
|
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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.
|
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3
|
Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization.
|
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4
|
I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones.
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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.
|
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