Occultist

You've always had a craving for knowledge whether it be common or otherwise. The local scholars probably know you by name and your reputation may or may not have given you a fallowing. There could be someone or something else keeping an eye on you as well.

When you choose this background, work with your DM to determine the extent of your knowledge and how you learned everything in the first place. Perhaps you grew up or recently left a cult, a cult agent sent on a mission, Or you could be the founder of a new cult 

Skill Proficiencies:  Choose 2 from History, Arcana, Religion, Deception, Persuasion,  Intimidation, Insight, or Medicine.

Tool Proficiencies:  One gaming set or Herbalism kit 

Languages:  2 of your choice

Equipment: a set of common clothes, an arcane or holy focus, a book relating to your expertise,  A bottle of black ink, a quill, a small knife, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

Many are shaped by the cult they are (or were) a part of. Most tend to keep their heads down in either a secret conclave or any other place where there aren't many people around and that effects they're ideals. Their flaws might be either hypocritical or an extreme reaction.

(D8) Personality Traits

1. I see omens in every event and action.

2. I quote (or misquote)  texts and proverbs in almost every situation.

3. I keep multiple sources of arcane power on me and invoke whatever might be useful at any given moment.

4. Nobody stays angry at me or around me for long, since I can defuse any amount of tension.

5. I get bitter if I’m not the center of attention.

6. I can stare down a hell hound without flinching.

7. I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success.

8.  I think anyone who’s nice to me is hiding evil intent.

 

(D6) Ideals

1. Power. Knowledge is the path to power and domination. (Evil)

2. Logic. Emotions must not cloud our logical thinking. (Lawful)

3. People. I help the people who help me — that’s what keeps us alive. (Neutral)

4.  Greed. I will do whatever it takes to become wealthy. (Evil)

5. I have a dark calling that puts me above the law. (Chaotic)

6. Faith. I trust that my deity will guide my actions. I have faith that if I work hard, things will go well. (Lawful)

 

(D6) Bonds

1.I will someday get revenge on the corrupt hierarchy who branded me a traitor.

2. I would die to recover an ancient relic  that was lost long ago.

3. I work to preserve a library, university, scriptorium, or monastery.

4. A powerful person killed someone I love. Some day soon, I’ll have my revenge.

5. I seek to preserve a sacred text that my enemies consider heretical and seek to destroy.

6. No one else should have to endure the hardships I’ve been through.

 

(D6) Flaws

1. If I’m outnumbered, I will run away from a fight.

2. I will never fully trust anyone other than myself.

3. I’d rather kill someone in their sleep than fight fair.

4. Most people scream and run when they see a demon. I stop and take notes on its anatomy.

5.  I am easily distracted by the promise of information.

6. I can’t resist manipulating people who are more powerful than me.