Court Arcanist

In your earlier days, you were a personage of some significance in a noble court or a bureaucratic organization. You might or might not come from an upper-class family; your talents, rather than the circumstances of your birth, could have secured you this position. In this position, 

Even if you are no longer a full-fledged member of the group that gave you your start in life, your relationships with your former fellows can be an advantage for you and your adventuring comrades. You might undertake missions with your new companions that further the interest of the organization that gave you your start in life. In any event, the abilities that you honed while serving as a courtier will stand you in good stead as an adventurer.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose one of Insight and Persuasion, and one of Arcana, History, and Religion

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set

Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a Scholar's Pack, and a pouch containing 15gp.

Suggested Characteristics

An Arcane Counselor's arc is defined by their extensive studies and brushes with nobility. Despite their assumed predilection towards seclusion, a position in a noble court comes with a plethora of bonds - responsibilities to the lord's family, to other nobles (including the sovereign), to the people entrusted to the noble's care, or even to the title itself. Additionally a counselor is devoted to scholarly pursuits, and values knowledge highly - sometimes in its own right, sometimes as a means toward other ideals.

The noble court or bureaucratic organization where you got your start is directly or indirectly associated with your bond (which could pertain to certain individuals in the group, such as your sponsor or mentor). Your ideal might be concerned with the prevailing philosophy of your court or organization.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations.
2	I’m a snob who looks down on those who can’t appreciate fine art.
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.
4	I’m full of witty aphorisms and have a proverb for every occasion.
5	I’m rude to people who lack my commitment to hard work and fair play.
6	My eloquent flattery makes everyone I talk to feel like the most wonderful and important person in the world.
7	I don't like to get my hands dirty, and I won't be caught dead in unsuitable accomodations.
8	I’m well known for my work, and I want to make sure everyone appreciates it. I’m always taken aback when people haven’t heard of me.

d6	Ideal
1	Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me. (Good)
2	Generosity. My talents were given to me so that I could use them to benefit the world. (Good)
3	No limits. Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence. (Chaotic)
4	Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil)
5	People. I’m committed to the people I care about, not to ideals. (Neutral)
6	Aspiration. I work hard to be the best there is at my craft. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	The secluded study where I decipher the cosmos is the most important place in the world to me.
2	My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering.
3	I owe my master a great debt for forging me into the person I am today.
4	I pursue status and power to win the approval of the ones I love.
5	One day I will return to my guild and prove that I am the greatest artisan of them all.
6	I will get revenge on the evil forces that destroyed my place of business and ruined my livelihood.

d6	Flaw
1	I am easily distracted by the promise of information.
2	I’m quick to assume that someone is trying to cheat me.
3	In fact, the world does revolve around me.
4	I’m never satisfied with what I have—I always want more.
5	I would kill to acquire a noble title.
6	Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization.