An archaeologist learns about the long-lost and fallen cultures of the past by studying their remains-their bones, their ruins, their surviving masterworks, and their tombs. Those who practice archaeology travel to the far corners of the world to root through crumbled cities and lost dungeons, digging in search of artifacts that might tell the stories of monarchs and high priests, wars and cataclysms.
- Skill Proficiencies: History; Choose from Arcana, Insight, Investigation, Nature, Religion, or Survival
- Languages: Two of your choice
- Equipment: A bottle of black ink, a quill, a small knife, a letter from a dead colleague posing a question you have not yet been able to answer, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
Specialty
To determine the nature of your area of focus, roll a d8 (reroll on an 8) or choose from the options in the table below.
| d7 |
Specialty |
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1
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Battlefield Archaeology
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2
|
Experimental Archaeology
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3
|
Forensic Archaeology
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|
4
|
Environmental Archaeology
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5
|
Prehistoric Archaeology
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6
|
Protohistoric Archaeology
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7
|
Focused Study (choose a Civilization, Culture, Event, or Time Period)
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Feature: Researcher
When you attempt to learn or recall a piece of lore, if you do not know that information, you often know where and from whom you can obtain it. 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
Few archaeologists can resist the lure of an unexplored ruin or dungeon, particularly if such a site is the source of legends or is rumored to contain the treasures and relics of wizards, warlords, or royalty. Some archaeologists plunder for wealth or fame, while others consider it their calling to illuminate the past or keep the world's greatest treasures from falling into the wrong hands. Whatever their motivations, archaeologists combine the qualities of a scrappy historian with the self-made heroism of a treasure-hunting scoundrel.
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
|
1
|
I use polysyllabic words that convey the impression of great erudition.
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2
|
I’ve read every book in the world’s greatest libraries—or I like to boast that I have.
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3
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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
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There’s nothing I like more than a good mystery.
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5
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I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment.
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6
|
I am driven by a wanderlust that has led me far from home.
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7
|
I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations.
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8
|
I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
|
Knowledge. The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge. (Neutral)
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2
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Beauty. What is beautiful points us beyond itself toward what is true. (Good)
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3
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Logic. Emotions must not cloud our logical thinking. (Lawful)
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4
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Free Thinking. Inquiry and Curiosity are the pillars of progress. (Chaotic)
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5
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Power. Knowledge is the path to power and domination. (Evil)
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6
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Self-Improvement. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. (Any)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
|
It is my duty to protect my students.
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2
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I have an ancient text that holds terrible secrets that must not fall into the wrong hands.
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3
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I work to preserve a library, university, scriptorium, or monastery.
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4
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My life’s work is a series of tomes related to a specific field of lore.
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5
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I’ve been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question.
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6
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On my first dig, I came across an artifact that is extremely important to me.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
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I am easily distracted by the promise of information.
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2
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Most people scream and run when they see a demon. I stop and take notes on its anatomy.
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3
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Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization.
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4
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I have no time for friends or family. I spend every waking moment thinking about and preparing for my next expedition.
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5
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I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others.
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6
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I can’t keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else’s.
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