From a young age, you were fascinated with a particular aspect of the world around you, and you aspired to make the study of that aspect your life’s work. But your time in academia convinced you that remaining cooped up in laboratory and classroom was no way to feed your desire to learn. You became an adventurer to get out into the wide world and study your scientific passion on your own terms.
- Skill Proficiencies: Investigation and Perception
- Languages: Two of your choice
- Equipment: A diploma from a university, a notebook of your observations, gear for your field of study (a magnifying glass, fine-bristled brush, bag of rocks, pressed leaves, a bird call), a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10gp.
Field of Study
Your passion as a scientist led you down a particular field of study. Roll a d8 or choose from the options in the table below to determine your field:
| d8 |
Field of Study |
|
1
|
Archaeology
|
|
2
|
Ornithology
|
|
3
|
Geology
|
|
4
|
Botany
|
|
5
|
Entomology
|
|
6
|
Paleontology
|
|
7
|
Taxonomy
|
|
8
|
Mycology
|
Feature: In The Details
Your keen eye has developed over years of scientific study, making you a boon in the field. When you can tear yourself away from your scientific passion, you can use your keen eyes to help your party. Choose either Investigation or Perception, and double your proficiency bonus for the chosen skill.
Suggested Characteristics
Researchers are often single-minded in their pursuit of their field of study. This all-consuming passion can make them a chore to be around, but passion and loyalty are similar things, so the researcher makes for a strong and dependable ally
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
|
1
|
I never stop talking about my field of study.
|
|
2
|
People made fun of me for my passion when I was a kid. I shrugged them off, but the memory of their taunting still stings.
|
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3
|
When I’m deep in the thinking zone, I forget to eat and sleep.
|
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4
|
I’m convinced that my research holds the secrets for the betterment of civilization.
|
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5
|
I have no problem risking my well being if I think I’m on to something.
|
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6
|
Some researchers in my field think we’re in competition, but really we’re all working for the same outcome.
|
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7
|
I will stop at nothing to make that big discovery.
|
|
8
|
Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes.
|
| d6 |
Ideal |
|
1
|
Knowledge. I do research to increase my own understanding of the world. (Neutral)
|
|
2
|
Access. My research might take me anywhere, including places I’m not supposed to go. (Chaotic)
|
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3
|
Altruism. My research will increase the welfare of all people. (Good)
|
|
4
|
Power. If only I could unlock the secrets of my field, true power will be mine. (Evil)
|
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5
|
Hierarchy. I know my place in the ranking of scientists in my chosen field. (Lawful)
|
|
6
|
Discovery. Who knows what exciting secrets I might uncover! (Any)
|
| d6 |
Bond |
|
1
|
I hope to make a big enough discovery for the leading luminary in my field to learn my name.
|
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2
|
I became a researcher in the same field as my parent to win his/her approval.
|
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3
|
I’ve worn the same hat my whole career, and I’m not about to lose it now.
|
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4
|
I know if I can find three or four more samples, I will prove my theory.
|
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5
|
I just love (rocks/insects/plants/etc.) so much! Like, you don’t even know.
|
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6
|
I need to keep up my rate of discovery and publishing so I can outpace my rival.
|
| d6 |
Flaw |
|
1
|
My singular focus makes me unaware of the rest of the world around me.
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2
|
I expect failure because most research never pans out.
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3
|
Sometimes I amend my research to show the conclusion I desire.
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4
|
I can tell you everything about one specific thing, but I have little knowledge about the parts of life others seem to understand intuitively.
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5
|
I don’t know how to overcome my own confirmation bias.
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6
|
I have few meaningful relationships because my research is all-consuming.
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