Deneirian Novitiate

You are a fledgling member of the Deneirian Chapter, a coalition of scholars from across the world devoted to the furthering of world lore and esoterica. They have a presence in many places, but have edifices constructed in places of lasting and tantalizing mystery. A good example of a place wherein the Chapter's presence is especially prominent is the Leyarain Isles; the presence of the Buried Lands on Greater Leyarain, the Ashbarrow on Lesser Leyarain, and several other places of unending mystery, are prime catalysts for the organization.

It is named after the god of knowledge, Deneir; it is not an inherently religious order, but many scholars revere the god. The research and delving scholars do adheres to the teaching of Deneir called "The Scholarly Pursuit" also simply called the Pursuit by members of the Chapter. Each Deneirian Chapter functions similarly to an adventurer's guild; adventurers flock to them in hopes of picking up work from scholars performing research. The profession is an exceptionally adventurous one in the first place, many scholars are adventurers in their own right.

As a novitiate you are at the very least an educated individual, requiring a letter of recommendation from an established scholar or institution; most often the two are as one. The details of this are up to you; perhaps you grew up with an auspicious scholar in your family, a little nepotism goes a long way in the world. Another possibility is having enrolled in an institution and gained the respect of a professor willing to write such a letter. Many novitiates were previously enrolled in such places as the Tarothi University, only to use their letter of recommendation to join the Chapter without first completing their coursework at the university. This is a popular track for many as they have the freedom to study only that which interests them, then leave with a secured future. Granted they do not receive the full qualifications of a graduate, but that hardly matters after a few years in the Chapter.

Your primary goal as a novitiate is to seek out a Deneirian solon, a full member, and apprentice to them. This can be done in a variety of ways; you could apply as a simple laborer/researcher on an expedition organized by a solon, gathering knowledge on their research all the while; if you have a full pedigree from a university of note, you stand a good chance of being accepted on the spot as an apprentice; or you could perform your own research and attempt publication through a solon if it impresses them.

At any rate, once you apprentice to one, you are tied to their research unless you choose to leave it. Apprentices, after a while, are entrusted with leading their own branches of expeditions, running private research, and publishing works in their name. At this point you are a recommendation away from becoming a solon yourself, running your own research under a stipend and furthering the field in your own way.

Skill Proficiencies: History, plus your choice of one from among Arcana, Nature, and Religion.

Languages: Two of your choice.

Equipment: Deneirian robes, a book containing your personal notes, a letter of recommendation from an esteemed scholarly entity, a scholar's pack, and a pouch containing 10 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Deneirians are an eclectic lot, seen by the masses as strange or arrogant; while these may be true in some cases, your simple presence in higher education does not lend itself to these. 

d8	Personality Trait
1	I am prepared for any outcome, good or bad, and always have a plan to deal with it.
2	I rarely anger, instead regarding the world with an impartial eye; the world acts as it will, and I am a simple observer.
3	In new places I like to note potential sources of research.
4	I convey my intelligence with polysyllabic words, the longer the better.
5	I am slow to trust and rarely share my research with anyone.
6	I tend to speak down to those of lesser intelligence. That means I speak down to nearly everyone.
7	I fluster when confronted by other scholars; I try too hard to fact check everything I say to them, which often means I end up not saying much at all.
8	I believe that people, places, and things come into my life for the sole purpose of furthering my career.

d6	Ideal
1	Sharing. I wish to share all I know and learn with the world at large. (Good)
2	Progress. I seek to upend the pedantic gatekeeping of traditionalists. (Neutral)
3	Knowledge. I will learn all I can in the time I am given, hopefully some of that knowledge may prolong my time. (Neutral)
4	Control. The more I know, the more I can control. (Lawful)
5	Tradition. I seek to uphold the scholarly ideal of tradition, rules, and hierarchy. (Lawful)
6	Hoarding. I want to keep as much knowledge for myself as I can, even to the detriment of others. (Evil)

d6	Bond
1	I am indebted to the person who recommended me to the Chapter; I owe them a sizable sum.
2	I... appropriated a relic from another scholar and seek to use it for my own research.
3	Something vital to my research was stolen from me and I want it back.
4	I have enrolled in an expedition with a solon I admire, we are to set out soon.
5	I got to my position by committing a great crime, and I am constantly afraid of getting caught.
6	The thing I research is for the sole purpose of healing a loved one of a mysterious curse. Time is running out.

d6	Flaw
1	I tend to disregard advice from others as I don't believe them competent enough to offer any.
2	My research matters more than anything, and I will make great sacrifices to ensure it is furthered.
3	I am deeply insecure about my place in the Chapter, I secretly believe I am completely unqualified.
4	I have, genuinely, the most awful handwriting of all time.
5	I am an obligate coward, I run at signs of danger.
6	I will undercut rival scholars to make my work seem better by comparison.