You are a valuable contributor to tangible science within the Helix Society. At some point during your youth, you were inspired by a great inventor and wanted to be just like them. You have learned to shape abstract thoughts and schematics into real-life applications via technology or magic. Many around you see that you have a knack for original content. People may find you eccentric and funny or attractive in personality. Others may decry your practices as unorthodox or dangerous even. Engineers vary far and wide in aims and specialties, from weaponry to tinkering, but all strive for the advancement of mortal knowledge and ingenuity.
What are some of your proudest moments of erudition? What is your specialty? Is there a concept that you have not yet been able to fully corner? Perhaps you failed before and were disgraced, or one of your inventions had a terrible side effect that disgraced you forever. Did you aim to make something helpful to society, or was it just a side hobby gone wrong? Do you perhaps want to further a paid cause and compensate your patrons with their desired product?
- Skill Proficiencies: Investigation, plus your choice of one from among Arcana, History and Nature.
- Tool Proficiencies: Tinker's tools and another set of artisan's tools of your choice.
- Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools, a seal from your Helix chapter, an abacus, an hourglass, a set of common clothes including an apron and a pouch containing 15 gp
There are many disciplines of engineering, with individual members of the Helix Society having particular specialties. Even engineers who operate outside of your organization have strong preferences for certain fields of study. Choose your discipline, or roll on the table below.
| d8 | Engineering Specialty |
|---|---|
| 1 | Agriculture |
| 2 | Architecture |
| 3 | Materials |
| 4 | Mechanics |
| 5 | Metaphysics & Arcana |
| 6 | Natural Resources |
| 7 | Transportation |
| 8 | Warfare |
Your scrutinizing eye and critical thinking let you come up with ad hoc solutions to problems as they pop up. By spending at least a minute looking over an object no larger than a 5-foot cube, you can figure out new and innovative ways to use it in tandem with other materials at hand or that you know of. If the object is larger than a 5-foot cube or is beyond your purview, you can spend time on research and formulating a conceptual design. Time spent will depend on how big or complex the object is. You can speak to your DM about inventing the thought process for wholly new and incredible things.
Suggested Characteristics
An engineer typically possesses a curious and methodical nature, enjoying the exploration of complex systems and challenges. They are known for their precision, creativity, and teamwork, making them adept at finding innovative solutions and contributing effectively to projects.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | When I see a scrap of metal or wood, I can't help but pocket it. |
| 2 | I don't talk a lot, because I become engrossed in my thoughts. |
| 3 | I can't help myself around complex objects, I just want to find out how they work. |
| 4 | Most of the words I say sound like complete gibberish to those who know nothing about science. |
| 5 | I'm constantly sketching or taking notes about my surroundings. |
| 6 | "If I elevate my crossbow by 3° then the bolt should.. sorry? Just shoot the Ogre?" |
| 7 | Everything, no matter how small or insignificant, must be catalogued. |
| 8 | When excited I tend to start speaking faster, and tend to get a bit jittery. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Organization. Everything has it's place and everything should be in it's place. (Lawful) |
| 2 | People. All of my inventions are made to help people who can't help themselves. (Good) |
| 3 | Freedom. I invent what I want, whether my inventions are legal or not. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Greed. Everything I make I sell, I don't care who it hurts. (Evil) |
| 5 | Community. I invent to help myself, my friends, and my family, and other people can do the same if they want inventions. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Safety. I build so that harm may not come to myself and those I care about. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I once made a child very happy with an invention, I wish to do so again. |
| 2 | My inventions are like family to me, so I protect them as best I can. |
| 3 | I seek to blend technology with magic, and create perfect harmony. |
| 4 | My old workshop is now in ruins due to an accident, I will never make that mistake again. |
| 5 | Anytime someone is hesitant or scared of my inventions I try to make them feel comfortable around them. |
| 6 | All the profits i make from selling my inventions go to my old masters back home. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I enjoy my more dangerous inventions a little too much. |
| 2 | Gold is the only thing that motivates me. |
| 3 | The best inventions are the ones that harm others. |
| 4 | I always over analyze any and all situations. |
| 5 | Explosions are adorable. |
| 6 | One of my inventions horribly mangled someone influential, and they hunt me to this day. |
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