As a child, you exhibited great knowledge and a natural affinity for a certain subject. At a young age, you were taken under the tutelage of a well-respected teacher in that field and met and exceeded expectations throughout the years, gaining favortism and notoriety. Over time, you became the successor to your mentor, inheriting their position, as well as an object entrusted to you. This inheritance has more affect on you and your life than you initially realize. It has unknown consequences you have yet to uncover.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from the following: Arcana, History, Insight, Medicine, Persuasion
- Tool Proficiencies: Proficiency in two of any artisian's tool
- Languages: Choose any two languages
- Equipment: An item left to you buy your mentor, scholar's outfit, one tool from this background’s tool proficiency, an inkwell and quill, a journal with handwritten notes and personal thoughts, and a pouch containing 15 gp
| d8 | Inheritance |
|---|---|
| 1 | A piece of jewelry |
| 2 | A trinket (roll on trinket table) |
| 3 | A scroll written in a foreign language, unknown to you |
| 4 | An arcane book or formulary |
| 5 | A small box with a strange symbol on it that won't open |
| 6 | A plain-looking wooden stick, about 12 inches long, sanded smooth |
| 7 | A document such as a map, a letter, or a journal |
| 8 | An oddly perfect figurine of an eagle, the size of your finger tip |
You've gained more than respect in your field of study, you've now succeeded your mentor in their position and a mysterious item was bestowed upon you.People who are close with you admire you and your skills, opening doors for you that you might not otherwise know of.
(Choose or randomly determine your inheritance from among the possibilities in the table. Work with your Dungeon Master to come up with details: Why is your inheritance so important, and what is its full story? You might prefer for the DM to invent these details as part of the game, allowing you to learn more about your inheritance as your character does, by creating story hooks.
When you begin your adventuring career, you can decide whether to tell your companions about your inheritance right away. Rather than attracting attention to yourself, you might want to keep your inheritance a secret until you learn more about what it means to you and what it can do for you.)
Suggested Characteristics
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have an idiosyncratic method of writing notes that no-one can decipher. |
| 2 | I am always working on my next project. |
| 3 | I avoid talking about my childhood, not because it was traumatic, but because I grew up in comfort and have a healthy and happy relationship with my caretakers and I don't want to seem spoiled and entitled. |
| 4 | I am always trying to learn new things and share my knowledge with others. |
| 5 | I have never experienced the world outside of my studies, relying on books and second-hand knowledge, causing me to be a bit naive. |
| 6 | I never write down notes—instead, I keep them in my head. |
| 7 | Surrounded by academics, I never learned to socialize. I am friendly, but very awkward. |
| 8 | I give everyone nicknames, because I can never remember their name. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aid. I use my vast knowledge to help those in need. (Good) |
| 2 | Honor. I make a promise. I keep my promise. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Independence. I move from place to place, refusing to settle into any one relationship, job, or place; I want to live my life how I want. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Greed. Others place their faith in me. I take advantage of that faith. (Evil) |
| 5 | Knowledge. I seek knowledge wherever I can. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Ambition. I must be the best at what I do. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am close with my family, who is very proud of me. |
| 2 | I owe everything to my mentor; they taught me all I know. |
| 3 | I have a sweetheart at home, whose family disapproves, so I must prove myself worthy. |
| 4 | My knowledge is everything. Without my books I am nothing. |
| 5 | It is my duty to spread as much information as I can. The truth is out there. |
| 6 | If you only rely on yourself, you will never be disappointed. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | Due to my expertise, I am convinced I have a purpose in this world and tend to rush into dangerous situations because I believe I am fated. |
| 2 | I'm already under pressure. So. Much. Pressure. Any more and I will break. |
| 3 | I often space out when in deep thought, sometimes to the point that I'm not paying attention. |
| 4 | I am an idiot savant, having remarkable ability in my expertise, but otherwise being quite stupid. |
| 5 | I have a bad temper when I fail at something and take it out on those around me. |
| 6 | I patronize those around me because I believe I am smarter than them. |
Contacts
You know many people in your field, including - but not limited to - your mentor, should they still be alive.
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