You started your journey with dreams of mastering the arcane arts, enrolling in one of the prestigious magical colleges that promised to teach you the secrets of the universe. But somewhere along the way, things didn’t turn out as planned. Maybe the rigorous academic demands were too much, perhaps the arcane ethics didn’t sit right with you, or possibly a personal reason pulled you away. Now, you find yourself equipped with a bit of magical knowledge but far from the adept wizard you aimed to be.

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Investigation

Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools of your choice.

Languages: One of your choice.

Equipment: A backpack, 4 textbooks (150 GP at purchase, resellable at 8 cp apeice), a quill, ink, an unfinished spell book with many mistakes, a set of clothes with your college logo all over them, and a pouch containing 5gp.

Suggested Characteristics

Your time at the arcane college has left its mark. You might have an insatiable curiosity that drives you, or perhaps you're marked by a sense of failure or frustration. Your reasons for leaving could also deeply influence your personality and goals.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I get bored easily—new pursuits are constantly drawing my attention away from old ones
2	I often mutter to myself—usually bits of arcane knowledge or half-remembered lectures.
3	I have a habit of absent-mindedly drawing arcane symbols in the air when thinking.
4	I am endlessly curious about how magical devices and spells work, sometimes to my detriment.
5	I am skeptical of authority, especially academic or scholarly figures.
6	I'm a relentless optimist, always sure my next magical discovery is just around the corner.
7	I often find myself daydreaming of what I would have become if I had completed my studies.
8	I value practical experience over theoretical knowledge, which often puts me at odds with trained scholars.

d6	Ideal
1	Freedom. The pursuit of knowledge should be unbound by the rules and structures of academia. (Chaotic)
2	Knowledge. I seek to uncover arcane secrets and hidden truths about the world. (Any)
3	Innovation. I believe in improving the world through magical experimentation and invention. (Good)
4	Power. I aim to amass personal power to ensure I never feel powerless again.
5	Self-Improvement. My goal is to prove to myself, and to the world, that leaving school was not a mistake. (Any)
6	Community. I use my skills to help and educate others, trying to be the mentor I never had. (Good)

d6	Bond
1	I left behind a significant other at college, and I still have feelings for them.
2	My family disapproved of my decision to leave school, and I aim to prove that it was the right choice.
3	I stole a significant book from the college library when I left, and it’s a secret I must keep.
4	I have a rival from my school days, always trying to one-up them in magical prowess.
5	A professor at the college saw potential in me, and I still correspond with them for guidance.
6	I once accidentally harmed someone with my uncontrolled magic, and I seek to make amends.

d6	Flaw
1	I have a deep-seated fear of failure, which sometimes paralyzes me from taking necessary risks.
2	My pride often prevents me from admitting when I don't know something.
3	I am secretly worried that I’m not as talented as my peers who stayed in school.
4	I can be reckless with magic, especially when trying to impress others.
5	I have a habit of borrowing things without asking—especially small magical artifacts.
6	I often overlook practical concerns in pursuit of my arcane interests, which can lead to dire situations.