Born with an extreme physical deformity, you grew up almost always in some kind of cast or physical pain, while your sibling was gifted with incredible martial prowess. Wanting to be his equal if not better, you started learning about magic and quickly became a prodigy. While your curse affects your body, it doesn't affect your brain at all. In fact it might have even increased your mental power, because as one sense goes, the other increases. What you extremely lack in brawn, you majorly make up for in brains. Your brother is the sword, you are the pen. Together, you two will be unstoppable.
You do however, envy that your brother is heir to the throne. You believe it should be you. You are much more dogmatic and political and are much better leader when it comes to peace times. While acknowledge your brother's shrewd and incredible prowess for fighting, it's not all a king should be. You often are annoyed by your brother, especially when he does "un-kingly" things like speaking out of line and not being shrewd and engaging in politics. You're on a mission to prove you should be king, or maybe somehow help shape your brother into the perfect king you secretly know he can be, but refuses to be.
- Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Investigation
- Tool Proficiencies: You are proficient with Alchemist Supplies
- Languages: Three of your choice
- Equipment: A bottle of black ink, a quill, a small knife, a letter from a dead colleague posing a question you have not yet been able to answer, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
To determine the nature of your scholarly training, roll a d8 or choose from the options in the table below.
| d8 | Specialty |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alchemist |
| 2 | Astronomer |
| 3 | Discredited academic |
| 4 | Librarian |
| 5 | Professor |
| 6 | Researcher |
| 7 | Wizard’s apprentice |
| 8 | Scribe |
Because of your physical deformity, you gain a permanent -1 to strength. But because of your unrelenting pursuit of the magical arts to make up for your lack of martial fighting, you gain a permanent +2 to intelligence.
You also have spent an incredible time studying anything you can use to further your magical abilities. Because of this, you often know of books, people, or scrolls that retain information that you need to know, or you know where you could find these books, people, or scrolls. Sometimes you know both of the book, person or scroll and their location. Coordinate with your DM about what these hubs of information could be or where you could find them. If can't be found by regular means, then you still might know a ritual, spell, or person that could find it by irregular means under the DM's discretion
Suggested Characteristics
You are defined by your proficiency with magic and your family nobility. You like holding over your brother's head how much smarter you are then him and how you can cast magic and he can't.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I use polysyllabic words that convey the impression of great erudition. |
| 2 | I’ve read every book in the world’s greatest libraries—or I like to boast that I have. |
| 3 | I’m used to helping out those who aren’t as smart as I am, and I patiently explain anything and everything to others. |
| 4 | There’s nothing I like more than a good mystery. |
| 5 | I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment. |
| 6 | I … speak … slowly … when talking … to idiots, … which … almost … everyone … is … compared … to me. |
| 7 | I am very dogmatic, and know how to engage in politics |
| 8 | I’m convinced that my brother never asks for help when he needs it |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Knowledge. The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Beauty. What is beautiful points us beyond itself toward what is true. (Good) |
| 3 | Logic. Emotions must not cloud our logical thinking. (Lawful) |
| 4 | No Limits. Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Power. Knowledge is the path to power and domination. (Evil) |
| 6 | Self-Improvement. The goal of a life of study is the betterment of oneself. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | It is my duty to protect my people and my future king. |
| 2 | Despite our differences, I would still lay down my life for my brother |
| 3 | I work to prove that I am beyond powerful, despite my physical deformities |
| 4 | I strive to be one of the most prolific magic users to have ever roamed the land. |
| 5 | I’ve been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question. |
| 6 | My kingdom and people mean everything to me, I would go through the 9 hells and back for them. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am easily distracted by the promise of scrolls and magical artifacts |
| 2 | Most people scream and run when they see a demon. I stop and take notes on its anatomy. |
| 3 | I'm at odds with myself about whether or not my brother is fit to be king |
| 4 | I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones. |
| 5 | I often am too dogmatic and logical |
| 6 | I can’t keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else’s. |
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