
You are a product of Ærdenwald’s most prestigious arcane academies, steeped in magical and technological knowledge. Whether you specialized in pure arcane theory, experimental magitech, or the blending of the two, your studies have left you with an insatiable curiosity and a reputation for brilliance. Scholars like you are the backbone of Brasshaven’s Aetherlight Ward or Aether’s Reach’s Skyforge District, where the boundaries of magic and science are constantly being redefined.
Your education has opened many doors, but it also comes with its risks. The pursuit of knowledge often leads to the unknown, and your work may attract the attention of factions eager to use your talents—or to stop them entirely.
- Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Investigation
- Tool Proficiencies: One set of artisan’s tools (such as Tinker’s Tools or Alchemist’s Supplies) or one gaming set (such as Dragonchess Set).
- Languages: Two of your choice (often scholarly languages like Draconic or Elvish).
- Equipment: A set of fine scholar’s robes, a journal filled with notes and sketches, an ink pen and a bottle of black ink, a set of artisan’s tools or an arcane focus, and a pouch containing 10 gp.
Choose a sub-discipline of your studies or roll on the following table to determine the focus of your expertise.
d8 | The Scholar’s Focus |
---|---|
1 | Arcane time theory |
2 | Enchanted automata |
3 | Spellweaving for architecture or infrastructure |
4 | Alchemical advancements |
5 | Dimensional studies (Feywild, Ethereal Plane, etc.) |
6 | Artillery and arcane weaponry |
7 | Magical energy systems (like ley lines or planar cores) |
8 | Exotic material research (aetherium, dragonshard crystals, etc.) |
Your extensive studies give you a reputation as a knowledgeable expert in a particular field of magical or technological research. Work with your DM to determine your area of expertise (examples include enchanted architecture, arcane automatons, time distortion magic, or spell-infused engineering).
When you encounter individuals related to your field of expertise—such as other scholars, artificers, or researchers—they are more likely to provide you with information, resources, or access to restricted areas. In addition, when you make an Arcana or Investigation check related to your field, you can treat a roll of 9 or lower as a 10.
Suggested Characteristics
Scholars from the Aetherlight Ward or Skyforge District are often highly intelligent, but they may be overly curious, idealistic, or driven by personal ambition. Their studies tend to color their view of the world, often making them blind to practical realities or moral ambiguities.
d8 | Personality Trait |
---|---|
1 | I view every problem as a puzzle waiting to be solved. |
2 | I get so absorbed in my studies that I often forget to eat, sleep, or pay attention to my surroundings. |
3 | I love to explain complex concepts, even when no one asked for an explanation. |
4 | I carry a sketchpad or notebook everywhere, constantly jotting down ideas or observations. |
5 | I am fascinated by how magic and technology can work together to create marvels. |
6 | I can’t resist examining or tinkering with any new gadget or magical artifact I encounter. |
7 | My curiosity sometimes overrides my caution, leading me into dangerous situations. |
8 | I have a tendency to overthink simple solutions. |
d6 | Ideal |
---|---|
1 | Knowledge: The pursuit of understanding is the highest goal. (Neutral) |
2 | Innovation: Progress is achieved through invention and daring experimentation. (Chaotic) |
3 | Responsibility: Knowledge must be used for the benefit of society, not just personal gain. (Good) |
4 | Discovery: The unknown is a challenge to be conquered. (Any) |
5 | Caution: Unchecked experimentation can lead to disaster; research must be done responsibly. (Lawful) |
6 | Ambition: I seek to become the most renowned scholar of my generation. (Neutral) |
d6 | Bond |
---|---|
1 | I owe my success to a mentor who saw potential in me when others didn’t. |
2 | A rival in my field constantly seeks to discredit or outdo me. |
3 | My greatest invention or discovery was stolen, and I’ll stop at nothing to reclaim it. |
4 | My research is my life’s work, and I will protect it at all costs. |
5 | My family supported my studies despite the cost; I strive to honor their sacrifice. |
6 | A failed experiment caused harm to someone I care about, and I work tirelessly to atone. |
d6 | Flaw |
---|---|
1 | I am dismissive of those who lack my level of education or intellect. |
2 | I’m so focused on my studies that I often miss the bigger picture. |
3 | My need to tinker with everything has caused more than one disaster. |
4 | I am obsessive about proving my theories correct, even when others warn me against it. |
5 | I struggle to acknowledge when someone else’s idea is better than my own. |
6 | I can be reckless when pursuing a breakthrough, ignoring the risks to myself and others. |

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