You weren’t born into privilege or apprenticed at a young age. Your early arcane education was shaped by fragments—burnt pages, whispered stories, and your own tireless curiosity. You practiced your first cantrips in secret, learned to “feel” the Weave before you could properly read arcane glyphs, and dreamed of one day being accepted as a true student of magic. That day finally came, but your roots will always be as a self-taught seeker of hidden knowledge.

Your reputation—whether earned or inflated—as someone with raw arcane talent precedes you. Hedge wizards, magical hobbyists, or even official arcanists may be willing to speak with you, answer questions, or give limited access to magical resources like scroll scraps, potion recipes, or rumors about arcane sites.

Ability Scores: Intelligence

Feat: Magic Initiate Wizard)

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana and [skill]Investigation/skill]

Languages: Choose one language appropriate to your magical studies (e.g., Draconic, Elvish, or Celestial)

Equipment:

You start with the following equipment:

• A battered journal of personal notes and half-understood magical theories

• A keepsake from your first magical experiment (e.g., a scorched ring, a shard of colored glass that glows faintly)

• A set of common clothes

• A belt pouch containing 10 gp

 

 

Suggested Characteristics

Suggested Characteristics

Personality Traits

• I once memorized an entire spellbook I wasn’t allowed to touch.

• I believe every magical secret is worth uncovering, no matter the risk.

• I can’t help but fiddle with magical objects or runes—even when I shouldn't.

Ideals

• Discovery. Magic exists to be studied and shared. (Neutral)

• Ambition. One day, even archmages will know my name. (Any)

• Self-Reliance. I learned alone, and I can survive alone. (Chaotic)

Bonds

• I owe everything to the wizard who took a chance on me.

• My mother’s healing work still inspires me—I want to create magical cures in her name.

• I keep a letter from someone I’ve never met—an arcanist who once replied to my childhood questions.

Flaws

• I get frustrated when others don’t grasp magic as easily as I do.

• I sometimes act like I know more than I actually do.

• I secretly fear I’m just a lucky amateur and not a “real” wizard.