Occultist

You have peered beyond the veil. Whether you were born into a secretive cult, stumbled upon ancient texts, or sought out truths that should have remained hidden, you are marked by your dealings with the occult. Strange rites, cryptic symbols, and forgotten pacts are part of your daily thoughts. Other people seek gods for hope or guidance; you seek powers beyond comprehension for knowledge, influence, or survival.

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Religion

Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher’s Supplies

Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: A book containing esoteric or occult writings, a bottle of black ink, a quill, a Candle, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

Occultists tend to be secretive, intense, and deeply shaped by the things they’ve learned or witnessed. Some wish to break free from their past. Others crave deeper mysteries.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I speak in cryptic metaphors even when I don’t need to.
2	I’m always watching for hidden patterns others don’t see.
3	I can recite ancient invocations, but sometimes forget people’s names.
4	I keep my secrets hidden beneath layers of politeness.
5	I believe nothing is truly what it seems.
6	I view the unknowable with both terror and fascination.
7	I treat even mundane events as if they have hidden, supernatural significance.
8	I secretly enjoy unnerving others with my eerie knowledge and strange habits.

d6	Ideal
1	Knowledge. The secrets of reality belong to those brave enough to find them. (Neutral)
2	Power. The occult grants strength others fear. I will wield it. (Evil)
3	Protection. Dangerous truths must be kept from dangerous people. (Good)
4	Freedom. No faith, no law, no cosmic force shall bind me. (Chaotic)
5	Tradition. My cult’s rites preserve ancient wisdom. I honor them. (Lawful)
6	Curiosity. I must uncover every hidden truth, no matter the cost. (Neutral)

d6	Bond
1	I protect a secret society that gave me shelter.
2	I seek the lost pages of a tome that revealed too much.
3	I owe my sanity to a mentor who saved me from the abyss.
4	A terrible entity whispers to me; I must learn why.
5	My family disowned me because of my beliefs; I’ll prove them wrong.
6	My past cult hunts me or I hunt them.

d6	Flaw
1	I trust no one, not even myself.
2	I can’t stop pushing boundaries, even when warned not to.
3	My dreams blur with waking reality.
4	I seek forbidden power, regardless of the cost to others.
5	I am haunted by something I accidentally unleashed.
6	I hide my fear behind arrogance and false wisdom.