The cataclysm didn't just destroy cities and kill people—it shattered the continuity of knowledge itself. Libraries burned, databases corrupted, and the accumulated wisdom of ages was lost in a single catastrophic event. You are part of a dedicated few working to piece together what was lost, to understand not just what the ancients built but how they thought. Every recovered text, every intact data crystal, and every functioning piece of technology is a piece of a vast puzzle that could help rebuild the world—or at least help it understand what it lost.

Ability Scores: Intelligence, Wisdom

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, History

Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher's supplies, forgery kit

Languages: Two languages

Equipment: Ancient text fragment, ink and quill, small knife, scholar's pack, 25 credits

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I quote pre-cataclysm texts and historical figures in casual conversation.
2	I become visibly excited when I encounter any remnant of ancient learning.
3	I correct people's misconceptions about history, even when it's socially awkward.
4	I treat books and data crystals with extreme care, handling them like fragile treasures.
5	I have strong opinions about proper research methodology and citation practices.
6	I see patterns and connections everywhere, often drawing conclusions others find far-fetched.
7	I prefer the company of books and data to most living people.
8	I can become so absorbed in research that I forget to eat, sleep, or notice danger.

d6	Ideal
1	Knowledge: Information and understanding are humanity's greatest treasures. (Good)
2	Truth: The real story of our past must be preserved, no matter how uncomfortable. (Neutral)
3	Legacy: We owe it to future generations to save what we can of our heritage. (Good)
4	Order: Proper cataloging and organization make knowledge accessible to everyone. (Lawful)
5	Power: Those who control information control the future. (Evil)
6	Mystery: Some secrets are meant to remain hidden and should never be uncovered. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	My mentor sacrificed everything to save a crucial archive, and I continue their work.
2	I'm obsessed with solving a particular historical mystery that has consumed my life.
3	A specific collection of texts or data holds the key to understanding the cataclysm.
4	I have a rivalry with another scholar over the interpretation of ancient evidence.
5	An ancient AI or spirit guide helps direct my research toward important discoveries.
6	I'm trying to reconstruct the complete works of a particular pre-cataclysm author or scientist.

d6	Flaw
1	I value ancient knowledge more than living people and their immediate needs.
2	I'm so convinced of my theories that I ignore evidence that contradicts them.
3	I hoard information instead of sharing it, fearing others will misuse or corrupt it.
4	I'm naive about practical matters and easily taken advantage of in business or politics.
5	I'm obsessed with a particular piece of ancient knowledge to the exclusion of everything else.
6	I trust written sources more than eyewitness accounts or personal experience.