When it comes to magic, you are self-taught. Pouring over manuscripts, scrolls and tomes, you put in the late night hours to absorb as much magical knowledge as you could. You may have taken longer than some to develop your skills, but your pride in your accomplishments and self-reliance is second to none.
- Skill Proficiencies: Investigation, Arcana
- Tool Proficiencies: Choice of one from Alchemist's Supplies, Calligrapher's Supplies or Herbalism Kit.
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A small book on arcana (annotated with your own notes), a scroll case containing a few pieces of parchment for notes, a bottle of black ink, a quill, a set of common clothes, a set of tools that you are proficient in, and a pouch containing 5 gp.
To determine the nature of your source of learning, roll a d4 or choose from the options in the table below.
| d4 | Source of Learning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Learned by studying and watching a parent |
| 2 | Learned by spending countless hours in a library |
| 3 | Learned from studying private collection |
| 4 | Learned by studying discovered cache of magical tomes |
When you attempt to learn or recall a piece of lore, if you do not know that information, you often know where and from whom you can obtain it. Usually, this information comes from a library, scriptorium, university, or a sage or other learned person or creature. Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an almost inaccessible place, or that it simply cannot be found. Unearthing the deepest secrets of the multiverse can require an adventure or even a whole campaign.
Suggested Characteristics
Autodidacts are defined by their extensive studies, and their characteristics reflect this life of study. Devoted to scholarly pursuits, an autodidact values knowledge highly—sometimes in its own right, sometimes as a means toward other ideals.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’ve read every book in the world’s greatest libraries—or I like to boast that I have. |
| 2 | I’m used to helping out those who aren’t as smart as I am, and I patiently explain anything and everything to others. |
| 3 | There’s nothing I like more than a good mystery. |
| 4 | I … speak … slowly … when talking … to idiots, … which … almost … everyone … is … compared … to me. |
| 5 | I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations. |
| 6 | I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets. |
| 7 | When I'm studying something, I'm oblivious to the world. |
| 8 | I have to work twice as hard as everyone else. If I'm not doing something specific, then I'm in the books. |
| 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 | I owe a debt to a mentor who guided me in the right direction. |
| 2 | I have an ancient text that holds terrible secrets that must not fall into the wrong hands. |
| 3 | I work to preserve a library, university, scriptorium, or monastery. |
| 4 | My life’s work is a series of tomes related to a specific field of lore. |
| 5 | I’ve been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question. |
| 6 | I sold my soul for knowledge. I hope to do great deeds and win it back. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am easily distracted by the promise of information. |
| 2 | Most people scream and run when they see a demon. I stop and take notes on its anatomy. |
| 3 | Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization. |
| 4 | I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones. |
| 5 | I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others. |
| 6 | I can’t keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else’s. |
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