"Order of the Ancients"

“Empires crumble. Gods fade. But the old truths remain beneath the dust, waiting for those willing to uncover them.”
— High Keeper Vael Torith, last known master of the Seventh Vault

 

You were raised, chosen, or sworn into one of the oldest surviving orders in existence — guardians of forbidden relics, keepers of lost history, and protectors of secrets buried long before modern kingdoms were born. While most dismiss ancient legends as myth, your order knows better.

You have studied crumbling ruins, forgotten languages, and powers that civilized nations were never meant to wield. Whether your order still stands strong or has fallen into ruin, its teachings shape every step you take.

Some seek ancient knowledge for wisdom.
Others seek it for power.
Your reason may decide the fate of entire realms.

Feat:

You gain the Magic Initiate feat.

Your magic reflects forgotten techniques passed down by The Order.

Skill Proficiencies:

Choose two:

• Arcana
• History
• Investigation
• Religion
• Survival

Tool Proficiencies:

Choose one:

• Calligrapher’s Supplies
• Cartographer’s Tools
• Herbalism Kit
• Mason’s Tools

Equipment:

1. A weathered relic tied to your order
2. Traveler’s clothes
3. A journal filled with ancient notes and symbols
4. A belt pouch containing 15 GP

5. Your relic is a symbol of your order’s legacy. Roll or choose:

   d6	Relic
   1	A cracked obsidian medallion warm to the touch
   2	A scroll written in a dead language
   3	A silver ring engraved with celestial patterns
   4	A fragment of stone from a ruined temple
   5	A key that opens no known lock
   6	A dragonbone charm humming faintly at night

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I speak about ancient history like I witnessed it myself.
2	I constantly search for hidden meanings and patterns.
3	I treat every ruin like sacred ground.
4	I distrust modern institutions and rulers.
5	I record everything in detailed journals.
6	I believe destiny guides my path.
7	I become excited whenever I uncover lost knowledge.
8	I hide my fear behind confidence and wit.

d6	Ideal
1	Preservation. Ancient knowledge must never be lost again.
2	Power. Forgotten magic belongs to those strong enough to wield it.
3	Truth. History should never be buried or rewritten.
4	Balance. Some secrets must remain sealed.
5	Legacy. I will rebuild what my order once was.
6	Discovery. The unknown exists to be explored.

d6	Bond
1	I seek the ruin that destroyed my order.
2	My relic contains a secret no one else understands.
3	I swore an oath to guard an ancient seal.
4	I am searching for a lost member of my order.
5	I am searching for a lost member of my order.
6	I carry knowledge powerful enough to start wars.

d6	Flaw
1	I obsess over mysteries to an unhealthy degree.
2	I believe I know better than most people.
3	I struggle to trust outsiders.
4	I’m tempted by forbidden power.
5	I ignore danger when knowledge is nearby.
6	I cannot let ancient grudges die.