In your formative years, you found your way into a great institute of learning, where you were apprenticed and taught that knowledge is a more valuable treasure than gold or gems. You were on your way to becoming a respected scholar, when, for whatever reason, you were forced into hiding. Now, you've finally come out of hiding, and are ready to continue your education.
- Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, History
- Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism kit
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A bottle of black ink, a quill, a small knife, a letter from a dead colleague posing a question you have not yet been able to answer, a set of common clothes, an herbalism kit, and 5 gp
Reason For Hiatus
Your search for knowledge was interrupted by one dark moment, one fateful decision, or one tragedy. Choose a reason for your hiatus, or roll one on the Reason for Hiatus table.
| d8 |
Reason For Hiatus |
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1
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You made some enemies outside of your institute of learning, and left to keep it safe.
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2
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You were blamed for an experiment gone wrong that claimed the life of one of your colleagues.
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3
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Your family has a history of practicing the dark arts. You dabbled once and felt something horrible clutch at your soul, whereupon you fled in terror.
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4
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Your research uncovered a dark secret, and you were discredited and cast out to protect that secret.
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5
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You were caught stealing a colleague's work.
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6
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You were expelled for conducting dark or dangerous experiments.
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7
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You were caught misusing research funds, and fled to avoid repaying that debt.
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8
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You could no longer afford the tuition to keep attending.
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Feature: Researcher
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
You value knowledge above all else. Regardless of the past, you are still a scholar, at least in your own eyes. Your bond is almost certainly associated either with your place of learning or with the reason that forced you to leave.
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
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1
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I use polysyllabic words that convey the impression of great erudition.
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2
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I’ve read every book in the world’s greatest libraries—or I like to boast that I have.
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3
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I’m used to helping out those who aren’t as smart as I am, and I patiently explain anything and everything to others.
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4
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There’s nothing I like more than a good mystery.
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5
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I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment.
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6
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I … speak … slowly … when talking … to idiots, … which … almost … everyone … is … compared … to me.
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7
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I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations.
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8
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I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
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Knowledge. The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge. (Neutral)
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2
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Beauty. What is beautiful points us beyond itself toward what is true. (Good)
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3
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Logic. Emotions must not cloud our logical thinking. (Lawful)
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4
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No Limits. Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence. (Chaotic)
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5
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Power. Knowledge is the path to power and domination. (Evil)
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6
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Self-Improvement. The goal of a life of study is the betterment of oneself. (Any)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
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I hope that I will be able to return to my studies one day.
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2
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I have an ancient text that holds terrible secrets that must not fall into the wrong hands.
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3
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I work to protect a library, university, scriptorium, or monastery.
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4
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I’ve been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question.
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5
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I sold my soul for knowledge. I hope to do great deeds and win it back.
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6
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I entered seclusion to hide from the ones who might still be hunting me. I must someday confront them.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
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I am easily distracted by the promise of information.
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2
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Most people scream and run when they see a demon. I stop and take notes on its anatomy.
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3
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Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization.
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4
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I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones.
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5
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I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others.
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6
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I can’t keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else’s.
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