You grew up in the wilds, far from civilization and the comforts of town and technology. You’ve witnessed the migration of herds larger than forests, survived weather more extreme than any city-dweller could comprehend, and enjoyed the solitude of being the only thinking creature for miles in any direction. In your time apart from the clamor of society, you found solace and purpose in studying arcane magics that you either found in books lost in the forest, were gifted to you by passing travelers, or discovered within the fiber of your own being.
- Skill Proficiencies: Survival, Arcana
- Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism kit
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A scroll case stuffed full of notes from your studies or prayers, a staff, a winter blanket, travelers clothes, an herbalism kit, and 5 gp
Life of Seclusion
What was the reason for your isolation, and what changed to allow you to end your solitude? You can work with your DM to determine the exact nature of your seclusion, or you can choose or roll on the table below to determine the reason behind your seclusion.
| d8 |
Life of Seclusion |
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1
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I was searching for spiritual enlightenment.
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2
|
I was partaking of communal living in accordance with the dictates of a religious order.
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3
|
I was exiled for a crime I didn’t commit.
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4
|
I retreated from society after a life-altering event.
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5
|
I needed a quiet place to work on my art, literature, music, or manifesto.
|
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6
|
I needed to commune with nature, far from civilization.
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7
|
I was the caretaker of an ancient ruin or relic.
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8
|
I was a pilgrim in search of a person, place, or relic of spiritual significance.
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Feature: Wanderer
You have an excellent memory for maps and geography, and you can always recall the general layout of terrain, settlements, and other features around you. In addition, you can find food and fresh water for yourself and up to five other people each day, provided that the land offers berries, small game, water, and so forth.
Suggested Characteristics
Some mystics are well suited to a life of seclusion, whereas others chafe against it and long for company. Whether they embrace solitude or long to escape it, the solitary life shapes their attitudes and ideals. A few are driven slightly mad by their years apart from society.
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
|
1
|
I’ve been isolated for so long that I rarely speak, preferring gestures and the occasional grunt.
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2
|
I am utterly serene, even in the face of disaster.
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3
|
The leader of my community had something wise to say on every topic, and I am eager to share that wisdom.
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4
|
I feel tremendous empathy for all who suffer.
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5
|
I’m oblivious to etiquette and social expectations.
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6
|
I connect everything that happens to me to a grand, cosmic plan.
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7
|
I often get lost in my own thoughts and contemplation, becoming oblivious to my surroundings.
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8
|
I am working on a grand philosophical theory and love sharing my ideas.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
|
1
|
Greater Good. My gifts are meant to be shared with all, not used for my own benefit. (Good)
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2
|
Logic. Emotions must not cloud our sense of what is right and true, or our logical thinking. (Lawful)
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3
|
Free Thinking. Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress. (Chaotic)
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4
|
Power. Solitude and contemplation are paths toward mystical or magical power. (Evil)
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5
|
Live and Let Live. Meddling in the affairs of others only causes trouble. (Neutral)
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6
|
Self-Knowledge. If you know yourself, there’s nothing left to know. (Any)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
|
Nothing is more important than the other members of my hermitage, order, or association.
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2
|
I entered seclusion to hide from the ones who might still be hunting me. I must someday confront them.
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3
|
I’m still seeking the enlightenment I pursued in my seclusion, and it still eludes me.
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4
|
I entered seclusion because I loved someone I could not have.
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5
|
Should my discovery come to light, it could bring ruin to the world.
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6
|
My isolation gave me great insight into a great evil that only I can destroy.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
|
Now that I’ve returned to the world, I enjoy its delights a little too much.
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2
|
I harbor dark, bloodthirsty thoughts that my isolation and meditation failed to quell.
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3
|
I am dogmatic in my thoughts and philosophy.
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4
|
I let my need to win arguments overshadow friendships and harmony.
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5
|
I’d risk too much to uncover a lost bit of knowledge.
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6
|
I like keeping secrets and won’t share them with anyone.
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