"Hunting is only half the battle—what we learn defines the future."
The Chroniclers of the Hunter’s Guild are master strategists, scholars, and researchers who provide tactical advantages in combat through their deep understanding of monsters. Unlike warriors who rely on brute strength, a Chronicler’s power lies in anticipation, preparation, and knowledge-based execution.
Chroniclers progress through six tiers of mastery, each level refining their ability to analyze monsters, exploit weaknesses, and provide strategic combat insights to their allies.
Monster Research CR Range: CR 0-2
Features:
- Exploit Weakness: You may spend a reaction to call out an opening, giving an ally advantage on their next attack against the target.
- Tactical Analysis: If you spend one minute observing a creature outside of combat, you can identify one unique ability or attack it possesses.
Advancement Requirements:
- Successfully analyze and document 5 different CR 0-2 creatures.
- Assist in three successful hunts by providing tactical insight.
Chronicler Research & Publishing (Off-Time Work)
During downtime, Chroniclers dedicate themselves to compiling their observations, combat data, and research notes into written materials that provide tactical advantages to hunters and serve as a source of income. The following table outlines the types of research materials Chroniclers can produce, the time required, and their benefits.
Once completed, a research document can be used in one of two ways:
- Sell for Gold – Published materials provide passive income, with higher-tier documents earning more per sale.
- Using Research for Tactical Advantages – If consulted before a hunt, they grant temporary bonuses against the studied monster type:
Selling Research for Income
| Content Type | Required Rank | Description | Research Requirements | Base Selling Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Notes | Novice | A written account of a single hunt, including tactics, observed behaviors, and battle outcomes. | 1 hunt documented | 5 gp |
| Hunting Report | Apprentice | A summary of 3 hunts against the same monster type, documenting patterns, weaknesses, and counter-strategies. | 3 hunts documented, 1 confirmed kill | 15 gp |
| Anatomical Study | Journeyman | Detailed illustrations and descriptions of a monster’s anatomy, weak points, and biological functions. | 3 confirmed kills, dissection required | 40 gp |
| Ecological Assessment | Journeyman | Examines habitat, behavior, and environmental interactions, including migration patterns and hunting habits. | 4 hunts documented, 2 tracking successes | 60 gp |
| Monster Lore Compilation | Expert | Overview of history, cultural significance, and known variations of a specific monster type. | 6 hunts documented, research required (library or expert interviews) | 120 gp |
| Field Guide | Expert | A comprehensive tactical guide to a monster, combining Hunting Reports, Anatomical Studies, and Ecological Assessments into one document. | 6 hunts documented, 3 confirmed kills, 1 ecological assessment | 250 gp |
| Regional Bestiary | Master | A collection of Field Guides and Monster Lore Compilations focused on a specific region. | 10 hunts documented, 4 different Field Guides compiled | 500 gp |
| Comparative Analysis | Master | Side-by-side comparison of multiple monster types, analyzing evolutionary traits and combat effectiveness. | 10 hunts documented across at least 3 monster types | 750 gp |
| Advanced Treatise | Grandmaster | An academic-level study of a monster’s biology, tactics, or ecological impact, proposing new hunting theories. | 15 hunts documented, 5 confirmed kills, multiple research sources required | 1,500 gp |
Using Research for Tactical Advantages
Once a research document is completed, it can be used to prepare before a hunt to provide strategic advantages.
| Document Type | Tactical Bonus |
|---|---|
| Field Notes | +1 to attack rolls against the documented creature type for 24 hours. |
| Hunting Report | +1 to attack rolls & damage against the documented creature type for 48 hours. |
| Anatomical Study | +1 to attack rolls, advantage on first hit against the documented creature type. |
| Ecological Assessment | Advantage on tracking the creature, +1 AC against it. |
| Monster Lore Compilation | Advantage on saving throws against the creature's abilities. |
| Field Guide | +2 to attack rolls & damage, advantage on first saving throw against the creature type. |
| Regional Bestiary | +3 to attack rolls & damage, resistance to the creature's most common damage type for 24 hours. |
| Comparative Analysis | Advantage on all attack rolls and saving throws against the creature type for 24 hours. |
| Advanced Treatise | +3 to attack rolls & damage, +2 AC, and resistance to two damage types for 48 hours. |
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