Natural Philosopher
You seek to uncover the hidden laws of nature that undergird existence. Where others see miracles, you see mysteries waiting to be understood. Whether you trained at a university, steeped in the teachings of great thinkers, or learned about the world through self-directed experiments, you pursue truth through observation, experimentation and reason, convinced that your discoveries can transform the world.
Ability Scores: Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom
Feat: Analytical or Skilled
Skill proficiencies: two of Arcana, History, Investigation, Medicine, or Nature
Tool Proficiency: Investigators' Kit*, Occultist's Tools*, Alchemist's Supplies or Herbalism Kit
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Tool kit (same as above), traveller’s clothes, pair of thick gloves, scientific or occult book with your own notes scrawled in the margins, satchel for storing the tools of your trade, your diploma from Altbruke University or a similar institution, 13 gp; or (B) 50 gp
Feat: Analytical
A number of times per day equal to your proficiency bonus, when you take the Study action using a skill you are proficient in, you can give yourself advantage on the Intelligence check.
You can take the Study action as a bonus action.
Variant: Forbidden Scholar
You approach the occult as a scholar, blending rigorous study with forbidden inquiry. While the Edicts of Lumen strictly regulate arcane and esoteric knowledge, you have pursued your research beyond sanctioned limits, uncovering insights and practices that others fear—or are forbidden—to explore. Whether your work has been denounced by others as unlawful, heretical or dangerous, or you conduct it with the utmost secrecy, there is nothing that will prevent you from pursuing the truth, no matter where it takes you.
Personality Traits (1d8)
I record every observation with meticulous care; no detail is too small to note.
I speak with authority about my studies, even when my conclusions are untested.
I struggle to hide my excitement when confronted with the unknown.
I am often lost in thought about my research, and distracted from what’s immediately at hand.
I am eager to share my knowledge, and often don’t notice when others aren’t interested.
I love my creations, and speak to them as if they were my children.
I delight in debating ideas and will argue a point long after others have grown weary.
I prefer the company of my books and research, over other people.
Ideals (1d6)
Authority. Learning is best advanced under the guidance of tradition and order. (Lawful)
Independence. No law or institution should limit the reach of inquiry. (Chaotic)
Knowledge. The pursuit of truth is the highest calling. (Neutral)
Progress. Discoveries should be shared for the betterment of all. (Good)
Power. Others exist to serve my research; their suffering is simply part of progress. (Evil)
Wonder. The world is full of mysteries worth chasing for their own sake. (Any)
Bonds (1d6)
A teacher or mentor set me on this path; I honor their memory with my work.
My research is devoted to solving a single, driving question or riddle.
I carry a precious text, formula, or relic that represents the foundation of my studies.
A colleague or rival continues to challenge my work—I must prove myself right.
My discoveries could change society, but I fear what might happen if they are unleashed.
My work is all that defines me; without it, I would be lost.
Flaws (1d6)
I routinely dismiss findings that contradict my own theories and assumptions.
My preoccupation with my work leads me to take careless risks that threaten my safety and wellbeing.
I am so brilliant, I can’t imagine that one of my experiments could be misguided or go horribly, dangerously wrong.
I overlook, discount or justify any of my mistakes or failures. Nothing is ever my fault.
I routinely manipulate or mislead others, if I think it will help me gain access to what I seek.
If someone questions the wisdom or value of my work, I become determined to prove them wrong.