You have dedicated years of your life to the study and interpretation of ancient runes, symbols that hold magical or historical significance. Perhaps you were part of an arcane academy, or maybe you learned your craft studying the inscriptions on ancient tombs or in the libraries of long-forgotten civilizations. Whatever the case, your expertise in runes has given you unique insights into magic, history, and the workings of power.
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, History
Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher’s Supplies
Languages: 2 of your choice possibly appropriate to the runes you study (e.g., Draconic, Celestial, Abyssal).
Equipment: A set of calligrapher’s supplies, a tome of rune lore, a piece of parchment with your most significant discovery to date, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp.
Starting Equipment
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your class:
- calligrapher's supplies
- book
- parchment (one sheet)
- clothes, traveler's
Feature: Runic Insight
You can identify and interpret runes and sigils, both magical and mundane. This could mean understanding a secret message, deciphering a magical inscription, or recognizing the significance of a seemingly ordinary symbol. In certain circumstances, this may allow you to access hidden compartments, rooms, or magical effects.
Suggested Characteristics
Rune Scholars are often introverted and pensive, spending long hours in study and contemplation. However, they can also be passionate and excited when discussing their area of expertise. Many have a strong sense of curiosity that drives them to explore and discover new knowledge.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| d1 | I am easily lost in my own thoughts and can become oblivious to my surroundings. |
| d2 | I get excited about ancient texts and historical artifacts and can talk about them for hours. |
| d3 | I have a photographic memory for runes and symbols. |
| d4 | I am cautious and meticulous in my research, leaving no stone unturned. |
| d5 | I often mutter incantations or scribble symbols absentmindedly while thinking. |
| d6 | I believe that the key to the universe can be found in ancient symbols. |
| d7 | I love solving puzzles and riddles. |
| d8 | I can't help but correct others when they misinterpret historical or magical facts. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| d1 | Knowledge: The pursuit of knowledge is the highest aim. (Neutral) |
| d2 | Wisdom: Understanding the true meaning of runes can bring enlightenment. (Good) |
| d3 | Power: Runes hold the key to power untold, and I will unlock it. (Evil) |
| d4 | Mystery: Not all runes should be deciphered; some mysteries are best left alone. (Chaotic) |
| d5 | Order: Runes and symbols impose order on the chaotic fabric of the universe. (Lawful) |
| d6 | Legacy: I will leave my own mark on history through discovery or creation. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| d1 | I owe my expertise to a mentor whose teachings shaped my path. |
| d2 | I discovered a mysterious rune that I have yet to decipher. |
| d3 | My family's history is connected to a particular set of runes or symbols. |
| d4 | I was ridiculed or ostracized for my studies, and I aim to prove my skeptics wrong. |
| d5 | A rival scholar seeks to discredit me or beat me to a significant discovery. |
| d6 | An ancient artifact related to my area of study has been stolen, and I must recover it. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| d1 | I am overly secretive and paranoid about my findings. |
| d2 | I am so focused on my studies that I often neglect other duties or relationships. |
| d3 | I am easily obsessed with new runes or symbols, sometimes to a dangerous extent. |
| d4 | I am disdainful of those who lack an appreciation for the importance of my work. |
| d5 | I can be pedantic, correcting small errors even when it's socially inappropriate. |
| d6 | I have broken laws or ethical guidelines in pursuit of knowledge. |
Credits: Game Squires